Renewable Energy Projects Research Articles

The Impact of Fintech and Green Bonds on The Indian Renewable Energy Production

This study explores the important roles of Fintech and green bonds in promoting clean energy generation in India, while also analyzing the related risk dynamics. Expanding on prior research that emphasizes the significant influence of digital finance and innovative financial instruments on sustainable development, this study employs a rigorous methodology and thorough data analysis to offer fresh perspectives on their collaborative connection. Previous research has shown how Fintech can make finance more accessible to everyone, lower transaction costs, and improve transparency by utilizing technologies like digital platforms, mobile payments, and blockchain. In the same vein, green bonds have gained recognition for their ability to attract investment for environmental initiatives. This study expands on these findings in the Indian context, demonstrating how Fintech can further improve financing for renewable energy projects and how green bonds can contribute to sustainable energy initiatives. The research highlights the significance of proactive regulatory frameworks to adapt to the changing market landscape, guaranteeing strong regulations and effective risk management. This study provides valuable insights into the role of policymaking in promoting a sustainable future, which can help enhance environmental sustainability efforts in India.

Stakeholder communication framework for successful implementation of community-based renewable energy projects

The implementation of community-based renewable energy projects demands effective stakeholder communication to ensure project sustainability, community acceptance, and overall success. This review proposes a strategic framework for communicating with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, project developers, and non-governmental organizations. The framework emphasizes transparency, trust-building, and engagement as core principles to address the unique challenges and requirements of community-based renewable energy initiatives. Key components include identifying relevant stakeholders, establishing clear communication objectives, and selecting appropriate channels for tailored, ongoing dialogue. First, the framework outlines the identification process of key stakeholders, considering their roles, influence, and interests in the project. This involves categorizing stakeholders into primary (directly impacted) and secondary (indirectly impacted) groups, which enables targeted engagement efforts. Next, the framework recommends diverse communication channels, such as community meetings, social media platforms, local radio, and informational workshops. These channels are chosen based on accessibility, stakeholder preferences, and cultural appropriateness, ensuring messages reach all stakeholders effectively. The framework also includes strategic engagement tactics to enhance community participation, including participatory planning sessions, regular feedback loops, and transparent reporting on project milestones and impacts. By fostering continuous interaction, the project team can build and sustain trust, helping to alleviate concerns and gain community support. Moreover, the framework advocates for the inclusion of culturally relevant communication approaches that respect local values and practices, further strengthening stakeholder relationships. Implementing this communication framework is expected to enhance transparency, cultivate trust, and improve community buy-in, ultimately driving the success and long-term sustainability of community-based renewable energy projects. This approach aligns stakeholder interests, mitigates risks of opposition, and promotes shared ownership, facilitating smoother project execution. By engaging stakeholders meaningfully, community-based renewable energy initiatives can achieve greater resilience and acceptance, contributing to the broader goals of energy transition and environmental sustainability.

The role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development goals

Renewable energy is a critical enabler of global efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serving as a foundation for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. This review explores the multifaceted role of renewable energy in driving progress across several SDGs, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while also contributing to goals such as poverty alleviation (SDG 1), improved health outcomes (SDG 3), economic growth (SDG 8), and sustainable cities (SDG 11). The transition to renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal—offers pathways to reduce global carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and ensure universal access to clean energy. In addition, renewable energy projects promote economic empowerment through job creation and rural electrification, driving inclusive growth in underserved communities. The integration of renewable energy in urban planning also supports sustainable development in cities. However, the adoption of renewable energy faces barriers such as high initial investment costs, technological limitations, and regulatory challenges. This review discusses strategies to overcome these obstacles, emphasizing the importance of supportive policy frameworks, international cooperation, and public-private partnerships. It highlights successful case studies from countries that have leveraged renewable energy to make significant strides toward the SDGs, offering valuable insights for global implementation. As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, renewable energy remains a vital driver of sustainable development, providing innovative solutions to complex global issues while fostering a cleaner, more equitable future.

Energy ethics in the assessment of local renewable energy projects: the need for a pluralistic approach

ABSTRACT Local decentralized energy projects are becoming an important component of the transition to renewable energy. These projects include aspirations that go beyond merely clean energy projection and include side benefits like fostering community empowerment, social cohesion, economic gains, and job opportunities. However, there is little evidence to what extend these projects deliver their promises and how different groups perceive the projects’ impacts in the post-implementation phase. Most of the existing assessment projects have a technoeconomic nature and are led by external stakeholders. Thus, they often fail to account for the local demands and expectations. The present study aims to bridge this gap by proposing the use of an ethical matrix combined with a follow-up deliberative workshop to evaluate the impact of local renewable energy projects postimplementation. Using the example of El Hierro Island’s local energy project, the study identifies project stakeholders and discusses their views. Results reveal significant differences in actor opinions, emphasizing the necessity to move beyond narrow project assessments to a pluralistic approach using ethical tools to challenge established moral frameworks.

Prioritizing sustainability of renewable energy projects in Morocco

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the electricity generation potential of different renewable energy sources in Morocco, as well as to propose a novel decision support model to prioritize renewable energy alternatives. The aim is to provide recommendations that support Morocco’s energy transition strategy and assist policymakers in devising future sustainable energy policies. Design/methodology/approach The paper integrates the analytic hierarchy process with expert feedback to prioritize five renewable energy alternatives – solar photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar panels (CSP), wind, hydro and biomass – specific to the Moroccan context. The model uses 14 sub-criteria clustered into four main categories: economic, technological, socio-political and environmental. The criteria were weighted based on inputs from local energy sector experts to capture the distinct priorities and contextual specificities of Morocco’s renewable energy landscape. Findings The study’s findings emphasize the dominance of economic criteria among Moroccan experts. Solar PV emerged as the most suitable option due to its cost-effectiveness and alignment with Morocco’s policies to support solar energy, followed by hydropower and wind. CSP and biomass ranked lowest due to high costs and limited viability. Research limitations/implications This study highlighted the need for quality data to support informed decision-making, as well as for a centralized database to facilitate access to consistent information on renewable energy projects. Practical implications It is recommended that policymakers prioritize mature and cost-effective technologies by establishing supportive regulatory frameworks and expanding investments in hybrid renewable energy infrastructures. Originality/value In addition to introducing the Analytic Hierarchy Process model for the first time within the Moroccan context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research draws recommendations to assist Moroccan policymakers in devising future sustainable policies for the energy sector.

Comparative analysis of rural communities’ tradeoffs in large-scale and small-scale renewable energy projects in Kenya

AbstractIn Kenya's dynamic renewable energy landscape, characterized by complex policy frameworks, complex land tenure regimes, and diverse community dynamics, this qualitative research investigates the mechanisms and motivations guiding community decision-making when trading land for electricity access within the context of renewable energy projects. Through the lens of the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, particularly the rules in use, this study unravels the complexities of rural communities’ trade-offs inherent in both large-scale and small-scale renewable energy projects. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations in rural communities engaged in these projects. The findings offer new insights into communities’ decision-making processes and institutional dynamics in shaping outcomes, with a focus on land rights and land use implications. The analysis highlights the relational nature of the trade-offs, influenced by factors such as land tenure systems, project scale, electricity access, traditional knowledge, and local context, supporting the importance of understanding communities’ diverse roles and positions, power dynamics, and governance structures. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding land-electricity trade-offs in renewable energy projects in rural areas, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies to address evolving community needs and challenges.

PROSPECTS FOR UKRAINIAN PRODUCERS TO ENTER THE EU MARKET OF CABLE AND WIRE PRODUCTS

This article investigates the potential for Ukrainian cable and wire manufacturers to access the European Union market, where a growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions is driven by the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources and an accelerated pace of digitalization across industries. The research provides an analysis of the European cable and wire market's current state and development trends, identifying the primary drivers of growth, including the expansion of smart grids and renewable energy projects. Emphasis is placed on the competitive landscape, detailing key industry players who lead the sector by meeting stringent EU regulations and embracing innovation to provide advanced cable solutions. The study examines the economic and regulatory barriers Ukrainian manufacturers face to penetrate the EU market, highlighting the rigorous product certification standards required for compliance, such as CE, CPR, RoHS, and REACH certifications. These standards ensure that products meet high requirements for quality, safety, and environmental impact, which are essential for market access but present significant challenges for companies unfamiliar with EU compliance processes. The article illustrates the strategic approaches, adjustments, and resource investments required to establish a foothold in this competitive environment by analyzing a successful case of a Ukrainian company entering the European cable and wire market. Furthermore, the article evaluates the export potential for Ukrainian cable products, noting the unique competitive advantages that Ukrainian manufacturers may leverage, such as cost-effective production and geographical proximity to the EU. The findings emphasize that Ukrainian producers can enhance their competitive position with targeted state support, a focus on meeting EU standards, and engagement in strategic partnerships with European companies. By developing these capabilities, Ukrainian cable manufacturers have the potential to meet the EU market's increasing demand and contribute to sustainable infrastructure projects that align with Europe's environmental goals. Thus, this research highlights the importance of an integrated approach that combines regulatory compliance, strategic partnerships, and innovation as Ukrainian manufacturers aim to capitalize on the growing opportunities within the European Union's dynamic cable and wire sector.

Revesting the spatial spillover effects of renewable energy in curbing carbon emissions: Evidence from China

Renewable energy is fundamental to achieving China's peak carbon and carbon neutrality targets. Despite the extremely rapid growth in the share of renewable energy generation in terms of provincial-level regions, the impact of renewable energy generation on carbon emission reduction and whether this association is spatially correlated have not been fully recognized. To address this issue, this paper explores the spatial impact effect of renewable energy applications on carbon emissions using Chinese provincial panel data from 1990 to 2020 and a multi-panel spatial econometric model. The results show that the contribution of emission reduction mainly comes from the provincial clean energy mix, while the exclusion of out-of-province power plants also helps to curb their carbon emissions. In addition, in the context of large-scale penetration of renewable energy, grid infrastructure for cross-provincial power trading will contribute to cross-provincial emission reduction. Regulators should take measures to promote coordination of emission reduction policies among provinces in a unified national carbon market, rather than simplifying the allocation of responsibilities in provincial markets. Based on the findings of this paper, there is a need to rationalize and optimize the geospatial distribution of renewable energy projects in the future, so as to maximize the potential of renewable energy to contribute to carbon emission reduction.

Assessing the role of circular economy and green innovation in mitigating carbon emissions in the Visegrad countries

The shift towards a circular economy is an essential measure in achieving sustainable development because it seeks to separate economic expansion from resource use and environmental deterioration. To meet the European Union green deal, waste management, and the net zero emissions targets various countries are developing and adopting prudent strategies. This study investigates the dynamic affiliation between circular economy (CIR), green innovation (INV), renewable energy (REE), economic progress (GDP), and urbanisation (URB) on carbon emissions (CO2) in the Visegrad (V4) countries, comprising the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Using the CS-ARDL technique and quantile regression, data curation from 1990-2022 was analysed after checking for cross-sectional, unit root, and cointegration. The outcome demonstrates that circular economy, green innovation, and renewable energy had a negative effect on carbon emissions. In addition, GDP and URB had an immaterially positive influence on carbon emissions. Lastly, the quantile regression confirmed that the study provides useful information for policymakers and stakeholders in the Visegrad countries. It emphasised how important it is to take a broad approach to circular economy initiatives, support eco-friendly innovations, carry out renewable energy projects, and manage the urbanisation process well to achieve long-term economic growth and environmental health.

The Interplay Between China’s Regulated and Voluntary Carbon Markets and Its Influence on Renewable Energy Development—A Literature Review

This is the first review study that focuses on the interplay between China’s regulated and voluntary carbon markets, the Emissions Trading System (ETS), the China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) scheme, and their combined influence on the development of renewable energy in the country. Through a comparative literature review of 52 peer-reviewed academic papers published between 2009 and 2024, this study aims to elucidate how these market mechanisms interact to drive renewable energy deployment. The findings indicate that both the ETS and the CCER system positively affect China’s renewable energy landscape. The ETS, with its Cap-and-Trade (CaT) mechanism, sets a cap on total emissions and allows for the trading of emission quotas, thereby creating financial incentives for companies to reduce emissions and invest in renewable energy. The CCER scheme complements the ETS by allowing companies to use the CCER scheme for a capped share of their ETS certificates, whereby the lower CCER price diverts investments to where the saved ton of CO2 in China is cheapest, further incentivizing investments in renewable energy. This dual mechanism allows for a more flexible and cost-effective approach to achieving emission reduction targets, thereby fostering an environment conducive to investment in renewable energy. It will stimulate additional investment in renewable energy projects in the long run, particularly in economically underdeveloped regions, contributing to both local economic development and national emission reduction targets.

Causal inference to scope environmental impact assessment of renewable energy projects and test competing mental models of decarbonization

Causal inference to scope environmental impact assessment of renewable energy projects and test competing mental models of decarbonization

Mechanisms of international economic cooperation to support the global energy transition: ways to improve

The global energy transition is a complex process and requires deep international economic cooperation and joint efforts to achieve sustainable development. Effective interaction between countries, financial institutions and the private sector is essential to ensure sufficient investment in renewable energy and technological innovation. International financial mechanisms, such as green bonds, can significantly contribute to accelerating this process, but they must ensure access to resources for all participants, especially developing countries. Reforming the international financial system and developing new instruments for attracting private capital is an important step towards reducing risks and increasing the investment attractiveness of renewable energy projects. Removing barriers to investment in countries with unstable economies through the development of technical assistance programs and financial guarantees is also an important condition for success. The energy transition can only be successfully realized through a concerted international effort involving both developed and developing countries. A sustainable energy future and ambitious climate change targets can only be achieved through global cooperation, innovative financial solutions and technology sharing.

Trends and opportunities in renewable energy investment in Saudi Arabia: Insights for achieving vision 2030 and enhancing environmental sustainability

Renewable energy has emerged as a critical alternative to traditional energy sources due to growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy development. Saudi Arabia, driven by its Vision 2030, has strongly committed to shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. Despite significant progress, existing investment methods often focus narrowly on financial returns and do not adequately address the risks and uncertainties associated with renewable energy projects, such as policy changes, technological challenges, and fluctuating energy prices. This paper aims to highlight and compare the trends in renewable energy investments and incorporate a risk analysis matrix to address the economic, environmental, and social aspects of Saudi Arabia’s environment. The details used in the study are obtained from Kaggle, while the adopted analysis technique involves multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). It provides a fresh qualitative approach that allows an all-sided assessment of the investment prospects by focusing on appropriate weight for different factors. The analysis results show that using the proposed framework can help effectively prioritize investment opportunities identifying major trends and risks in developing renewable energy sources in Saudi Arabia. Current investment trends have been reviewed systematically; experts have been interviewed; MCDM techniques have been employed, as the methodology effectiveness improves the comprehension of investment tendencies and contributes to strategic management in the renewable energy market stakeholder’s activity. The MCDM analysis results show that the solar energy system has the highest investment index in the Saudi Arabian cities; the first place belongs to Abha with an investment index of 0.93, the second place belongs to Jeddah with an investment index of 0.85, and the third place belongs to Dammam with an investment index of 0.75. From these outcomes, we can easily conclude that Abha is the best place to place a solar energy project, probably because of environmental and legal factors. The analysis underscores geographic factors in deploying renewable energy, directing investors and policymakers to cities with favourable solar power generation about sustainability and economic objectives. The results are expected to enhance investment awareness among local and international stakeholders, support the strategic goals of Vision 2030, and contribute to a more sustainable and diversified energy future for Saudi Arabia. This study provides a strategic framework for optimizing renewable energy investments, promoting sustainable development, and achieving long-term economic growth. Data AvailabilityData sharing is not applicable to this article as no data sets were generated during the current study.

A three-stage framework for optimal site selection of hybrid offshore wind-photovoltaic-wave-hydrogen energy system: A case study of China

The integration of offshore wind-photovoltaic-wave-hydrogen production is a sustainable energy development concept that could smooth the intermittency of renewable energy generation, reduce energy abandonment, and improve energy efficiency. However, the successful deployment of a hybrid offshore wind-photovoltaic-wave-hydrogen energy system is premised on the selection of an appropriate location, which necessitates a robust framework to support this decision. This study proposes a three-stage decision framework based on Geographic Information System and multi-criteria decision-making to determine the optimal location from macro and micro perspectives. To ensure the effectiveness of site selection, it develops a comprehensive criteria system, including exclusion criteria and evaluation criteria, encompassing geographical, resource, economy, risk, and sustainable potential aspects. Then, the spatial simulation of alternative sites is conducted according to exclusion criteria to rule out infeasible alternative sites. The multi-criteria decision-making in the third stage is performed in a rough-fuzzy environment to eliminate the uncertainty in decision-making. Finally, a case study is conducted on Hainan Island, China. The results show that the western sea area of Dongfang City is the optimal location to deploy the hybrid offshore wind-photovoltaic-wave-hydrogen energy system. The proposed framework offers a reference for practical offshore renewable energy project implementation.

Environmental Impact Assessment for Renewable Energy Projects: Risks and Solutions in Solar, Wind, and Hydropower

Environmental Impact Assessment for Renewable Energy Projects: Risks and Solutions in Solar, Wind, and Hydropower

A Machine Learning and Fuzzy Logic Model for Optimizing Digital Transformation in Renewable Energy: Insights into Industrial Information Integration

The most essential criteria to improve digital transformation in renewable energy projects should be identified. This situation helps the companies to use limited financial budgets and human resources in the most efficient way. Therefore, a new study is needed to analyze the performance indicators of the digital transformation process in renewable energy projects. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the most significant performance indicators of digital transformation for these projects. A three-stage machine learning and fuzzy logic-based decision-making model has been constructed in this process. The first stage includes the weight calculation of the experts by dimension reduction methodology. Secondly, essential factors of digital transformation in renewable energy projects are examined via Fermatean fuzzy criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC). The final part consists of the ranking of emerging seven countries with Fermatean fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS). On the other side, combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) method is also taken into consideration in this process to make a comparative evaluation. The main contribution of this study is the generation of novel machine learning and fuzzy logic integrated decision-making model to make evaluation related to the digital transformation of renewable energy projects. In this model, machine learning technique is used to determine the importance weights of the experts. Similarly, integrating Fermatean fuzzy numbers with CRITIC and WASPAS techniques also contributes to the literature by minimizing the uncertainty and identifying the relationship between the items. The findings demonstrate that employing qualified personnel plays the most critical role in increasing digital transformation in renewable energy projects. Additionally, government support is very critical in the successful implementation of digital transformation processes in renewable energy projects.

Strategies used for knowledge dissemination and outreach in a renewable energy project

This work describes the actions carried out by participants of the Mexican Center for Innovation in Ocean Energy project (CEMIE-Océano) to disseminate their advances and results, to the general public and to the scientific community. The project was set up to assess the energy potential in Mexican coastal areas related to waves, tides and currents, and salinity and thermal gradients, and also to investigate their expected environmental and social impacts. The main actions by the CEMIE-Océano dissemination, outreach and press area, 2017 - 2023, were the design, construction and administration of the project website, the regular publication of activities and major achievements on social media via Facebook and Twitter, and the editing of 28 scientific books and nine editions of a biannual newsletter. Eight work meetings, three conferences and a range of science dissemination seminars were also organized. With the strategies presented in this work, for a value close to 3% of the total project budget, the participation of all the collaborators was achieved. In addition, the CEMIE-Océano project is widely recognised within the community of scientists from Mexico and Latin America, and others interested in renewable energies and energy transition issues. Keywords: CEMIE-Oceano project, ocean energy, dissemination, outreach.

Environmental regulations’ impact on clean energy consumption: Under the assistance of governance measures

The drastic change in climate augments the importance of clean energy consumption. Therefore, this paper examines how environmental regulations influence the utilization of clean energy under the moderation of governance measures. The 2-Steps System GMM is applied to 26 OECD countries’ data from 1996 to 2019 to analyze the relationship. Our analysis depicts that environmental regulations and GDP significantly enhance clean energy usage in OECD countries. Moreover, economic globalization insignificantly impacts clean energy consumption. On the contrary, financial development in OECD countries significantly leads to a decrease in the consumption of clean energy because renewable energy projects are long-term and more expensive than non-renewable energy generation projects. This paper further discovers that the majority of the governance measures significantly and positively moderate the connection of environmental regulations with clean energy consumption. Consequently, constructive governance measures facilitate the effective implementation of environmental regulations in OECD countries eventually increasing the consumption of clean energy instead of non-renewable energy. To reduce GHG emissions in the environment, the government should encourage the usage of clean energy in their respective countries. Therefore, policymakers promote the practice of clean energy consumption through stringent environmental regulations and effective governance measures.

Assessment and management of costs for renewable energy investments in Zambia using a novel mixed method.

This paper investigates strategies for managing costs in low-CO2 renewable energy (RE) projects, with a focus on enhancing investment efficiency. The study develops a novel mixed-method framework that integrates Shapley rates, TOPSIS, and Pythagorean fuzzy (PF) DEMATEL to identify effective cost-control tactics. Data is sourced from financial reports, project records, and expert evaluations involving three managers from the energy sector with over two decades of experience in renewable energy investments and CO2 emission reduction. The framework's precision is tested through the VIKOR technique and sensitivity analysis, using five scenarios where the weighting outcomes of criteria are adjusted. Findings reveal that solar energy consistently offers the most cost-effective solutions, while consumer prioritization significantly improves the viability of wind energy investments. The results also emphasize the importance of workforce development in solar energy projects and collaborative cost-control strategies to enhance project success. The study recommends that investors focus on high- or low-level collaborative approaches for solar energy due to its lower associated costs compared to other options. These insights can guide policymakers and investors in optimizing renewable energy investments and enhancing collaboration to reduce CO2 emissions.

Assessing Public Awareness and Stakeholder Influence in Renewable Energy Implementation : A Case Study from Sulawesi, Indonesia

This study aims to assess public awareness and stakeholder influence in implementing renewable energy projects in Sulawesi, Indonesia, focusing on the districts of Jeneponto, Pangkep, Polewali Mandar, and Majene. We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive analysis. The data collected includes responses from 400 residents across the selected districts and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, NGO representatives, and private sector actors. The results indicate that public awareness of renewable energy technologies and policies is generally low, with only 27% of respondents demonstrating basic knowledge. Awareness levels were particularly low in rural areas, where over 70% of respondents were unfamiliar with renewable energy initiatives. The study also found significant correlations between demographic factors, such as education and income levels, and awareness, suggesting that targeted educational campaigns are necessary. In terms of stakeholder influence, the study highlights the challenges faced in implementing renewable energy projects, including financial constraints and regulatory complexities. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for enhancing renewable energy adoption through multi-sectoral collaboration and culturally adapted strategies. This research’s novelty lies in its comprehensive approach, which integrates public perception with stakeholder dynamics, as well as its focus on a regionally specific context within Indonesia, offering practical recommendations for accelerating the renewable energy transition in similar developing regions. This study also provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to bridge the gap between policy and practice in renewable energy adoption.