Set Of Plans Research Articles

Correction to: Fit for social innovation? Policy reflections for EU energy and climate policy making

Correction to: Fit for social innovation? Policy reflections for EU energy and climate policy making

The Role of Biogas Potential in Building the Energy Independence of the Three Seas Initiative Countries

Increasing biogas production in the Three Seas Initiative countries (3SI) is a good way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase energy self-sufficiency by replacing some of the fossil energy sources. An assessment of the biogas production potential carried out for the 3SI at the NUTS 1 and NUTS 2 level shows that the potential of this energy carrier was stable for the period (from 2010–2021). The results showed that it can cover from approximately 10% (Hungary, Slovakia) to more than 34% (Estonia, Slovenia) of natural gas consumption; moreover, there is strong variation in the value of potential at the regional level (NUTS 2) in most of the countries studied. The biogas production forecast was carried out with the ARIMA model using four regressors, which are GDP, biogas potential utilisation, natural gas consumption and investments in RES (renewable energy sources) infrastructure, including changes in the EU energy policy after 24 February 2022. In the most promising scenario (four regressors), the results obtained for the period from 2022–2030 predict a rapid increase in biogas production in the 3SI countries, from 32.4 ± 11.3% for the Czech Republic to 138.7 ± 27.5% for Estonia (relative to 2021). However, in the case of six countries (Bulgaria, Lithuania, Hungary, Austria, Poland and Romania) the utilisation of 50% of the potential will most likely occur in the fifth decade of the 21st century. The above results differ significantly for those obtained for three regressors, where the highest rise is predicted for Bulgaria at 33.5 ± 16.1% and the lowest for Slovenia, at only 2.8 ± 14.4% (relative to 2021).

Development prospects for energy communities in the EU identifying best practice and future opportunities using a morphological approach

The 2018/19 Clean Energy Package of the European Union introduced a wide range of policy measures to further advance the Energy Transition, with one focus being low-carbon, renewable energy (RE) to replace fossil-based sources. RE production is typically disaggregated locally, legally, and in terms of ownership of the production facilities. Moreover, RE production technologies are various, and so are their respective usage, investment schemes, investors, geographic and financial properties, and, as a result, their support measures. With a focus on the new regulatory framework of the Directive on the Internal Energy Market (IEMD) and the recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), we analyse best practice business models for Energy Communities (ECs). To capture the multitude of pluri-dimensional design perspectives for ECs we develop and employ a new morphological approach, i.e., a morphological box for ECs (https://kelso-institute-europe.de/projects/energy-communities). This approach enables researchers and policy makers to identify the constellations for participation models that best fit the new EU policy strategy and to show opportunities with regard to combinations underused or not at all exploited yet. Based on this assessment we formulate policy recommendations and suggestions for the further development of Energy Transition participation models in general and ECs in particular.

Review and Perspectives of Key Decarbonization Drivers to 2030

Global climate policy commitments are encouraging the development of EU energy policies aimed at paving the way for cleaner energy systems. This article reviews key decarbonization drivers for Italy considering higher environmental targets from recent European Union climate policies. Energy efficiency, the electrification of final consumption, the development of green fuels, increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the electric system, and carbon capture and storage are reviewed. A 2030 scenario is designed to forecast the role of decarbonization drivers in future energy systems and to compare their implementation with that in the current situation. Energy efficiency measures will reduce final energy consumption by 15.6%, as primary energy consumption will decrease by 19.8%. The electrification of final consumption is expected to increase by 6.08%. The use of green fuels is estimated to triple as innovative fuels may go to market at scale to uphold the ambitious decarbonization targets set in the transportation sector. The growing trajectory of renewable sources in the energy mix is confirmed, as while power generation is projected to increase by 10%, the share of renewables in that generation is expected to increase from 39.08% to 78.16%. Capture and storage technologies are also expected to play an increasingly important role. This article has policy implications and serves as a regulatory reference in the promotion of decarbonization investments.

Fit for social innovation? Policy reflections for EU energy and climate policy making

Abstract Achieving climate-neutrality by mid-century and its intermediary reduction targets for 2030, notably the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 55% by 2030, requires an accelerated transformation of our systems of production and consumption. In essence, such transformations are socio-technical change processes that require a combination of technological and social innovation. While it is widely acknowledged that ambitious climate and energy policies are needed to accelerate such transition processes, research and practise have largely focused on their importance for spurring technological innovation. In this research perspective, we argue that energy and climate policy making should pay more attention to social innovation as much needed additional puzzle piece for successful decarbonisation. Such social innovation is diverse, ranging from renewable energy cooperatives, to participatory incubation and experimentation, and crowdfunding as well as local electricity exchange. Based on a literature review that informed an EU policy dialogue bringing together policy makers, practitioners and researchers and followed up by a workshop with city administrations, twelve practical action points were co-created on how to better consider social innovation in energy and climate policy making in the EU (and beyond). We thereby hope to stimulate a broader discourse on the dual need for social and technological innovation for reaching climate-neutrality.

Comparative Analysis of Strategies for Innovative Development of the Fuel and Energy Complex: The Experience of the EU Countries

Most European countries do not have large reserves of natural resources and depend on imported energy resources. In this regard, the government of the European Union has approved a new energy policy aimed at developing a “green” economy and combating dependence on non-renewable resources. Currently, the European Union is a leader in the development of renewable energy sources. Many states have achieved success in this industry, their experience can be used in other countries where alternative energy is not so widespread. This study analyzes and compares existing strategies for the innovative development of the fuel and energy complex of EU member states. The process of formation of the EU energy policy and its distinctive features were studied. The example of Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Finland was used to study in detail the impact of the new energy policy approved by the EU government. The prospects for the introduction of alternative energy sources in the geographical and climatic conditions of Kazakhstan have been assessed. Synthesizing the information obtained, a list of tips for the successful development of alternative energy in the Republic of Kazakhstan was proposed.

THE ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN FUTURE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

This article deals with the role of renewable energy sources in the electricity supply industry. The original reason for their introduction and development was to help offset the rise in the production of greenhouse gases due to electricity generation from fossil fuels. The EU represents the best example of federally delegated policy and regulation interpreted differently by national regulators and governments. The laws in the area of energy and the environment enacted by the Republic of Croatia have been approximated to the European legislation in order for the Republic of Croatia to be integrated in the internal European electricity market and EU.

Geotechnical and environmental radioactivity investigations at Al Sādis Min Uktōber city, Cairo municipality (Egypt), for the high-speed railway construction

The present study aims to evaluate the possibility of constructing a new high-speed railway (HSR) at Al Sādis Min Uktōber city, Cairo (Egypt): geotechnical and environmental radiological hazards are estimated from several collected soil and water samples. A variety of laboratory geotechnical tests such as grain size, free swelling test, liquid and plastic limits, chemical analysis and uniaxial compression strength are applied to sixty-one drill holes. A geotechnical examination of the coarse-grained soil at the foundation level classified it as poorly graded soil. The results of the investigation of fine-grained soil at the foundation level shown that the liquid limit ranges from 22% to 55%, the plastic limit ranges from 12% to 28%, the plasticity index varies from 11% to 33%, free swelling varies from 51% to 71%. Mechanically, the uniaxial compressive strength values on rock samples range from 6.96 MPa to 142.39 MPa. The radioactive study is performed to detect the 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K activity concentrations of the soil samples: their mean values are 34 ± 10 Bq·kg−1, 14 ± 5 Bq·kg−1 and 552 ± 20 Bq·kg−1, respectively. The values of radiological hazard indexes are not exceeded the permissible limits: e.g. the mean value of absorbed dose rate is 47 ± 6 nGy h−1; the annual gonadal dose equivalent is 0.3 ± 0.04 mSv·y−1; the lifetime cancer risk is 02 ± 0.2·10−3. Thus, the soil in the studied railway area is safe to use in building materials and infrastructure applications: the radiological hazards and the geotechnical studies confirmed the studied area is suitable to construct a new community having a HSR. According to the SWOT-PEST and environmental impact analyses, the construction of the HSR meets the criteria of the Kyoto Protocol, the EU Climate and Energy policy, and other international treaties.

Effects of COVID-19 on civil society voices in European energy and climate policy

Civil society plays an important role in European energy and climate policymaking. This paper poses the questions of how organized civil society handled the opportunities and challenges presented by the lockdown to its access to the climate and energy policymaking within the European Commission (EC)? How has the balance between organized civil society groups and businesses in Europe been affected by pandemic-related travel restrictions? Moreover, what role has the EC played in creating such opportunities and affecting the legitimacy of democratic policymaking? This research sheds light on the changing role of the EC in democratic governance and policy formation in the European Union (EU) by examining the relationship between funding received by CSOs active in the policy areas of environment and climate, the number of meetings attended, and the importance of coalitions and networks. This research revealed a possible relationship between level of participation in policymaking and the operational support received from the EC. Despite the resources invested, opportunities for interest representation in the energy and climate policy areas disproportionately favor businesses and organizations with long-term relationships with and proximity to Brussels. Increased number of virtual meetings only marginally increased share of participation of NGOs in these meetings. Thus, a physical presence in Brussels and resource investment remain important factors in access to the EU policymaking.

Changes in the Polish Coal Sector Economic Situation with the Background of the European Union Energy Security and Eco-Efficiency Policy

Poland is a big user of fossil fuels for electricity and heat production. The most important fossil fuel is hard, brown coal and the Polish energy system is based on this source. However, the world has begun to decarbonize the climate and reduce the carbon dioxide and methane which are the main gasses impacting climate change. The main aim of this paper was to recognize changes in Polish coal sector. We focused our attention to the economic situation and employment in coal sector in Poland. The time rage included 1989–2020 and the prognosis 2021–2025. The Polish coal sector faced dramatic changes. The number of hard coal mines decreased from 70 in 1990 to 21 in 2020. In the same timeframe, the prices for hard coal increased from 12.37 PLN/dt to 313.27 PLN/dt. The employment decreased from more than 350 thousand to less than 100 thousand people in hard coal mines. The decrease changes are the effect of strict policies of the European Union. The economic situation of Polish hard coal mines is rather poor. Polish mines achieved negative economic results due to the effect of poor management. We used advanced statistics, including the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test (ADF), to measure the stationarity of analyzed time series. We also used Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models and conducted a prognosis. Our research proved that the time series describing the hard coal economic situation were not stationary. The Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models confirmed big changes in Polish coal sector economic results. The elaborated prognosis of variables proved that the price of hard coal will increase in 2021–2025. Moreover, the economic situation will be worse. Our analysis confirmed that global trends of the hard coal sector were influenced by the European Union (EU) energy policy and closing down the mines. The economic situation of Polish hard coal sector worsened.

The energy policy of the EU: changing focus in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

The energy policy of the EU: changing focus in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

Political and legal aspects of paradigm change in the development of nuclear energy in the EU

The article considers the choice of the European Union in favor of nuclear energy: political decisions and legal acts at the EU level are analyzed in the light of the EU Taxonomy, which is a key piece of legislation aimed at promoting the Green Deal, the Law on Delegated Taxonomy, the EU Parliament Regulation on the classification of hydrogen, produced by nuclear power plants as a low-carbon, as well as the Clean Zero Industry Act (NZIA). Based on the analysis of political programs, provisions of strategic planning documents and legislation of a number of EU member states, the author notes that they are increasingly making decisions in favor of this energy source by setting specific goals and specific investment measures in national plans. The study also touches upon the issue of sanctions against Russian nuclear energy. It is concluded that the variability and inconsistency of the EU energy sector regulation requires a systematic analysis of ongoing initiatives both at the EU level and at the level of its member states in order to strategically prepare for increasing resilience in the crisis conditions of the Russian economy.

Behavioral science can aid household participation in gas savings

Sebastian Berger is assistant professor of sustainable development at the University of Bern, Switzerland. His research focuses on behavioral scientific support of climate policies as well as environmental psychology. He received his PhD in economic and social psychology from the University of Cologne. He is associate editor at the Journal of Environmental Psychology. Axel Ockenfels is professor of economics at the University of Cologne, director of the Cologne Laboratory for Economic Research, and speaker of the Excellence Center for Social and Economic Behavior. He combines tools from market design and behavioral sciences to provide solutions in electricity, climate, finance, transport, telecommunication, internet, and other sectors. Ockenfels serves on the advisory board at the -Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; is an editor of Management Science; and is a member of the Leopoldina, the Berlin-Brandenburgische Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and several other academies of science. His research was awarded with the highest German and European research distinctions. Georg Zachmann is a senior fellow at Bruegel—an independent economics think tank in Brussels—where he has worked since 2009 on energy and climate policy. His work focuses on regional and distributional impacts of decarbonization; the analysis and design of carbon, gas, and electricity markets; and EU energy and climate policies. Previously, he worked at the German Ministry of Finance, the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin, the energy think tank LARSEN in Paris, and the policy consultancy Berlin Economics. Sebastian Berger is assistant professor of sustainable development at the University of Bern, Switzerland. His research focuses on behavioral scientific support of climate policies as well as environmental psychology. He received his PhD in economic and social psychology from the University of Cologne. He is associate editor at the Journal of Environmental Psychology. Axel Ockenfels is professor of economics at the University of Cologne, director of the Cologne Laboratory for Economic Research, and speaker of the Excellence Center for Social and Economic Behavior. He combines tools from market design and behavioral sciences to provide solutions in electricity, climate, finance, transport, telecommunication, internet, and other sectors. Ockenfels serves on the advisory board at the -Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; is an editor of Management Science; and is a member of the Leopoldina, the Berlin-Brandenburgische Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and several other academies of science. His research was awarded with the highest German and European research distinctions. Georg Zachmann is a senior fellow at Bruegel—an independent economics think tank in Brussels—where he has worked since 2009 on energy and climate policy. His work focuses on regional and distributional impacts of decarbonization; the analysis and design of carbon, gas, and electricity markets; and EU energy and climate policies. Previously, he worked at the German Ministry of Finance, the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin, the energy think tank LARSEN in Paris, and the policy consultancy Berlin Economics. Germany, for example, has almost 800 gas distribution system operators. The EU has almost 2,500, which are sufficiently heterogeneous in terms of consumer structure (rural/urban, rich/poor, etc.) and for which regulators already possess relatively detailed and consistent data from incentive-regulation exercises.

Anna Herranz-Surrallés, Israel Solorio, and Jenny Fairbrass (eds.), Renegotiating Authority in EU Energy and Climate Policy (Abington/New York: Routledge, 2022)

The collection of articles originally published in a Special Issue of the Journal of European Integration brought together in book form by Anna-Herranz Surrallés, Israel Solorio, and Jenny Fairbrass asks important questions about the nature of authority in EU energy and climate policy. For both political scientists and those broadly interested in EU policymaking, the book assembles a series of articles on the question of how we should understand the simultaneous and contradictory integration and disintegration tendencies within EU energy and climate policy. The diversity of cases and standpoints on authority contestation allows the reader to peruse the book one chapter at a time, synthesizing the first chapter’s analytical framework into each further case with ease.

Peculiarities of the Teaching of European Studies for Technical Specialties Students in Higher Educational Institutions of Ukraine (on the Example of Lviv Polytechnic National University)

The purpose of the publication is to study the state and peculiarities of teaching European studies for students of technical specialties in higher educational institutions of Ukraine, mainly on the example of Lviv Polytechnic National University (hereinafter LPNU), where the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Chair project “European Studies for Technical Specialties” (hereinafter EUSTS) has been implemented since September 2022. The hypothesis of the presented research is the statement that with the strengthening of the European integration course of Ukraine the demand for knowledge about the European Union and the European integration of Ukraine among students of technical specialties is increasing, and university education is ready to satisfy such a request, applying the latest methods and approaches in the organization of education. The main focus is on clarifying the peculiarities of the formation of European studies in Ukraine; including not only classical, but also technical universities in this process; search for effective mechanisms for implementing knowledge about the EU into the educational process of students of technical specialties. To achieve the specified goals, a number of research methods were used, such as: historical-comparative, periodization, analysis of empirical data, systemic and structural-functional. It has been found that the development of European studies in Ukraine has gone through several stages of its formation. The first lasted from the moment Ukraine regained its state independence in 1991 and was characterized by the presence of limited opportunities in universities to introduce European studies in the conditions of a centralized higher education system. The second stage was marked by the adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education” (2014), which, in fact, provided sufficient tools for the development of European studies in Ukrainian universities. Similarly, at that time, the study of the European Union and European integration was formed at Lviv Polytechnic National University, including for students of technical specialties. On the basis of statistical data, it has been concluded that among the students of the National Academy of Sciences, there is a growing interest in the study of academic disciplines related to the EU and the European integration course of Ukraine. To a large extent, this is explained by the current political status of Ukraine as a candidate for EU membership and the strengthening of Ukrainian society’s support for the process of European integration as a result of Russian aggression. Accordingly, a number of educational disciplines have been introduced for students of technical specialties at the level of LPNU in recent years, which form knowledge about the EU and European integration, but only thanks to the implementation of international projects here, mainly the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet programs. This creates prerequisites for the fact that, in the future, separate educational programs in European studies can be developed at the university, which are most expedient to implement at the second (master’s) and third (PhD) educational levels. It is important that they focus on those policies of the EU and European integration directions of Ukraine that are of particular interest to students of technical specialties, for example, EU digital policy, EU energy policy, EU policy in the field of climate, environmental protection, etc. The acquired competences will not only allow the graduates of LPNU to implement European standards and values in their professional activities, but also to more effectively use the EU toolkit in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. Also, taking into account the recommendations of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Ukraine and the political situation of the state, it is worth introducing a mandatory educational discipline for all students of technical specialties of Ukrainian universities on the topic of the European Union, its principles, foundations and values, as well as the features of Ukraine’s European integration progress in various areas.

Peculiarities of the Teaching of European Studies for Technical Specialties Students in Higher Educational Institutions of Ukraine (on the Example of Lviv Polytechnic National University)

The purpose of the publication is to study the state and peculiarities of teaching European studies for students of technical specialties in higher educational institutions of Ukraine, mainly on the example of Lviv Polytechnic National University (hereinafter LPNU), where the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Chair project “European Studies for Technical Specialties” (hereinafter EUSTS) has been implemented since September 2022. The hypothesis of the presented research is the statement that with the strengthening of the European integration course of Ukraine the demand for knowledge about the European Union and the European integration of Ukraine among students of technical specialties is increasing, and university education is ready to satisfy such a request, applying the latest methods and approaches in the organization of education. The main focus is on clarifying the peculiarities of the formation of European studies in Ukraine; including not only classical, but also technical universities in this process; search for effective mechanisms for implementing knowledge about the EU into the educational process of students of technical specialties. To achieve the specified goals, a number of research methods were used, such as: historical-comparative, periodization, analysis of empirical data, systemic and structural-functional. It has been found that the development of European studies in Ukraine has gone through several stages of its formation. The first lasted from the moment Ukraine regained its state independence in 1991 and was characterized by the presence of limited opportunities in universities to introduce European studies in the conditions of a centralized higher education system. The second stage was marked by the adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education” (2014), which, in fact, provided sufficient tools for the development of European studies in Ukrainian universities. Similarly, at that time, the study of the European Union and European integration was formed at Lviv Polytechnic National University, including for students of technical specialties. On the basis of statistical data, it has been concluded that among the students of the National Academy of Sciences, there is a growing interest in the study of academic disciplines related to the EU and the European integration course of Ukraine. To a large extent, this is explained by the current political status of Ukraine as a candidate for EU membership and the strengthening of Ukrainian society’s support for the process of European integration as a result of Russian aggression. Accordingly, a number of educational disciplines have been introduced for students of technical specialties at the level of LPNU in recent years, which form knowledge about the EU and European integration, but only thanks to the implementation of international projects here, mainly the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet programs. This creates prerequisites for the fact that, in the future, separate educational programs in European studies can be developed at the university, which are most expedient to implement at the second (master’s) and third (PhD) educational levels. It is important that they focus on those policies of the EU and European integration directions of Ukraine that are of particular interest to students of technical specialties, for example, EU digital policy, EU energy policy, EU policy in the field of climate, environmental protection, etc. The acquired competences will not only allow the graduates of LPNU to implement European standards and values in their professional activities, but also to more effectively use the EU toolkit in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. Also, taking into account the recommendations of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Ukraine and the political situation of the state, it is worth introducing a mandatory educational discipline for all students of technical specialties of Ukrainian universities on the topic of the European Union, its principles, foundations and values, as well as the features of Ukraine’s European integration progress in various areas.

Eine Bewertung des REPowerEU-Plans – Energiewende trifft auf Geopolitik

fThe European Union (EU) has been facing an energy crisis since the autumn of 2021, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s attack on Ukraine, geopolitical tensions, and the climate crisis. The war in Ukraine has changed European perceptions of energy trade with Moscow. In May 2022, the EU announced the REPowerEU plan, which aims at reducing imports of Russian energy by diversifying trade partners, increasing energy efficiency, and accelerating the energy transition. This article analyses the main developments in EU climate and energy policy since 2021, with a focus on the REPowerEU plan. The main elements of the plan are investigated, including a preliminary assessment. The article argues that the war in Ukraine has led to an acceleration of policies to implement the energy transition in the EU. However, numerous challenges and contradictions exist, such as the EU’s quest of new and more polluting fossil fuel supplies in the short-run, which could lead to new forms of carbon lock-in.

EVOLUTION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION'S APPROACHES TO ENERGY POLICY-MAKING (2014-2023)

This paper provides a research the specifics of strategic planning for energy security within the European Union (EU) during the period from 2014 to 2023. The analysis of adopted strategies, the identification of problems and challenges encountered during their implementation, and the determination of opportunities and prospects for forming a unified concept to ensure sustainable and reliable energy security in the EU are highly relevant for the European community today, aimed at further risk mitigation. The impact of geopolitical factors, climate change, and energy dependence on the formation of the EU's energy security strategy is examined. The research findings make a significant contribution to understanding contemporary challenges and the prospects for the development of EU energy policy.

Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne UE i Ukrainy w obliczu agresji ze strony Rosji

The energy security of EU is one of the most important directives of the EU and Ukrainian policy. However, the fact that European politicians underestimated the hazards related to the scale of en- ergy resources imported from Russia and its geopolitical ambitions revealed the shortcomings of the European strategy. Following the Russian aggression in February 2022, the strategic EU method is to ensure the energy independence of the region and the energy security of all member states. This article is devoted to analysing the Russian invasion impact on the energy security of EU and the Ukraine. It analyses major ideas of EU energy policy reform in the face of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine and the perspectives of restoring energy security of European states. The selected systemic and structural‑functional analysis enabled not only to discuss the EU energy security aspects more broadly, but also to emphasize key problems in the short‑ and long‑term perspective.

ENERGY POLICIES OF POLAND AND THE EU: A SEARCH FOR CONVERGING INTERESTS

The strong dependence of Poland’s energy system on coal, as well as the relatively prominent role of the coal mining industry in the country’s economy, are features that distinguish the Polish economy from other EU states. Over the past decade and a half, EU countries have put forward increasingly stringent requirements for limiting greenhouse gas emissions in order to combat global climate change. Against this background, the Polish authorities tried to determine their own line within the Union. Using the example of Poland, we can see exactly how a country that differs sharply from other EU members in a number of important parameters is looking for opportunities to defend its interests, how Brussels and other member countries react to this. In addition, Warsaw is the object of their criticism not only for opposing climate plans, but also for violating the rule of law. The EU is inclined to link these subjects together, which may indicate the universalization of its approach to the existing contradictions. Nevertheless, Poland is able to effectively resist certain requirements of the EU energy policy, forming coalitions of countries concerned about its social consequences.