Energy Supply Chain Research Articles

The global gas transit: new supply chains

The aggravation of relations between Russia and Western countries in early 2022 has marked the formation of new supply chains for energy resources, particularly gas exports. Global energy transit is closely linked to fundamental problems in the world economy, which were aggravated during the coronavirus pandemic. Empirical evidence illustrates that new hydrocarbon supply chains have dramatically changed the balance of power in the global market. The reasons for this were the pricing policy as well as the supply and demand conditions in the market. Considering the gas market as a system of interrelated participants: producers and consumers, the study concludes that energy transit will be determined by the outcome of the economic competition between Russia and the West, as well as the speed of building the infrastructure necessary for the creation and transportation of liquefied natural gas. At the same time, the prospects for low-carbon energy are not so obvious. First of all, the high costs and the unwillingness of many countries to make significant investments hamper a transition. The study concludes that the restructuring of global energy supply chains is in the interests of some developed countries. In general, the current processes in the global energy sector represent a fundamental trend that is associated with the transition period of the world economy. The paper contributes to the knowledge by providing a comprehensive overview of the new processes in the energy sphere.

Identification of carbon responsibility factors based on energy consumption from 2005 to 2020 in China

In the process of rapid economic development, the relationship between energy consumption and economic development is close and the coupling relationship is complex. The study proposes a method for the assessment of integrated energy consumption factors. In particular, production and consumption driving factors are expressed in relation to the growth of primary energy consumption responsibility in the energy supply chain system. Specifically, based on previous research, the study builds a LMDI decomposition model based on the primary energy consumption responsibility - embodied energy (PECREE) formula. By analyzing the impact of changes in the final commodity quantity, value-added allocation factor, energy intensity, end-use energy consumption structure and primary energy consumption responsibility conversion factor on primary energy consumption responsibility, the study systematically reveals the linkage relationship between product production and consumption on energy consumption changes, and reveals the related driving mechanism of primary energy consumption responsibility growth. We choose China's energy supply system from 2005 to 2020 as a case study, focusing on the impact of changes in economic sectors on primary energy consumption responsibility, and provide a supplementary explanation from the commodity consumption side. The results show that the change of final use quantity is the most important factor causing the increase of primary energy consumption responsibility, but the impact is decreasing year by year. The impact of energy intensity change on primary energy consumption responsibility is mainly dominated by economic sectors with high energy consumption and high energy intensity. The impact of value-added allocation factor requires systematic consideration of energy intensity of economic sectors. The increase of the proportion of electricity in the end-use energy consumption structure of the economic sector promotes the growth of its primary energy consumption responsibility. The reduction of primary energy consumption responsibility conversion factor for electricity is one of the factors that inhibits the growth of primary energy consumption responsibility. Finally, we believe that while meeting the needs of social development and production and life of the people, China is already on the road of adjustment and transformation of its industrial structure and energy structure, and will continue to make progress in the future.

ANALYSIS OF MODERN TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LOGISTICS CHANNELS OF ENERGY PRODUCTS PRODUCERS

The purpose of the article is to highlight the crucial role of logistics in ensuring efficient, sustainable and reliable energy distribution, especially in the face of challenges posed by global events such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing energy crisis. The dynamics of logistics channels in the energy sector are undergoing significant transformation due to technological innovations, geopolitical developments, environmental considerations and changes in energy sources. This study examines the current trends and opportunities in the logistics channels of energy producers, with a particular focus on how these elements are affecting the logistics landscape of the energy market. Methodology. The methodological approach combines a comprehensive review of current literature, analysis of industry reports and case studies to assess the evolution of logistics practices in the energy sector. According to the study, the logistics framework of the energy sector is changing as a result of a strong push for sustainability and technological advancement, which is driving the need for creative logistics solutions. Efforts to promote environmental sustainability are driving green logistics, and digitalisation is increasing operational efficiency across the supply chain. Results. The article emphasises the importance of sustainable and diversified clean energy supply chains, and stresses the need for strategic international cooperation to overcome the complexities of the current global energy landscape. The practical implications of this study suggest that stakeholders in the energy sector, including policy makers, businesses and researchers, need to adapt to these new trends to promote a more sustainable, efficient and responsive logistics infrastructure. The value/originality of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of the factors driving changes in energy product logistics, offering insights into the strategic directions for the development of sustainable energy supply chains in the face of ever-changing global challenges.

Renewable energy supply chain in Malaysia: Fostering energy management practices and ecological performance

The trade-off between environmental issues and economic outcomes has challenged manufacturing firms to manage the renewable energy supply chain (RESC). The Malaysian manufacturing industry has been challenged for its capacity to contribute to renewable energy development and reliance on imported components. The renewable energy supply chain has risks for uncertainty, higher costs, longer lead times, and disruption. Prior studies uncover the impact of fostering energy management practices (EMPs) and ecological performance (EC) in the renewable energy supply chain under a natural resource-based view (RBV). The government has provided the incentive to drive the successful implementation of energy management to obtain clean energy and business sustainability. This study contributes to developing a theoretical model that examines the intervening effect of the RESC on EMPs and EC. This study analysed the responses of 129 manufacturing firms to understand energy management practices. The findings show that energy auditing positively relates to RESC and that government incentives have impacted energy management practices. Management commitment and energy knowledge directly affected manufacturing firms’ ecological performance. The results show that manufacturing firms can best design energy management, green strategy, and competitiveness for business sustainability. Theoretical, policy and managerial implications are discussed.

Modelling tools for the assessment of Renewable Energy Communities

The energy transition is driving the adoption of local renewable energy production. Decentralised renewable plants enable citizens to play an active role in generating and managing energy supplies. In Europe, recent policies are promoting Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), which consist of aggregations of end-users aiming to produce and share renewable energy, generating and managing cost-effective energy supply chains autonomously. A comprehensive analysis of REC potential requires tools that integrate socio-economic, environmental, and spatial evaluations for renewable energy assessment. The objective of this study is to present the current status and capabilities of tools for REC modelling. This paper reviews twelve energy modelling tools which have the potential for the evaluation of RECs. The review structure follows the steps of a REC assessment process, which is structured in background, inputs, simulation or optimisation and outputs. Technical, economic, and environmental aspects of REC projects should be included without leaving behind the spatialisation and geographical planning of the new energy systems. Findings reveal that the co-existence of multiple criteria is not satisfied in any of the current tools, as most of them mainly analyse a few areas of interest and partially consider other aspects. The comparison reveals that the energy and financial outputs are mainly deepened. Meanwhile, environmental and spatial criteria have a marginal role among both inputs and outputs. Finally, software marginally spatializes the workflow steps except for CEA and URBANopt, which are revealed to be the most complete options for REC design.

Investigating energy management of hybrid vehicle technologies to promote sustainable mobility paradigms

Analysing contemporary passenger cars' energy consumption and environmental impacts is a critical research area. This is particularly relevant in urban transport's dynamic and unpredictable environment, where vehicles' fuel consumption and emissions vary considerably. An in-depth understanding of such fluctuations is essential for innovative, efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle technology. In the present research, I investigated a 1.4-litre petrol hybrid vehicle, focusing on its energy supply chain under real-world urban driving conditions. The study focuses on policies that can promote the development of sustainable mobility, improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. The results can help to optimise hybrid vehicle technologies in an environmentally conscious way and explore possible new avenues for sustainable transport solutions.

Resilient and sustainable energy supply chains: insights on sourcing and pricing strategies in a non-collaborative and collaborative environment

Energy supply chain resilience and sustainability are essential for dependable, ecologically responsible energy availability, reducing disruptions, and creating a sustainable future. In this regard, this study explores the resilience and sustainability of a single energy supply chain through two distinct scenarios. The focus is on a manufacturer capable of sourcing products from renewable and non-renewable power plants. Although the renewable power plant is the preferred clean option, disruptions may occur. On the other hand, the fossil fuel power plant offers reliability at the cost of environmental impact. The manufacturer employs two sourcing strategies based on disruption probabilities: single sourcing from just the renewable power plant and dual sourcing from fossil and renewable power plants. In the second scenario, a collaboration between the power plants is introduced. If a disruption occurs at the renewable power plant, it orders the fossil fuel power plant to generate electricity on its behalf. Using a game-theoretic approach, the research examines the effects of dual-sourcing techniques, and the efficacy of cooperation in minimising disruptions. It also examines the trade-offs between energy supply chain resilience and environmental sustainability. The results shed light on sourcing strategy decision-making and add to the literature on sustainable and resilient energy supply chains.

DeepFore: A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach for Power Forecasting in Renewable Energy Systems

An open network known as the “energy internet” links every component of the whole energy supply chains, from the generations. Due to their ability to mimic regional flow dynamics that have an impact on wind farm production, regional meteorological models are increasingly being used as a general tool for wind resource forecasting. In this study, higher vertical and horizontal resolutions WRF (weather research and forecasting) paradigm simulation are used to anticipate and validate production for a genuine onshore wind farm. This paper proposed a DeepFore which is a power forecasting system for hybrid renewable energy systems. Initially, the dataset is generated by the hybrid system. This data is preprocessed to improve the quality of the data by incorporating, filtering and outlier detection techniques. Then, this enriched data is fed into K++ means clustering algorithm to separate the normal data from faulty data. With the normal and original data, Teaching-Learning based optimization algorithm attempts to realize the optimal features which are important for forecasting. Finally, Deep SARSA which is deep reinforcement learning algorithm is incorporated to determine the power generated by the hybrid system. Better winds energy prediction estimations enable more efficient utilization of the produced electricity, according to computational models.

How did the Russia–Ukraine war impact energy imports and electricity generation? A comparative analysis between Germany and the United Kingdom

The energy crisis caused by the Russia–Ukraine war (RUW) has affected the energy supply chain. The countries most impacted by the sanctions imposed on Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine focused on replacing the countries they import their energy from in the short term and switching fuel, for example, from natural gas to coal in Germany. The objective of this article is to verify how the war has impacted energy trade and electricity generation in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK). The results indicate that the RUW had consequences on these countries’ energy sector, significantly affecting fuel trade and electricity generation in the immediate aftermath of the war.

Fuzzy-random robust flexible programming on sustainable closed-loop renewable energy supply chain

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have become a widely accepted method of harnessing solar energy in recent decades. In addition to the growing use of renewable energies are being used due to the depletion of fossil fuel supplies and the corresponding pollution generated by these non-renewable fuels. Since PV systems possess a limited lifespan, and are predicted to eventually become outdated, sustainability and recycling that should be incorporated into the structure of the solar system supply chain. The management of high and low moisture waste (H&LMW) is crucial due to its harmful environmental impacts, including sludge waste, carbon dioxide (CO2), and acid compounds. This study explores the integration of research on H&LMW and PV systems, focusing on energy generation from biogas, incineration power plants, and PV systems. In this respect, we propose a multi-objective mixed-integer programming model to construct a sustainable closed-loop renewable energy supply chain by considering forward and reverse flow through solar, biogas, and incineration power plants. Reducing CO2 with power-to-gas technology is thought to be an environmentally friendly approach. A novel fuzzy-random robust flexible programming approach based on Me measure is proposed, which overcomes the limitations of addressing the uncertainty of the parameters. Next, in order to solve the suggested multi-objective model, a novel strategy known as utility function based multi-choice conic goal programming is presented. A case study explores the sustainable challenges of a closed-loop renewable energy supply network in India’s renewable energy sector. The experimental results indicate that 9 candidate locations are selected for solar wafer production facilities, while 10, 9, and 15 locations are chosen for solar cell production, module manufacturing, and solar power plants, respectively. A sensitivity analysis reveals that the proportion of air pollution limitations possessively rises from 100% to 80% corresponding to the aggregate cost increases from INR 8021452 to INR 8056542.

Model construction of coordinated operation mechanism of energy supply chain based on operations research big data algorithm

During rapid modernization, the policy of technological upgrading of the coordinated operation of the energy supply chain has been tested over many years of practice, with limited potential for future development, and further emission reductions are facing greater technological and cost pressures. Market trading policies mainly include the carbon emissions trading mechanism and the guaranteed mechanism for renewable energy power consumption, and the above policies will be formally implemented in 2020, which will be the main direction of development in the future. After introducing the low-carbon policies, this paper will focus on the coal-power energy supply chain considering the carbon credit quota and renewable electricity consumption limitations and analyze the impacts of the relevant parameters on the coal-power energy supply chain returns under the above policies in both non-cooperative and cooperative game scenarios. Finally, a preferential price-based green power certificate trading mechanism is constructed to propose a cost-reducing trading proposal for power users to purchase green power certificates to fulfill the amount of renewable energy power consumption.

Optimal scheduling method of low-carbon energy supply chain based on machine learning and game theory

Aiming at the quality and stability of a low-carbon new energy supply chain, this paper puts forward an optimal scheduling method for a low-carbon energy supply chain based on machine learning and game theory. By establishing an index and preprocessing keywords, the similarity between the index and the data in the platform database is calculated, and the data-sharing result of the low-carbon energy supply chain is obtained. This paper analyzes the game benefits of each subject in the optimization of the low-carbon energy supply chain, obtains the game matrix, and realizes the optimal scheduling of the low-carbon energy supply chain. The experimental results show that the scheduling convergence error of the low-carbon energy supply chain is low, the accuracy is high, and the load supply equipment can run stably.

Systematic literature review based on the descriptive, bibliometric, and content analysis of renewable energy supply chain for a circular economy

Recently, the renewable energy supply chain has gained momentum as a vital component for clean energy, contributing to a sustainable future for the world. The development of the renewable energy supply chain is directly linked to circular economy targets and practices. This paper presents a systematic literature review of studies that analyze the roles, functions, and application objectives of the circular economy in the renewable energy supply chain. The aim of this review is to investigate key elements of renewable energy supply chains in the circular economy, shedding light on the state of research on the progress of sustainability in renewable energy supply chains, and guiding future research. Mainly, the systematic literature review demonstrates its findings by identifying and mapping the collated literature to reviews and applied studies that support and drive the renewable energy supply chain under the circular economy. This review paper is handled with a systematically descriptive, bibliometric, and content analysis hybrid approach, framed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology on the research topic. Findings show that circular economy applications have gained momentum in the renewable energy supply chain; nonetheless, some deficiencies persist. Redesign-based applications and design for recycling concepts encompass a significant gap in the renewable energy supply chain. Moreover, the current literature lacks outcomes on the applicability of circular economy 10R targets and the interrelationship and scalability of sustainable development goals in the renewable energy supply chain.

Article: Fragmentation of Community Consent Standard in the Era of Friendshoring and Nearshoring

Recent developments in clean energy supply chain amidst the geopolitical crisis have resulted in the friend shoring and nearshoring measures in the clean energy supply chain. Clean energy supply chain is susceptible to Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) risks, particularly resistance from the local communities against the critical minerals mining/exploration projects, due to policy gaps in the legislative framework regarding the community engagement standard and procedures. In context of friend shoring and nearshoring measures, this gap may get widened in the States with critical mineral resources. The article will track the development of the ESG standards pertaining to community engagement at the multilateral forums and the multilateral stakeholder initiative forums. Moreover, the article will analyse the gaps in ESG performance of the mining sector, particularly parameters of the community engagement. Further, the article will identify issues with the current initiatives under trade and economic cooperation agreements and bilateral investment treaties toward ensuring the community consent standards by extractive industry, specifically the mining of critical minerals for clean energy development. The article will conclude that fragmentation of the community consent standard has resulted in widening of ESG risks for investors and host states in the critical mineral sector. Accordingly, the article recommends that host states frame legislative framework for this sector by balancing interest of local communities with sound business environment for the investors. Friendshoring, Nearshoring, Electric Vehicle, Environment, Social and Governance, Trade Agreements, Free Prior and Informed Consent, Community Consent Standard, Investor State Dispute Settlement.

Impact of artificial intelligence on renewable energy supply chain vulnerability: Evidence from 61 countries

By fully leveraging the mitigating effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on renewable energy, the supply chain vulnerability is referred to as the key to realizing the supply chain's safety, stability, reliability, and the continuous development of global environmental governance. Several databases have been selected here for the assessment: the UN Comtrade database, the global industrial robotics database, and the World Bank database covering the period of 2000 to 2019. This particular study examines the effect and mechanisms of AI on renewable energy supply chain vulnerability and explores the spatial spillover effects of AI in neighboring countries. The relevant findings are threefold. Firstly, the analysis of the mechanism of action demonstrates that AI can alleviate renewable energy supply chain vulnerability through technological innovation, governance system optimization, and trade network status promotion effects. Secondly, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that AI significantly alleviates renewable energy supply chain vulnerability in middle-income countries, high-vulnerability products, countries with high popularity of digital infrastructure, and countries in the initial stage of renewable energy industrial development. Thirdly, the spatial econometric results show that AI can directly alleviate domestic renewable energy supply chain vulnerability and indirectly alleviate vulnerability in neighboring countries through spatial spillover effects. This study expands the methods for identifying the impact of external environmental changes on renewable energy supply chain vulnerability. It provides an empirical reference for policymakers and professionals to maintain the security, stability, and reliability of renewable energy supply chains in the AI era.

Flexing with lines or pipes: Techno-economic comparison of renewable electricity import options for European research facilities.

Where local resources for renewable electricity are scarce or insufficient, long-distance electricity imports will be required in the future. Even across long distances, the variable availability of renewable energy sources needs to be managed for which dedicated storage options are usually considered. Other alternatives could be demand-side flexibility and concentrated solar power with integrated thermal energy storage. Here their influence on the cost of imported electricity is explored. Using a techno-economic linear capacity optimization, exports of renewable electricity from Morocco and Tunisia to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland in the context of large research facilities are modeled. Two different energy supply chains are considered, direct imports of electricity by HVDC transmission lines, and indirect imports using H2 pipelines subsequent electricity generation. The results show that direct electricity exports ranging from 58 EUR/MWh to 106 EUR/MWh are the more economical option compared to indirect H2-based exports ranging from 157 EUR/MWh to 201 EUR/MWh. Both demand-side flexibility and CSP with TES offer significant opportunities to reduce the costs of imports, with demand-side flexibility able to reduce costs for imported electricity by up to 45%. Research institutions in Central Europe could initiate and strengthen electricity export-import partnerships with North Africa to take on a leading role in Europe's energy transition and to secure for themselves a long-term, sustainable electricity supply at plannable costs.

The Impact of Security Issues Related to the War in Ukraine on World Trade Transformations

The article is devoted to the impact of security issues related to the global conflict, located in Ukraine, on the world trade transformations.
 The objective of the paper is twofold: first, to analyze the impact of the conflict on energy and food security in the context of changes in the world commodity prices and global modifications in the energy supply chains; second, to reveal the trade flows transformation in the world economy system and to substantiate the need to modernize the international institutions.
 The methodological basis of the research is the system approach: the methods of economic and statistical analysis combined with graphical method are used to determine the world commodity prices dynamics, as well as world commodity prices indices; the historical-logical method along with the analysis of economic phenomena and processes are used to assess the prerequisites for changes in world trade development and to reveal the need to revise the Washington Consensus, to transform the WTO.
 The conflict in Ukraine put pressure on security issues on a global scale, starting with food and energy security which resulted in trade flows transformations contributing to dividing the world into blocs. The confrontation forced the WTO to worsen forecasts regarding the development of the global trade; however, the trade trends demonstrated the adaptability of the world to the new transition realities. In October 2022 the WTO improved its forecast for 2022, but the risks of the war continuation resulted in significant deterioration of the forecast for 2023. The state of affairs leads to growing expectations regarding the reformatting of world trade in the short term while the ongoing war conditions the revision of current approaches to the formation of the world order and further emphasizes the need to transform the world’s leading economic institutions, primarily the World Trade Organization.

Fluctuations in Chevron's Share Price in the Context of the Russia-Ukraine War

The Russia-Ukraine war led to disruptions in the global energy supply chain and increased inflation. Western countries imposed sanctions to restrict Russian energy exports, triggering market shocks. This essay analyzes how the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine on February 24, 2022 may affect stock markets and energy markets throughout the world. The article selects the closing price of Chevron's stock from January 3, 2011 to July 28, 2023 as the raw data, and uses an ARIMA model to analyze the changes in Chevron's stock price and demonstrate the war between Russia and Ukraine's effects on it from multiple perspectives. It has been discovered that geopolitical developments may possess a significant short-term influence on stock values, but over time, the market gradually shifts its focus from a single event to a wider range of market factors, thus weakening the impact of geopolitical events on stock prices. This paper aims to fill the research gap on the stock price reactions of oil and gas companies in the face of conflict by analyzing the stock price changes of the energy company Chevron to show how global developments affect the American energy market, and to aid investors in evaluating the risks and possibilities, as well as to shed light on the market volatility and long- and short-term impacts of the energy sector. Finally, the paper provides investment recommendations that summarize the main points of the full paper.

Enhancing bilateral ties: the escalation of Azerbaijan's economic investments in Turkey

This research explores the strengthening economic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkey, particularly focusing on Azerbaijan's increasing investments in the Turkish economy since the signing of the "Trade and Economic Cooperation" agreement in 1992. It analyzes significant projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines, which transcend mere infrastructural achievements to become strategic assets in the geopolitical landscape. These pipelines facilitate the safe transportation of hydrocarbons from the Caspian basin, bypassing traditional transit routes, and thereby reducing political and economic vulnerabilities. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s substantial investments in Turkey's PETKIM petrochemical complex and the STAR Oil Refinery are examined as strategic steps enhancing the economic depth of both countries. These investments represent more than capital inflows; they symbolize a deep-rooted strategic alliance that promotes energy independence and industrial diversification. The STAR Oil Refinery plays a pivotal role in Turkey's energy supply chain, significantly contributing to its self-sufficiency in processed oil products. This bilateral economic engagement exemplifies how states with complementary resources and strategic visions can create sustainable economic corridors, highlighting the role of economic diplomacy in shaping international relations in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The evolving partnership not only exemplifies successful bilateral cooperation but also indicates strategic foresight in using economic synergies for regional stability and prosperity.

Computational fluid dynamics modeling of rock–liquid–H2 contact angles: Implications for underground hydrogen storage

To achieve the net-zero target, hydrogen (H2) will emerge as an essential cornerstone within the energy supply chain of the future. To effectively attain such a target for an integrated and sustainable large-volume economy based on H2 on a global scale, proper H2 storage is imperative. This is where the significance of Underground H2 Storage comes to the fore. However, there are many concerns that should be addressed before using underground structures including the interactions between rock, H2, and liquid within the pore spaces.In this study, we simulated the process of an H2 bubble hitting reservoir rock samples and measured the contact angles for rock–H2–distilled water systems using the Navier–Stokes equations for mass and momentum conservation. The phase-field method was utilized for tracking the free surface. Since the phase-field method is essentially a coupling set of equations, we used the commercial finite element software COMSOL, which excels at solving Multiphysics coupling problems, to solve the Navier–Stokes equations and the phase-field method. The predicted contact angles were validated with the experimental results of basalt, shale, and calcite substrates. The simulated and experimental contact angles differed by <2° in most cases exhibiting favorable agreement. Additionally, the simulation was able to replicate the same behavior of the change in contact angle caused by variations in temperature and pressure during the experiments. It is noteworthy that the findings from this study are helpful to better understand and predict the wettability of different minerals during underground H2 storage.