Implementation Of Energy Efficiency Projects Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ НА ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКУЮ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ЭЛЕКТРОСНАБЖЕНИЯ В ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ

This article is devoted to the analysis and assessment of the economic effect of power supply technologies in industry. The paper examines current trends in the development of the electric power industry and methods for assessing the economic efficiency of the introduction of new technologies. Special attention is paid to examples of successful implementation of energy efficiency projects in industry. Based on the analysis of the factors influencing the efficiency assessment, the article offers prospects for the development of this area and recommendations for optimizing the use of electricity in industry.

Prospects for Energy Transition to Hydrogen Fuel: Analysis of World Experience and Russian Practice

A significant depletion of natural energy reserves and a sharp rise in its cost of production amidst a civilizational energy crisis, greenhouse gas issue, and increasing energy consumption have called for an urgent and radical change in the global energy agenda. An idea to promote hydrogen as an alternative energy emerges from the global energy transition agenda. In this article, our aim is to assess the prospect of hydrogen, as a potential, environmentally friendly, yet expensive and technological-demanding resource, to be developed globally. The scientific novelty of the research consists in systematizing the world experience and Russian practice of implementing energy efficiency projects within the framework of public-private partnership (PPP), substantiating, and forecasting the prospects for the use of this resource in order to decarbonize the economy and solve environmental problems, as well as determining the main directions of the national energy strategy in Russia. We have developed recommendations to eliminate the identified problems that impede the increase in the energy efficiency of industrial production and operation of facilities. It is concluded that the use of “green” hydrogen obtained with the help of renewable energy sources is promising in solving environmental problems and building a climate-neutral economy characterized by zero greenhouse gas emissions. The results of the work can be useful in well-supporting hydrogen ecosystem.

Финансовое и налоговое регулирование жилищно-коммунальной сферы: зарубежный опыт

The article is devoted to solving the urgent task of the expanding the sources of extrabudgetary funding of the housing and utilities secor through the use of elements of tax regulation. The purpose of the study is to analyze and summarize the literature on foreign experience in financing and tax regulation of the housing and communal sphere and to assess the possibilities of its application in Russian practice. Methods of comparison, grouping, logical generalization, tabular presentation of data, expert evaluations were used for the study. As a result of the research, the features of the housing and utilities sphere as an object of financial and tax regulation were revealed. The authors characterized the models and methods of financing of sector used in the EU countries, the USA, China and India, including the degree of state intervention, distribution of powers and responsibilities by management levels, use of the mechanism of publicprivate partnership, creation of joint ventures with foreign capital, issue of infrastructure bonds, implementation of energy saving programs. The approaches to issuing municipal infrastructure bonds in the U.S. and India are presented. Attention is focused on the differences in the distribution of EU countries in terms of the volume and structure of the use of the public-private partnership mechanism. The sources of financing for the implementation of energy efficiency projects in the EU countries are systematized. The article analyzes the foreign practice of tax regulation to increase the investment attractiveness of financial instruments in the modernization of utility infrastructure facilities, exemption from taxation of municipal infrastructure bonds in the United States and India, and improving energy efficiency in the housing sector through the use of tax incentives for the implementation of energy efficiency projects and energy service contracts in Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Sweden. The article also substantiates the possibilities of adapting those methods of financial and tax regulation of infrastructure bonds turnover and implementation of energy service contracts to expand non-budgetary sources of the housing and communal sphere financing in the Russian Federation.

АНАЛІЗ ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК БУДІВЛІ НАВЧАЛЬНОГО КОРПУСУ СКЛАДНОЇ КОНФІГУРАЦІЇ ІЗ РОЗРОБКОЮ ПРОПОЗИЦІЙ ПО ПІДВИЩЕННЮ ЕНЕРГОЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ

There are many approaches to assessing the energy performance of buildings. In Ukraine, previously, when developing the energy passport of buildings, a method based on stationary calculations using degree-days of the heating period was used. Then, for the tasks of energy certification of buildings, a national calculation method based on the monthly quasi-stationary method was introduced. The simplified hourly method of calculation allows to consider thermal inertia of protections. In recent years, the methods of dynamic energy modeling using software packages have become increasingly relevant, because it allows at the preliminary design stage to estimate energy costs for different building needs before and after the implementation of energy efficiency projects and provides the ability to create 3D models based on geometric and thermal parameters, tasks of different configurations and types of engineering systems of the building. To build an energy model, a training building was chosen to determine energy consumption indicators and identify measures that have the greatest impact on the energy performance of the building.Purpose. Evaluation of energy characteristics of the educational building of a higher education institution with modeling of energy consumption in specialized software, technical and economic evaluation of opportunities to increase energy efficiency.Research methods. Energy inspection of the object of research and technical and economic analysis with the use of engineering methods of calculation, experimental measurements of the parameters of the microclimate of the building with the use of laboratory equipment were performed. Simulations are used in specialized software products RETScreen, EnergyPlus, DesignBuilder.Result. With the help of the developed models the structure of energy consumption of the educational building is obtained and the assessment of energy saving potential is carried out; in case of implementation of the proposed measures it is expected to reduce the consumption of energy resources and monetary costs for their payment, as well as improve the quality of educational services. The research was conducted as part of a master's thesis.Scientific novelty. The technical potential of this software for modeling the energy performance of a building of complex configuration on the example of the educational building of the educational institution, analyzed the methods of processing initial data for programs, comparative analysis of calculation results for the actual condition of the building, baseline and after implementing energy saving measures.Practical significance. As a result of the research, the potential of using different software packages to perform applied research of the master's dissertation was determined and a project of complex thermal modernization of the building of the educational building was developed.

Quantification of CO2 emission reductions from energy efficiency actions and solar photovoltaic generation at the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Goiás

In 2016, the Brazilian Agency of Electric Energy launched a public call for research and development projects to reduce barriers to implementing energy efficiency projects and own electricity generation. One objective of this public call was to encourage pilot projects at the Brazilian public higher education institutions. In this context, the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Goiás has approved the research project, entitled “Energy efficiency and mini generation at the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology - IFG.” The project consists of implementing energy efficiency actions and installing photovoltaic distributed generation (mini generation) in twelve of the fourteen IFG campuses. The main objective of this work is to quantify the CO2 emission reductions from the project through the methodologies used by the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention for projects under the Clean Development Mechanism. The emission reductions over the project lifetime was estimated at approximately 37,400 tCO2 equivalent, evidencing the environmental benefit to be provided by the referred project.

"Oradea – best practice example for implementing energy efficiency projects using European grants "

Acest articol își propune să arate implicarea pe care municipalitatea din Oradea o are în creșterea eficienței energetice la nivelul orașului, prin eforturile făcute pentru îmbunătățirea sistemului de termoficare, atât pe partea de reducere a pierderilor de energie și masă pe rețelele de transport a agentului termic, cât și pe partea de producere a acestuia […]

Meijer and carbon management

Abstract Meijer is a family-owned retailer in the Midwest who pioneered the one-stop-shopping concept. This 85-year-old company is committed to energy, refrigerant, and logistics management to reduce the company’s carbon footprint intensity, not only because it makes business sense, but because it is the right thing to do. Meijer operates 248 superstores and grocery stores in six states with associated greenhouse gas emissions from lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, and logistics. Through a combination of focused engineering, and proactive lifecycle management throughout its operations, Meijer has been able to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations as the company continues to grow. Meijer’s dedicated energy and engineering team is well on the way to reducing electricity use in stores by 20% by 2020, based on a 2010 baseline. Implementing energy efficiency projects to meet this goal, along with proactive management of refrigerant systems, has enabled this team to continue to drive down greenhouse gas emissions intensity in the retail area. Meijer’s distribution and logistics teams are also contributing to this reduction through replacement of older tractor trailers with clean diesel and hybrid models in addition to innovations in logistics planning to minimize truck miles traveled. Looking to the future, Meijer sees the next frontier of decarbonizing its operations in proactive lifecycle management, technology, and systems innovation.

APPLICATION OF DESIGN APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES

The paper analyzes the peculiarities of the development of the energy sector in Ukraine, as well as in European countries. Existing approaches to energy production are shown. The situation in Ukraine has changed in recent years. Energy production has shifted from centralized to distributed. The emergence of new types of power plants has made it possible to connect to the grid in places where it was previously impossible, a large number of consumers already have their own power units. Therefore, managing the energy network is becoming increasingly complex and therefore requires new approaches. The normative and legislative beginning of the active development of alternative energy in Ukraine already exists, and European and world experience should help Ukraine achieve energy independence and high environmental standards. Existing problems in the development of power grids arise due to the intensive growth of production and consumption of electricity, while the management of power systems is complicated by the growing share of distributed and renewable energy sources with changing production schedule. Improved controllability of electrical networks allows to prevent emergencies by load control programs, division of the network into autonomous zones, etc. Investment is a crucial factor in creating a flexible and efficient power grid based on innovative technical solutions. Implementation of energy efficiency projects is a guideline for improving the intelligent level of the energy system, which will allow energy companies to manage the energy network as a single system, increase profitability, reliability and uninterrupted, reduce technical and commercial losses, improve network management and efficiency. An important role is played by the interaction of all stakeholders in projects - the state, production, energy and energy sales companies, consumers and equipment manufacturers. Thus, the international experience in the transmission and distribution of electricity creates opportunities for successfully implementing projects for the introduction of energy-efficient technologies in our Ukraine.

СТАН РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ОРГАНАМИ ПУБЛІЧНОЇ ВЛАДИ МІЖНАРОДНИХ ПРОЕКТІВ ЕНЕРГОЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ЖИТЛОВО-КОМУНАЛЬНОГО ГОСПОДАРСТВА В УКРАЇНІ

The general articulation of the issue. The priority direction of transformation in the economy of Ukraine is the modernization of the housing and communal economy. In this case, the cooperation of Ukraine with international organizations is very important. Questions of the impact of the implementation of international financial assistance projects on reforms and implementation of qualitative changes in all spheres of public life in Ukraine research Kolosovskaya, OM Nepomnyashchy, OS Nema and others. The purpose of the article is to study the state of implementation of international energy efficiency projects of housing and communal services by public authorities, to identify problems that hinder their implementation and to propose solutions. The key results and the background . The Ministry of Regional Development, together with local governments, is actively engaged in the development and expansion of international cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and energy conservation by attracting projects of international technical assistance, international financial institutions and foundations to work together to improve the regulatory regime and remove existing barriers energy efficiency. Among the organizations represented in Ukraine: IBRD, USAID (US Agency for International Development), EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), EIB (European Investment Bank), GEF (Global Environmental Facility), GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) and more. Analyzing the state of implementation of projects in the housing and communal services sector with the support of international financial organizations, it should be noted that the main institutional constraints that hamper their implementation and negatively affect the use of appropriate funds are the low institutional capacity of the responsible contractor and project beneficiaries; lack of procedure for selection of sub-projects and long-term selection of potential project beneficiaries; long preparation of tender documentation and poor quality of prepared documentation due to lack of experience and frequent change of management in the participating cities and the management of the enterprises participating in the projects. Conclusions and the prospects of the further research. The implementation of energy efficiency projects in the residential sector requires a large-scale information campaign and end-user awareness work. It is necessary and urgent today to train professional experts in the certification of energy efficiency of buildings, to study the provisions of normative-legal acts related to advanced training, professional development of employees. And preparation on their basis of proposals for the construction of an independent certification of persons who intend to carry out activities on certification of energy efficiency of buildings and inspection of engineering systems.

Assessment of Local Councillors’ Attitudes Towards Energy Efficiency Projects in Croatia

Energy efficiency is an important element of Europe's Climate and Energy scheme to meet the target of a 20% reduction in energy demand by 2020. To achieve this goal, it is essential to transform to low-carbon economy and much of required transformations take place at the local and regional level, while regional authorities have the tools to influence and encourage this process. The paper presents the results of a survey relating to the energy efficiency projects conducted among councilors at the regional level. The paper investigates local councilors' attitudes about the impact of energy efficiency projects, prerequisites for successful implementation of energy efficiency projects and preconditions for efficient public procurement in the field of energy efficiency. Survey results could provide some useful insights for policy recommendations in the field of energy efficiency.

Successfully Implementing Energy Efficiency Projects

Some building owners find that implementing energy efficiency projects may not provide the anticipated energy savings. Why do energy conservation measures (ECMs) sometimes fail to deliver the expected energy savings? This is often due to a predictable set of causes. Some owners rely on contractors, who are proficient in installing technologies, but not necessarily expert at configuring their new equipment to maximize energy savings. When contractors are not provided with a detailed scope of work written by the energy engineer who uncovered the energy savings opportunity, critical knowledge can be lost, and the improvements may not perform as intended. It is important to employ third party commissioning agents who are versed in energy efficiency, to ensure that the new technologies are performing as specified. For the ECMs to be successful in meeting their objectives, the facilities management staff must accept the new technologies. They need to understand how the improvements reduce energy use, how to maintain the new equipment, and how to troubleshoot problems when they occur. These potential problems are avoidable. This article details specific methodologies (e.g., commissioning, measurement and verification and training) that ensure your energy efficiency improvements will perform as intended.

Determinants of energy efficiency and energy consumption of Eastern Europe post-communist economies

Energy consumption reduction and energy efficiency improvement are recognized as global priorities in the context of the green economy and sustainable development. In this paper, determinants of energy efficiency and energy consumption for the panel of 11 post-communist countries in the Eastern Europe during 1996–2013 are investigated. The stochastic frontier function approach and comparative analysis were used to examine long-run dynamic relations. The research results show that GDP growth is a key factor increasing both energy efficiency and energy consumption. The research results on energy efficiency relations show that CO2 emissions per capita, a fixed capital and the share of industry in the economy are other important drives. In the context of per capita energy consumption growth, the factors of structural changes determined by industry share in the national economy and innovation concerned with development and implementation of high technologies are significant. The European Union accession and participation in the European energy policy promote to energy efficiency improvements in the post-communist countries while progress in governance and enterprise restructuring as measured by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is not important for energy efficiency and per capita energy consumption in the post-communist countries. According to the research results, energy efficiency policy in the sample countries should be aimed at providing further economic growth enhancing a positive impact of other factors and implementing energy efficiency projects.

The choice of energy saving modes for an energy-intensive manufacturer under non-coordination and coordination scenarios

Energy-intensive manufacturers have two main options for improving their energy efficiency: design and implement energy efficiency projects on their own (we call this self saving), or enter into energy performance contracts (EPCs), which mainly include shared savings and guaranteed savings. In this paper, we will discuss an energy-intensive manufacturer facing self saving and shared savings options and how this manufacturer chooses the optimal energy saving mode under non-coordination and coordination scenarios. We first formulate several mathematical models of the two types of energy-saving modes based on the assumption of exogenous unit savings (EX). We show that when the unit energy-saving benefit from shared savings is greater than the unit energy-saving benefit from self saving, the manufacturer prefers shared savings under the non-coordination scenario; otherwise, the manufacturer prefers self saving. Furthermore, we find that the bargaining power of the manufacturer is also a key factor in addition to the difference of unit energy-saving benefits under the coordination scenario. Interestingly, sometimes the bargaining power of the manufacturer has no impact on the optimal choice of energy saving modes. Finally, the basic model is extended to endogenization of unit savings (EN), and we show that the optimal choices of energy saving modes are completely different from the basic model.

The choice of energy saving modes for an energy-intensive manufacturer considering non-energy benefits

In practice, energy-intensive manufacturers have two main options when improving their energy efficiency: design and implement energy efficiency projects on their own (we call this self-saving) or enter into an energy performance contracting (EPC), which mainly includes shared savings and guaranteed savings. In this paper, we will discuss an energy-intensive manufacturer facing self-saving and shared savings options and how this manufacturer chooses the optimal energy saving mode when non-energy benefits are considered. We only consider “costs and profit” as non-energy benefits and formulate an optimization model of self-saving and a Stackelberg game model of shared savings. From our model analysis, when considering only energy savings, we find that the optimal unit savings has a monotonic impact on the optimal profit of the manufacturer. Our results indicate that: the manufacturer will prefer the second option to the first when the investment cost factor ratio of the energy service company (ESCO) to the manufacturer is small; otherwise, the manufacturer will prefer the first to the second. Furthermore, when considering non-energy benefits, we find that the results change in some cases.

The Situation of Bank Lending in Ukraine: Current Problems and Prospects of Recovery

Abstract The article investigates the state of bank lending in Ukraine, identifies the source of the severe banking crisis, that broke out in Ukraine in 2014-2015. Additionally, it suggests recommendations for the enhancement of the role of bank lending in the process of expanded incentives for investments in order to facilitate the exit from the economy crisis towards the economic growth. Using the general scientific methods of empirical and theoretical research, the dynamics of bank lending in Ukraine in 2003- 2014 was analysed and the following periods were distinguished: 2003-2007, which is the period of the rise of a strong banking system and the increase of bank lending; 2008-2009, when the crisis and post-crisis recovery processes have been attempted, and 2014-2015, which is the period of an unprecedented crisis and a wave of bank failures. The analysis revealed the following main factors constraining the lending to the economy of Ukraine in today’s conditions: a slowdown in the economic growth, increasing economic and political risks of inflation and devaluation expectations, rapid fluctuations of exchange rate, a high cost and the lack of credit because of insufficient domestic resources and the mismatch of terms and conditions of bank loans with the aim to attract resources, a significant credit risk and imperfect methods of management, the lack of clear mechanisms for loan repayment applicable to insolvent borrowers, and inadequate protection of the rights of lenders and borrowers. The article substantiates that the stimulation of the lending process should be based on the following: the improvement of the investment climate in Ukraine, using stricter lending criteria, ensuring effective mechanisms for provisioning for credit risks, and the improvement of measures for the protection of rights of lenders and borrowers. The state should focus on new projects stimulating - international investments by introducing the European standards on domestic enterprises, including joint investment projects in strategic sectors; the promotion of investment projects in support of small and medium enterprises; and intensified efforts to stimulate foreign banks to open credit lines for small and medium-sized businesses to implement energy efficiency projects under the state guarantee.

The growing role of banks in the implementation of energy efficiency projects in the Republic of Serbia

Energy efficiency market in the Republic of Serbia, though with great potential, is still in the early stages of its development. The subject of this paper is to analyze some aspects of the energy efficiency market in the Republic of Serbia, with the aim to highlight the opportunities and growing role of banks in the implementation of these projects. Having in mind the motives and factors of energy efficiency market development in our country, the paper starts with an analysis of the regulatory framework as the base of business opportunities that are provided to all potential and interested partners to carry out these types of projects. The study then focuses on the possible role and growing importance of banks in this promising field, as well as on the modalities of financial support which are common for the energy efficiency market both on the domestic market and the European Union market - as an illustration of the framework of financial instruments that has been developed to stimulate and further develop the factors of the energy efficiency market.

Barriers to energy efficiency and the uptake of green revolving funds in Canadian universities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers to the implementation of energy efficiency projects in Canadian universities, including access to capital, bounded rationality, hidden costs, imperfect information, risk and split incentives. Methods to address these barriers are investigated, including evaluating the efficacy of revolving funds. Design/methodology/approach – Senior administrators of 15 Canadian universities were interviewed, making use of both structured and open-ended questions. As university executives and senior technical directors are responsible for investment in energy efficiency at Canadian universities, these individuals were the focus of our study. Findings – The results offer a curious contradiction. While “Access to Capital” was found to be the largest barrier to energy efficiency in Canadian universities, and while respondents agreed that green revolving funds are both an effective method to address these capital funding constraints, and may be an effective method to implement energy conservation projects at their university, only 2 out of the 15 universities interviewed and 7 out of the 98 universities in Canada currently make use of a green revolving fund. A general reluctance at Canadian universities to formalize processes to prioritize energy efficiency limits the associated benefits of mechanisms such as revolving funds to institutionalize energy efficiency and reduce long-term energy use. Practical implications – To provide insights into barriers to energy efficiency in universities and methods to address them, including the efficacy of revolving funds. Originality/value – This research is one of the first to investigate the efficacy of revolving funds to confront barriers to energy efficiency. The findings, implications and recommendations are valuable to organizations, university administrators, researchers and practitioners implementing energy efficiency measures.

Working in partnership to develop engineering capability in energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a complex topic to integrate into higher education curricula, with limited success internationally or in Australia. This paper discusses one of the successful initiatives within the Energy Efficiency Training Program, which was jointly managed and implemented by the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage and Department of Education and Communities. The state government initiative aimed to increase the knowledge and skills of the New South Wales workforce, help business to identify and implement energy efficiency projects, and provide professional development for the training providers. Key sectors targeted included property, construction, manufacturing and services. The Program was externally evaluated over the three years 2011–2013 and a range of insights were gained through these facilitated reflective opportunities, confirming and building upon literature on the topic to date. This paper presents lessons learned from the engineering part of the program (‘the project’), spanning government agencies, academic institutions, and academia. The paper begins with a contextual summary, followed by a synthesis of key learnings and implications for future training initiatives. It is intended that sharing these lessons will contribute to literature in the field, and assist other organisations in Australia and overseas planning similar initiatives.

Implementation of energy efficiency projects by Dutch industry

As potentials for energy savings are huge, industry can provide a major contribution to energy savings goals. This paper focuses on the energy savings realized under the Dutch voluntary agreements in the period 2001–2011. Participants in these schemes are obliged to plan and implement all measures with a payback period of less than 5 years. This paper shows how many of these projects have been implemented and how much savings they generate. Our findings show that large differences exist in the realized savings between individual companies. There is however no significant difference in savings observed between companies that participate in the Emission Trading System (ETS) and companies that do not. Although it is impossible to disentangle the drivers behind the implementation of these projects, the amount of savings suggest that at least part of them was implemented because of different energy policy instruments.

Finding and Implementing Energy Efficiency Projects in Industrial Facilities

This study addresses the challenges of finding and implementing profitable energy efficiency (EE) projects, a critical foundation for sustainable operations. We focus on manufacturing enterprises, but many of our findings apply also to the back office of service operations. Our starting point is that, in nearly every industrial enterprise, there are many profitable EE projects that could be implemented but are not. An oft‐cited hindrance to implementation is the lack of an internal management framework in which to find, value, and execute these projects. Using a conceptual approach, we rely on proven sustainable operations tools to develop such a framework. We identify three major value drivers of EE projects: savings intensity, “green” image, and project complexity. We then describe a framework for understanding the context of EE projects in industry, with an underlying analytic foundation in optimal portfolio analysis. A case study of a large manufacturing site is used to illustrate emerging best practices—based on Kaizen management principles—for integrating EE project management with operations, engineering, and strategy.