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Energy is pivotal in achieving sustainable development's economic, social, and environmental objectives. However, to attain this crucial goal, it is essential to focus on the type of energy we generate and the methods by which we use them. The availability, accessibility, and use of green technologies have improved significantly since the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This paper applies the pooled mean group Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG ARDL) model from 2000 to 2021 to 11 countries that, according to the Climate Council, are most affected by environmental degradation issues and are taking new initiatives to reduce their emissions. The results indicate a significant relationship between renewable energy consumption and technological advancements in the short and long term. However, there needs to be more of the literature about the negative impact of research and development on renewable energy consumption. The findings of this paper can assist policymakers in determining effective strategies in the renewable energy sector, as any technological advancement is an innovative way to transform the renewable energy industry completely. By optimizing energy production and reducing costs, technological advancement can help a country achieve its renewable energy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality development (HQD) has been listed as the first and foremost task in building a modern socialist country in all respects and also an overarching issue of China's economic and social development in the new era. To achieve economic HQD, a key approach lies in integrating energy development with poverty alleviation and fully leveraging the foundational role of energy infrastructure and supply services in reducing poverty. Using the provincial panel data from 2007 to 2017, this paper analyzes the impact of energy poverty alleviation on economic HQD from multiple dimensions in an empirical way and draws the following conclusions: first, energy poverty alleviation drives the economic growth of China's eastern region and western region, but it cannot effectively promote the synchronous economic growth of the central region, thereby resulting in a greater imbalance in regional development; second, energy poverty alleviation has an effect on reducing the urban–rural income inequality, and such an effect is more significant in the western region; and finally, energy poverty alleviation has a significant effect on promoting economic HQD, and the effect is more significant in the central region and the western region. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism of energy poverty alleviation driving HQD is tested. It is found that energy poverty alleviation can drive HQD by promoting urbanization and technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gansu Province in China has the characteristics of an underdeveloped economy, low forest carbon sink, and rich non-fossil energy, making it a typical area for research to achieve the "double carbon" target. In this paper, the primary energy consumption and carbon emissions and their development trends in Gansu Province during the "double carbon" target period were predicted by the fixed-base energy consumption elasticity coefficient method, and the possibility of achieving the "double carbon" target in Gansu Province was explored. In the three hypothetical scenarios, it was estimated that the total primary energy consumption of Gansu Province will be 91.9–94.81 million tons of standard coal by 2030 and 99.35–110.76 million tons of standard coal by 2060. According to the predicted share of different energy consumption in Gansu Province, the CO2 emissions of Gansu Province in the three scenarios were calculated and predicted to be between 148.60 and 153.31 million tons in 2030 and 42.10 and 46.93 million tons in 2060. The study suggests that Gansu Province can reach the carbon peak before 2030 in the hypothetical scenarios. However, to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2060, it was proposed that, in addition to increasing carbon sinks by afforestation, it is also necessary to increase the share of non-fossil energy. As long as the share is increased by 0.3% on the basis of 2030, the goal of carbon neutrality by 2060 in Gansu Province can be achieved. The results show that the increase in the share of non-fossil energy consumption is the most important way to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality in Gansu Province, and it also needs to be combined with the optimization of industrial structure and improvement of technological progress. Based on the research results, some countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality in Gansu Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global interest in environmental issues and sustainable energy has propelled extensive research in photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Brazil has emerged as one of the top ten solar energy producers and flexible PV suppliers in the world. In this context, organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) have garnered attention due to their flexibility and ability to integrate into various surfaces, albeit facing challenges regarding lifespan and efficiency compared to silicon cells. This review examines the current state of research on OPVs and thin-film solar technologies, employing the systematic literature review methodology Proknow-C. The review includes an analysis of raw materials such as conductive polymers, fabrication processes including film deposition and encapsulation, and technological advancements that enhance the efficiency and stability of OPVs. Utilizing the Proknow-C methodology, a bibliographic portfolio was constructed to identify the current state of research in this field. Of 268 papers from major scientific databases, only 30 were deemed relevant to the theme, highlighting a significant research gap. This paper is a valuable resource for researchers, providing an updated overview and a foundation for future investigations in organic photovoltaics. The results emphasize the importance of materials such as conductive polymers and donor–acceptor molecules and the role of nanotechnology in advancing OPVs. Innovations in manufacturing techniques, such as inkjet and blade coating-based printing techniques, are shown to increase efficiency by providing precise control over film thickness and uniformity and reducing costs through lower material waste. Overall, this review highlights the necessity of further exploration and collaboration within the scientific community to address the challenges and propel advancements in organic photovoltaic cells. These advancements are crucial for transitioning to cleaner energy sources, reinforcing the ongoing significance of thin-film technologies in energy innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to summarize the recent advancements and prevailing challenges within the realm of hydrogen storage and transportation, thereby providing guidance and impetus for future research and practical applications in this domain. Through a systematic selection and analysis of the latest literature, this study highlights the strengths, limitations, and technological progress of various hydrogen storage methods, including compressed gaseous hydrogen, cryogenic liquid hydrogen, organic liquid hydrogen, and solid material hydrogen storage, as well as the feasibility, efficiency, and infrastructure requirements of different transportation modes such as pipeline, road, and seaborne transportation. The findings reveal that challenges such as low storage density, high costs, and inadequate infrastructure persist despite progress in high-pressure storage and cryogenic liquefaction. This review also underscores the potential of emerging technologies and innovative concepts, including metal–organic frameworks, nanomaterials, and underground storage, along with the potential synergies with renewable energy integration and hydrogen production facilities. In conclusion, interdisciplinary collaboration, policy support, and ongoing research are essential in harnessing hydrogen's full potential as a clean energy carrier. This review concludes that research in hydrogen storage and transportation is vital to global energy transformation and climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores an interesting approach to wind energy technology, focusing on a novel type of drag-driven vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Studied geometries employ rotor-shaped cross-sections, presenting a distinctive approach to harnessing wind energy efficiently. The rotor-shaped cross-section geometries are examined for their aerodynamic efficiency, showcasing the meticulous engineering behind this innovation. The drag-driven turbine shapes are analyzed for their ability to maximize energy extraction in a variety of wind conditions. A significant aspect of these turbines is their adaptability for diverse applications. This article discusses the feasibility and advantages of utilizing these VAWTs in fence configurations, offering an innovative integration of renewable energy generation with physical infrastructure. The scalability of the turbines is highlighted, enabling their deployment as a fence around residential properties or as separators between highway lanes and as energy-generating structures atop buildings. The scientific findings presented in this article contribute valuable insights into the technological advancements of rotor-shaped VAWTs and their potential impact on decentralized wind energy generation. The scalable and versatile nature of these turbines opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy solutions in both urban and residential settings, marking a significant step forward in the field of renewable energy research and technology. In particular, it was shown that among the proposed rotor geometries, the five-blade rotor was characterized by the highest efficiency and, working in a palisade configuration with a spacing of 10 mm to 20 mm, produced higher average values of the torque coefficient than the corresponding Savonius turbine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional green energy technological innovation is an important means to alleviate economic–environmental contradictions. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of green finance, financial technology, and regional green energy technological innovation. In this study, we constructed dual machine learning models, spatial econometric models, and panel threshold effect models to investigate the effects of green finance and financial technology on regional green energy technological innovation, using panel data from 266 cities nationwide from 2009 to 2021. The research findings are as follows: (1) Both green finance and financial technology significantly promote regional green energy technological innovation. (2) Based on a spatial weight matrix embedded in economic geography, both green finance and financial technology generate positive spatial spillover effects on regional green energy technological innovation. (3) The interaction between green finance and financial technology significantly contributes to regional green energy technological innovation. Financial technology can strengthen the positive local and neighboring effects of green finance on regional green energy technological innovation. (4) Based on the threshold effect of financial technology, green finance cannot significantly promote regional green energy technological innovation when financial technology is in an underdeveloped stage. With the advancement of financial technology, green finance continues to have a positive impact on regional green energy technological innovation. Based on this analysis and our conclusions, we propose practical policy recommendations that can provide a more sustainable approach to green energy technology innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From powering our homes to driving our economies, energy lies at the heart of humanity's complex challenges in the modern era. This paper reviews the evolution of smart energy systems, examining their technological advancements and societal implications while proposing a future design framework emphasizing four key pillars: holistic resource optimization, adaptive intelligence, environmental harmony, and human-centered design. While they offer numerous benefits, such as enhanced energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, smart energy systems also face challenges. These include cybersecurity risks, the complexity of integrating diverse energy sources seamlessly, high upfront costs, and potential compatibility issues arising from evolving technologies. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for unleashing the full potential of smart energy systems and facilitating their global adoption. Abundant opportunities for further research and development exist in this domain, awaiting exploration and advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growth of global population and economic development, people are facing the problem of increasing scarcity of renewable energy and unsustainable energy use. To achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations, research on energy consumption efficiency has become particularly important. This research evaluates the energy consumption efficiency of 270 cities in China through an improved EBM model and finds a common phenomenon of low energy consumption efficiency in the cities, with the highest efficiency in northeast China and the lowest efficiency in eastern China. In addition, the efficiency of industrial exhaust emissions most significantly positively correlates with the efficiency of employed population and total energy consumption efficiency, while the efficiency of regional GDP does not significantly correlate with the efficiency of the two input variables. Using the LMDI method to decompose the driving factors of energy consumption efficiency in the cities, we find that the most important factor affecting energy consumption efficiency is their own energy endowment. Therefore, to improve the energy consumption efficiency of its cities, the China government should comprehensively consider factors such as regional economic development level, industrial structure, and technological level differences, formulate relevant energy-saving and emission-reduction policies, focus on optimizing the energy consumption structure, encourage technological progress and innovation, and help increase investment in science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to elucidate the transformative integration of computational techniques within power systems, underscoring their critical role in enhancing system modeling, control, and the efficient integration of renewable energy. It breaks down the two-sided nature of technological progress, highlighting both gains in operational efficiency and new challenges such as real-time processing, data management, and cybersecurity. Through meticulous analysis of query-based research patterns and mathematical frameworks, this study delves into the balancing act between specificity and breadth in scholarly inquiries while evaluating the impact and evolution of research trends through citation analysis. The convergence of interests and transient research trends is evident, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and optimization. This comprehensive narrative anticipates a sophisticated trajectory for power systems, advocating for continuous innovation and strategic research to foster sustainable, resilient, and intelligent energy networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy security refers to a country's capacity to provide the energy resources essential to its wellbeing, including a reliable supply at an affordable costs. Economic growth and development cannot occur without access to reliable energy sources. Energy availability is a proxy for a country's standard of living and a key factor in its economic development and technical progress. Solar power is the most reliable and cost-effective option when it comes to meeting the world's energy needs. Solar-powered cooling systems are one example of how solar energy may be used in the real world. Solar-powered air conditioners have become more popular in recent years. The problems caused by our reliance on fossil fuels may be surmounted with the help of solar cooling systems that use solar collectors. Solar cooling systems may utilize low-grade solar energy, making them popular in the construction industry. Solar cooling systems powered by photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) collectors have been the subject of much research to improve the thermodynamic and economic performance of solar cooling systems. This research focuses on exploring the potential of solar-generated heat for use in cooling systems. This study will also examine the current challenges involved with using solar energy in cooling applications, as well as the possible benefits that may help pave the way for more research and greater employment of heat gain from the solar system in various cooling applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid economic growth of China has caused significant adverse effects on the environment. Meanwhile, technological innovation, a fundamental driver of economic development and social progress, plays a pivotal role in mitigating haze pollution. This study comprehensively examines the influence of technological innovation on haze pollution in the Yangtze River urban agglomeration, using the STIRPAT model and analyzing research data from 2004 to 2020. Additionally, the study investigates the specific moderating role of urban spatial structure in the relationship between technological innovation and haze pollution. The findings reveal that technological innovation in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration can effectively curtail haze pollution, and its impact extends to surrounding areas through spillover effect. The polycentric urban spatial structure significantly enhances the haze-reducing effect of technological innovation in the region. Notably, in cities with a strong level of environmental regulation, the urban spatial structure plays a substantial role in augmenting the haze-reducing impact of technological innovation. The policy implications of this research underscore the importance of continuous improvement in technological innovation within the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration. To address haze pollution in future development, the adoption of a polycentric development strategy and the establishment of sound environmental governance policies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) is an important indicator to reflect the sustainability level of agriculture. The AGTFP network reflects the spatial correlations of the AGTFP among regions; thus, exploring its network structure and influencing factors can provide targeted policy guidance to the coordinated development of the agriculture sector. This study builds an epsilon-based measurement data envelopment analysis (EBM-DEA) model to calculate 31 provincial AGTFPs in China from 2002 to 2020. Then, social network analysis (SNA) was utilized to explore the characteristics of the AGTFP network, and the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) was applied to find its external influencing factors. We reached four central conclusions: (1) Overall, there was a gradual upward trend of AGTFP in China during 2002~2020, and the average value rose from 0.75 in 2002 to 0.90 in 2020, but there were some differences among regions. (2) There is a complex and stable network characteristic of AGTFP; the average network density is 0.3753, and the average network efficiency is 0.4714. Meanwhile, some eastern and central areas, such as Henan, Anhui, Hubei, Hebei, Jiangsu, etc., have relatively high centrality and are a bridge in the entire network. (3) The AGTFP network can be divided into eight blocks, including two net beneficial blocks (the central-eastern provinces with high centrality); two net spillover blocks, including the provinces located in the developed urban areas (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Jilin), the underdeveloped northwest regions (Ningxia, Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Tibet). The other areas are two-way spillover blocks. (4) Transportation development gap, technological progress gap, and the similarities of the agricultural industry structure are critical factors influencing the AGTFP network. Hence, improving the efficiency of the logistics and transportation industry, promoting technology transfer from developed areas to underdeveloped areas, and developing characteristic agriculture are all conducive to promoting the whole region's AGTFP. Our research provides policy implications for sustainable agricultural development in China and other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a dynamically changing socio-economic environment with significant technical and technological progress, the notion of energy security takes on a new, broader meaning. Modern literature presents a variety of operational definitions of energy security. Most authors dealing with the issue of energy security expose its different aspects while standing in opposition to competing concepts. As a result, literature that addresses the problems of energy policy is becoming a platform for debates on the essence of energy security and the applicability of its various approaches to individual situations. There is no unanimity among authors with regard to the theoretical framework or the components of this notion. However, the issue of diversity of views is quite typical in social sciences and should not be taken negatively. Despite this, and perhaps contrary to the definitional wealth, experts in the field of energy policy constantly stress the necessity and urgency of undertaking work on the conceptualization of energy security. The aim of the article is a comprehensive review of the concept of energy security in the context of new trends in the development of the energy sector based on a narrative review of scientific literature. The main differences in the perception of energy security have been identified, and it has been pointed out that the "supply concept" of energy security is giving way to an approach in which energy is a factor initiating deep transformations of social systems by changing consumption patterns, reducing energy consumption, and forcing changes in economic systems by imposing energy efficiency standards and environmental standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anticipated challenge for the offshore wind industry is the legally standardized decommissioning of offshore wind infrastructure after the expiration of the respective approval period. To meet the energy and climate targets set by, e.g., the German Federal Government, this challenge must be mastered in the context of sustainability. Potential concepts are (i) the deconstruction of offshore infrastructure without replacement, (ii) the continued operation of the plants, (iii) partially or even completely replacing them with newer, modernized plants (re-powering). Re-powering could also be a combination of existing infrastructures with other innovative technologies, such as hydrogen. In this work, the three concepts are analyzed along with their risks and additional factors, such as feasibility, cost-effectiveness, predictability of technological progress, and, planning security, are discussed. A quantitative risk and resilience analysis is conceptually demonstrated for the specific risk of extreme weather and wave conditions caused by climate change. Synthetic wave height data are generated and the corresponding load changes are applied to example offshore wind farms. The three end-of-life options are compared using resilience indicators that serve as exemplary measures for the energy output, which serves as the key performance indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy communities (ECs) can become a potential alternative to promote the fight against climate change. Technological progress and price reductions in recent years have made renewable energy-generation systems increasingly affordable and have generated economic benefits by reducing the value of electricity bills for community members, as well as reducing the growing environmental impact. In this context, the authors have taken Tolosa as a case study and conducted a technical and economic analysis of different possible structures of ECs (physical, virtual, with or without storage, participants with different types of consumption, etc.) by comparing them with each other. The generation capacity of the community and the optimal energy-management algorithms have been illustrated, from which the economic benefits for each member are extracted. A dynamic distribution factor is established as the basis of the algorithms, making the benefits fairer. The results obtained from this work, in addition to illustrating the economic benefits that each type of participant can receive, help to define the most appropriate community structure for each participant while highlighting the social and climate benefits that ECs can provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is an effective technology to harness low-grade energy. Turbine, as a key component of ORC, takes advantages of its high efficiency and compact size compared with other expanders. Currently, developing suitable turbines with a high performance and a low cost is one of the bottlenecks for wide applications of various ORCs. In this context, technical progress on radial inflow turbines (RITs), axial turbines (ATs), and radial outflow turbines (ROTs) is introduced, and loss models used in the preliminary design are compared, especially for small-scale ORCs. RIT is recommended for medium and small ORCs with an expansion pressure ratio of <10. The power outs and rotational speeds of the designed RITs spanned the ranges of 9.3–684 kW and 3000–114,000 r/min with an efficiency of 56.1–91.75%. In comparison, the power outputs and speeds of ATs were 3–2446 kW and 3000–91,800 r/min with an efficiency of 63–89.1%. AT is suitable for large-scale ORCs with a power output of greater than hundreds of kW. However, AT with impulse stages is feasible for small-scale ORCs when the pressure ratio is high, and the mass flow rate is small. The power outputs of the designed ROTs were relatively small, at 10–400 kW with a speed of 7200–42,700 r/min and an efficiency of 68.7–85%. For organic working fluids with a large expansion pressure ratio, ROT might be employed. Conventional mean-line models may neglect the effects of supersonic flow, which will be encountered in many ORC turbines. Therefore, adequate models for supersonic expansion loss and shock loss need to be added. Meanwhile, a proper multivariable optimization algorithm such as a gradient-based or stochastic search method should be selected. Finally, the challenges and potential research directions are discussed. The outcomes can provide some insights for the development of ORC turbines and the optimization of ORC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve carbon neutrality and improve emission reduction efficiency, capturing carbon dioxide from the air on a large scale and promoting the application and innovation of carbon capture technology (CCUS) are the most important goals. This study undertakes an annual and comprehensive evaluation of the policy and the technological innovation efficiency (TIE) of 10 listed companies in China using the DEA model and the Malmquist index analysis method. The number of relevant laws and policies is significant, but they are not well coordinated. The static evaluation results indicate that the complete factor production rate is low, generally lower than 0.9, and the technical innovation efficiency is weak, mainly because of technological backwardness. The dynamic evaluation results indicate that the changes in total factor productivity (TFP) each year are primarily affected by changes in technological progress. This suggests that most domestic enterprises are still exploring technological innovation (TI) and operational business models. Finally, this study proposes measures to improve the TIE of carbon capture technology enterprises in China, including giving full play to the role of the government, expanding effective investment, and improving innovational ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical power distribution is the most important division in the power supply chain. However, its sustainability in terms of efficiency is very important for the growth of every country. This main objective of the paper is to assess the productivity dynamics of this process using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology to analyse the effectiveness of the electricity distribution regions (EDRs) over a period of 7 years. The paper adapts the biennial Malmquist productivity index by infusing it with the slacks-based measure (SBM) to assess the productivity dynamics of EDRs in Ghana. Productivity dynamics were assessed by decomposing the SBM-BMPI productivity scores into the efficiency, technology, and scale change. It was discovered that the productivity of EDRs in Ghana progressed by 16.23% per annum over the sample period. Productivity was driven mainly by technological change and not the efficiency changes and scale changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's economic development is characterized by openness, and trade and investment are important engines for promoting economic development. China's economy is now in a transitional period, during which excessive carbon emission reduction would inevitably hinder economic development. In this context, improving carbon emission efficiency is an effective way to achieve sustainable development. This paper deals with the relationships among foreign direct investment, technological innovation and carbon emission efficiency. Our research findings include the following. First, carbon efficiency shows regional differences. East China has the highest mean value of carbon emission efficiency, followed by central China and west China over the sample period. Second, FDI exerts both direct and indirect impacts on carbon emission efficiency through technological innovation, which confirms the intermediate effect of technological innovation. Finally, sub-sample analysis indicates that the impact of FDI and technological innovation on carbon emission efficiency show regional heterogeneity. According to these findings, we offer policy recommendations as follows. The government should stimulate independent innovation, promote technological progress in renewable energy and green energy, and attract environmentally friendly foreign investment to improve carbon emission efficiency and boost green development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, Pakistan is in a stage of urbanization and industrialization, raising its energy demand and supply and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2Es) due to the excessive use of fossil fuels. In meeting future demand and supply predictions, much emphasis should be given to both energy consumption and the level of inter-factor and inter-fuel substitution possibilities. Specifically, future outcomes for energy demand are more valid when production models contemplate substitution elasticity occurring during the period. To analyze the potential for little reliance on fossil fuels and diminish CO2Es, the present research has examined the potential for the substitution of energy and non-energy factors (i.e., natural gas, electricity, petroleum, labor, and capital) by using translog productions function over the period between 1986–2019. The ridge regression method is applied to evade the multicollinearity issue in the data. The model analyzes the output elasticity, substitution elasticity, technical progress, and carbon emission scenarios. The results show that the output elasticities are growing, presenting that the contribution of all factors adds to economic growth. The inputs between capital-petroleum, capital-electricity, labor-electricity, capital-natural gas, and natural gas-electricity are extreme substitutes. These substitutes are increasing capital growth and production sizes. The relative difference in technical progress shows a small positive change between 3–7% with convergence evident. Lastly, the investment scenarios under 5% and 10% investment in petroleum reduction are evidence that the CO2Es would reduce by 7.5 Mt and 10.43 Mt under scenario 1 and 7.0 Mt and 10.9 Mt under scenario 2. The results have broader suggestions for energy-conserving policies, particularly under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Korea officially committed to reducing 40% of its total carbon emissions by 2030, but the country has a carbon-dependent economic structure based on the manufacturing industry. Additionally, the industrial structure of each region in South Korea is heterogeneous. In this regard, policymakers should analyze the carbon emission condition at a regional level because abatement aspects are heterogeneous by urban spatial production. However, although various studies have developed a methodology to evaluate the GHG emission condition, these studies failed to consider the fundamental aspect of regional heterogeneity. In this regard, this study suggests a quantitative method to assess the potential of the carbon neutrality of regions and industries by using both shift-share analysis and the Log Mean Divisia Index method. Shift share analysis is used to quantify the relation between the industry and regional characteristics, and the Log Mean Divisia Index method can decompose each effect for economic growth and technological progress. By combining these two methods, this study suggests four classifications to evaluate regional and industrial characteristics of GHG emissions and analyze each region's emission status in terms of the mining and manufacturing industry in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry has experienced phenomenal growth because of technological advancements in the past couple of decades. Prefabrication constitutes a sizeable share of this industry and is being adopted all over the world. The method of casting construction elements in a controlled environment and assembling them on-site has revolutionised the industry. Research on various aspects of the technology is ongoing around the world, and an impressive number of articles have been published. However, the prefab technology, materials used, and terminology have varied across locations, which may have hindered the method's wider acceptability. By evaluating technical articles published between 1991 and 2022, this report analyses the present body of knowledge regarding prefab technology, its evolution, sustainability, and stakeholder views. This technology effectively contributes around 40% in time saving, 27% in cost reduction, 30% in reduced carbon emissions, and 84% in on-site wastage reduction. It also increases quality, gives a dependable alternative for meeting mass construction targets, is energy efficient, and provides environmentally conscious options. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a snapshot of the prefab industry spanning three decades, detailing a wide range of factors affecting the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the integrated optimal design of the powertrain of a hybrid regional aircraft using multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO). The sizing of the main components of the propulsion chain is performed over the flight mission under various scenarios regarding energy management strategies and technological assessments. For that purpose, a complete set of multidisciplinary surrogate models are integrated into the MDO process, taking account not only of the main electrical, thermal and mechanical aspects but also of environmental constraints such as partial discharges in electric motors regarding flight conditions. Several MDO formulations are investigated comparing local (i.e., motor mass minimization) and global optimizations (i.e., powertrain mass then fuel burn minimization at aircraft level). Results emphasize main systemic couplings showing that despite future technological progress, the series hybrid architecture is heavier than a conventional thermal aircraft. Nevertheless, thanks to the whole aircraft optimization, potential gains related to kerosene consumption can be reached, reducing the environmental footprint. The "energy gains" focused on in this paper may be added with aerodynamic gains potentially involved in more electric powertrain. This work has been carried out in the frame of the HASTECS project under the Clean Sky II program which aims at reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impacts of the aviation sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of technological progress is an important metric used for predicting the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of future light-duty fleets. A trade-off between efficiency and performance is essential due to its implications on fuel consumption and efficiency improvement. These values are not directly available in the Brazilian fleet. Hence, this is the main gap in knowledge that has to be overcome. Tendencies in all relevant parameters were also unknown, and we have traced them as well, established on several publications data and models. We estimate the three indicators mentioned above for the Brazilian fleet from 1990 to 2020. Although the rate of technological progress was lower in Brazil than that in developed countries, it has increased from 0.39% to 0.61% to 1.7% to 1.9% in subsequent decades. Performance improvements offset approximately 31% to 39% of these efficiency gains. Moreover, the vehicle market is shifting toward larger vehicles, thus offsetting some efficiency improvements. We predict the fleet fuel efficiency for the years 2030 and 2035 using the above-mentioned factors. The predicted values for efficiency can vary by a factor of two. Thus, trade-off policies play a vital role in steering toward the desired goals of reducing the transportation sector's impact on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric Technology Vehicles (ETVs: hybrid, electric, and plug-in hybrid) may reach price parity with incumbent internal combustion vehicles (ICEVs) in the near future. Climate policy for transportation will depend on the degree to which consumers prefer ETVs, and price parity is a key factor. In this study, we explore the interaction between future cost reductions and the economically motivated adoption of ETVs. We construct a model of the U.S. personal vehicle market accounting for heterogenous use and vehicle preferences, in which adoption induces cost reductions that increase future market share. Model results indicate that price parity is reached for most consumers in a number of cost scenarios, but not with constant ICEV costs and modest ETV cost declines. A price parity future suggests that government support could be temporary and phased out after a successful market transition. However, if ETVs continue to be more expensive than ICEVs, then lasting government support is needed. Heterogeneity is essential to understanding the market transition: treating consumers as heterogeneous results in an ETV market share 23% higher than assuming average consumers. Future work can clarify ETV support policy by resolving uncertainty in cost trajectories and modeling dynamic and heterogenous consumer markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has become the major stakeholder in global photovoltaic (PV) technology. However, the existing mechanistic interpretation of "what promotes the technological progress of the Chinese PV industry" is controversial. This paper takes China's A-share listed PV enterprises from 1999 to 2019 as the research sample and uses a panel fixed-effect regression model to empirically test the impact of research and development (R&D) investment and government subsidies on the technological progress of PV enterprises. The results show that there is an "N"-shaped nexus between R&D investment and technological progress, and most PV enterprises are in the climbing stage of the N-shaped curve. With the development of the PV industry, the nexus will undergo a transformation from inverted U-shaped to N-shaped, indicating that R&D investment is a key driver of PV technological progress. Yet, government subsidies are a "double-edged sword". They have a significant positive direct effect on PV technological progress but also a negative moderating effect. Tax returns play a positive incentivizing role, while financial subsidies play a negative moderating role. This study provides a policy basis for the timely reduction of financial subsidies and increased R&D investment to promote technological progress in China's PV industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy and the environment are important foundations for sustainable economic development. In order to realize the sustainable development of energy economy, clarify the respective responsibilities of the government and enterprises, and explore the internal mechanism of ecological compensation, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model by means of social benefits, ecological compensation, supervision costs, government subsidies, enterprise punishment, enterprise additional income, enterprise emission reduction costs and other means, through the government's supervision and non-supervision behavior, as well as the cooperation and non-cooperation behavior of enterprises, and analyzes the model parameters and game results. The research shows that: (1) due to the delay effect of technical progress of pollutant discharge, in the long run, the cost of enterprise emission reduction must be less than its benefits. (2) Social benefits brought by government regulation must exceed half of ecological compensation. (3) Government subsidy should not be higher than ecological compensation. Then, taking Inner Mongolia coal mine as an example, the field investigation is carried out from the three aspects of atmosphere, water, and soil, and the ecological environment loss of the mining area is preliminarily calculated based on the national technical specification for ecological environment assessment. Based on the above results, it shows that: (1) From the perspective of the government, social benefit must exceed USD 10.69 million annually; (2) from the perspective of enterprises, government subsidy should be lower than USD 21.38 million annually. In short, ecological compensation mechanism for coal resource development should include two parts: resource consumption reduction and environmental restoration; take the ecological compensation threshold as the standard, strictly eliminating declining enterprises, stimulating technological innovation, weakening the government subsidy, relying on non-governmental organizations to enlarge the social benefits brought by government supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important energy base in China, Shanxi Province, in its economic development, has depended heavily on coal resources. However, enormous coal consumption produces a large amount of carbon dioxide and an aggravated ecological problem. In this paper, the super efficiency slack-based measure and data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) model and Malmquist index were used to calculate the energy consumption and carbon emission efficiency of 11 prefecture-level cities in Shanxi in the period from 2000 to 2020. The results were as follows: (1) The primary form of energy consumption in Shanxi Province is the burning of coal, and the carbon emission efficiencies of the 11 prefecture-level cities are quite different. The technical efficiency, technological progress, and total factor productivity of Taiyuan and Shuozhou were found to be greater than 1 compared to other cities in Shanxi. (2) On the whole, although the carbon emission rate of Shanxi Province has slowed down, it still faces the problems of a large total emission base, high carbon emission intensity, and low efficiency of the unit carbon emission output. Industrial structure is the key factor restricting improvements in the efficiency of carbon emissions in Shanxi Province. (3) From the spatial and temporal evolution of the carbon emission efficiency in Shanxi Province, we can see that the carbon emission efficiency of the whole province gradually dispersed and improved from the central and northern regions to the southern regions during the period of 2000–2020. In order to achieve a low-carbon economy, Shanxi Province must optimize its industrial structure, accelerate research and development in low-carbon technologies, adjust the energy structure, and promote the construction of an energy supply system with clean low-carbon energy as the main source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standardization in energy-saving and emission-reduction measures has become increasingly important. The impact of standardization on carbon-emission efficiency in China was explored by using panel data from 2002 to 2017. The results showed that standardization significantly improved China's carbon-emission efficiency, which remained robust after a series of tests. Furthermore, the development of industry standards had a greater effect on the improvement of carbon-emission efficiency in the economically developed coastal areas, while the development of national standards significantly promoted the improvement of carbon-emission efficiency in the inland areas. An assessment of the impact mechanism demonstrated that standardization affects carbon-emission efficiency through technological progress, industrial modernization, and economies of scale. We compared our findings with the existing literature regarding the governance of a low-carbon economy; we also considered the subsequent policy implications of our findings in terms of sustainable economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cope with huge carbon emission pressure, China has implemented a carbon emissions trading pilot policy that aims to provide reasonable suggestions for the smooth operation of the national carbon market. This paper selects the provincial panel data in China from 2005 to 2019 and uses the propensity score matching-difference in difference (PSM-DID) method to evaluate the carbon emission policy's reduction effect. Based on carbon emissions (CE) and carbon emission intensity (CI), provinces and cities are divided into four regions, and each region is verified by spatial difference analysis. Furthermore, the mediating effects of carbon emission reduction through the dual aspects of technological progress and industry structure are also discussed. Results verified that, (1) under the carbon emission trading policy, regional carbon emissions and carbon emission intensity are both significantly reduced. (2) Technological progress helps to reduce carbon emissions, while industrial structure shows no obvious contribution. (3) The four regions all show ideal emission reduction effects, of which the High CE-High CI region shows the best, but is greatly restricted by techniques. The industrial structure of the High CE-Low CI region needs to be further optimized for carbon reduction. In the Low CE-High CI region, the carbon emissions brought by economic development fail to effectively improve per capita GDP. The Low CE-Low CI region contributes greatly to carbon emission reduction with technical advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coal power policy has been influencing the development of China's coal power industry from the aspects of quantity control, technological progress, and market-oriented reform. Meanwhile, the strategic coal power policy of the mid- and long-term future is yet to be well-designed under the carbon peak and neutrality targets. Therefore, it is necessary to have a comprehensive overview of the coal power policy during the past and give targeted prospects for policy-makers. This paper discusses the policy effect on the development and technological progress of the coal power industry by giving an overview of the policy and reform processes of the coal power industry in China in the past 20 years. The results indicate that China's coal power policy has promoted the progress of coal power generation technology, optimized the coal power structure, accelerated the diversified investment in the power industry, and alleviated the overcapacity problem of coal power generation. After discussion, we conclude that: (1) It is necessary to gradually reduce the average generation hours of coal-fired power units while retaining high-quality coal-fired power units. (2) The renewable energy enterprises that adopt the support services of coal power enterprises should provide reasonable capacity compensation costs to create favorable conditions and achieve sustainable development for China's coal power industry. (3) To deploy coal power units combined with large-scale renewable energy in the western and northern regions will achieve efficient energy utilization. (4) Different strategies should be adopted for different coal power units, and the peak regulation potential of coal power units with low-capacity parameters should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green finance integrates the concept of environmental governance into the financial industry, which is conducive to sustainable development. Applying the mediating effect model, this paper investigates the effect of green finance on urban haze pollution and explores the mediating role of technological innovation of enterprises between them. Based on a sample of 639 enterprises in China over 2016–2019, a significantly negative effect of green finance on urban haze pollution is found. An increase of one standard deviation in green finance decreases PM2.5 concentration by 8.8 μg/m3, ceteris paribus. Further, green finance may improve environmental quality by promoting technological innovation. Considering the heterogeneity of enterprise ownership, this mediating effect exists in non-state-owned enterprises, while it cannot be observed in state-owned enterprises. This study proposes a new solution for pollution: using green financial tools to promote environmentally friendly technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many hydrocarbon-rich countries have recognized the global shift towards renewable energy sources, and Russia is not an exception. Drawing on two strands of literature—technological innovation systems and the advocacy coalition framework—we investigate the roles of actors and coalitions in shaping the Russian renewable energy policy and explore why particular renewable energy sources have progressed more than others, and what the main reasons are for their sudden development. The results show that the more successful renewable energy industries are those that were promoted by influential actors from traditional energy industries. Moreover, these actors also promoted the specific design of support schemes for renewable energy policy in Russia. We discuss the importance of policy process theories for understanding energy transition studies and provide specific policy recommendations for policy creation in the renewables industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses the problem of power quality (PQ) metrics (or indexes) suitable for DC grids, encompassing low and medium voltage applications, including electric transports, all-electric ships and aircrafts, electric vehicles, distributed generation and microgrids, modern data centers, etc. The two main pillars on which such PQ indexes are discussed and built are: (i) the physical justification, so the electric phenomena affecting DC grids and components (PV panels, fuel cells, capacitors, batteries, etc.), causing, e.g., stress of materials, aging, distortion, grid instability; and (ii) the existing standardization framework, pointing out desirable coverage and extension, similarity with AC grids standards, but also inconsistencies. For the first point, each phenomenon is discussed with quantitative conclusions on relevant thresholds: in many cases some percentage of distortion (ripple) is acceptable (stress on capacitors and storage, impact on fuel cells, and PV panels), whereas in other cases, much higher levels may be tolerated (interference to protection and monitoring devices). Standards are reviewed for indications not only of low-order harmonics and voltage fluctuations typical of old DC grid schemes, but also for high-frequency noise, including thus supraharmonics and common-mode disturbance, and filling the gap with the electromagnetic compatibility domain. However, phenomena typical of EMC and electrical safety (such as various types of overvoltages and fast transients) are excluded. Suitable PQ indexes are then reviewed, suggesting integrations and modifications, to cover the relevant phenomena and technological progress, and to better follow the normative exigencies: ripple is considered in time and frequency domain, in particular with a band limited implementation; for transients and pulsed loads, more traditional indexes based on area, energy, and half duration are confronted with indexes evaluating the power trajectory and its derivative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to present key mechanisms for shaping the safety culture of high reliability organizations through digital transformation, which is now a key challenge for the entire global economy. It is particularly important in processes conducted by so-called high reliability organizations. From this cognitive perspective, it is important to define the place and role of digital transformation in shaping the safety culture of high reliability organizations. The comparison of the issues of the safety culture and digital transformation of high reliability organizations seems to be an important cognitive aspect resulting from technological progress in the area of the digital economy. The socio-technological system in which high reliability organizations exist is organized in such a way that all technical, operational and organizational aspects, including the participation of many entities involved in the operation of this complex system, are coherent. This coherence can be influenced by the digital transformation solutions that are implemented and used. The article used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Vester methods, which were used for research by railway undertakings operating on the Polish railway market, to solve the scientific problem. A ranking of specific issues responsible for building safety culture and the identification of factors that are important for the effectiveness of the process of shaping the expected safety culture was created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns regarding environmental sustainability have generally been an important element in achieving long-term development objectives. However, developing countries struggle to deal with these concerns, which all require specific treatment. As a result, this study explores the interaction between financial development, renewable energy consumption, technological innovations, and CO2 emissions in India from 1980 to 2019, taking into account the critical role of economic progress and urbanization. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model is used to quantify long-run dynamics, while the Vector Error Correction Model is used to identify causal direction (VECM). According to the study's conclusions, financial development has a considerable positive impact on CO2 emissions. The coefficient of renewable energy consumption and technical innovations, on the other hand, is strongly negative in both the short and long run, indicating that increasing these measures will reduce CO2 emissions. Furthermore, economic expansion and urbanization have a negative impact on environmental quality since they emit a significant amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. The results of the robustness checks were obtained using the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and the Canonical Cointegration Regression (CCR) approaches to verify the findings. The VECM results reveal that there is long-run causality in CO2 emissions, financial development, renewable energy utilization, and urbanization. A range of diagnostic tests were also used to confirm the validity and reliability. This study delivers new findings that contribute to the existing literature and may be of particular interest to the country's policymakers in light of the financial system and its role in environmental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article analyzes the technological advancement and innovations related to drilling operations. It covers the review of currently proven and emerging technologies that could mitigate the drilling operational deficiencies and instabilities that could hinder operational performance activities and the economic part of drilling development with great effort to minimize their environmental footprint. Drilling system design and operations are among the major aspects and cost-effective endeavors of the oil and gas industries, which are therefore technology dependent. They are also considered to be among the most expensive operations in the world, as they require huge expenses daily. Drilling success, depending on prevalent conditions, is a function of several general factors. These include the selection of the best technologies and tools, procedural optimization, concrete problem-solving, accurate prediction, and rapid decision-making. Consequently, any sorts of tools or advanced technologies that can improve the time-efficient operational and economic performance of drilling activities are essential and demanded. The paper provides a review of available technologies and developmental innovations based on both company-based and academic research-enabled drilling solutions over the past 5 years in the field of drilling systems and technological design. The paper further highlighted potential technologies that could be tapped in from other industries and could possibly be adopted by pushing the conventional boundaries of drilling operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on threshold regression models, this paper analyzes the effect of economic growth on energy intensity by using panel data from 21 developed countries from 1996 to 2015. Results show that a 1% increase in GDP per capita can lead to a 0.62–0.78% reduction in energy intensity, implying economic growth can significantly reduce energy intensity. The extent of the reduction in energy intensity varies depending on the economic development stages represented by key influencing factors including energy mix in consumption, urbanization, industrial structure, and technological progress. Specifically, the reduction in energy intensity due to economic growth can be enhanced with relatively more renewable energy consumption and more urban population until a threshold point, where the enhancement disappears. On the other hand, the extent of the energy intensity reduction due to economic growth can be weakened with relatively more tertiary industry activities and more research and development (R&D) investment in an economy until a threshold point, where the weakening cannot continue. However, compared to the early stages represented by the low ends of renewable energy consumption, urban population, tertiary industry activities, and R&D investment, the later stages represented by the high ends of these key factors after a threshold show the weakened effect of economic growth on the decline of energy intensity. Hence, when an economy is well-developed, policy makers are advised to put fewer expectations on the role of economic growth to reduce energy intensity, while pursuing relatively cleaner energy, greater urbanization, more tertiary industry activities, and advanced technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new energy industry (NEI) is key to achieving a clean and low-carbon economy. Improving its technical efficiency, a factor reflecting the ability of an enterprise or industry to produce maximum economic outputs from a given set of inputs and production technologies, is vital for the healthy development of the NEI. Nevertheless, due to the fragmentation of industry data, it is still difficult to accurately measure the technical efficiency of China's NEI and understand the driving factors behind it. Based on the panel data derived from 17,457 observations on new energy enterprises in 29 Chinese provinces during 1998 and 2013 (latest data available), this paper uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) and geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) for the first time to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics and driving factors of the technical efficiency of China's NEI. The results show that the technical efficiency of China's NEI was relatively low and increased modestly from 0.44 in 1998 to 0.52 in 2013. Exploring the reasons from the perspective of spatiotemporal heterogeneity, we find that enterprise scale and technological progress are the major driving factors for increasing NEI's technical efficiency. However, the role of economic development in improving efficiency has gradually disappeared. Moreover, the negative effect of state-owned enterprises on efficiency becomes increasingly obvious. The effect of new energy resources is negligible. Our main contribution is the technical efficiency of China's NEI which is measured at the provincial level and its main driving factors are explored by considering spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Accordingly, we put forward some specific recommendations to improve the technical efficiency of China's NEI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this article is to analyze the use of modern information technologies, referring to the example of smartphones, paying particular attention to selected cultural aspects of the phenomena that appear to play an important role in creating the concept of a smart city. The authors asked a research question: whether there is a difference in the perception of smart cities between Poland and Turkey in terms of a set of individual criteria and cultural differences in the context of globalization processes. The authors decided to compare the use of smartphones in an international environment. In their analysis, they examined Poland and Turkey, the countries which are characterized by markedly distinct culture and customs, but simultaneously present a similar level of IT development. The research was conducted in two stages at the turn of 2019 and 2020, and it involved more than 600 selected young people aged 18–25. It is important to mention that the study consulted the group of the most active internet users who are taking advantage of the benefits of internet-aided globalization. In order to carry out the survey questionnaire, the authors applied a CAWI (Computer Associated Web Interview) method. The original study aimed at identifying the character traits of smartphone users that appear to be most important from the point of view of implementing the concept of a smart city. As a result of this research, 15 such characteristics were identified, and the impact of smartphones on the strengthening or weakening of such qualities was tested in the course of conducting the survey questionnaire. The survey was translated into native languages and initially tested as part of the pilot studies. The results were compared, and the authors have identified and commented on differences between them. They also assessed the degree to which the hypothesis formulated in the research has been verified. The main limitation of the conducted study was the selection of a random group since the research sample consisted only of members of the academic community. The part of the study which is presented in this article fills the research gap related to the impact of smartphones on selected aspects of user behavior (punctuality, individualism, the quantity and quality of contacts) as well as social behavior (homogenization of cultures, the impact on economic and technological progress, strengthening of social bonds, civic responsibility (both in the social and economic sense), personal development initiatives, increase in social activity, sense of security, technological progress, and achieving prosperity). The examined features are particularly important in shaping the idea of smart cities. The results obtained in the study are conducive to expanding the research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine whether innovation and information and communication technology (ICT) contribute to reducing producer prices, thus promoting economic growth. We also check whether the contributions of ICT enhance environmental quality, leading to sustainable economic growth. To this end, we apply panel data techniques to the 27 EU countries over the period of recovery from the financial crisis. Our results suggest that technological progress leads to a significant reduction in producer prices. Moreover, controlling for some macroeconomics factors, ICT fosters per capita economic growth in the European countries. Finally, we found that the higher the ICT employment is, the lower greenhouse gas emissions are. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent years of the PV industry have been demarcated by a severe imbalance of manufacturing capacities versus demand. The goal of our research was to assess the technological progress and evolution of the Taiwanese c-Si PV supplier industry structure during the period of 2016 to 2019 when the end-product experienced price volatility. The analysis was conducted based on data derived from Taiwanese manufacturers and industry sources with regard to current technological and market trends. We illuminate two main conclusions: the industry is advancing consolidation, and it is decreasing the pace of technological advancements, especially in comparison to its Chinese counterparts. The study suggests there is a need for improving efficiencies in the production processes, and shifting toward downstream segments in order to maximize the utilization of resources in the segments with the highest profit margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The powertrain characteristics of battery electric logistics vehicles (BELVs) are extremely suited for the urban driving context and have a higher environmental protection potential for sustainable development, which can provide solutions for urban logistics decarbonization. The BELV is an important part of the Chinese national new-energy vehicle program, and the market penetration of BELVs has greatly improved. However, BELVs still have many technical shortcomings, which seriously affect their widespread acceptance. Therefore, it is necessary to reveal the technological characteristics and development direction of BELVs based on a large amount of marketing and technological data. This research reviewed the Chinese incentive policies and industrialization progress of BELVs. An evaluation system comprising 8 technological indicators for evaluating BELV technological progress was proposed. The distribution characteristics of the curb mass, vehicle volume, all-electric range, top speed, driving power, energy efficiency, traction battery and motor technology were analyzed for 2017 and 2019 markets' models. The vehicle total cost, vehicle performance and reliability of BELVs are not advantageous yet. However, all the performance parameters are improving year by year, constantly meeting logistics demands. The subsidies are needed for longer for the market to mature. Finally, several suggestions for the technical development direction of BELVs were proposed. All these results can be used to improve the vehicle performance, reliability and market penetration of BELVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction among the fuel ethanol industry, the technology system, and the market system has a substantial effect on the growth of the fuel ethanol industry which plays a key role in the formation of a sustainable energy system in China. However, we know little about the relationships among them and it is difficult to explore the nexus using econometric method due to the lack of statistics on China's fuel ethanol industry. This paper develops a history-friendly coevolutionary model to describe the relationships among the fuel ethanol industry, the technology system, and the market system in China. Based on the coevolutionary model, we further assess the impacts of entry regulations, production subsidies, R&D subsidies, and ethanol mandates on the growth of the fuel ethanol industry in China using a simulation method. The results of historical replication runs show that the model can appropriately reflect the multidirectional causalities between the fuel ethanol industry, the technology system, and the market system. We also found that entry regulation is conducive to weakening the negative economic impacts induced by the growth of the grain-based fuel ethanol industry without affecting the long-term total output of the industry; production subsidies to traditional technology firms are helpful for the expansion of the fuel ethanol industry, but they also impede technology transfer in the industry; only when firms inside the industry are not in the red can R&D subsidies promote technological progress and then further accelerate the growth of the fuel ethanol industry; the ethanol mandate has a significant impact on industrial expansion only when a production subsidy policy is implemented simultaneously. Our findings suggest that more attention could be paid to consider the cumulative effects caused by coevolutionary mechanisms when policymakers assess the effects of exogenous policies on the growth of the fuel ethanol industry. More attention also could be paid to the conditions under which these policies can work effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2018 and 2023 the penetration rate of electricity smart meters in the European Union (EU) is expected to grow from approximately 44% to 71%. The unprecedently rapid development of smart metering (SM) as an ICT-enabled technological novelty is progressing in a complex, multi-actor innovation system, which is strongly driven by EU-level institutions and policies. This paper presents the comprehensive Technology Innovation System (TIS) analysis of electricity SM development in the EU, with a focus placed on regulatory aspects. The article identifies the key elements of the SM innovation system (technologies and infrastructures; actors and networks; institutions and policies) and characterises their interaction based on an in-depth desk research and a critical assessment of regulations, statistics and primary and grey literature sources (e.g., market reports). The main enablers and barriers for EU-level SM TIS development are studied. The major driving force for EU-level SM TIS is the clear, yet evolving vision of EU-level actors for the SM deployment, founded on the grounds of energy conservation and empowerment of customers. On the other hand, the major inhibitor is the insufficient regulatory framework for roll-outs at the level of a Member State, which does not fully ensure interoperability, data protection and security standards or organisational effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices are making their way into large-volume applications, including pivotal domains of societal infrastructure such as sustainable energy generation and conversion. Presented for a long time mainly as a synonym of high-temperature electronics, hands-on experience has highlighted a number of gains that can be drawn from this technology even when used as a straightforward drop-in substitute of silicon in established applications and field-proven designs. Incremental in nature, these gains enable interesting progress beyond state-of-the-art forms, which, though not corresponding to the full exploitation of the potential of this technology, are oftentimes sufficient to justify its adoption. With particular reference to renewable energy power conversion and solid-state transformation, in the context of transport applications and incorporating a storage device, this paper reports on the understanding generated over the past few years and points out some specifically tailored technology and circuit design requirements to ensure overall beneficial impact of the adoption of WBG technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovations play a significant role in the primary sector (i.e., agriculture, fisheries and forestry), ensuring a greater performance towards bioeconomy and sustainability. Innovation is being progressively applied to examining the organization of joint technological, social, and institutional modernizations in the primary sector. Exploring the governance of actor relations, potential policies, and support structures is crucial in the phase of innovation, e.g., during research activities, often applied at the national or sectorial scale. However, when opposing normative guidelines for alternative systems of agriculture arise (e.g., the industrial agriculture paradigm), modernizations in agricultural and forestry may contribute to outlining more sustainable systems. To date, innovations in the primary sector do not seem as advanced as in other sectors, apart from industrial agriculture, which sometimes appears to be the most encouraged. The present review aims to shed light on innovations that have been identified and promoted in recent years in the primary sector, including agriculture and forestry. The need to pursue sustainable development in this sector requires the inclusion of a fourth dimension, namely energy. In fact, energy sustainability is an issue that has been much discussed in recent years. However, the need for progressive technological progress is indispensable to ensure long-lasting energy efficiency. The aim is to understand what innovations have been implemented recently, highlighting opportunities and limitations for the primary sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road transport is a primary source of various forms of air pollution and climate-impacting emissions, and contains huge potential for improving the environment and combating climate change. This paper studies the environmental sustainability of road transport for a set of OECD countries over the period 2000–2014. We capture the sustainability performance of road transport in two data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, corresponding to the concepts of natural disposability and managerial disposability, respectively. Air pollution and carbon emissions are treated as undesirable outputs. The models produce two unified measures of environmental sustainability performance, accounting for transport activities and environmental impacts simultaneously. We find that the studied countries have improved their overall managerial disposability performance from 2000 to 2014, driven by technological progress and tightening regulations on fuel economy and vehicle emissions. The analysis enables us to identify best-practice and laggard countries in transport sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has set stringent fuel consumption rate (FCR) targets to address the serious environmental and energy security problems caused by vehicles. Estimating the technological progress and tradeoffs between FCR and vehicle attributes is important for assessing the viability of meeting future targets. In this paper, we explored the relationship between vehicle FCR and other attributes using a regression model with data from 2009–2016. We also quantified the difference in the tradeoff between local and joint venture brands. The result showed that from 2009 to 2016, if power and curb mass were held constant, 2.3% and 2.9% annual technological progress should have been achieved for local and joint venture brands, respectively. The effectiveness of fuel-efficient technologies for joint venture brands is generally better than that of local brands. Impacts of other attributes on FCR were also assessed. The joint venture brands made more technological progress with FCR improvement than that of local brands. Even if 100% of technological progress (assume the technological progress in the future were the same as that of 2009–2016) investment were used to improve actual FCR after 2016, it would be difficult to meet 2020 target. Accelerating the adoption of fuel-efficient technologies, and controlling weight and performance, are both needed to achieve the 2020 and 2025 targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]