Energy-related Issues Research Articles

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.

Policy spillovers from climate actions to energy poverty: international evidence

Policies to address climate change have been implemented worldwide in recent years. The core of these policies is to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which primarily stem from the consumption of fossil fuels. Consequently, the implementation of climate policies can affect other energy-related issues, such as energy poverty, a critical element of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper uses cross-country data from 2000 to 2020 to study the possible policy spillovers from climate actions to energy poverty. We show that a spillover effect does exist. In other words, a higher number of climate policies is associated with a lower level of energy poverty. The spillover is realized through improvements in energy efficiency, the promotion of renewable energy, and support for innovations. In addition, legislative policies are found to have stronger spillover effects. While the overall policy effects are positive for executive policies, regulations tend to have negative impacts on energy development. There is also evidence demonstrating heterogeneous effects between long-term and short-term policies, and between developed and developing countries. Discovering this spillover effect gives extra motivation for countries to adopt climate policies and actively seek synergies in achieving broader sustainable goals.

A Bibliometric Study: General Equilibrium Models on Energy Economics

General equilibrium (GE) models are commonly used for economic impact analysis. They offer a benchmark for analyzing changes in the overall economy due to new policies, shocks, or technological improvements, using the data from the social accounting matrices and input-output tables. GE models are widely used for analyzing the areas of energy economics, as the focus on energy-related issues has become critical throughout the years. Therefore, a broad literature focuses on the GE models and energy economics. This study uses bibliometric analysis to examine the networks between the existing literature between 1990-2020. No other paper uses this method to focus on the selected literature. The data for the bibliometric analysis is subtracted from the Web of Science. The keywords are "computable general equilibrium, dynamic stochastic general equilibrium, and energy." Dynamic Stochastic Models are added to expand the scope of the dataset. In addition, the paper reviews the ten most cited articles based on the data retrieved from the Web of Science. The main results of the bibliometric analysis show that the GE models were highly used after 2005, with the introduction of international energy agreements. The focus of these models is usually renewable energy and mitigation policies.

Same but different: Rosatom as the Kremlin’s upcoming leverage?

ABSTRACT Russia’s relations with the EU have worsened over the past decade, and energy-related issues have been part of this regress. The attention has been mostly turned to natural gas and Gazprom, while Rosatom, another state-controlled energy giant, has been largely overlooked, although it may be the next vehicle fostering Russia’s foreign policy goals. To find out whether this is the case, Hungary and Finland were chosen as case studies to determine whether Rosatom serves as leverage for Russian political influence. The research utilized the authors’ analytical model to find manifestations of strategic behavior, pointing at political leveraging of the deals in point. The findings revealed that Russia could use Rosatom’s nuclear deals as vehicles for its foreign policy goals. The outcome is, however, case-specific, depending on the leeway given by the host country.

The Dynamics of Electricity Consumption in the Economic Prosperity of Nepal

The paper examines the relationship between the dynamics of electricity consumption and Nepal's economic prosperity. Descriptive methodologies and statistical tools are used in this quantitative study that gathers data from secondary sources. The patterns of power consumption are influenced by population increase, urbanization, government regulations, and technical developments, all of which affect Nepal's economic development and social well-being. This paper uses an interdisciplinary approach to show how crucial it is to address energy-related issues to realize socioeconomic potential. Economic growth is the main factor driving the dynamic of power consumption. The finding reveals that the autonomous electricity consumption is 4.13 kilowatt hours shows if income increases by USD 100, the estimated increase in average electricity consumption is 54 kWh. Indicates that increase in per capita income, increases the consumption of electricity, and economic growth are strongly correlated. The result from the forecast analysis shows that the unrestrained demand for electricity is projected to increase from an estimated 7,888 million kilowatt-hours (million kWh) in 2019–2020 to 13,831 million kilowatt-hours in 2029–2030 which seems closer and validates the Electricity Demand Forecast for 2014 to 2040 by Government of Nepal. The result shows that the dynamics of electricity consumption and economic prosperity are strongly correlated. Policymakers, energy planners, investors, and other stakeholders must acknowledge the issue and make a call to action to support initiatives that enhance economic growth, access to energy, and sustainable energy use.

Dynamic environmental quality effect of nuclear energy intensity, structural changes, and natural resources in Pakistan: testing load capacity factor hypothesis evidence

AbstractWith both electricity and clean energy cooking accessible to 40 million and over 100 million people respectively, Pakistan’s ecological challenges could persist as long as the energy-related issues remained unsolved. This is the motivation for examining the drivers of the country’s biocapacity and ecological footprint vis-a-vis load capacity factor (LCF) from the perspective of nuclear energy intensity, natural resources, structural change, and economic growth. By using the recently developed simulation of autoregressive distributed lag for dataset that covers 1971 to 2021, this investigation found that nuclear energy intensification and structural change both improves environmental quality by increasing the country’s ratio of biocapacity against its ecological footprint in the long run. Specifically, nuclear energy intensity and structural change have respective elasticities of 0.02 and 0.34 with LCF. With the country’s nuclear energy supply far below the natural gas, oil, and biofuels and waste sources, the country might as well be encouraged to increase the development of nuclear energy in tackling the persistent environmental woes. Contrarily, the investigation established that natural resources in the country is detrimental to environmental quality but only in the short run because a percent increase in natural resources is responsible for ~ 0.035 percent decline in LCF. Importantly, an inverted U-shaped relationship ensued between economic growth and LCF but only statistically significant in the long-run i.e. invalidating LCF hypothesis, thus suggesting an undesirable environmental consequence of economic prosperity. As a policy, and given the novel perspectives of nuclear energy intensity and structural change dynamics, these results incentivize Pakistan’s nuclear energy development drive and among among other environmental and economic policy initiatives. Graphical abstract

Do popular apps have issues regarding energy efficiency?

Mobile apps have become essential components of our daily lives, seamlessly integrating into routines to fulfill communication, productivity, entertainment, and commerce needs, with their diverse range categorized within app stores for easy user navigation and selection. User reviews and ratings play a crucial role in app selection, significantly influencing user decisions through the interplay between feedback and quantified satisfaction. The emphasis on energy efficiency in apps, driven by the limited battery lifespan of mobile devices, impacts app ratings by potentially prompting users to assign low scores, thereby influencing the choices of others. In this study, the presence of energy consumption issues within widely-used popular apps that have high app ratings and user interaction has been investigated through the analysis of user reviews. It is anticipated that popular apps, with high ratings, are less problematic than other apps. User reviews were collected from 32 apps across 16 diverse categories and subsequently filtered based on specific keywords. From the resulting pool of 14,064 user reviews, 8,007 reviews were manually identified as specifically addressing the app's energy consumption. The results of the study demonstrate that all 32 popular apps under consideration exhibit issues related to energy consumption. While the frequency of energy-related issues may vary, it is evident that users are concerned about app energy consumption, as evidenced by the reception of complaint reviews regarding their energy usage. App energy efficiency is important to users, including popular apps with diverse features, necessitating developers to address expectations and optimize for energy efficiency. Improving the energy efficiency of apps has the potential to enhance user satisfaction and, consequently, contribute to the overall success of the app.

Externalities still underrated in energy education

Energy literacy is a key factor for understanding, acceptance, and public support of the ongoing transformations in the energy sector. This study aimed to assess the cognitive dimension of energy literacy among teenage students from the Czech Republic. We have tested their knowledge of energy-related issues in a broader technical, environmental, and socio-economic context of energy production. Altogether, N = 244 eighth-grade students from seven elementary schools participated in the open-question assessment, followed by data analysis and quantification of the results. The main finding is that students perform unsatisfactorily on several key points necessary to understand energy generation, transformation, and collateral impacts. Energy externalities were identified as the most substantial topic in energy education that is underrepresented in the active knowledge of young students. A literature survey suggests that this problem might be quite widespread. Recommendations are provided for learning interventions that should equip future citizens for an evidence-based public debate on the transition to sustainable energy sources.

Implementation of the Energy Justice Concept in Strategies and Projects of Foreign Energy Companies

Introduction. The given article examines the challenges of ensuring energy justice in business models of energy companies. It identifies ways in which organizations and businesses providing energy services locally, regionally and internationally can successfully integrate social justice values into business strategies, ensuring that their operations are aligned with the principles of equitable provision of energy services.Materials and methods. Materials used for the given research include foreign and Russian studies on energy justice issues, statistical data and news sources from the world media. The methodological basis consists of such scientific methods as qualitative and quantitative analysis, synthesis, comparative research and statistical analysis.Results of the study. Analysis of the activities of foreign energy companies suggests that energy justice is a highly effective “tool” not only from the point of view of conceptualizing the theoretical idea of an energy just world and effectively analyzing a wide range of energy-related issues, but can also be considered as a valuable contribution to the actual process of developing energy policy and a framework for assessing the sustainability of energy-related projects and initiatives. The concept of a public interest company based on the principles of energy and social justice can be defined as a set of guidelines aimed at transforming existing business practices to ensure that these practices are consistent with the principles of energy justice.Discussion and conclusions. The given re­search revealed that the degree of adherence to energy justice principles determines whether certain business practices or specific projects are consistent with its paradigm. At the same time, as evidenced by available scientific research on this issue, commercial activity and the creation of social and environmental values are not internally contradictory concepts. On the contrary, energy justice guidelines and aspects can be successfully integrated into various business models at local, subnational, regional and global levels.

Owards Energy Efficiency in Integrated Inventory Supply Chain Models: A Review

Amidst the sustainability concerns of the industrial sector to fulfil the increase in customer demands, this study emphasizes on the characteristics of integrated inventory supply chains that is closely related to energy efficiency. Environmental and economic perspectives must be given equal consideration to ensure a competitive supply chain (SC). In response to global calls for sustainable energy and lower carbon emissions, the Malaysian government currently provides tax exemptions and allowances for the provision of green technology services and the acquisition of green technology assets. Furthermore, as sources of electricity are highly variable, efficient SC activities can feasibly minimise the cost of energy. Therefore, multiple studies have integrated the green concepts in SCs to develop energy efficient integrated inventory SC models. This present review examined 42 articles that assessed the environmental impact of integrated inventory SC models with a focus on energy efficiency and energy-related issues. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify gaps in the existing literature and offer directions for future studies. The articles were categorised according to the SC dimensions of an integrated inventory model; such as categories of SC participants, structures, processes, and decision-making variables. Of the reviewed articles, only 35% examined energy efficiency or energy-related issues in integrated inventory models. Therefore, future studies should examine the energy efficiency or energy-related issues that integrated inventory SCs face.

Tailoring a Multifunctional PEDOT/Co3O4‐CeO2 Composite for Sustainable Energy Applications

AbstractEnergy sources play a crucial role in the development of the society. The gargantuan depletion of fossil fuels creates new glitches in the routine activities of human beings. Electrocatalysts can efficiently produce and store energy and, therefore, have the potential to alleviate this situation. A multifunctional electrocatalyst, Poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/cobalt oxide‐cerium oxide(PEDOT/Co3O4‐CeO2), is synthesized by incorporating mixed metal oxide to 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) using the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method and is employed for both energy production and storage applications. The successful synthesis of the catalyst is confirmed through various characterization techniques. The composite shows a specific capacity of 617.8 C g−1 and a specific capacitance value of 1298.1 F g−1. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) analysis shows that the composite requires a low overpotential of 163.1 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Synthesized electrocatalysts can effectively handle the energy related issues prevailing in the society.

Proposal and comprehensive analysis of a new high-efficiency combined cycle for simultaneous power generation, refrigeration, or heating to meet seasonal energy demand

The emergence of energy-related issues and the growing need for year-round energy supply has created a pressing demand for efficient cogeneration combined cycles. To this end, a new combined cycle using ammonia-water as the working fluid is proposed and studied from both thermodynamic and economic standpoints in this paper. The proposed cycle can effectively operate in power generation, power/refrigeration cogeneration and power/heating cogeneration modes. Parametric analysis and performance optimization of the proposed cycle are carried out, and the genetic algorithm method is employed for the optimization. Under the same initial conditions, the proposed cycle exhibits comprehensive power recovery efficiencies that are 58.11 %, 23.85 %, and 7 % relatively higher than those of the compared cogeneration cycles and Kalina cycle reported in the literature, respectively. The optimization results show that the maximum comprehensive power recovery efficiencies for the power/refrigeration, power/heating and power modes with heat source/cooling water temperature of 250℃/30℃, are 0.2271, 0.2658, and 0.1789, respectively. The associated power/refrigeration, power/heating, and power outputs are 221.1 kW/417.8 kW, 248.5 kW/650.9 kW, and 292.1 kW, respectively. Under these conditions, the overall annual unit cost of comprehensive power and the payback period of the cycle are 0.03947 $/kWh and 3.898 years. Results of the comprehensive analysis indicate that the proposed cycle can achieve satisfactory comprehensive performance for each mode, while also sufficiently recovering sensible heat source.

Review of Energy-Related Machine Learning Applications in Drying Processes

Drying processes are among the most energy-intensive industrial processes. There is a need for development of the efficient methods needed for estimating, measuring, and reducing energy use. Different machine learning algorithms might provide some of the answers to these issues in a faster and less costly way, without the need for time-consuming and expensive experiments done at different scales of the dryers. The aim of this paper was to provide a comprehensive overview of machine learning applications for addressing energy-related challenges by exploration of different energy types and energy reduction opportunities. Also, the analysis of the applied algorithms, their specific applications and a critical evaluation of the obtained results are provided. The paper is based on the necessity of the improvements in energy use needed for drying related on the existing data. The overview of the ways for such achievements, and a general classification of machine learning algorithm are the background of the paper. The methods used are the machine learning techniques employed in different energy-related issues for drying processes. The paper focuses on the applications of artificial neural networks and other machine learning algorithms and models for different energy-related issues, including different energy types applications, challenges associated with energy consumption, and opportunities for energy reduction. Not only the applied algorithms, but also their specific applications, and the statistical analysis of the obtained results are also overviewed. Finally, a critical evaluation of the findings highlighting the potentials of machine learning algorithms in addressing energy-related challenges (such as estimation of energy consumption, opportunities for energy reduction, and use of different energy sources) is provided. The presented analysis underscored the effectiveness of machine learning applications for these purposes.

Facile synthesis of environmental friendly Sm2O3/rGO electrode as an alternative source for energy storage devices

Creation of clean and practical energy storage technologies has appeared as one of the most crucial issues of sustainable development in modern world due to significant environmental effects of fossil fuels and the fast growth of the global economy. Supercapacitors are new kind of green energy storage technology exhibited long cycle life, large power density, a broad temperature range, benefits for both the environment and the economy. In this work, Sm2O3/rGO nanocomposite is fabricated via hydrothermal method for supercapacitor application. The material properties are determined by several analytical techniques. The electrochemical behavior of the synthesized nanocomposite is measured in small potential window of 0.0–0.7 (Ag/AgCl) under 2.0 M potassium hydroxide (KOH). The electrochemical efficiency of Sm2O3/rGO nanosized composite exhibited the 1356.36 F g−1 specific capacitance (Csp) with a lower Rct of 1.14 Ω. The various stability analysis revealed that the Sm2O3/rGO show stable behavior over 50 h with structural stability after 5000 cycles. The large Csp of Sm2O3/rGO is related to the crystallite size, larger surface area of rGO and synergetic effect of Sm2O3 and rGO. Our results suggest that the fabricated nanohybrid exhibited excellent electrochemical efficiency and it can be utilized to solve further energy related issues.

Temporal dynamics of green urban areas in Romania. A comparison between spatial and statistical data

Abstract The social function and the ecosystem services provided by green urban areas (GUAs) have long been acknowledged by both the scientific community and the public. They become even more relevant to urban sustainability and human welfare in the post-pandemic world, which still has to confront social, environmental, and energy-related issues. This study aims to provide an example of how to perform a temporal dynamics-focused analysis of GUAs in an unsatisfactory data context by comparing the results obtained via spatial and statistical datasets of 35 cities in Romania considering the 2006–2018 period as a reference. This integration represents a compromise solution that should offer insights into the GUA’s dynamics in difficult monitoring conditions determined by the absence of both high-resolution spatial datasets and metadata-enhanced statistical datasets. Specific patterns of the GUA’s dynamics are identified, and the differences between the spatial data and statistical data-based findings are discussed. For at least 78% of the analysed cities, the official statistical data show that the GUAs are larger than the ones computed via GIS, in all reference periods. The findings call for the improvement of the GUA quantification and mapping regulations and programmes, which target, among other elements, their transparency and validation.

Environmental Sustainability Implications and Economic Prosperity of Integrated Renewable Solutions in Urban Development

The increasing urbanization and growth of cities worldwide have led to a significant increase in energy demand. As a transition to a low carbon environment occurs, the role of renewable and sustainable energy systems in urban areas is benefiting industry and the environment alike. From this perspective, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have a lot to offer to the energy industry, particularly the integration of renewable and sustainable energy systems for environmental protection in cities. This study presents a comprehensive view that integrates technological, economic, political, and social challenges confronted with the effective implementation of renewable and sustainable energy in urban cities and proposes a solution agenda to overcome these hurdles with the aid of the SDGs. The weights for the challenges of adopting renewable and sustainable energy systems were determined using the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method. The SDGs were then ranked using the fuzzy TOPSIS technique to overcome predetermined challenges. The originality of this study lies in finding solutions to the determined challenges by adopting SDGs, emphasizing the need for integrated solutions that address energy-related concerns, and highlighting the role and importance of SDGs in environmental protection. The study highlights the importance of SDGs in promoting renewable energy integration in urban areas, with SDG 11 being the most crucial to mitigate harmful environmental occurrences related to energy-related issues in urban areas, followed by SDG 7 and SDG 13.

Contradictions and tensions in the way the USMCA regulates energy

Abstract The international regulation of energy is complex, involving various legal frameworks such as economic agreements, environmental conventions, and dispute resolution mechanisms. These instruments often overlap and may not align, creating challenges for addressing energy-related issues. The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) exemplifies these complexities. It addresses entitlements to natural resources, protection of energy-related transactions, cross-border energy policies, and environmental externalities. However, the USMCA does not fully resolve conflicts among differing policy goals within the energy sector. This article examines how the USMCA navigates issues related to resource entitlements, energy transactions, policy clashes, and environmental concerns. It argues that the absence of a unified energy policy leaves disputes to be balanced by resolution bodies, such as arbitration panels. The article scrutinizes each aspect of the USMCA’s approach and discusses potential mechanisms for resolving policy conflicts. The USMCA’s treatment of energy-related matters underscores the intricate interplay between international economic law and the energy sector, with implications for regional competitiveness and sustainability.

Evolution of housing energy-efficient retrofitting game: A perspective of heterogeneous expectations on retrofit effects

Energy-efficient retrofitting (EER) of existing residential buildings holds significant potential for addressing environment and energy related issues. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to low EER rates and unsatisfactory EER effects. The widespread EER promotion and its benefits for sustainable development are hindered by the inactive participating of homeowners and (or) contractors and the lack of government supervision. To address these challenges, this study develops a tripartite game model for the government, the contractor, and the homeowner by concentrating on their expected EER effects. The strategy interactions among these stakeholders and their dynamic evolution were explored, and the stable strategy states and their formation conditions were identified. It was found that (1) positive engagement of the tripartite stakeholders in housing EER can be a stable strategy in reality; (2) EER effects plays a significant impact on the strategy stability; (3) governments’ incentives are necessary in approaching the ideal EER strategy equilibrium point, with a more pronounced influence on contractors compared to homeowners. In line with the findings, policy implications were provided to enhance the adoption of housing EER. This study contributes to a better understanding of large-scale EER promotion and provides a solid foundation for the development of a sustainable EER market involving multiple stakeholders.

Book Review in Political Geography: Rereading “The New Map” by Daniel Yergin

Objectives: The study aims to reevaluate the core issues presented in Daniel Yergin's "The New Map" from a political geography standpoint. Our objectives include analyzing the relationship between geographic factors, energy distribution, and their impact on international relations. We seek to uncover how political geography influences energy policy, trade patterns, and alliance formation, ultimately shaping the balance of power among nations. Through this alternative perspective, we aim to enhance comprehension of the book's findings. Methods: Our approach involves a thorough analysis of Yergin's work, specifically focusing on key topics such as energy, climate, and geopolitics. We examine the connections between geographic dynamics and the global energy sphere as illustrated in "The New Map". By employing political geography as our lens, we investigate how geographical factors play a pivotal role in shaping the complex interactions within the energy sector and their geopolitical consequences. Results: Our research highlights the significant impact of political geography on energy-related issues and international dynamics, as portrayed in Daniel Yergin's book. We demonstrate the intricate relationships between geographic factors, energy distribution, and global geopolitics. Our analysis sheds light on how political geography influences energy policies, trade flows, and the formation of alliances among nations. These findings enhance the understanding of the book's insights and contribute to the existing literature on political geography. Conclusions: Through our reevaluation of "The New Map" from a political geography perspective, we conclude that geographic factors are fundamental in shaping the global energy landscape and its geopolitical implications. Political geography plays a pivotal role in determining energy policies, trade patterns, and the balance of power among nations. By placing Yergin's work within the context of political geography, we offer valuable insights that benefit geography scholars and students, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between geography, energy, and geopolitics on the global stage.

Preface

Preface