Search

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to estimate the energy saving potential in China's paper industry by determining energy intensity under different scenarios. Cointegration model and stability test are applied to formulate the equilibrium equation. Results show that energy price, industry structure, profit margin and technology have significant impact as they are negatively correlated to changes in energy intensity. Three scenarios (BAU (business as usual), intermediate and active) are designed to estimate the future trend of energy intensity in paper industry. In 2010, the energy intensity (energy consumption per unit of value added) was 4 tce/10,000 RMB, and by the scenarios it is expected to considerably decline. According to the BAU (business as usual) scenario, the energy intensity will decrease to 2.56, 1.43 and 0.70 tce/10,000 RMB by 2015, 2020 and 2025, respectively. With respect to the intermediate scenario it is expected to drop further to 0.44 tce/10,000 RMB. Yet by the active scenario, the energy intensity is expected to considerably decline to 0.36 tce/10,000 RMB by 2025. Using the BAU forecast as a baseline, the quantity of energy savings is estimated to be 185.6 billion tce by 2025. Considering this important potential, we also provided some policy suggestions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper investigates the relationship between financial development and access to electricity for rural and urban India by incorporating economic growth, trade, and foreign direct investment in energy production function. In doing so, we have applied autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing to examine long run cointegration between the variables by accommodating structural break(s) stemming in the series. Our empirical results indicate the presence of cointegration association between access to electricity and its determinants. We note that financial development enhances access to electricity in rural India but declines it in urban India. Economic growth has positive effect on access to electricity. Trade openness and foreign direct investment lower access to electricity in rural India. In urban India, trade openness and foreign direct investment increase access to electricity. The association between financial development and access to electricity is inverted-U shaped for rural and urban India. This paper would present new policy direction for Indian government to enhance access to electricity by using financial development as an economic tool. • Financial development and access to electricity have a strong linkage. • In India financial development enhances access to electricity in rural area but has adverse effect in urban area. • Rise in economic growth of India has increased the access to electricity. • Growth of Trade Openness and Foreign Direct investment increase access to electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in developing Inter-Plant Heat Integration (IPHI) methods for reducing energy consumptions and emissions beyond that of independent plants. However, practical IPHI problems present complexities as boundaries for simultaneous intra- and inter-plant heat integration are considered. Pinch Analysis (PA) can mitigate these complexities by elucidating design insights before developing more detailed inter-plant Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs). In this paper, a novel screening algorithm based on PA and the theoretical maximum inter-plant heat recovery potential Q r e c max is proposed for practical IPHI problems. By using this screening algorithm, a large-scale IPHI problem including multiple plants is divided into several smaller sections with each section including two or three plants. Utilizing this algorithm allows for easier calculation and improved total heat recovery potentials approaching to Q r e c max . The final inter-plant HEN configuration(s) for the segregated IPHI scheme(s) are easily developed separately using PA or Mathematical Programming (MP). Before these two steps, the selection of participating streams for IPHI from individual plants is also recommended. Finally, a mathematical model is used to determine the inter-plant HEN configuration(s) in the companion paper of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental control system of an aircraft is a complex energy intensive system and the most important non-propellant consumer of energy among all aircraft systems. Considering the highly competitive market for conventional aircraft, meaningful analysis methods for evaluation during conceptual design of ECS and effective modelling and simulation tools became more important. Hence, this paper focuses on energy and exergy analyses applied to the conventional aircraft environmental control system combined with the model-based design approach. The reported results are related to the different analysis methods for aircraft environmental control systems and cover the model-based design approach. The exergy method is applied to a model of a conventional air generation unit of a commercial aircraft. This model was developed using a model-based design framework. Within this framework, the exergy analysis was performed for four phases of a standard flight mission: Take-off, cruise, landing and taxi. The results obtained from the detailed exergy analysis show highly varying performances for the components at the different simulation cases. The exergy efficiencies range from 1% to 88%. A discussion about the special requirements for aircraft environmental control system analysis methods concludes the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at examining the impacts of shale gas revolution on industrial production in the US. To this end, this paper, first, throughout literature review, exposes the features of shale gas revolution in the US in terms of energy technology and energy markets. However, the potential influences of shale gas extraction on the US economy are not explicit in the existing literature. Thus, considering mainly the output of shale gas revolution on the US economy in this research, later, the paper conducts econometric models to reveal if there exists significant effect(s) of shale gas revolution on the US economy. Therefore, the paper employs unit root tests and cointegration tests by following relevant US monthly data from January 2008 to December 2013. Then, this paper observes long run impact of shale gas production on industrial production in the US through dynamic ordinary least squares estimation with dummy structural breaks and conducts Granger causality test based on vector error correction model. The dynamic ordinary least squares estimator explores that shale gas production has a positive effect on industrial production. Besides, the Granger causality test presents that shale gas production Granger causes industrial production in the long run. Based on the findings of the long run estimations, the paper yields that industrial production is positively related to shale gas production. Eventually, upon its findings, this paper asserts that (i) the shale gas revolution in the US has considerable positive effects on the US economy within the scope of the validity of the growth hypothesis, (ii) new technologies might be developed to mitigate the possible negative environmental effects of shale gas production, (iii) the countries having shale gas reserves, as in US, may follow energy policies to utilize their shale reserves more in the future to meet their energy demand and to increase their economic welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in facilitating the transition toward low carbon societies in Latin America from 1990 to 2022, in order to investigate the effects of FDI among the green transition process and contribute to the design of new ad hoc green FDI policies. Additionally, we introduce the Low Carbon Transition Curve hypothesis as a framework for understanding the relationship between income and the transition to green economies in the selected countries. Through the application of cointegration regression analysis, preceded by the examination of unit roots and cointegration, we uncover notable findings. Our results indicate that the impact of FDI on the consumption of renewable energy exhibits heterogeneity across Latin American countries, as evidenced by the lack of statistical significance in the renewable/fossil fuel mix consumption of energy. However, it is important to note that FDI has a positive and significant effect on the promotion of renewable energy consumption. Furthermore, our analysis confirms the statistical significance of the income-low carbon transition hypothesis across all regression models, suggesting that income per capita plays a pivotal role as a driving factor in countries' transition to green economies. In light of these findings, it is recommended that countries utilize FDI to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels by offering incentives for green FDI, which can contribute significantly to the transition process. These practical implications can guide decision-making processes and support the implementation of measures that contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious energy sector in Latin America. • This paper explores the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in promoting the transition to low carbon societies. • We introduce the Low Carbon Transition Curve hypothesis to conceptualize the relationship between income and the green transition. • We employed fully modified ordinary least squares and canonical cointegration relationship estimation. • Estimates produced evidence that the FDI contributes to a more intensive use of renewable energy. • The analysis supports the significance of the income-low carbon transition hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical process industry is the second largest carbon-emitting sector in China. Therefore, it is extremely urgent and crucial to explore how to reduce carbon emissions in the sector. This paper employs the co-integration method and scenario analysis to investigate how to reduce carbon emissions in the sector. The granger causality test is conducted and the result indicates that all the variables except lnPare granger-causes lnCE. Moreover, comparing the JJ (Johansen-Juselius) co-integration with the EG (Engle-Granger) co-integration based on the squared residual, the fitting effect and the prediction effect, we find that the EG co-integration method is better. Furthermore, we adopt the EG co-integration and scenario analysis and find that the emission reduction potential of the sector will be 63.9 Mt in 2015 and 180 Mt in 2020 under the middle scenario; and 121.4 Mt in 2015 and 327.9 Mt in 2020 under the advanced scenario. Finally, the paper provides some policy implication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with an optimal operation of a microgrid in the electricity market and presents the communication between the distribution market operator and microgrid operator. The distribution market operator controls and manages the electricity market established in the distribution level, determining the amount of both electricity price and power exchange between market participants. The microgrid operator is able to purchase active and reactive power from the local distribution market. An effective short-term scheduling of the microgrid is implemented to ensure optimal operation. A risk-based stochastic model is used to model the prevailing uncertainties such as loads, wind generation, and main-grid availability in a market-based operation framework. Moreover, in this model, a linearized AC power flow is added to the mathematical formulations to offer a comprehensive solution to the security-constraint operation of the microgrid. The stochastic operation strategy is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem. Regarding the uncertainty modeling, the substation equipment failure is modeled with Monte-Carlo algorithm. The effectiveness of the risk-based stochastic method is demonstrated using a microgrid test bed in the presence of demand response resources, dispatchable and wind generation units as well as energy storage system. The results demonstrate demand response program can significantly reduce the operation cost in worst scenarios. Also, it is indicated that the risk-averse decisions reduce the risk of experiencing costly scenario. The proposed framework incorporating the distribution market constraints reduces the uncertainty in real-time operation as it can specified the required energy before running the problem. The deviations from assigned energy to the microgrid are penalized through the distribution market operator. • This paper deals with an optimal operation of a microgrid in the electricity market. • An effective short-term scheduling of the microgrid is implemented to ensure optimal operation. • A risk-based stochastic model is used to model the prevailing uncertainties. • A linearized AC power flow is added to the mathematical formulations. • The effectiveness of the risk-based stochastic method is demonstrated using a microgrid test bed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper analyzes the electricity saving potential of China’s power generation industry using the macroeconomic approach. In order to forecast future electricity saving potential, we apply cointegration techniques combined with risk analysis model to estimate future (APRauxiliary power ratio) of the national power plant. It is found that power structure, technology and AUH (annual utilization hours) of power equipment are all important macro-factors that affect APR. The high proportion of thermal power is the main reason for the high APR. However, the improvements in technology and AUH help to reduce the APR. Therefore, implementation of the “Replacing Small Units with Large ones” policy and promotion of large-capacity high-parameter units have contributed to electricity conservation in China’s power generation industry. With constraints of relevant energy policies, the scenario analysis concludes that electricity saving potential at the power generation side appears more significant and could reach over 40 TWh (terawatt hour) in 2020. Finally, using the results of the scenario analysis, future policy priorities for energy conservation in China’s power industry are assessed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract This paper presents the process improvement studies of a combined cycle power plant integrated with a novel gas switching reforming (GSR) process for hydrogen production with integrated CO 2 capture. The overall process is denoted as GSR-CC (gas switching reforming-combined cycle). Five cases are presented in which a systematic approach was adopted to improve the net electrical efficiency of the GSR-CC process. Two cases focus on reducing the number of unit operations and the other three cases focus on heat integration. The net electrical efficiency of the base case GSR-CC process is 45.8% whereas the improved GSR-CC has a net electrical efficiency of 51.1%. The efficiency penalty in the improved GSR-CC process is only 7.2 %-points with respect to the reference case natural gas combined cycle power plant without CO 2 capture, and is less than post-combustion capture methods presented in literature. The CO 2 avoidance in the GSR-CC is more than 95%. GSR-CC also gives a flexibility in the output from the plant in terms of pure H 2 or electricity and the optimal plant configuration is designed to maximize this flexibility. Highlights • Process modelling of the gas switching reforming-combined cycle (GSR-CC) power plant is presented. • Efficiency is improved through power cycle modifications and heat integration. • The best performing configuration shows an energy penalty of only 7.2 %-points. • GSR-CC outperforms post-combustion capture in efficiency and CO 2 avoidance. • GSR-CC also allows for flexibility between electricity and pure H 2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The fossil energy crisis is a great test for human society, and the technology of methanol reforming for hydrogen fuel cell has attracted much attention. Based on Aspen Plus - the large business process simulation software, this paper constructs a distributed energy system based on solar methanol reforming SOFC. It is combined with GT-ST power generation system and AHP-AR. We optimized the design of system integration mode, and the steady-state model of thermal calculation of the system is constructed. The calculation results show that, power, heating and cooling output of MR-SOFC-CCHP system are 226.9 kW, 46.6 kW and 36.4 kW respectively under design conditions. The power output efficiency and thermal efficiency were 59.7% and 81.6% respectively. System annual profit: 517,000 yuan/year. Compared with the annual profit of CCHP system of 275,000 yuan per year, its annual profit is increased by 242,000 yuan/year. The investment payback period of MR-SOFC-CCHP system decreases with the decrease of SOFC price. With the price of SOFC reduced from 50,000 yuan/kW to 15,000 yuan/kW, the investment payback period of MR-SOFC-CCHP system decreased from 14.0 to 5.8 years. Highlights • Developing the economic performance models of the MR-SOFC-CCHP system. • Obtaining the economic performance variation with different conditions of SOFC. • Economic performance advantage of the system is obtained by comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper relates to design, construction and experimentation of an innovative Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water heater (ICSSWH) equipped with a linear parabolic reflector. The device is designed for integration into a building facade in Algerian Sahara to meet hot water needs of households in winter. Its reflector is made of small rectangular and pivoting mirrors assembled on a wooden framework. During summer period the solar water heater is not used; when pivoting the small mirrors of the reflector towards the horizontal position, we can use the device to ventilate the interior of the building according to the principle of the venetian blind. The numerical model of the device was developed and a prototype was constructed and experimentally tested. Experimental tests demonstrated that the device is effective only during winter period. Its mean daily efficiency varies between 36.4 and 51.6% and its thermal losses coefficient during night-time varies between 2.17 and 3.12 W K-1. Under a clear sky with an initial temperature of 22 °C, water temperature increases to reach a maximum at 49 °C. The numerical model was validated by comparison with experimental results and then used to investigate the influence of some design parameters. Highlights • A novel collector-storage solar water heater integrated in building facade. • Device reflector made of small rectangular and pivoting mirrors. • Device produces warm water and ensures ventilation of the dwelling when not used. • A thermal model developed and validate with experimental results. • Effective daily and night operation of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates the relationship among carbon dioxide emissions, economic growth and electricity consumption in the presence of two other variables which are trade openness and annual average temperature. The study uses data of four selected North- African countries over the period 1971–2014. We use the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Cointegration approach (ARDL) known as the Bounds approach. The obtained results confirm the existence of long run equilibrium among the studied variables. The long run analysis reveals that economic growth and electricity consumption are the main cause of environment degradation, while the increased temperature over the year leads to increase electricity consumption in Egypt and Morocco. On the other hand, the analysis of short run causalities confirms the growth hypothesis in these two countries. Furthermore, the feedback relationship between economic growth and electricity consumption has been confirmed in Tunisia. These findings imply that environmental and economic corrective measures have to be adopted to achieve green growth and sustainable development. Highlights • The economic growth in North-Africa region is accompanied by an increased electricity use. • Energy consumption and economic growth are the main sources of CO2 emissions. • Climate change appears to be a significant factor that determines electricity consumption in the region. • North- African countries should investing in renewable energy field to achieve sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents first empirical evidence on the dynamic relationship between output, renewable and non-renewable energy production, international trade, capital and labour in the case of the EU-15 countries over the period of 1980–2015 for individual countries as well as a group. A simple production function of capital and labour is extended as such that it incorporates the impact of renewable and nonrenewable energy inputs, and international trade on output level. Econometric estimations of the extended production equations are carried out via ARDL approach to cointegration for individual country cases and panel GMM econometric technique for the entire EU-15. The ARDL empirical results indicate the existence of cointegration relationships amongst the variables in the case of seven countries of the EU-15, in addition to the GMM based, long-run relationship for the entire EU-15 as a panel. The ARDL procedure suggests that the relative impact of renewable and nonrenewable energy inputs on output levels vary considerably for individual countries. The GMM results demonstrate the existence of the relative importance of renewable and non-renewable energy inputs along with international trade on output in the EU-15 countries. This paper also discusses policy implications of the empirical results, as well as offering policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the demand for natural gas in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors of the Northeastern United States, comprising nine states and using annual state-level panel data over the period between 1997 and 2016. It applies panel unit root and cointegration tests, and then estimates the parameters using five alternative estimators: dynamic fixed effects (DFE), mean group (MG), pooled mean group (PMG), common correlated effect mean group (CCEMG), and augmented mean group (AMG). The panel unit root and cointegration tests show that the series are I (1), and cointegrated. The estimated results show that the long run own price elasticities for natural gas in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors are −0.14, −0.29, and −0.28, respectively. The cross price elasticities of fuel oil for natural gas demand in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors are 0.19, 0.52, and 0.24, respectively. The long run natural gas demand is not affected by income in all three sectors. The heating degree days (HDD) have significant positive effects on demand for natural gas in all three sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total Site Heat Integration (TSHI) targeting and optimisation methods have been well developed while few studies deal with detailed Utility Exchanger Network (UEN) design. The UEN is the network of heat exchangers that connect a site’s centralised utility system to provide the required process heating and cooling while also facilitating inter-process heat recovery, i.e. TSHI. This paper presents a new UEN design procedure based on the recently developed Unified TSHI targeting method. The Unified method applies more strict constraints on the UEN network, compared to Conventional methods, allowing series utility exchanger matches for a non-isothermal utility if the exchangers in series are from the same process. This constraint reduces the dependency of the individual processes that constitute the Total Site. In UEN design procedure based on the Unified method, calculated utility targets can be archived after UEN design and the number of exchangers reduces compared to the Conventional methods’ design procedure. Also, different Exchanger Minimum Approach Temperature in the UEN synthesis may have an influence on network design and the exchanger configuration but the identical heat recovery and utility targets are achieved after UEN design based on both design procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an agent-based model that combines both spot and balancing electricity markets. From this model, we develop a multi-agent simulation to study the integration of the consumers' flexibility into the system. Our study identifies the conditions that real-time prices may lead to higher electricity costs, which in turn contradicts the usual claim that such a pricing scheme reduces cost. We show that such undesirable behavior is in fact systemic. Due to the existing structure of the wholesale market, the predicted demand that is used in the formation of the price is never realized since the flexible users will change their demand according to such established price. As the demand is never correctly predicted, the volume traded through the balancing markets increases, leading to higher overall costs. In this case, the system can sustain, and even benefit from, a small number of flexible users, but this solution can never upscale without increasing the total costs. To avoid this problem, we implement the so-called “exclusive groups”. Our results illustrate the importance of rethinking the current practices so that flexibility can be successfully integrated considering scenarios with and without intermittent renewable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As variable renewable wind and solar resources constitute a larger fraction of electricity supply, interest in flexible resources, including demand response, dispatchable generation, transmission interconnection, and storage technologies is growing. This paper evaluates the utility of storage assets given different electricity system configurations, market paradigms, and management schemes using a production cost model. When a large share of non-renewable generation is derived from inflexible sources, storage is imperative even at relatively low renewable penetrations. At high renewable penetrations, storage becomes increasingly important in flexible systems as well. In addition to renewable penetration, storage utilization rates are sensitive to the storage assets' market bidding structure and ownership paradigm, particularly in inflexible electricity systems. Storage assets consume during low-cost hours and generate during high-cost hours, regardless of bidding structure, but the price delta is largest for a centrally-controlled storage asset bidding with a price arbitrage motive. Storage utility cannot be deduced from an individual metric, but rather depends on the interaction between bidding mechanism, renewable penetration, and system flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a consumer setting, storage systems can be dispatched in order to shift surplus generation to periods when a local generation deficit exists. However, the high investment cost still makes the deployment of storage unattractive. As a way to overcome this problem existing literature looking at storage installed at the grid-level suggests dispatching the storage device for multiple applications simultaneously in order to access several value streams. Therefore, in this work, a Mixed Integer Linear Program is developed in order to schedule the operation of a storage device in a consumer context for multiple objectives in parallel. Besides shifting locally generated energy in time, the peak demand seen by the electric grid is reduced and the storage device is operated to provide primary reserve control. The model is applied in a case study based on the current German situation in order to illustrate the value contribution of stacking multiple services. When pursuing multiple applications simultaneously, the revenues of storage can be increased significantly. However, the revenues are not additive due to conflicting operations which originates a revenue gap as illustrated in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of trend components in electricity demand is critical for long-term peak load forecasting. When forecasting high frequency variables, like daily or hourly loads, a typical problem is how to make long-term scenarios - regarding demographics, GDP growth, etc. - compatible with short-term projections. Traditional procedures that apply de-trending methods are unable to simulate forecasts under alternative long-term scenarios. On the other hand, existing models that allow for changes in long-term trends tend to be characterized by end-of-year discontinuities. In this paper a novel forecasting procedure is presented that improves upon these approaches and is able to combine long and short-term features by employing temporal disaggregation techniques. This method is applied to forecast electricity load for Spain and its performance is compared to that of a nonlinear autoregressive neural network with exogenous inputs. Our proposed procedure is flexible enough to be applied to different scenarios based on alternative assumptions regarding both long-term trends as well as short-term projections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coke-oven-gas-to-methanol (CGTM) process is one of the most important coal-to-chemical processes. However, it suffers from ineffective hydrogen utilization, limiting both its capacity and energy efficiency. In addition, currently, there is a large amount of low-quality pulverized coke that cannot be used for value-added applications. In this paper, two pulverized coke-assisted CGTM processes (PC-CGTM1&2) are proposed. In these processes, coke-oven gas is either partially oxidized or steam reformed to generate a hydrogen-rich syngas, and simultaneously gas produced by the gasification of pulverized coke is used to adjust the ratio of hydrogen and carbon to about 2, ideal for methanol synthesis. The results show that the optimized mass ratios of PC/COG are 0.27 and 0.51 for the PC-CGTM1&2, respectively. Their exergy efficiencies are increased to 71.3% and 75.9% from 58.6% in the CGTM process. Their methanol productivities are also increased to 0.63 and 0.75 from 0.43 Mt/y. The total product costs of the PC-CGTM1&2 are 21 and 43 US$/t lower than that of the CGTM (282 US$/t). The internal rates of return for these new processes are 19.7% and 25.7%, whereas it is only 13.5% for the CGTM, demonstrating the ability of the new processes to resist inflation and market risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the advantages of a new boiler solution for the supercritical power plant with CO 2 capture. The MILD oxyfuel combustion (MOFC) combines the advantages of MILD (moderate and intensive low-oxygen dilution) combustion and oxyfuel combustion for the purpose of an effective CO 2 capture from fossil fuel based power generation. MOFC application could increase the efficiency of the boiler, increase the purity of the CO 2 in flue gases and reduce energy consumption for the recirculation of CO 2 . It affects the overall net energy efficiency penalty associated with the CO 2 capture in comparison to the oxyfuel combustion technology. Thermodynamic analysis of an integrated MOFC power plant with CO 2 capture are presented. The data concerning the new design of the boiler are obtained from CFD modelling. Two case studies are performed, and in each of them three configurations of supercritical power plant are modelled. First two are the reference power plants, including the conventional power plant without CO 2 capture and oxyfuel combustion power plant with CO 2 capture. The third case is the MOFC boiler application within the same power plant. The thermodynamic parameters are compared, and detailed study of energy efficiency penalty is presented. Based on the presented results it can be noticed that the application of the MOFC technology allows to increase the overall net energy efficiency by about 2% points. Additionally the usefulness of the proposed system approach (based on input-output analysis) for the energy analysis of complex energy systems have been proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of large solar heating systems in district heating (DH) networks with large combined heat and power (CHP) plants is rarely considered. This is often due to low costs for heat but also due to subsidies for the electricity by CHP plants. Possible changes in subsidies and requirements in the reduction of fossil fuel based CO 2 emissions raise an awareness of improving the operational flexibility of fossil fuelled CHP plants. This paper provides a rather simple but detailed methodology of including large solar heating systems in an existing district heating system, where heat is supplied by a large CHP plant. It uses hourly data of load and temperature patterns as well as radiation data and collector efficiency data to determine collector field size and storage size. The possibility of largely independent operation of sub-networks is analysed, which allows different system temperatures. It is demonstrated that a sub-network can operate without a back-up boiler and that both network parts benefit from the interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a multi-regional input-output model is built to estimate the global embodied carbon trade from 1995 to 2009 based on the World Input-Output Database (WIOD). The method of structure decomposition analysis (SDA) is applied to quantify the changes in the scale and structure of embodied carbon trade in China, India, Japan, and the United States. According to the results, the top three countries with the most embodied carbon trade were: the United States, China and Japan in 1995, and the United States, China and India in 2009. In 1995 and 2009, the sectors which have the highest direct carbon emission coefficients and total carbon emission coefficients in China, India and the United States are electricity, gas and water supply sectors, while each country maintained a different coefficient. A decrease of direct carbon emission coefficient will result in a reduction of the imports and exports, as well as the self-consumption of embodied carbon. Therefore, it is suggested that countries should develop low-carbon industries, and reduce the carbon emissions per unit of output. In addition, those countries with higher carbon emission coefficients should consider of importing products to lower carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the terms “Smart Energy” and “Smart Energy Systems” have been used to express an approach that reaches broader than the term “Smart grid”. Where Smart Grids focus primarily on the electricity sector, Smart Energy Systems take an integrated holistic focus on the inclusion of more sectors (electricity, heating, cooling, industry, buildings and transportation) and allows for the identification of more achievable and affordable solutions to the transformation into future renewable and sustainable energy solutions. This paper first makes a review of the scientific literature within the field. Thereafter it discusses the term Smart Energy Systems with regard to the issues of definition, identification of solutions, modelling, and integration of storage. The conclusion is that the Smart Energy System concept represents a scientific shift in paradigms away from single-sector thinking to a coherent energy systems understanding on how to benefit from the integration of all sectors and infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar cooling systems have gained increased attention these last years, for its potential to lower indoor temperatures using renewable energy. However, architectural integration of these systems in buildings has not been fully explored. Current developments such as small scale solar driven heat pumps and solar cooling kits commercially available for application raise questions about how to successfully integrate these systems into buildings, while present interesting opportunities for the development of new performance based façade components or even self-sustaining cooling façade modules for high-performing commercial buildings. The present paper seeks to discuss current possibilities for façade integration of solar cooling systems, generating a framework for the understanding and further development of solar cooling façade systems. The proposed framework was made by means of a review of solar cooling technologies and solar cooling façade concepts found in the literature. The outcomes of this study are a matrix outlining the possibilities for the integration of several components and subsystems from the entire cooling process (cooling generation, distribution and delivery), and an assessment of the development level of state-of-the-art experiences within the field considering examples from current research projects and working prototypes, for the development of solar cooling integrated façade concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the share of renewable and nuclear energy has been some of the key ingredients in the Finnish energy and climate strategy for de-carbonising the energy mix. Integrating large shares of variable renewable energy generation to a system with a large share of inflexible generation, such as nuclear power, can however lead to a decrease in system efficiency as the availability of variable renewable energy and demand can be in mismatch, further leading only to sub-optimal economic dispatch of generation units. The focus of this paper is on demand shifting in the residential and commercial sector. We estimate the hourly flexible demand potential and model the management of this end-user demand-side resource according to availability of variable RES generation. Moreover, to analyse the implications of demand shifting on energy system level, we model the Finnish energy system in future scenarios with large amounts of wind power, photovoltaics and nuclear power. Results indicate that in most cases studied demand response can provide an efficient means to integrate RES, improve security of supply and reduce energy system costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sheds light on the importance of the (mis)measurement of oil reserves in the market dynamics. Using proven oil reserves from three different institutional data sources and for two groups of oil-exporting countries (OPEC members and OECD major oil-exporting countries), we demonstrate that estimates of oil reserves from different institutions are likely to be driven by some common factors for the OPEC panel, which is not the case for the non-OPEC panel. The implications of these results from panel cointegration analysis can be seen in two ways. First, any discussion of the sources of reserves data seems not to be relevant since OPEC has an influence on the measure of its reserves whatever the energy agency that assesses them. Second, the literature dealing with the oil curse and the associated policy responses should consider oil reserves as an endogenous variable for the resource abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A battery management system can intelligently manage and maintain battery systems by effectively estimating and predicting battery internal states. Owing to battery nonlinear characteristics related to various influence factors, the estimation of battery internal states should consider the available capacity and ohmic internal resistance. This paper proposes a co-estimation framework for state of charge (SOC), state of power (SOP) and battery available capacity. Firstly, the first-order equivalent model method is used to identify the battery parameters by recursive least squares algorithm with variable forgetting factor, and the SOC-OCV curve of the battery is obtained by combining the ampere-time integration method. Secondly, three Kalman filters are utilized to estimate battery SOCs and the maximum available capacity and internal resistance are estimated by a forgetting factor recursive least square algorithm. Then peak current and power are estimated under the composite constraints of the estimated capacity and internal resistance. Finally, the experimental data are collected at temperatures 25 °C and 40 °C to verify and analyze the proposed method. The results of battery state estimation indicate that the proposed framework can accurate estimation battery internal states and also provide an effective reference for the driving of powered vehicles. • A co-estimation framework for state of charge, state of power and battery available capacity is proposed. • Three Kalman filter algorithms are utilized to estimate battery SOC. • A state-space matrix is established to estimate battery available capacity and internal resistance online. • The experimental data are collected from different temperatures to estimate state parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applies a newly developed LM unit root test based on residual augmented least squares (RALS) regression under structural break and Bayer–Hanck cointegration approach to explore the integrating properties and to check whether a long run relationship exists among energy demand, financial development, economic growth, foreign direct investment (hereafter FDI), trade and capital using the United States dataset spanning over a period of four decades of 1973q1–2014q4. The results reveal cointegration among the series. Also, we find that financial development, FDI and real GDP reduce energy demand, while energy demand is positively affected by trade and capital in the long run. Moreover, real GDP and capital have an inverse impact on energy demand, while financial development, FDI and trade stimulate energy demand in the short run. Using a recently introduced asymmetric causality test, the results show that real GDP, FDI, trade and capital Granger cause energy demand in the long run, while a feedback effect is found for FDI and trade. This study opens up new insights for policy makers to maintain financial development and sustain economic growth in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reinvestigates the relationship between urbanization and energy consumption in case of Pakistan for the period of 1972Q1-2011Q4 by employing the STIRPAT (Stochastic Impact by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology) model. We have employed the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration in the presence of structural breaks stemming in the series to count for these missing elements in other studies. Finally, the VECM Granger causality approach has been applied to examine the causal relationship between the variables. Our results show that urbanization adds in energy consumption. Affluence (economic growth) increases energy demand. Technology has positive impact on energy consumption. An increase in transportation is positively linked with energy consumption. The causality analysis indicates the unidirectional causality running from urbanization to energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve projection efficiency of future energy demand, this paper proposes a hybrid optimization method, which is Bat Algorithm, Gaussian Perturbations and Simulated Annealing Energy Demand Estimation (BAG-SA EDE) model. The proposed BAG-SA algorithm not only inherits the simplicity and efficiency of the standard BA with a capability of searching for global optimality, but also enhances local search ability and speeds up the global convergence rate. The causality of energy demand and the selected factors is further investigated via the Stationarity, Cointegration and Granger causality tests. Then, BAG-SA algorithm is employed to optimize the coefficients of multiple linear and quadratic equations of energy demand estimation models. Results indicate that the proposed algorithm has higher precision and reliability than other single optimization methods, such as Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization or Bat Algorithm, and the quadratic form of BAG-SA EDE model has better fitting ability compared with the multiple linear form of the model. Therefore, the quadratic form of the model is applied to estimate energy demand of China from 2016 to 2030 in dissimilar scenarios. The forecasting findings show that energy demand in 2030 will be 4.6, 6.1 and 7.9 billion tce in three scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries have considered energy subsidies, with both successes and failures. Energy subsidies often have failed to achieve their stated objective of advancing national economic, social, and technological progress. Budgetary savings from the removal of energy subsidies and the resulting upsurge in energy prices may induce the adoption of innovative technologies in a country. The economic impact of energy subsidies has been analyzed for many countries in the literature. However, this issue with energy technology innovation using panel analysis has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study is intended to discover the effect of energy subsidies on energy technology innovation in the 25 highest energy subsidy-providing countries for the period of 2010–2020, employing advanced econometric approaches. The results confirm that energy subsidies and energy technology innovation are significantly cointegrated, and the removal of energy subsidies stimulates technological innovation, which induces the adoption of a renewable-based polygeneration system. The policy implication of this paper suggests going for further innovations in energy subsidy reforms for sustainability and technological innovation for polygeneration that may contribute to clean, sustainable, and affordable energy for all (SDG-7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy consumption of metros has widely been concerned with respect to their economy and environmental protection. To analyze the complex dynamic relationship between metro energy consumption and its influencing factors and provide a reference for metro energy conservation control, this paper uses the monthly energy consumption, passenger flow and operating distance statistical data for Wuhan Metro Line 2 from 2018 to 2019. First, metro energy consumption and its influencing factors are qualitatively analyzed and identified. Then, based on cointegration theory and an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, a correlation hypothesis between metro energy consumption and its influencing factors is constructed, and a method for analyzing the influencing factors of metro energy consumption is proposed. The total energy consumption of a metro (TEC), train traction energy consumption (TTEC), environmental control energy consumption (ECEC), station lighting energy consumption (SLEC), station equipment energy consumption (SEEC) and the operating distance (OD) and passenger flow (PF) variables are analyzed. Using cointegration and an impulse response function, the dynamic relationships between the various energy consumption factors and operating distance and passenger flow are evaluated. The results show that there are substantial differences in the effects of OD and PF and their degree of influence on metro energy consumption. (1) OD affects mainly TTEC and TEC. The degree of influence of OD on TTEC reaches 97.8%, and the degree of influence of OD on TEC reaches 65.9%. (2) PF affects mainly ECEC and SEEC, and the degrees of influence of PF on ECEC and SEEC are 32.2% and 41.3%, respectively. (3) Considering that OD is the key factor affecting TTEC and TEC, train marshaling schemes, train running intervals and train stopping scheme optimization countermeasures are proposed, which can provide decision support for metro energy consumption management and control. • The monthly energy consumption and operation indexes are used as statistical data. • Hypotheses of metro energy consumption and its influencing factors are proposed. • An ARDL model is used to conduct a cointegration test on multiple variables. • Providing an effective method for metro energy consumption management and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the economic growth – energy consumption nexus for two samples of MENA Net Oil Exporting Countries (NOECs) during the period 1980–2012. Using panel cointegration approach, we found strong evidence for the existence of a long-run relationship between real GDP, renewable and non-renewable energy consumption, real gross fixed capital formation, and the labor force. Moreover, empirical results from the estimation of the panel error correction model indicate evidence of a unidirectional causality running from economic growth to renewable energy consumption in the short-run. In the long-run, the results show evidence of a bidirectional causality for the entire group of MENA NOECs. For the 5 selected MENA NOECs sample, we found strong evidence for bidirectional causality between renewable energy and economic growth. Additionally, our results confirm bidirectional causality between renewable and non-renewable energy consumption with negative and significant coefficient in the short-run indicating substitutability between these two types of energy. Finally, the paper discusses the economic implications of the results and proposes certain policies recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the long-run and causal relationships among energy consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and economic growth for a sample of 12 selected Sub-Sahara African countries. It applies the bounds test to cointegration and Granger causality test to annual data covering the period 1971–2010. The empirical results are mixed across countries. In the long-run, energy consumption and economic growth are associated with increase in atmospheric pollution in most countries. Results from the Granger causality tests show evidence of economic growth causing CO2 emissions in the short-run in Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, implying that economic expansion cannot be achieved without affecting the environment. Evidence of reverse causality running from CO2 emissions to economic growth has been found for Gabon, Nigeria and Togo, indicating that environmental policies aiming at reducing air pollution may have adverse effects on economic growth. Moreover, bidirectional causality between economic growth and CO2 emissions has been found in the short-run for Nigeria and in the long-run for Congo and Gabon. In the long-run, energy consumption and economic growth cause CO2 emissions in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Togo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes data from 18 Asian countries, spanning from 1980 to 2017 to determine panel long-run causality between income growth, transport energy consumption and environmental quality. The empirical methodology of this paper considers structural breaks and cross-sectional dependence issues. In this way, our study becomes one of the few energy-GDP studies that address cross-sectional dependence in the unit root, cointegration, causality and elasticity estimation. We attempt to fill the gap in energy literature by using robust estimates in the case of Asian countries. After these methodological advances, a bi-directional long-run Granger causality between transport energy consumption, environment and GDP growth is found. The common correlated effects mean group (CMG) is used to obtain long-run elasticities. It is revealed that a 1% increase in transport energy consumption and GDP growth deteriorate environmental quality by about 0.57% and 0.46% respectively in Asian countries. Furthermore, the magnitude of elasticities varies from country to country. The empirical findings add new dimensions in energy-efficient technologies in the transport sector that positively affect economic growth without compromising environmental quality. • Causality between transport energy, economic growth and environmental quality is analyzed. • [8] panel cointegration and [7] causality techniques are applied. • Structural breaks are observed in long-run. • Evidence show negative impact of growth and transport energy on environmental quality. • Bidirectional Granger causality is observed between selected variables in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents first empirical time series evidence of the impact of international trade on environmental quality in the case of transition countries. The linkages between international trade and environmental quality are well established both theoretically and empirically in the literature. However, there exists no empirical study concerning environmental quality and international trade. Thus, our research aims at filling this gap. To this extent, fifteen transition countries are selected in order to test the impact of international trade on environmental quality. An econometric model between carbon emissions, energy use, income and trade openness was formed. This model was estimated via ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) approach to cointegration and GMM (Generalized Method of Moments) procedures. The econometric results from both of these econometric techniques support the existence of the EKC hypothesis only in three transition countries: Estonia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. As for the impact of trade on environmental quality, the econometric results from both techniques vary in different transition countries. To this extent, the displacement hypothesis is validated in the case of Armenia, Estonia, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. The paper also discusses policy implications of the empirical results, as well as offering policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions, exhaustibility and geo-politics induced price volatility of crude oil has magnified the importance of looking for alternative sources of energy. In this paper, we investigate the long term relationship of stock prices of alternative energy companies with oil prices in a multivariate framework. To this end, we use threshold cointegration tests, which endogenously incorporate possible regime shifts in long run relationship of underlying variables. In contrast to the findings of the previous study by Managi and Okimoto (2013), our results indicate presence of cointegration among the variables with two endogenous structural breaks. This study confirms that ignoring the presence of structural breaks in a long time series data, as has been done in previous study, can produce misleading results. In terms of causality, while the stock prices of alternative energy companies are impacted by technology stock prices, oil prices and interest rates in the short run, there is no causality running towards prices of alternative energy stock prices in the long run. The study discusses the possible reasons behind the empirical findings and concludes with a discussion on short run and long run investment opportunities for the investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objectives of this paper is to scrutinize the long-run relationship and the causal linkage between oil consumption, nuclear energy consumption, oil prices and economic growth. For this purpose, Johansen cointegration technique is applied using time series data for four emerging economies: Russia, China, South Korea and India, over the period from 1965 to 2010. Johansen cointegration results indicate that there is a long-run relationship between the proposed variables in each country. Exclusion tests show that both energy sources enter the cointegration space significantly (except for Russia), which suggests that energy has a long-run impact on economic growth. Results of the causal linkage between the variables point that energy consumption (i.e., oil or nuclear) has either a predictive power for economic growth, or a feedback impact between with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in all countries. Hence, energy conservation policies might harmful negative consequences on the growth of economic for this group of countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on using a new nodal hourly electricity pricing to maximize the profit of a LDC (local distribution company). The proposed pricing mechanism determines DA (day-ahead) hourly retail prices based on load specifications. These specifications include location, price elasticity and demand profile. Nodal hourly prices are determined in an optimization framework which schedules the LDC to bid optimally in the DA wholesale market. The LDC considered in this study is equipped with smart grid technology and known as SDC (smart distribution company). This SDC contains DERs (distributed energy resources) including dispatchable and non-dispatchable DGs (distributed generators), BES (battery energy storage) and price sensitive consumers. It can also exchange power with upstream network. The optimization framework considers constraints of DGs and BES as well as AC constraints of the distribution network. Moreover, welfare constraints of load are implemented to maintain customers' satisfaction. This framework determines the optimal bidding strategy of the SDC and nodal hourly prices for end consumers simultaneously in an iterative procedure. The BDT (Benders decomposition technique) with strong cuts is applied to simplify the optimization procedure. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is evaluated on several case studies using real data from Ontario power market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly strict environmental and product-quality regulations coupled with the change of crude oil to high-sulfur and heavier oil have increased refineries' hydrogen demand. Various HNI (hydrogen network integration) methods have been used to achieve efficient use of hydrogen by refineries, leading to reduced energy consumption and cost. However, to minimize the energy consumption of a hydrogen network, not only the hydrogen utility consumption but also the energy consumption of the whole network should be taken into account. In this paper, the superstructure and mathematical model for integration of a hydrogen network with purification are established, in which all purification processes are expressed by the same modular. The total exergy consumption is used as the objective function for optimization, which encompasses fresh hydrogen consumption, compression work and energy consumption of purification processes. The energy consumption of a purification process is expressed in terms of its minimum separation work. A case study is used to illustrate the exergy-based optimization approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solving the existing energy crisis, alleviating poverty, and mitigating the potential impacts of climate change have garnered significant attention of policy makers in Nepal. In this context, this paper examines the causal relationships among energy consumption, pollution emission, and economic growth for Nepal employing time series econometric methodology. Both Johansen cointegration and ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) bounds tests suggest presence of two cointegrating vectors, one when energy consumption and the other when carbon emissions are used as dependent variables. The Granger causality tests suggest presence of long-run bidirectional causality running from energy consumption to carbon emission and vice-versa and a unidirectional causality running from economic growth to both carbon emissions and energy consumption. These findings imply that policies that boost energy consumption may not spur economic growth, rather are more likely to exert adverse effects on the environment. On the other hand, energy conservation and carbon emission reduction policies would not impede the long-run economic growth. Policies that focus on alternative energy may be an approach in favor of mitigating climate change impacts while protecting environmental health and without a cost to the country's long-run economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy saving is becoming increasingly important in batch processing facilities. Multipurpose batch plants have become more popular than ever in the processing environment due to their inherent flexibility and adaptability to market conditions, even though the same flexibility may lead to complexities such as the need to schedule process tasks. These are important features to producing high value added products such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers, food and specialty chemicals where the demand has grown in recent decades. Many current heat integration methods for multipurpose batch plants use a sequential methodology where the schedule is solved first followed by heat integration. This can lead to suboptimal results. In this paper, the heat integration model is built upon a robust scheduling framework. This scheduling formulation has proven to lead to better results in terms of better objective values, fewer required time points and reduced computational time. This is important as inclusion of heat integration into a scheduling model invariably complicates the solution process. The improved scheduling model allows the consideration of industrial sized problems to simultaneously optimize both the process schedule and energy usage. Both direct and indirect heat integration are considered as well as fixed and variable batch sizes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adjusting industrial structural is crucial for Chinese government's effort to reduce energy intensity. This paper, based on the fact that the Chinese industrial structure's two V-pattern evolutions and the nonlinear fluctuation of the declining rate of energy intensity, specifies a nonlinear threshold cointegration model for EI (energy intensity), IS (industrial structure), TECH (technological progress), and PRICE (energy price) in order to investigate whether, and under which conditions, industrial structure is beneficial for reducing energy intensity. Results show that IS has different effects on EI when IS is greater or smaller than 40.435%. Specifically, in 1980–1982, 1995–1997, and 2003–2008, IS and PRICE produced positive effects on EI, but produced negative effects in 1983–1994, 1998–2002, and 2009. TECH, including both capital embodied technological progress and Hicks-neutral technological progress, produced a negative effect on EI in 1980–2009. Thus, the industrial structure has a structural bonus or negative effects on energy intensity only when IS is smaller than 40.435%. Therefore, China should reduce the ratio of industry added value to the GDP and stimulate technological progress to continuously reduce energy intensity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The increasing integration of larger amounts of wind energy into power systems raises important operational issues, such as the balance between power generation and demand. The pumped storage hydro (PSH) units are one possible solution to mitigate this problem, once they can store the excess of energy in the periods of higher generation and lower demand. However, the behavior of a PSH unit may differ considerably from the expected in terms of wind power integration when it operates in a liberalized electricity market under a price-maker context. In this regard, this paper models and computes the optimal PSH weekly scheduling in a price-taker and price-maker scenarios, either when the PSH unit operates in standalone and integrated in a portfolio of other generation assets. Results show that the price-maker standalone PSH will integrate less wind power in comparison with the price-taker situation. Moreover, when the PSH unit is integrated in a portfolio with a base load power plant, the role of the price elasticity of demand may completely change the operational profile of the PSH unit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the co-movement and the causality relationship between energy consumption as well as electricity consumption and the HDI (human development index) using as a proxy of human well-being and by including energy prices as an additional variable, in fifteen developing countries for the period 1988 to 2008. Recently developed tests for the panel unit root, heterogeneous panel cointegration, and panel-based error correction models are employed. The empirical results support the neutrality hypothesis in the short-term, regards total energy or electricity consumption, implying an absence of causality running in either direction. In the short term, energy as well as electricity consumption has a neutral effect on the HDI. In the long-term the findings provide a clear support of a negative cointegration relationship between energy consumption and the HDI. While a positive cointegration relationship exists between electricity consumption and HDI. A 1% increase in per capita energy consumption reduces the HDI by 0.8% and, a 1% increase in per capita electricity consumption increases the HDI by 0.22%. Moreover, a 1% increase in energy price reduces the HDI by around 0.11%. This study thus provides empirical evidence of long-run and causal relationships between energy consumption and the HDI for our sample of countries; supporting the assertion that lack or limited access to modern energy services could hamper economic and human development prospects of countries and underpins all the MDGs (millennium development goals). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper addresses the impact of both economic growth and financial development on environmental degradation using a panel cointegration technique for the period between 1980 and 2007, except for Russia (1992–2007). In long-run equilibrium, CO2 emissions appear to be energy consumption elastic and FDI inelastic, and the results seem to support the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The causality results indicate that there exists strong bidirectional causality between emissions and FDI and unidirectional strong causality running from output to FDI. The evidence seems to support the pollution haven and both the halo and scale effects. Therefore, in attracting FDI, developing countries should strictly examine the qualifications for foreign investment or to promote environmental protection through the coordinated know-how and technological transfer with foreign companies to avoid environmental damage. Additionally, there exists strong output-emissions and output-energy consumption bidirectional causality, while there is unidirectional strong causality running from energy consumption to emissions. Overall, the method of managing both energy demand and FDI and increasing both investment in the energy supply and energy efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions and without compromising the country’s competitiveness can be adopted by energy-dependent BRIC countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]