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As a representative region with poor energy resource endowment in China, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region poses a pressing and vital issue for research on energy security. This study offers a comprehensive assessment of energy security levels (ESL) in the YRD region of China from 2000 to 2019, emphasizing the pivotal role of electricity indicators in energy transition using a combination optimization model of the entropy method and CRITIC method. Subsequently, we employed a coupling synergy degree model to further quantify the energy synergy among different YRD provinces and to verify the effects of energy synergy and renewable energy generation (REG) on the ESL of the YRD region. The findings highlight supply security as the central concern for safeguarding energy security. The YRD region's ESL ranking is as follows: Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Shanghai. There is a significant linear correlation between energy synergy and ESL, with Zhejiang and Jiangsu experiencing a notably greater effect of energy synergy on ESL than Anhui. A pronounced U-shaped relationship between REG and ESL is evident in the Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. The impact of REG on ESL is significant in Zhejiang province but negligible in Shanghai. • Investigated the energy security of China's Yangtze River Delta region. • Estimated the energy synergy of China's Yangtze River Delta region. • Examined how energy synergy and renewable energy generation affect energy security. • Renewable energy generation's effect on energy security shows a clear U-shaped pattern. • There is a significant linear correlation between energy synergy and energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to reduce dependence on energy imports and increase domestic energy generation are often linked to imports of energy-generation equipment, which may lead to security issues. This study analyses the European Union's imports of energy and energy technologies in 2013–2023 using a common methodology based on a set of indicators. The analysis encompasses both well-established import diversification indicators and an extended version of the Herfindahl–Hirschman index (HHI), which considers the political stability of import sources. The results indicate that, while the diversification of energy imports has increased in recent years (the extended HHI for imports of the generalised group of energy and fuel products decreased from 0.16 in 2017 to 0.1 in 2022), imports of energy equipment are becoming increasingly concentrated (the extended HHI for energy technology imports into the EU increased from 0.16 in 2017 to 0.55 in 2022). This trend is particularly evident in the case of solar and energy storage technologies, which represent a significant vulnerability in the context of technology imports. Import dependency may have adverse consequences for the EU's ambitious energy transformation agenda. • Diversification of energy-related imports to the European Union during 2013–2023 is analysed. • Extended Herfindahl–Hirschman index version is obtained through integrating political stability indicator. • Imports of energy equipment are becoming increasingly concentrated. • Extended Herfindahl–Hirschman index for energy technology imports to the European Union increased to 0.55 in 2022. • Import risks could threaten the European Union's decarbonisation initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba's power supply is characterized by the dependence on imported oil, outdated power plants and frequent power curtailment. Cuba's government aims at changing this situation through the National Economic and Social Development Plan, which targets a renewable share of 37 % in 2030. In the longer term, the Cuban government has already acknowledged the goal of 100 % renewable electricity supply. This work reviews the current ambitions of the Cuban government and provides a scientific approach to identifying the most cost-effective 100 % renewable energy system in 2030. First, we study whether the generation mix proposed by the Cuban government to reach 37 % renewables is the most cost-effective. Second, we run a simulation that considers fossil and renewable energy technologies purely to optimize costs. Third, we investigate the renewable future for Cuba with a simulation under the constraint of a 100 % renewable energy share. Our results suggest that energy sector plans should be reconsidered from a techno-economic point of view: With the overall cost-optimization, we find that much higher renewable energy shares of over 80 % are possible at lower overall costs. Finally, we analyze that the cost viability of a 100 % renewable electricity depends largely on the ability to use Cuba's biomass resources to balance solar generation. • The Cuban expansion plan for 2030 can achieve the targeted 37 % RE with reduced LCOE. • A larger share of wind power capacities can reduce costs to achieve the 37 % target. • Optimization shows that higher RE shares of above 82 % are possible at lower costs. • The cost-optimal system is dominated by wind power and biomass power generation. • In the long term (reaching 100 % RE) a large solar PV capacity is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, climate change is a major global societal challenge that significantly increases environmental stress. Most international organizations and policies have promoted initiatives to minimize emissions, reduce fossil fuel dependence and increase renewable energy resource integration into different sectors. An energy transformation towards more renewable systems is thus a priority. Under this scenario, the present paper describes and evaluates an alternative energy conversion matrix-based model to combine sector electrification, power generation units from renewables, and new clean technologies. The proposed green matrix-based model allows analyzing future scenarios, including electricity participation in end-use consumption and electric power generated by renewables – potentially integrated into different sectors –. The proposed model is evaluated in the state of Maine (United States). This case study is focused on decarbonizing both residential heating and transport sector through the integration of large offshore wind power plant. Results and discussion is also included in the paper, providing expected energy demand reductions and decreasing emissions through the integration of renewables. This energy transition integration case study is proposed in three road-maps with different penetration rates and time scales. The proposed green matrix-based model can be also applied to other areas and energy resources, as an alternative way to analyze and estimate renewable integration into different sectors. • Green Electrical Matrix to link electricity supply and end-use for energy transition. • Assesses renewable potential and electrification tech for end uses, e.g., transport. • Applies model to Maine, USA to show reductions in fossil fuels and emissions. • GIS and MCDM for optimal offshore wind location, maximizing electricity generation. • Short, medium, and long-term projections of renewable integration into energy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of energy transition on energy security risk for 41 BRI during 1995–2018 using second generation panel econometric techniques. First this study computes total energy share from renewable resources and then analyses their effects on energy security risk. According to the results of augmented mean group (AMG) and common correlated effect mean group (CCEMG) estimates, renewable resources significantly decrease energy security risk. Energy transition as variable of interest significantly decreases energy security risk with renewable energy resources. This study recommends that a structural change in the form of energy transition reduce energy security risk for selected BRI countries. This is because non-renewable resources although fulfil domestic energy requirements but degrades the environment and still there exists energy security in the form of energy demand and supply, affordability, cleanability sustainability and availability. Corresponding to these findings, BRI countries must implement policies to invest more in renewable energy resources and less utilization of non-renewable resources to prevent themselves from energy security risk in the long run. • Role of energy transition in reducing energy security risk for BRI countries. • Total renewable energy contribution towards energy security risk. • Augmented Mean Group (AMG) and Common correlated effect (CCEMG) estimates. • Dealing Cross-sectional dependence in panel analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-carbon transition of the power sector is an important measure to achieve carbon neutrality in China. Renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and carbon cap were implemented to promote energy transition since 2018. It is essential to evaluate influences of different policy mixes on provincial power systems and inter-provincial electricity transmissions for an optimal policy design and implementation under provincial heterogeneity. This study evaluates the effects of RPS targets and carbon cap on low-carbon transition of China's power system. It further analyzes how to achieve low-carbon transition of China's provincial power sectors with these two policies. Different mixes of RPS target and carbon cap were set to assess their impacts on energy structure change, CO 2 emissions abatement, and compliance costs. Results show that the RPS policy can significantly promote investments in renewable energy power in China's resource-rich and high-demand provinces. Investment in nuclear power is important in meeting carbon cap constraints. RPS policy and carbon cap have an overlapping effect on low-carbon transition in China's power sector. Moreover, extensive inter-provincial electricity flows could balance the reverse distribution of energy resources and power loads for renewable energy in a cost-effective way. • Develop a multi-region model with total system cost optimized under RPS constraints. • RPS policy can promote renewable energy investments in provinces with rich renewable resources or high electricity demand. • RPS policy is expected to increase inter-provincial electricity flows. • Massive electricity transmission can help decrease compliance costs. • The power structure and carbon emissions are different in various RPS target allocation scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The share of renewable sources in energy production in Poland is increasing steadily, but the reliability of energy supplies is determined primarily by stable sources, i.e. the coal-fired power units now in operation. The paper compares the current energy mix of the Polish power generation system with other European countries, drawing attention to the dominant role of coal-fired sources in Poland. Recent-year changes in the structure of the energy system are presented, along with the changes planned to ensure reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. It is demonstrated that the planned changes in the energy mix will significantly deteriorate the level of reliability of energy supplies in subsequent years of transition. Variants are presented of necessary adjustments in the planned energy mix in the system, which will make it possible to meet the growing national demand for energy and ensure the required level of the energy system reliability. Several variants of the system expansion are considered, including gas-fired units, onshore and offshore wind farms, photovoltaic sources and a slower rate of decommissioning the coal-fired power units retrofitted with CO 2 capture facilities. The most favourable solution for the system reconstruction is to increase the share of all the above-mentioned energy sources. • Demand for power in the Polish energy system until 2035 was estimated. • Very low reliability of the planned power system has been demonstrated. • Reconstruction variants of the energy system, which increase its reliability, are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power systems around the world are changing due to the rapid transformation of the generation mix. Unprecedented configurations of the power system may increase the exposure to failures, and thus, lower security of supply. At the same time, the secure development of the system cannot neglect cost considerations. This demands for adequate tools to assess and prepare for future scenarios of the energy transition. In this paper, a risk-informed approach for generation and transmission expansion planning is developed. The approach integrates cost-based generation and transmission expansion planning and risk-based transmission expansion planning. Interfacing these two models to perform coordinated generation and transmission expansion planning results in solutions that are cost-effective, account for the risk implications of the systemic changes, and guarantee system security. The risk-informed coordinated generation and transmission system expansion planning is performed for the Swiss power system which is modeled in full detail for the year 2050. To account for electricity exports and imports, the four surrounding countries are considered in an aggregated manner and their 2050 capacities are projected assuming a net-zero scenario. The results of the risk-informed coordinated expansion planning show that the pure cost-minimization approach applied to either generation or combined generation and transmission expansion planning does not necessarily lead to a reliable power supply in Switzerland. In fact, not accounting for reliability leads to expansion solutions that may incur up to 16 times higher demand not served compared to the reference year 2018. This highlights the importance of considering in-depth system security analyses in power system expansion planning. • A risk-informed approach for generation and transmission system expansion is proposed. • The coupling of two models for expansion planning and risk assessment is presented. • A real-size low-carbon power system is used to demonstrate the approach. • Cost-optimal expansions are identified while accounting for power system security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy has an essential role in socio-economic development, particularly in European coal-mining regions undergoing a transition process which implies searching for alternative fuels to coal. Forestry wastes provide a large amount of biomass that has the potential to be transformed into biocoal to produce solid biofuels. The present work aims to analyse the feasibility of integrating biocoals as a renewable solid fuel, produced by torrefaction and further mechanical densification, in the currently existing coal-consuming facilities. The methodology proposed evaluates existing forest waste resources and their potential conversion into biocoal pellets for use in thermal and electrical energy production. An analysis of the results indicates a potential overall production of 280 kt/year of torrefied pellets in the seven coal-mining regions in Spain evaluated in the study, with the potential to produce 78 MW e or 470 MW th , respectively, and avoid 582 kt/year of CO 2 emissions. The average cost for torrefied pellets production would be 148 €/t and require an emission cost of approximately above 45 €/t CO2 to be cost-competitive with coal for direct use in currently existing energy systems. The use of biocoal is shown from resource to energy management for energy conversion systems in the pathway of the energy transition. • European coal regions must meet EU targets in renewable energy production. • Bioenergy from torrefaction is a promising source in the energy transition. • Biocoal would avoid 582 kt/year of equivalent CO 2 emissions in Spain. • New energy conversion strategies can further develop the bioenergy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural gas plays a strategic role in energy transition. For instance, the Chinese government regards coal-to-gas transition as a medium-term emission mitigation option, resulting in growths in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipping import volumes. However, LNG terminal receiving capacity and domestic tanker fleet capacity insufficiencies become bottlenecks impacting LNG supply efficiency and security. This study analyses to which extent LNG shipping import growth accelerates under natural gas consumption growth, domestic production reduction and pipeline import reduction scenarios, then evaluates LNG terminal capacities and tanker fleet capacities needed to accommodate the respective LNG import volumes. An innovative System Dynamics model is developed based on historical data, policies and market information using China as a case. It found that consumption growths or alternative supply reductions by over 5% beyond the baseline simulation will cause LNG terminal overloads. Even in the baseline scenario without any unexpected supply or demand change, China's domestically owned LNG tankers only meet 49% of its LNG shipping import demand. Hence, the government is recommended to coordinate national energy strategies and sector-level planning. Terminal operators need to accelerate capacity expansions. Domestic shipping companies can invest in large-sized tankers to reduce LNG tankers deployed and relieve the dependency on foreign fleets. • Limited LNG terminal and fleet capacities hinder coal-to-gas transition of China. • China's terminal capacities are insufficient to cope with unexpected demand surges. • China's domestic tanker fleet can accommodate below 50% of LNG import volumes. • Government needs to coordinate national energy policies and sector-level planning. • Encouraging more players to invest in terminals and large ships are key solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asia-Pacific has experienced prodigious growth in energy use and is by far the world's largest greenhouse-gas emitting region. Australia has played a leading role in meeting the region's energy and resource needs, becoming the world's largest exporter of coal, liquefied natural gas, iron ore, and alumina. Our analysis shows that these exports are tied to sizeable consequential emissions at the point of use or processing, accounting for about 8.6% of the total greenhouse gas emissions of the Asia-Pacific. The paper investigates three pathways by which Australia could instead export zero-carbon energy and products: direct exports of renewable electricity via sub-sea cables, exports of zero-carbon fuels such as green hydrogen, and the export of "green" metals processed from Australian ores using renewable energy. Carrying out robust, high-level calculations we find that Australia has the land and renewable energy resources to become a key exporter of these commodities. Realization of this potential relies on ongoing cost reductions, growing demand-side interest linked to meeting ambitious emission reduction targets in the region, and the development of cross-border frameworks for clean energy trade. If it were to achieve this goal, Australia could make a sizeable contribution to regional decarbonization via renewable-energy based exports. • Consequential emissions from existing key Australian exports are estimated. • The potential for replacement zero-carbon exports from Australia is analyzed. • Land, water, and energy requirements for new zero-carbon exports are calculated. • There is the potential to reduce Asia-Pacific greenhouse gas emissions by about 8.6%. • Around 2% of Australia's land mass would be required for solar and wind farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change threats and the necessity to achieve global Sustainable Development Goals demand unprecedented economic and social shifts around the world, including a fundamental transformation of the global energy system. An energy transition is underway in most regions, predominantly in the power sector. This research highlights the technical feasibility and economic viability of 100% renewable energy systems including the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors. It presents a technology-rich, multi-sectoral, multi-regional and cost-optimal global energy transition pathway for 145 regional energy systems sectionalised into nine major regions of the world. This 1.5 °C target compatible scenario with rapid direct and indirect electrification via Power-to-X processes and massive defossilisation indicates substantial benefits: 50% energy savings, universal access to fresh water and low-cost energy supply. It also provides an energy transition pathway that could lead from the current fossil-based system to an affordable, efficient, sustainable and secure energy future for the world. • Energy transition in power, heat and transport sectors is feasible across the world. • Power sector emerges as the backbone of the entire energy system. • Defossilisation and electrification result in the rise of overall system efficiency. • The described energy transition scenario is compatible with the 1.5 °C target. • Final energy demand grows in a cost-optimal pathway without carbon dioxide removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]