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Abstract: Urban neighborhoods could represent an optimal scale for the implementation of innovative energy strategies. However, barriers at the economic, regulatory and administrative level are still present. In this framework, it is important to operate on three levels of the energy system: by reducing energy demand; by optimizing generation and management system, and by integrating local renewable energy sources. In recent years, as a result of an important agreement with the Italian Ministry of Environment, Lombardy Region has supported numerous measures for energy efficiency and renewable resources integration among its territory. The funding supported different actions such as improvements of the buildings envelope, substitution of old gas boilers for heat generation with more efficient components, integration of solar thermal systems in buildings, hydrogen and more sustainable mobility, and district heating plants, which present contribution concerns. About district heating the incentives were provided within two different calls: one aimed at the creation of plants and district heating networks and another for the extension of existing systems. Main aim of the research is to evaluate effects, effectiveness, pros and cons of the several calls for funding; to that end a methodology was developed in order to collect the data and elaborate representative energy, environmental and economic indicators. The most important characteristics, conditions and technical features of the considered plants are described in the present paper trying to provide information on the effectiveness of the supporting measures taken in order to orient future choices and to identify the most promising strategies and technologies for improving energy and environmental performances of communities. In particular present paper is related to 10 district heating plants: 6 are based on biomass and located in mountain areas, 3 are based on natural gas and located in urban areas, while the last is connected to the urban waste to energy plant. One of the important lesson is learned is that district heating (fuelled by biomass, fossil, waste and CHP or not) represents an innovative field of knowledge far from standard: in general each plant has to be evaluated on the basis of specify characteristics and it is very hard to find out average performances from the environmental and economic point of view. The results obtained during the monitoring campaign could help in providing information on the effectiveness of the supporting measures adopted and also to orient future choices by Lombardy Region and, in particular, to identify the most promising technologies for improving energy and environmental performances of communities and to develop a model for the optimization of energy use in the built environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Given the blindness in present wind power integration decision-making, the paper constructed complete index system considering the characteristics of the wind power integration. By means of introducing the tolerance matrix into fuzzy AHP, the judgment matrix is easy to test consistency. The paper used the improved fuzzy AHP to make decision on the wind power integration schemes. The calculation results show that the method is practical. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With the economic development, the demond for energy is growing in China, and the traditional non-renewable energy makes the energy transformation is imminent.In this paper, based on the fully understanding of our existing energy structure, and from the perspective of supply and demand, the author analysis the changes in the structure of future energy and gives the suggestion.The paper argues that China''s energy structure will gradually turn to be comprehensive and diverse, but the cost and market constraints will obstruct the promotion of renewable energy sources.Therefore, the traditional high-carbon energy is still the main form of domestic energy consumptionin a very long period of time.Only by improving technology and using of the macro-control can reduce the costs and regulate the import and export, which can achieve sustainable development of changing from a high-carbon energy to low carbon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Domestic water heating in Australia conventionally uses electric resistance heating storage or gas fuelled water heaters. The Australian electricity supply has some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions factors in the world. Consequently, water heating is responsible for approximately 24 percent of residential sector greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. To assist households to move towards an energy efficient, low carbon future, a suite of market intervention programs to support solar hot water uptake have been introduced at both state and federal levels. These programs aim to improve the capacity of industry to deliver solar solutions, reduce the emissions intensity and net cost of household water heating, and increase the market share of the solar water heating sector. Incentives include: [•] Point of sale rebates and certificate-based programs for energy efficiency and renewable energy; [•] Regulations for new houses that encourage solar water heating installations; [•] Community awareness programs; and [•] Training programs for installers to ensure that tradespeople have the competencies to size systems and the skills to install them correctly. In some jurisdictions the incentive programs were performance-based, but in others a fixed rebate amount was available for all systems having performance above a minimum threshold. These programs have lead to the widespread expansion of the industry, with an almost doubling of the proportion of households with solar water heaters between 1999 and 2011. Installations in new homes have seen an even more marked increase: For example, regulations for new homes in the state of Victoria require the installation of a solar water heater or rainwater tank. This program has seen the adoption of solar water heaters in new homes increase fro m around 5% in 2004 to over 70% in 2011. Across most of Australia there are proposed regulations limiting the emissions intensity of replacement water heaters which will effectively ban resistance electric water heaters in most situations. Recently both South Australia and Queensland commenced their program for existing houses. It is expected that in the future these programs will drive an even greater uptake, which will go some way to insulating Australian households from price increases that may result from carbon driven future increases in the cost of energy. This paper discusses the various approaches and outcomes of the different programs and provides analysis of the basis of program success or improvements. Learning relevant to market interventions worldwide include [•] Continuity in program operation is necessary to allow industry to grow in a sustainable way. [•] Basing the incentive on independently derived performance results provides industry with a means of differentiating better products and provides purchasers with appropriate guidance. [•] Rebate program design should consider the consumer''s purchasing priorities. For example, a point of sale discount awarded as part of the purchase transaction aligns with the urgency of the purchasing process and does not require additional cash to be available from the purchaser. [•] Design of the schemes can not only produce a greater market share, but can also encourage the manufacture of lower greenhouse gas emissions products. [•] Market interventions can have unintended consequences, so the programs need to be monitored and flexibility maintained to changes to avoid poor outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy efficient HVAC solutions may be obtained by combining different energy sources – fossil and renewable – into single hybrid systems. This leads to a variety of system concepts with specific boundary conditions. As a consequence, the definition of a unique representation method and a standardized performance evaluation procedure is a challenging task. Currently, two international projects promoted by the IEA are dealing with the representation and the performance calculation of a particular category of hybrid systems, i.e. integrated solar assisted systems. The HPP Annex 34 “Thermally Driven Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling”, whose goal is to reduce the environmental impact of heating and cooling by the use of thermally driven heat pumps, has solar cooling as one of the systems under investigation. The joint project between SHC and HPP Task 44/Annex 38 “Solar and Heat Pump Systems” is focused on different system combinations of solar thermal collectors and heat pumps. The scope of the present paper is to show a systematic methodology to represent and evaluate the energy performance of complex hybrid systems. The proposed approach is a joint effort of the on-going IEA activities and will be discussed regarding the mentioned solar hybrid systems. However, the final goal of the work is to provide a basis for a simple, fair and transparent comparison of all systems for heating and cooling, regardless of the technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The urbanized surface of the old continents could be double in little more than a century due to the transit of the _world from villages to cities (according to the UN) beside the rapid growing in the world population, these will lead _to large numbers of environmental problems, one of these problems is that the energy consumption per person will _increase so more energy will be produced. ^pElectricity from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas negatively affect the environment at each step from production till consumption, and relaying mainly on these resources of energy to apply this new huge demand will lead to producing more CO2 gas in the atmosphere which will case rising of earth temperature in a rapid rate while electricity generated using sources other than fossil fuel reduces the environmental impacts. Buildings consumes approximately 39% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced annually in the United States (according to LEED BD+C version 3), and as a rule of thumb the better the energy performance of a building, the fewer greenhouse gases are emitted, So relying on renewable energies to supply urban areas with the power needed is the solution for this problem and is considered an important approach for our cities to be more sustainable. The major shift in the vision of sustainable cities is the potential of buildings to produce energy. This will entail a whole host of solutions (solar, wind power and so forth) that will make cities more interesting as well as sustainable. And in this paper we will try to introduce the main parameters and considerations of these renewable energies specially the wind energy which can affect the form of the city and the important dimensions that should be taken into consideration when designing a new sustainable city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) is a renewable energy technology with the advantages of energy saving and environmental friendliness. This paper focuses on the energy efficiency of air-conditioning systems in public buildings in Tianjin. Three public buildings are chosen as case studies with different forms of cold & heat sources. A building with ground-source heat pump for heating and cooling, a building with electricity-driven refrigerating unit for cooling and centralized heat-supply network for heating, a building with direct-fired Li-Br absorption refrigerating and heating unit for heating and cooling are selected. Attempt is made to analyze the actual operating performance of air-conditioning system and evaluate the system energy efficiency in different buildings. The results show that ground-source heat pump air-conditioning system without adequate design and management is not always better than other traditional air-conditioning systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The regional condition and natural resources of the Yellow River Delta are superior, but the issues and constrains there are also quite pronounced. So the development of high-efficiency ecological economy is confronted with serious challenges. Take the Yellow River Delta High-efficiency Eco-economic Zone as the evaluation object and at the basis of the analyses of the development situation in the area, the energy consumption and carbon emissions were forecasted and estimated in the paper. The results indicate that the total energy use in 2015 and 2020 would be 1.62 and 2.22 times higher than that in 2009, respectively. The average annual growth rate of carbon emissions is 8.40% from 2009 to 2015 and that would be 6.50% from 2015 to 2020. The amount of carbon emissions of the area in 2015 and 2020 will take up 13.35% and 16.16% of Shandong Province, respectively. Finally, some suggestions were proposed to guarantee the sustainable energy use and the realization of carbon emission reduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The rapid growth of Chinese economy has tremend-ously stimulated the expansion of energy consumption. The structure of energy consumption in China is featured with the coal domination. Air pollution is becoming increasingly severe and causes enormous economic losses. As a result, we are confronted with the extremely arduous task to balance energy consumption and environmental protection. In order to avoid the situation that its rampant environmental pollution problem will worsen before it gets better, Chinese government has put high emphasis on the problem. The efforts made by Chinese government, including energy consumption structure improve-ment and control measures to air pollution, have been introduced and discussed in this paper. China possesses very abundant renewable energies such as wind, solar, geothermal and tidal. Applications of renewable energies, especially solar energy, can coordinate and improve the relationship between energy consumption and environmental protection. Therefore, Chinese government should make more efforts to set up priority of development for renewable energies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sustainable energy has turned into one of the most promising ways to handle the challenges of energy demand problems of numerous consumers worldwide. Myanmar''s energy consumption mainly depends upon traditional energy such as fuel wood, charcoal and biomass. The government had laid the energy policy guidelines and emphasized in renewable energy resources to replace traditional energy types. Although domestic conventional energy sources such as oil and natural gas have been increasing a little bit through discoveries and development, these does not satisfy the demand of the country. In this paper, the energy utilization and the present sustainable energy status are mentioned. Following that, completed projects by each sector are provided. The future plan for energy conservation is finally highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the application energy management system and control system for smart renewable energy power generation. The development of communication platform is use LAB-View technology as a basis design for overall system. The proposed prototype is construct PV 1.8 kWp, Battery 18 kWh, 5kW Generator. The main central control system will acquire data from the remote renewable energy system. All necessary monitor data are including power generation, load consumption, protection system, and other control parameters will be store at a control unit. All monitoring data are monitored as real-time data therefore the operator can also evaluate the system situation in the current states and make decisions to take an immediate action if needed. The system can be improved by learning from monitored data recorded. Moreover the system itself can forecast and make a decision for future power analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper, through analyzing aggregate economic volume and economic structure, distinguishes the influencing factors in fulfilment of the objective that non-fossil energy accounts for 15% of total national energy consumption. Potential of renewable energy resources are surveyed. Simulations of China''s total energy consumption in 2020 are made on difference growth rate assumptions. The feasibility of industrial restructuring is inspected regarding the energy consumption. Policy suggestions are made to achieve the structural objective by 2020. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years, the renewable energy such as wind energy or solar energy is well developed in China, but the green electricity generated from these sources is still difficult to operate commercially. To promote the development of green electricity market, this paper takes Jiangsu Province as examples and explores the consumption mode of green electricity. Through questionnaires design and investigation, we find that information dissermination, green value and bandwage effect play an important role in people''s subsriciption intention, while the actual purchase behavior is mainly drived by subsriciption intention, rather than payment capacity. It implies that we should strengthen the knowledge popular of green electricity through school education, media dissernmination and the spread of green knowledge in the community. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of RIUDS [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 sets a goal for the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In preparation for implementation of a cap and trade program under this Act, Chevron has undertaken a detailed assessment of greenhouse gas mitigation options and costs. Such an assessment is key to making compliance decisions within the constraints of a given cap and trade regime. If the cap and trade market is minimally restricted (i.e., recognizes that climate change is a global issue and thus has no geographic restrictions and no set requirement for onsite emission reductions), facilities can make the best economic (and environmental) choices of where to ‘make’ emission reductions inside the facility fenceline and when to ‘buy’ the emission reduction allowances or credits on the market. The scope of the study included Chevron’s two refineries and a large heavy oil steamflood production operation in California. This paper will discuss how mitigation technologies are identified and assessed, describe some of the key greenhouse gas mitigation alternatives of interest to the Chevron California facilities and present a business-based approach to analyzing mitigation costs. Technologies studied included energy efficiency, advanced energy (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, nuclear, low temperature heat recovery) and carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). For each mitigation option, a consistent methodology, based on the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association/American Petroleum Institute (IPIECA/API) Guidelines for Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Projects was used to assess baseline or ‘business as usual’ emissions, net emission reductions due to the project, capital cost, operating cost and any project benefits (e.g., reduced fuel use for energy efficiency projects). These values were then entered into a business evaluation tool to calculate a Net Present Value for each option. Key conclusions: [•] Broad involvement of various disciplines is needed to identify new alternatives for greenhouse gas mitigation technologies. [•] Other than CCS, options for significant reductions of refinery and petroleum production emissions were extremely limited in the facilities studied. [•] Since cost-effective, feasible options are limited for refineries and petroleum production facilities, availability of sufficient allowances and offsets is an important element if state goals are to be achieved. [•] Although a number of energy efficiency projects were identified, the cumulative total emissions reductions available through energy efficiency projects is minimal. [•] Renewable and advanced energy projects that generate electricity generally have very high mitigation costs, and may not greatly benefit facilities if emission caps apply only to direct emissions, since these projects reduce the quantity of purchased electricity rather than emissions from the facility itself (and are therefore not eligible for credit under most regulatory design schemes). [•] Renewable and advanced energy technologies for steam generation may have significant mitigation potential for heavy oil steamflood production. Further development and demonstration is needed to determine whether these technologies will be viable. [•] In order to support good business decisions, it is important that greenhouse gas mitigation technology evaluation be done in a manner consistent with other business evaluation processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Energy Sector is facing its biggest upheaval. Governments around the globe are discussing the best way to combat climate change. Different mechanisms and policies have been introduced to reach a global carbon dioxide reduction of up to 80% by 2050, based on 1990 emission levels. The difficulties in applying different instruments at the same time are often not considered in the discussion of different instruments. However to achieve an effective and efficient reduction of emissions, a look at the whole bundle of instruments and their interrelationship is necessary when future regulations are discussed. This paper will critically assess the effects and the interrelationship of ETS, EPS and feed in tariffs from a European perspective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]