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Despite having multidimensional positive externalities of renewable energy (RE) in theory, the literature on RE's economic and environmental determinants is still very nascent. We have addressed this research gap by considering a balanced panel of 38 OECD nations attempting a phase-by-phase energy transition. We have used data spanning from 2000 to 2020 and deployed the novel method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) approach. Our results unveil that economic complexity reduces the consumption of renewable energy among the OECD nations, indicating that as the export becomes diversified, energy consumption at the production level becomes more dependent on non-renewable sources. This further suggests that OECD nations are yet to meet their renewable energy generation threshold. Moreover, energy efficiency fosters the consumption of renewable energy, substantiating that energy efficiency and renewable energy share complementary co-movement among the OECD nations. Furthermore, we unravel that environmental technology and natural resource rent have heterogeneous effects on renewable energy consumption in OECD. For instance, environmental technology only boosts RE consumption at the higher quantiles (70th to 95th), whereas revenue from natural resource rent curbs RE consumption. Our conclusions hold after a series of robustness checks. Overall, we propose that OECD nations should only export those products with absolute comparative advantage to reduce excessive dependence on fossils. Additionally, investment in renewable energy technology development should be escalated to ensure energy efficiency in the long-term. • The impacts of economic complexity (ECI), environmental technology (ENT), natural resource rent (NRT) and energy efficiency (EFX) on green energy use explored. • We use novel non-parametric method of moments quantile regression approach for OECD countries. • The ECI curbs the consumption of renewable energy while EFX is a boon for it. • ENT and NRT have heterogenous effects on RE consumption. • We also note different causal relationships to rectify the results' robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual households, responsible for 25% of total energy consumption in Europe, are crucial actors in the energy transition. Although various policies and energy choices are available for such actors (e.g., individual solar photovoltaic or community energy systems), they are usually restricted to municipal governance, and public opinion towards national energy policy is not strongly presented. This study explores and describes the influence of the availability of alternative energy choices on different levels of governance to facilitate households' energy transition. An agent-based model is conceptualised through multi-level governance, the institutional analysis and development framework and the social value theory. To also address the ongoing energy crisis, the study focuses on the Dutch thermal energy transition and the thermal energy communities as a collective action for generating, distributing, and consuming renewable thermal energy and, therefore, three layers of energy choice alternatives are provided for households: national level (i.e., sources of natural gas), municipal/ community level (i.e., collective renewable energy technologies), and individual level. The results delineated the importance of the availability of alternative energy choices in the suggested multi-level governance collective action system. Such systems consumed only 12% natural gas, while they covered their thermal demand by increasing the capacity of collective thermal energy systems (83% on average) and adopting more individual thermal energy systems (heat pump, approximately 85%). Although the performances on voluntary blackouts/ discomfort (2.7% on average) and CO 2 emissions (85% reduction approximately) were also positive, this was reflected in a significant price increase. • Agent-based modelling and simulation is used to study thermal energy transition. • Multi-level governance is used as a theoretical backbone in an agent-based model. • The importance of the availability of alternative energy choices is demonstrated. • The availability of several natural gas sources leads to more sustainable outcomes. • The establishment of thermal energy communities is vital for the energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A current challenge in energy system modelling is integrating high temporal and spatial resolution with a detailed representation of technologies and sector coupling within a single model. This paper presents a pioneering sectoral optimisation approach for transformation pathways in the German federal states. Spatial resolution in the energy system model REMod is increased and the model is extended from a single-node to a multi-node model for Germany by integrating energy exchanges between regions into a simulation-based optimisation. The approach highlights the challenge of adjusting energy distribution to address the mismatch between high final energy demand in some states and the potential for renewable energy resources in others. The extended model was compared with the results of the single-node model with the same boundary conditions. The comparison showed that increasing the spatial resolution did not significantly affect the overall cost of energy system transformation. However, the composition of the energy system changes, leading to approximately 6% more renewable capacity being installed in a scenario with ten regions. The results for the German federal states indicate a concentration of onshore wind development in the northern federal states with higher full load hours, especially in Lower Saxony/Bremen with 36 GW and Schleswig-Holstein/Hamburg/Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with 38 GW in 2045. The expansion of photovoltaic capacity in densely populated states such as North Rhine-Westphalia (73 GW), Bavaria (71 GW), and Baden-Württemberg (54 GW) reflects the need to meet growing electricity demand. The solar photovoltaic to wind power ratio varies between the federal states and influences the choice of flexibility options, including power-to-x technologies or gas and hydrogen turbines. By 2045, Germany's primary energy supply will shift to states with abundant renewable resources. Spatial flexibility is essential to balance electricity demand and solar and wind potential, mainly through state interconnections. • Sector-coupled energy system model with high temporal and spatial resolution developed. • Simulation-based optimisation as alternative to linear optimisation techniques. • Transformation path on federal states level for Germany modelled. • Transmission grid expansion is needed to transmit renewable energy from Northern to Southern Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the use of fossil fuels has had a harsh impact on the climate, and the frequency and intensity of various extreme weather events have increased, which has triggered an increased the use of renewable energy sources and reflection on technological advances. Many countries are trying to promote renewable energy to reduce their impact on climate change, but the impact of national energy policies in the climate risk framework remains poorly understood. Based on the panel data of 84 developed/developing countries around the world from 2006 to 2019, this paper studies and analyzes the impact of renewable energy use on climate risk. The study found that the increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce the climate risk, and this result is still robust after undergoing robustness tests such as changing variables, samples, and research methods. The findings offer an important solution for European countries, where climate risks are most acute. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the higher the level of economic development, population density and the lower the level of incorruptibility, the weaker the inhibitory effect of renewable energy use on climate risk. The mechanism analysis also shows that the increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce climate risk by reducing carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), nitrogen monoxide (NO), PM2.5 emissions, and the proportion of fossil fuel use, but it does not reduce climate risk by increasing biodiversity. In particular, we find that technological progress has not played a role in the use of renewable energy to reduce climate risk, breaking the stereotype. The policy recommendation of this paper is that under the increasing pressure of climate change, the transition to clean energy is an indispensable option, and the need to accelerate the energy transition becomes more urgent. There is a greater need to further protect biodiversity and enhance technological progress. • The increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce the climate risk. • The mechanism is to reduce CO 2 , CH 4 , NO, PM2.5 emissions and fossil fuels use. • The use of renewable energy cannot reduce climate risks by increasing biodiversity. • The impact of renewable energy use on climate risk is heterogeneous. • Technological progress has not played a role in the use of renewable energy to reduce climate risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation has been regarded as a primary styrategy to promote transitions in diverse fields, but industry pioneers believe that the existing barriers may hamper the speed of digital transformation. Hence, this paper presents a synthetical decision model integrating the weighted Heronian mean aggregation (WHMA) operator, the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) model, the CRITIC (criteria importance through intercriteria correlation) method, and the Ranking of Alternatives through Functional mapping of criterion sub-intervals into a Single Interval (RAFSI) model with Fermatean cubic fuzzy sets to evaluate the barriers to digital transformation implementation in energy transitions with unknown weights of experts and criteria. In this framework, an extended WHMA operator with the deviation-based method is established to fuse experts' preference information. The LBWA model and CRITIC method with FCF setting are combined to derive the weights of barriers. Next, these methods are incorporated into the RAFSI model to analyze these barriers. A numerical example of evaluating barriers to digital transformation implementation in the power sector displays the application of the RAFSI model-based decision method. The result reveals that a 3 "Equipment manufacturer" (0.7063) has the highest barrier level, and a 4 "Consumers of smart power electronic" (0.4391) have the lowest barrier level. After that, sensitivity and comparative explorations are applied to examine the feasibility and reliability of the synthetical model. The results show that the proposed model can provide a more practical and stable evaluation result for supporting the decision of stakeholders associated with ET. • This study identifies a structure of barriers to the implication of the digital economy in achieving energy transition. • A synthetical decision model integrating the weighted Heronian mean aggregation operator is presented. • The RAFSI model with FCF is proposed to evaluate the barriers of digital transformation implementation in energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonizing the building sector is key to meet the EU climate goals by 2050. Although the recent policies recognized the importance of on-site solar energy production in the energy transition, there are only a few modelling studies analyzing how much the gap between the technically possible and policy-driven power generation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels can be reduced. This study, therefore, uses geospatial techniques and the high-resolution Building Integrated Solar Energy (BISE) supply model to estimate the main spatial and temporal characteristics of the rooftop PV energy production potential. To support decision-making, important implications of the Solar Rooftop Initiative action plan of the European Commission on the future dimension of the PV electricity supply are also assessed in the context of the achievable potential. The modelling results indicate that the current rooftop PV technical potential could be about 2.7 PWh, being in similar extent with the EU power consumption. The largest country-level PV potentials can be found in Germany, France, Italy and Poland, with an increase of 30% by 2060. Our findings also underline that by following the latest policies, major improvement could be achieved in the EU's rooftop solar energy production by around 2040, depending greatly on the structure and energy efficiency niveau of the future building stock. [Display omitted] • Germany, Italy and France have the highest technical potential of rooftop PV. • Increase of around 25% in the technical potential was modelled until 2050. • Current rooftop PV technical potential could satisfy all power need in the EU. • Latest EU policies could mean huge step forward to a decarbonized building sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in energy sufficiency (ES); however, it remains conceptually debated and contested. This study presents a novel approach to measuring ES using unique microdata on the energy consumption of Japanese households. This approach determines lower and upper thresholds regarding domestic energy consumption for each household type and then identifies whether people really meet an adequate level of domestic energy services, with their diverse energy needs considered. The result illustrates that most people in Japan live in ES, despite about one-tenth being in energy poverty (EP) and one-twentieth in energy extravagance (EE). In addition, this study empirically clarifies the characteristics of people in ES, as well as those in EP and EE. People in ES and EE generally belong to higher income groups, live in larger houses, and are less committed to energy-saving behaviours; the opposite applies to people in EP. As a policy implication, this study suggests more progressive energy tariffs and carbon pricing, as well as improvement in access to renewable energy for the EP population, to engender an inclusive low-carbon energy transition and allow everyone to achieve ES. • First evaluation of people's 'energy sufficiency' (ES) using Japanese microdata. • Identified households in energy poverty, energy sufficiency and energy extravagance. • One tenth of people are in energy poverty and one twentieth in energy extravagance. • The prevalence of energy sufficiency is much related to income and housing size. • More progressive energy tariffs are suggested to allow everyone to achieve ES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Energy justice is won through the exnovation of carbon intensive energy structures. • Exnovation takes away burdens which result from fossil-fueled energy production. • Organized publics push for exnovation and by so doing enhance energy justice. • Organized publics push for exnovations in transparent and accountable ways. Abstract Whereas campaigners for energy justice frequently seek to achieve decarbonization through innovation, little light has been shed on how energy justice might be won through the removal of carbon intensive energy structures—a process known as exnovation, which is the opposite of innovation. Whereas practicing exnovation to decarbonize energy systems and thus achieving greater energy justice appears to be a promising approach, it remains a challenge in light of the deep incumbency of established fossil-fuel-based energy industries. Using the example of Germany, which represents such a setting of deep fossil fuel incumbency, this article compares two organizations aiming to achieve energy justice via exnovation when formal policy-making toward decarbonization seems impossible. Offering a perspective on strategies for energy justice, the article identifies the repertoires of contention of two organizations. This concerns knowledge dissemination, symbolic protest, and rule compliance, which can be understood as soft (non-obligatory) policy instruments to bring about exnovation. The article then discusses the relationship between exnovation and intra- and intergenerational energy justice. It concludes that the means of contention analyzed here are successful in divesting and in stopping the construction of planned coal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-energy systems can improve the performance of traditional energy systems, where energy carriers and sectors are decoupled, in terms of economic, environmental, and social sustainability, measured as the total cost of energy, emissions per energy demand, and self-sufficiency, respectively. This study assesses the impact that policy mechanisms can have in enabling these sustainability benefits. A mixed-integer linear problem is implemented, which optimizes the design and operation of multi-energy systems to minimize the total annual cost of supplying energy to residential end-users. Four policy types are tested for a Swiss case study, namely a feed-in tariff, an investment support mechanism, a carbon tax, and a regulation-based carbon cap. To assess how the policy impact varies between different end-users, we distinguish between passive consumers, that cannot access subsidies, and prosumers, who can. In our case study, subsidies, such as a feed-in tariff and an investment support mechanism, decrease the cost of energy for prosumers by up to 10%, but increase the cost for consumers by up to 33%, which points to the need of including energy equity considerations when designing policies. The carbon cap and the carbon tax impact all end-users equally, and tend to perform better in terms of reducing emissions. Emission reductions of up to 60% and 39% are observed for the carbon cap and carbon tax, respectively. The feed-in tariff and carbon cap perform best in fostering self-sufficiency and achieve balanced energy autonomy for high policy levels, revealing a trade-off between the different sustainability dimensions. [Display omitted] • Economic, environmental, social sustainability of residential multi-energy systems. • Assessment of the impact of policy schemes on all sustainability dimensions. • Financing subsidies via levy on retail electricity leads to unjust cost allocation. • Analysis of synergies and trade-offs between sustainability dimensions. • Carbon cap and carbon tax are most cost-efficient for decarbonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing future energy scenarios is an important topic to energy planners. As designing future optimized scenarios is a multi-objective optimization problem; therefore, it is required to identify trade-off scenarios (Pareto-front) in order to optimize conflicting objectives. In this study, three Pareto-fronts are identified for designing future scenarios for Val di Non (VdN) for three different time horizons. As the community has to reach different emission targets in different time horizons, it is require to select the optimized scenarios that fulfill the targets. In this regards, we propose a new approach for selecting scenarios based on maximizing decision space diversity in order to provide a diverse set of scenarios to the decision makers. The technique is tested on optimized scenarios of VdN and three sets containing 10 diverse scenarios for different time horizons are selected. Moreover, a smooth transition (in terms of decision variables) is desirable when having a transition from a scenario from one time horizon to a consecutive time horizon. A novel method is proposed to choose scenarios from the sets for a smooth transition based on minimizing distances among the scenarios. The approach is applied on VdN where transient scenarios are identified among different possible optimized scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Weather factors are crucial for risk assessment in small renewable energy projects. • A methodology is proposed to price an insurance contract that hedges weather risk. • An analog of financial VaR is estimated for solar radiation using quantile regressions. • The methods proposed are applied to the illustrative case of 40 European cities. • The study contributes to the mitigation of VRE projects' volumetric risk. We propose a methodology to price an insurance contract designed to hedge the volumetric risk associated with weather conditions. Our methodology is based on conditional quantile regressions and adapts Value at Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall statistics from the literature on financial econometrics. In our empirical application, we use actual daily meteorological and radiation data for 40 European cities in 13 countries, from April 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, and calculate the value of the annual insurance premium under reasonable assumptions on the technology of the solar panels and expected energy demand. We consider variables such as temperature, wind speed, and precipitation in our calculations. Our results for the different cities in our sample show that due to the nonlinear impact of weather (mainly temperature and precipitation) on the expected generation losses, it is appropriate to use quantile regressions to calculate the VaR of radiation, conditional on weather factors. Our insurance premium calculations also present a high degree of variation across European, which indicates that risk-diversification opportunities of catastrophic risk due to weather conditions faced by insurance companies exist. This variation is explained by different weather conditions, model adjustment, and the average price of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electricity, the most direct and effective use of RES, is in center of energy transition. • An interdisciplinary procedure suitable for the planning of RES is presented. • Key points and procedures for the assessment of large-scale RES installation is presented. • Simulation on Eygiption case shows the technical and economical viability. Due to the environmental impacts brought by current energy schemes, the energy transition, a new paradigm shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, has been widely accepted and is being realized through collective international, regional, and local efforts. Electricity, as the most direct and effective use of renewable energy sources (RES), plays a key role in the energy transition. In this paper, we first discuss a viable pathway to energy transition through the electricity triangle, highlighting the role of RES in electricity generation. Further, we propose methodologies for the planning of wind and solar PV, as well as how to address their uncertainty in generation expansion problems. Finally, by using a web-based tool, "RES-PLAT" 1 1 https://res-plat.est.polito.it. , we demonstrate the scheme in a case study in Egypt, which evaluates the impacts and benefits of a large-scale RES expansion. 2 2 The short version of the paper was presented at Applied Energy Symposium: MIT A+ B, August 13–14, Boston. This paper is a substantial extension of the short version of the conference paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Earlier phase-out of coal is not the best answer to achieve energy transition. • The 2050 plan and historical RES investments maxima are not enough to reach climate neutrality. • What is the effect of regional RES limits over Nationwide RES limits. • Where will be the states in Germany having major RES deployment. • Myopic optimization reveals new challenges for energy policy. This paper will introduce the open-source model MyPyPSA-Ger, a myopic optimization model developed to represent the German energy system with a detailed mapping of the electricity sector, on a highly disaggregated level, spatially and temporally, with regional differences and investment limitations. Furthermore, this paper will give new outlooks on the German federal government 2050 emissions goals of the electricity sector to become greenhouse gas neutral by proposing new CO 2 allowance strategies. Moreover, the regional differences in Germany will be discussed, their role and impact on the energy transition, and which regions and states will drive the renewable energy utilization forward. Following a scenario-based analysis, the results point out the major keystones of the energy transition path from 2020 to 2050. Solar, onshore wind, and gas-fired power plants will play a fundamental role in the future electricity systems. Biomass, run of river, and offshore wind technologies will be utilized in the system as base-load generation technologies. Solar and onshore wind will be installed almost everywhere in Germany. However, due to the nature of Germany's weather and geographical features, the southern and northern regions will play a more important role in the energy transition. Higher CO 2 allowance costs will help achieve the 1.5-degree-target of the electricity system and will allow for a rapid transition. Moreover, the more expensive, and the earlier the CO 2 tax is applied to the system, the less it will cost for the energy transition, and the more emissions will be saved throughout the transition period. An earlier phase-out of coal power plants is not necessary with high CO 2 taxes, due to the change in power plant's unit commitment, as they prioritize gas before coal power plants. Having moderate to low CO 2 allowance cost or no clear transition policy will be more expensive and the CO 2 budget will be exceeded. Nonetheless, even with no policy, renewables still dominate the energy mix of the future. However, maintaining the maximum historical installation rates of both national and regional levels, with the current emissions reduction strategy, will not be enough to reach the level of climate-neutral electricity system. Therefore, national and regional installation requirements to achieve the federal government emission reduction goals are determined. Energy strategies and decision makers will have to resolve great challenges in order to stay in line with the 1.5-degree-target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four environmental indicators suitable for use in energy system models are proposed (85) • The indicators allow direct comparison of decarbonisation potential of renewables (84) • Gearbox double-fed induction generators are the preferred form of wind turbine (80) • Cadmium telluride photovoltaics exhibit best overall raw materials outcomes (78) Raw materials and their related environmental impacts will play a key role in the implementation of renewable energy infrastructures for decarbonization. Despite the growing amount of data quantifying raw materials for energy production technologies, few examples of these data sources are being included in current energy system models. Accordingly, this paper introduces possible pathways for integrating material-specific life cycle assessment outputs and material metabolism indicators into energy system models so that raw material requirements, and their associated impacts, can be accounted for. The paper discusses the availability of life cycle inventories, impact assessment methods and important output indicators. The material metabolism indicators most relevant to the current policy debate surrounding the European Green Deal–namely, material supply risk and contribution of recycled materials to total supply–are also discussed alongside the value of adding this information to energy system models. A methodology for using data from both approaches is offered and operationalised using four sub-technologies of both wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels as case studies. The results show that considerable variation exists between and within the two groups for all indicators. The technologies with the lowest global warming potential, cumulative energy demand and supply risk are turbines with gearbox double-fed induction generators and cadmium telluride photovoltaics. Furthermore, wind turbines exhibit significantly higher recycling rates than photovoltaics. Ultimately, the integration of such methodologies into energy system models could greatly increase the awareness of raw material issues and guide policies that maximise compatibilities between resource availability and cleaner energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The presented model can simulate future material and energy demand and carbon emissions. • The model builds upon real individual buildings from GIS data. • Insulation contributes most to carbon reduction for space heating. • Greening electricity mix plays a key role in residential decarbonization. • Nearly 80% of electricity could be met if photovoltaic systems are installed on half of roofs. The building sector plays a key role in energy transition and carbon reduction while capturing the dynamic characteristics (e.g. materials, energy performance, and environmental impact) of building stock is a great challenge during the gradual process. This study presents a bottom-up dynamic building stock model that links dynamic material flow analysis with building energy modeling. The environmental impact of material and energy requirements is assessed by considering future electricity mix. The model is applied to evaluate the pathways to the climate-neutral energy supply of residential building stock in the Netherlands by 2050. Results show that space heating demand decreases by about 2/3 by 2050, while the energy for hot water increases to 92% of space heating demand. 80% of public grid electricity for appliances and lighting can be potentially substituted if rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems are installed on 50% of renovated buildings and all the new buildings. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of operational energy are reduced by approximately 60–90%, depending on the electricity mix. Annual GHG emissions from material production are not as important as those related to operational energy. Insulation materials account for a large proportion of the carbon footprint of material production. The model has a high spatial and temporal resolution and can be linked with local energy source availability (e.g. buildings or neighborhoods) to provide more accurate support for policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Clean energy transitions based on the circular economy (CE) are analysed for a town in China. • This could reduce energy use, CO 2 emissions and PM 2.5 emissions compared to the BAU scenario. • COVID pandemic is a new opportunity to introduce circular economy measures. • Circular economy measures could accelerate clean energy transitions. This paper models the energy and emissions scenarios for a circular economy based clean energy transitions in a 140,000-population town in China, taking into account the new situation encountered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The modelled scenarios propose new clean energy transition roadmaps towards a sustainable urban system through the implementation of circular economy strategies. This is represented by the cascading use of industrial excess heat to form symbiosis between factories and to cover the growing building heat demand, as well as by the electrification of the transport sector and reusing the batteries for a second life as energy storage devices. The results show that for a circular economy scenario, during 2020–2040, an accumulated saving of 7.1 Mtoe final energy use (34%), a decline in 14.5 Mt CO 2 emissions (40%) and 592 t PM 2.5 emissions (43%) could be achieved compared with the business-as-usual scenario. The outcomes of the circular economy strategies are at least 7% better than the new policy scenario which simply has energy efficiency improvements. The outbreak of the COVID-19 tremendously impacts the socio-economic activities in the town. If taking the pandemic as an opportunity to enhance the circular economy, by 2040, compared with the scenario without introducing circular economy measures, the extra avoided final energy use, CO 2 emissions and PM 2.5 emissions could be 1.6 Mtoe (8%), 3.8 Mt (11%) and 229 t (17%) respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Open model-based analysis for 100% renewable and sector-coupled energy systems. • Cost-optimization tool based on Oemof to investigate Germany's energy system in 2050. • Renewable energy is sufficient for electricity and building heat in Germany in 2050. • Investment cost (bn €/yr): 17.6–26.6 (Volatile), 23.7–28.8 (Heat), 2.7–3.9 (Storage). • Energy mix and LCOE comparison validate the developed tool's effectiveness. The ambitious energy target to achieve climate-neutrality in the European Union (EU) energy system raises the feasibility question of using only renewables across all energy sectors. As one of the EU's leading industrialized countries, Germany has adopted several climate-action plans for the realistic implementation and maximum utilization of renewable energies in its energy system. The literature review shows a clear gap in comprehensive techniques describing an open modeling approach for analyzing fully renewable and sector-coupled energy systems. This paper outlines a method for analyzing the 100% renewable-based and sector-coupled energy system's feasibility in Germany. Based on the open energy modeling framework, an hourly optimization tool 'OSeEM-DE' is developed to investigate the German energy system. The model results show that a 100% renewable-based and sector-coupled system for electricity and building heat is feasible in Germany. The investment capacities and component costs depend on the parametric variations of the developed scenarios. The annual investment costs vary between 17.6 and 26.6 bn €/yr for volatile generators and between 23.7 and 28.8 bn €/yr for heat generators. The model suggests an investment of a minimum of 2.7–3.9 bn €/yr for electricity and heat storage. Comparison of OSeEM-DE results with recent studies validates the percentage-wise energy mix composition and the calculated Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) values from the model. Sensitivity analyses indicate that storage and grid expansion maximize the system's flexibility and decrease the investment cost. The study concludes by showing how the tool can analyze different energy systems in the EU context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electricity and electrification is a viable solution for the energy transition. • Electricity triangle assures a consistent framework for the energy transition. • Multifaceted benefits: energetic, environmental and socio-economic. • Conceptualization of a set of metrics for impact assessment. • A real case study (Italy) considering its evolution up to 2050. Greenhouse gases along with pollution generated by the present energy paradigm widely based on fossil fuels are providing large impacts in terms of climate change and the health of human and biological systems at large. A shift in the energy paradigm, from fossil fuels to renewable energy, is urgently needed for nature and society. This is what we refer to as the energy transition. An old commodity – electricity – can play a new key role in the energy transition. That can happen through what we call the electricity triangle involving electricity generation from Renewable Energy Sources, exploitation of electricity as the main energy vector, and electrification of the final energy uses in all sectors. The possible deployment of the electricity triangle must be carefully assessed in all its possible implications, from technological, economic, societal and environmental perspectives. In this paper, we conceptualize the electricity triangle as a viable approach to the energy transition, and we propose a set of holistic metrics to assess its possible impacts. We apply the electricity triangle framework to the case of Italy based on sectorial studies on RES generation and electrification in building, industry and transport sectors. Our results indicate that Italy in 2050 has the potential to achieve 85.6% penetration of RES in its electricity supply, while 41%, 53% and 42% of the energy consumptions in transport, residential, and industry sectors will be electrified. Ultimately, this would lead to a 68% reduction in CO 2 emissions compared to current levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The contributors to the change in global renewable energy use are analyzed. • A new variant of a structural decomposition analysis introduces energy transition. • Energy transition contributed little to the change in global renewable energy use. • Also the global effects of changes in trade structure are very small. • Affluence, population growth and technology changes are the main contributors. This study investigates the growth in global renewable energy use between 2000 and 2014. To identify its main contributors and their geographical distribution, a structural decomposition analysis is applied to global multi-regional input-output tables. A new variant of this type of analysis is developed that introduces energy transition (i.e. the substitution of non-renewable energy by renewable energy) as one of the contributors. Global renewable energy use rose by 22.1 Exa Joules (EJ), from 57.8 EJ in 2000 to 79.9 in 2014. The contribution of energy transition at the global level to this 22.1 EJ increase was small and positive (+1.3 EJ). As for the geographical distribution of the effects, positive effects are found for the European Union and the United States, negative effects for China, India, and the Rest of the World (which includes many developing and emerging countries). Trade structure changes also had a small effect on global renewable energy use (+1.1 EJ). The main contributions were the worldwide changes in: technology and overall energy efficiency (−23.6 EJ); consumption per capita (+32.2EJ); and population (+11.0 EJ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]