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The low-carbon transformation is the key to China's high-quality economic development. This paper uses the panel data of 278 Chinese cities to measure low-carbon total factor productivity (LCTFP) and examines the impact of environmental protection tax (EPT) reform on LCTFP. EPT significantly promotes LCTFP. The promotion effect is more significant in the lower administrative level and resource-based cities in central and western regions. EPT promotes LCTFP through three channels including green technology innovation (GTI) effect, industrial structure upgrading effect and forcing effect. EPT has a negative spatial spillover effect on LCTFP in neighboring areas. This paper provides important empirical evidence for further advancing the EPT in China. • EPT significantly promotes LCTFP. • The promotion effect is more significant in low administrative level and resource-based cities in central-western region. • EPT promotes LCTFP through green technology innovation, industrial structure upgrading and forcing effect. • EPT has a negative spatial spillover effect on LCTFP in neighboring areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an Editorial for the special issue (SI) of Energy Reviews (RSER) dedicated to the 10th International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection SEEP, held in Bled-Slovenia. During the conference more than 300 papers were presented, around 25% of these papers were accepted for this special issue. Papers discussed different topics related to renewable energy, energy storage systems and some environmental issues related to transportation. During this conference Prof Olabi presented a keynote talk on the relation between circular economy and renewable energy, case studies about implementing this concept in Scotland were included in his presentation. This editorial will give a short description on the relation between circular economy and renewable energy, then it will be followed by addressing the accepted papers in this special issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into the electric power system poses significant challenges to grid operation and planning due to the potential constraints on the power system. To minimize grid congestion, the best option is to increase the production of photovoltaic (PV) energy for domestic use and EV charging stations. This paper addresses the nexus of technical, financial, and environmental effects of customer involvement in economic development and load management. In this paper, a new model design of solar-powered EV charging stations is proposed and implemented in HOMER Grid, and a case study has explored how economic, technical, and energy management benefits can be achieved through customer energy involvement and the integration of PV-based charging stations. The proposed PV-based charging stations contribute toward the energy management of the region, and the study observes the real-time optimal charging and discharging strategy of PV-based grid-connected charging stations. The case study results show that the investigated area can produce 1,070,804.096 MWh/year of energy through maximum customer involvement, consequently reducing overall energy costs. Moreover, the study demonstrates that the selected region can produce 86,961,688 kWh/year through the PV system, achieving 363,899 charging sessions per year, offering maximum advantages and facilitation for EV charging. The proposed model applicability shows that large-scale customer involvement can bring significant techno-economic benefits and attract regional investments. • This paper proposes a new design of a grid-tied renewable energy system. • It investigates the energy economics and environmental effects for a practical location. • The research examines energy management including PV systems and electric vehicles. • The results of proposed model are compared with other models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated energy systems (IES) have become a popular direction in the field of energy research due to their economic, efficient and environmental friendly advantages. Among them, multi-region integrated energy systems (M-RIES) are more valuable than single-region integrated energy systems (S-RIES) due to their low energy loss, high economy and reliability. At present, there is a lack of an optimisation method that integrates station-network synergy, inter-station interaction, shared energy storage configuration, overall planning of equipment configuration and multi-timescale rolling for the multi-faceted performance enhancement of M-RIES. Therefore, this paper proposes an M-RIES with station-storage interaction and inter-station interaction under the consideration of station-network synergy, and conducts a study on the optimal configuration of M-RIES from the viewpoint of economy and environmental protection. The final analysis is based on a northern region. The results show that the system achieves an energy efficiency of 1.07, a 16.9% reduction in total station equipment configuration, a 3.87% reduction in cost and a 0.76% increase in new energy consumption rate compared to a stand-alone operating system. Taking one of the energy stations as an example, under the operating conditions of 10% intra-day and 5% real-time error, the multi-timescale rolling optimisation method significantly improves the energy supply rate compared to the day-ahead dispatching method, where the error rates for the three typical days of transition, winter and summer are only 0.43%, 2.56% and 0.06%, corresponding to a reduction of 5.02%, 2.49% and 5.06%, and a smaller cost error than the ideal solution The cost error rates for the three typical days are only 1.99%, 3.60% and 3.46%. In summary, the collaborative autonomous planning and operation method proposed in this paper has great advantages in terms of economy, reliability, energy efficiency and environmental protection. • A multi-area collaborative integrated energy system with shared energy storage is proposed. • Day-ahead collaborative, intra-day autonomous multi-timescale rolling optimisation method. • The system has advantages in terms of economy, energy efficiency and the rate of new energy consumption. • The multi-time-optimised rolling method has advantages in terms of both meeting demand and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaporative cooling is a widely employed method for air conditioning and heat dissipation, utilizing the phase transition of water to achieve simultaneous cooling and humidification. It relies on high-surface-area solid materials to enhance air-liquid contact upon wetting. However, these water-absorbing materials have drawbacks such as increased air resistance, degradation of water quality, and limited water retention capabilities. This study introduces a novel structure called the capillary container array (CCA) for effective humidification and cooling. The CCA structure overcomes the limitations of traditional methods by incorporating interconnected capillary containers with adjustable spacing and utilizing capillary forces to capture liquid droplets while minimizing the solid component. Compared to commercial paper-based wet curtains, the CCA structure offers significant advantages including strong water retention capabilities, high humidification performance, low air resistance and high pollution resistance. It increases water capacity by 6 times, humidification capacity by 8 %, and temperature drop by 2.2 °C. Moreover, it exhibits a 5-fold longer in water retention duration, a 30 % reduction in air pressure drop and a 3-fold increase in the performance coefficient, and maintains excellent water quality (<1 NTU) over prolonged operation. These advancements make the CCA structure highly promising for various applications in agriculture, industry and environmental conservation. • Application of CCA structures in humidification and cooling. • Capillary forces overcome gravity and create large gas-liquid surfaces. • The lower solids content reduces air resistance. • Maintain good circulating water quality. • Reduce pump energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of its rapid economic development, China is faced with serious issues of resource shortage and environmental pollution. This paper is aimed at exploring the issues of resource shortage and environmental pollution in Chinese cities by means of efficiency evaluation. Through the Super-efficiency general directional distance function (GDDF) model, this paper calculates the urban efficiencies of resource-saving (UERS) of 197 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2015. Furthermore, considering the environmental problems, it applies the Super-efficiency GDDF model with undesirable outputs, and accesses the urban efficiencies containing environmental factors (UEEF). The empirical results are listed as follows. (1) Most of the Chinese cities exhibited comparatively low UERS and UEEF, indicating great potential for the reduction of resource consumption and environmental pollution; (2) Those groups with higher levels of resource-saving efficiency tend to have poorer environmental efficiency. This means that many cities achieve good economic performance at the expense of the environment; (3) In order to realize the sustainable economic and social development, we should not only save resources, but also reduce the emission of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global warming and energy scarcity, regional integrated energy system (RIES) can effectively improve energy utilization efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. However, this leads to the increased complexity of the market transactions. To this end, based on the mixed game strategy, a multi-agent low-carbon optimal dispatch model of RIES is proposed in this paper. Firstly, to fully consider the low-carbon objective of the system, a reward and punishment ladder carbon trading mechanism and a ladder integrated demand response (IDR) model are developed. Then, the decision models of the energy management operator (EMO), multiple energy hub agents (EHAs) and the user load aggregator (ULA) are constructed respectively with the goal of economy, and carbon emission flows are introduced as constraints. The interactive trading process of various stakeholders is simulated by a mixed game with master-slave game nested bidding strategy. Finally, the economics and carbon emissions of the system in different scenarios are analyzed by examples, and the effectiveness of the proposed model is verified. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed method not only has good economic and low-carbon environmental protection benefits, but also ensures the interests of various stakeholders. • A multi-agent energy trading mechanism is proposed to realize low-carbon operation. • A ladder integrated demand respond model considering carbon compensation is developed. • A multi-agent optimization strategy based on mixed game is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibiting the surface hydration of clay is the main task for the water-based drilling fluids used in the development of shale gas. Branching polyethyleneimine (BPEI) completely inhibits the clay surface hydration. However, the use of BPEI is limited by its high toxicity. In this paper, BPEI was modified by grafting with hydroxyethyl groups to reduce the toxicities of BPEI hydration inhibitors. The structures and properties of the modified BPEI were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, the luminescent bacteria method, isothermal adsorption, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and molecular simulations. The relative luminescence rate of the modified BPEI inhibitors increased from 14 % to 62 % with increases in the number of grafted hydroxyethyl groups. After hydrated sodium montmorillonite (Na–Mt) contacted the modified BPEI inhibitors, the basal spacings of the Na–Mt decreased from 1.90 nm to a minimum of 1.40 nm, and the DTG curve had only one low-temperature peak. Molecular simulations showed that the energy for adsorption of the inhibitor on the Mt surface increased with increases in the number of grafted hydroxyethyl groups. These results suggested a structure-activity relationship for inhibition and the biological toxicity of the modified BPEI inhibitor. That is, within the range of 20:1 to 5:1 for the molar ratios of amino and hydroxyl groups, increases in the number of grafted hydroxyethyl groups gradually decreased the biological toxicities of BPEI inhibitors, and the inhibition performance was gradually enhanced. BPEI-OH4 (amino:hydroxyl = 5:1) showed the best performance among the modified BPEI inhibitors. This provides an excellent inhibitor and a low-toxicity modification method, which will facilitate the development of environmentally friendly high-performance water-based drilling fluids. • The biotoxicity of BPEI was effectively reduced by grafting of hydroxyethyl groups. • The inhibition efficiency of BPEI was improved by grafting of the hydroxyethyl groups. • The adsorption capacity of BPEI was improved by grafting with different numbers of hydroxyethyl groups. • These results provide a way to decrease the toxicities of amino inhibitors without weakening the inhibition performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with the Paris Agreement, many nations have set out a global framework to stabilise and prevent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate climate change. This study reviewed the literature on the GHG protection and control (GHGPC) impacts of overburden fractures in relation to coal mining. Different factors, such as geological conditions, mining conditions, and gas extraction methods, were compared because they influence GHGPC. Carbon emissions, coal mining safety, and environmental protection are crucial parameters. GHGPC can (1) improve the safety and efficiency of mining, (2) reduce GHG emissions, and (3) generate clean gas resources. During mining, cracks appear in overburden strata, causing GHG emissions. Various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, two-dimensional and three-dimensional physical similarity simulations, permeability testing, and numerical simulations, have been adopted to determine the macroscopic and microscopic features of overburden fractures. Finally, the extraction method of GHG was optimised through field practice, namely, roadway, borehole, and pipe extraction, were analysed, and the comprehensive GHG extraction method was preferred to achieve superior management results. This paper reviewed studies that examine the development of fractures to elucidate the significance of GHGPC. Moreover, this article provides new insights into the achievement of the "dual carbon strategy" with particular reference to coal mining; it also summarises the holistic life cycle of gas management in terms of overburden activity, gas transport patterns, reservoir characteristics and typical technologies. It also summarises the holistic life span of GHGPC management in terms of overburden activity, GHG transport patterns, reservoir characteristics, and typical technologies. Finally, the authors discuss and conclude the article with proposed methods for future research directions. • The role of GHGPC in carbon neutrality was talked about from various aspects. • Technologies for GHG transport, extraction, and utilisation were elaborated. • GHG extraction technologies in coal mining were introduced. • New energy supply and the dual carbon strategy in coal mining were described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic storage system (PVSS) has been spawned with the combined application of photovoltaic (PV), energy storage (ES) and energy blockchain (EB), which has also made important contributions to the energy structure adjustment, energy transaction security and ecological environment protection. The establishment of a reasonable task matching mechanism can further improve the operation efficiency and quality of the system under the EB environment, and this paper consequently constructs a task matching model of PVSS based on GA-CLOUD-GS algorithm. Firstly, the decision-making committee is set up and the index system is determined for the to-be-matched task. Secondly, the Genetic Algorithm (GA) comprehensive weighting method is introduced to integrate the subjective and objective weights to achieve the weight optimization. Thirdly, the cloud model is used to obtain the preference order and priority order of the to-be-matched subjects. Fourthly, the Gale-Shapley (GS) algorithm is used to obtain the task matching results. Finally, the operability, the stability and the effectiveness of the model are separately verified through numerical simulation, sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis. Corresponding suggestions for the task matching of PVSS in the EB environment are also put forward according to the research content. • The necessity, superiority, and application scenarios of collaborative development between PVSS and EB are clarified, and the importance of research on task matching mechanism is identified. • A task matching mechanism model based on the GA-CLOUD-GS algorithm is established, the feasibility, stability, and effectiveness of the established model were verified. • Relevant suggestions are provided for the development of PVSS in the EB environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing CO 2 emission is particularly important for environmental protection. Much absorbed CO 2 in the conventional Rectisol process is discharged as tail gas due to the lacked attention to the by-product CO 2. In this paper, a novel CO 2 capture process, which is improved from the conventional Rectisol process, is proposed to reduce the emission of CO 2. The revised CPA model shows a good performance and is used for the process simulation. Spin-up method is employed to optimize the CO 2 capture process and uniform test method is used to further verify the optimization procedure. The results show that compared with the conventional Rectisol process, the system exergy consumption increases by 17.81%, but the exergy consumption per unit CO 2 is 64.57% lower in the optimized CO 2 capture process. The parameters in terms of the first-stage temperature T fi , second-stage pressure P se , and third-stage temperature T th are analyzed, which show similar influence rules for the CO 2 capture process. In addition, exergy distributions about the Rectisol process and the optimized CO 2 capture process are investigated for the further thermodynamic analysis. This paper may guide for the improvement and optimization of more profound CO 2 capture process. • A novel CO 2 capture process based on Rectisol process is proposed. • Major parameters in the capture process are optimized. • Compared with the Rectisol, exergy consumption per unit CO 2 is 64.57% lower in the novel process. • The whole exergy destruction of the novel process is 1932.63 kW lower than the Rectisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses a model of the EU energy system by means of artificial neural networks. This model is based on the prediction of CO 2 emissions until 2050 taking into account the current Energy Policy of the EU. The results show that artificial neural networks model this system very well and that this model has the ability to predict the behaviour of CO 2 emissions. This will also enable timely response and correction of energy and economic strategy by changing the value of the relevant indicators in order to achieve the ambitious planned reductions of CO 2 emissions by 2050. These plans are specified in the Energy Roadmap 2050 document of the European Commission from 2012 and promote economically cost-effective scenarios that will adapt the European Union's economy to the needs of environmental protection and the reduction of energy consumption. Several structures of Artificial Neural Networks were analysed in order to select the best one for modelling large energy systems. It was determined that the model with the Cascade Forward Back Propagation structure with numerous specific indicators can model such energy systems and predict of CO 2 emissions with acceptable accuracy. • Analysis of European Union energy system using Artificial Neural Network is presented. • Based on key indicators, emissions of CO 2 in the year 2050 are estimated. • Influence of energy policy on energy trends is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents an efficient and reliable evolutionary-based approach to solve the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem by considering the emission issue. The OPF problem has been widely used in power system operation and planning for determining electricity prices. Therefore, the conventional optimal power flow cannot meet the environmental protection requirements, because it only considers generation cost minimization. The multi-objective optimal power flow considers economical and emission issues. By adding the emission objective in the optimal power flow problem, this problem become more complicated than before and it needs to be solved with an accurate algorithm. This paper proposes an algorithm based on the Shuffle Frog Leaping Algorithm (SLFA) to solve the multi-objective OPF problem. Furthermore, this paper presents a modified SLFA called MSLFA algorithm which profits from a mutation in order to reduce the processing time and improve the quality of solutions, particularly to avoid being trapped in local optima. The IEEE 30-bus test system is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed problem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Energy Strategy of the Republic of Croatia was adopted by the Croatian Parliament in 2009 for the period until 2020 in order to harmonize national energy goals with goals and time framework of strategic documents of the European Union. The adoption of the Energy Strategy Implementation Program with associated measures is still in process. The goal of the Strategy was to create sustainable energy system that will make a balanced contribution to the security of energy supply, competitiveness and environmental protection in Croatia. In this paper an overview of the energy production, final energy consumption and planned development of energy infrastructure is given. The intention of the paper was to research and stress out the abilities and opportunities of Croatian energy system and to give recommendations for Energy Strategy implementation and practical realization of planned energy infrastructure projects for improvement of security of energy supply and competitiveness of energy system of the Republic of Croatia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development and popularization of electric vehicles (EVs) is of great significance to environmental protection, energy saving and emission reduction. With the wide popularization of EV, the EV's disorderly charging brings the security hidden trouble to the grid. Firstly, according to the safe operation of power grid and the charging requirements of EVs, an optimal scheduling model based on grid loss is established, then, the optimal scheduling model is transformed by second-order cone relaxation technology. Secondly, because the orderly charging schedule of EV is based on accurate charging load forecasting, this paper based on LSTM-XGBoost dynamic combination forecasting, the dynamic combination model of LSTM and XGBoost is optimized by using Bayesian optimization method, and more accurate charging load forecasting results are obtained. Finally, the accuracy of the prediction method and the effectiveness of the optimal scheduling strategy are verified by the charging data of the EV in the actual area. • The optimal scheduling model of EV charging with optimal grid loss is established. • The second-order cone relaxation method is used to transform the optimal scheduling model. • The combined forecasting model based on LSTM + XGBoost is used to accurately predict EV charging load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household rooftop photovoltaic technology not only alleviate the reliance on fossil fuels of electric power industries that benefits to environmental protection, but also to enhance rural households' income and relieve poverty. This paper explores the influence of uncertainty and time preference on rural households' adoption of rooftop photovoltaic technology using field experiment in Shandong, China. The results show that most rural households are inclined to risk aversion and ambiguity aversion, half of those are present-biased households. Risk preference, ambiguity preference and time preference obviously and positively impact the possibility of the adoption of rooftop photovoltaic technology, and time preference plays an essential positive moderating role in the impact of uncertainty preference on technology adoption. This research provides a micro view and policy recommendations for household rooftop photovoltaic technology promotion in rural China and sheds light upon how the government can formulate relevant policies to promote the technology. • Measure the households' uncertainty preference using field experiment. • Uncertainty and time preference impact rural rooftop photovoltaic technology adoption. • Time preference plays an important positive moderating role. • Household income and government subsidies affect household technological adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a three-variable TVP-SV-VAR model is developed and estimated to investigate the dynamic relationships among the stock prices of new energy, high-technology and fossil fuel companies. The results show that the stock prices of new energy companies correlate more highly with high-technology stock prices than with coal and oil stock prices. We also find empirical evidence of Chinese stock market turbulence in 2015 through our analyses of stochastic volatilities and dynamic correlations. Moreover, the impulse responses of all three of our variables to all three of the shocks have meaningful shapes, indicating that the Chinese government is faced with the double pressure of economic development and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions is omnipresent today. Governments and civil society organizations are acting in concert to implement controls to limit the environmental consequences of human actions. The private sector is also changing, but it continues to lack strong incentives to initiate a substantial technological change in the direction of more “green products”. One argument used is the high cost of these technologies and individuals' limited willingness to pay for their benefits. The purpose of this paper is to establish, through a contingent valuation study, the value that Quebecers and French citizens attribute to a reduction in air pollution emitted from vehicles. To accomplish this objective, a price increase for less-polluting vehicles with similar performance as their more-polluting counterparts was proposed. Various econometric estimation methods were applied and corrections to the responses were made according to both the degree of certainty indicated in respondents' willingness to pay answers and the method of considering “Don't Know” answers. Results indicate a maximum willingness to pay of several thousand Canadian dollars (estimated between $3000 and $8000). The willingness to pay is also higher in France than in Quebec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper adopts the contingent valuation method to study people's willingness to pay for the adoption of new energy buses in the four most developed cities of China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. An interval regression model is employed to analyze the influencing factors of people's willingness to pay and estimate the exact amount of extra money people would pay per fare. The results show that approximately eighty percent of the respondents in the four cities would like to pay extra fare to support the adoption of new energy buses and the specific amount is 0.653 RMB/fare among all the respondents. Those with higher household income, who are younger, who think the adoption can significantly improve air quality and who deem that they live in a place with good air quality are willing to pay higher. But public concern about energy security issue in China does not have significant impact on the willingness to pay. It is therefore recommended that setting a higher price for new energy bus fare is reasonable and more knowledge of new energy buses should be conveyed to the public, especially its purpose of improving air quality and alleviating the high pressure of energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind power is a type of clean and renewable energy, and reasonable utilization of wind power is beneficial to environmental protection and economic development. Therefore, a short-term hydro-thermal-wind economic emission dispatching (SHTW-EED) problem is presented in this paper. The proposed problem aims to distribute the load among hydro, thermal and wind power units to simultaneously minimize economic cost and pollutant emission. To solve the SHTW-EED problem with complex constraints, a modified gravitational search algorithm based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-III (MGSA-NSGA-III) is proposed. In the proposed MGSA-NSGA-III, a non-dominated sorting approach, reference-point based selection mechanism and chaotic mutation strategy are applied to improve the evolutionary process of the original gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and maintain the distribution diversity of Pareto optimal solutions. Moreover, a parallel computing strategy is introduced to improve the computational efficiency. Finally, the proposed MGSA-NSGA-III is applied to a typical hydro-thermal-wind system to verify its feasibility and effectiveness. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can obtain low economic cost and small pollutant emission when dealing with the SHTW-EED problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the green transformation of the traditional energy industry and the reduction of carbon emissions have attracted widespread societal attention. In the thermal recovery process of heavy oil, the low heat utilization rate has always been the bottleneck restricting its production. In addition, the associated flue gas emissions also pose a considerable challenge to environmental protection. In this paper, flue gas and SiO 2 aerogel were jointly applied to reduce steam heat loss while achieving exhaust gas sequestration. Condensation heat transfer experiments were carried out to explore the mechanism of the two affecting the heat dissipation process of steam liquefaction. A series of displacement experiments with different injection methods in a one-dimensional sandpack were performed to select combinations of developing heavy oil with high efficiency and low carbon. By detecting the temperature changes of the model and calculating the final storage volume, the effects of promoting steam chamber expansion and flue gas sequestration were evaluated. The results showed that the aerogel adsorption layer could change the wettability of the condensing surface, thereby showing the characteristics of film condensation. Flue gas molecules could be captured by aerogel nanofluids, further exerting a synergistic thermal insulation effect, and the temperature of the deep reservoir increased by 7.7 °C. Simultaneously, the crude oil recovery increased by 8.8% compared with pure steam flooding. Moreover, the numerous nanoparticle-stabilized foams generated via this method were noted as an essential way to sequester carbon in a high water-cut formation, and the final sequestration rate reached 77.4%. • The temperature of deep reservoir increased by 7.7 °C when simultaneously applying flue gas and SiO 2 aerogel nanofluids. • The oil recovery improved by 8.8% compared with steam flooding. • The carbon sequestration rate in thermal recovery reached 74.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development and environmental protection are key concepts in the European energy policy. The Europe 2020 Strategy establishes the necessity of reducing environmental pressure and resource consumption to increase sustainable development in the EU. In this context, the aim of this paper is to develop an Environmental and Resource Pressure Aggregated Index that considers these two dimensions. This index provides information about the achievement of the targets in the member states as well as the achieved effects of the environmental policies on energy policy and sustainable development. Therefore, it would help policy-makers to plan future policy actions. The results show that, among EU countries, Portugal, Latvia, Italy, Austria and France have low environmental and resource pressure. Recommendations are made for member states with the worst results (Estonia, Poland, Cyprus, Czech Republic and Luxembourg) in order to improve their actions in climate change and energy policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As environmental protection greatly influences the social development, for the multi-energy systems (MES) equipped with a cluster of energy devices, the economic dispatch (ED) problem should not only be considered but also the environmental protection problem should be considered in energy utilization. To address this issue, a multi-objective dispatch model of MES using a linear weighted sum algorithm (LWS) is developed in this paper, which considers the environmental and economic costs. On this basis, a fully distributed algorithm with the coupled control mechanism of power and heat is presented to realize coordination optimization between the environmental and economic benefits. Furthermore, an event-triggered communication strategy is implemented in the fully distributed algorithm, which can be effectively applied to the multi-objective dispatch model, to reduce the communication burden. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed distributed control strategy. • A multi-objective dispatch model of MES using a LWS algorithm is given. • The coupled control mechanism based on the consensus protocol is proposed. • An event-triggered strategy is implemented in the fully distributed algorithm. [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]

Establishing an equal and effective emissions trading system is a long-term strategy to promote sustainable environmental protection and stronger economic growth. Due to regional divergences in economic development, resource endowment and geographical CO 2 emissions space, this paper focuses on a comprehensive emissions reduction allocation solution based on the Shapley value method and estimating economic welfare effects through interregional emissions trading in China. Our empirical results verify that the Shapley value-based allocation criterion is an equal and effective emissions reduction target allocation. The Eastern and Southern coast, and the Northeastern and Middle Yellow River regions are the main emissions permit buyers, and they incur windfall economic losses because of greater marginal abatement cost, while the Southwest, Northwest, Northern coast and Middle Yangtze River regions are the main emissions permit sellers, and they earn windfall economic benefits because of the emissions reduction potential of energy-intensive industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in global carbon emissions has led to serious ecological problems and highlighted the need to better pursue the sustainable development of coal-fired power plants. To reduce environmental pollution, this paper proposes a hybrid dynamic coal blending method under an uncertain environment to achieve a trade-off between economic development and environmental protection. This method fully considers seasonal pollutant variations, a dynamic carbon emissions quota allocation mechanism. A practical case from the Jintang coal-fired powered plant is given to verify the efficiency and practicality of the proposed optimization method. The model allows decision-makers to promote cleaner production by developing coal blending schemes to suit relevant national and local carbon and inhalable particulate matter emissions reduction policies. The results of the sensitivity analysis also confirm this view and show that the model is stable and has emission reduction limits. Specifically, compared with the maximum emissions, the model can reduce carbon emissions by about 29.1% (2.625 × 106 tonnes) and inhalable particulate matter emissions by 29.7% (0.64 × 106 tonnes). The results demonstrated that the hybrid dynamic coal blending method was able to achieve carbon emissions and inhalable particulate matter emissions reductions and that appropriate environmental constraints can improve emissions performance and encourage sustainable CPP development. [Display omitted] • A hybrid dynamic multiple objectives coal blending method is built. • The conflict between economic, ecological, and carbon emission reduction targets has been fully analyzed. • A case study is adopted for illustrating the applicability of the proposed equilibrium approach. • The results found that the model achieved a trade-off between economic benefits and environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing power consumption in China and the urgent demand for environmental protection, promoting the development of clean energy power generation industry is the only way to optimize the energy power generation structure. It is very important to effectively predict the development trend of China's clean energy power generation system with complex, changeable and limited data. To address this issue, this paper defines a novel fractional self-adaptive reverse accumulation sequence, and combines discrete modeling techniques and time power terms to propose a novel fractional self-adaptive reverse accumulation with time power terms. The parameter estimation and time response formula of the new model are derived. The matrix perturbation theory is used to prove that the new model satisfies the new information priority principle. The Grey Wolf Optimizer is used to optimize the self-adaptive parameter r and non-negative constant α. Finally, the prediction model is constructed for the power generation capacity of five representative types of clean energy in China: biomass, wind, nuclear, natural gas and hydro power, the prediction result shows that the new model has higher prediction accuracy and data applicability than the other five grey models. According to these prediction results, relevant suggestions on the development of China's clean energy are provided to decision makers. • A novel fractional order self-adaptive reverse accumulation sequence is proposed. • A novel fractional order self-adaptive discrete grey model is developed. • The case experimental results show that the new model is much better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validated mathematical modeling of clean coal power generation technologies is an essential subject of research that has a realized importance in the scientific communities working on the energy production and environment protection. This study presents a complete multiple processes modeling and simulation of a practical cleaner coal supercritical power plant (SCPP). The model covers a wider range of operation than ever published models before, which focus either on startup or on once-through operation. The model in this paper rather embeds the whole journey from recirculation mode during startup process up to the maximum produced power, then to emergency shut-down process in the same model. It has been found that slight adaptations in the once-through model parameters are sufficient to switch from one mode of process to another, which is useful in retaining simplified structure of the model. The fixed parameters of the model have been optimized by modern meta-heuristic technique of Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and compared with Genetic Algorithms (GA). It has been proved that GWO has a sort of superiority over the GA for parameter identification of the SCPP model. • Multiple processes model for a 600 MW cleaner coal unit has been presented. • The model covers the modes of recirculation, once-through, and shutdown. • Grey Wolf Optimizer has been used to identify the unknown parameters. • Grey Wolf Optimizer is a bit better than Genetic Algorithm in most responses. • Transition from one mode to another does not require changing all parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the feasibility of constructing multi-energy complementary systems in rural areas of China is examined. First, the rural energy structure and energy utilization in the eastern, central, and western regions of China are analyzed, and the development and utilization modes of multi-energy complementary systems in different regions are evaluated based on the differences in the resource endowment in different regions. Second, the input-output status of the multi-energy complementary mode in different regions is analyzed. Then, based on the assumption of technical feasibility, the feasibility of the multi-energy complementary system is analyzed in terms of various dimensions, such as economic, energy conservation, environmental protection, and social benefit. Finally, an empirical study is conducted by comparing the proposed multi-energy complementary system with traditional energy supply system. The results show that the development of a multi-energy complementary system in each region is feasible from the perspective of multiple dimensions to reduce environmental pollution, create employment opportunities, and improve the economy. Moreover, the system can significantly reduce the peak-valley difference and improve energy efficiency. • This paper analyzes the differences in energy structure in the different regions of China. • Construct a multi-energy complementary system in each region. • Demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a multi-energy complementary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a method named “Weight Classification-Hasse Dominance” to evaluate organic working fluids. This new method combines the advantages of both the method of weight determination and the Hasse Diagram Technique (HDT). It can be used to evaluate the thermodynamic performance, environmental protection indicator, and safety requirement of organic working fluid simultaneously. This evaluation method can offer good reference for working fluid selection. Using this method, the organic working fluids which have been phased out and will be phased out by the Montreal Protocol including CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) were evaluated. Moreover, HCs (hydrocarbons) can be considered as a completely different kind of organic working fluid from CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs according to the comparison based on this new evaluation method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an interactive fuzzy satisfying method, which is based on Hybrid Modified Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm, and should solve the problem of the Multi-objective optimal placement and sizing of DG (distributed generation) units in the distribution network. Minimizing total electrical energy losses, total electrical energy cost and total pollutant emissions produced are the objective functions in this problem. Also, the improvement of the voltage profile is considered as a constraint in determining the optimal placement. In the proposed method, the objective functions are modeled with fuzzy sets. The multi-objective problem is transformed into a mini–max problem, which is then handled by the proposed evolutionary algorithm. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested on a 69-bus distribution test system based on technical, economical and environmental protection considerations. The simulation results illustrate the good performance and applicability of the proposed method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is currently used to a very limited extent in the building sector, for several reasons. Firstly, making an LCA evaluation of a building demands a specific tool to handle the large dataset needed and this tool has to be adaptable to the different decisions taken throughout the life cycle of the building. Such tools have been developed in a few countries, but they are exceptions. However, useful experience has been gained in these countries, providing a valuable source of data for developing guidelines for application in other countries. Since the results of a building LCA may contain complex information, the great challenge is to devise efficient ways for communication of the results to users and clients. The simplified methodology presented in this paper adopt a systematic approach guiding the user through the Life Cycle process and clarifying key issues that usually cause difficulty, e.g. choice of assessment tool, definition of system boundaries, options for simplifying the process, etc. The guidelines were developed within the framework of the ENSLIC Building Project, which was co-funded by the European Commission Intelligent Energy for Europe Programme and by nine European organisations that included more than 15 LCA experts and architects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study is to develop a method that allows selecting appropriate measures for reductions in negative environmental impacts on a regional energy system. In this paper a sophisticated screening method based on theoretical and practical basics of decision-making is proposed. The proposed method is applied and tested on the energy system of a typical rural middle-sized region in Latvia. The starting point for energy system analysis was evaluation of DSM (demand side management) options but later authors chose to include also primary energy to evaluate the whole regional energy system. The proposed method foresees different aspects: not only technical and economical possibilities, but also political and social factors that are very important in the decision-making process are taken into account. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In 1990 a sovereign wealth fund was founded in Norway in which the country invests surpluses from oil and gas industry sales. The fund is designed to secure the state’s ability to act in a post-petroleum era. At the end of the 1990’s the voice of Norwegian civil society insisted that the sovereign wealth fund should not only ensure intergenerational justice, but should also contribute to the implementation of values and norms of the present country. At the end of 2004 the parliament finally agreed upon ethical regulations for the investment of the sovereign wealth fund. Now the second largest sovereign wealth fund in the world only invests in businesses that adhere to those ethical regulations. In the present paper, I seek to illustrate the emergence and outcomes of this new development in the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the integrated energy system (IES) has become a hot topic in the field of energy research. In this paper, a bi-level optimal configuration strategy is proposed for a community integrated energy system (CIES), which is based on energy supply-demand responses and robustness adjustable scenarios. First, from the perspective of energy supply and demand, various energy equipment on the community side and aggregated energy loads on the user side are analysed and qualitatively modeled, and a multi energy supply-demand of CIES is established. Next, according to the robustness requirements of IES planning, the scenario sampling, sorting, screening and reduction are performed subsequently to obtain a typical set of robustness adjustable scenarios. On this basis, a bi-level optimal configuration model that coordinates the aggregated configuration and operation is developed to design the CIES. While the upper-level model takes the lowest total annual cost as the goal to configure the quantity and capacity of energy equipment, the lower-level model optimizes the scheduling scheme with the aim of the best operation economy under typical scenarios. Finally, case studies are carried out based on a practical town area, and simulation results show the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed strategy. • A new energy supply-demand response model is developed. • A typical set of robustness adjustable scenarios is obtained for configuration. • A new bi-level optimal configuration strategy is proposed with coordinated planning and operation. • The economy, robustness, environmental protection and user interests are jointly considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two major players are active in determining the development of environmental policies: the government and “the public.” These diverse players have intrinsic limitations and are often driven by different agenda, different aims, and different means. Therefore, inconsistent actions and lack of a clear agenda and action plan characterize the environmental policy. There is an essential role for a third player, namely, a team that is as professional and as objective as possible. The Samuel Neaman Institute (SNI) has taken it upon itself to serve as this third party, and has been providing the scientific background needed to develop and propose a rational and environmental set of priorities for Israel since 1998. In this paper, we evaluate the contribution of the SNI to environmental policy making in Israel. We shall determine the relationship between the recommendations and suggestions presented by SNI and the subsequent actions adopted by the various authorities. A very clear advantage of the activity described here is that it serves as a bridge connecting scientists and other professionals to the general public, and raises awareness of the practical and political problems that need to be solved in order to maintain proper environmental quality in the country and the community. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China''s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion had increased with an annual growth rate of 4.36% since 1980, hitting 1GtC in 2003. The global climate change issue is becoming more and more important and hence to be the fourth challenge for China''s future energy development, following energy supply shortages, energy security, and local environmental protection. This paper used three MARKAL (MARKet ALlocation) family models, that is, MARKAL, MARKAL-ED (MARKAL with elastic demand), and MARKAL-MACRO, to study China energy system''s carbon mitigation strategies and corresponding impacts on the economy. The models’ structures and the economic feedback formulations used in MARKAL-MACRO and MARKAL-ED are briefly described. The endogenous demands in MARKAL-MACRO and MARKAL-ED enable them to partly satisfy carbon abatement constraints via energy service demand reductions, and the reduction levels for the 30 demand sectors from these two kinds of models for given carbon emission constraints are presented and compared. The impact of carbon mitigation on social welfare from MARKAL and MARKAL-ED, and on GDP, investment and consumption from MARKAL-MACRO are evaluated. The changes in both final and primary energy mix, changes in technology development, as well as marginal abatement costs for given carbon constraints from the three models, are analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The small scale industry (SSI) is an important component of Indian economy and a majority of SSI units tend to exist in geographical clusters. Energy efficiency is crucial for the survival and growth of energy intensive SSI clusters, not only to improve their competitiveness through cost reduction but also to minimize adverse environmental impacts. However, this is easier said than done due to the presence of a variety of barriers. The identification of relevant barriers and their appropriate prioritization in such clusters is a prerequisite to effectively tackle them. This paper identifies relevant barriers to energy efficiency and their dimensions in SSI clusters. Further, the barriers are prioritized based on the perceptions and experiences of entrepreneurs, the main stakeholders of SSIs, using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The field data from two energy intensive clusters of foundry and brick and tile in Karnataka (a state in India) reveal that the prioritization remained the same despite differences in the relative weights of barrier groups. The financial and economic barrier (FEB) and behavioural and personal barrier (BPB) have emerged as the top two impediments to energy efficiency improvements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As coal-fired power generation is responsible for more than 30% of total global emissions, co-combustion of coal and sewage sludge is widely used to reduce both carbon emissions and coal consumption. This paper proposes a bi-level multi-objective model for carbon emission quota allocation towards co-combustion of coal and sewage sludge under an uncertain environment. It considers the interactions between the authority and the coal-fired power plants in a leader-follower decision process, and seeks the trade-off among economic development, environmental protection and renewable energy utilization. Besides, fuzzy theory has been employed as an uncertainty modeling technique to characterize the vague and inaccurate decision-making environment. To solve the proposed complicated model, weighted sum method and KKT optimality conditions are applied to convert the model into a single-level single-objective model. A real case from Zhejiang Province, China is given to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of the optimization model. Based on the analyses and discussion, this model provides reasonable and practical carbon emission quota allocation strategies for the authority. It is indicated that allocating greater quotas to lower carbon intensity coal-fired power plants could effectively achieve reduction targets. To verify the reasonableness, the results are compared with those of using single-level model. • A bi-level multi-objective model for coal/sewage sludge co-combustion is proposed. • Multiple stakeholders' and objectives' conflicts are analyzed. • Application of the method in Zhejiang, China under different situations is presented. • Reasonable and practical carbon emission quota allocation strategies are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diesel-driven rail vehicles are gradually replaced by battery-powered rail vehicles (BRVs), due to its exhaust emissions and noise. However, the development of BRVs have two aspects that need improvement: low energy efficiency and poor downhill stability. To address these problems, this paper presents the design and downhill speed control of an electric-hydrostatic hydraulic hybrid (EH3) powertrain, which is mainly composed of a variable pump, a variable pump/motor, a proportional flow control valve (PFCV) and accumulators. Through a laboratory test bench, the hydraulic regenerative/non-friction braking performance of an EH3 powertrain is validated and experimentally analyzed. The hydraulic average energy recovery rate could be 50%. The method of downhill speed control is proposed, which is validated by the simulation results. During the downhill process, EH3 rail vehicle has a relatively high energy efficiency, which will bring good economic benefits in energy conversation and environmental protection. • An EH3 powertrain and the laboratory test bench is presented. • The hydraulic regenerative/non-friction braking is validated on experimental data. • The control strategy of downhill speed is purposed to improve energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]