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Accurate understanding of the marginal energy-saving costs of energy-using entities is critical for regulatory authorities to formulate and implement energy-saving policies. This article brings out an easy-to-operate analytical framework to measure the marginal energy-saving cost and construct energy conservation supply curve with the help of data envelopment analysis and quantitative model. Furthermore, taking China's pulp and paper industry as an example, the authors discuss the difference of economic costs between industry energy-saving task assignment with and without considering the difference of marginal energy-saving costs of different energy using entities with the help of linear programming model. The main empirical results are as follow. First, there is a big difference in the industrial marginal energy-saving costs in different provinces. The difference between the highest and lowest energy-saving costs is twice as large. Second, the optimal energy-saving task assignment based on an accurate energy conservation supply curve can help to save nearly 35% of total economic cost. • An alternative method of measuring energy conservation cost is provided. • An optimal energy saving task assignment model is constructed. • The problem of trade-off between efficiency and equity in policy making is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, can reduce environmental pollution and promote the transformation of the energy structure. However, the intermittency and uncertainty of new energy sources such as wind and photovoltaics pose challenges to large-scale grid integration. Effective utilization of intermittent energy sources requires large-scale energy storage facilities. Salt rock is recognized as an excellent medium for underground large-scale energy storage with a wide range of applications. This paper identifies the potential of salt caverns to be used for large-scale energy storage by analyzing the distribution of wind and solar energy resources in China, taking into account the grid-connected infrastructure of the Chinese power grid and the geographic location of salt mines. The overlapping areas are identified for utilization in compressed air energy storage and hydrogen storage. Through meticulous categorization and analysis of the factors influencing salt cavern underground storage site selection, the AHP-EWM method is introduced to establish an objective hierarchy model for a comprehensive evaluation system of salt cavern underground storage site selection. The comprehensive planning of China's 20 major salt mines is conducted, and the research findings hold significant reference value for facilitating the low-carbon energy transition in China. • The ways which salt mines can be used for renewable energy peaking are summarized. • Renewable energy religions combined with grid-connected infrastructure and salt mines in China were studied. • Objective hierarchical modeling of subsurface salt cavern siting was developed using a combinatorial assignment method. • Energy Storage Planning for 20 Major Salt Mines in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's rural solar photovoltaic projects (SPVPs), as an innovative initiative to improve livelihoods through clean energy, have played a positive role in poverty reduction. However, whether this measure can enhance energy services for rural families remains unconfirmed. This paper employs a quasi-experimental method from the perspectives of energy service accessibility and affordability to quantify the net contribution of China's rural SPVPs to enhancing family energy services. The results indicate: (1) SPVPs can significantly improve family energy services, with a net effect of 14.7 % on the energy service accessibility and a net effect of 44.5 % on the energy service affordability. (2) SPVPs can increase the energy consumption capacity, energy supply capacity and energy equipment utilization rate by 2.6 %, 7.1 % and 5 %, respectively. Furthermore, these initiatives can effectively slash the energy costs of rural families by 4.3 %, bolster the energy access affordability by 3.9 %, and catapult energy investments by an impressive 44.9 %. (3) These projects also perform well in the family energy consumption cleanliness. (4) The effect of SPVPs in providing energy services presents a regional difference, with the best performance observed in 'Type III' solar resource areas. Meanwhile, the implementation of China's rural SPVPs does not involve "elite capture." • We analyze the changes of energy accessibility and affordability in rural China. • We quantify the energy services effect of solar PV projects (SPVPs). • SPVPs perform well in improving family energy consumption cleanliness. • The energy services effect of solar PV projects has spatial heterogeneity. • The implementation of China's rural SPVPs does not involve "elite capture.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's China, the reverse distribution of electricity resources and electricity demand makes large-scale and long-distance transmission of electricity inevitable, resulting in the problem of electricity allocation optimization. To address this problem in the region covered by the China Southern Grid (CSG), the paper establishes an optimized model for electricity generation and interprovincial trading strategies in southern China. Based on data from 2015, this paper simultaneously optimizes electricity generation and interprovincial trading strategies in each of the five provinces. The result shows that interprovincial trading in the CSG-served area can yield significant energy, economic, environmental and interconnection benefits. It can reduce the power supply cost and environmental pressure in Guangdong province, help make Yunnan province a hydropower base in China and a thermal power base in southern China, facilitate the completion of the "West-to-East Power Transmission" project, and partly resolve the issues raised in each province's 13th Five-Year Plan as well as the problem of optimizing electricity allocation in the region covered by the CSG. • We propose an annual total optimized model for electricity generation and interprovincial trading in Southern China. • The model optimizes the electricity trading and transmission routes across regions. • The model considers the generation cost and penalty cost of emitting CO 2 , SO 2 and NO x. • Corresponding policies and proposals are put forward for power grid and five regions in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serving as the information backbone of an increasingly digitalized world and energy-intensive, the data center industry has to seek low-carbon developing way to properly meet the rapidly rising service demand. This paper designs 45 kinds of configuration choices for each decision units by integrating three data centers, three cooling technologies, as well as five energy supply mixes. The model is formulated as a bi objective optimization problem for the decision maker to decide newly established data location and configuration with objective of reducing data center expansion costs and well as minimizing power utilization associated with carbon emissions from a country level. The pilot study in China under the scenarios of different carbon emissions limitation and propagation delay that China can reduce at least 25% of newly established data center related emissions from 2020 to 2023. It further shows that future expansion can be focus on Inner Mongolia and Ningxia for the north, Hubei for the middle, and Yunnan and Guangxi for the south. This paper provides a fresh perspective and makes a valuable attempt at the low-carbon development of data centers. • Carbon awareness based integrated optimization model for data center in China is proposed. • Layout, scale, cooling technology and power supply mix are simultaneously considered. • 25% of newly established data center electricity related emissions in China can be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural gas, as a clean and low-carbon energy resource, assumes a vital role in facilitating the transformation of the Chinese energy structure. Effectively forecasting its consumption holds great practical implications for the high-quality social development of China. Therefore, a hybrid model for forecasting natural gas consumption (NGC) in China is developed in this paper. Firstly, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method is adopted to decompose the influencing factors of the NGC in China from 1994 to 2020, which revealed that the energy structure effect and the economic development effect have a positive promotion on NGC, while the energy intensity effect manifests a significant inhibition. Subsequently, based on the contribution rate of each factor, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to optimize the long and short-term memory neural network (LSTM) model is constructed for NGC forecasting. Compared to other benchmark models, the PSO-LSTM model demonstrated a significant improvement in predictive accuracy, showcasing its valuable application in NGC prediction. Finally, the PSO-LSTM model is employed to analyze the scenario prediction of NGC development from 2021 to 2035. The forecast result indicated that the future NGC in China will show a yearly growing trend, which may lead to a serious imbalance between the supply and demand of natural gas, so the Chinese government should fully consider the energy security issue when formulating relevant policies. • The LMDI method is applied to decompose the factors of natural gas consumption. • The energy consumption structure and economic development positively promote NGC. • The energy intensity effect negatively inhibits the development of NGC. • Scenario analysis of NGC is performed by constructing a PSO-LSTM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of energy structure and the development trends of advanced nuclear energy technology, combining the complementary advantages of nuclear energy and other energy sources in China, the Fluoride-Salt-cooled high-Temperature Advanced Reactor (FuSTAR) system has been proposed. FuSTAR system is designed to address production capacity issues in areas with energy shortages or resource concentration and can be combined with high-temperature process heat to achieve high-value-added processes such as hydrogen production. In this paper, the Tri-structural isotropic fuel combined with helical cruciform elements has been studied in detail on the neutron physics and thermal-hydraulic properties, and the flow and heat transfer experiment is carried out for the first time. The multilayer nonlinear programming method has been applied to the design of thermal transport systems. Then the optimal parameters and configuration of the thermoelectric conversion system are obtained by the superstructure optimization method. The inherent safety of FuSTAR is demonstrated through deterministic safety analysis. In addition, the iodine-sulfur cycle technology and the characteristics of tritium production are also analyzed. This study highlights the significant potential of integrating nuclear energy with other energy sources in an optimized energy-production system. • Multi-purpose reactor energy system for power - hydrogen - tritium production. • Over 50 % maximum thermal efficiency. • Simultaneous analysis of design, optimization, and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the evident spatial disparity in China's energy consumption and economic development, achieving Pareto optimization of regional energy allocation efficiency proves to be a formidable challenge. Based on this, this paper ingeniously proposed an extended "labor-capital-energy-environment" resource mismatch mode, using 2004–2018 provincial panel data to measure and analyze the spatiotemporal pattern of China's energy mismatch and efficiency loss, while further investigating influencing factor. The results show that: (1) Although the degree of resource misallocation has decreased, the reduction of the number of provinces with excessive energy allocation and the serious shortage of energy allocation are the only effects of the optimization of energy resource misallocation, which has not significantly improved the situation overall. (2) Energy resource misallocation has grown to be a significant factor in China's losses in green total factor productivity (GTFP) brought on by resource misallocation. In addition, the extent of energy mismatch's loss in GTFP demonstrates the spatial heterogeneity of the "eastern > central > northeast > west" region. (3) Environmental regulation can significantly reduce energy mismatch and it is more successful at addressing the issue of excess energy than inadequate energy allocation. Also, the "rebound effect" of technological progress is the main factor aggravating the shortage of energy allocation. • We innovatively proposed an expanded "labor-capital-energy-environment" HK model to construct a theoretical framework for the impact of factor price distortions on GTFP. • The optimization of energy resource misallocation is only reflected in the serious shortage of energy allocation and the reduction of the number of provinces with excessive energy allocation. • The degree of GTFP loss of energy mismatch shows the regional heterogeneity of "eastern > central > northeast > west" spatially. • Environmental regulation can significantly improve the problems of energy mismatch and surplus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of power system reform and the improvement of renewable energy penetration, the situation of power generation enterprises and the generation capacity adequacy of power system are facing challenges. It is urgent to ensure reliable power supply in the market through new evaluation methods and guarantee mechanisms. Firstly, this paper proposes an evaluation method of generation capacity adequacy for multi-types units, which quantitatively calculates the adequacy capacity of each unit and the generation capacity adequacy of the system. Secondly, this paper designs a unit capacity compensation mechanism adapted to the initial stage of Power Market construction, which includes capacity pricing model, compensation capacity quota model, capacity fee settlement model. Among them, the capacity pricing model considers the investment cost of marginal units operating during annual peak load, while the compensation capacity quota model considers the actual generation capacity of units and the actual demand of the system. Finally, this paper takes a certain region of China as an example to verify the effectiveness and adaptability of the mechanism. The results show that the capacity adequacy guarantee mechanism designed in this paper can effectively reflect the overall level of power system generation capacity adequacy, fairly distinguish the reliability value of various generation units, help power generation enterprises recover fixed costs within the planned investment payback period and ensure the system generation capacity adequacy. • A method for capacity adequacy evaluation of multi-types generator unit is proposed. • A unit generation capacity compensation mechanism proposed is proposed. • The implementation process of the compensation mechanism is proposed. • The impact of different load levels on the generator units fixed cost recovery by capacity compensation mechanism is analyzed. • The impact of different renewable energy penetration on system reliability and economy of system power supply is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the gradual transformation of global energy, photovoltaic power generation, wind power generation, and other renewable energy have attracted countries around the world. Western China has excellent wind and solar energy resources, which are highly vulnerable to external factors and have severe limitations. Considering the gradual maturity of storage and energy storage technology of abandoned mine reservoirs, the combination of storage and energy storage technology of abandoned coal mines and wind-solar power generation technology can realize the reasonable allocation of electric energy in the time dimension. This paper studies the regulation capability of the mine pumped-hydro energy storage system proposed by scholars and uses the wind-photoelectric field model to predict the output power of wind farms and solar power stations. Taking the Lingxin coal mine as an example, the optimization algorithm is used to optimize the dispatching ability of the entire PHS joint system. The results prove that the system proposed in this paper can significantly improve the instability of the generation power curve (In terms of variance, volatility decreases to 18.76%), and improve the overall system revenue to some extent (economic efficiency increased by 15.47%). This provides certain technical support for the better utilization of new energy in the future. • A energy dispatching system based on the underground reservoir of mine is presented. • The output power of the electric field is predicted based on proposed means. • GA-dog leg algorithm is used to optimize the system scheduling. • Discuss the robustness and rationality of the optimization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Using the trans -log cost function and elasticity model, this paper pioneered the analysis of the elasticity and characteristics of the substitution between energy consumption and capital in China's manufacturing industry between 1995 and 2014. Firstly, the research revealed significant differences in the magnitude and direction of the substitution between coal, electricity, petroleum, and capital, thus demonstrating heterogeneity in the substitution. Secondly, the analysis, based on the Morishima Elasticity of Substitution (MES) model showed that: 1) depending on what triggers changes in factor prices, the manufacturing sector shows a reverse asymmetry whereby capital substituted energy and energy complemented capital 2) a significant asymmetry exists in the direction and magnitude of substitution in capital- and labor-intensive sectors. This asymmetric effect indicates that China can attain overall energy conservation and apply energy-saving technologies in the manufacturing industry by implementing the substitution of capital for energy. However, the differences with regards to the forms of energy consumption among sectors, as well as the heterogeneity and asymmetry in capital–energy substitution should be considered in research on energy policies for the manufacturing industry. This should also involve the integration of energy sources to ensure that such policies are targeted and effective. Highlights • It evaluates the substitution between energy and capital in China's manufacturing industry. • MES model and translog cost function are used to investigate the heterogeneity and asymmetry of substitution. • It shows a reverse asymmetry whereby capital substitutes energy and energy complements capital. • It demonstrates the heterogeneity of substitution result from the difference of energy use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The distribution of energy and industry in China is extremely uneven. The western region is rich in energy resources but relatively economically backward, while the eastern region, particularly, the southeast coastal area, is an industrially-developed area but is short of energy resources. On the basis of such a situation, this paper recommends the sustainable development of energy systems for the western region. The specific innovative energy systems adopted here can convert the western region''s fossil fuels to alternative fuels and electricity with higher efficiency, lower investment cost, and less impact upon the environment. As one of such innovative energy systems, the MES (multi-functional energy system) can achieve 10–14% in the energy conservation ratio, 4–8% reduction of investment cost, and a 10–37% decrease of main pollutants. Moreover, its adoption will increase the income and accelerate the development of the energy industry in the western region, as well as meet the energy demand of the eastern region. The analysis in this paper presents a feasible energy road map for the rapid yet sustainable development of China''s western region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China''s total energy consumption, according to the official data, decreased impressively during 1997–1998 and increased sharply during 2003–2007, which in turn resulted in energy intensity fluctuation. Many literatures explained this “unusual phenomenon” from the perspectives of technical change, economic structure shifting and statistical data quality. They measured aggregate energy in thermal units by using linear summation approaches. In this paper, from the perspectives of heterogeneity and imperfect substitutability among diverse energy types, we further examine China''s aggregate energy consumption by using Divisia (Sato-Vartia) approach. The results show that China''s aggregate energy consumption and intensity fluctuated slightly less than values calculated by using conventional linear approaches, and the “unusual phenomenon” is partly explained. It also implies that China''s energy intensity changes in 2006–2007 are slightly more optimistic than those officially reported, and the official communiqué of provincial energy intensity reduction achievements are partly bias. Some provincial achievement are underestimated or overestimated on some provinces. Our empirical results are also helpful to further research, such as energy–economic modeling, energy price elasticity, and elasticity of substitution among capital–labor–energy–material (KLEM). The difficulties or defects when using Divisia approach are also discussed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The generation forecast helps to develop the scheduling plan of power sources, build a power balance system and ensure the adequacy of power supply to the power system at the macro level. Therefore, a novel structurally adaptive discrete grey Bernoulli model, called DHGBM(1,1), is proposed in this paper for the prediction of power generation. Firstly, the Hausdorff fractional order cumulative generation operation makes it possible to achieve new information prioritisation. As for the structure of the model, we have extended the nonlinear grey Bernoulli model with the introduction of a nonlinear dynamic structure term, which allows the model to simulate variable generation data and improves the adaptability of the model. In a comparative test of the algorithms, the well-performing differential evolution algorithm was used for hyperparameter optimisation of the model to obtain better predictive performance. Monte Carlo simulations and probability density analysis verified the excellent robustness of the model. In addition, through the simulation tests, we obtained a reasonable range of parameters for the structural terms, thus limiting the complexity of the model, and the phenomenon of model overfitting was effectively prevented. Finally, five actual cases of China's hydro, China's thermal, China's nuclear, China's wind power generation and China's electricity exports are predicted. • A novel nonlinear dynamic structural term is proposed. • A novel structural adaptive discrete grey Bernoulli model is developed. • The robustness analysis of the novel model is established. • Comparative study shows that the novel model is superior to other six models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale access of a substantial proportion of the distributed photovoltaic (PV) power sources has introduced considerable source-side randomness and volatility to the distribution network in the development of PV power generation in the whole county of China. This paper proposes a cooling-heat-electric multi-energy coupled power distribution network expansion bi-level planning model to reduce the influence of uncertainty and improve the PV consumption rate (PVCR). It is based on the distributed hydrogen-thermal storage system (DHTSS) in a high-proportion PV scenario. First, an irradiation-load-temperature multi-grid joint scenario generation model is constructed based on each meteorological cluster to effectively describe the uncertainty of PV power generation and multi-energy consumption. Subsequently, a refined distributed PV system physical model chain is constructed to address the low accuracy of the traditional PV output model in the high PV output (HPVO) scenarios. Lastly, considering the power supply reliability objective of the low-probability with high-load (LPHL) scenarios, a multi-objective bi-level expansion planning model of the distribution network is constructed to accurately determine the capacity of each equipment in DHTSS, the distribution lines, and low-voltage transformers to be expanded in the distribution network. • To propose an irradiation-load-temperature multi-grids joint scenarios generation model. • To propose a method of refined distributed PV system physical model chain. • To propose an operating model of the distributed hydrogen-thermal storage system. • To propose a multi-objective bi-level distribution network expansion planning model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules can not only generate electricity but also act as external shading devices of buildings. Solar PV shadings can effectively reduce the solar heat gain through windows, but might have a negative impact on the indoor daylight performance. Therefore, it is worth investigating the optimum design of solar PV shadings since the thermal, daylighting and power generation performance are closely integrated. In this paper, a numerical simulation model was utilized on the basis of EnergyPlus to investigate the energy saving potential of solar PV shadings with various tilt angles and orientations in Hong Kong. The results indicate that the optimum installation position for solar PV shadings is south facade with 30° tilt angle in order to maximize the electricity generation. However, considering the electricity savings from air-conditioning system and the increased electricity consumption for artificial lighting, it is recommended that solar PV shadings should be installed on a south facade with 20° tilt angle. Furthermore, the annual overall electricity benefits of solar PV shadings were compared with the widely used interior blinds. The results show that the well-designed solar PV shadings can achieve much more annual overall electricity benefits than interior blinds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the gradual maturity of wind power technology, China's wind power generation has grown rapidly over the recent years. However, due to the on-site inconsumable electricity, the phenomenon of large-scale "wind curtailment" occurs in some areas. In this paper, a novel hybrid hydrogen/electricity refueling station is built near a wind farm, and a part of the surplus wind power is used to charge electric trucks, and the other part of the surplus power is used to produce "green hydrogen". According to real-time load changes, different amounts of liquid hydrogen and gas hydrogen can be properly coordinated to provide timely energy supply for hydrogen trucks. For a 400 MW wind farm in the western Inner Mongolia, China, the feasibility of the proposed system has been carried out based on the sensitivity and reliability analysis, the static and dynamic economic modeling, with an entire life cycle analysis. Compared to the conventional technology, the initial investment of the proposed scheme (700.07 M$) decreases by 13.97%, and the dynamic payback period (10.93 years) decreases by 25.87%. During the life cycle of the proposed system, the accumulative NPV reaches 184.63 M$, which increases by 3.14 times compared to the case by conventional wind technology. • A novel hybrid hydrogen/electricity refueling system to charge electric vehicles, and produce "green hydrogen". • A realistic multi-energy study based on a 400 MW wind farm in western Inner Mongolia, China. • Feasibility study with sensitivity and reliability analysis for the proposed system. • Static and dynamic economic modeling on a hybrid hydrogen/electricity refueling station. • The proposed system has technical and economic benefits, but much less carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mismatch between the supply and consumption of energy indicates that it is important to promote energy efficiency in the road transportation industry which is high in energy consumption. This paper employs a stochastic frontier approach to measure the total-factor energy efficiency (TFEE) change of the road transportation industry in China. Then, a novel two-dimensional matrix is used to illustrate the energy efficiency of the road transportation industry in China's eight economic areas. The combination of these approaches leads to the following conclusions: (a) The annual TFEE growth rate of Chinese road transportation systems has slowed down in recent years, but the average annual TFEE growth has reached 17.34%. (b) Both technological change and scale efficiency change boost the TFEE growth, and technical efficiency change hinders the TFEE growth. (c) Almost all regional road transportation industry TFEE scores increased during the study period, but the growth rates were significantly higher in the Northern Coastal and Eastern Coastal areas than in other areas. Finally, this paper suggests increasing investment in highways to expand the operation scale, developing advanced technology for high-quality development of the industry, and carefully designing measures to improve transportation technical efficiency according to regional economic development orientations. • Total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) and the driving factors are investigated. • The Chinese road transportation industry is empirically analyzed. • A stochastic frontier approach considering energy consumption is employed. • A two-dimensional matrix considering the TFEE change rate and stability is used. • Both technological change and scale efficiency change boost the TFEE growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve the power supply change from traditional energy to clean energy in China, improving the grid parity rate of photovoltaic (PV) power is a key problem to be addressed. To establish a harmonious grid price between PV power and coal-fired power, this paper investigates the impact of carbon emission quota (CEQ) price on both PV power revenue and efficiency by constructing the carbon-electricity linkage mode with following innovative works. First, we set a trading mechanism that involves PV power plants and links carbon-electricity markets, and then propose market clearing rules for both CEQ and PV power prices. Second, we integrate market factors into the framework of power cost structure of different power sources based on the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Theory. Third, we characterize the volatility of CEQ prices by offsetting the reduced fiscal subsidy of PV power and balancing grid price of different power sources. Our key findings show that the plan of improving current trading linkage of carbon-electricity market and grid parity scheme of PV power will be brought forward to 2023 that is 2 years ahead of schedule. What's more, in the case of completely cancelling subsidy, CEQ price should be tripled by using this linkage to accelerate PV grid parity. By showing the possible trading benefit of carbon markets, this paper will help reduce the generation cost of PV power grid connection. • We link carbon-electricity market to offset the negative impact of photovoltaic (PV) subsidy cancelling on grid parity. • The market clearing rules of carbon-electricity linkage is illustrated and expressed by formulas. • The price model of PV grid parity under the carbon-electricity linkage is constructed. • We simulate the grid parity schedule for PV power generation under the carbon-electricity linkage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting electrical transition in vehicle industry has become one of the main objectives for transportation sectors nowadays. However, no consensus has been reached as to whether the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) have superiority in energy conservation and carbon reduction with life-cycle thinking. Consequently, this paper applies network evolutionary game theory to investigate the evolution trend of industry energy conservation and carbon reduction with promoting electrification in China. To fit the real decision-making environment faced by manufacturers, the greenness competition interactions, competitive strategy invasion, and market uncertainty are further considered under the impact of dual credit policy. Results show that implementing dual credit policy makes electrical transition an irreversible trend for manufacturers, but it does not mean that internal combustion engine vehicle will disappear, rather, it coexists with EVs in a certain proportion, which is negatively related to consumer's acceptance toward EVs. Meanwhile, to address energy conservation and carbon reduction, manufacturers should be encouraged to choose a fuel reduction strategy to decelerate the industry electrification trend, thus acquiring better energy conservation performances. And before increasing consumer's acceptance toward EVs, increasing the proportion of renewable source in primary energy warrants greater urgency and effectiveness to achieve life-cycle emission reduction advantage of EVs. • It is an irreversible trend for all manufacturers to choose electrical transition. • Internal combustion engine vehicles will coexist with electric vehicles eventually. • High invasion ratio of fuel reduction strategy initially is suggested. • Promoting the clean energy supply is of more urgency and effectiveness. • Optimal new energy credit price exists for fuel and carbon reduction objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power demand in China has increased rapidly in the past decade, and it is projected to grow even further. To gain insights into how this demand growth could optimally be met, addressing regional differences such as resource distribution and power demand, is crucial. For long-term planning purposes, using a multi-regional mathematical model that divides China's power sector into regions overcomes the limitations of viewing as a single network. Reflecting how inter-regional power transmission could best be utilized is critical in understanding how flows between regions could be optimised. In this paper, a multi-regional model that reflects actual grid infrastructure with an objective function to maximize accumulated total profits gained by the power generation sector from 2013 to 2050 is proposed. A case study is provided to illustrate how inter-regional power transmission could influence the regional deployment of technologies under different policy scenarios. The results show that energy subsidies and national targets will remain important to the deployment of renewable energy in both the short and long term. In addition, potential downside implications of lower demand growth on the long-term prospects of long-distance inter-regional power transmission and options, such as more flexible electricity pricing mechanisms, to limit the effects are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cascade hydropower stations have good regulation and storage capacity and they can be used as a regulatory and compensatory "medium" to compensate for the instability of wind–photovoltaic power generation. This paper presents a short-term multi-objective coordinated dispatching model based on wind–photovoltaic–hydro heterogeneous energy hybrid power generation. The multi-objectives of the model included accepting new energy for power generation to the greatest possible extent, tracing the load curve of the grid with minimum differences, and minimizing the discarded water volume of the cascade reservoirs. To reduce the complexity of the problem, the model was decomposed into two-stage optimization model and solved by using the firefly algorithm. This model was applied to a national-level wind–photovoltaic–hydro complementary power generation base in China. The research results verified the validity of the model and showed that it was feasible to compensate for the wind–photovoltaic power output fluctuation by the cascade hydropower stations and to supply power to the grid by bundling these three power sources. During this process, the cascade hydropower stations certainly made some sacrifices and increased the amount of discarded water. The new operational strategy proposed in this paper can promote the low-carbon power dispatching and optimization of the energy structure. • A framework for a heterogeneous energy complementary power system was proposed. • A new grid–source coordinated dispatching model was developed. • A two-stage decoupled optimization model was built for a multi-objective solution. • The developed framework and the method were assessed in Yalong River in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by the booming of electric vehicle (EV) market, the cost of lithium ion battery observes a remarkable decline which could significantly improve the capability of EVs in coordinating with the power generation from distributed renewable energy (DRE). This paper realizes that there are different EV-DRE coordination strategies while the costs and the associated infrastructure of these strategies significantly differ. An economic evaluation that compares these coordination strategies is therefore important. In this study, an economic evaluation is conducted among four EV-DRE coordination strategies. It finds that the cost of power supply from demand side PV plus storage systems could be lower than that of power grid supply before 2025. Besides, although the smart charging is a cost-efficient EV-DRE coordination strategy in the short term, V2G could be more economically attractive in the long run due to its capacity to fully realize the potential of on-board EV batteries. This paper also identifies the key barriers that EVs and distributed storage are facing in participating in the current electricity wholesale market in China and provides policy recommendations in terms of electricity time of use (TOU) tariffs, market thresholds and metering issues. • Economics of four electric vehicle and distributed renewable energy coordination strategies are evaluated. • Power supply from demand side PV plus storage could be cheaper than that of power grid supply before 2025. • V2G could be more economically attractive than smart charging in the long run. • Time of use tariffs, market access and metering issues should be addressed for coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the linkage between regional electricity pricing and water resources based on an accounting of the electricity-related virtual water (VW) transmissions in the framework of interregional input-output model. This study finds out that the water resource conditions of the provinces with scarce water resources but rich energy resources are worsening due to power generation and thus the power generation's impacts on water resources in these regions should be seriously addressed across its entire life cycle. This study confirms the coexistence of the transmission of low-priced electricity to the regions with higher electricity prices and the hidden transmission of high-priced water resources to the regions with rich water resource endowment and lower water prices through electricity-related VW transmissions, which can aggravate the "invisible imbalance" of the spatial allocation of water resources. This study also emphasizes that China's regional electricity pricing mechanisms should fully involve the external costs of water to stimulate energy enterprises' willingness to control water use. The results of this study can provide scientific references for joint management of water and energy, and thus are conducive to policy formulations relevant to electricity pricing reforms in China. • Spatial electricity-related virtual water transmission networks are analyzed. • Electricity-related virtual water transmission aggravates the spatial "invisible imbalance" of water resources. • China's regional electricity pricing should involve the external costs of water resources. • China's regional water resource stress does not match local water prices. • China's power supply structure can alleviate the regional imbalance of power and water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of energy transition, reference standards are needed to guide the orderly withdrawal of coal-fired power enterprises. This study applies stochastic frontier analysis to measure the technical efficiency, as the reference standard, based on data from all coal-fired power enterprises of a large Chinese power generation group from 2010 to 2015. Meanwhile, in order to make more specific policy recommendations, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the technical efficiency in three aspects: return to scale, operation hours, and regional characteristics. The empirical results show that the average technical efficiency of coal-fired power enterprises is 0.818, which still leaves room for improvement of about 20%; the industry shows slightly decreasing return to scale, which primarily results from enterprises with larger capacity but less operation hours; correlation between efficiency and operation hours varies widely among regions, with South and Northwest China in the greatest need of improving the generation assignment approach; finally, unit coal reduction and equity increase are important ways to improve technical efficiency, and older power enterprises and larger units have greater potential for high-quality power supply. The findings will serve as a reference for policy makers to promote a more effective planning of coal-fired power industry in China. • The average technical efficiency of China's coal-fired enterprises is 0.818. • The coal-fired industry shows decreasing return to scale. • South and Northwest China need to improve the generation allocation approach. • Unit coal, equity, age and unit capacity have significant impact on efficiency. • The results Provide reference for China's coal-fired orderly withdrawal. [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]

This paper investigates the techno-economic characteristics of renewable-based energy system design options that need to meet the multi-vector energy demand, i.e. electricity, heat and hydrogen of a food factory in four different places and two different years in China. A two-stage optimization approach is proposed: Firstly, the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) software is used to obtain all feasible scenarios meeting demands with the lowest cost; Then, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making method, Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), is adopted to re-evaluate all feasible scenarios to determine the optimal solution considering not only the economy but also energy and environment. Different technologies, like power generation: photovoltaic panel (PV), wind turbine (WT) and both together (PV/WT), energy storage: battery, fuel cell (FC), and both (battery/FC), and hydrogen production: steam methane reforming and water electrolysis, are evaluated to find the best combination. The software results show, PV/WT combination usually has advantages over PV alone and WT alone in power generation in locations with abundant solar energy and wind energy. So is the energy storage. Reformer scenarios are much cheaper than electrolyzers. However, the VIKOR results show, the top scenarios in different locations and years are all using electrolyzers to produce hydrogen. • An off-grid transformation for a food factory is conducted based on renewable resources. • A two-stage optimization approach based on HOMER and VIKOR is proposed. • Different power generation resources, energy storage methods and hydrogen production technologies, are evaluated. • Four different places and future scenarios are considered in HRES optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the techno-economic characteristics of renewable-based energy system design options that need to meet the multi-vector energy demand, i.e. electricity, heat and hydrogen of a food factory in four different places and two different years in China. A two-stage optimization approach is proposed: Firstly, the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) software is used to obtain all feasible scenarios meeting demands with the lowest cost; Then, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making method, Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), is adopted to re-evaluate all feasible scenarios to determine the optimal solution considering not only the economy but also energy and environment. Different technologies, like power generation: photovoltaic panel (PV), wind turbine (WT) and both together (PV/WT), energy storage: battery, fuel cell (FC), and both (battery/FC), and hydrogen production: steam methane reforming and water electrolysis, are evaluated to find the best combination. The software results show, PV/WT combination usually has advantages over PV alone and WT alone in power generation in locations with abundant solar energy and wind energy. So is the energy storage. Reformer scenarios are much cheaper than electrolyzers. However, the VIKOR results show, the top scenarios in different locations and years are all using electrolyzers to produce hydrogen. • An off-grid transformation for a food factory is conducted based on renewable resources. • A two-stage optimization approach based on HOMER and VIKOR is proposed. • Different power generation resources, energy storage methods and hydrogen production technologies, are evaluated. • Four different places and future scenarios are considered in HRES optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing the global DEA (data envelopment analysis), this paper analyzes China's energy efficiency from both static and dynamic perspectives based on China's provincial panel data for the period of 2001–2010. We present the evolution of energy efficiency in China from 2001 to 2010, and identify the key factors influencing the energy efficiency from the aspects of technical progress, productive scale and management level. The results show that there was an overall declining trend for China's energy efficiency from 2001 to 2005, and technical regress and the decrease in scale efficiency were the main reasons for this decline. Then an overall rising trend appeared during 2005–2010, and technical progress was the most important motivation for this increase. Moreover, among the three main regions in China, the eastern China was leading in the energy efficiency during the sample period, while the energy efficiency in western China fell far behind since the beginning. And the energy efficiency in central China was in the middle. This indicates that west region may be China's promising growth engine of energy efficiency in the future, and further technical progress is thought to be the key motivation for this improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: China's energy supply security has faced many challenges such as the drastic change of the international energy environment and the domestic energy situation and so on. This paper constructs a multi-dimensional indicator system for the main risks deriving from four aspects to evaluate the situation of China's energy supply security and analyze its evolution characteristics from 1994 to 2011. The results indicate that the situation of China's energy supply security generally presented a downtrend during 1994–2008, as a result of increasing international energy market monopoly and high volatility of international crude oil prices. After 2008, the overall level of China's energy supply security has improved to the level of 2003, which is attributed to the relatively stable international energy environment as well as the effective implementation of energy policies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Scientific prediction of regional energy is of practical significance for rational control of energy supply. In this paper, to further minimize the influence of subjective factors, the grey relational analysis and the FGM(1,1) model whose forecast results are affected by the fixed order are selected to analyze the samples. Then, a new grey multi-variable AGMC(1,N) model with better prediction performance is used to study 13 provinces (cities) in 7 different regions of China in detail. The results show that only the energy consumption in Central China will decrease in the short term. Energy consumption in the remaining 6 regions will continue to rise, and the energy consumption of East China, Northeast China, and Northwest China have a remarkable growth trend. It is important to provide reliable data to China's energy regulators and provide a reference for regional energy reform in the short term. • The energy consumption in Central China will decrease in the short term. • The energy consumption of East China, North China and Northwest China will increase significantly. • The causes of energy consumption change are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: China has implemented increasing-block power tariffs. It might be a breakthrough in the country's stagnant residential power tariff reform. Improving energy efficiency is the primary method adopted by the Chinese government for energy conservation in residential sector. However, negative effects brought by energy rebound would weaken the real effect of efficiency improvement. Therefore, this paper focuses on the impact of residential electricity tariff adjustment on rebound effect of residential electricity consumption in China. We set up an LA-AIDS Model (linear approximation of the almost ideal demand system model) to estimate the rebound effect of urban residential electricity consumption. The results show that the rebound effect is approximately 165.22%. This figure manifests the existence of ‘backfire effect’, indicating that efficiency improvement does not have energy-saving effect in practice. After the implementation of increasing-block electricity tariff policy in China, the rebound is reduced to 132.3%. In addition, we also obtain the electricity tariffs at which the rebound effect is less than 1 or even close to zero. In this regard, for Chinese electricity market, electricity tariff reform might be an effective method for mitigating rebound effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) power has a huge resource of supply, wide range of usage, and low impact on environment and it is considered as a key factor of the supply mix in the future for China. PV power is still in its infancy in China. It has higher cost than coal-fired power, and needs policy support. In recent years, China has launched a series of policies to stimulate PV power. These policies, however, are temporal, mainly because the total additional investment to make PV power grid parity is uncertain. After a brief review on current status of PV power development in China, this paper applies learning curve theory to study the cost reduction trends of polycrystalline silicon PV cells - main components of large-scale PV (LS-PV) power generation, then sets different scenarios to estimate time and the total learning cost of PV power’s grid parity. MESSAGE model is also applied to make a comparable estimation of the future PV installation in China. The results show that long-term subsidy policy for PV power is feasible in China with the rising cost of coal-fired power, but aggressive subsidy policy is not very efficient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China has been experiencing industrialization and urbanization since reform and opening of its economy in 1978. Energy consumption in the country has featured issues such as a coal-dominated energy mix, low energy efficiency and high emissions. Thus, it is of great importance to explore the factors driving the increase in energy consumption in the past two decades and estimate the potential for decreasing energy demands in the future. In this paper a hybrid energy input–output model is used to decompose driving factors to identify how these factors impact changes in energy intensity. A modified RAS approach is applied to project energy requirements in a BAU scenario and an alternative scenario. The results show that energy input mix, industry structure and technology improvements have major influences on energy demand. Energy demand in China will continue to increase at a rapid rate if the economy develops as in the past decades, and is projected to reach 4.7 billion tce in 2020. However, the huge potential for a decrease cannot be neglected, since growth could be better by adjusting the energy mix and industrial structure and enhancing technology improvements. The total energy demand could be less than 4.0 billion tce in 2020. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The three-dimensional energy resources demand-supply system is established for two regions of China, in which determination of unknown parameters is significant for the real energy resources demand-supply system. In this paper, based on Shanghai’s energy statistic data (1999–2005), the parameters of the energy resources demand-supply system can be identified by using the neural network method, and an energy resources demand-supply system reflecting the real energy resources demand-supply relationship in Shanghai is obtained. The dynamical behavior of this system is also analyzed. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation indicate that the obtained energy resources demand-supply system has the capacity of self-regulation and demonstrates a steady state. Finally, to ensure the steady development of the energy resources demand-supply system, corresponding measures are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We propose in this paper an integrated energy strategy based on a systems approach to address the energy challenges and energy dilemma in China. First, we give a review of existing approaches to energy planning and strategic management, followed by a discussion on the major relationships among energy, economical, environmental and societal systems. Next, we present a conceptual system model with alternative solutions and clarify corresponding concepts. Based on the results, we propose, summarize, and present strategic ideas as policy implications for China’s decision makers. In conclusion, we determine that China should enhance strategic planning and regulation from a life cycle viewpoint of the whole society, prioritize energy saving, continuously improve incumbent energy, and rationally develop alternative energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China''s total installed electrical power capacity reached 700GW by the end of 2007 and is predicted to surpass 900GW in 2010. The rapid increase in energy demand and increasing global warming have both pushed China to change its current electrical power structure where coal power accounts for nearly 75% of the total electric power generation. China has already become the world''s largest solar water heater producer and user. However, there is still much to be done in the solar thermal power field before its commercialization. Solar thermal power technologies including solar power towers, solar parabolic trough concentrators, solar dish/stirling systems, linear Fresnel reflectors, and solar chimneys have been studied in China since the 1980s. A 10kW dish/stirling project was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) during 2000–2005 with a 1MW solar power tower and research of trough concentrator metal–glass evacuated tubes supported during 2006–2010. This paper describes a continued solar thermal power development roadmap in China in 5-year intervals between 2006 and 2025. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy and freshwater shortage are the bottlenecks restricting China''s economic development. The integration of energy utilization system and seawater desalination is considered as an innovative technology enabling efficient simultaneous use of middle or low temperature thermal energy and supply freshwater. Three feasible approaches to integrate seawater desalination with energy utilization system are presented in this paper, including combinations of the desalination process with a Combined Cooling Heating & Power system (CCHP), a power plant, or a solar thermal utilization system. In addition, the feasibility and advantages of a seawater desalination system combined with a power plant are described. The findings indicate that combining seawater desalination with industrial processes is a feasible and promising way to solve the problems of the lack of freshwater and low efficient use of low temperature thermal energy in coastland areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper first provides an overview of the context of renewable energy development in China, including the country''s recent renewable energy legislation. Further, it summarizes the current status of renewable energy development and the role it plays in the national energy supply. Next it introduces the national indicative targets for renewable energies in 2010 and 2020, and conducts a long term scenario of the role of renewable energies in China''s energy system transition till 2050. It discusses the main risks involved in China''s renewable energy development, and proposes some policy measures for risk management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of the initiatives launched in energy supply and consumption and the challenges encountered in sustainable road transportation development in China. It analyzes the main energy challenges related to road transportation development arising in the context of economic development, rapid urbanization, and improvement in living standards. It also discusses technological- and policy initiatives needed to deal with these challenges, drawing comparisons with foreign experience: promoting the development and dissemination of alternative fuels and clean vehicles such as: LPG, CNG, EV, HEV, FCV, ethanol, methanol, DME, bio-diesel, and CTL, strengthening regulations relating to vehicle fuel economy and emission, improving traffic efficiency and facilitating public transport development, and strengthening management of the soaring motor vehicle population. If the current pattern continues, by the year 2030, the vehicle population in China will be 400million and fuel demand will be 350milliontons. The potential energy saving capacity being 60%, the actual oil demand by 2030 from on-road vehicles might technically be kept at the current level by improving fuel economy, propagating use of HEV and diesel vehicles, improving supply of alternative fuels, and developing public transport. Several uncertainties are identified that could greatly influence the effect of the technical proposals: traffic efficiency, central government''s resolve, and consumers'' choice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A survey of the key issues associated with the development in the Chinese iron and steel industry and current situations of energy consumption are described in this paper. The apparent production of crude steel in China expanded to 418.78 million tonnes in 2006, which was about 34% share of the world steel production. The iron and steel industry in China is still one of the major high energy consumption and high pollution industries, which accounts for the consumption of about 15.2% of the national total energy, and generation of 14% of the national total wastewater and waste gas and 6% of the total solid waste materials. The average energy consumption per unit of steel is about 20% higher than that of other advanced countries due to its low energy utilization efficiency. However, the energy efficiency of the iron and steel industry in China has made significant improvement in the past few years and significant energy savings will be achieved in the future by optimizing end-use energy utilization. Finally, some measures for the industry in terms of the economic policy of China''s 11th five-year plan are also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the past 20 years, China''s economy has grown rapidly, but so has the country''s power industry. This paper provides a comprehensive introduction on the current status and the future development of the power transmission systems and grids, which include HVAC and HVDC transmissions, regional power grids and grid interconnections, several important operational issues, e.g., stability problems that China''s power grids face, new technologies for increasing transmission capacity, and stabilizing the grids, and so on. Under the constructed UHVAC and UHVDC, some pilot projects and planned future development of UHVAC and UHVDC transmission systems are also introduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since energy consumption in process industries accounts for a great proportion of China''s total energy consumption, energy conservation becomes the practical choice to reduce the conflict between energy demand and energy supply in China, and therefore, promoting energy conservation is the long-term solution to China''s energy and environment problems from the source. In this paper, based on the introduction of the concept of energy consumption status in China''s key energy-consuming process industries, the main technical bottlenecks and resource-environment problems were analyzed with special emphasis on energy utilization efficiency, energy consumption mode, and waste emission. As for the measures to resolve these problems, at the policy level, policies and programs of Chinese government related to energy conservation were introduced in combination with China''s circular economy structure. At the technical level, the key technologies and research progress to improve energy utilization efficiency, reducing energy consumption, as well as utilizing the resource of discharged wastes were reviewed. Finally, three typical cases of the development of circular economy at three levels, namely the chemical industry, metallurgical industry, and electric power industry, were studied for the enforcement of circular economy and energy conservation in China''s process industries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China has been the world''s most vibrant economy and its largest source of energy demand growth over the past two decades, accounting for more than one-quarter of net growth in global primary energy consumption from 1980 to 2005. To sustain economic growth and rising living standards, China needs effective policies that anticipate and shape the country''s future energy requirements. In this paper, we examine China''s national economic and energy accounts over the past decade for insights into changing energy use patterns and their relationship to economic structure. Our results indicate that incipient structural changes in the Chinese energy economy and sustained economic and energy demand growth in China will pose important, and different, challenges for policymakers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Distributed energy systems (DES) with hybrid sources has become a more effective way to increase the flexibility of energy supply. Current relevant research on DES design optimization strives to improve system efficiency and sustainability through independent application of subsystem interconnection and demand response. This paper aims to analyze the coupling impact of the above two strategies on the performance of DES. A general multi-objective mathematical programming model is proposed to work out the optimal design and operation scheme of DES, as well as flexible management of electricity, cooling energy, heating energy and steam. The minimum annual cost, carbon emission and energy demand deviation are set as objective functions. Additionally, the augmented ε-constraint method is introduced to search for the trade-off among three indicators. A composite community in China is taken as a case and three scenarios are carried out for comparison. Results reveal that the annual cost and carbon emission are further decreased by 7.3% and 32.1% under the coupling impact of subsystem interconnection and demand response. Eventually, the preferred strategy is analyzed in detailed to illustrate how this coupling strategy further improves the performance of DES. • The coupling impact of subsystem interconnection and demand response is analyzed. • DES is evaluated by economic, environmental and demand deviation indicators. • A tri-objective MILP model is built to determine the optimal coupling strategy. • The AUGMECON is introduced to search for the trade-off between three indicators. • The annual cost and carbon emission are further decreased by 7.3% and 32.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-location of wind and tidal current turbines (WTs/TCTs) is a new way to improve the economy and reliability of electricity generation from renewable energy sources. In this paper, an optimization model for determining the configuration of a co-located wind/tidal current farm (WF/TCF) is proposed. The objectives include the minimization of the system levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the maximization of the system average power supply reliability (APSR). In the planning area, there are certain zones where there are important restrictions which do not allow WTs/TCTs to be installed. These are called forbidden zones. When deciding the feasible area in the optimization, the complement of the forbidden zones in the planning area is used. The optimization problem is formulated as a coordinate model (CM) and a grid model (GM), both solved by the multi-swarm optimization (MSO) algorithm. The proposed approach is tested in an offshore area of Zhejiang province, China. Simulation results indicate that the co-location of a WF/TCF is an economic-technical efficient approach to harvest marine renewable energy. Also, the MSO algorithm outperforms its counterparts, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO) algorithms, in solving the CM and the GM of the WF/TCF layout optimization problem. • The layout of a co-located WF/TCF is optimized. • The optimization objectives are the minimization of LCOE and the maximization of APSR. • The forbidden zones in the planning area are considered in the optimization. • The optimization problem is formulated as a CM and a GM, respectively. • The MSO algorithm is compared with the PSO and the DPSO algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a core driving force of many industries in China, energy supply is significant for China's economic growth. However, as an old Chinese saying, to do a good job, one must sharpen his device. The energy technology and engineering (ETE) industry should also be focused because it provides advanced technology and equipment to obtain energy resources and improve energy efficiency. Therefore, this paper analyzes China's listed ETE enterprises by evaluating their overall performance in two hierarchies namely operation management and stock performance. By proposing a double hierarchy network model, the two important hierarchies are integrated. Also, the endogenous R&D elasticity for the listed ETE enterprises is investigated. After that, we develop the double hierarchy network with an exogenous disturbance model to generally discuss external impacts on the ETE industry. It is found that the enterprises which are more potential to catch the opportunities to make them survived in the fierce competition when being affected by external uncertainties also show positive endogenous R&D elasticity. They perform also stably in the recent 5 years. Further, we provide the strategies from the perspectives of ETE managers and investors who are interested in this industry. For ETE managers, the strategies are different according to their specific enterprises' situations. Besides, we recommend certain enterprises as investment choices with or without considering any external factors that could impact the ETE industry. More significantly, since specific external uncertainties are difficult to be identified, the exogenous disturbance is generally discussed in this research. • We propose a double hierarchy model to analyze the R&D elasticity of ETE industry. • We empirically study all China's listed enterprises' R&D elasticity in ETE industry. • We conclude that R&D can help ETE enterprise cope with external uncertainty. • Strategies are given for ETE manager and investor to deal with external uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable access to electricity is still a serious problem for remote villages, however, abundant solar radiation and biomass have the potentials to provide energy supply in a sustainable way. This paper focuses on the optimal design and techno-economic analysis of the stand-alone hybrid energy system for a typical rural village in the northwest of China. Based on the estimation of local renewable energy potential and the investigation of heat and power consumption patterns, a mixed-integer linear programming optimization model is presented with the aim of minimum total annualized cost. The techno-economic analysis of different system configurations is conducted and compared. Particularly, the levelized cost of energy production and levelized cost of energy consumption is proposed to evaluate the economic-cost of energy from both supply and demand-side respectively. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis is conducted to demonstrate the influences of the variations and uncertain environmental policy on total system cost and performance. The results demonstrate that the PV/biomass-CHP/diesel generator/gas boiler/battery/thermal energy storage hybrid energy system is the most economical option with a total annualized cost of 652 × 103 $. The levelized cost of energy consumption (0.355 $/kWh) is greater than that of energy production (0.275 $/kWh), implying a great potential for local electrification and more flexible heat/power output equipment. • Stand-alone hybrid energy system with biomass-CHP for remote areas. • Novel levelized cost of energy evaluated from both supply and demand perspectives. • Techno-economic analysis of hybrid energy systems with different configurations. • Sensitivity analysis to investigate the impacts of market price variations and environmental policy uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coal plays a key role in China's economy as a dominant primary energy resource. In this paper, we provide probability density forecasts for weekly steam coal prices in China based on daily factors such as renewable energy source, Daqing oil, Japanese natural gas, Australia steam coal prices, coal mining industry index, A-share power sector index, A-share index, coal industry index, and temperature. The empirical results show that the influence of temperature lasts longer than other factors, while the Australia steam coal prices, renewable energy source and A-share index are the three best predictors for steam coal prices. It is also shown that the high-frequency factors are useful to forecast steam coal prices and that considering the nonlinearity of coal prices can improve the forecast accuracy by about 22%. We further provide the probability density forecasts for steam coal prices based on the influence of all the selected factors, the results suggest that our proposed method can provide accurate and satisfying probability density forecasts. Given these results, the policy-makers can make effective strategies which can not only adjust the energy structure but also ensure economic growth. • High-frequency factors are useful to forecast coal prices. • C-MIDAS-X model considers the high-frequency factors and the nonlinearity of coal prices. • The probability density forecasts are satisfying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]