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The paper aims to present the need and the importance of using efficiently the energy and finding new ways to improve the transport based on renewable energy. The paper is based on a large number of official information sources which are structured and presented in the author's opinion. The main results emphasize that the Danube region is a large river basin and ecological corridor requiring a regional approach to nature conservation, spatial planning and water management. The environmental impact of transport links, tourist constructions or new energy production facilities must also be considered. Transport policy has been given a new direction: achieving a 'sustainable through flexibility' system, which means organizing transport in such a way as to optimize energy consumption. The development of the national transmission system shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of conservation and environmental protection and the rational use of energy. The protection of human life and the environment is a priority in all transport-related relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is a key driver of all modern economies. Sustainable development is playing an increasingly important role both at regional and local levels. It is a compromise between social and economic needs and the preservation of nature. In the policy of the European Union, the idea of sustainable development and environmental protection is of decisive importance for the implemented programs and economic activities. Contemporary challenges require the transformation of the energy market towards greater use of renewable sources. According to Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and European Council on promoting energy from renewable sources, Poland has committed itself to achieving a 23% share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by 2030. This goal considers total energy consumption in terms of power, engineering, heating, refrigeration, and transport. The aim of this paper was, firstly, an analysis of the share of renewable energy in the European Union over an 18-year period (2004–2021), with particular emphasis on the position of Poland. The second objective was the analysis of renewable energy at the local level in Poland, i.e., at the local government unit (LAU) level. Changes in the share of renewable energy in Poland compared to other European countries were also examined. The study utilized functional analysis of principal components and cluster analysis based on the data from the Central Statistical Office and EUROSTAT. The study found that while Poland does not differ significantly from other countries in using renewable energy, it does fall below the European average. Principal component analysis suggests that Poland responds adequately to European changes in the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption. This dynamic is stable (over 95% explained by the first component) and applies to most countries surveyed. In addition, the authors sought to answer questions relating to the current status of renewable energy sources in Poland, the barriers and challenges facing the introduction of renewable energy in the country, a comparative analysis of Poland's progress in renewable energy with other global counterparts, and an exploration of the future prospects and potential for the development of renewable energy in Poland. The study found that the potential for renewable energy is greatest in the northern areas of Poland, with photovoltaics and wind power plants providing the greatest capacity. Poland's renewable energy potential is very high and will be determined by technological development, political, economic, and social issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal allocation optimization (OAO) research is an important technology to construct new distribution networks (DNs) with environmental protection and high efficiency. The OAO research in this paper aims to achieve the more ideal operation of DNs by exploring superior allocation schemes including the optimal power factor, access node and capacity of distributed generations (DGs). In order to solve the complex OAO problems, an improved seagull optimization algorithm with elite reserve (ISOAE) is proposed and applied to two different OAO scenarios. In traditional OAO cases with constant loads, the suggested ISOAE finds better DG allocation schemes with less power loss than the basic seagull optimization algorithm (BSOA) and multiple published algorithms. Simulation experiments show that the number, location, capacity and power factor of DGs all have a non-negligible impact on the operation of DNs. In OAO cases with practical seasonal loads, the access of traditional generator (CG), renewable distributed generators represented by photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) into the DNs is studied. Multiple experiments on the IEEE 33-bus network demonstrate that CG achieves the relatively best operation status than PV and WT. However, considering resource conservation and environmental protection, renewable PV and WT are more favored by actual power grids. Furthermore, WT operating at the optimal power factor is superior to the PV with uneven radiation intensity distribution in reducing daily active energy loss and increasing node voltage of DNs. In general, the reasonable integration of renewable energy such as WT is of great significance for achieving the two-carbon strategy of power grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, renewable energy has received extensive attention due to its advantages of sustainability, economy, and environmental protection. However, with the rapid development of renewable energy, the problem of curtailment is becoming increasingly serious. Studying the calculation method and establishing a quantitative evaluation system of renewable energy accommodation capacity are important means to solve this problem. This paper comprehensively considers the factors affecting the accommodation of renewable energy, establishes a accommodation calculation model with the maximum accommodation of renewable energy as the optimization target based on the time series production simulation method, and uses the hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to solve it. The model is verified with historical data such as load, photovoltaic (PV), and wind power in a certain region throughout the year. The experimental results verify the rationality of the renewable-energy accommodation-capacity model proposed in this paper and the correctness of the theoretical analysis. The calculation results have important reference and guiding significance for the operation and control of power-grid planning and dispatching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of renewable energy actively takes part in decarbonizing the fossil-fuel-based energy system. It reduces carbon emissions, carbon footprint, and greenhouse gas emissions and increases clean energy. The usage of renewable resources reduces and solves several problems, such as increasing temperature, carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy waste. Every sector contributes to increasing the above-mentioned factors in the environment. One of the main reasons for this biodegradation and climate change is energy resources. Using renewable energy instead of fossil fuel can solve the problem. This paper aims to find open research problems about the application of renewable energy and to initiate new innovative ideas regarding renewable energy. A detailed state of the art includes trends for renewable energy resources, their theoretical evolution, and practical implementations. Methodologies used for decision analysis in renewable energy are discussed in detail. The time frame for this analysis of renewable energy is 2010 to >2022. An extensive literature review finds a huge research scope in applying renewable energy in other research, such as logistics, smart production management, and advanced inventory management. Then, major changes in the profit/cost of that system due to renewable energy can be analyzed. This research proposes some innovative new ideas related cost formulas for renewable energy for the corresponding open problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy provides an effective solution to the problem existing between energy and environmental protection. Tidal energy has great potential as a form of renewable energy. Tidal current generation (TCG) technology is the earliest renewable energy power generation technology. The advancement of science and technology has led to TCG rapidly developing since its emergence in the last century. This paper investigates the development of TCG in recent years based on the key components of TCG systems, both in terms of tidal energy harvesting research and power generation unit research. A summary of tidal energy harvesting is presented, investigating the main tidal energy harvesting units currently available. In addition, research on generators and generator control is summarized. Lastly, a comparison between horizontal and vertical axis turbines is carried out, and predictions are made about the future trends in TCG development. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research status and research methods of key components in tidal energy power generation technology and to provide insight into the research of tidal energy-related technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the climate crisis, the development and the path of growth and expansion of renewable energy systems is an urgent task, but must carried out with great care on environmental compatibility and protection. Renewable energy supply systems that are suitable for grid-bound heat supply, particularly in urban areas in Europe, are geothermal binary plants that provide power as well as power and heat. This paper will present studies whose objective was the assessment of hydrogeothermal power and heat generation in low-enthalpy regions from the environmental standpoint. The German Environment Agency published results of a network of studies conducted between 2008 and 2016 on the analysis of detailed and comprehensive environmental impacts of the geothermal energy generation in Germany and has continuously evaluated these findings. In this article, the results of the Life Cycle Assessment are discussed, taking into account all effects and material flows within the entire life cycle. Based on these balances, differing geothermal systems are compared to each other and to other renewable and fossil energy generation systems in order to assess the ecological advantages and disadvantages of these systems. Taking into account local environmental impacts as well a comprehensive ecologic evaluation of potential environmental and human health impacts becomes possible. The paper presents the results of a) the mass and energy fluxes of the process chain along the life cycle, and b) the local environmental impacts along the life cycle with regard to the environmental indicators of these cases. The focus is on the impact of site and plant parameters. Concluding, it can be summarised that geothermal power and heat generation is a very low-carbon technology and can contribute to a sustainable energy supply. Hydrogeothermal plants show a significantly low surface consumption, and environmental impacts are only locally relevant and technically controllable. Through the development of optimised overall concepts, geothermal based power and heat generation can achieve minimal environmental impacts in all areas. The combined heat and power generation from geothermal resources is by far the most environmentally and climate-friendly energy supply compared to all other regenerative and fossil systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is linked to the most economic and social issues which affect sustainable development of countries. To diversify its economy sources, Saudi Arabia has planned to exploit renewable energy sources. The objective of this study is to analyze the resources of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia and the capabilities of their exploitation in terms of human resources. Indeed, studies show that the country has huge resources of renewable energy such as wind power, solar power and geothermal energy. However, the main source for electrical energy in Saudi Arabia is the fuel due to the high quantity of fuel produced. Using renewable energy does not have just economic aspect. Indeed, the protection of the environment and the planet is another objective of such policy. Wind and solar power will contribute remarkably in the energy future of Saudi Arabia. In fact, clear policy established by the higher authority of Ministry of Energy, Industry and Minerals resources, set a target to produce more than 40 GW of electricity from renewable energy by 2030. The renewable energy production chain will include research and development, industrial manufacturing of equipment and higher education to prepare qualified human resources. Therefore, the number of college and faculty of engineering offering courses in renewable energy should increase to prepare graduates able to manage renewable energy projects. Recommendations are addressed in this paper to advance, boost and enrich the higher education and scientific research in renewable energy field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The contemporary energy transition will be characterized by many sub-transitions in the next three decades. Oil and gas will continue to play a very important role coupled with renewable energy sources in an energy mix scenario. In this context, the authors of the present work developed a project, named RELife (Renewable Energy for a new Life of offshore platforms), with the main goal of develop a model for the reuse of offshore Oil & Gas platforms at end-of-life stage for the production of renewable energy. In this paper, by considering two types of platforms (4-legged platform with 3 or 4 production wells), various technical scenarios are studied and investigated and for each scenario also the environmental and economic feasibility is evaluated. In addition, all the sub-models are compared with a standard decommissioning process. The evaluations are made for both the Adriatic Sea and the North Sea, two geographic areas with different availabilities of renewable resources. In order to assess also the economic and environmental feasibility, a Discount Cash Flow Analysis and a Life Cycle Assessment of all the scenarios have been conducted. Highlights • A model for the reuse of offshore oil rigs at end-of-life stage for the production of renewable energy has been developed. • Various technical reuse scenarios have been investigated with the relative energy flows considering real data. • A Discount Cash Flow Analysis and a Life Cycle Assessment of all the scenarios have been conducted. • Cost competiveness and environmental impacts have been calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower contributes to a higher share of renewables but is also in conflict with environmental legislation aiming to protect natural habitats, wildlife and endangered species. Analysing two neighbouring European countries with similar topographical and hydromporphological characteristics, Austria and Slovenia, allows assessing to what extent a policies’ national context steers possible policy conflicts of EU legislation. The paper shows that hydropower expansion in examined countries is strongly shaped by factors such as financial concerns of investors, diverging opinions of involved stakeholders, available hydro potential and the role of hydropower in national energy strategies. Addressing issues that lead to a lower effectiveness of national policies already at the level of EU policy design or engaging countries to broadening their national energy portfolio by considering emerging technologies such as PV and wind will enable future energy and climate strategies that are more consistent with other environmental goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, fossil fuels replacements have shown leaps and bounds of progressions. Hence, various nations have initiated the adoption of biomass energy, solar energy, wind energy and hydropower energy. Yet, these currently developing technologies have constantly faced dual pressure from both the economic growth and environmental protection. Hydropower has become a key candidate for considerable utilization in various countries due to its numerous social, economic and environmental benefits. In this paper, a short review was carried out to analyse the development of various hydropower plants and compare its utilization over the conventional fossil fuels. The main setback for the adoption of this technology is that large hydropower plant demands for huge deforestation. This would direly result in the destruction of critical ecosystems, migration of large population at downstream and other catastrophic outcomes such as flash floods and landslides. However, this singular setback could be alleviated with the utilization of small or micro hydropower plant. This technology, in particular, was found to have minimal destruction effects to the environment and is able to produce affordable energy to the rural areas as it has proven in many countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing literature suggests that community owned renewable energy (CRE) projects have the potential to deliver a range of environmental and local socio-economic benefits. There is relatively little empirical evidence to substantiate this, with few systematic efforts to assess social and environmental impacts or to understand the context in which given impacts arise. In this paper, we review and conceptualise the local impacts commonly cited in the literature and dissect the empirical evidence currently available to support their occurrence. Having assessed the quality of evidence and pinpointed knowledge gaps, we draw on methodological literature to identify approaches necessary to improve our understanding of the local impacts of CRE and explore their patterns of occurrence. We find a lack of robust survey and statistical evidence across all the seven impact categories identified. Of the impacts identified, ‘empowerment’ and ‘access to affordable energy’ are found to be the least studied. In addition, several impacts are associated only with specific types of community energy projects. We argue that the paucity of consistent evidence for direct impacts associated with the development processes and direct outcomes of projects suggests that the most substantial local impacts result from medium to long term indirect project outcomes and the investment of project revenues in the local community. As such, collective funding pools and negotiation processes around their distribution towards private versus public goods play a crucial role in determining transformative local impacts of CRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the performance of public spending on the renewable energy sector. A panel Data Envelopment Analysis is employed to obtain efficiency scores. The case study is Italy and its 21 regions that implemented a Regional Energy Plan between 2003 and 2010. The findings show that special statute regions and Southern regions perform best in terms of technical efficiency under variable return to scale (VRS). On the whole, Italy shows an increase in the energy efficiency. Based on the Simar-Wilson bootstrap approach, a post-DEA is also run. These results provide evidence that being a southern region has a positive effect on the level of efficiency. Real GDP and the number of graduates in technical and scientific disciplines have a positive impact on the efficiency of the public intervention on renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Site suitability assessments are at the heart of renewable energy planning. • A collaborative approach enables developing a fit for purpose decision-support tool. • Stakeholder-driven site suitability criteria supports transparent decisions. • The tool supports informed discussions and fosters consensus on deployment areas. • Data and technological limitations signal action areas for advancing practice. Competing land-use demands associated with planning for renewables is resulting in growing social and political challenges. Spatial decision-support tools are being developed and applied to tackle some of these challenges by facilitating systematic identification of suitable development sites based on technical, environmental and socio-economic criteria. Nevertheless, decision-support tools are often developed with limited input from stakeholders affecting participative and accountable planning and decision-making. This paper aims to address this shortcoming and foster greater transparency in the development of support tools for renewable energy planning, and thus in siting decisions. It present and discusses a stakeholder-driven approach to the co-creation of an online decision-support tool that attends to planning policy, technical considerations, environmental protection and social concerns influencing renewable energy planning decisions in Ireland. This bottom-up approach, easily transferable to other jurisdictions, fosters proactive expert input, awareness raising and greater comprehensibility and acceptance of siting decisions. It also enables developing an interface that responds to users' needs. The paper contributes to advancing renewable energy planning practice through effective and meaningful stakeholder engagement that supports transparent and accountable decisions from the outset. It also highlights ongoing data and technological shortcomings affecting the integration and operationalisation of stakeholders demands and needs, which signal priority areas of action to further advance the development of renewable energy decision-support tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since Taiwan imports more than 99% of energy supply from foreign countries, energy security has always been the first priority for government to formulate energy policy. The development of renewable energy not only contributes to the independence of energy supply, but also achieves benefits of economic development and environmental protection. Based upon information available to public, the present paper reassesses reserves of various renewable energies in Taiwan. The assessment includes seven kinds of renewable energies, namely, solar energy, wind power, biomass energy, wave energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy and hydropower, which are all commercialized and matured in terms of current technologies. Other renewable energies, which have not proven as matured as the aforementioned ones, are only assessed preliminarily in this paper, such as second generation of biomass, deep geothermal energy, the Kuroshio power generation and ocean thermal energy conversion. According to the estimation of this paper, the reserve of wind energy, up to 29.9kWh/d/p (i.e., kWh per day per person), is the largest one among seven kinds of renewable energies in Taiwan, followed by 24.27kWh/d/p of solar energy, 4.55kWh/d/p of biomass, 4.58kWh/d/p of ocean energy, 0.67kWh/d/p of geothermal energy and 16.79kWh/d/p of hydropower. If regarding biomass as a primary energy, and assuming 40% being the average efficiency to convert primary energy into electricity, the total power of the seven kinds of renewable energy reserves is about 78.03kWh/d/p, which is equal to 2.75 times of 28.35kWh/d/p of national power generation in 2008. If the reserves of 54.93kWh/d/p estimated from other four kinds of renewable energies that have not technically matured yet are also taken into account, it will result that the reserves of renewable energy in Taiwan can be quite abundant. Although the results of the assessment point out that Taiwan has abundant renewable energy resources, the four inherent shortcomings – low energy density, high cost of power generation, instability of power supply, and current cost of renewable energy being still higher than that of fossil energy – have to be overcome first, before renewable energy is actually formed as a main component in national energy mix. The measures executed by government to break through these barriers further include the upgrade of the technological level, the formulation of the necessary policies, and the work together from all levels for the overall promotion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In an effort to diversify economies and reduce high oil dependency, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries plan to increase the use of renewable energy sources to meet the challenges of a post-oil future. The Accession to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, which require a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has started a process of environmental awakening in the GCC countries. This paper reviews the publications on renewable energy with reference to the GCC countries since 2005. The objective was to investigate the benefits of funding and investing in renewable energy projects in the GCC countries. The article shows that the GCC countries have begun to adopt a more pro-active approach toward renewable energy that will help progress the GCC countries towards sustainability. The reorientation of strategies and policies toward renewable energy is evolving in the GCC countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Currently, around 90% of Malaysia's electricity generation depends on fossil fuels. This reliance, in a long run, is not a secure option. However, renewable energy sources can contribute to a sustainable electricity generation system; but diversifying fuel supply chain is a complex process. Therefore, the aim of this paper is two folds. Firstly, various renewable resources potential are reviewed, and secondly an assessment model is developed for prioritizing renewable options. Four major resources, hydropower, solar, wind, biomass (including biogas and municipal solid waste) are considered. Their electricity generation potential, along with any likely shortcoming is also discussed. Moreover, using a multi-perspective approach based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP), an assessment model is developed. AHP model employs four main criteria, technical, economical, social and environmental aspects, and twelve sub-criteria. From the review it was found that renewable resources seem to have a sufficient potential to develop a sustainable electricity system. Furthermore, AHP model prioritize those resources, revealing that solar is the most favorable resource followed by biomass. Hydropower and wind however, are ranked third and fourth, respectively. The model also shows that each resource is inclined towards a particular criterion; solar towards economical, biomass towards social, hydropower towards technical, and wind towards environmental aspect. Besides reporting AHP model for the first time in Malaysian context, the assessment performed in this study, can serve decision makers to formulate long-term energy policy aiming for sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current editorial summarized some of the scientific works presented in the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection (SEEP) conference-held at the University of the West of Scotland, UK, 2018. The selected work was directly related to the scope of the Renewable, Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) journal. During the conference activities, experts from all around the world in the subjects of: renewable energy, climate change, optimization, and economics presented and discussed the progress made in renewable energy sources, as well as the new strategies for protecting the environment from the hazards connected with fossil fuel utilization. The methods presented in the conference focused on several directions: the development of efficient energy conversion systems with low/no environmental impacts; the suggested policies to widespread renewable energies; the restriction in the emission of greenhouse gases, and the recent progresses in CO 2 capture. This editorial focused on the renewable energy developments and their positive effect on the climate change, and briefly summarized the accepted manuscripts in this issue. • Effects of renewable energy on climate change. • Background on the International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection SEEP. • Summary of selected papers of SEEP 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current editorial summarized some of the scientific works presented in the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection (SEEP) conference-held at the University of the West of Scotland, UK, 2018. The selected work was directly related to the scope of the Renewable, Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) journal. During the conference activities, experts from all around the world in the subjects of: renewable energy, climate change, optimization, and economics presented and discussed the progress made in renewable energy sources, as well as the new strategies for protecting the environment from the hazards connected with fossil fuel utilization. The methods presented in the conference focused on several directions: the development of efficient energy conversion systems with low/no environmental impacts; the suggested policies to widespread renewable energies; the restriction in the emission of greenhouse gases, and the recent progresses in CO 2 capture. This editorial focused on the renewable energy developments and their positive effect on the climate change, and briefly summarized the accepted manuscripts in this issue. • Effects of renewable energy on climate change. • Background on the International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection SEEP. • Summary of selected papers of SEEP 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper aims to present Malaysia''s green developments, focusing on the National Green Technology Policy and Green Building Index which have been introduced since 2009. Various green initiatives and their progresses to date will be discussed as well as the key implementing green agencies. The benefits of going green to the country and incentives being offered by the Malaysian Government are also presented. The prospect of a green future in Malaysia, spurred by the worldwide outlook towards sustainable development and environmental preservation is very bright. Pursuing green technology in economic and social developments not only helps sustain the non-renewable fuels, safeguards and minimises the environmental degradation due to carbon emissions, it also creates a strong green economy and industry, inline with the country''s vision as well as the rest of the world economies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper the main renewable energy resources in order to design of an integrated renewable energetic system are first presented. Second, is presented the integrated energetic system concept. The integrated system has following characteristics: microclimate; envinroment integrated; sustainable; renewable; clean energy; software oriented; systemic structure. This principle is used for designing a proposed energetic system to produce renewable energy based on sun, water, wind and biomass in an environmental local microclimate context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the largest population living in rural areas, the lack of clean energy supply is an important problem in China, and the utilization of renewable energy not only meets the demand of energy, but also provides a basis for environmental protection and sustainable development. This paper reviews use of clean energy in a resource-rich region, including the basic principle of the development of recycling agriculture, the potential, the present status and the future of renewable energy in the region rural areas. If the project will be finished, there will be 300,000 families benefiting from it and it can bring at least 2.2×108 US dollars revenue increase directly, the indirect revenue increase will be 0.15billion US dollars, the environment will be improved and the living standard in Jincheng''s rural areas is also be greatly improved because of developing biogas project. Based on the developing status and constraint conditions, the solutions to further promote renewable energy projects in this region are also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper presents a spatial approach to the analysis of the relationship between air pollution, economic growth, and renewable energy consumption. The economic growth of every country is based on the energy consumption that leads to an increase in national productivity. Using renewable energy is very important for the environmental protection and security of the earth's resources. Promoting environmentally friendly operations increases awareness of sustainable development, which is currently a major concern of state governments. In this study, we explored the influence of economic growth and the share of renewable energy out of total energy consumption on CO2 emissions. The study was based on the classical environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) and enriched with the spatial dependencies. In particular, we determined the spatial spillovers in the form of the indirect effects of changes in renewable energy consumption of a specific country on the CO2 emissions of neighboring countries. A neighborhood in this study was defined by ecological development similarity. The neighborhood matrix was constructed based on the values of the ecological footprint measure. We used the spatio-temporal Durbin model, with which the indirect effects were determined in relation to the spatially lagged renewable energy consumption. The results of our study also show the strength of the effects caused by imitating actions from the states with high levels of environmental protection. The study was conducted using data for 75 selected countries from the period of 2013–2019. Cumulative spatial and spatio-temporal effects allowed us to determine (1) the countries with the greatest impact on others and (2) the countries that follow the leading ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]