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Abstract: This paper presents Concrete Institutional Economics as an economic paradigm to understand how the wish for sustainable energy in times of economic crisis can be used to generate jobs as well as economic growth. In most countries, including European countries, the USA and China, the implementation of sustainable energy solutions involves the replacement of imported fossil fuels by substantial investments in energy conservation and renewable energy (RE). In such situation, it becomes increasingly essential to develop economic thinking and economic models that can analyse the concrete institutions in which the market is embedded. This paper presents such tools and methodologies and applies them to the case of the Danish heating sector. The case shows how investments in decreasing fossil fuels and CO2 emissions can be made in a way in which they have a positive influence on job creation and economic development as well as public expenditures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many islands face problems in regard to sustainable development, both environmentally and economically. Due to geographical isolation energy is often imported from the mainland. Focusing on local energy use may help islands to identify sustainable strategies and solutions. Islands in transition towards using more renewable energy sources are part of the project “Cradle to Cradle Islands”, funded by the EU Interreg IVb North Sea Region Programme. Energy systems on islands are diverse and linked to each specific location. Opportunities for the development of sustainable energy solutions are often inhibited by institutional, organisational or habitual problems. It is therefore essential to examine islands individually in their context; both in regard to energy use and available resources. This can be used to assess possible energy savings and unused renewable energy sources, and visualise their interaction, the consequences for the environment, as well as the effect on insular economy. Even though islands face different problems, they may inspire each other. In this paper a straightforward tool for examining insular energy systems is presented. The tool has been applied to five different islands in the North Sea Region. The application of the model has facilitated the identification of possibilities for each island to improve the regional development in these areas. Furthermore, a learning process can be identified, which helps to develop renewable energy systems on these islands, while addressing insular development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Because of the needs of sustainable development of the mankind society and natural environment building a renewable energy system is one of the most critical issues that today''s society must address. In the new energy system there is a requirement for a renewable fuel to replace current energy carrier. Hydrogen is an ideal secondary energy. Using solar energy to produce hydrogen in large scale can solve the problems of sustainability, environmental emissions, and energy security and become the focus of the international society in the area of energy science and technology. It has also been set as an important research direction by many international hydrogen programs. The Ministry of Science and Technology of China supported and launched a project of National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) – the Basic Research of Mass Hydrogen Production using Solar Energy in 2003 for R&D in the areas of solar hydrogen production. The current status of solar hydrogen production research is reviewed and some significant results achieved in the project are reported in this paper. The trends of development and the future research directions in the field of solar hydrogen production in China are also briefly discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The development of a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system in China is presented in this paper. The key scientific problems of a distributed energy system and the integration principles of a CCHP system are also pointed out. Moreover, two corresponding CCHP systems: one with the complementarities of fossil fuels energy and renewable energy, and the other integrated with desalination technology, are investigated. With special attention to thermal energy utilization, the integrating characteristics of these systems are likewise revealed, and the important role that the principle of cascade utilization of physical energy plays in system integration is identified. We have found that the energy-saving ratio of the integrated CCHP systems can be as high as 30%, and as such, the innovative CCHP systems suitable for China''s sustainable development are also recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]