Energy Investment Research Articles

Machine learning-driven solar irradiance prediction: advancing renewable energy in Rajasthan

This research explores the potential of solar power as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, focusing on Rajasthan, India. Using data from MERRA-2, researchers analysed solar irradiance and meteorological parameters to develop accurate prediction models. It is observed that for every 1 kW/m2 increase in shortwave downward solar irradiance, earth skin temperature rises by 3.52 °C. The temperature variable shows the highest correlation coefficient at 0.63, followed by wind with a correlation coefficient of 0.37, while surface pressure has a negative correlation coefficient of − 0.37. Various machine learning models were tested and compared for solar irradiance prediction, including Linear Regression, Random Forest, Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, and Gradient Boosting. Results suggest, linear regression model demonstrates the best training and validation results, with a minimal difference of just 0.02 between the training and validation datasets. Performance of the model was assessed using Mean Squared Error, Root Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error, and R-squared metrics. When looking at the overall performance of the various models, it’s clear that the Random Forest model is more effective, achieving a Root Mean Square Error of 0.64. This model outperforms the Linear Regression model by a notable 19.47%, highlighting its superior predictive abilities. Additionally, average error across all models stays below 20%, emphasizing the reliability and accuracy of the predictive analyses performed. This study provides a robust framework for predicting solar irradiance, crucial for efficient solar power planning and implementation. By enhancing our ability to forecast solar energy potential, this research could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies worldwide. The success of the Random Forest model in this context highlights the power of advanced machine learning techniques in renewable energy applications. Ultimately, this study contributes to the global effort to transition towards cleaner energy sources, potentially influencing energy policies and investment decisions in solar power infrastructure.

Resources-Blessed but Energy-Poor: A Critical Review of the Paradox of Energy Delivery in Nigeria

Abstract: Energy is essential for the growth and improved livelihood of any nation. Nigeria, though blessed with abundance of oil and gas, and has good land mass and natural resources for renewable energy, struggles with energy delivery. Many industries have shut down due to high energy cost or unavailability of the energy required to support their operations. Through critical review of existing studies on the Nigerian energy delivery, this study identified that the Nigerian energy challenges stem from infrastructural issues, environmental degradation, inconsistent government policies, poor regulatory framework and limited investments in renewable energy. However, the challenges can be mitigated if there is renewed policy thrust by the Nigerian government, energy incentives, stakeholders’ involvement in decision-making in the sector and diversification of public power supply into renewable energy. As much as Nigeria still struggles with energy delivery from crude oil and gas, it is obvious that the future of energy delivery in Nigeria lies in resort to renewable energy sources.

Analyzing the dynamic behavior and market efficiency of green energy investments: A geometric and fractional brownian motion approach

ABSTRACT The growing importance of green energy investments necessitates understanding their dynamic behavior and market efficiency, particularly during geopolitical instability. This study examines the performance of three major green energy indices – First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund, Invesco Wilder Hill Clean Energy, and S&P Global Clean Energy Index – across distinct macroeconomic periods, including the post-Paris Agreement era, COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Israel-Gaza conflict. We apply two advanced stochastic modeling techniques to address the complexities of price movements in these indices: Geometric Brownian Motion and Multifractional Brownian Motion. The Hurst exponent is calculated to evaluate market memory and efficiency during these periods. Our findings demonstrate that while the Geometric Brownian Motion model effectively captures general market trends, the Multifractional Brownian Motion model reflects the nuanced volatilities and structural shifts in green energy markets, particularly during heightened geopolitical tension. The Hurst analysis identifies alternating periods of persistence and anti-persistence, highlighting varying levels of market efficiency and partially challenging the Efficient Market Hypothesis. This study’s novelty lies in applying Geometric Brownian Motion and Multifractional Brownian Motion to green energy indices, providing a comprehensive approach to analyzing their behavior under external shocks. These results contribute to the literature by offering insights into the resilience and efficiency of green energy investments, thus aiding investors and policymakers in navigating the complexities of sustainable finance during global crises.

Knockdown of FAS2 Impairs Fecundity by Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation and Increasing Glycogen Storage in Locusta migratoria

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a pivotal gene in the lipid synthesis pathway and plays a crucial role in insect energy metabolism. Locusta migratoria, as one of the major agricultural pests, requires identification of new targets to control or reduce its reproductive capacity for effective locust pest management strategies. In this study, we focused on L. migratoria and identified FAS2 as a potential target gene with functional significance in lipid metabolism and reproduction based on sequence characteristics analysis and tissue-expression patterns of five FAS genes. Subsequently, through RNA interference (RNAi) targeting FAS2 expression, we assessed alterations in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism-related gene expression levels, lipid and carbohydrate contents, ovarian development, and reproductive capacity using experimental techniques such as RT-qPCR, ELISA, and morphological observations. Our findings revealed that interference with FAS2 upregulated genes involved in lipid degradation, including Lsd-1, Lsd-2, Lipase3, and Brummer, while significantly decreasing the TAG content and fat accumulation. At the level of carbohydrate metabolism, FAS2 silencing led to significant upregulation of key genes TPS and GS in the synthesis pathway, resulting in increased glycogen and trehalose content. In addition, FAS2 interference resulted in a significant reduction of Vg mRNA expression level sand protein content in L. migratoria, followed by delayed ovarian development and reduced egg production. This further confirms that impaired FAS2 function prompts L. migratoria to enhance lipid degradation and sugar storage to maintain the energy balance, while reducing the energy investment into reproduction. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that FAS2 can serve as a novel molecular target for controlling L. migratoria.

How Does the Interplay Between Banking Performance, Digitalization, and Renewable Energy Consumption Shape Sustainable Development in European Union Countries?

In the context of current global challenges, the integration of digitalization, financial performance, and renewable energy is pivotal in fostering sustainable and resilient economic development. The aim of this paper is to explore the interplay between banking performance, digitalization, and renewable energy consumption in the context of the European Union (EU), with a focus on sustainable economic development. This study examines the extent to which the digitalization and efficiency of the banking sector influence the uptake of renewable energy considering the EU’s environmental and economic priorities. The methodology used involves an econometric analysis based on statistical data from EU countries, using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) to assess causal relationships between variables, complemented by Vector Autoregression (VAR) models and Granger causality tests to further investigate the dynamic interactions among the variables. The data were analyzed to examine the correlation between banking performance, digitalization, and renewable energy consumption levels. The results reveal a positive correlation between greater digitalization in the banking sector, stronger financial performance, and higher investments in renewable energy sources. These factors also support the transition to a green economy, but the effect varies between EU countries depending on national policies and existing digital infrastructure. Recommendations for policymakers include stimulating digitalization in the financial sector, creating a regulatory framework to encourage green energy investments, and strengthening collaboration between financial institutions and the energy sector to facilitate the transition to renewables. This paper also suggests a fiscal policy conducive to technological innovation and digitalization to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy.

Sustainable Concrete Pavements with Blended Cements

Transportation infrastructure management has traditionally focused on the safety and reliability without deliberately incorporating sustainability considerations. Recently, national, state and municipal governing bodies, the engineering community and society as a whole, are realizing the enormous investment of materials, energy, capital, and social costs affiliated with infrastructure system design, construction and maintenance. Approaches to help achieve higher infrastructure sustainability and resiliency include design and construction techniques to provide longer-lasting pavements, use of recycled materials in construction, and increasing the use of supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) and portland limestone cements in concrete mixture designs. Concrete materials manufactured with blended cements intrinsically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing portland cement usage. In addition, blended cement concretes containing SCMs may substantially increase the pavement service life providing the most cost-effective method to reducing the economic, environmental and societal impacts (triple bottom line) of surface transportation.

Evaluation of Wind Power Plants from the Aspect of Earthquake Design

Türkiye in recent years, consequently, their share in the total generation of energy within the country is also increasing every year. Considering the cost of wind power plants, together with the targeted amount of energy generation, earthquake planning for these systems becomes crucial. Earthquakes are one of the principal risks of wind energy investments, especially when considering the earthquake hazard level in a large portion of the country. Under the present circumstances, the companies producing wind turbines conduct the analysis and planning they deem necessary and forward these to the investors in our country. The extent to which manufacturers consider earthquake parameters and analysis methods in the design of wind turbines for earthquake resistance is not well-defined. The lack of clarity makes it difficult for investors to accurately evaluate the suitability of wind turbine tower and foundation designs for the specific conditions of the country. This study evaluates earthquake design methods by looking into the regulations used in the design of wind turbines around the world. The magnitude of ground motion considered in the earthquake design, the method of analysis used, the load combinations on which the designs are based, and the criteria for the designs have been inspected. Moreover, the design documents for a wind turbine that is being constructed has been examined in detail, with the earthquake design stage being especially scrutinized. Assessments and recommendations have been made regarding the design specifications, analysis methods and criteria used in the analysis and design of the wind turbines currently being built in our country. Subsequently, obtained recommendations have been taken into consideration to propose an earthquake design procedure for the earthquake design of wind turbines.

Growth-tolerance tradeoffs shape the survival outcomes and ecophysiological strategies of Atlantic Forest species in the rehabilitation of mining-impacted sites.

The initial performance of seedlings of tree species from different functional groups, regarding the growth-defense tradeoff, might determine its long-term success during the rehabilitation of mining areas. We monitored the field performance of six native tree species of the Atlantic Forest in the Fundão dam tailing that has been under rehabilitation for 35months. Additionally, we explored the morphophysiological traits driving the superior performance of three species. The study examined the survival strategies of pioneer species (Anadenanthera colubrina, Bixa orellana, Peltophorum dubium) and secondary species (Cedrela fissilis, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Handroanthus serratifolius), as well as the photosynthetic, nutritional, and antioxidant metabolism of the successful species. Most species accumulated excessive Fe in their leaves, except for the pioneer species A. colubrina and P. dubium. However, the nutritional status of the plants, concerning leaf nutrient concentration, was adequate for their growth in the waste. The species A. colubrina, C. fissilis, and H. serratifolius exhibited poor physiological performance, primarily due to substrate compaction and excessive foliar metal concentrations. The successful performance of P. dubium was attributed to avoidance mechanisms, allowing a cost-effective growth-defense tradeoff, thus maintaining photosynthetic efficiency at the expense of energy investment in antioxidant protection. The excess Fe allocation in the photosynthetic tissues of B. orellana was linked to a greater investment in antioxidant metabolism, which was related to the protection of the photosynthetic machinery. The Fe hyperaccumulation in H. impetiginosus led to increased oxidative damage, which was mitigated by investments in tolerance mechanisms, including photosynthetic adjustments (stomatal limitation, non-photochemical energy dissipation), as well as the activation of the enzymatic antioxidant system. The persistence and success of the Atlantic Forest tree species were not related to their ecological successional classification. Instead, it was the different mechanisms of tolerance and avoidance that allowed both pioneer and secondary species to thrive in the impacted area.

Financing the future: insights into sustainable energy investments through scientific mapping and meta-analysis

This study presents a detailed literature review on financing for renewable and sustainable energy through bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping, utilizing the Scopus database from 2000 to 2023. Using network analysis techniques, it identifies eight main clusters, each focusing on different aspects of financing renewable energy and their geographic and technical contexts. The study highlights the most frequently cited articles, notable authors, key institutions, affiliations, and journals in sustainable energy finance. A random effects model meta-analysis was also conducted to assess the overall effect size of each research stream. Findings indicate that the literature on renewable energy finance has expanded since 2000 and exhibits considerable diversity. The study pinpoints five major themes suitable for discussion and exploration of new research questions: (i) the role of Fintech in renewable energy finance, (ii) the regulatory framework governing renewable energy finance, (iii) the economic feasibility of renewable energy in emerging markets, (iv) the influence of private and public finance on renewable energy development, and (v) the relationship between renewable energy finance and sustainable development goals. The insights from this study aim to inspire and equip readers as they embark on their inquiries into the connections between energy investment, policy, finance, and behavioral sciences. Following identifying research gaps, this paper outlines potential future research directions. It serves as a thorough resource on current trends in sustainable energy investments and recommends viable research topics, thus benefiting researchers, professionals, and policymakers alike.

Investigating the Pass-Through Effect of Global Oil Price Shock on Domestic Inflation in Selected African Countries

The large-scale war between Russia and Ukraine has increased global oil prices, signaling a new era of macroeconomic shock management for both developed and developing countries. Consequently, this study investigates the passthrough effect of oil prices on domestic inflation in selected African countries in a single estimation framework using the global vector autoregressive (GVAR) estimation technique. To achieve the objective of this study, country-specific data were gathered from twenty-one African countries and four foreign countries selected based on trade relations. The results from our estimation demonstrate that the domestic general price level in African countries responds to global oil price shocks. Also, like any other part of the world, a disparity-like response is observable for African countries. This is tightly connected to whether the country is a metal-resource-rich, non-rich resource, or oil-rich country. The study thus concludes that positive shocks in the global price of crude oil will worsen the delicate position of the domestic general price level in non-oil-producing African countries. Efforts to minimize the impact of international oil shocks in these countries should center around investment in renewable energy and stabilization of the economy’s supply side through proactive and effective macroeconomic management.

Challenging energy transition and green jobs: climate policy obstruction across borders

Challenging energy transition and green jobs: climate policy obstruction across borders

Trends and Drivers of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in India: A Decadal Analysis (2010-2020)

This paper analyses trends and determinants of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in India in 2010-2020, the decade with some of the fastest economic growth rates and the increased awareness of environmental issues. The research pays attention to India, the world's third-largest emitter of GHG, which will be analysed regarding emissions in four sectors: energy, industry, agriculture, and waste management. A time series analysis of data drawn from national and international agencies, such as the World Bank and India's Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, was applied in this study. Statistical analysis and data visualisation were performed using the R software. The key findings show an increase of 42% in the total emissions of GHG over the last decade, with the energy sector dominating at 68% in 2020. Other significant contributors were industry (20%), agriculture (9%), and waste (3%). Growth in population, along with accompanying urbanisation and industrial expansion, is cited as the main factor responsible for emission rise. However, there are also indications of decoupling between growth in the economy and emissions intensity. The study analyzes the greenhouse gas emission trends for major emitters between 2010 and 2020, in India. The dynamic panel data model analyses indicate signs of decoupling of emissions from economic growth in developed economies and the role of renewable energy and carbon pricing. Research findings further indicate that stronger climate policy and investment in clean energy is the necessity to decrease global emissions.The paper identifies policy issues that require strong activity in enforcing efficiency measures, fastening the shift toward krenewable sources of energy, and effective sustainable planning and waste management practices in urbanisation processes. In that respect, examination of policies like the PAT scheme and promotion of electric vehicles has shown where more aggressive implementation may be seen as necessary to ensure India's climate commitments. This elaborate decadal review finds most of its utility within the framework of policy designing for sustainable development and climate change mitigation by policymakers and stakeholders in the Indian scenario.

Challenging the Green Machine: Rejoinder to Schwartzman

ABSTRACT We respond to David Schwartzman’s critique of our paper. We argue that his “solar communism,” his approach to the question of energy return on energy investment (EROI), and his critique of Georgescu-Roegen’s fourth law of thermodynamics situate him as a left ecomodernist, albeit with sympathy for degrowth. Schwartzman’s take on these issues illustrates how the ontological separation of human ingenuity and global social metabolism obscures the question of for whom a high-energy modern society is possible. This is further exacerbated by his commitment to the notion of perfect recycling, which has been proven practically impossible in inorganic systems.

Building economic stability through effective natural resource management and renewable energy investment in GCC countries

Building economic stability through effective natural resource management and renewable energy investment in GCC countries

Configuration path identification of investment risk in China's overseas energy projects: An exploration based on LDA and fsQCA

AbstractChina's overseas energy investment is subject to various risks and uncertainties. This study uses the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model for text mining to comprehensively identify risk factors for overseas energy project investment. Then, we utilize fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the configuration path of risk based on 25 overseas energy project investment cases. The results show that there are six categories of investment risks in overseas energy projects, namely: political risk, economic risk, resource risk, environmental risk, social risk, and national relations risk. The occurrence of a single risk is insufficient to cause an investment in an overseas energy project to fail. Rather, it is only when multiple risks occur together and act in concert that the project is disadvantaged. The configuration paths of risk can be categorized into four types, which are geopolitical dominance type, socio‐economic dominance type, resource‐environment dominance type, and comprehensive type. From a holistic perspective, this study examines the cumulative impact of multiple risk factors on the investment effect of energy projects, illustrating the inherent complexity of investment risks associated with overseas energy projects. This study provides direction for investors and policymakers to develop effective risk management programs and sound investment strategies.

Strategic MARCOS Model for Optimizing Renewable Energy Investments Under Pythagorean Hesitant Fuzzy Assessments

For sustainable growth, investments in renewable energy must be maximized. Maximizing investments in renewable energy opens the door to a more successful and environmentally friendly future. Analyzing technological viability, cost‐effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact are all part of this optimization process. This paper delves into a sophisticated methodology designed to tackle uncertainties in decision‐making by leveraging the innovative concept of Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy sets (PHFSs). We defined aggregation operations and distance measures for PHFS. After that, we introduced Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking According to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS), a novel methodology under PHFS, it is a robust tool acknowledged for navigating complex decision scenarios with multiple criteria. Following that, we showcased a case study on enhancing renewable energy investments through an AI‐based strategy for sustainable development, utilizing the newly developed MARCOS algorithm. The study highlights the significance of its adaptability and efficiency in practical applications. Furthermore, we compared this methodology with the Technique for Establishing Order Performance by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), offering insights into their respective strengths. This offers a concrete demonstration of its real‐world utility and potential impact in decision‐making scenarios. Finally, in the last, we conclude the whole study.

The green response of financial inclusion, infrastructure development and renewable energy to the environmental sustainability: A newly evidence from OECD economies.

Recently, economic environmental degradation is being considered a leading chellenge in forefront of policy analysts. Thus, the present study introduces core environmental determinants such as infrastructure development, finacail inclusion, gross domestic product, population, and renewable energy consumption. Financial inclusion (FI) is crucial for attaining a environment. The present study selects the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) over period of 2004-2022. The results show that financial inclusin, infrastructure development(ID), and renewable energy (RE) play a vital influence in decreasing carbon emissions. The OECD nations should surge their investment in renewable energy and infrastructure development. Furthermore, to ensure long-term environmental sustainability, it is imperative to broaden the scope of FI. Thus, the inclusion of green infrastructure is essential in order to shift from the utilization of fossil fuels to RE sources. Similarly, policymakers should incorporate FI into climate actions at the local, national, and regional levels. However, it is crucial to promote the economic shift towards RE sources in order to mitigate the environmental impact from humn and economic activities. This study is conducive to the execution of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Private equity renewable energy investments in India.

India is anticipated to grow its total energy consumption and CO2 emissions by more than any other country over the next two decades. India will have to attract around $400 billion in financing to realize its 500GW target of renewable energy by 2030. Given complex renewable energy sector risks, rapidly scaling-up risk-friendly private equity financing will be critical to achieve India's target. This research seeks to answer questions regarding the motivation, perceptions, strategies, and investment behavior of private equity investors in the Indian renewable energy sector. The answers to these questions presented herein have been distilled from primary research interviews with 40 executive-level sector practitioners and literature analysis. This research finds that global-macro forces and sector-specific appeal are attracting varied investors to the sector. These investors primarily deploy capital in existing developer platforms, creating control developer platforms, and Infrastructure Investment Trusts. Critical investment criteria and value creation strategies of these investors are comprehensively discussed. Emerging investment opportunities to create new renewable energy sector value by partnering with companies across the power sector value chain are also presented. This research concludes that despite significant sector risks, investors remain confident they can achieve outsized risk-adjusted returns relative to most other global infrastructure assets. This optimism stems from the confidence of investors in their own ability to manage risk-return dynamics through judicious investment selection and management strategies, the sector's uniquely large demand growth and market size, and the Indian central government's perceived strong commitment to finding creative solutions to chronic sector issues. Lessons from the investment insights, themes and factor analyses discussed herein can be drawn upon in evaluating renewable energy investments and policymaking worldwide.

Linking climate change, energy transition and renewable energy investments to combat energy security risks: Evidence from top energy consuming economies

Linking climate change, energy transition and renewable energy investments to combat energy security risks: Evidence from top energy consuming economies

Research on the impact mechanism of power structure based on green certificate for renewable energy investment decision in the electricity supply chain

Research on the impact mechanism of power structure based on green certificate for renewable energy investment decision in the electricity supply chain