Energy Availability Research Articles

Exploring the dynamics of socio-technical transitions: Advancing grid-connected wind and solar energy adoption in Nigeria

Globally, countries are transitioning their national electricity grid system to meet the obligations of the Paris Agreement. National grid-connected renewable electricity provides an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, in a developing country like Nigeria, renewable energies such as solar and wind power can play a critical role not only in transitioning away from fossil-fuel based electricity systems but also to address prevalent energy security challenges, electricity supply deficit and gaps in energy access. Policies, plans, and strategies to ensure grid-connected renewable energy have been put in place, but these measures have proved ineffective. Likewise, there are limited studies that investigate these transition problems, including drivers and enablers from a developing country perspective. This research fills that gap in knowledge by investigating these transition dynamics through a qualitative approach applying the multi-level perspective framework. Thirty-one (31) key energy and non-energy actors were interviewed, and the transcripts thematically analysed. Findings indicate that there is prospect for Nigeria to transform its electricity system. However, there are major deterrents including institutional, infrastructural, incumbent electricity system instability and economic barriers. The paper highlights that there is a level of regime stability/instability that will enable renewable energy development. In addition, practical and policy insights are offered to overcome identified challenges towards accelerating electricity system transformation. Future studies should also explore the degree of instability, stability and change in developing country settings necessary for energy transition to occur. Finally, this paper advances debates in energy transition and socio-technical system studies.

The impact of income inequality on economic growth in MENA region: The role of energy poverty threshold effect

This research paper explores the impact of income inequality on economic growth under the influence of energy poverty threshold effect in 12 Middle East-North African (MENA) countries from 2000 to 2019. We examine the possibility of a non-linear connection between income inequality and growth below and above a specific energy poverty level using the fixed-effect threshold panel proposed by Hansen (1999) [107]. Our results suggest that income disparity adversely influences economic development, no matter the level of energy poverty. Moreover, our results indicate that the detrimental impact of inequality on economic growth diminishes as energy poverty decreases and reaches a certain threshold. Therefore, addressing energy poverty helps to minimize the negative economic consequences of inequality. Our research provides valuable insights for MENA. In fact, policymakers can mitigate these adverse effects by supporting and expanding the diffusion of clean fuels and modern cooking techniques. A comprehensive approach that combines expanding clean energy infrastructure, providing financial incentives, and conducting public awareness and training programs can ensure the availability, affordability while facilitating their efficient use.

The impact of artificial intelligence on global energy vulnerability

Investigating the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on energy vulnerability (EVI) is crucial to understanding how technological advances are changing the resilience and sustainability of energy systems. However, their quantitative relationship still lacks empirical evidence. This study first constructs the EVI of 54 global economies from the perspective of energy security, energy consumption, energy efficiency, and energy availability from 2000 to 2019. Then, a fixed-effect model is employed to investigate the relationship between AI and EVI. Results show that (1) AI can considerably reduce global EVI. The core findings remain reliable after several robustness checks. (2) Mechanism analysis implies that AI can reduce EVI by promoting financial development and technological progress. (3) Heterogeneity analysis implies that the impeding role of AI on EVI is more pronounced in countries with low incomes and industrialization levels. Furthermore, the hindering effect of AI on EVI is strengthened after Industry 4.0 and the financial crisis. Some policy implications are further proposed accordingly to reduce global EVI.

Can energy transition improve the quality of life for the population?–Empirical analysis of 30 provinces in China

Considering the adverse consequences of energy poverty and related issues on residents' daily lives and the central role of energy transition (ET) in addressing global energy and climate crises, this study explored the potential impacts of ET on residents' quality of life (QOL). By constructing an index system and applying the entropy weight method, we measured ET and QOL, revealing differences in their current status across 30 provinces (cities) in China. Empirical analyses further elucidated the impact of ET on QOL. The key findings are follows: (1) from 2012 to 2021, both ET and QOL showed general upward trends; (2) ET significantly enhanced QOL (validated by multiple robustness tests); (3) the wide application of clean energy, continuous improvement of air quality, and opening up to the outside world significantly enhanced ET's positive contribution to QOL, while optimization of the industrial structure inhibited this positive effect; and (4) ET's beneficial impact on QOL was more pronounced in regions with high clean-energy consumption levels and economic advancement. Our in-depth analysis confirmed ET's positive effect on enhancing QOL through quantitative evidence. The findings may provide important theoretical and practical insights into low-carbon transitions and the realization of sustainable development goals in China.

Optimal battery management in PV + WT micro-grid using MSMA on fuzzy-PID controller: a real-time study

In modern energy systems, managing energy within a microgrid (MG) poses significant challenges due to the unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources. This article introduces a novel approach for optimal battery management in a photovoltaic–wind microgrid using a Modified Slime Mould Algorithm (MSMA) combined with a fuzzy-PID controller. The microgrid comprises a wind turbine (WT) generator, solar photovoltaic (PV) generator, and a battery energy storage system (BESS). The BESS plays a crucial role in meeting high power demand during outages, while the fuzzy-PID controller ensures accurate prediction of the battery’s state of charge (SOC). The proposed method’s performance is evaluated by comparing the MSMA-based fuzzy-PID controller with a PSO-based fuzzy-PID controller to establish its effectiveness. The optimal energy management of the BESS in the microgrid is achieved by fine-tuning the fuzzy-PID controller using the MSMA algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that the battery management system (BMS) effectively optimizes charging and discharging based on renewable energy availability and load demand. The fuzzy-PID controller adjusts battery operation by minimizing the error between the desired and actual battery voltage. Performance validation has been conducted in RTS-lab using five distinct load scenarios—45 kW, 35 kW, 75 kW, 4.5 kW, and 12.5 kW, which confirming the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for energy management.

Examination of Sex Differences in Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, and Compulsive Exercise Among Male and Female Adolescent Athletes.

The primary aim of this study was to examine sex differences in energy availability (EA) and its relationships with disordered eating, compulsive exercise, and body mass index (BMI) among adolescent athletes. Cross-sectional study. University hospital pediatric sports medicine center. Sixty-four participants (61% female) of ages 13 to 18 years, actively participating in at least 1 organized sport. Participant sex. Average 7-day EA (kcal/kg FFM/d; calculated using participant-recorded dietary intake and exercise expenditure from a wrist-worn heart rate/activity monitor), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) score (range 0-6), Compulsive Exercise Test (CET) score (range 0-25), and age- and sex-adjusted BMI percentile. There were no significant sex differences in EA (females: 40.37 ± 12.17 kcal/kg FFM/d; males: 35.99 ± 12.43 kcal/kg FFM/d; P = 0.29), EDE-Q (females: 0.68 ± 0.70; males: 0.68 ± 0.83; P = 0.99), or CET scores (females: 11.07 ± 0.44; males: 10.73 ± 0.63; P = 0.66). There were low and insignificant negative correlations between EA and EDE-Q and CET scores for female athletes (EDE-Q: r = -0.22, P = 0.18; CET: r = -0.21, P = 0.09) and male athletes (EDE-Q: r = -0.09, P = 0.66; CET: r = -0.35, P = 0.08). EA and BMI-for-age percentile were inversely correlated in both male (r = -0.451, P = 0.009) and female (r = -0.37, P = 0.02) participants. In our sample of adolescent athletes, lower EA occurred in the absence of notable disordered eating or compulsive exercise behaviors, suggesting unintentional underfueling (and/or underreporting of energy intake), without significant sex differences. Low BMI can be an imperfect surrogate marker for low EA. These findings inform risk factors and screening practices for low EA among adolescent athletes.

FGF21 affects the glycolysis process via mTOR-HIF1α axis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Metabolic reprogramming, particularly glycolysis, is essential in processes like cancer and immune response. While FGF21's role in hepatocyte glucose metabolism has been linked to glucose transporters and its impact on aerobic glycolysis and cellular growth in HCC remain unclear. In this study, we investigated FGF21-mediated modulation of glucose metabolism in HCC through mTOR and HIF1α axis in HCC. The study evaluated the dysregulation of FGF21 and its prognostic impact in HCC using various datasets. The literature review was done to identify glycolysis related genes to find significant interaction with FGF21 using stringdb and their correlation in datasets. The regulation of FGF21 was validated in HepG2 cell lines by transfecting FGF21 and measuring its effects on glycolysis, including glucose uptake, lactate levels, and key glycolytic enzymes using rt-PCR. Additionally, the effect of FGF21 transfection on mTOR and HIF1α was also evaluated using rt-PCR. The insilico analysis indicates that the FGF21-mTOR-HIF1α signaling axis regulates glucose metabolism, with mTOR as a central integrator of signals from FGF21 and HIF1α. Invitro experiments showed that silencing FGF21 expression via siRNA reduced glycolytic enzyme expression, glucose uptake, lactate levels, and cell proliferation in HepG2 cells. Conversely, recombinant FGF21 treatment has a reverse effect in HepG2 cells. Additionally, FGF21 treatment also affected mTOR and HIF1α expression, highlighting its role in metabolic regulation and disease through the mTOR-HIF1α axis. The regulation of FGF21 influences glycolysis via the mTOR-HIF1α axis, highlighting its critical role in glucose metabolism and metabolic adaptation in response to energy availability.

Developing A Green and Sustainable Future: Advancements and Integration of Renewable Energy Resources

The global energy sector is now undergoing a major transformation towards sustainability. Despite efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy (RE), fossil fuels remained dominant in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, fossil fuels accounted for approximately 63.5% of global power generation, while renewable sources, including hydropower, made up around 29%. By 2023, the share of fossil fuels slightly decreased to 62%, with renewables increasing to 30%. The broad use of RE sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and other technologies underscore this transition. Sunlight, a steady energy source, is critical to satisfying the world’s ever-increasing energy needs. This thorough analysis investigates the technical breakthroughs in these RE sources as well as their critical significance as environmentally beneficial alternatives to traditional energy sources. It also dives into the symbiotic link between smart technology and RE, demonstrating how innovation is altering energy generation, distribution, and consumption. Aside from technology, the article assesses the far-reaching socioeconomic consequences, such as major job creation, economic growth, and equal energy access. In conclusion, this study provides vital insights into the diverse road towards a sustainable energy future, emphasizing its importance in reducing climate change and building a cleaner, more sustainable energy environment.

Developing a Fuzzy MCDA-Based Multidimensional Index to Measure Energy Poverty in Developing Countries

Developing a Fuzzy MCDA-Based Multidimensional Index to Measure Energy Poverty in Developing Countries

Technical and economic simulation of a hybrid renewable energy power system design for industrial application

Countries in Africa rank the highest in low energy accessibility and air pollution globally. Presenting the urgent need to explore renewable energy sources to tackle the power challenge and reduce the carbon footprint for a greener atmosphere. A novel hybrid wind and solar renewable energy power system (HREPS) coupled to a battery that is capable of powering industrial appliances in the Basse district of The Gambia has been proposed. The HREPS size was estimated automatically with the PVsyst software taking into account the PV power and battery capacity based on the load profile and loss of load probability, with all the necessary meteorological, technical, and economic factors. The optimal size was possible with 20 photovoltaic modules (250 W) and 1 Wind generator (1 KW) compatible with the annual load requirement of about 2555 MWh. These results suggested that the HREPS is reliable for the user’s load demand in all the tested meteorological conditions of the study area. When the HREPS is linked to any other renewable source, it shows the potential of gaining about 8395 kWh annually in the battery. The continuous operation of the hybrid system for 21 years presents a net gain of > 400% for the standalone systems with a projected gain of > 600% when linked to a small smart grid system. Since high taxes may scuttle these gains, it is recommended that the Government encourage investment in renewable energy power systems by subsidizing the taxes on the purchase of items to make them more affordable.

Do skeletal muscles compete with each other for growth?

Within the resistance training literature, a within-subject training model is often used to compare two separate training interventions within the same individual. While this model has some advantages related to statistical power, potential concerns have been raised when investigating changes in muscle strength. Conversely, it is currently believed that muscle growth is driven by local mechanisms. Thus, a within-subject design could potentially still be used if the sole outcome variable is changes in muscle size. What remains less clear, however, is whether the magnitude of skeletal muscle growth with resistance training is negatively influenced by the amount of muscle recruited within a given training period (e.g., upper body exercise only vs. same upper body exercise plus lower body resistance exercises). We hypothesize that there might be a competition for resources on skeletal muscle growth when more muscles are activated within a given training session and/or period, which might be moderated by energy availability. Determining the extent to which muscle exercised during resistance training influences skeletal muscle growth may provide important methodological considerations for researchers and practitioners alike. From a practical sense, if the competition of resources exists, one may benefit from specializing a certain muscle group to train within a given training period while deemphasizing other muscle groups.

In shade of Olympic glory: what should we know about female athletes triad? – a review

introduction and purpose: The numerous advantages of sport are widely known. Millions of children worldwide are encouraged to start training and significant part of them decide to start professional training. However, there are also certain health risk connected with intensive physical activity. One of them is female athletes triad – a syndrome consisting of three components: low energy availability (LEA), dysregulation of menstrual cycle and impaired bone mineral density (BMD). description of the state of knowledge: The intensive physical activity, especially in adolescent women may have deleterious influence on their health and, in consequence, on further sports career. Female athletes triad often co-occurs with eating disorders, especially in sports where slim shape is desirable. Inadequate energy availability results in menstrual cycle dysfunction, meanwhile insufficient level of female sex hormones (estrogens) is detrimental for bones health leading to frequent injuries and stress fractures. In result the vicious cycle of female athletes triad is closed and general condition of athlete deteriorates. summary: This paper aims to briefly review current state of knowledge on female athletes triad. It is vital to raise awareness of female athlete triad symptoms among medical professionals as well as sportswomen and members of coaching team to facilitate early diagnosis and proper treatment to avoid further complications.

Hybrid Solar PV–Agro-Waste-Driven Combined Heat and Power Energy System as Feasible Energy Source for Schools in Sub-Saharan Africa

Poor access to electricity in rural communities has been linked to a poor educational system, as electricity is essential for supporting laboratories, technical practice, and long study hours for students. Therefore, this work presents the techno-economic analysis of a hybrid solar PV–agro-wastes (syngas) energy system for electricity, heat, and cooling generation to improve energy access in rural schools. The system is located in Ghana at Tuna (lat. 9°29′18.28″ N and long. 2°25′51.02″ W) and serves a secondary school for enhanced quality education. The system relies on agro-waste (gasifier-generator) and sunlight (solar PV), with a battery energy storage system, to meet the school’s energy demand. The study employs HOMER Pro Version 3.16.2 software to comprehensively analyze technical, economic, and environmental aspects. The system can generate 221,621 kWh of electricity (at a unit cost of electricity of 0.295 EUR/kWh) and 110,896 kWh of thermal energy yearly. The cost of electricity from the proposed system is cheaper than the cost of electricity from an equivalent diesel generator at 0.380 EUR/kWh. The thermal energy can meet the heating demand of the school in addition to powering a vapor absorption chiller. The system is environmentally friendly, with the capacity to sink 0.526 kg of CO2 yearly. Government policies that moderate interest rates for bioenergy/solar PV systems and social solution on feedstock pricing will favor the economic sustainability of the proposed system. The system will address the energy access challenge (SDG 7), enhance the quality of education (SDG 4), and contribute to climate mitigation through carbon sequestration (SDG 13).

Quantifying vertical borehole heat exchanger sustainability from a geothermal resource perspective in the UK

Low-temperature geothermal energy is viewed as a renewable resource that could contribute to the decarbonization of residential heating in the UK. Here, we constrain the geothermal potential of the shallow subsurface to provide the heating requirements of a typical single-family house via a vertical borehole heat exchanger (BHE), to provide a preliminary framework for the heat resource licensing of such systems. Through analytical and numerical models, we calculate the heat balance for a typical house with a garden located in a Carboniferous sedimentary basin, which represents a large proportion of the UK land mass and the regions where energy poverty is more common. Neglecting the heat recharge via groundwater flow, our results indicate that geothermal, solar heat flux and radiogenic heat production can only replenish up to 5% of the heat extracted annually by a 100 m-long BHE in heat extraction-only mode. The lack of natural recharge causes the continuous expansion of the thermal footprint at an average rate of 18 m 2 a −1 over 30 years, considering a ground thermal conductivity of 2.2 W m −1 °C −1 , with the area cooled by 1°C extending beyond the current minimum BHE spacing guidelines of 6 m. In Scotland, reinjecting c . 35% of the yearly heat requirements, which could be accomplished through borehole thermal energy storage, is shown to safeguard against resource over-exploitation and interference risks between neighbouring users in the majority of the high-demand areas. In view of a large deployment of BHEs, it is crucial to incorporate such reinjection strategies into a regulatory framework to ensure a resilient and sustainable utilization of shallow geothermal resources.

Policy implications of implementing residential PV solar energy systems in developing regions

Access to sustainable and reliable energy sources is a pivotal driver of economic development and improved living standards in all regions of the world. This research paper explores the policy implications of implementing residential photovoltaic (PV) solar systems in two developing regions, Jamaica, and Ghana, and emphasizes the role of policy frameworks in shaping the sustainable energy landscape. The study employs a multifaceted approach, combining System Advisor Model (SAM) analysis – which reveals promising energy production potential in both regions, with substantial economic benefits – and a risk assessment to evaluate the feasibility, economic viability, and potential barriers to residential PV solar adoption. Financial assessments indicate competitive payback periods and favorable returns on investment, suggesting that residential PV systems can offer cost-effective energy solutions. Identifying potential barriers to adoption through a comprehensive risk assessment highlights challenges related to policy instability, financing constraints, and technical limitations. Policy recommendations and strategies for mitigating these barriers are proposed to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources in both regions. The findings underscore the potential for solar energy to address energy access challenges while advancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and energy resilience in Jamaica, and Ghana, while offering valuable lessons for similar contexts worldwide.

Future technologies for building sector to accelerate energy transition

This Editorial briefly introduces and organizes the worthy studies provided in the Special Issue of Energy and Buildings, entitled “Future technologies for building sector to accelerate energy transition: a special issue”. The main topics of selected papers are herein summarized, proposing scientific studies concerning the next generation buildings, and thus mandatory targets of energy efficiency, reduction of energy demands, novel technologies for building envelope and active energy systems, on-site conversion from renewable energy sources. Both areas of the building industry are considered, and thus decarbonization of existing buildings and novel constructions characterized by mandatory energy performance levels of nearly, net- and plus-energy buildings. These topics are crucial for improving building performance, and reducing energy consumption, with reference to both the heating and cooling seasons, therefore addressing the new and mandatory challenges of zero-energy and zero-emission buildings, also taking into account climate change. The results of manuscripts published in this special issue show worthy potential and real achievements, with significant reductions in energy demands and emissions, and therefore they underline the usefulness of traditional and novel technologies and strategies for buildings, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of novel design and retrofitting methods and solutions. The debated topics are essential to dealing with climate change, reducing energy poverty, environmental impact, local overheating and UHIs, going, finally, in the direction of a mandatory, sustainable, and smart future for the building sector.

The role of green finance and natural resources rent in eradicating energy poverty – the case of the Sub-Saharan African countries

This research addresses energy poverty in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, emphasizing improved access to clean cooking electricity and technologies in urban areas. Urbanization in the SSA region has intensified the problem, with informal settlements relying on traditional and polluting cooking methods, causing indoor air pollution, environmental damage, and economic struggles. The research employs the Methods of Moments Quantile Regression with fixed effects to assess the factors that enhance access to clean energy and technologies for cooking in the urban areas. The data of forty-four SSA countries during the timeframe spanning 2004 to 2020 is used. This research adds to the growing body of literature on how energy poverty can be eradicated, considering the few studies that has been done to address this issue. Specifically, the effect of green finance and financial development on energy poverty has not been widely done, thus this research covers the literature gap present. The major results of this research depicts that financial development, government effectiveness, natural resources rents and technological innovations are fundamental in improving access to clean electricity in the urban areas of the SSA nations. We also show that economic growth, foreign direct investment and green finance are counterproductive in fostering the access to clean electricity in this region. This research show that the resource curse hypothesis does not hold in the SSA countries in the context of energy poverty. The major policies presented in this research calls for the developing countries to promote financial development, technological innovations and natural resource rents in alleviating energy poverty. Corruption levels and political instability in these countries should be reduced.

INTERACTION BETWEEN ADIPOSE TISSUE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE REGULATION OF BODY WEIGHT: A CONCEPTUAL NARRATIVE REVIEW

The modern obesity pandemic is characterized by difficulty in achieving and maintaining weight loss. This suggests the existence of a physiological control mechanism to maintain body mass. However, this same mechanism did not prevent obesity pandemic. The aim of this review is to explain this conundrum. Online searches of Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus were conducted. The main variable under physiological control is not a fixed body/fat mass but balance between energy intake and expenditure. The expenditure includes resting metabolic rate, physical activity related energy expenditure and thermic effect of food. Increased energy expenditure triggers increased energy intake to match expenditure levels and counters any weight loss. This matching of energy input and output can happen at any body/fat mass. In other words, body/fat mass can settle at any level with energy intake matched to expenditure; the so-called settling point mechanism. The particular body/fat mass settling point is determined by the availability of energy and degree of expenditure enabled by the environment. The modern environment with abundance of nutrients and motorized work has been termed obesogenic environment. It facilitates higher body mass and hence increased resting metabolic rate energy expenditure to support the increased body mass; this triggers more energy intake and thus more mass gain in a positive feedback vicious cycle. In conclusion, shifting emphasis away from body mass control to energy balance allows one to explain both the modern obesity pandemic as well as why it is so difficult to achieve and maintain weight loss.

Deliberative mini-publics as learning schools for democracy? Examining deliberation impact on dissatisfied and radical participants of a citizens’ assembly in Poland

ABSTRACT In a global context of democratic challenges such as dissatisfaction and social polarization, research on Western European democracies suggests that deliberative democracy instruments like deliberative mini-publics (DMPs) may provide a solution with their positive impact on participants’ attitudes towards politics and democracy. Despite the proliferation of citizens’ assemblies, especially locally, little is known about DMPs in newer democracies in Central and Eastern Europe, and it is uncertain whether the findings about the virtues of deliberation would hold. This study assesses the impact of a mini-public in Poland, focusing on the Citizens’ Assembly on Energy Poverty, the country's first national-level deliberative initiative. Poland has faced heightened political dissatisfaction due to eight years of right-wing populist governance and the rise of radical ideologies, raising questions about deliberation's impact on dissatisfied and radical participants. Our results confirm the positive impact of deliberation on participants, improving their percepetion of knowledge, political interest, efficacy, and support for mini-publics. However, we find no significant differences of deliberation between dissatisfied, radical participants, and other groups highlighting the universal benefits of deliberation. These inconclusive findings may be due to a common recruitment bias in DMPs, specifically enrolling politically engaged citizens, thus limiting the potential for a learning curve.

Selecting Suitable Sites for Wind Energy Harvesting in Iraq using GIS Techniques

Wind energy harnesses the kinetic force of the wind through turbines to produce electricity. As a critical renewable energy source, it presents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The availability of wind energy is geographically contingent. This paper aims to pinpoint optimal sites for wind energy development in Iraq and to secure future energy needs from renewable sources to achieve this, a multi-criteria analysis utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was employed to determine the prime locations for wind energy extraction. Vital climatic data incorporated into this analysis included a RASTER file of the study area's annual wind speed, temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) roads, urban centers, terrain gradients, and land utilization patterns were instrumental in constructing a GIS-based model. This model harnessed the weighted overlay tool within ArcGIS 10.7.1's Spatial Analysis Tools to classify and integrate various raster datasets. Findings reveal that the most favorable locations for wind energy exploitation are in Iraq's southeastern sectors. These zones are not only marked by vigorous winds averaging speeds over 6.2 meters per second but also benefit from their proximity to power grids, accessible roads, and gentle slopes, making them prime candidates for wind farm installation. The research also notes that regions with a high suitability index for wind energy development constitute 5.3% of the total examined area. This is a robust indicator of Iraq's capacity for wind energy utilization. Meanwhile, 79.7% of the territory received a moderate suitability rating, 9.5% was categorized as poorly suitable, and 5.4% was considered unsuitable for wind energy projects. These insights underscore the significant potential for harvesting wind energy in Iraq and guide strategic planning for its implementation.