Green Transition Research Articles

The Digital Decathlon

The “Digital Decathlon” Erasmus+ project addresses the critical need for digital and green transitions in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector by proposing an innovative approach for higher education. The project aims to prepare the next generation of professionals through a BIM-based design competition, designed as a novelty learning/gaming pathway for university students. By engaging participants from diverse countries and related academic backgrounds, the project fosters collaborative workflows and interdisciplinary teamwork by adopting a digital and gamified approach, providing hands-on learning and design experience. This paper presents the conceptual framework, methodologies and materials defining the prototypical learning format, which integrates online learning resources and tools, collaboration and mentoring, subject to a quality assessment for improvement and replication. Overall, the Digital Decathlon contributes to the advancement of educational methods necessary to address current challenges and to create the digitalised and sustainable built environment of tomorrow.

A Global Perspective on Renewable Energy Implementation: Commitment Requires Action

Meeting renewable energy targets is one of the most significant global challenges to achieving SDG 7—Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This study focuses on the global energy transition to understand the factors that influence success or failure in achieving targets. First, the gap between the stated targets and our predictions was calculated. Next, the roles of economic, political, and environmental variables in determining this gap were analyzed. Data were collected from 63 countries from 2000 to 2022, ensuring the global representativeness and robustness of the results. Many countries may struggle to meet their renewable energy targets. Political stability, regulatory quality, and investment freedom play a remarkable role in helping countries get closer to achieving their targets. More industrialized countries with large populations face greater challenges due to high energy intensity. This paper aims to predict the propensity of countries to meet their energy targets by integrating the forecasting and analysis of the economic, political, and geographical factors that influence a green transition. The results provide new insights into how socioeconomic and geopolitical differences influence the energy transition, offering insights for more effective policies. It is argued that accelerated administrative procedures are needed to reduce investment uncertainty and improve energy systems’ flexibility. In addition, involving local communities in the decision-making process is important to ensure the acceptance of RE projects. Finally, introducing energy markets that reflect the characteristics of renewable sources is recommended to facilitate a more rapid and sustainable transition.

Household residential energy choices in green transition: insights from a household survey in rural China.

It has been widely recognized that accelerating green residential energy transition from traditional solid fuels (biomass and coal) to clean and high-efficient energy sources is critical for rural sustainable development. However, little attention has been paid to estimate panel data discrete choice models to analyze the dynamic behavior information of individual households in the process of energy transition. Hence, this paper investigates green residential energy transition using a panel dataset from 3308 rural households in eight provinces of China in 2015 and 2018. The results show that although traditional solid biomass still plays a dominating role in rural residential energy choice, fuel switching from solid fuels to modern clean energy alternatives is taking place. Off-farm employment plays an important role in the transition towards more sustainable energy sources, as households with off-farm employed heads and higher off-farm income level are highly likely to choose superior energy alternatives other than traditional biomass. Besides, the educational level of the household head and household location are also important influencing factors of household residential energy choices. Based on these findings, this paper suggests that job creation in non-farm sectors should be given a priority in future policy design to promote rural green energy transition in residential sector. North-south differences should be taken into account, whereas more policy options for optimizing biomass energy use should be explored.

Spatiotemporal influence of the digital economy on the industrial green transition from the perspective of pollution and carbon dioxide emission reduction

Spatiotemporal influence of the digital economy on the industrial green transition from the perspective of pollution and carbon dioxide emission reduction

Productivity costs of the green energy transition in Africa

AbstractTransitioning to renewable energy generates tangible benefits in terms of the environment and emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the economic productivity costs of switching to clean energy cannot be overlooked, in addition to the large resource requirements, potential disruption in energy systems, risks of job losses, and emergence of new inequalities. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and quantify synergies and trade‐offs. This paper investigates the productivity cost of abandoning the use of fossil fuels in African countries, using econometric techniques applied to panel data, including the fully modified ordinary least square. The paper finds that, while renewable energy supply is beneficial to increase total factor productivity, in general, a shift toward a higher share of renewables in the power mix is not without productivity cost on the economy. The analysis accounts for other sources of productivity, such as human capital and the diffusion of embodied technology imported from abroad into local markets. The data also reveal that the energy transition could have heterogeneous effects depending on the regions' and countries' characteristics and stages of transition.

Comparative Evaluation of Traditional and Advanced Algorithms for PV Systems in Partial Shading Conditions

The optimization of photovoltaic (PV) systems is vital for enhancing efficiency and economic viability, especially under Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs). This study focuses on the development and comparison of traditional and advanced algorithms, including Perturb and Observe (P&O), Incremental Conductance (IC), Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), for efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). Simulations conducted in the MATLAB/Simulink software package evaluated these algorithms’ performances under various shading scenarios. The results indicate that, while traditional methods like P&O and IC are effective under uniform conditions, advanced techniques, particularly ANN-based MPPT, exhibit superior efficiency and faster convergence under PSCs. This study concludes that integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into MPPT algorithms significantly enhances the reliability and efficiency of PV systems, paving the way for a broader adoption of solar energy technologies in diverse environmental conditions. These findings contribute to advancing renewable energy technology and supporting green energy transition.

From petrodollars to green power: Fiscal stability and green transition in GCC economies

This study examines the influence of fiscal stability, characterized by fiscal buffers, on the green transition in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies from 2005 to 2023. We apply two-way fixed effects, system generalized method of moments (GMM), method of moments quantile regression (MMQR), and panel causality analysis to explore these dynamics. Our findings underscore that a positive fiscal buffer resulting from a significant spread between oil prices and fiscal breakeven levels exerts a substantial positive impact on green transition efforts in GCC countries. The results reveal that countries with higher levels of renewable energy production capacity and urbanization demonstrate more pronounced advancements in green transition initiatives. Conversely, countries grappling with unstable macroeconomic conditions, such as high inflation and external debt, face considerable challenges in achieving significant improvements in green transition outcomes. Additionally, our analysis shows that fossil fuel energy fiscal subsidies negatively influence green transition efforts in the GCC region. Our study emphasizes that policymakers in GCC countries should pursue a dual-pronged strategy: leveraging positive fiscal buffers to diversify their economies in light of potential benefits from high oil prices, and channelling oil and fiscal revenues towards enhancing renewable energy production capacities. This approach aims not only to diversify economic foundations but also to strategically strengthen the infrastructure necessary for sustainable renewable energy transitions in the region over the long term.

Fair energy finance increases global equity in the green energy transition

Fair energy finance increases global equity in the green energy transition

Influence of ammonia-water fog formation on ammonia dispersion from a liquid spill

Ammonia is expected to play an important role in the green transition, both as a hydrogen carrier and a zero-emission fuel. The use of refrigerated ammonia is attractive due to its relatively high volumetric energy density and increased safety compared to pressurized solutions. Ammonia is highly toxic, and with new applications and increased global demand come stricter requirements for safe handling. Cold gaseous ammonia following a spill of refrigerated ammonia will in contact with humid air cause fog formation. In an environment rich in ammonia, these droplets will due to ammonia’s strong hygroscopicity consist of considerable amounts of liquid ammonia as well as water. Fog formation affects the ammonia-air density and thus influences the dispersion dynamics, with a potentially significant impact on hazardous zones. In this work, we present a CFD model including an ammonia-water fog formation model based on accurate thermodynamics. This includes modeling the vapor–liquid equilibrium and accounting for the exothermic mixing of ammonia and water. We apply this CFD model to relevant cases and demonstrate the significant impact of the fog. We analyze the effect of varying relative humidity, fog visibility, influence of wind, and pool evaporation rate. Finally, we model the Red Squirrel test 1F and show how the fog formation could have influenced the dispersion behavior.

The Twin Digital and Green Transition: Paradigm Shift or Tech Fix?

The Twin Digital and Green Transition: Paradigm Shift or Tech Fix?

Twin Transition – Hidden Links between the Green and Digital Transition

Twin Transition – Hidden Links between the Green and Digital Transition

The Illusion of a Green Transition in Slovenia by 2050

This study analyzes the possibilities of phasing out fossil and nuclear energy sources for Slovenia by 2050. Alternative carbon-free sources include renewable energy sources (RES) i.e. electricity, synthetic fuels and hydrogen from water electrolysis. The model is based on the use of currently mature low-carbon technologies and is adapted to Slovenia’s natural conditions. Photovoltaic panels (PV) and hydropower plants are used for the majority of renewable electricity generation. To bridge the winter period with minimal PV production, storage with a pumped storage power plant is planned. One of the assumptions of the national climate strategy has been incorporated into the model, which envisages zero growth in final energy consumption by 2050. The result of the paper is an assessment of what some of the basic characteristics of the Slovenian energy system would look like after the phase-out of fossil and nuclear energy sources. The estimated storage capacity required is 5.1 MWh/capita. Abandoning fossil fuels with the currently mature RES technologies is not realistically feasible for technical and economic reasons.

How to Institutionalise European Industrial Policy (for Strategic Autonomy and the Green Transition)

How to Institutionalise European Industrial Policy (for Strategic Autonomy and the Green Transition)

Green transition fallacies and hurdles - Brett Christophers, The Price is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet, Verso, 2024.

Green transition fallacies and hurdles - Brett Christophers, The Price is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet, Verso, 2024.

A path to cleaner energy: The nexus of technological regulations, green technological innovation, economic globalization, and human capital

Ensuring environmental sustainability is paramount for achieving sustainable development and leaving a habitable world for future generations. In this regard, the transition to green energy plays a critical role by reducing environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel use and promoting environmentally friendly energy sources. Technological regulations, green technological innovation, economic globalization, and human capital are pivotal factors influencing the success of the green energy transition. Technological regulations can encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices through the establishment and enforcement of environmental standards. Economic globalization expands international trade and investment opportunities, supporting the transition to green energy. Human capital development ensures the availability of skilled labor and can foster knowledge creation to advance green energy initiatives. This study examines the influence of human capital, green technological innovation, technological regulations, and economic globalization on the green energy transition in 19 OECD countries from 1990 to 2019. According to the results, human capital reduces the transition in Germany and increases it in Poland; green technological innovation boosts the green energy transition in Belgium; technological regulations support it in Finland, Poland, and Panel; economic globalization reduces it in Italy. OECD countries should diversify their environmental policies with technological regulations to achieve SDG7.

Correction: Will the Green Transition be Inflationary? Expectations Matter

Correction: Will the Green Transition be Inflationary? Expectations Matter

From public policy towards the green energy transition: Do economic freedom, economic globalization, environmental policy stringency, and material productivity matter?

The green energy transition is essential to addressing climate change and ensuring sustainable development, yet it faces numerous challenges related to securing financing, implementing effective public policies, and improving material efficiency. This study aims to elucidate the complex interaction of these factors by investigating the impact of economic freedom, economic globalization, environmental policy stringency, and material productivity on the green energy transition in OECD countries for the period 1995-2020. Despite widespread theoretical discussion, the effects of these factors, which act as drivers for each other, have been neglected. The study contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 7, 8, 9, and 12 by focusing on affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation, and responsible consumption and production. Using the Westerlund and Edgerton cointegration approach, the study finds a long-run relationship between these variables. The long-run estimators, RCCE and AMG, are used to assess the magnitude of this relationship. The results show that increased economic freedom positively affects the green energy transition in the Republic of Korea. In contrast, economic globalization is negatively impacting the transition in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Stricter environmental policies are encouraging green energy adoption in Slovenia and Korea. Material productivity is supporting the green energy transition in both the OECD panel and in individual countries such as the Czech Republic, Spain, and Hungary. The study recommends policy measures to encourage green energy adoption, including establishing industrial standards for recycling, increasing material productivity, and strengthening renewable energy-based production processes. While environmental policies have proven effective in some countries, the overall framework across OECD countries is inadequate. Policymakers are called upon to critically review and improve current policies by balancing the implementation of disincentives that increase costs for polluting activities with subsidies that reduce the financial burden of the green energy transition. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to regulation. Excessive regulation or excessively pro-market policies can hinder the green energy transition. It is therefore important for policymakers to find a middle ground that promotes environmental sustainability while promoting economic freedom.

Does local government debt pressure hamper green transition? Evidence from China

The accumulated local government debt will change government fiscal behavior, which will further impact regional environment performance to a certain extent. However, the literature on how local government debt pressure (LGDP) affect green transition is scarce. By measuring the green transition by green total factor productivity (GTFP), we analyze the effect of LGDP on GTFP. We find that LGDP significantly reduces the GTFP. The negative effect acts through reducing green innovation and loosing environmental regulation. In addition, the negative impact will be more pronounced in cities with weak governance, development, and environmental protection efforts. Finally, enhancing marketization, lowering GDP growth target, and reducing tax burdens can alleviate the adverse effect of LGDP on GTFP. The conclusions of this study provide theoretical support for appropriate government debt governance and have important practical significance for green sustainable development in developing countries.

Environmental Taxes as a Path to a Green Transition

The integration of sustainability elements into all spheres of human activities is one of the primary initiatives of policymakers in individual European countries, but also in a broader international perspective. The transition towards more sustainable production-consumption models is now becoming a challenge for European countries. This shift is an essential part of the commitments and goals that the European Union has set itself in the medium and the long-term horizon. The future economic orientations of European countries will depend not only on the willingness and effort to use classical tools in the process of creating a green future, but especially on the level of knowledge of their appropriate implementation in practice. The paper is focused on the issue of the evaluation of selected economic instruments of environmental policy (environmental taxes) in the European area in the context of the transition to a green economy. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the use of taxes with an environmental aspect across European countries and to analyse the similarities in the process of their application towards green transformation. The need for a deeper knowledge and understanding of this area is essential in the context of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the countries involved in the 2030 Agenda. Keywords: environmental taxes, sustainability, energy, transport, green transition

Working Paper 53: Good governance and the just transition

There is broad agreement that ensuring a just energy transition is key for achieving the trust and support from citizens needed to succeed with the green transition and the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. This paper discusses the concept of a just transition, with a particular focus on the importance of achieving a transition that benefits both local communities and society at large. It examines the governance and corruption challenges that could jeopardise this goal and discusses how industry associations and companies in the renewable energy sector could step up its efforts to address these challenges to realise the ambition of a just transition. The paper draws on lessons from the experience of tackling governance and corruption risks in the extractive sector and sets out proposals on how to accelerate collective action in the renewable energy sector. About this report This is a guest Working Paper of the Basel Institute on Governance, ISSN: 2624-9650. You may share or republish the report under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence. The contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Basel Institute on Governance, University of Basel or funding organisations. Suggested citation: de Vibe, Maja, and Mark Robinson. 2024. ‘Good governance and the just transition: Implications for renewable energy companies.’ Working Paper 53, Basel Institute on Governance. Available at: baselgovernance.org/publications/wp-53.