Imported Fossil Fuels Research Articles

Renewable Electricity Generation in Small Island Developing States: The Effect of Importing Ammonia

Recently, we demonstrated for Curaçao that renewable electricity generation from wind combined with energy storage in the form of ammonia is competitive with imported fossil fuels, such as LNG, oil, and coal. In the current work, we have expanded the model by considering imported green ammonia as an alternative to local electricity generation and storage. Local production of ammonia as an energy storage medium was compared with imported ammonia to make up the electricity produced from onshore wind, for Curaçao and Fiji’s largest island Viti Levu. Curaçao and Viti Levu have been selected as two interesting extremes with favorable and non-favorable wind conditions, respectively. Assuming a market price of 500 USD/t NH3, it is found that importing ammonia is the most feasible solution for both islands, with a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 0.11 USD/kWh for Curaçao and 0.37 USD/kWh for Viti Levu. This compares to 0.12 USD/kWh for Curaçao; however, for Viti Levu, this value increases to 1.10 USD/kWh for a completely islanded system based on onshore wind and imported ammonia. These islands represent two extreme cases in terms of wind load factor and load consistency, as Curaçao has a high and consistent wind load factor when compared to Viti Levu. Thus, the conclusions obtained for these locations are expected to be applicable for other small island developing states.

Realising the Potential of Renewable Energy as a Tool for Energy Security in Small Island Developing States

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are heavily dependent on the use of imported fossil fuels to address their energy needs. This has a negative impact on the environment, SIDS budgets, and energy security. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of renewable energy (RE) as a tool for energy security in SIDS. In this regard, using VOSviewer, a widely known software tool, two bibliometric analyses were performed with a focus on the literature that explores two intertwined issues: (i) the links between RE and energy security; and (ii) the implications of RE and energy security in SIDS. The results from the study show that RE can help SIDS enhance their energy security and assure long-term energy sustainability. In addition, the results show that with the reduction in the cost of batteries in the future, they will eventually replace diesel generators. Moreover, the study showed that renewable energy may assist SIDS in their long-term efforts to achieve food security. The analysis discusses the major obstacles and the potential solutions for the integration of RES into the energy generation of SIDS. The paper concludes with useful recommendations to help island nations reduce their carbon footprint.

Another perspective towards energy consumption factors in Pakistan: Fresh policy insights from novel methodological framework

Lately, Pakistan's forecast for electricity consumption has shown an increasing tendency relative to its generating capability, which is concerning for the country's economic and social stability. Therefore, identifying electricity consumption factors may provide a promising mechanism to establish Pakistan's long-term sustainable policy framework. This study intends to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence electricity consumption, specifically electricity prices, economic expansion, industrialization, and urbanization. The study employs novel econometric techniques include; Lee and Strazicich [1] second generation unit root test, dynamic Autoregressive Distributed Lag Simulations (ARDLS) and the Cumulative Fourier Frequency Domain Causality (CFFDC) approach on a large dataset from 1960 to 2019. The findings reveal that energy prices and industrialization have a positive and significant long and short-run influence on energy consumption, whereas economic expansion has a favorable short-term impact on energy consumption. Suggest that energy prices, economic expansion, and industrialization can facilitate Pakistan to overcome its electricity consumption challenges. In addition, the FDC confirmed the links among the variables in the long-medium and short-run. The findings enable the policy-makers to formulate economic policy measures that would compel Pakistan to cope with the problems noted by its reliance on imported fossil fuels during a period of immense economic expansion, rapid urbanization, and use of its natural potential. Further policy suggestions are discussed in detail in the study.

Isotopic evidence for bioaccumulation of aerosol lead in fish and wildlife of western Canada

Lead (Pb) is a toxic element which is released as a result of anthropogenic activities, and Pb stable isotope ratios provide a means to distinguish sources and transport pathways in receiving environments. In this study, isotopes of bioaccumulated Pb (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb) were examined for diverse terrestrial and aquatic biota from three areas in western Canada: (a) otter, marten, gulls, terns, and wood frogs in the Alberta Oil Sands Region (AOSR), (b) fish, plankton, and gulls of Great Slave Lake (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories), and (c) wolverine from the Yukon. Aquatic and terrestrial biota from different habitats and a broad geographic area showed a remarkable similarity in their Pb isotope composition (grand mean ± 1 standard deviation: 206Pb/207Pb = 1.189 ± 0.007, 208Pb/207Pb = 2.435 ± 0.009, n = 116). Comparisons with Pb isotope ratios of local sources and environmental receptors showed that values in biota were most similar to those of atmospheric Pb, either measured in local aerosols influenced by industrial activities in the AOSR or in lichens (an aerosol proxy) near Yellowknife and in the Yukon. Biotic Pb isotope ratios were different from those of local geogenic Pb. Although the Pb isotope measurements could not unambiguously identify the specific anthropogenic sources of atmospheric Pb in biota, initial evidence points to the importance of fossil fuels currently used in transportation and power generation. Further research should characterize bioavailable chemical species of Pb in aerosols and important emission sources in western Canada.

Biomass Feedstocks for Liquid Biofuels Production in Hawaii & Tropical Islands: A Review

Many tropical islands, including Aruba, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Pacific Island countries, are entirely dependent on importing fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Due to global warming, improving energy use efficiency and developing regionally available renewable energy resources are necessary to reduce carbon emissions. This review analyzed and identified biomass feedstocks to produce liquid biofuels targeting tropical islands, particularly focusing on Hawaii as a case study. Transportation and energy generation sectors consume 25.5% and 11.6%, respectively, of Hawaii's imported fossil fuels. Various nonedible feedstocks with information on their availability, production, and average yields of oils, fiber, sugars, and lipid content for liquid biofuels production are identified to add value to the total energy mix. The available biomass conversion technologies and production costs are summarized. In addition, a section on potentially using sewage sludge to produce biodiesel is also included. Based on a comparative analysis of kamani, croton, pongamia, jatropha, energycane, Leucaena hybrid, gliricidia, and eucalyptus feedstock resources, this study proposes that Hawaii and other similar tropical regions can potentially benefit from growing and producing economical liquid biofuels locally, especially for the transportation and electricity generation sectors

Biomass Feedstocks for Liquid Biofuels Production in Hawaii & Tropical Islands: A Review

Many tropical islands, including Aruba, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Pacific Island countries, are entirely dependent on importing fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Due to global warming, improving energy use efficiency and developing regionally available renewable energy resources are necessary to reduce carbon emissions. This review analyzed and identified biomass feedstocks to produce liquid biofuels targeting tropical islands, particularly focusing on Hawaii as a case study. Transportation and energy generation sectors consume 25.5% and 11.6%, respectively, of Hawaii's imported fossil fuels. Various nonedible feedstocks with information on their availability, production, and average yields of oils, fiber, sugars, and lipid content for liquid biofuels production are identified to add value to the total energy mix. The available biomass conversion technologies and production costs are summarized. In addition, a section on potentially using sewage sludge to produce biodiesel is also included. Based on a comparative analysis of kamani, croton, pongamia, jatropha, energycane, Leucaena hybrid, gliricidia, and eucalyptus feedstock resources, this study proposes that Hawaii and other similar tropical regions can potentially benefit from growing and producing economical liquid biofuels locally, especially for the transportation and electricity generation sectors

A suitable site selection for sustainable bioenergy production facility by using hybrid multi-criteria decision making approach, case study: Turkey

Biofuels are rapidly taking their place amongst the renewable energy sources which are gaining importance day by day. Turkey procures a large portion of its energy needs with imported fossil fuels. This brings forward problems related to energy security and it also caused an increase in the greenhouse gas emissions of the country in the last decade. However, there are no satisfactory studies or investments related to biofuel potential and the evaluation of this potential. The research of the biomass energy potential in Turkey is of particular importance in terms of strengthening the energy policy. In this study, a multi-stage approach is presented for the first time in the appropriate site selecting for production facility to be established in a country. This is the most basic fact that distinguishes the study from other literature studies and makes it unique. Initially, the plant species and production amounts to be used in bioenergy production at the country scale were determined and theoretical biodiesel and bioethanol potentials were calculated. Then, the most suitable product-based site for the bioenergy production facility was determined with a hybrid method using the entropy-based multiple-attribute utility theory. Thus, contrary to the literature studies on potential determination only, the most suitable location for the bioenergy production facility was also selected by using determined potentials. The results show that Turkey has a biodiesel and bioethanol potential 1.666.176 tons, 13.546.751 tons, respectively. The products with the highest potential were determined for biodiesel and bioethanol production as sunflower (774.741 tons) and wheat (7.051.602 tons).

‘We’re in the coal business’: Maintaining fossil fuel hegemony in the face of climate change

Despite the worsening climate crisis and market shifts towards decarbonization, Australia remains heavily invested in carbon-intensive activities. As one of the world's largest exporters of coal and gas, Australian political economy has been dominated over the last several decades by fossil fuel expansionism. In this article, we explore how Australian corporate and political elites have defended the continuation of fossil fuel extraction and use in the face of calls for a transition to a low-carbon energy future. Through an analysis of public statements by industry associations, corporate leaders, politicians and trade union officials, we identify how these actors have constructed a hegemonic temporal narrative stressing the historical importance of fossil fuels and that a transition to renewable energy represents a threat to Australia's future. Our analysis contributes to the growing literature within the field of industrial relations attending to the complex industrial dynamics underlying the maintenance of fossil fuel hegemony. We also contribute to recent discussions on hegemony by demonstrating the importance of temporality in linking diverse actors together in defending hegemony. Finally, we highlight the critical importance of corporate power in fundamentally shaping climate and energy politics.

Analysis and evaluation of distributed photovoltaic generation in electrical energy production and related regulations of Turkey.

Turkey is a developing country with rising energy demands. Energy access is one of the key parameters to sustain the development, since the country meets a considerable part of energy demands by imported fossil fuels. Distributed photovoltaic power generation (DPPG) is one of the sustainable solutions to increase renewable energy sources (RES) shares in primary energy demand. This paper investigates Turkey’s current policy system with its excellences and shortcomings in different stages of distributed photovoltaic power generation development in the country. By the assessment of the current situation, a strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) and external opportunities (O) and threats (T) analysis is also conducted to propose urgent strategies to contribute the development of DPPG sector in Turkey. In conclusion, future roles of the government and energy market are discussed to increase integration of DPPG in Turkish renewable energy market comprehensively.Graphical abstract

STRATEGIC EUROPEAN COOPERATION IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS: A SURVEY

Because of the difficult situation in the world energy market, in particular, in Europe, and the need to respond to global challenges in terms of increasing the energy security of individual countries and their associations by reducing dependence on the import of fossil fuels (natural gas, oil and petroleum products, stone coal, etc.) and the development of renewable energy to level the difference in the natural resource potential of traditional energy resources, it is necessary to develop the energy system based on the principles of energy self-sufficiency and high energy transitivity to quickly respond to fluctuations in demand and balance the energy network. The article examines existing cooperation mechanisms in the energy sector of the European Union, both between EU member states and between EU representatives and third countries. The specified procedure for concluding international agreements ensures compliance with the legislation of the European Union and verification of agreements between countries for compliance with the goals of energy policy and promotion of the achievement of indicators, particularly in the field of renewable energy development. This approach ensures integrity and consistency in the implementation of both energy and climate policies of the European Union. It contributes to the implementation of pan-European and national strategic plans. In connection with the need for temporary measures for the transformation of the EU energy system and following the most expected scenario of such a transformation, which involves two stages: diversification of the supply of fossil fuels to EU countries to replace Russian energy resources in the short term and intensification of the development of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels with renewable in the medium and long time, a list of countries with which cooperation in the implementation of energy projects will help reduce the dependence of the European Union on the import of energy resources from the Russian Federation in the short term has been determined. The transparency platform for cross-border renewable energy projects (CB RES Transparency Platform) described in the article aims to increase the efficiency of international partners' interaction during the implementation of clean energy projects in the European Union.

A review of the performance and effluent characteristics of diesel engine fueled with different biodiesel

The fossil fuel reserves in our country and in the world are dwindling at a rapid pace. With the current rate of production and consumption, the natural gas and oil reserves are predicted to run out in 50 years. To prepare for such an imminent energy crisis, we must look to alternative sources of fuel. Global interest in vegetable oils as fuels for internal combustion engines dates back to the early 20th century. In order to cut down dependence on imported fossil fuels and to reduce pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels, the government of India is promoting extensive research in the field of biofuels. Usage of biodiesel will also result in lower CO and HC emissions. This study aims to carry out a comparative analysis of the performance and emission characteristics of karanja oil, jatropha oil, palm oil, cotton seed oil, and neem oil with diesel on a diesel engine.

Powering an island energy system by offshore floating technologies towards 100% renewables: A case for the Maldives

Low-lying coastal areas and archipelago countries are particularly threatened by the impacts of climate change. Concurrently, many island states still rely on extensive use of imported fossil fuels, above all diesel for electricity generation, in addition to hydrocarbon-based fuels to supply aviation and marine transportation. Land area is usually scarce and conventional renewable energy solutions cannot be deployed in a sufficient way. This research highlights the possibility of floating offshore technologies being able to fulfil the task of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy solutions in challenging topographical areas. On the case of the Maldives, floating offshore solar photovoltaics, wave power and offshore wind are modelled on a full hourly resolution in two different scenarios to deal with the need of transportation fuels: By importing the necessary, carbon neutral synthetic e-fuels from the world market, or by setting up local production capacities for e-fuels. Presented results show that a fully renewable energy system is technically feasible in 2030 with a relative cost per final energy of 120.3 €/MWh and 132.1 €/MWh, respectively, for the two scenarios in comparison to 105.7 €/MWh of the reference scenario in 2017. By 2050, cost per final energy can be reduced to 77.6 €/MWh and 92.6 €/MWh, respectively. It is concluded that floating solar photovoltaics and wave energy converters will play an important role in defossilisation of islands and countries with restricted land area.

Life Cycle Assessment of Ethiopian Cement Manufacturing: A Potential Improvement on the Use of Fossil Fuel in Mugher Cement Factory

The use of imported fuel in the Ethiopian cement industry increased the cost of production and the environmental burden, necessitating intervention. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, energy usage intensity, and resource exploitation of Ethiopian cement production were evaluated using the life cycle impact assessment (LCA) tool, aiming to recommend improvements. The LCA study used cumulative energy demand (CED) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. For the case study of Mugher cement factory (MCF), the results on energy use intensities showed 3.74, 3.67, and 2.64 GJ/ton of clinker, Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), Pozzolana Portland cement (PPC), respectively. The result revealed MCF's energy use intensity was within the global range of 3.32 to 5.11 GJ/ton of cement production using similar kiln technology. The results on the GHG emissions were 0.87, 0.84, and 0.59 tons of CO2-equivalent/ton of clinker, OPC, and PPC, respectively. Process emissions accounted for 60% of overall CO2 emissions, with energy-related emissions accounting for the remaining 40%. CO2 emissions of MCF are below the global limit of 0.9 tons/ton of clinker, where all energy sources are fossil fuels. However, it is higher than the 0.65 ton/ton of clinker from a moderate rotary kiln in China. MCF used 70% of its total energy sources from imported fossil fuels, and transportation of the imported fuel added 1.2% CO2 to total emissions. A suggested fossil fuel use improvement scenario for MCF, where coffee husk replaces 50% of the imported coal improved the energy intensity, GHG emissions, and total cost of coal in clinker production by 1.2%, 14%, 36%, respectively.

EFFECTS OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

In this article the author presents some aspects of the hydrogen market, this fuel is essential to support the European Union’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In 2020, the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has given a boost by speeding up the global long-term challenge of climate change, with more and more countries committing to achieving “zero net” emissions. The energy system in the single internal market is responsible for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Green Deal Pact. In the context of the crisis caused by the Pandemic Corona, the European Commission issued the Hydrogen Strategy in which it provided for an investment plan in green energy with the aim of economic recovery in Europe. In this sense, green hydrogen can be the fuel that contributes to reducing energy costs at European level. Decarbonisation leads to a significant increase in the role of electricity, which can cover the demand of over 50% of final energy by 2050, compared to about 20% today. Hydrogen contributes to the security of energy supply by reducing dependence on the import of fossil energy and natural gas. Thus, the diversification of energy supply takes place by facilitating the implementation of renewable energy sources. This is assessed by the estimation of imported fossil fuels that will be replaced by hydrogen based on domestic renewable sources. Green hydrogen can be obtained from clean energy where investments in renewable energy, whose prices are falling, and innovation are a viable solution for the green economy. Hydrogen does not emit greenhouse gases and does not pollute the air when used. In Romania, the potential for renewable energy production is estimated to be almost ten times higher in 2030 than at present, which creates a significant opportunity to use some of this potential in the production of hydrogen that can replace fossil fuels.

Plastic or not plastic? That’s the problem: analysing the Italian students purchasing behavior of mineral water bottles made with eco-friendly packaging

European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy draws new shapes of economy in order to protect the environment and reduce marine pollution, GHGs and countries’ dependence on imported fossil fuels. The core of EU Strategy is also to try to transform the way plastic products are designed, produced, used and recycled in the EU. Italy is the first country in Europe and the second in the world for consumption of bottled water, with remarkable environmental impacts, from production to distribution. Starting from social science theory, this work aims to investigate consumers' behavior and the related factors that influence their behavior pertaining to the purchase of. mineral water bottles made with eco-friendly packaging, taking the student population of the University of Palermo as a reference sample. The work carries out an analysis by means of a fuzzy approach that is based on the evidence that the real world is so complex that it cannot be treated by means of clear rigid propositions. Findings show the presence of high sensitivity to pay for green bottles. This work further contributes to the existing research by emphasizing the crucial role of new marketing and policy plans based on the attitudinal, behavioral and socio-economic characteristics of consumers. Thus, this study delivers insights for policy-makers towards formulating favourable policies to increase sustainable firm processes and consumers’ green consumption within circular models.

The Role of Green Financing for Renewable Energy Projects in Reducing Jordan's Debt

Energy is the main driver of various economic sectors. Scientific and technological developments in the sources of power generation have a significant impact on the Jordanian economy, especially renewable energy projects. The sources of energy generation cost a large amount of foreign currencies, and it is generating great pressure on the balance of payments and Jordan's debt. Jordan is characterized by the diversity of renewable energy sources; the expansion of green finance is an important component in the increase of renewable energy projects. When a high rate of renewable energy to energy production in Jordan. it leads to a reduction in the import of fossil fuels, reduces the Jordanian debt, and the Jordanian energy security is achieved. Keywords: Green Finance, Renewable Energy, Jordanian Debt DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/12-22-07 Publication date: November 30th 2021

PV roofs as the first step towards 100% RES electricity production for Mediterranean islands: The case of Cyprus

The challenge of integration of large scale RES to islands seems infeasible when the islands have isolated energy systems without primary fuel sources, with limited sources of RES and without energy storage systems. Cyprus island is one of these cases, which covers 93% of the energy demand using imported fossil fuels. Building sector is the second biggest energy consumer accounting for 19% of the final energy consumption. A net-metering scheme is introduced recently to promote the installation of small PV systems in buildings. This paper therefore takes the approach of analyzing various scenarios for installation of PV roof systems in existing and future households of Cyprus island until 2050. The goal is to achieve 100% renewable energy production to cover the needs of the households sector. Results show that the electricity demand of the domestic sector can be 100% covered when over 70% of the existing residential stock install 3 kW roof PV system. Even if 50% of the existing residential stock install a 3 kW PV system the required capacity from other applications (eg. PV parks) to make domestic sector 100% renewable is 191 MW, which is feasible. To ensure a smooth transition to 100% renewable energy in all sectors, significant actions should be taken for the development of renewable energy systems, sector coupling, smart grid system planning and storage technologies. The present study examines only the potential of the further use of net-metering scheme in the domestic sector and discusses the barriers to full energy transition as well.

Techno-economic analysis of a transmission line between an island grid and a mainland grid

Islands are commonly isolated electricity systems that rely heavily on imported fossil fuels. Interconnection with a mainland power system is a solution to offset the exposure to volatile fuel prices and increase the stability of the island grid. This paper presents and discusses the main results of a case study aiming to see the economic effects of a 200 MW HVDC connection between an island grid and a mainland grid. The purpose was to see how much of the island’s oil price scenarios can be overcome with this new interconnector. For this research, North Cyprus grid was modeled in MATPOWER software to do optimal power flow analysis. The results are used to compare fuel-based generation costs to importing electricity from the mainland. The analysis shows that this interconnector decreases the island’s generation costs by 28% to 78%, and with the possible renewable installations, this reduction can be increased further.

Dependency of domestic food sectors on imported inputs with Finland as a case study

The objective of this study is to examine the import dependency of domestic food and service sectors in Finland and produce indicators for measuring the import content of these sectors together with the import dependency of the inputs supplied into these sectors. Input–output analysis is utilised to provide the necessary information on the interdependencies and linkages between different industries for both goods and services in the Finnish economy. Primary agriculture, food processing, distribution and food service providers in Finland are heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels concerning energy and chemical inputs, including high reliance on imported supplementary protein feed for livestock production. However, most of the inputs supplied to the Finnish food and service sectors are domestic because only 20% of the total output is dependent on imported goods, services, and capital goods. The rate of self-sufficiency in food supply is high in Finland, but international trade is essential to provide the necessary energy and chemical inputs needed for food production along with livestock’s supplementary protein feed. Replacing fossil energy with sustainable renewable energy will reduce the dependence on Russia for energy supply and promoting human consumption of plant-based foods will reduce the demand for livestock feed.

The Subsidized Green Revolution: The Impact of Public Incentives on the Automotive Industry to Promote Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) in the Period from 2010 to 2018

Throughout decades, conflicts related to the access and usage of various energy sources have caused political tensions between nations and confederations of states. Thus, partially to decrease the dependence on fossil fuels, a thorough transition towards renewable energies has been promoted by several regional and national governments as well as by multinational institutions such as the European Union. In this context, the automotive industry has particularly been held responsible for the production of negative externalities, such as global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions), noise and air pollution. To a notable extent, these externalities were caused by vehicles running on fossil fuels such as petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel and fuel oil. Accordingly, it is often argued that replacing vehicles run by internal combustion engines (ICEs) with so-called alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), particularly with plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), is crucial to increase the sustainability of the transport sector. Moreover, several EU-member states aim to reduce the vehicle-related petrol and diesel demand to decrease their dependence on foreign energy sources. However, one must consider that there are important economic costs related to such a transition process. This paper evaluates the short-term and long-term effects of fiscal policies on the European automotive market in the period from 2010 to 2018, focusing on the impact of mentioned public incentives for AFVs. This public interventionism will be critically evaluated to examine the effectiveness of government incentives in promoting AFVs, particularly for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). The author argues that the rather positive sales evolution of AFVs was not caused by corresponding actual customer demand but mainly by governmental policies in an increasingly interventionist market. He acknowledges that the growing variety of available PEV models, the increasing driving range of electric vehicles, as well as their decreasing production costs due to economies of scale, have helped PEVs to become more competitive. However, the concern should be raised that mentioned public interventionism is unsustainable from a macroeconomic perspective, possibly leading to significant market distortion and a new artificial market bubble. The narrowed focus on battery electric vehicles prevents the market from further elaborating on other potentially more sustainable technologies. Moreover, from a geostrategic perspective, the transition of the European automotive industry towards electrification is likely to reduce the EU’s dependency on imported fossil fuels but enables several non-European automotive brands to conquer a significant market with their new competitive plug-in electric vehicle technologies.