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Climate and economic policy are closely correlated with energy consumption. This study investigates the bi-directional causality between renewable (REC) and non-renewable energy consumption (NEC) and policy uncertainties. The time-varying bootstrap rolling window causality test considers structural changes and parameter instability. The results show that the causality between REC and climate policy uncertainty (CPU) is both negative and positive, which mainly stems from the attitudes of authorities towards climate change. If the Administration is positive for climate change mitigation, the correlation between REC and CPU is positive; otherwise, it is negative. The nexus between NEC and CPU is mainly positive, except during global financial crisis periods. This reflects that climate policies are affected by financial crises due to financial constraints. For comparison, we further analyse the dynamic correlation between energy consumption and economic policy uncertainty (EPU). EPU has a significant negative impact on REC in most subperiods, while it has a positive impact on NEC. This can be explained by the fact that non-renewable energy is cheap and convenient to use during economic downturns. Moreover, crude oil has strategic reserve value, especially in the turmoil periods. Regarding policy implications, harmonious and coherent climate and economic policies are important for energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the popularity and feasibility of solar power have increased toward achieving a low-carbon and climate-resilient society, it is uncertain how changes in climate attributes will affect the future potential of solar power output. This study presents a comparative assessment of future changes in solar power in terms of the technology for harnessing energy from insolation (PVP vs CSP), climate projections (CMIP5 vs CMIP6), and emission scenarios. Both CMIP5 and CMIP6 multi-model projections capture the major characteristics of the global distribution seen in PVP and CSP calculated using the reanalysis data during the historical period. However, despite the general similarity to CMIP5-based results, CMIP6 models slightly outperform their CMIP5 counterparts regarding quantitative metrics and enhance the robustness of the future change signal estimated by the statistical significance and inter-model consistency. The future changes in PVP and CSP patterns are sensitive to the emission scenarios that can control the degree of warming. Under the fossil-fueled development scenarios, the greater increase in temperatures may lead to a high vulnerability of the solar power supply by reducing the output of both PVP and CSP. This study is timely and relevant to emphasizing the benefits of climate change mitigation, which can support the sustainable development of solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy security and climate change are among the top priority challenges for Turkey. High dependency on imported resources jeopardizes the economy, especially with high currency rate and conflicts in neighboring countries from where Turkey imports its energy. Besides, Turkey has already started to experience the impacts of climate change such as increasing temperature along with drought. Floating photovoltaics have proven themselves to be quite efficient in energy production, with evaporation reduction as a positive externality. The purpose of this article is to reveal the possible capacity of floating photovoltaics on constructed water reservoirs of Turkey and draw policy perspectives against existing or anticipated challenges. A total of 4,003 reservoirs were analyzed based on different water surface coverage scenarios. The results of the study proposed 125 TWh electricity generation, slightly above 40% of the nation-wide electricity demand, when 10% of suitable reservoirs were covered. This generation would be highly instrumental in reducing energy dependency and substituting renewables for conventional resource uses. Avoided CO 2 , thanks to this substitution, was calculated to be 77.1 Mton equivalent. This would obviously be favorable in light of the carbon emission reduction policy of the country and Paris Agreement requirements. Moreover, 1,242.1 hm3 freshwater was assessed to save resources from evaporation loss, which would help to mitigate the climate change pressure on water resources. • Turkey is 74% dependent to import energy resources. • A model proposing suitable reservoirs for floating photovoltaic is presented. • 125 TWh electricity can be generated if 10% of the reservoir surfaces are covered. • Water saving is 1,242 hm3: enough to supply 15 M people or hydroelectric as $32.3 M. • 77.6 million tons CO 2 equivalent is avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global energy markets are experiencing an unprecedented confluence of events that are driving up gas prices and bringing energy security to the forefront, adding further complexity to already uncertain prospects following global economic recovery from COVID-19. This article examines the factors that have led to the current surge in natural gas prices and the role of green investment in enhancing energy security and accelerating the transition pace for a sustainable world. It also discusses the potential short- and long-term implications of ongoing spikes in energy prices on global energy transition. The analysis highlights that while renewables could provide a promising solution to enhance energy security, the current energy crisis has revealed that the current scale of renewable energy investments is not ready to address ongoing energy needs, forcing countries to re-unlock further hydrocarbon fuel sources such as coal, putting global energy transition on hold. The paper concludes with policy recommendations that enable unlocking clean energy investments amid a strained geopolitical context. • We focus on how to balance climate mitigation and energy security goals. • We examine the role of green finance and investments in accelerating the energy transition. • We also discuss the potential short- and long-term implications of ongoing energy spikes. • The current scale of green energy investments is not ready to address ongoing energy needs. • We conclude with policy recommendations that enable unlocking clean energy developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green finance is an effective policy instrument in mitigating climate change, but to date little is known about its impact on carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. This study extends the literature on the relationship between green finance and CO 2 emissions while taking trade openness and economic development into consideration to comprehensively explore the conservation/feedback hypothesis using the Autoregressive-Distributed Lag–Error Correction Model (ARDL–ECM) on data collected from 2000 to 2019. By constructing a green finance index comprising green credit, green securities, green insurance, and green investment, results include the following. (1) Support was found for the conservation hypothesis running from green finance, trade openness, and economic development to emissions per capita; the conservation hypothesis also was supported for the unidirectional relationship running from trade openness and economic development to green finance. (2) Green finance is found to be significantly and negatively related to emissions per capita in both the short and long term. (3) Trade openness shows a positive effect on emissions per capita. Robustness tests are provided. This study deepens policy implications of green finance in the post-pandemic era and highlights the moderating role of renewable energy in the green finance impact on carbon mitigation. • This study constructs a green finance index for China. • The autoregressive distributed lag–error correction model is employed. • Green finance contributes to carbon mitigation in both the short and long run. • CO 2 emissions are Granger result of green finance, trade openness and economic growth. • Trade openness and economic growth are Granger causes of each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concern on climate change has supported technologies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The emission factor of the Brazilian grid electricity is low due to hydropower dominance. However, new hydropower plants have migrated to the Amazon region, with likely social and environmental consequences and rainfall shortage has demanded costly fossil fueled power plants. The grid's emission factor is increasing and new renewable energy alternatives such photovoltaic (PV) are one option to diversify the electricity mix. However, PV systems' efficiency in Brazil varies depending on the climatic region of its installation. This work evaluated the variance in CO 2 emissions reduction of grid connected PV systems for low-income housing in different Brazilian climatic regions. The analysis was based on the PV system, installed in low-income housing projects. Electricity generation was determined through RETScreen and CO 2 emission reductions were determined considering the emission factor of the national grid electricity. Variation of CO 2 emission reductions among bioclimatic regions reached up to 12%. Therefore, PV systems should be adopted in all low-income housing projects in Brazil, regardless of their region, to reduce household's expenditures, CO 2 emissions, and democratize the technology. • PV systems' efficiency varies depending on the climatic region of its installation. • Variance in CO 2 emissions reduction of grid connected PV systems is evaluated. • CO 2 emission reductions vary by up to 11.5% according to the bioclimatic region. • PV systems should be adopted in all low-income housing projects in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation of this study stems from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on clean and responsible energy consumption, climate change mitigation and sustainable economic growth (UN-SDGs-7, 11, 12 and 13). The present study examines the impact of institutional quality on CO 2 emissions in the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework using data on CO 2 emissions and the six dimensions of institutional quality from the World Governance Indicators (WGI). The current study focuses on selected 30 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the annual period from 2000 to 2021. The EKC hypothesis revealed CO 2 emissions are substantially reduced by corruption control, regulatory quality, and the rule of law. Findings from the Dumitrescu and Hurlin causality test showed a one-way causality running from CO 2 emissions to industrialization. Similar uni-directional causality is observed between economic growth, and energy consumption. On the other hand, we observed a two-way causality flow from CO 2 emissions to population growth and all indices of institutional quality over the investigated period. These findings indicate that government agencies should efficiently implement acceptable strategies for pollution control and enact public benefit environmental regulations in the form of a healthier climate for the entire population. • We examined the impact of institutional quality on CO 2 emissions in the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework. • 30 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries are selected for empirical investigation. • We reveal that CO 2 emissions are substantially reduced by corruption control, regulatory quality, and the rule of law. • Meanwhile, one-way causality runs from CO 2 emissions to industrialization. • A two-way causality flow from CO 2 emissions to population growth and all indices of institutional quality are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody biomass energy makes up a large share of renewable energy consumption in the EU, and the largest share in countries like Denmark. However, little is known about how the public perceive it. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire-based survey of the public in Denmark focusing on attitudes toward woody biomass for energy. The main findings are that, while more people favor than oppose it, a large proportion are undecided about the use of woody biomass. The survey also revealed a lack of knowledge about this energy source. A Best-Worst Scaling methodology revealed that Danes prioritize environmental sustainability concerns – namely biodiversity loss, the hindering of the development of other renewable energy sources and the climate change mitigation potential of woody biomass – over societal and/or economic ones when it comes to the promotion of woody biomass. Finally, it was found that concern about climate change, belief in the mitigation potential of woody biomass, and being younger explained the formation of positive attitudes toward woody biomass. Policy makers aiming to take public concerns into account in discussions about Denmark's energy future should focus more on minimizing the negative environmental impacts associated with woody biomass rather than on its economic benefits. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to implement bioeconomy strategy and seek climate change mitigation, the enhancement of bioenergy production and consumption is required. Looking at a bottom-up approach in which a society can choose its renewable energy supplier, it is important to analyze what mechanisms contribute to the willingness to use bioenergy. In this paper, the Lithuania case, when the citizenry got a chance to choose an independent energy supplier, was considered. Applying the structural equation modelling the impact of financial, social and informational mechanisms, knowledge about bioeconomy and about the benefit on the environment and the willingness to use bioenergy was evaluated. The results showed that the financial mechanism and knowledge about bioenergy and the benefit on the environment influenced the willingness to use bioenergy the most. Information mechanism also influenced this intention. Meanwhile, social mechanism had no effect both on knowledge level and intention to use bioenergy. Therefore, this study could contribute to the formation of bioeconomy policy and the enhancement of bioenergy usage in the household sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning power system (PS) towards renewable energy is crucial for reducing carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission as well as mitigating climate change. However, the inherent uncertainty and hierarchical structure of PS pose intractable challenges to the planning process. This study develops a multi-GCM-based interval bi-level programming (MIBP) method that can balance two-level decision-making conflict between CO 2 -emisison reduction and system cost minimization. MIBP can also deal with uncertainties expressed as interval values in objective functions and constraints. Then, a MIBP-PS model is formulated to plan PS for China (2021–2050), where the upper-level objective is to minimize CO 2 emission and the lower-level objective is to minimize the system cost. The major findings are: (i) the CO 2 emission for PS would reach peak value before 2030 and then reduce by [10.2, 20.4]% in 2050, which is mainly owing to the curtailment of fossil fuel; (ii) compared with the conventional model, CO 2 emission from MIBP-PS model could decrease by [3.1, 4.8]%, which shows the superiority of the developed model; (iii) the fossil-fuel power would be gradually replaced by renewable energy, and the proportion of coal-fired power would decrease by 38.8% by 2050, especially small coal-fired facilities (i.e., below 0.3 GW) should be gradually phased down. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable fuels and technologies are expected to significantly contribute towards climate change mitigation considering that the transportation sector provides a 23% share out of the total CO 2 emissions. Biodiesel is a green fuel produced by transesterification of triglycerides with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The current study entails modelling and simulation of biodiesel production, through an acid transesterification process, using both classic and intensified methods, coupled with an environmental impact analysis performed following the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. The traditional biodiesel production consists in the synthesis and separation sections, while the intensified method is based on reactive distillation. ChemCAD software was used to simulate and evaluate the processes from a technical point of view. Methanol is generated using CO 2 and H 2 , this method being considered as a new approach for CO 2 utilization. Water electrolysis is employed for H 2 generation, with either biomass or natural gas as power source. A cradle-to-gate environmental analysis is performed within the current research by means of GaBi software, considering the following system boundaries: i) upstream processes: catalyst supply chain, sunflower oil supply chain, natural gas supply chain, limestone extraction and decomposition, ii) main-processes: methanol and biodiesel production, iii) downstream processes: disposal of wastes. ReCiPe method was chosen as the impact assessment method. High purities for the main product and by-product are obtained (i.e., purities higher than 99%). The outcome of the process simulation points to the conclusion that the intensified path gives better performances from technical point of view. The environmental results show that the classic approach performs better when CO 2 and H 2 are used as raw materials, while reactive distillation displays a higher efficiency when natural gas is used as feedstock. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to unveil the heterogeneous impacts of import product diversification and institutional factors for achieving energy efficiency in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. In doing so, the study employs robust econometric techniques such as Fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) co-integration, pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), pool mean group regressions, fixed effects, and random effects for panel data from 1990 to 2015 for selected OECD countries. The detailed empirical outcomes suggest that import product diversification is conducive to reducing the energy and carbon intensity (improvement in energy efficiency) in OECD countries. The empirical conclusions provide various guidelines to achieve cleaner and greener growth and align with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and SDG 13: Climate action) of OECD countries. The paper elaborates fruitful policy suggestions regarding the diversification of imports and energy use-carbon emission-nexus for the OECD member nations. Based on the findings, policymakers and environmental scientists should strengthen the trade-energy and import portfolio policies to attain energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuels play a key role in the decarbonization process of the transport sector contributing to climate change mitigation, energy security and rural development. However, the competition between energy and food in the use of resources, such as land, water and energy input, requires a robust and integrated methodological framework to promote a holistic sustainable resource management. Here, we propose a land suitability model for energy crops to analyze the dynamic interrelationships between land, water and energy, with the aim of promoting the efficient use of resources in the bioenergy context. The model was developed using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques in geographic information systems (GIS) integrated with the Water-Energy-Food nexus approach. The model was tested for the Basilicata region (southern Italy), comparing two energy crops: (i) rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and (ii) cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.). The application to the case study shows the importance of the land suitability analysis to identify the most suitable crop in a given territory, while the nexus spatial analysis for locating the suitable areas where a more efficient use of water, energy and land resources is reached. The results revealed also that the use of irrigation water would allow greater use efficiency of the other resources, such as land and energy, an aspect not to be underestimated in the energy, land and agricultural planning processes. The research work contributes to the debate on the sustainability of bioenergy, so that they can represent a sustainable solution to the energy issue and climate change. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-powered irrigation system, a low-cost option, ensures varieties of co-benefits both in the domains of climate mitigation and adaptation, and thus has been incorporated as a part of climate project. However, its co-benefits in climate adaptation have not been sufficiently explored, which may result in a lack of insights about co-benefits and prevent wider roll-out and scaling-up. This paper aims at exploring co-benefits of solar-powered irrigation, an adaptation measure, taking a project in a drought-prone area of the northwest part of Bangladesh as a case. Using both interviews and focused group discussion, this research finds that besides generating co-benefits in climate mitigation, there are substantial adaptation co-benefits in various forms including vulnerability reduction and enhancement of resilience. However, many of the co-benefits in climate adaptation are indirect and less visible and realizable in the long-term, such as informal social group formation, improved financial strength, and employment opportunity. Making co-benefits more visible among various stakeholders, and launching a feed-in option may help to scale up solar-powered irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of green energy technologies to supply berthed ships in ports with the necessary power instead of using their diesel generators is considered an initiative towards sustainability and climate change mitigation. Therefore, the current paper investigates the implementation of solar panels, offshore wind turbines, and hydrogen fuel cell systems as green technologies to supply the berthed ships with power in three Egyptian ports. The power requirements are determined by analyzing the annual ship traffic data and estimating the energy demand for each ship type. As a relevant result, the annual energy demand for ships berthed in Alexandria, Damietta, and Safaga ports is about 44.2 × 103 MWh, 22 × 103 MWh, and 5.6 × 103 MWh, respectively. The analysis results reveal a potential annual carbon dioxide reduction of 31.7 k-tons, 15.7 k-tons, and 4.2 k-tons in Alexandria, Damietta, and Safaga ports, respectively. From an economic perspective, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of solar panels is estimated to be 80.7–90.1 $/MWh, while hydrogen fuel cells have a cost of 166.8–172 $/MWh. On the other hand, LCOE in the case of wind turbines is estimated to be 140.8 $/MWh for Alexandria ports, 178.3 $/MWh for Damietta port, and 103.9 $/MWh for Safaga port. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerating the penetration of photovoltaics (PV) oriented renewables is a vital mainstay in climate mitigation. Along with continuous growth of PV generation in the power system, PV costs have been rapidly declining. Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is commonly applied to cost accounting of energy, while neglecting the specific cost compositions of PV leads to an overly optimistic scenario. By integrating grid costs and balancing costs into conventional LCOE framework, a System LCOE (S-LCOE) model was constructed to evaluate the economic feasibility of PV generation, more accurately. The results revealed that all provincial S-LCOE of China's PV is currently higher than local desulfurized coal electricity price (DCEP). Based on the comparative analysis of provincial S-LCOE and DCEP, four regions with diverse economic competitiveness were identified. PV projects in Region I and Region II are considered to be potentially competitive comparing to thermal generation, in terms of environmental benefits and S-LCOE, especially in Guangdong, Jilin, and Hainan. Furthermore, by simulating the descent trajectory of S-LCOE, we estimate that China will achieve S-LCOE equal to DCEP in Region I as early as 2023, while it will be postponed to 2042 in Region Ⅳ at the latest, depending on different S-LCOE descent rates. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerating the penetration of photovoltaics (PV) oriented renewables is a vital mainstay in climate mitigation. Along with continuous growth of PV generation in the power system, PV costs have been rapidly declining. Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is commonly applied to cost accounting of energy, while neglecting the specific cost compositions of PV leads to an overly optimistic scenario. By integrating grid costs and balancing costs into conventional LCOE framework, a System LCOE (S-LCOE) model was constructed to evaluate the economic feasibility of PV generation, more accurately. The results revealed that all provincial S-LCOE of China's PV is currently higher than local desulfurized coal electricity price (DCEP). Based on the comparative analysis of provincial S-LCOE and DCEP, four regions with diverse economic competitiveness were identified. PV projects in Region I and Region II are considered to be potentially competitive comparing to thermal generation, in terms of environmental benefits and S-LCOE, especially in Guangdong, Jilin, and Hainan. Furthermore, by simulating the descent trajectory of S-LCOE, we estimate that China will achieve S-LCOE equal to DCEP in Region I as early as 2023, while it will be postponed to 2042 in Region Ⅳ at the latest, depending on different S-LCOE descent rates. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article sets out to examine the connection between energy transition and factors associated with renewable energy sources, buildings and other sectors, placing emphasis on France. The methodology includes: Collection of scholarly writings, classification, identification of research questions, bibliographic analysis, identification of important findings, discussion. The results of a study (EDF, Le nucléaire en chiffres) demonstrated that, in 2019, around 80% of the electricity production from nuclear energy (in France) was provided by 4 regions: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes , Grand Est , Centre-Val de Loire , Normandie. France has a high dependence on nuclear power generation and, for this reason, renewable-energy penetration is an imperative part of the French energy transition. Numerous studies show that energy transition requires actions based on burgeoning and avant-garde technologies, and effective policies. Moreover, energy transition poses challenges: decisions on nuclear power plants, sustainable development of small-island economies, etc. A discussion on the energy transition in Corsica (France) is also provided. Regarding the French overseas territories Corse (Corsica), Guadeloupe , Martinique , Guyane , Mayotte , Réunion , the findings of a study (Rakotoson and Praene, 2017) demonstrate that thanks to renewable energy sources/network interconnection, Corsica and French Guiana have lower emissions in comparison to the other territories: 0.505 and 0.373 kg CO 2.eq /kWh e , respectively. • The role of renewable energy sources in energy transition has been analysed. • Factors related to buildings, industry, etc. have been discussed (emphasis: France). • France, 2019.→ ≈ 80 % of the nuclear electricity generation was provided by 4 regions • There are challenges such as energy storage and decisions on nuclear plants. • Corsica and French Guiana: emissions 0.505 and 0.373 kg CO 2.eq /kWh e , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale Photovoltaics (PV) play a pivotal role in climate change mitigation due to their cost-effective scaling potential of energy transition. Consequently, selecting locations for large-scale PV power plants has gained worldwide prominence in recent decades. Although massive studies have examined various siting criteria, land consolidation and cost-benefit feasibility issues are not often included due to the lack of a comprehensive and discretionary decision-making system. In this study, we introduced a three-stage framework combining DBSCAN clustering and cost-benefit analysis to identify the most efficient and cost-effective land parcels. The results indicate that while a total area of 425,191 km2 is considered developable for PV installation in China, only 23% of that area (128,588 km2) are consolidated land parcels which are suitable for developing large-scale PV power plants. Moreover, the potential of these consolidated land parcels (8,289,662 gWh/year) can supply about 90% of China's electricity demand. However, when considering the infrastructure investment per kWh, high-potential land parcels doubled the moderate-potential ones. These results emphasize the importance of large-scale PV plant siting as it impacts the efficiency of PV integration and the optimal land use. Hence, this methodology equips decision-makers with a practical and efficient tool for economically developing large-scale solar PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite numerous prior studies regarding public acceptance of climate change mitigation technologies, most academic papers focus on individual technologies in their analyses. Little is known about the acceptance of multiple low-carbon energy technologies. This study bridges this research gap and explores the cross-technology acceptance of various energy solutions at different locations. Thus, we provide a comprehensive understanding of public acceptance patterns by analysing a broader range of technologies concurrently, focusing on: (a) nuclear power, (b) district heating, (c) energy-saving technologies, (d) onshore, nearshore, and offshore wind power (WP), (e) photovoltaics (PV) installed on agricultural land, industrial roofs, and private roofs, and (f) carbon capture and storage (CCS) in offshore, nearshore, rural onshore, and urban onshore locations. Based on Danish nationally representative survey data, our results give strong policy indications that PV on industrial rooftops is accepted at the highest level. In contrast, nuclear power, onshore rural and urban CCS, and nearshore CCS are the least accepted technologies to combat climate change among the Danish public. Additionally, we discover that the acceptance of a specific technology is contingent on locations. Specifically, the public acceptance of PV, WP, and CCS depends on the place of living and the potential location of technology placement. Finally, this study explores subgroup analyses to compare acceptance differences according to gender, age, education, income, and location of residence. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees absorb CO 2 and reduce the impact of GHGs. This paper deals about the carbon uptake dynamics produced by the management of unused lands as tool to help the fulfilment of international commitments on atmospheric CO 2. The paper introduces a new perspective of using the unused lands around Municipalities to compensate the carbon emissions of urban contexts, according to the Sustainable Energy Action Plans as answer to climate change, already approved by the most part of Cities in Europe. The model of the carbon dynamics is based on a genetic algorithm which allows to find the sequence of operations on the unused land in space (portions of the land) and time (rotation of cuts and plantations) to ensure the reaching of a given outcome in terms of carbon captured. The algorithm, therefore, behaves as design support of land management, enriching the literature available for the sector. The paper identifies two possible original scenarios of storing carbon referred as " emergency " and " constant rate "; the first produces after fifty years a maximum carbon uptake of the order of 100 tC/ha while the second a maximum uptake rate of the order of 2 tC/(year ha), after an initial start-up period of 40–50 years. • Mathematical model to evaluate tree growth and carbon sink from reforestation. • Optimization model to manage the carbon uptake in different scenarios. • Forest represents an effective way to remove carbon from atmosphere. • Carbon stock per unit of unused areas around cities and urban area. • Climate mitigation tool suitable by municipality in the context of SECAPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change mitigation requires developing zero-carbon, highly renewable energy systems, which require technologies to capture excess renewable electricity such as energy storage. Endeavoring to capture all available excess renewable electricity, however, may require large energy storage capacities and costs. This study therefore investigates how much curtailment is cost-optimal to allow in developing fully decarbonized electricity systems, using compliance with California's Senate Bill 100 goal as a representative case study. We combine electric grid dispatch modeling with an optimization approach for selecting the composition of energy storage technologies to capture excess renewable electricity to minimize overall system costs. We found that overbuilding cheap wind and solar and allowing the curtailment of excess renewable electricity equivalent to 25–43% of the total annual electric load resulted in the lowest cumulative systemwide cost for a fully decarbonized electricity system of about $1.8 trillion, spent between 2020 and 2045. Allowing no renewable curtailment results in significant battery requirements and a cumulative systemwide cost of $5.2 trillion spent between 2020 and 2045. Therefore, allowing some curtailment reduced the cost of building a fully decarbonized electricity system by a factor of 3 when the portfolio of technologies to capture and manage excess renewable electricity is carefully chosen. • Examined cost-minimal renewable curtailment levels for a zero-carbon grid. • Assessed cost-optimal technology mixes for harnessing excess renewable electricity. • Overbuilding renewable capacity is cheaper than vastly expanding energy storage. • Long duration storage is critical to minimize costs to build a zero-carbon grid. • Power-to-gas is well suited for long duration storage alongside batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-Saharan Africa is a region with a large population living without electricity. This study investigates the grid balancing role of bioenergy in a sub-Saharan Africa's fully renewable power sector to address the energy poverty challenge in the region, using Ghana as a case country. Two methods are employed: the bioenergy estimation method, for deriving Ghana's technical bioenergy potential, and the LUT model, for the power sector transition modelling. The Ghanaian bioenergy potential of 48.3 TWh is applied on the power sector using the LUT model to develop six alternative scenarios, emphasising on the role of bioenergy, greenhouse gas emissions costs, and climate change mitigation policies. The results of the Best Policy Scenario reveal that with an electrical efficiency of 37.2%, 18 TWh of electricity, which is 16.9% of Ghana's electricity demand by 2050, could be produced from bioenergy for grid balancing. Also, the levelised cost of electricity declines from 48.7 €/MW in 2015 to 36.9–46.6 €/MWh in 2050. Whereas the cost of electricity increases to 76.4 €/MWh in the Current Policy Scenario without greenhouse gas emissions costs. The results show the viability of a relatively cheap and bioenergy balanced sustainable renewable power system for the sub-Saharan African region. • The role of modern bioenergy is examined in renewable energy (RE) dominated power systems. • A comprehensive bioenergy potential assessment for the case of Ghana is presented. • Bioenergy provides flexibility in hybrid solar PV-battery dominated power systems. • Levelised cost of electricity for 100% RE ranges from 37 - 46.6 €/MWh in 2050. • Sustainable modern bioenergy contribution in power systems substantially reduces system costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, one reason being the ongoing decarbonization process of the power and the transportation sectors, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus alleviate climate change. Photovoltaics that harvest solar energy, coupled with energy storage systems are addressing these challenges effectively. In the current study, the simulated energy winnings from typical photovoltaic-battery (PV-BAT) configurations were economically evaluated, under equal technical and site-specific meteorological conditions. Furthermore, their capital, replacement, operation, and maintenance costs were inquired and the average unit cost of electricity per kWh was estimated based on specific energy cost estimation methods and a Monte-Carlo analysis addressing uncertain meteorological risk factors. The cost of electrical energy production in Greece was examined for six scenarios with varying battery technologies and module topologies. Calculated costs ranged from 0.17 to 0.24 €/kWh indicating a significant downward trend in the unit cost of electricity generated by PV-BAT systems. These findings indicate the need for further investigation into how the integration and utilization of such systems can be optimized. The proposed methodology is developed in line with the circular economy action plan which requires increased system efficiency, storage and renewable energy use. • Techno-economic assessment of six different PV-Battery scenarios. • A methodology was developed in line with the circular economy action plan. • Meteorological conditions used as risk factors, affecting energy generation. • Low Price-performance ratio for PV systems backed by lithium-ion batteries. • LCOE for all examined scenarios ranged from 0.17 to 0.24 €/kWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambitious climate change mitigation scenarios require large-scale deployment of bioenergy and solar photovoltaics. Utilizing recently abandoned cropland for renewable energy production is a promising option for energy supply while reducing competition for land and food security. However, the magnitude of abandoned cropland and its potential for renewable energy production is still unclear. Here, we mapped recently abandoned croplands at a global level and assessed the site-specific primary energy potentials for bioenergy and solar photovoltaics considering local climatic conditions, energy yields, and socio-economic feasibility constraints to identify optimal land use for renewable energy production. Of the 83 Mha of the identified abandoned cropland between 1992 and 2015, 68% of the area presented higher development potentials for the establishment of solar photovoltaic compared to dedicated bioenergy crops. In total, 125 EJ/year of primary energy can be produced with this optimal land management, of which 114 EJ/year is from solar photovoltaic and 11 EJ/year is from bioenergy. This figure corresponds to 33–50% of the projected median renewable energy demand in 2050 across the 1.5 °C stabilization scenarios. Mapping the suitability of renewable energy sources across different local, environmental, and socio-economic constraints will help identify the best implementation options for future energy systems transformation. • Recently abandoned cropland is a promising option for renewable energy production. • More than 80 million hectares of abandoned cropland is identified globally. • An optimal combination can produce 125 EJ per year on the abandoned cropland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of renewable energy support policies in many countries for the sake of energy security and climate change mitigation worldwide raises the importance of renewable energy power plants (REPPs) in analyzing power market features. In this article, an analytical method is introduced to examine the effect of REPPs on locational marginal price (LMP). To this end, taking into account REPPs, according to the social welfare maximization problem of the independent system operator (ISO), a new decomposition for LMP is proposed to analytically express the impact of the strategic behavior of conventional generation companies (GenCos) and the power system structure on LMP. The structural section of LMP is decomposed into four components to differentiate between the effect of GenCos and REPPs. The well-known Q-Learning (QL) algorithm models the GenCos' decision-making process. The results prove that REPPs can change both the structural and behavioral components of the LMP and highlight the significance of GenCos' strategic behavior. The results demonstrate that not considering the features of the power system in the design of support policies might raise the likelihood of congestion or the probability of strategic behaviors from GenCos, against the objectives of these policies. • LMP is decomposed into structural and behavioral components. • The sensitivity of LMP to the location of renewable generation is studied. • Renewable generation directly affects the structural part of the LMP. • The QL algorithm is used to simulate GenCos' strategic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change mitigation and renewable resources utilization are becoming particularly urgent for socioeconomic sustainability and human survival. This study develops an integrated model (named as GCMs-RF-FA) for long-term wind energy resources prediction through incorporating multiple global climate models (GCMs), random forest (RF) and factorial analysis (FA) techniques within a general framework. GCMs-RF-FA is capable of (i) dealing with the heterogeneity of structures and parameters in multiple GCMs, (ii) addressing the nonlinear/discrete relationships and uncertainties between the variables, and (iii) identifying the individual and interactive effects of main factors on wind resources prediction. GCMs-RF-FA is then applied to Jing-Jin-Ji region for wind energy prediction under two representative emission scenarios (RCP4.5 & RCP8.5) for 80 years. Multiple validation coefficients prove that the proposed model is effective and feasible. Results reveal that the main factors affecting wind power density (WPD) prediction and their effects at different sites. Results also show that (i) the predicted wind energy value under RCP4.5 is lower than that under RCP8.5; (ii) the seasonal difference of wind energy is obvious, high in winter and spring, low in autumn and summer; (iii) in 2060, the shares of wind energy resources in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei account for 17.8%, 11.6% and 46.1% of total energy supply, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether an enormous untapped hydropower resource should be utilized domestically by heavily electrifying energy end-uses or should be exported to neighboring countries is often debated in Nepal. This study attempts to bring both policy options together and justifies with evidence the need to integrate end-use electrification and cross-border electricity trade policies in the energy transformation of Nepal. We found out that Nepal will continue to import electricity till 2027 to meet its electricity demand throughout the year though it has already started exporting its surplus electricity during the wet season because of the full availability of run-of-river type hydropower. The run-of-river will continue to dominate Nepal's least-cost generation mix with a two-thirds share resulting in considerable surplus electricity during the high-flow season. Such surplus will exceed one-third of its total energy generation capacity in long-run in all end-use electrification scenarios (low to high). Nepal can use its existing cross-border electricity trade mechanism to sell its surplus electricity and can generate revenue of 67 billion USD in the high electrification scenario, which, combined with savings from fossil fuel import savings, can provide 85 % of total electricity generation investment needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) partners agreed with a landmark decision on environmental concerns at the COP26 in Glasgow, outlining future attempts and measures to ensure a secure environment. In this regard, several prior studies have looked at environmental issues using carbon dioxide emissions, or ecological footprint. However, considering these variables may cause the supply side of environmental quality to be overlooked. To make up for this shortcoming, this study examines the effect of energy mix (fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables), economic growth, and eco-innovation on the load capacity factor, which emphasizes both the demand and supply side of the ecosystem since it takes biocapacity and ecological footprint into account. Hence, this study differs from previous research in that it takes a broader view of environmental sustainability. In this milieu, the current research employs a recently developed dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (DARDL) simulation model for the United States of America (USA), harnessing data from 1990 to 2018. The findings unveil that nuclear and renewable energy consumption and eco-innovation all positively impress the load capacity factor, meaning that these variables help the USA maintain its environmental sustainability. On the other side, fossil fuel usage and economic expansion curbs environmental sustainability. Furthermore, since the short-run income elasticity is larger than the long-run elasticity, the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis is legitimate for the USA. These findings also validated by the frequency domain causality test. Based on the findings, specific policy proposals are given to assist the USA in improving its environmental quality and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (clean energy) and 13 (climate change mitigation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy sector has a vital role in climate change mitigation. In Brazil, the electricity generation sector is strongly dependent on hydropower generation, but thermoelectricity contribution has increased leading to a more carbon-intensive electricity mix. This trend will be aggravated with the expected significant increase in the electricity demand until 2050 and with the potential limitation of hydropower generation expansion due to environmental constraints. The extent of the role of solar power to overcome these challenges in the future has been hidden by energy modelling assumptions. A review on how solar energy has been considered in different models, was performed. The research further assessed the relevance of assumptions by developing an optimization model to explore the cost-effectiveness of solar electricity large-scale deployment up to 2050. The work found that most published solar energy assessments based on long-term energy modelling for Brazil currently are not updated regarding several assumptions, leading to models results where solar appears with a marginal role. The energy modeling exercise shows solar PV is cost-effective for Brazil, providing more than 36% of total electricity in 2050. This is a different conclusion from the energy and power modeling exercises conducted until now, where solar deployment has been underestimated. • The work assesses how energy model inputs have affected solar cost-effectiveness for Brazil. • Assumptions on hydropower expansion and technology costs critically affect solar cost-effectiveness. • Energy model exercises have underestimated the potential of solar energy in Brazil. • Solar energy may have an important role in the future Brazilian power sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energies as an additional source have become vital in modern societies. The search for alternative energy sources has led the scientific community to the oceans, demanding a shift in energetic policies, which must be redefined to favor the development of renewable energy technologies at sea. The goal is to generate electric energy while producing less pollutants or even while using the outputs of human anthropic activities as input for the generation of energy, food, products and for the mitigation of climate change impacts. The present study focus on the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology, which presents the greatest potential for energy exploitation from the oceans and which generates a range of by-products. The South Atlantic Ocean presents the potential to support OTEC plants, with emphasis on the region called Brazilian Ocean Thermal Energy Park, with a total coverage area of 1,893,000.00 k m 2 and an operating potential of up to 376 OTEC plants. Results of this work indicate that the park operation in maximum capacity can generate energy at a nominal power of 41.36 G W , and remove 60.16 G W or 60.16 G J / s of ocean heat and 8.13 k g / s or 256.37 T g / y e a r of atmospheric C O 2. • Definition of a Brazilian viable oceanic region for an OTEC plant operation: the Ocean Thermal Energy Park (OTEP). • The OTEP is able to operate up to 376 plants, with a damping area of 5,026 Km2/plant for the thermodynamic effects. • The location with the best MW/km ratio is in the power range between 120 and 125 MW. • The OTEP in its maximum capacity is capable of generating 41.36 GW of energy and withdraw 60.16 GW of heat from the ocean.. • The proposed OTEP can withdraw 256.37 Tg/year of atmospheric CO2 from the ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To foster the energy transition towards a low carbon economy, countries must set and report climate policy instruments. Since the Paris Agreement, nations have been strongly encouraged to increase ambitions and reduce carbon emissions in the coming decades. However, a wave of emerging parties has gained momentum around the world, advocating a hostile stance on climate change mitigation policies. Brazil, one of the traditional leaders of the climate agenda, has experienced an uptake in its greenhouse gas emissions, with no expectation of reversing this trend. The government has signaled that only economically attractive mitigation options will be considered. For this reason, it is crucial to develop scenarios that consider this upward trend. The model estimates carbon emissions at the highest level of detail available, providing abatement cost over time. The results indicate that Brazil has potential to meet its transport related NDC commitments, with 13% cuts by 2030 (26MtCO 2 e) achieved with an intensive use of biofuels. However, the cost-benefit of this strategy would not correspond to the mitigation potential, with financial losses above 1US$/tCO 2 e. The most suitable alternatives would be investments in electromobility and infrastructure, with gains exceeding 200US$/tCO 2 e. These outcomes may aware decision-makers about the cost-effectiveness of certain policies. • We conduct an in-depth assessment of transport-related energy transition paths for 2030. • Three scenarios were developed based on different political commitment. • Brazil has potential to meet its transport related NDC commitments. • The most suitable alternatives would be investments in electromobility and infrastructure. • The outcomes may aware decision-makers about the cost-effectiveness of certain policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide valorization into value added products have become subject to much study to reduce industrial CO 2 emissions and fossil energy resource consumption. In this context, the purpose of this study is to evaluate and highlight the interest of CO 2 conversion into methanol through a complete techno-economic and environmental assessment of the entire process chain. The integrated process, successfully implemented in Aspen Plus®, is designed to treat the CO 2 coming from a conventional cement plant. A MEA-based CO 2 capture process is considered, and the captured CO 2 is then directly sent to the conversion unit for its catalytic conversion. Consequently, combining the two units leads to relevant integrations, especially regarding the reuse of the heat provided by the exothermal methanol reactions for the regeneration of the CO 2 capture solvent. An economic assessment is proposed to estimate the operational and investment costs, as well as the net present value, which demonstrates that the economic feasibility strongly depends on electricity and H 2 production costs. A Life Cycle Analysis method is finally performed to identify the main environmental hotspots. The underlying process design offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gases (besides other categories) when compared to the conventional fossil production from natural gas. • An integrated process is studied to produce methanol from industrial CO 2. • Techno-economic and environmental aspects are assessed. • Economics of CO 2 -to-methanol is affected by high renewable H 2 production costs. • Environmental benefits are highlighted compared to conventional production. • CO 2 -to-methanol is a credible substitution alternative in climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonizing electricity generation through deployment of renewable technologies such as wind and solar is a key component of many climate change mitigation efforts. With increasing penetrations, the need to manage variability in renewable generation becomes critical. However, renewable variability is often poorly represented in energy planning studies which focus on energy and capacity adequacy. In this study, we used a hybrid capacity expansion and dispatch model with explicit inclusion of ramping and regulation services to examine balancing requirements in a decarbonizing electricity system. We find that ramping and regulation services needed for management of variable renewables alter the optimal mix of generation and transmission capacity relative to simpler planning models. In particular, we find enhanced value in expanding transmission capacity to access flexibility. • Representing short-term constraints in long-term energy models changes the outcome. • Flexibility is a key constraint in systems with high penetrations of renewables. • Interregional transmission can help provide system flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is obvious that Iran agricultural industry, unlike Brazil and USA, cannot afford to provide conventional biomass, i.e. sugary or starchy biomass for bioethanol production, mainly due to climatic and geographic conditions. With some exception of date (fruit), first-generation ethanol production triggers food vs. fuel debates in Iran and put nation to hunger. Agricultural products including apple, barley, carrot, corn, grape, orange, potato, rice, sugar beet, sugarcane, and wheat are consumed domestically, exported, or even lost because of poor harvesting and processing conditions such as transportation or packaging. These products may alone generate 21.56 million ton per annum green wastes upon processing in the food industry. Every year about 5.4 billion liters of bioethanol can be produced by establishing second-generation ethanol plants next to the food processing sectors. Seventy-seven-percent of this amount of bioethanol can easily support 5% ethanol (E5) policy to phase out the consumption of 4.2 billion liters methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) for raising the octane number of gasoline in the country. If more comprehensive policy is adopted, larger quantities of lignocellulosic feedstocks can be gathered from agro as well as forestry practices. Second-generation bioethanol technology can help Iran to tackle air pollution in its big cities and to address the adverse effects of MTBE on its populations and ecosystem. The other advantages are improvement of fuel security, mitigation of climate change, and development of economy. The motivation can be created through passing a framework policy to cut fossil fuel subsidies, to mandate bioethanol blends in gasoline, and to impose carbon taxes. Development of coherent socially and environmentally relevant strategies and facilitation of investment in bioethanol industry are also necessary. • Agro-food industry generates more than 21.56 million ton wastes each year in Iran. • 5.4 billion liters of ethanol can be obtained annually by conversion of Iranian wastes. • Iranian law-makers must mandate the use of ethanol or its derivatives in gasoline. • 4.2 billion liters of MTBE can be replaced annually by bioethanol in Iran. • Higher ethanol ratios in gasoline can efficiently reduce air pollution in big cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing need for residential buildings as a result of population growth, the building sector is a high-priority area in climate change due to its large share of CO 2 emissions, the significant energy saving opportunities it represents, and the increasing expectations for occupant comfort. This paper presents the results of climate change impact assessment on a typical mid-rise residential building in four representative cities with different climatic characteristics in Turkey. Three different scenarios that characterize different solutions towards space cooling are developed, from naturally ventilated to fully air-conditioned. The energy requirements and corresponding CO 2 emissions due to space conditioning as well as occupant thermal comfort are the investigated building performance metrics. The preliminary results based on energy simulations indicate that pronounced overheating will be experienced in the future, which will have a strong effect on cooling energy use and/or occupant comfort. The projected energy demand also points to the future need to explore measures for climate change adaptation of buildings and the importance of the decarbonization of the electricity industry for climate change mitigation. The analysis results presented in this paper provide a basis for future studies on building retrofit for climate change. • Evaluation of climate change impact on a typical residential building in Turkey. • Cooling is to dominate thermal loads due to increased temperatures. • Warmer climates to be influenced most by negative effects. • Severe overheating for poorly ventilated, highly insulated buildings. • Adaptation measures needed for climate-proofing existing buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The rapid global growth in the use of renewable energy to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate climate change, through the inclusion of large amounts of PV and wind in existing electricity grids, has highlighted certain challenges. Most critically, their intermittent supply, necessitates flexible dispatchability from other generators in the grid. Currently, few renewable energy technologies offer this dispatchability, with only concentrating solar power (CSP) offering storage. CSP generates electricity from thermal heat, similar to fossil-driven thermal power plants, with the heat-source being inexhaustible concentrated solar irradiance. The thermal process, however, requires cooling, best achieved with a finite resource; water. CSP is ideally suited to areas of high solar irradiation, typically arid and water stressed. The need for water as a source of cooling is often neglected in the planning and development of CSP. This paper identifies water as a constraint to CSP deployment, and explores CSP's potential contribution to generation through the lens of the water-energy nexus. This aids our understanding of how water availability threatens expected CSP production capacity and places natural limits on its sustainable development. For strategic planning of CSP, we therefore propose the inclusion of integrated water resource management in CSP energy infrastructure planning. Highlights • Identify and explain the dependence of CSP on water as a limited resource. • Highlight disparity between co-location of high DNI and lack of water resources. • Highlight impact of variability of water resources on existing thermal power plants. • Identify lack of water resource consideration in CSP deployment planning. • Suggested integration of water resource management into CSP deployment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Failures of countries to set and achieve renewable energy targets are prevalent, producing uncertainty as to the possibility of renewable energy contributing to a reduction in global emissions. Lack of policy and incorrect modelling analyses are among the sources of these failures and understanding these two sources is crucial for improving confidence in renewables. We assess errors in projections pertaining to the capacity and production of renewable energy in the United States and those countries of the European Union that have strong commitments to green energy supply. Our results show that solar energy has the lowest level of uncertainty as it has the most achievable capacity projections. However, other renewables entail more attractive policies and further research is needed for the advancement of reliable technology and accurate weather predictions. Our findings also provide ranges for the projection uncertainties for six renewable energy technologies, drawing attentions to ways that the dominant errors in these renewable energy projections may be rectified. Highlights • Projection errors of capacity and production of six renewable energy technologies in the US and EU countries are estimated. • Solar energy target is the most achievable. • Achieving capacity target does not guarantee to achieve production target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate climate change, many studies have been conducted to identify the determinants of CO 2 emissions. However, a consensus has not been reached yet on the issue because past work has often not considered the unobserved individual heterogeneity across countries. Therefore, this study revisits the environment-energy-growth nexus by employing a panel quantile regression to incorporate the effects of renewable energy consumption and technological innovation within the research background of global 30 countries over the period 1980–2014. The advantage of this method is considering the distributional heterogeneity to provide a detailed description of linkage between the CO 2 emissions and driving factors at different emissions levels. The results show that the effects of determinants on CO 2 emissions are heterogeneous. For high-emissions countries, the function of renewable energy consumption is limited in reducing CO 2 emissions due to the smaller proportion of renewable energy use. Moreover, technological innovation greatly affects countries with relatively higher CO 2 emissions. Therefore, one option is to financially support and apply technological innovations to generate renewable energy at lower costs as well as increase energy efficiency. Moreover, transforming the economic growth mode is helpful to transfer from non-renewable to renewable sources of energy to meet energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively mitigate climate change, variable renewable electricity (VRE) is expected to substitute a great share of current fossil-fired electricity generation. However, VRE investments can be obstructed by many barriers, endangering the amount of investments needed in order to be consistent with the Paris 2 °C target. To help policy-makers better understand and assess these barriers, an integrated framework was developed. It establishes a clear connection between barriers identified in literature and the investment decision-making process, based on the project life of VRE assets. Barriers in this framework are defined as factors hindering the realization of a positive final investment decision (FID), which can lead to investment withdrawal. Based on this research, we argue that addressing so-called “symptomatic” barriers alone is hardly effective when the “fundamental” barriers remain untouched. It also demonstrates that monetary and fiscal policies can have side-effects on VRE investments. We suggest that a comprehensive policy framework to support VRE should not be solely limited to the narrow context of climate and energy policy, and the electricity market. It should be incorporated in a broader context including monetary and fiscal policies. When re-designing these macroeconomic policies, their potential negative impacts on VRE investments should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities face important overheating problems caused by the local and global climate change. Detailed mitigation and adaptation plans and strategies, are designed and applied to counterbalance the impact of the overheating challenges. Albedo management seems to be among the more considered mitigation strategies. A barrier to the wider use of reflecting technologies is the lack of quantitative experimental data and concrete knowledge about their mitigation contribution. Up to now, the performance of the reflective mitigation technologies is assessed based on simulation results considering the initial optical properties of the materials and neglecting ageing and weatherization phenomena. The article present information on the global performance of reflecting mitigation technologies, as measured in a large scale urban mitigation project employing several types of reflecting technologies. It is shown, that because of the weatherization effects, the mitigation potential of the materials is reduced, during the first year after their installation, by at least, 25%. Despite the ageing effects, reflective pavements have found to contribute in reducing the peak summer ambient temperature up to 1,7 K, while their surface temperature was up to 12,3 K lower than that of conventional pavement reducing considerably the sensible heat released to the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper Kenya’s climate change mitigation ambitions are analysed from an energy system perspective, with a focus on the role of renewable and other low-carbon energy technologies. At COP-21 in 2015 in Paris, Kenya has committed to a ‘nationally determined contribution’ of reducing domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in 2030 in comparison to a business-as-usual projection. An efficient exploitation of the country’s renewable energy resources is key to achieving this target. We use the TIAM-ECN model to characterize plausible development pathways for the Kenyan energy mix until 2050 under different climate change mitigation scenarios. We conclude that the power sector can expand with mostly renewable energy options even in the absence of stringent greenhouse gas abatement targets. On the contrary, on the demand side a substantial deployment of low-carbon technologies is triggered only when ambitious emission reduction objectives are in place. The introduction of these technologies entails additional energy system costs, ranging in 2050 from 0.5% to 2% of the country’s GDP. Our analysis supports the feasibility of Kenyan climate management goals, provided that adequate investments in renewable and other low-carbon energy technologies are timely made available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing fossil fuels use while promoting the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources is crucial for mitigating climate change and attaining the sustainable development goals. This study investigates the driving forces of the share of non-hydroelectricity sources in total electricity generation. Using panel data of forty-six developed and developing countries over 1980–2011 and employing panel cointegration estimation techniques, we examine the key factors that influence the share of non-hydro renewable energy sources in the short and long run. The results of the study show that the driving factors have different impacts on the size and share of non-hydro renewable energy; and these impacts are mostly in the long run. Oil price increase and financial development has a significant positive effect on the amount and share of non-hydro renewable electricity generation. The impact of trade openness is ambiguous. Economic development enhances the size of non-hydro renewables but undermines its share in total electricity. Foreign direct investments, ratification of the Kyoto protocol, gross fixed capital formation and resource rent have no significant impact on non-hydro renewable electricity generation. Based on the results, appropriate policy recommendations are proffered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility plays a crucial part of our life. Alternative fuels and vehicle technology can mitigate climate change and greenhouse gases from road transport. This study analyses power-train deployments scenarios for the vehicle fleet of the city of Athens until 2021, taken into consideration European policy developments on vehicle CO 2 emissions and technological level of readiness, European emissions standards, Greece's economic status, energy mandates and reductions in the European energy mix and translates these into comprehensive scenarios for the road transport sector. It quantifies and assesses the potential environmental impact of these scenarios on CO 2 CO, NOx, HC, PM and CO 2 emission reductions. The study proposes the development of a Strategic Zero Carbon Transport Plan for the city of Athens, aiming at the creation of a low carbon transport system, which will encompass issues such as life cycle thinking, urban planning and energy minimization aiming at climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaic systems are considered vital renewable energy sources for mitigating climate change and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. However, in some countries, the diffusion rate of photovoltaic systems is decreasing. A case in point is Germany, the country with the highest installed capacity of photovoltaic systems. Given the new conditions in the German market, the diffusion rate continuously declined in both 2012 and 2013. Whether the diffusion rate will again take off is not known. While the recent literature has pointed out that local solar companies have a vital driving role in diffusion, not many studies have yet discussed the business models and challenges such local companies may have. Through an extensive case study, this paper explores the business model of a local solar company in a town of 43,000 habitants in Southern Germany. The case of this company tells about an important business model challenge. Overcoming such challenges may not only let the company survive but also drive the diffusion of solar photovoltaic systems in the region. The results include implications for both industrial actors and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The implementation of climate change mitigation strategies may significantly affect the current practices for electricity network operation. Increasing penetration of renewable energy generation technologies into electricity networks is one of the key mitigation strategies to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Additional climate change mitigation strategies can also contribute to emission reduction thereby supplementing the renewable energy generation participation, which may be limited due to technical constraints of the network. In this paper, the penetration requirements for different renewable energy generation resources are assessed while concurrently examining other mitigation strategies to reduce overall emissions from electricity networks and meet requisite targets. The impacts of climate change mitigation strategies on the demand and generation mix are considered for facilitating the penetration of renewable generation. New climate change mitigation indices namely change in average demand, change in peak demand, generation flexibility and generation mix have been proposed to measure the level of emission reduction by incorporating different mitigation strategies. The marginal emissions associated with the individual generation technologies in the state of New South Wales (NSW) are modelled and the total emissions associated with the electricity grid of NSW are evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper focuses on discussing the potential and feasibility of increasing hydropower production by installing hydrokinetic turbines behind existing conventional hydropower stations to establish “combined-cycle hydropower system (CCHS)”. The CCHS will capture additional power from the energy remaining in water currents exiting dams. There are two modes of CCHS. The hydrokinetic turbine can be located directly behind the turbine of existing conventional hydropower plant or it can be placed at sites in the vicinity of powerhouse. The challenges and advantages associated with the CCHS are discussed in this paper. Although the technology of CCHS is still in its research and development phrase, not yet reaches mature and economically feasible; it is believed that it possesses significant potential to produce additional clean hydropower in the large-scale. It may become additional promising way of generating clean energy to mitigate climate change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biomass from the forest sector can be an important source of renewable energy and can contribute to climate change mitigation and bioenergy development. However, the removal of biomass from forests has significant impacts on the forest ecosystem. For instance, it modifies soil litter which is particularly important to preserve soil characteristics and to sustain a diversity of organisms. Our aim is to analyze alternatives of sustainable forest management and compare how they perform in terms of carbon savings in order to assess the role of the sector in a regional emission reduction plan. The analysis is performed applying CO2FIX, a well-known carbon accounting model to the forests of the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. The behavior of the most important forest macro-categories is investigated under common management alternatives: no harvest activities, maintenance of a constant stock, different rotation lengths, and maximization of harvested biomass. We evaluate their impact at landscape level on the regional carbon budget, thus estimating the maximum potential contribution from the forest sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The intensity of market penetration and hence the relevance of clean energy technologies in mitigating climate change will greatly depend on their cost-effectiveness. This paper discusses the economic and policy aspects of speeding up the market of these technologies to reach cost parity. A combination of historical energy market dynamics, technology diffusion and endogenous learning models were employed in the analyses. Starting from giving a preferential position to emerging renewable energy technologies in the energy and climate policy, which also means securing adequate financial resources for their deployment, could lead in the base scenario to a full-cost breakthrough of wind power around 2027 and of photovoltaics in 2032. The combined global market share of renewable electricity in 2050 could reach 62% of all electricity (now 19%) of which wind and solar power alone could account for almost two-thirds corresponding to a carbon saving in the range of 8–16 GtCO2. However, if the new technologies were downgraded in the energy and climate policy context, the combined impact of solar and wind could remain at no less than 11% which would marginalize these technologies in the fight against climate change. The estimates for financial support to achieve cost parity were very sensitive to the assumptions of the input parameters: in the base case the extra costs or learning investments for solar power were €1432 billion and for wind power €327 billion, but with more conservative input data these values could grow manifold. On the other hand, considering the potentially cheaper electricity from new technologies above the cost parity point and putting a price on carbon could result in a positive yield from public support instead of it being regarded merely as unnecessary spending. The findings stress the necessity of long-term policies and strong commercialization strategies to bring the new energy technologies to breakeven point, but also highlight the complexity of assessing the true costs of making new energy technologies fully competitive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A means of assessing the relative impact of different renewable energy technologies on global warming has been developed. All power plants emit thermal energy to the atmosphere. Fossil fuel power plants also emit CO2 which accumulates in the atmosphere and provides an indirect increase in global warming via the greenhouse effect. A fossil fuel power plant may operate for some time before the global warming due to its CO2 emission exceeds the warming due to its direct heat emission. When a renewable energy power plant is deployed instead of a fossil fuel power plant there may be a significant time delay before the direct global warming effect is less than the combined direct and indirect global warming effect from an equivalent output coal fired plant – the “business as usual” case. Simple expressions are derived to calculate global temperature change as a function of ground reflectance and conversion efficiency for various types of fossil fuelled and renewable energy power plants. These expressions are used to assess the global warming mitigation potential of some proposed Australian renewable energy projects. The application of the expressions is extended to evaluate the deployment in Australia of current and new geo-engineering and carbon sequestration solutions to mitigate global warming. Principal findings are that warming mitigation depends strongly on the solar to electric conversion efficiency of renewable technologies, geo-engineering projects may offer more economic mitigation than renewable energy projects and the mitigation potential of reforestation projects depends strongly on the location of the projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]