Energy Sector Research Articles

Enhanced hydrogen storage performance of zinc and magnesium cobaltite nanocomposites

Renewable and sustainable energies are vital for the near future. Hydrogen, as a clean energy carrier, is a potential candidate for supplying energy in the foreseeable future. Nowadays, hydrogen storage technology has become a significant issue in the energy sector. In this study, ZnCo2O4/ZnO and MgCo2O4/MgO nanocomposites have been synthesized using the sol-gel method with stearic acid as a complexing agent. Different analyses were studied to examine the crystal structure, morphology, and physical properties of the as-prepared samples, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Various methods have been utilized for hydrogen storage technology. In a pioneering approach, the electrochemical hydrogen storage of samples was compared by the chronopotentiometry technique in KOH (4 M) electrolyte solution. The results reveal that ZnCo2O4/ZnO and MgCo2O4/MgO nanocomposites exhibit excellent discharge capacities of 4240 and 3529 mAh/g, respectively, after 11 cycles.

Energy transition and non-energy firms’ financial performance: Do markets value capability-based energy transition strategies?

Energy transition has become a major challenge that will shape the global agenda in the coming decades. In addition to governments and major energy firms, non-energy firms also play a significant role in the energy transition with their growing share in renewable energy supply and other pro-environmental investments. Using the Resource-based View and Dynamic Capabilities perspectives, we discuss non-energy firms’ capability-based energy transition strategies and explore the channels through which these strategies affect their financial performance. We test our hypotheses using S&P 500 firms’ data and show that capability-based energy transition strategies have had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between the renewable energy sector performance and non-energy firms’ financial performance in the short term. Furthermore, these strategies have had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between fossil fuel prices and non-energy firms’ financial performance in the long term. Our findings indicate that capability-based energy transition strategies created a virtuous investment–return opportunity for non-energy firms between 2009 and 2021.

Utilizing support vector machines to foster sustainable development and innovation in the clean energy sector via green finance

Utilizing support vector machines to foster sustainable development and innovation in the clean energy sector via green finance

ГОСУДАРСТВЕННАЯ ПОЛИТИКА РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ В ОБЛАСТИ ДЕКАРБОНИЗАЦИИ ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКОГО СЕКТОРА

Global warming, geopolitical tensions, and depletion of natural resources are factors influencing the development of the country’s energy sector. The authors analyzed regulatory documents and the current situation in the Russian Federation in areas related to traditional and alternative energy. Modern threats and risks in the energy sector are considered, and priority directions for its development are identified. The current state of the country’s energy balance has been studied, including from the point of view of its environmental friendliness. Conclusions are formulated on the prospects for energy development, taking into account the measures taken to minimize the negative impact on the environment and ensure the socio-economic development of the country as a whole and its regions.

UNVEILING THE ROLE OF INDUSTRIES FOR EUROPEAN FINANCIAL STABILITY. INSIGHTS FROM THE ENERGY SECTOR

Extensive analysis of intertwinement with other industries caused the energy sector to gain momentum in the recent economic literature. This paper aims to create an indicator that captures the impact of financial stability for energy companies on all other industrial groups. To this end, we use daily data from 2007 until the end of 2021 to compute financial stability metrics for all European companies from the STOXX 600 index. The main contribution of our study is to harness the neural network forecasting power to predict extreme levels of this impact. We motivate this choice with evidence from the literature that documents the improved performance of these methods in predicting crises. Our methodological approach also employs an outlier detection algorithm based on copula (COPOD) to identify situations when the energy sector substantially impacts other industries and develop a framework to predict out-of-sample situations. We found evidence that the Deep Renewal model has superior forecasting accuracy to the standard Croston model. The main conclusion is that the design of this methodological framework allows authorities to monitor the impact of shocks produced by the energy sector on financial stability at the European level and undertake strategic management actions.

A comprehensive review on developments and future perspectives of biopolymer‐based materials for energy storage

AbstractDriven by the escalating environmental impact of synthetic materials, there has been a growing focus on employing eco‐sustainable biomass‐derived biopolymers and native materials as a viable alternative to traditional energy storage applications. Biopolymer‐based energy devices, like batteries, supercapacitors, electrode materials, and ion‐exchange membranes, a novel and eco‐conscious approach, hold great potential for flexible and smart electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices, owing to their affordability, environmental sustainability, and biodegradability. This critical review outlines the sources and properties of biopolymers leading to energy storage and emphasizes their utilization in the energy sector. Despite their inherent constraints, biopolymers can be effectively leveraged when combined with other materials in composites. This collaborative approach not only refines their intrinsic physical attributes but also elevates the electrochemical performance of biologically active molecules. In this regard, bionanocomposites, a class of materials combining biopolymers and nanoparticles, have emerged as a promising greener alternative to conventional petroleum‐based polymers. Their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties have promoted their increased commercialization, thus paving the way for a more sustainable future. The review concludes by identifying and effectively addressing the limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of biopolymers in energy storage applications.

Analysis of Company Size and Profitability on Company Value with Corporate Social Responsibility as Moderation

The health of financial performance is a determinant of a company's value. This is reflected as a record of good company performance in carrying out its operations. However, in addition to healthy financial performance factors, corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices are used as a reference for investors in assessing companies to provide funding. This study aims to empirically analyze the effect of profitability and company size on company value with corporate social responsibility as a moderation variable. The population used as the object of observation used is an energy sector company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2020 - 2022 using quantitative methods with purposive sampling as a sampling technique. Data analysis techniques using Panel Data Regression Analysis and Moderate Regression Analysis (MRA) with the help of Eviews 12. Based on the findings in the study, that profitability has a positive and significant effect on company value, company size has a negative and insignificant effect on company value, CSR moderation variables moderate the effect of profitability on company value, CSR moderation variables are not able to moderate the effect of company size on company value on company value. Thus, researchers conclude that companies should optimize operations to identify profitable growth opportunities, organizational restructuring or unnecessary bureaucratic cuts to improve operational efficiency, and strengthen their commitment to corporate social responsibility practices as an integral part of their business strategy.

Integrating multiple vehicle drivetrains into an energy system simulation model for Japan

To reduce the impact of climate change, the Japanese economy has set mitigation goals that include the decarbonisation of the energy sector and the electrification of transport. As a result, zero-emission vehicles could change the electricity demand curve and need to be integrated into energy system models to estimate their impact and any opportunities or challenges they represent to grid stability. While previous studies have integrated single vehicle technologies in the simulation of country-level energy grids, the present study improves on available models by integrating a country-level energy system model with a transmission grid, while considering two different drivetrains and improving on the diversity of the vehicle movement patterns considered. The simulation model results highlight that the electricity demand of each drivetrain is distinct, with a midday peak for battery electric vehicles and less pronounced morning and afternoon peaks for fuel cell electric vehicles. An important conclusion is that the infrastructure setup and associated use rules can be expected to significantly impact transport demand curves, indicating the need to further investigate how policy changes can impact on the overall configuration of the energy mix.

Improving community resilience through distributed solar energy as critical infrastructure – a case study of South Asia

Purpose The analytical framework proposed in this study aims to link the capital portfolio approach to sustaining human well-being, 2015 sustainable development goals and development action ARC-D concepts. Nepal case study is a “tribrid” power generation system that combines distributed solar, hydro and wind power generation capacities for the resilience of a community of around 500 people in a remote village with a total installed capacity of 28 kW. The second case study is about the solarization of 900 health centres in Chhattisgarh, India, with off-grid solar PV with a cumulative capacity of 3 MW. Design/methodology/approach Critical infrastructure at the community scale needs to be resilient to maintain community-level functionality in the face of adverse impacts. The present study provides two case study sites from Nepal and India to demonstrate various elements of resilience building for critical infrastructures, especially for the energy sector. Findings Granular technology and distributed generation in Nepal and India can act as critical infrastructure in providing on-demand electricity service to enhance community-level resilience along with future opportunities of scale up. Originality/value The analytical framework for evaluating community-scale resilience through critical infrastructure design and application of the framework using evidence based on case studies are the original contributions.

Toward the full implementation of the water-energy-food nexus in computable general equilibrium modelling: methods and macroeconomic implications

This paper contributes to the advancement of Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling in addressing the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus. As such, it introduces water resources as a production factor for both the energy sector and irrigated agriculture, as well as their competition for the endowment, aiming to explicitly represent additional components of the WEF with respect to a standard CGE in the literature. Thus, it develops different modelling structures by computing impacts on regional GDP, sectorial prices, and production outputs in response to hypothetical water scarcity scenarios. This analysis allows for the determination of the role of data and modelling assumptions, such as production function, water substitutability with other endowments, water mobility across sectors, and sectorial water intensity, in influencing the results. Finally, the paper develops a dynamic scenario analysis, showing that an enhanced representation of the Nexus can significantly affect the macroeconomic dynamics of the simulations and their regional implications.

Hydrothermally Assisted Conversion of Switchgrass into Hard Carbon as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, reducing the reliance on scarce transition metals. Converting agricultural biomass into SIB anodes can remarkably enhance sustainability in both the agriculture and battery industries. However, the complex and costly synthesis and unsatisfactory electrochemical performance of biomass-derived hard carbon have hindered its further development. Herein, we employed a hydrothermally assisted carbonization process that converts switchgrass to battery-grade hard carbon capable of efficient Na-ion storage. The hydrothermal pretreatment effectively removed hemicellulose and impurities (e.g., lipids and ashes), creating thermally stable precursors suitable to produce hard carbon via carbonization. The elimination of hemicellulose and impurities contributes to a reduced surface area and lower oxygen content. With the modifications, the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and cycling stability are improved concurrently. The optimized hard carbon showcased a high reversible specific capacity of 313.4 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1, a commendable ICE of 84.8%, and excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 308.4 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. In short, this research introduces a cost-effective method for producing anode materials for SIBs and highlights a sustainable pathway for biomass utilization, underscoring mutual benefits for the energy and agricultural sectors.

Cross-regional integration of renewable energy and corporate carbon emissions: Evidence from China's cross-regional surplus renewable energy spot trading pilot

Using data from A-share listed renewable energy enterprises, this study constructs a quasi-natural experiment with China's Cross-regional Surplus Renewable Energy Spot Trading Pilot policies as the shock and explores its impact on corporate carbon emissions from 2014 to 2021 using the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results indicate that the Cross-regional Surplus Renewable Energy Spot Trading Pilot can significantly reduce the carbon emissions of renewable energy enterprises in pilot regions during the sample period, demonstrating heterogeneity in regional location, ownership, and corporate social responsibility. The positive effect of the pilot is more pronounced for enterprises in the central region, state-owned enterprises, and enterprises with a high sense of social responsibility. The results remained robust when we applied propensity score matching DID, difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD), placebo tests, alternative measures and 2SLS instrumental variable tests to further eliminate the interference from other factors. Moreover, in terms of mechanisms, the Cross-regional Surplus Renewable Energy Spot Trading Pilot can reduce corporate carbon emissions by promoting renewable energy consumption and corporate energy efficiency. This study enhances understanding of cross-regional renewable energy integration, expanding discussions on selecting trajectories for energy efficiency and emissions reduction goals in the energy sector. Our findings offer practical examples of how different regions and countries promote the integration of renewable energy markets, thereby contributing to research on renewable energy integration.

Understanding switching intentions towards renewable energy technologies using push-pull-mooring framework

Due to climate change threats, governments worldwide are taking measures to move towards cleaner technologies. One such alternative in the energy sector is Renewable Energy Technologies (RET). Due to its merit over conventional technology, RET is being promoted in the industry and households. However, residential consumers switching from incumbent technologies to RET is still low. To fill this gap, this study builds on the Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) framework to uncover the key factors affecting the switching intention of residential consumers toward RET. We adopted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach that involved a quantitative investigation followed by a qualitative study. In the quantitative phase, we used structural equation modeling techniques to analyze survey data from 291 participants to test our conceptual model. Subsequently, in the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews with 25 participants were conducted to gain deeper insights and validate the relationships identified in the quantitative analysis. The results indicate that environmental concern (push factor), economic benefit, and independence benefit (pull factor) have a positive association with switching intention. However, switching cost (mooring factor) was found to have a negative association with switching intention. Further, switching cost was also found to moderate the association between economic benefit and switching intention. The qualitative study provided further insights into the results of the quantitative investigation. It was clarified from the qualitative study that neighbor experiences and societal preferences of the causes may mitigate the influence of subjective norms on switching intention. Lastly, implications were drawn for academicians, marketers, and public policymakers. Marketers can utilize these findings to develop appropriate marketing strategies for this untapped market, which has huge potential.

A Comparative Study of Bifacial versus Monofacial PV Systems at the UK Largest Solar Plant

Abstract This paper presents an extensive analysis of the United Kingdom's largest bifacial photovoltaic (PV) power plant, located in North Yorkshire. Commissioned in January 2020, this trailblazing facility, with a total installed capacity of 34.7 MW, is a benchmark for the evaluation of bifacial solar technology within the region. This pioneering study provides a thorough comparative assessment of bifacial and monofacial PV systems through a methodical investigation of their energy production, degradation rates, and spectral responses over a four-year operational period. Our findings reveal that bifacial PV modules, distributed across four segments of the power plant, demonstrate a remarkable average power gain ranging between 15.12% and 17.31% compared to monofacial modules. Despite experiencing marginally higher annual degradation rates—1.17% for bifacial compared to 0.91% for monofacial systems—bifacial modules show superior resilience and energy yield, particularly during winter months when albedo effects are pronounced due to snow coverage. The study also highlights the strategic importance of spectral response analysis in optimizing PV performance. Bifacial modules have shown greater efficiency in capturing infrared radiation, a property that could be exploited to enhance overall energy yield in specific environmental conditions. The empirical data indicate a consistent performance of bifacial modules with an average normalized energy output clustering around the expected efficiency level. Therefore, the results of this study are pivotal for understanding the practical implications of deploying bifacial PV technology on a large scale. They provide valuable data for stakeholders in the solar energy sector, guiding future installations and innovations in solar panel technology.

Evaluation Challenges of Leadership Management in the Energy Sector using Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach

Leadership management has various benefits and advantages in the energy sector, such as improving energy sector development and obtaining sustainability benefits. However, the leadership management faces multiple challenges in the energy sector that must be evaluated and ranked. So, this study used the fusion multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology to assess and rank the challenges of leadership management in the energy sector. The WASPAS method is a fusion MCDM method used to rank the alternatives. Five experts are invited to evaluate the criteria and alternatives. Fourteen criteria and 13 alternatives were collected in this study. The results show that alternative 4 is the best and alternative 8 is the worst. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to show the stability of the alternatives' ranks. The sensitivity analysis was conducted in two parts. In the first part, the lambda value of WASPAS changed between 0 and 1. In the second part, 14 cases are introduced in criteria weights. The results show that the rank of alternatives is stable in different cases.

Physical and Morphological Characterisation of Typha Australis Fibres

Typha australis is an invasive plant from Senegal also found in wetlands. In order to limit its proliferation, typha australis is used in the energy sector but also in construction. This study contributes to the valorisation of typha australis in the field of biocomposites. For this purpose, typha fibres were used. The fibres were extracted manually using a plastic comb, then subdivided into three zones, namely the bottom, middle and top, and dried. The resulting fibres were characterised physically by measuring density, water content and absorption coefficient, and morphologically by determining the morphology but also of the section of the fibres. many respects, the physical property results concerning density show an average of the three areas of 1.53 g/cm3 with a water content between 6 and 10% and an absorption coefficient showing two main absorption phases. As for the tomography results, we directly notice the presence of fibre bundles and not of individual fibres due to the manual extraction method used. Nevertheless, the results obtained suggest a behaviour comparable to that of the most commonly used natural fibres, namely flax.

Current Trends in the Development of International Business in the Energy Sector in the Russian Federation

The relevance of the study is related to the importance of the export of Russian energy raw materials to world markets, and even in the face of sanctions pressure, the investment attractiveness of this sector of the economy does not lose its importance in the eyes of foreign partners.The purpose is to analyze trends in the development of international business in the energy sector of the Russian Federation.Objectives: analyze the current state of logistics orientations for the export of Russian energy raw materials; to show the investment attractiveness of the Russian energy market for foreign partners.Methodology. The works of domestic and foreign specialists were used as initial theoretical materials. International business and its development in the energy sector are analyzed within the framework of the Triple Embeddedness Framework (TEF). The information base is represented by statistical data from Worldtradelaw, materials from the Official Website of the International Trade Administration, the Competence Center for Interaction with International Organizations (Globalcentre), the Ministry of Energy and the Central Bank of Russia, and energy companies of the Russian Federation.Results. It has been proven that due to the difficult geopolitical situation and sanctions pressure, the Russian energy business experienced some investment difficulties, but quickly regained its influence and again began to attract significant amounts of foreign direct investment.Conclusions. Promising areas of business cooperation in the energy sector for Russia are the UAE, Vietnam as a potential future importer of LNG, China, which today accounts for the bulk of Russia's total energy trade, and other East Asian countries.

Prospects and Obstacles Associated with Community Solar and Wind Farms in Jordan’s Suburban Areas

Jordan faces significant, immediate challenges of enhancing energy security while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most promising approaches to achieve sustainable development, energy security, and environmental conservation is to increase the integration of renewable energy into electricity generation. To this end, the Jordanian government aims to expand investments in the green energy sector, with solar and wind energy expected to play a crucial role in meeting energy demands and promoting environmental sustainability. This paper aims to examine the distinct dynamics, challenges, obstacles, and potential solutions related to establishing community solar and wind farms in suburban areas of Jordan. It seeks to highlight the opportunities and barriers influencing the adoption of sustainable energy in the country. Evaluation results from engaging 320 key stakeholders were obtained through a questionnaire, and after comprehensive analysis, it became evident that the benefits and positive aspects of solar and wind farms outweigh their drawbacks and obstacles. These insights can be useful in guiding policies and practices to make renewable energy community projects a reality within Jordan’s suburban areas. Additionally, the findings may serve as a valuable benchmark for other regions facing similar challenges in their pursuit of a sustainable energy future.

Saudi Arabia’s Journey toward a Renewable Future

Recent statistics indicate that as of 2023, the global renewable energy capacity has reached new heights, with Saudi Arabia significantly contributing to this growth through its strategic initiatives. The kingdom is particularly focusing on harnessing solar power, given its abundant sunlight, and is also exploring wind energy, leveraging its vast desert landscapes. These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to become a global leader in renewable energy. This paper provides a detailed exploration of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey from a fossil-fuel-dominated energy sector to a more sustainable, renewable-energy-driven future. Anchored in the broader context of global energy trends, the study emphasizes the critical shift toward renewable resources, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia’s unique position in this global movement. Key to this transition is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework that guides the country’s renewable energy policies and initiatives. A comprehensive review of these policies, including other governmental and international collaborations that support renewable energy development, is offered. The current state of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia is assessed, including an overview of existing projects and production statistics. The paper also explores emerging technologies such as energy storage systems and smart grid solutions, emphasizing their role in Saudi Arabia’s energy transition. An impact assessment is conducted to understand the environmental, economic, and social effects of this energy shift. The paper also includes a comparative analysis of other countries’ renewable energy transitions, extracting lessons and best practices applicable to the Saudi context. Strategic recommendations and reflections on Saudi Arabia’s future role in the global energy landscape are provided for stakeholders in energy policy, environmental planning, and sustainable development.

The Risk-Return Trade-Off of US Renewable Energy Sector

This study applies the Fama-French three-factor model to analyze the impact of market risk premium, size, and value factors on the stock returns of eight major renewable energy companies listed on the U.S. stock market. Employing linear regression analysis. The analysis indicates that while market trends heavily influence stock returns, the size and value factors' effects vary across different companies. This study contributes to understanding the financial performance of renewable energy firms and underscores the need for industry-specific risk management approaches to bolster investor confidence and facilitate sector growth. The results serve as a foundational reference for investors and policymakers interested in the renewable energy market's dynamics and its future development trajectory.