Green Energy Products Research Articles

Using Structural Equation Modeling to Explore the Influence of Environmental Concern on the Willingness to Pay for Green Energy and Green Products – the Case of Poland

ABSTRACT Concern for the sustainability of the natural environment is garnering increasing interest across the globe. Environmental issues may significantly impact individuals and societies in various ways, such as by influencing behaviors aimed at adopting more sustainable lifestyles and making eco-friendly purchasing decisions. This study investigates the attitudes of Polish consumers towards pro-environmental behaviors, specifically focusing on environmental concern (EC), promoting pro-environmental behavior (PPB), the belief that Poland should move away from coal (MAFC), and willingness to pay (WTP). Data on these variables were collected in 2023 from a sample of 554 Polish respondents selected using a non-random sampling method. Results were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings revealed that environmental concern (EC) influences promoting pro-environmental behavior (PPB) and that both EC and PPB affect the belief that Poland should move away from coal (MAFC). Additionally, promoting pro-environmental behavior (PPB) and MAFC were found to influence willingness to pay (WTP). However, EC was not found to have a significant direct impact on WTP. The hypotheses were tested using a structural equation model, validated by such fit indices as CMIN/df = 2.542 (<3.0), RMSEA = 0.053 (<0.08) and CFI = 0.985 (>0.90).

Optimizing the Benefits of Invasive Alien Plants Biomass in South Africa

The current political situation in South Africa is seeking opportunities to promote sustainable development and use of renewable resources for energy, poverty alleviation, economic development, and environmental protection (e.g., mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions). The present study is based on a critical literature review and synthesis of policy advice in South Africa. The study comprehensively examined the knowledge base and gathered relevant empirical findings and perspectives so as to identify the gaps, trends, and patterns in the optimal management and utilization of invasive alien plants (IAPs) biomass, thereby supporting evidence-based practice. Additionally, the literature review was supported by the first-hand experience of invasive alien plants management and its biomass utilization. This research proposes long-term options for optimizing the costs and benefits of invasive alien plants biomass and meeting rising energy demand. Biomass from the country’s approximately 300 “Working for Water (WfW) Projects” might be used for bioenergy, firewood, charcoal, and other value-added forest products, both for internal and international use. The extraction and use of biomass from invasive alien plants for green energy and other valuable products would aid in the elimination of hazardous invasive species and reduce the amount of fuel in the fields, as well as fire and flood threats. Biomass from invasive alien plants clearings can be distributed to rural regions and informal settlements as a supply of firewood with the aim of reducing reliance on nearby forests, conserving the environment and biodiversity, minimizing forest degradation, supporting climate change, and enhancing energy efficiency and wood waste management (e.g., recycling and prevention) for green economic development and industrial transformation. The findings of this study imply that for competitive biomass-to-energy conversion and bio-economic applications for the use of invasive alien plant biomass, cost management, particularly for transportation, and significant regulatory incentives are essential. In addition, effective policy instruments that aid in the promotion of innovative systems and knowledge generation are required so that biomass can be optimally used for bioenergy and other competitive bio-economic applications.

Improving charge transfer properties and solar cell performance by In-doped TiO2 as an efficient photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

Dye-sensitized-solar cells (DSSCs) are of great interest as cost-effective and green energy producers. The vastly explored photoanodes are one of the most significant parts of DSSC and still play a crucial role. We employed the fast and facile sol-gel technique to synthesize and dope TiO2 mesoporous structure with indium atoms. Although In doping in the TiO2 structure has been used previously, there have been few research on its application as photoanode in DSSCs. We investigated TiO2:In as an appropriate candidate for photoanode in DSSC and evaluated its charge transfer and optical, structural, and electrochemical properties. Mott-Schottky results show that indium doping can increase the carrier concentration up to 1.1 × 1017 cm−3 and elevate the conductivity as well as charge transfer properties. The optical and structural properties were investigated by PL, Raman, and UV–visible methods, and the results showed that TiO2:In has suppressed recombination in its structure. Also, In-doping improves the electrochemical properties of the photoanodes. The EIS results establish that In corporation can reduce the charge transfer resistance to 33 Ω cm2. The champion TiO2:In-based DSSC shows an 8.62 % efficiency, which indicates a 55 % improvement compared to the non-doped TiO2.

Online environmental platforms service and green consumer behavior nexus: a multi-mediator study

Green purchase behavior in Pakistan faces challenges due to lack of awareness, limited availability, and greenwashing by companies that demand use of online environmental platforms. The study aims to examine the effect of Online Environmental Platforms Service on green purchase behaviors of customers who intend to buy green energy products. Moreover, the indirect effects of environmental attitude, price sensitivity and impulsiveness are examined as mediators. The relationships are examined in light of theory of planned behavior. The data from a sample of 301 customers were gathered using a closed-ended questionnaire. The customers aged between 30 and 50 years were considered for the study. The findings unequivocally reveal that the provision of online environmental platforms has a profound effect on the ecological shopping inclinations of customers. The green purchase behavior of consumers is amplified, as is their green purchase attitude and consumer impulsiveness. However, an alert emerges—price sensitivity, despite its noteworthy impact on consumer behavior, curiously, impedes actual green purchasing. Investigating deeper, it becomes apparent that the remarkable impact of online environmental platforms is mediated by two factors: the green consumer attitude and consumer impulsiveness. These two factors act as conduits for the transmission of the influence of the online platforms, empowering consumers to make eco-conscious decisions. The marketers can enhance green purchase behaviors among customers by making effective use of the online environmental platform services. The Online Environmental Platforms Services can enhance sales and can be an effective strategy for high profits.

Green Energy Resources, Products Recycling, and Clean Environment

This research paper explores the relationship between green resources, product recycling, CO2 emission, and clean environment, using time series data spanning from 1990 to 2021. The sample of the study was the green energy sector of Pakistan and clean energy was taken as the dependent variable while green energy resources, product recycling, and CO2 emissions were chosen as independent variables. Correlation matrix and multiple regression analysis were applied to determine the relationship between green energy resources, product recycling, CO2 emissions, and clean environment. The results of the study show that there is significant positive relationship between green energy resources and product recycling with clean environment but negative association between CO2 emissions and clean environment. These results provide valuable insight for policy makers to focus on development of green energy resources and encourage products recycling as an effective strategy to mitigate the depletion of natural resources and improvement of clean environment to attain sustainability in the energy sector.

Green Energy Consumption Path Selection and Optimization Algorithms in the Era of Low Carbon and Environmental Protection Digital Trade

In order to better study the chosen path of the consumption model of public green energy and more accurately predict consumers’ green energy consumer behavior, we take new energy vehicles as an example to explore the driving mechanism and internal mechanism of the public green energy consumption model from the perspective of motivation. We propose an ensemble learning model based on a stacking strategy. The model uses XGBoost, random forest and gradient lifting decision trees as primary learners to transform features, and uses logistic regression as a meta-learner to predict users’ consumer behavior. The experimental results show that this feature engineering method can significantly improve the accuracy rate in multiple model algorithms, and the prediction effect of the ensemble learning model is better than that of a single model, with the accuracy rate of 82.81%. In conclusion, the ensemble learning model based on a stacking strategy can effectively predict the public’s consumer behavior. This provides a theoretical basis and policy recommendations for promoting green energy products represented by new energy vehicles, thereby improving the practical path for proposing green energy consumption.

Solar business prosumers in Ukraine: Should we wait for them to appear?

The prosumerism involving self-consuming green energy generated by small power producers significantly contributes to energy transition and sustainable development. Its practical implementation requires creating strong incentives for businesses and households. In Ukraine's example, this study covers a gap in substantiating business solar prosumerism in a transition economy. We used statistical and comparative analyses to assess the necessary legal and organizational conditions for developing the solar power sector and confirmed its positive outcomes. We applied investment analysis to substantiate the economic feasibility of converting industrial green energy producers to prosumers. The net present value, profitability index, and discounted payback period of constructing industrial photovoltaic solar power plants with 100, 300, 500, and 700-kW capacity were evaluated. Three options for the ratio “green electricity self-consumed/sold at a feed-in tariff” were chosen: 1) 20/80; 2) 50/50; 3) 100/0. We found that pure self-consumption was the most profitable and boosted creating the business solar prosumer class. Using multifactor and comparative analyses, we identified the prospective post-war factors of prosumerism, including electricity prices, green energy sales taxation, investment incentives, etc. The policy recommendations of the study contain the business feed-in tariff cancellation, investment support for deploying energy storage systems and prosumer microgrids.

Blocking oxygen evolution reaction for efficient organic electrooxidation coupling hydrogen production by using layered double hydroxide rich in active oxygen

Electrochemical hydrogen production coupling upgrading of organic substances has been regarded as a promising approach to harvest both green energy and commodity products. However, the competition of oxygen evolution reaction always limits the transformation of organics and the research on this mutually restricted relationship was less focused. Herein, an amorphous layered double hydroxide (LDH) rich in active oxygen is well-constructed, which realizes the glycerol oxidation with nearly 100 % faradaic efficiency and high formic acid production yield at a current density > 200 mA cm−2. In-situ monitoring combined with electrochemical probe confirms that the active oxygen on the amorphous LDHs promotes the deprotonation of glycerol. To further reduce the energy input, an alkaline-acid hybrid flow cell is built to achieve constant hydrogen production coupling formic acid production at high current density (100 mA cm−1) under an ultra-low cell voltage of 0.90 V with high durability for over 500 h. Moreover, a novel waste oil recycle path is developed to transform waste oil into target value-added products (potassium diformate (KDF) and biodiesel) and hydrogen fuels using the amorphous LDHs electrocatalysts.

Aesthetically Appealing Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems for Net-Zero Energy Buildings. Current Status, Challenges, and Future Developments—A Review

With the sharp increase in global energy demand, industrial and residential buildings are responsible for around 40% of the energy consumed with most of this energy portion being generated by non-renewable sources, which significantly contribute to global warming and environmental hazards. The net-zero energy building (NZEB) concept attempts to solve the global warming issue, whereby a building will produce, on-site, its required energy demand throughout the year from renewable energy sources. This can be achieved by integrating photovoltaic (PV) building materials, called building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules, throughout the building skin, which simultaneously act as construction materials and energy generators. Currently, architects and builders are inclined to design a building using BIPV modules due to the limited colors available, namely, black or blue, which result in a monotonous building appearance. Therefore, there is an increasing demand/need to develop modern, aesthetically pleasing BIPV green energy products for the use of architects and the construction industry. This review article presents the current stage and future goal of advanced building integrated photovoltaic systems, focusing on the aesthetically appealing BIPV systems, and their applications towards overcoming global challenges and stepping forward to achieve a sustainable green energy building environment. Additionally, we present the summary and outlook for the future development of aesthetically appealing building integrated photovoltaic systems.

Integrated energy corridor: a comprehensive proposal of the low-carbon transition for China Energy Group

Abstract New energy is considered to be an indispensable means to significantly reduce carbon emissions and to achieve the temperature-control goals defined by the Paris Climate Accord. Despite the bright future, the inherent characteristics, including volatility, intermittency and uneven seasonal and geographical distributions, and the rapid growth of installations make it increasingly difficult to connect green electricity to grids. This becomes a dominating bottleneck for the low-carbon transition of China Energy Group (CE). This paper aims to help with the implementation of the new-energy development plan and to define the low-carbon energy-transition path for CE. Based on the current industry structure of CE, Shenhua Engineering Technology Co., Ltd proposes the concept of an ‘integrated energy corridor’. The integrated energy corridor represents a comprehensive energy-transmission channel with coal, green electricity, green hydrogen, green oxygen and other green energy products such as transmission media, railways, pipelines and power grids as transmission means and thermal power, coal chemical plants, cities, etc. along the route as new-energy consumers and regulators. The integrated energy corridor can support the rapid development of new-energy assets and the low-carbon transition of CE.

GREEN ENERGY AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

The article summarizes the results of the companies' achievements at the exhibition "RENWEX – 2022". Like any products, green energy products are subjected to tests and diagnostics to confirm their quality and reliability. The main methods and means of non-destructive testing and examples of their practical use in improving the quality of green energy products are given.

A multidimensional energy poverty measurement in China - Based on the entropy method

Although energy poverty has obtained wide focus in recent years, there is no consensus on the measurement of energy poverty. Given that China is experiencing socio-economic transformation as well as energy transition, this paper employed a total of 28 indicators, which representing three categories (energy service availability, energy consumption and generation cleanliness, and residential energy affordability and efficiency) that capture China's features as well as consider policy factors, to develop a new multi-dimensional energy poverty index by using entropy weight method. The result reveals that the energy poverty level has been improved nationwide for the period 2014–2019; three sub-indices also show downward trends while household energy affordability and efficiency suggests the fastest improvement; however, significant differences exist in energy poverty not only between urban and rural areas but also across provinces in China. Policy recommendations are as follows: continue to promote rural power grid renovation and upgrading and the construction of natural gas pipelines, increase clean energy support; encourage diversified development of rural energy supply methods, and provide more innovative and diversified green energy and financial products.

Banking, Competitiveness and Sustainability: The Perspective of the Three Global Actors: US, China, Europe

The research presents the interrelationships between banking performance, competitiveness and sustainability of the three banking systems and the impact of each sustainability variable selected on the other macroeconomic indicators in short, medium and long-time horizon. The empirical study involved the use of a panel Auto Regressive Vector methodology and was based on macroeconomic indicators relevant to the performance of the banking system (return on assets, return on equity, an annual growth rate of Gross Domestic Product), as well as indicators that can be assimilated to sustainability (renewable fuels used, CO2 emissions). The dependent variables were return on assets and the annual growth rate of Gross Domestic Product. The global sample analyzed comprises 29 countries, spread over three continents (Europe, North America, Asia), with data collected over a 10-years period (2011-2020). These countries together account for approximately 62% of global GDP (data from 2020). The research results show that as banks invest in green energy and sustainable products, competitiveness will also increase, which will have a negative impact on profitability in the short term. In the medium and long term, this impact will become positive also in terms of profitability increase. This strategic move to develop sustainable business models and to finance a higher percentage of green investments also adds extra competitive advantages, such as reputation and smart differentiation, from other less sustainability-oriented banking systems. The process impacts the systemic level, the macro perspective, the banking organizational level, the micro perspective, together with the perception of the customers.

Green Energy Products and The Relationship of The Customer's Consideration for The Environment and Perceived Risk Involved with The Mediating Position of Customer Purchasing Intentions

The goal of this study is to examine green energy goods and the relationship of the consumer concern for the atmosphere and perceived danger associated with the mediating role of the customer buying intentions; the point of view of international tourists in Jordan. The sampling technique was accompanied by a cross-sectional, quantitative, and explanatory design, whereby 340 individuals were chosen using a random population method reflecting the tourists of the Jordan for a two-week span beginning on 11/11/2020. By circulation of a paper questionnaire and with the aid of some tourist guides, the person sample was achieved. Moreover, through two stages, the structural model was being analyzed. In the first stage (direct effect) the effect (PK-appropriate CPI) was not important, so H1 was not sponsored. However, the result was important with regard to (PK ΔPR), and hypothesis 2a was supported. (PK ΔEC) were not significant, so hypothesis 2a was not supported. Furthermore, the direct impact of product danger and environmental problems on purchasing intentions were explored, resulting in negative/positive and important findings (PR over CPI, P < 0.05; and environmental concerns over purchase intentions, P > 0.05), so H3awere was endorsed, however, H3b was not supported.

Photocatalytic oxidation of p-xylene coupled with hydrogen evolution over MOFs-based bifunctional catalyst

Photocatalytic oxidation of organic small molecules accompanied by the release of hydrogen is considered to be a dual optimal route to obtain green energy and high value-added oxidation products through a green way. A TiO2-CdS/Ni bi-functional catalyst combining the advantages of MOFs, semiconductor materials and metal nanoparticles was prepared by using MIL-125 as a precursor. The prepared composite catalyst has strong photoresponsiveness, abundant catalytic sites and the ability to oxidize aromatic compounds. The hydrogen evolution capacity can reach 6.6 mmol·g−1·h−1 over TiO2-CdS/Ni in the presence of hole sacrificial agent. The hydrogen production was 81.9 μmol·g−1 h−1 in the system with PX instead of hole sacrificial agent, and 521.2 μmol·g−1 of TALD oxidation products can be obtained with high selectivity. The high activity of the catalytic system can also be extended to the oxidation of toluene and benzyl alcohol, which can generate hydrogen of 33.3 μmol·g−1·h−1 and 1.6 mmol·g−1·h−1, and 620.3 μmol·g−1 and 4.2 mmol·g−1 of benzaldehyde were produced at the same time, respectively. This study successfully extends the strategy of photocatalytic oxidation of organic small molecule coupled with hydrogen evolution to PX and other compounds.

Going beyond sustainability: The diversification benefits of green energy financial products

After the inclusion of Green energy financing in the list of United Nations Sustainability Goals (SDGs) as SDG 7, the role, importance, and visibility of green financial products; all have escalated enormously. This paper assesses the utility of green exchange-traded funds (ETFs), in the investors' portfolios for their dual potential of sustainability and diversification. ETFs provide a unique opportunity to construct practically investible portfolios and have long been used as conduits to facilitate project financing. In this paper, we use distinct ETFs based on dirty (conventional) and clean (green) energy products and companies, bonds, equity, ex-energy commodity, and real estate markets to examine the diversification benefits of green energy for a US-based investor. We construct efficient frontiers under different asset allocations and diversification strategies using the Markowitz MVO framework. Our results show that green energy ETFs provide significant diversification benefits and move the efficient frontier upward. In contrast, the portfolio performance deteriorates with dirty energy funds under different asset allocation and diversification strategies. Overall, we find that owing to their risk-return profile, green energy ETFs can be a rewarding alternative to dirty energy for investors in the global energy market.

Accessing the environmental impact of tellurium metal

Abstract Tellurium is gaining technical significance because of being a vital constituent for the growth of green-energy products and technologies. Owing to its unique property of interchangeable oxidation states it has a tricky though interesting chemistry with basically unidentified environmental effects. The understanding of environmental actions of tellurium has significant gaps for instance, its existence and effects in various environmental sections related to mining, handling and removal and disposal methods. To bridge this gap it is required to assess its distinctive concentrations in the environment together with proper knowledge of its environmental chemistry. This in turn significantly requires developing systematic diagnostic schemes which are sensitive enough to present statistics in the concentrations which are environmentally relevant. The broad assessment of available statistics illustrates that tellurium is being found in a very scarce concentrations in various environmental sections. Very less information is available for the presence and effects of tellurium in air and natural water resources. Various soil and lake sediment analysis statistics indicate towards the presence of tellurium in soil owing to release of dust, ash and slag during mining and manufacturing practices. Computing the release and behavior of tellurium in environment needs a thorough assessment of its anthropogenic life cycle which in turn will facilitate information about its existing and prospective release in the environment, and will aid to handle the metal more sensibly.

Технологические прорывы как основополагающий фактор глобальной конкурентоспособности

The research objective of the present article is to study new world trends in industrial deve¬lopment and the reaction speed of national governments, companies and workers to technological changes. As research methods, analysis and synthesis of current world trends were applied, as well as special methods were used: expert assessments of international organizations were analyzed, a comparative and economic-statistical analysis was carried out. As a result, the distinctive features of Industry 5.0 are highlighted – this is the coexistence of industry and new social and environmental trends and needs. Change is inevitable: green energy and sustainable products will initially be a monopoly factor and benefit insiders. It is emphasized that in order to achieve global competitiveness, companies need to transform established business models and invest in technology and network forms of business, taking into account social goals: in addition to creating new jobs and ensuring flexible employment, we are talking about personalization of goods and greening. The poli¬tical and economic goals of the fifth industrial revolution and the direction of technological innovations are considered. It is emphasized that technology, according to the new approach, should serve people and society, which means that the technology used in production adapts to the needs and diversity of industry workers. The leaders are artificial intelligence, quantum information and semiconductors. Technological transformation is based on the development of the following areas: individual technologies for human-machine interaction, biotechnology and smart materials, artificial intelligence, digital twins, data transmission, storage and analysis technologies, as well as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, storage and autonomy. It is an ecosystem-based innovation policy with a flexible focus on results. It is noted that technological transformation will help solve a number of unique social problems. It puts a bold focus from individual technologies to a system approach that allows the industry to achieve social goals beyond job creation and growth, and puts the well-being of industry workers at the center of the production process. In conclusion, the techno-social nature of the fifth revolution is revealed, with technology as tools and social needs as the ultimate goal.

Renewable Energy Promotion with Economic Incentives: The Case of the EU

The paper investigates the economic ways of green energy promotion in the European Union. It is stated that environmental friendliness and economic expediency are the main drivers of renewable energy development. The paper emphasizes that the EU has significant achievements in green energy promotion. The EU encourages the use of renewables in a variety of ways, including tariff and non-tariff instruments. In the research different economic incentives are classified by certain criteria. It is outlined in the research that the feed-in tariff was the first and most widely used mechanism of support for green energy producers. At the same time, it is gradually being replaced by a feed-in premium (a system of allowances for additional generation). The paper also highlights the importance of non-tariff instruments, including tax incentives, green certificate system, investment grants, and subsidies.

Predictors of Excess Return in a Green Energy Equity Portfolio: Market Risk, Market Return, Value-at-Risk and or Expected Shortfall?

The rapid growth of electric vehicles, solar roofs, and wind power suggests that the potential growth in green equity investments is an emerging trend. Accordingly, this study measured the predictors of excess equity returns in a portfolio of global green energy producers, from 2010 to 2019. Fixed-effects panel data regressions of daily returns, followed by quantile regressions, were performed. There was some support for the explanation of green equity returns by market returns and market risk (beta), as indicated by the single-factor Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), and the multifactor Fama–French Three-Factor and Fama–French Five-Factor Models. The most significant predictors of green equity returns were Value-at-Risk at a 95% confidence level, and Value-at-Risk at a 99% confidence level. Expected Shortfall was another extreme risk value measure. The importance of extreme value measures suggests the presence of fat-tailed leptokurtic distributions, whereby excess returns were explained by the risk of loss given adverse conditions, primarily at 95% confidence. We conclude that the proliferation of small firms and new entrants in the renewable energy sector has led to the explanation of returns by extreme values of risk.