Energy Policy Research Articles

The impact of land-use policy on household energy transition: Evidence from China's conversion of cropland to forestland program

The implementation of the Conversion of Cropland to Forestland Program (CCFP) has affected land-use patterns and biomass availability in China, consequently reshaping household energy consumption patterns. Utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this study employs a multinomial logit model to examine the impact of CCFP subsidies on household energy transitions, analyzed through the lenses of the energy ladder and energy types. Additionally, this study differentiates the effects of CCFP subsidies across households with varying characteristics. The empirical results reveal that, from the energy ladder perspective, CCFP subsidies hinder household energy transitions from biomass to both traditional and advanced commercial energy sources. From the energy type perspective, the subsidies impede transitions from biomass energy to coal, electricity, and LPG/LNG. These adverse effects may be attributed to the CCFP subsidy's role in increasing biomass supply and encouraging the use of biomass energy equipment. Moreover, the impacts of CCFP subsidies differ among households based on education level, location, and degree of engagement in farming. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering land use policies and patterns in the formulation of energy policies aimed at promoting energy transition and alleviating energy poverty.

Pathways to sustainability: Evaluating the impact of green energy, natural resources, FinTech, and environmental policies in resource-abundant countries

The escalating concerns about ecological sustainability have made the consumption of resources a crucial global issue. The speedy growth of the economy is heavily reliant on excessive consumption of resources, which significantly contributes to the imbalance between biodiversity and ecological footprint, resulting in a decrease in the carrying capacity. Both researchers and policymakers strive to enhance the amount of financial capital in the present time while ensuring that the country's economic growth remains unaffected. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the impact of green energy, financial technology (FinTech), and environmental regulations on enhancing the environmental sustainability of resource-rich countries from 1992 to 2022. To address problems with cross-sectional dependency and slope heterogeneity, this study employs the CS- ARDL model. The long-term results indicate that the reliance on income from natural resources decreased the load capacity factor. However, the load capacity factor was improved by shifting to green energy, adopting fintech, and implementing environmental regulations. The utilization of the AMG and CCEMG estimate procedures enhances the validity of the research findings. These findings provide essential policy recommendations for all stakeholder involved.

Sustainable waste-to-hydrogen energy conversion through face mask waste gasification integrated with steam methane reformer and water-gas shift reactor

The burgeoning environmental crisis and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions underscore the importance of innovative waste-to-energy conversion technologies. This study aims to an efficient utilize of face mask waste for a novel energy system to address waste management and energy production simultaneously by introducing an integrated system comprising a gasifier reactor, steam methane reformer, and water-gas shift reactor, designed to convert face mask waste into a hydrogen-rich syngas. The gasifier reactor initiates the process with a hydrogen flow rate of 2.352 mol/h, which is subsequently enriched to 5.405 mol/h in the steam methane reformer and further to 6.132 mol/h in the water-gas shift reactor, marking a cumulative increase of 160%. Methane content, initially at 2.017 mol/h, is reduced by 38.4% post-reforming and remains stable through the water-gas shift reaction. Carbon monoxide sees a significant reduction from 0.8558 mol/h to 0.1817 mol/h, a decrease of 78.8%. The findings of this study have profound implications for the energy sector, demonstrating the potential of the integrated system to not only mitigate waste but also to produce clean energy efficiently. The substantial increase in hydrogen content across the reactors highlights the system's capability to support the burgeoning hydrogen economy, while the management of carbon oxides aligns with environmental sustainability goals. The value of this study lies in its contribution to the advancement of waste-to-energy technologies and its role in shaping future energy policies and practices.

Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria's Renewable Energy Policy and Legislation

Endowed with abundant renewable energy resources, Nigeria stands at a pivotal point in its energy development journey. This study explores the landscape of renewable energy policy and legislation in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that shape the sector. The research begins with an overview of Nigeria's current energy framework, emphasizing the critical role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development. It examines existing policies and legislative frameworks, identifying the key government agencies responsible and outlining their respective functions. Despite the country's vast potential, numerous barriers impede the growth of renewable energy. These include legal and regulatory inconsistencies, institutional inefficiencies, financial constraints, and technical challenges. The study delves into these issues, providing a comprehensive analysis of how they hinder progress in renewable energy adoption. Conversely, the research identifies significant opportunities to enhance renewable energy policy and legislation including potential legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, financial incentives, and the promotion of technological innovation and infrastructure development. By leveraging these opportunities, Nigeria can create a more robust and conducive environment for renewable energy growth. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to bridge the existing gaps and foster a sustainable energy future for Nigeria. It also outlines future research directions aimed at optimizing renewable energy policies and practices. Through this comprehensive analysis, the study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on renewable energy in Nigeria, providing insights to guide effective policy-making and legislative action.

Prediction of long-term photovoltaic power generation in the context of climate change

Accurate long-term prediction of power generation in photovoltaic (PV) power stations is crucial for preparing generation plans and future planning. Quantitative prediction of future power generation from PV stations not only contributes to the stable operation of the local power system but also assists managers in formulating regional energy policies to promote renewable energy consumption. We utilized the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 high-resolution climate dataset and employed the Vine Copula method for post-downscaling. This approach enabled high-resolution forecasts of key meteorological factors under different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585) for a PV power station in Yunnan, China. Additionally, we developed the KM-PSO-SVR power generation prediction model, which enables future accurate long-term PV power generation prediction. The results show that the Vine Copula multi-model ensemble downscaling model can effectively simulate the changes in key meteorological factors in the PV power station area. The KM-PSO-SVR model exhibited good simulation performance, with a mean absolute error of 0.843, root mean square error of 1.136, and correlation coefficient of 0.874 during the validation period. The results indicate that during the decade spanning from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034, radiation and wind speed will be decrease, while the temperature is expected to increase. In the SSP245 scenario, there is a 1.585 % increase in the average annual power generation during the future carbon peaking period (2025–2034). However, the SSP585 scenario, representing higher future emissions, shows a lower increase of 1.479 %.

Sourcing renewable energy components: building resilient supply chains, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, and enhancing energy security

The transition to renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change and ensuring long-term energy security. As global demand for renewable energy technologies grows, establishing resilient supply chains becomes crucial. This paper examines strategies to build robust supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and enhance energy security. A major challenge in renewable energy is the dependence on a limited number of international suppliers, which risks supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, or natural disasters. Diversifying suppliers can mitigate these risks by encouraging alternative suppliers and fostering competition (Smith, 2020). Local manufacturing is another critical strategy, promoting supply chain resilience, economic growth, and job creation. Countries like the United States and Germany have incentivized local manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbine components (Jones, 2021), ensuring a steady supply of parts and aligning with broader industrial policies. Maintaining strategic reserves of critical materials, such as rare earth elements and lithium, is essential for buffering against supply disruptions and price volatility, ensuring continuous production of renewable energy technologies (Brown, 2019). Strategic planning and investment in reserves are vital for a comprehensive energy security strategy. Technological innovation enhances supply chain resilience. Advances in materials science, manufacturing processes, and recycling technologies can reduce dependence on scarce materials and improve renewable energy system efficiency. Developing alternative materials for battery storage, for example, can reduce reliance on lithium and cobalt sourced from unstable regions (White, 2022). Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial for advancing the renewable energy sector. By leveraging both sectors' strengths, PPPs can accelerate technology deployment, improve infrastructure, and foster innovation. Successful examples include government-private collaborations on offshore wind farms and smart grid technologies (Green & Associates, 2021). Favorable trade policies facilitate the global exchange of renewable energy technologies and components. Reducing tariffs, streamlining customs, and fostering international cooperation can enhance supply chain efficiency and reliability (Lee, 2020). This study advocates for trade agreements tailored to the renewable energy sector's needs. Integrated energy systems and smart grid technologies optimize renewable energy use and distribution. Advanced monitoring and control systems improve grid stability, reduce energy waste, and enhance renewable source integration (Adams, 2019). Investment in smart grid infrastructure is crucial for a resilient energy strategy. Robust policy frameworks are necessary to support these initiatives. Governments must enact policies providing clear guidance, incentives, and support for resilient renewable energy supply chains, including ambitious renewable energy targets, financial incentives for R&D, and regulatory stability (Martinez, 2021).

Technician assignment in multi-shift maintenance schedules in an offshore wind farm

Offshore wind farms are becoming more and more important to sustainable energy strategies, yet their maintenance presents unique logistical challenges. The focus of this research is the Technician Assignment Problem (TAP) which involves a complicated and fluctuating scheduling problem. The key objective is to determine the most effective assignment of technicians to maintenance tasks to maximize operational efficiency and ensure reliable service. This study introduces a mathematical optimization model that processes numerous variables—technician availability, skill sets, and temporal constraints—to minimize unmet maintenance needs and ensure equitable workload distribution. The model is based on assumptions derived from actual operational conditions and human resource practices, guaranteeing that its results are not only theoretically valid but also practically feasible. TAP adheres to labor regulations, employs human resource capabilities, and aims for a smart assignment of workforce. It complies with restrictions that prevent excessive work, require breaks, and ensure that technicians are assigned tasks that match their skills, thus promoting the well-being of the workforce and the efficiency of operations. The computational investigation of the model shows that it has a remarkable ability to improve scheduling decisions which effectively reduce unassigned positions and uniformly distribute work hours. In essence, this research contributes a methodologically robust framework to the field of workforce scheduling, with the potential to inform the maintenance strategies of offshore wind farms and similar complex service systems.

Planning, Operation and Supervision of Energy Renewal through Cooling Load and Thermal Comfort of Hotel Buildings

Abstract. The research uses a quantitative approach with descriptive, inferential and SEM statistical analysis using the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. The results of the study found that energy management starting from planning, operation and supervision showed a target cooling load of 25°C and a humandity of 60% for hotel buildings. The results of the calculation of external and internal cooling loads indicate that the hotel building has implemented an energy strategy using low wattage air conditioners and inverters. The results of SEM-PLS analysis obtained that the variables of planning, operation and supervision directly have a significant influence on cooling load, thermal comfort and energy renewability. Cooling loads and thermal comfort directly have a significant effect on energy renewability. For the analysis of the overall specific indirect effect, the planning, operation and supervision variables have a significant effect on energy renewability through cooling load and thermal comfort. This means that energy renewability is determined by the implementation of energy management starting from planning, operation and supervision as well as the calculation of cooling loads and thermal comfort.

The moderating effect of emission reduction policies on CCS mitigation efficiency

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical decarbonization technology for achieving net-zero emissions. High energy costs currently hinder the application of CCS, whereas carbon emission reduction measures directly alter the energy price and influence the cost and emission reduction potential of CCS. However, few studies have focused on the potential impacts and underlying mechanisms of emission reduction policies on CCS. In this study, we construct a computable general equilibrium model with CCS technology to assess the moderating effect of mitigation policies on CCS, and identify feasible policy portfolios to enhance CCS mitigation efficiency. Taking China as a typical case, the results show that, first, energy efficiency improvement and renewable energy policy contribute to mitigating the negative economic impacts of CCS abatement, and terminal electrification policy can enhance the emission reduction of CCS, whereas none of the three measures can achieve a win-win situation in terms of economic and emission impacts. Second, the moderating effect of mitigation policies on CCS exhibits heterogeneity among CCS deploying industries. Promoting terminal electrification is optimal for the coal power industry to improve CCS mitigation efficiency, while renewable energy development has a larger positive effect on the steel, cement, and chemical industries. Third, the combination of a high-intensity renewable energy policy with low-intensity energy efficiency improvements and terminal electrification policy is optimal for overall mitigation efficiency.

Exploring the sources of systemic risk and trading strategies in energy and stock markets

This study aims to investigate the impact of the energy transition on asset pricing by analyzing the different sources of systemic risk in a comprehensive system of one traditional energy ETF, one clean energy ETF, seven oil-exporting country ETFs, and six oil-importing country ETFs. We find that shocks to the traditional (clean) energy market are the primary source of short-term (long-term) systemic risk, suggesting that oil-dependent countries have started to incorporate the long-term risks associated with clean energy into the pricing of related assets. Meanwhile, we document both homogeneity within and heterogeneity between oil exporters and oil importers in the transmission patterns of systemic risk. These findings can help provide customized trading strategies for investors with diverse profiles. Additionally, we compare the regime-dependent hedging strategy with both the regime-dependent diversification strategy and the dynamic hedging strategy, demonstrating that it is the most effective for investors aiming to minimize portfolio volatility. Collectively, our results provide valuable insights that can assist policymakers, portfolio managers, and investors in adapting to the evolving dynamics of the energy transition.

Causal effects of policy and occupant behavior on cooling energy

Rising energy consumption in buildings has prompted architectural engineers and policymakers to ask “what-if” questions in the pursuit of energy efficiency. Current simulation and machine learning methods rely primarily on correlations and associations necessitating causal inference techniques. In this research, a causal inferential approach combining double machine learning and domain knowledge using directed acyclic graphs is employed. The utility of this approach is demonstrated on the 2015 United States Residential energy consumption survey to evaluate the impact of energy policies and occupant behavior on cooling energy consumption. The results show that energy policies such as energy audits, proper insulation, access to interval data and Energy Star qualified windows significantly reduce energy use intensity (EUI). Additionally, air conditioning usage by occupants causally affects EUI. For instance, proper insulation reduces EUI by 5.603 kWh/m2 while changing static thermostat settings to automatic adjustments at certain times reduces EUI by 3.542 kWh/m2. This study suggests potential energy-saving policies for balanced building energy efficiency and functionality.

Energy transition at the crossroads of energy depletion and environmental policy stringency: Energy policy framework for energy giants in the indo-pacific belt

This study addresses whether energy depletion leads to a fast-track energy transition in the context of four energy and mineral giants (i.e., Australia, China, India, and the USA) in the Indo-Pacific bloc. Specifically, we explore how pro-environmental technologies, environmental policy stringency, energy efficiency, economic complexity, and human capital affect energy transition in the region. Harnessing data from 1995 to 2020 and relying on the quantile moment approach (i.e., MMQR), with and without time-fixed effects, we note some intriguing findings that could reshape the energy policies in the surveyed nations. Our findings unfold as follows: Energy depletion does not foster energy transition in the studied territories. Instead, energy depletion inhibits the penetration of renewable energies. Moreover, pro-environmental energy technologies, energy efficiency, and environmental policy stringency support fast-track energy transition in the designated territories. Contrarily, economic complexity and human capital inhibit the fast-track energy transition during the studied period. Overall, we unveil that energy-rich nations still disregard the possible adverse effects of rapid energy depletion, which can severely affect the growth hypothesis and the environment. Key policies have been delineated at the end of this article.

Life cycle climate performance of photovoltaic power plant for Turkey’s solar power conditions

ABSTRACT In this study, a solar power plant with an output power of 10 kW AC was designed according to the Turkish Electricity Legislation. Silicon-based photovoltaic modules were used in the design. The solar power plant’s annual and lifetime electricity generation was calculated for 81 provinces of Turkey. The study contributes significantly to the literature by evaluating the environmental impacts of energy sources in a more realistic way. According to the electricity generation calculations, the power plant in Trabzon generates a minimum of 13,037 kWh of electricity per year. In comparison, the power plant in Antalya generates a maximum of 18,562 kWh. Over the plant’s life, Antalya will generate 464,040 kWh of electricity and Trabzon will generate 325,929 kWh. The life cycle climate performance technique was used to understand the environmental impacts during the installation phase, and these values were determined to be 5759 kgCO2. Emission values from electricity generation vary between 0.01241 and 0.01767 kgCO2 per kWh. These data provide a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts of solar power plants. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the potential and environmental effects of solar energy in different regions of Turkey in detail. In particular, presenting the emission values of electricity generation from photovoltaic systems for each province provides valuable data that can be used in shaping energy policies and developing environmental strategies. This unique study will provide a scientific basis for planning and implementing solar energy investments in Turkey and contribute significantly to developing energy policies and environmental strategies.

Exergy and Energy Analysis of Bifacial PV Module Performance on a Cloudy Day in Saudi Arabia

Bifacial solar modules, capable of harvesting sunlight from both sides, present a promising pathway for sustainable energy generation. This study examines the performance of bifacial modules on a cloudy day through comparative exergy and energy analyses. The analysis considers both the quality and quantity of energy produced by bifacial and monofacial modules. Conducted at Qassim University in Buraydah City, Saudi Arabia, the study recorded measurements during two intervals on a cloudy day using a real-time photovoltaic measurement system. Module performance was evaluated concerning energy yield, exergy yield, and solar irradiance, factoring in ambient and module temperatures. The results demonstrate that bifacial modules outperformed monofacial modules in electrical energy and output exergy. In the first period, the bifacial modules showed a 9.5% higher exergy efficiency and a 7% greater energy efficiency compared to the monofacial modules. During the second period, the bifacial modules achieved a 4.5% higher exergy efficiency and a 3.5% increased energy efficiency over the monofacial modules. These findings contribute to global sustainability efforts by reducing fossil fuel dependence and optimizing bifacial PV module design and operation for enhanced energy and exergy efficiency, even in cloudy conditions. The study’s implications for sustainable development and energy policies underscore the essential role of advanced PV technologies in achieving sustainable energy goals.

Climate-adaptive battery solutions for renewable microgrids: A case study in Indian coastal and inland regions

The utilization of renewable energy has the potential to alleviate global warming, reduce carbon emissions in the environment, and offer sustainable energy solutions to remote regions. Presently, 13 % of the worldwide population resides in isolated inland and coastal areas where electricity remains inaccessible. Consequently, implementing microgrids powered by renewable energy sources becomes essential to enhance electricity accessibility in these remote locations. This study aims to identify efficient and cost-effective renewable energy technologies suitable for deployment inland and coastal areas. The techno-economic feasibility of renewable energy systems is being evaluated in two distinct locations: Yadavole (inland) and Uppada (coastal) villages in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The energy analysis encompasses various sources, including photovoltaic, diesel generators, wind turbines, flywheels, and batteries (Li-ion and lead-acid). The HOMER software conducts all necessary modeling and simulations for economic analysis and optimal system sizing. According to the simulation results, the most viable microgrid configurations for the inland region, Yadavole, are photovoltaic/diesel and generator/Li-ion. In contrast, for the coastal region, Uppada, photovoltaic/diesel, and generator/lead-acid configurations prove to be the most promising configurations. Moreover, a MATLAB model of the proposed system is created to analyze energy quality. Given the superior performance of Li-ion batteries in elevated temperatures typically found inland, this study recommends a diversified range of battery solutions. Specifically, Li-ion batteries are recommended for inland areas, while lead-acid batteries are recommended for coastal regions. This approach aims to efficiently store renewable power by the specific climatic conditions of each area. It is crucial to systematically analyze region-specific renewable energy technologies to provide valuable insight to stakeholders involved in investment and energy policy decisions.

Forecasting demand for air conditioning in the Brazilian residential sector

Brazil is among the ten largest air-conditioning consumers in the world. The estimated electricity demand for air conditioners in the residential sector has more than tripled in the last twelve years, while household air conditioner ownership increased by 9 % per year. This trend is expected to continue in the upcoming decades as a result of population growth rate, higher incomes, and individual preferences for thermal comfort. This work assess the current use of air conditioning in the Brazilian residential sector and attempts to forecast its future demand. Forecasting is based on a proposed methodology which includes weather data monitored by 265 meteorological stations during eight years. Empirical correlations are used to determine daily average indoor temperatures for typical residential buildings and the ANSI/ASHRAE standard for indoor thermal comfort is applied to estimate the average number of cooling days (CD) and heating days (HD). These two parameters indicate the yearly average number of days in which thermal comfort condition is not reached and consequently the use of air conditioning is necessary. Northern and Northeastern Brazil are the regions with the highest CD for masonry residential buildings, approximately 318 days annually. Efforts are made to project the electricity consumption by space cooling in the residential sector until 2035 considering several effects, such as population growth, ownership of ACs, cooling capacity, and equipment efficiency. Southeastern Brazil had the highest electricity consumption for space cooling in 2022, at 12.06 TWh. The research forecasts a rise to 44.77 TWh by 2035, though improved equipment efficiency could lower this to 33.51 TWh. Future energy policies should emphasize efficient AC usage and stricter EER standards.

THE EFFECTS OF RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR ON UKRANIAN ENERGY SECURITY AND EUROPEAN ENERGY SUPPLY SECURITY

Energy has still drawn substantial attention for both developing and industrialised countries in the aspect of the needs of their economies, businesses and households. For Ukraine as a resource-rich economy, energy security and the efficiency of the energy sector are the bases for the national security of Ukraine. It has been triggered by the annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea by Russia and Russia-Ukraine war today. All these problems have urged Ukraine to determine modern energy policy and a national energy security model in the light of the concepts of energy security in the 21st century. As it is known, the energy crises between Russia and Ukraine directly affect the security of European Union energy supply in the context of natural gas flows. The main argument of this study is as follows: The Russia-Ukraine war has severely affected the energy security of Ukraine and this situation has led the European Union countries to finally consider taking steps to diversify the supply and to prevent further deterioration of the EU energy supply security. In this context, the article will analyse how the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on Ukrainian energy security will affect EU energy supply security.

The rise in female consciousness contributes to advancing household energy transition: Evidence from Chinese households

Gender is an indispensable dimension, gender equality and empowering all women are core elements in transitioning to sustainable energy. However, current research on how female consciousness impact energy fairness remains insufficient. To fill this gap, utilizing data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), encompassing 16,000 households and 43,147 respondents, we explore how female consciousness influences energy transition. The findings reveal that a rise in female consciousness contributes to advancing household energy transition, particularly in eastern and urban areas where this effect is more pronounced. Further moderating effect analyses indicate that improved levels of female education and heightened female income further enhance the effective utilization of female awareness in driving household energy transition. The study not only deepen our understanding of the relationship between female consciousness and energy transition but also provide a scientific basis for developing energy policies promoting gender equality in developing countries, thus fostering global gender equality and sustainable energy development.

Energy consumption decomposition analysis using European official statistics: Methodology and input data

Deciphering energy efficiency is a critical component for the sustainability and energy policies of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. Decomposition analysis is a key method that helps distinguish real energy efficiency gains from other external factors. This article presents a decomposition analysis method using official EU statistics, its results, and associated limitations. Although separating structural changes and activity levels from energy efficiency poses a challenge, an adapted Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method was utilised to isolate and highlight energy efficiency. This article outlines this method and how the European official statistics were exploited. Firstly, it examines the factors affecting energy consumption in various sectors within EU-27. Secondly, it examines the factors affecting energy consumption in various sectors. In doing so, it also addresses potential obstacles in data collection, and presents improvements to the LMDI analysis. The findings in this study make a substantial contribution to the fields of national statistics, methodological applications, and energy data analysis in the context of the EU’s energy policies.

Waste management optimization with NLP modeling and waste-to-energy in a circular economy

This work presents a methodology integrating Non-Linear Programming (NLP) for multi-objective and multi-period optimization, addressing sustainable waste management and energy conversion challenges. It integrates waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies such as Anaerobic Digestion (AD), Incineration (Inc), Gasification (Gsf), and Pyrolysis (Py), and considers thermochemical, technical, economic, and environmental considerations through rigorous non-linear functions. Using Mexico City as a case study, the model develops waste management strategies that balance environmental and economic aims, considering social impacts. A trade-off solution is proposed to address the conflict between objectives. The economical optimal solution generates 1.79M$ with 954 tons of CO2 emissions while the environmental one generates 0.91M$ and reduces emissions by 54%, where 40% is due to gasification technology. Moreover, the environmentally optimal solution, with incineration and gasification generates 9500 MWh/day and 5960 MWh/day, respectively, demonstrates the capacity of the model to support sustainable energy strategies. Finally, this work presents an adaptable framework for sustainable waste management decision-making.