Energy Technology Innovation Research Articles

Balancing India's energy trilemma: Assessing the role of renewable energy and green technology innovation for sustainable development

The energy trilemma, which includes energy security, affordability, and sustainability, is vital for India's path towards green development. A practical assessment of the energy trilemma's level is crucial for assessing the current state of India's energy landscape and making substantial progress towards Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. Based on time series data from 1990 to 2021, this paper investigates the direct and indirect effect of renewable energy use and green technology innovation on India's energy trilemma by using the dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (DYNARDL) simulation model. Our findings indicate that renewable energy use impacts the energy trilemma positively in both the short and long run. However, the effect of green technology on energy trilemma is positive but insignificant, suggesting the need for further technological advancement. The mediation analysis highlights that environmental regulation and energy efficiency are crucial through which both renewable energy and green technology innovation influence energy trilemma, while R&D shows an insignificant mediation effect. Based on the above findings, the study provides implications for policymakers to focus on strengthening environmental regulation, enhancing energy efficiency, and increasing the financial flow for R&D investment to incentivize the mitigating effect of green technology on renewable energy use on energy trilemma.

Oil rents and environmental sustainability: Do green technologies and environmental technological innovation matter?

Sustaining the environment is essential for Saudi Arabia, especially given the country’s high dependence on oil rents. While these rents have historically fueled economic growth, they have also contributed significantly to environmental degradation. Sustainable resource use and a transition from conventional to renewable energy sources are essential for achieving carbon neutrality and keeping the upsurge in global temperature below 2°C. In addition, sustainable practices help to preserve ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources, which are essential for the survival of all living organisms. Consequently, this study fills a significant empirical gap by investigating the moderating effects of technological innovation, environmental innovation, and green energy technologies in the oil rents and environmental sustainability nexus in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2022. Although there are significant direct associations between oil rents and environmental sustainability, the existing literature has not investigated empirical research on the moderating effects of technological innovation, environmental innovation, and green energy technologies in the oil rents and environmental sustainability nexus. To do this, the study implements the model of dynamic AutoRegressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) simulations. The results indicate that rising oil rents, economic growth, trade, and urbanization in Saudi Arabia worsen environmental sustainability while increasing green energy technologies, technological innovation, and environmental innovation enhances environmental sustainability. Interestingly, the findings of the moderating effects of technological innovation, environmental innovation, and green energy technologies in the oil rents and environmental sustainability nexus show that the predicted coefficients of the multiplicative interaction terms are both positive and statistically significant. This demonstrates that these technologies play crucial roles in mitigating the negative effects of oil rents on environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Based on the outcomes, promoting technological innovation, prioritizing investments in green sources and reducing dependence on natural resource extraction are key policy recommendations that can significantly bolster environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia.

Comprehensive study on the efficiency of vertical bifacial photovoltaic systems: a UK case study

This paper presents the first comprehensive study of a groundbreaking Vertically Mounted Bifacial Photovoltaic (VBPV) system, marking a significant innovation in solar energy technology. The VBPV system, characterized by its vertical orientation and the use of high-efficiency Heterojunction cells, introduces a novel concept diverging from traditional solar panel installations. Our empirical research, conducted over a full year at the University of York, UK, offers an inaugural assessment of this pioneering technology. The study reveals that the VBPV system significantly outperforms both a vertically mounted monofacial PV (VMPV) system and a conventional tilted monofacial PV (TMPV) system in energy output. Key findings include a daily power output increase of 7.12% and 10.12% over the VMPV system and an impressive 26.91% and 22.88% enhancement over the TMPV system during early morning and late afternoon hours, respectively. Seasonal analysis shows average power gains of 11.42% in spring, 8.13% in summer, 10.94% in autumn, and 12.45% in winter compared to the VMPV system. Against the TMPV system, these gains are even more substantial, peaking at 24.52% in winter. These results underscore the VBPV system's exceptional efficiency in harnessing solar energy across varied environmental conditions, establishing it as a promising and sustainable solution in solar energy technology.

Role of green finance in regional heterogeneous green innovation: Evidence from China

Green finance plays a critical role in promoting regional green innovation. However, the precise influence of green finance on diverse facets of green innovation remains underexplored. This study empirically analyses the diverse effects of green finance on heterogeneous green innovation by applying the negative binomial model, the threshold model, andthe spatial error model using China’s regional data from 2010 to 2019. The results indicate that green finance has a positive impact on regional green innovation performance, primarily through significant contributions to fossil energy carbon reduction, energy conservation and recovery, and clean energy technology innovation. The effect of green finance is also influenced by the level of local environmental supervision, exhibiting a significant threshold effect. In addition, the development of green innovation in the region can have a siphoning effect on the resources of surrounding areas, hindering their innovation development. These findings highlight the necessity for strategic government policy-making, which should leverage the diverse impacts of green finance on various forms of green innovation. Customizing green financial instruments to suit regional environmental regulatory conditions and the green innovation levels of neighboring regions could significantly aid in promoting regional green transformation and growth.

Renewable energy policy performance and technological innovation in Africa: A Bayesian estimation

This paper examines the effect of renewable energy policy performance on innovation activity in the renewable energy sector in a sample of thirty-three African countries during the period 2010–2021. The policy performance we use covers carbon pricing, incentives for grid-connected and distributed renewable energy generation, fiscal incentives for renewable energy, legal framework for renewable energy, off-take risk, network connection and pricing, and policy design attributes. Using patent data and renewable policy performance to fit a Bayesian negative binomial, our results generally show that renewable energy policy in the region supports technological innovation in the sector. Policy initiatives focused on market-based incentives (auctions and tariffs), renewable portfolio standards, risk mitigation, network connection and pricing are largely responsible for a strong and statistically significant relationship between renewable energy policy and innovation activity. We also find evidence that intellectual property rights, renewable energy capacity, electricity prices, affordability of renewable energy, and openness to trade proxies are important drivers of innovation activity in the renewable energy sector. Our analysis finds no evidence that research and development is a significant determinant of renewable energy innovation in African countries. Our results serve to inform policymakers on the areas in which specific policy actions are most effective at promoting innovation in the renewable energy sector.

Preface

This volume contains the invited lectures and general progress reports presented at 2024 3rd International Symposium on New Energy Technology Innovation and Low Carbon Development (NET-LC 2024). The Conference was held via hybrid form in Guangzhou, China from 29th to 31st March 2024. The motivation for NET-LC 2024 was the need for a detailed consideration of the research and development of new energy and low carbon technologies. The topics of the papers collected in this Proceedings cover but are not limited to the following areas: Renewable Energy Systems, Energy Storage Technology, Energy Materials, Electrical Batteries and BMS, Motor System Modeling and Analysis, Smart Grids, New Energy Vehicles, etc. We hope that this volume will be an important resource of information about the latest progress in new energy and low carbon technologies and will be useful, first of all, for students, but also for researchers and professionals in relevant industries. The Conference was attended by over 300 delegates from Malaysia, USA, India, Denmark, Turkey, South Korea, China, and other countries. It mainly featured opening speech, keynote speeches, oral presentations, poster presentations, closing speech, academic investigation, allowing for a relaxed discussion of research results and facilitating productive academic atmosphere. In the Conference, we had two renowned professors acting as keynote speakers to deliver speeches and share expertise insights based on their own researches for all participants to learn from. Lim Boon Han, Professor of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, focusing on high-resolution solar irradiance and its applications to optimize PV power plants design in the tropics, shared his study Bifacial PV System in the Tropics with us. And next, Omid Mahian, Professor of Ningbo University, China, and reviewer for over 100 international journals, having published more than 200 SCI papers, made a report on Nanoparticles and Thermal Systems. While sharing their research experiences and professional insights, they interacted with the participants and answering their questions. And all the speeches were well received, triggering heated discussion. We would like to thank the invited speakers for their participation at NET-LC 2024 and for their efforts writing contributions for this paper volume. We also express our gratitude to the expert reviewers for their careful choice of the conference contributions and enormous effort. Special thanks to the Program Committee members for their efforts in preparing and making the Program. Acknowledgement also to the editors and related staff of Journal of Physics: Conference Series for their time and support in publishing this paper volume. We firmly believe that this successful conference will stimulate further development of the interdisciplinary research fields of energy. The Committee of NET-LC 2024 List of Committee member is available in this Pdf.

Does digital economy help reduce carbon emissions from tourism? Evidence from China

ABSTRACT In the context of global warming and the continued expansion of tourism, the issue of carbon emissions from tourism (CET) has become more prominent. Development of the digital economy provides a new opportunity to reduce CET. Using data from 30 provinces in China from 2004 to 2020, this study examines the direct effect of the digital economy on CET by employing the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM). An intermediate effects model is applied to explore its indirect transmission mechanism, and some heterogeneity is analyzed. The results indicate that digital economy plays a significant role in reducing CET. Energy structure, environmental governance and technological innovation are three important channels for the digital economy to influence CET. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that digital economy has a more pronounced decarbonisation effect in the eastern and central regions, while it is not significant in the western region. And the decarbonisation performance of the digital economy is enhanced in regions with an easier financial environment and more developed pollution abatement facilities. This study offers a theoretical and practical foundation for the low-carbon development of China’'s tourism industry. It also provides insights into the sustainable development of tourism in other countries.

Bio-nanocomposites: Innovative solutions for addressing issues in health, agriculture, energy and environmental domains

The extensive industrial use of plastics causes serious environmental problems. In order to solve this, scientists have concentrated on developing composites that are environmentally sustainable through the integration of nanofillers with bio-based components. These bio-nanocomposites, with significant potential in health, agriculture, energy, and environmental applications, offer a viable alternative to conventional plastics. In the field of medicine, bio-nanocomposites, owing to their unique properties and functionalities, find extensive applications in tissue culture, wound healing, and drug delivery. Also, bio-nanocomposites have the ability to support sustainable agriculture while enhancing crop yields. Additionally, due to their enhanced conductivity and environmentally beneficial components, bio-nanocomposites stimulate innovations in energy storage and renewable energy technology. Furthermore, the bio-nanocomposites provide environmentally friendly options for remediation and pollution management. This review explores the diverse applications of nanocomposite and bio-nanocomposite materials across healthcare, agriculture, energy storage and environment sectors and discusses strategies for enhancing their features to suit specific applications.

The degree of population aging and carbon emissions: Analysis of mediation effect and multi-scenario simulation

The continuous deepening of aging has posed new challenges for global sustainable development. Measuring the impact of population aging on carbon emissions is crucial for the next stage of climate governance. However, the structural changes in social production and consumption make it difficult to evaluate the impact effects. Therefore, this study constructed a bidirectional fixed Space Durbin Model to explore the mediating pathway of aging's impact on carbon emissions. Furthermore, we have established high-precision prediction models to simulate the evolution trajectory of carbon emissions under multi-factor driving scenarios. The main findings are as follows: (1) The process of carbon emission reduction due to population aging has significant energy hindrance effect and industrial structure effect, while the process of carbon growth is constrained by the consumption enhancement effect, technology progress effect and labor participation effect. (2) The moderating effects of energy consumption and technological innovation on carbon emissions under the aging process are 10.74% and 10.24%, respectively, while the moderating effects of industrial structure and labor force participation are relatively weak. (3) The goodness of fit of the MNGM-ARIMA and MNGM-BPNN models is over 97%. Carbon emissions in the high aging regions show a decreasing trend in all scenarios except the energy consumption-driven scenario, while in the medium and low aging regions decrease slowly only in the R&D- and labor supply-driven scenarios. This study advocates developing heterogeneous emission reduction measures based on the degree of aging, accelerating supply side upgrading, and increasing the proportion of green consumption.

Minimal doping approach to activate lattice oxygen participation in K2WO4 electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction

Understanding oxygen redox processes is pivotal for advancing oxygen evolution catalysts, critical in electrochemical devices for renewable fuel synthesis. Thermodynamic instability of high entropy metal oxides can interfere with oxygen redox reactions via electrochemical reconstruction. Transforming a W5N4 pre-catalyst into thermodynamically stable K2WO4 through electrochemical treatment in KOH, and incorporating minimal Fe doping, modifies the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) pathway towards oxygen redox activity, significantly influenced by the pH of the electrolyte. The Fe-doped K2WO4 catalyst demonstrates superior OER performance, achieving 10 mA/cm^2 at an overpotential of merely 181 mV (without iR compensation) and sustaining a lifetime of 1200 h at 1000 mA/cm2. Electrochemical methods and DFT calculations confirmed Fe doping creates oxygen vacancies and increases electron density near the Fermi level, enhancing the OER pathway. This methodology offers a versatile approach to adapt high entropy catalysts for broad electrochemical energy conversion applications, highlighting its potential for innovation in renewable energy technologies.

Research on Low-carbon Layout and Planning of Urban Space Driven by Sustainable Development

Carbon dioxide emissions, leading to global warming, have threatened human development. It is urgent to control and slow down greenhouse gas emissions to maintain ecologically sustainable development. The energy demand and pollutant emissions generated in the process of urban development are the main reasons leading to climate and environmental change. Scientific planning for cities and construction of low-carbon urban development models are the first work to deal with climate and environmental issues. In view of these problems, the article takes Guangyuan City as an example of low-carbon city construction, through transforming the city's industrial structure, strengthening the energy and science and technology innovation, establishing and improving the low-carbon system and other methods to implement the specific construction of low-carbon city, to build a clean, low- carbon new urban life mode, Make Guangyuan City from 2015 to reach the exploitable hydropower installed capacity of 65% to 80% in 2020. In this paper, we propose a series of specific low- carbon urban spatial layout and planning strategies, which not only in-depth analysis of the key problems in China's urbanization process, such as energy consumption, carbon emissions, etc., but also propose targeted solutions. By implementing these strategies, we can effectively meet the challenges brought about by urbanization and promote the development of Chinese cities in a more low-carbon and sustainable direction.

The impact and mechanism analysis of Clean Development Mechanism on the synergistic effects of pollution mitigation and carbon reduction

The establishment of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has greatly improved China's carbon emission trading system. However, due to the unbalanced development of CDM in China, the effects and mechanism of CDM on reducing pollution and carbon are still unclear. In order to explore the effects and mechanism of CDM on the synergistic effects of pollution mitigation and carbon reduction, we first set up a theoretical analysis framework. Utilizing panel data from 254 prefecture-level cities across China spanning from 2004 to 2021, we employ a synergy degree model of composite system to evaluate the synergistic effects of pollution mitigation and carbon reduction. By treating CDM as a quasi-natural experimental research subject, we construct a multi-period difference-in-difference model to assess the CDM projects' effects. Our findings indicate a positive association between CDM projects and the synergistic effects of pollution mitigation and carbon reduction. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that CDM projects located in the western region, areas with lower levels of economic development, non-resource cities, non-old industrial bases, and projects with Certified Emission Reductions issued exhibit the most pronounced synergistic effects. Specially, dynamic policy effect analysis shows that only non-resource cities and non-old industrial bases exhibit enhanced policy implementation regarding CDM. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that CDM primarily enhances synergistic effects through improved energy efficiency, technological innovation and energy transition. These findings enrich empirical investigations concerning market-driven emission reduction policy in China, shedding light on pivotal pathways for synergistic control of pollution mitigation and carbon reduction and offering valuable policy insights for comprehensive economic and social green transformation in China.

Do local government investment preferences influence renewable energy technology innovation? Evidence from China

Local government investment can influence renewable energy technology innovation (RETI). Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2007 to 2019, this paper uses fixed effect models, partial linear generalized function coefficient models, and other methods to test the impact of local government investment preferences (LGIP) on RETI. The results are: (1) Productive investment preferences significantly inhibit RETI. (2) The impact of productive investment preferences on RETI is heterogeneous across economic development stages and regions. (3) With economic growth, the negative impact of productive investment preferences on RETI gradually decreases. The findings suggest that local governments should adjust investment patterns and appropriately reduce productive investment to improve RETI.

The impact of electricity sales side reform on energy technology innovation: An analysis based on SCP paradigm

The Electricity Sales Side Reform (ESSR) is a market-oriented reform directly targeting the electricity terminal, aimed at fostering a diversified and fully competitive market structure, particularly to encourage energy technology innovation (ETI). This study establishes a Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP) framework, selects Chinese A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2019 as the research subjects, and employs the multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) method to examine the impact of ESSR on ETI. The primary findings are as follows: (1) ESSR effectively promotes ETI, indicating that changes in market structure enhance energy innovation performance. (2) ESSR stimulates long-term innovation incentives rather than short-term profit impulse, signifying that it intensifies market competition, optimizes resource allocation, and guides information disclosure, thereby supporting firms' ETI. This validates the theoretical paradigm of SCP. (3) The positive impact of ESSR on ETI exhibits heterogeneity. On the electricity generation side, the catalytic effect of ESSR on ETI is more pronounced in regions with lower traditional energy endowments and greater green electricity generation potential. On the electricity sales side, the incentive effect is more prominent in regions with higher electricity prices and a lower capacity in the electricity sales market. On the electricity consumption side, the incentive effect is stronger for enterprises with a cleaner energy structure and increased green investments. Therefore, our research findings bridge gaps in the existing literature and offer valuable insights for achieving a high level of ETI and facilitating energy structure transformation.

Balancing Sustainability and Innovation the Future of Global Energy Policy

The global energy landscape is at a pivotal juncture. With increasing concerns about climate change, energy security, and economic stability, the transition to sustainable energy sources has become more critical. This transformation is driven by technological advancements, policy shifts, and changing consumer preferences. To navigate this transition successfully, it is essential to understand the current trends and future trajectories of the energy sector, including the role of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, technological innovations, and investors' expectations. This article thoroughly explores these aspects, offering insights into the best strategies for a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Balancing Sustainability and Innovation the Future of Global Energy Policy

The global energy landscape is at a pivotal juncture. With increasing concerns about climate change, energy security, and economic stability, the transition to sustainable energy sources has become more critical. This transformation is driven by technological advancements, policy shifts, and changing consumer preferences. To navigate this transition successfully, it is essential to understand the current trends and future trajectories of the energy sector, including the role of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, technological innovations, and investors' expectations. This article thoroughly explores these aspects, offering insights into the best strategies for a sustainable and resilient energy future.

The road to decarbonization in Australia. A Morlet wavelet approach

The path toward sustainable development is closely related to the intensification of renewable energy sources and the continual innovation of technologies. To evaluate the role of renewable energy consumption and technological innovations on carbon emissions in Australia, this study uses the Morlet wavelet approach. This study identified temporal and frequency variations by applying wavelet correlation, continuous wavelet transforms, and partial and multiple wavelet coherence methods on data from 2000 to 2021. The wavelet correlation revealed that non-renewable energy, globalization, and economic growth are positively correlated with carbon emissions at all scales. In contrast, carbon emissions are negatively correlated with renewable energy and technological innovation at all scales. Meanwhile, the wavelet coherence analysis shows that non-renewable energy contributes to increased CO2 emissions from the short to long term, whereas renewable energy usage negatively affects CO2 emissions across all frequency scales. The study findings indicate that increasing the proportion of renewable energy usage in the total energy mix will curb CO2 emissions over the long run. Accordingly, the way to achieve sustainable development is shifting to a low-carbon economy centered on renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and using carbon storage and capture technologies.

Enhancing Energy Supply Reliability for University Lecture Halls Using Photovoltaic-Battery Microgrids: A South African Case Study

Institutions of higher learning in South Africa are grappling with occasional power outages in lecture halls, leading to disruptions in academic activities and occasional loss of lecture hours. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive evaluation of a grid-connected solar PV/Li-ion battery microgrid (μG) system aimed at maintaining a constant power supply to selected lecture halls at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa. The microgrid design, modelling, and simulations, conducted in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, include the solar PV, Li-ion battery, energy consumption of the lecture halls (load profile), boost converter, bidirectional converter, and grid. Using the detailed design, modelling, and simulation, the study evaluates the economic and environmental impacts of integrating μGs, focusing on enhancing energy reliability, reducing operational costs, and mitigating CO2 emissions. The results indicate that integrating the microgrid resulted in a significant 51% reduction in energy cost and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 530 kgCO2e per hour. In Cases 2 and 4, where the battery supplied power, the annual battery degradation costs are 6.08% and 14.9% of the initial cost, respectively. The μG ensures an uninterrupted power supply and improves the overall reliability of the university’s energy infrastructure. It promotes environmental sustainability goals of zero emissions and maintains continuous academic activities during grid outages. Furthermore, it fosters a conducive learning environment, supports innovation and creativity in sustainable energy technologies, and sets a standard for other higher education institutions to integrate renewable energy-powered μGs.

Analyzing variability in urban energy poverty: A stochastic modeling and Monte Carlo simulation approach

Urban energy poverty remains a critical challenge affecting millions worldwide, with significant implications for socio-economic development and sustainability. This study employs Monte Carlo simulations to analyze the variability in energy poverty, as measured by the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI). Through this approach, we explored how different socio-economic predictors affect MEPI scores across five scenarios: economic growth and diversification, energy transition and technological innovation, climate change impacts and vulnerability, policy intervention and social safety nets, and stagnation and rising inequality. The sensitivity analysis revealed that household income, size, and food security are paramount in influencing urban energy poverty levels. Scenarios involving economic growth and technological innovation demonstrated positive impacts on reducing energy poverty, while scenarios of climate change and economic stagnation highlighted the vulnerabilities and widening disparities within populations. The results suggest that to effectively alleviate urban energy poverty, policy interventions must be comprehensive, targeting the identified influential factors. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policy interventions on social safety nets to alleviate energy poverty.

Carbon emissions cap or energy technology subsidies? Exploring the carbon reduction policy based on a multi-technology sectoral DSGE model

As global climate change becomes increasingly severe, energy technology innovation has become a key means of coping with the climate crisis and realizing green and low-carbon development. However, existing literature rarely examines the effects of carbon emission reduction policies based on the perspective of energy technology progress for both short-term economic fluctuations and long-term equilibrium. This paper introduces the fossil energy technology sector and the renewable energy technology sector into the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, and compares the effectiveness of the carbon emission cap policy, the fossil energy technology subsidy policy, and the renewable energy technology subsidy policy under the framework of China’s carbon trading market in promoting macroeconomic growth and controlling pollutant emissions. We found that in long-term, the emission reduction effect of the carbon emission cap policy falls short of the other two policies, and subsidizing fossil fuel technologies is more cost-efficient comparatively. The government expenditure shock can all stimulate macroeconomic growth with crowding out of private investment and household consumption, whereas the energy technology research productivity shock leads to a decline in total output and an increase in renewable energy technology demand. In addition, pollutant emissions are pro-cyclical under the impact of total carbon policies and counter-cyclical under the impact of energy technology subsidy policies. This article constructs a multi-technology sectoral dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model, expanding the research perspective and theoretical framework for evaluating carbon emission reduction policies. At the same time, it proves the importance of the government to implement the phased energy technology subsidy policy while implementing the carbon emission cap policy, which provides important enlightenment for the implementation and adjustment of carbon emission reduction policy.