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Water-scarce regions, like the Mediterranean, face worsening conditions due to climate change, intensifying pressure on key economic sectors such as hydropower. Additionally, environmental conservation policies, particularly the implementation of environmental flows, present challenges for hydropower systems. Certainty regarding the impact of these factors on future hydropower production is crucial for informed decision-making in the transition to sustainable energy. This study introduces S + HydPower, a tool coupled with SWAT+ to assess climate change and watershed management effects on small hydropower plant (SHP) systems. In this study, we used this tool to investigate the consequences of implementing environmental flows and climate change on run-of-river SHPs in the Catalan River Basin District (CRBD), in Catalonia. The results show that applying environmental flows would lead to a significant 27% reduction in SHP production. However, this reduction would represent only 0.25% of the region's current energy demand. Furthermore, the study reveals a potential 38% to 73% reduction in SHP production by the end of the twenty-first century due to the combined effects of environmental flows and climate change. This suggests a substantial decline in run-of-river SHP's contribution to the CRBD's electricity supply. These findings emphasize the need to explore alternative and sustainable energy sources to ensure the long-term reliability and resilience of the region's energy supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-scarce regions, like the Mediterranean, face worsening conditions due to climate change, intensifying pressure on key economic sectors such as hydropower. Additionally, environmental conservation policies, particularly the implementation of environmental flows, present challenges for hydropower systems. Certainty regarding the impact of these factors on future hydropower production is crucial for informed decision-making in the transition to sustainable energy. This study introduces S + HydPower, a tool coupled with SWAT+ to assess climate change and watershed management effects on small hydropower plant (SHP) systems. In this study, we used this tool to investigate the consequences of implementing environmental flows and climate change on run-of-river SHPs in the Catalan River Basin District (CRBD), in Catalonia. The results show that applying environmental flows would lead to a significant 27% reduction in SHP production. However, this reduction would represent only 0.25% of the region's current energy demand. Furthermore, the study reveals a potential 38% to 73% reduction in SHP production by the end of the twenty-first century due to the combined effects of environmental flows and climate change. This suggests a substantial decline in run-of-river SHP's contribution to the CRBD's electricity supply. These findings emphasize the need to explore alternative and sustainable energy sources to ensure the long-term reliability and resilience of the region's energy supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local authorities are increasingly facing the challenges of climate change, which requires adaptation of various elements of local government systems, including infrastructure, communities and local economies. Operating in an ever-changing reality, local government units should plan for the necessary sustainable local government investments, with particular attention to structural gaps and financial mismatches. Local government is responsible for ensuring local energy security and thus for 'environmental sustainability'. The overall objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of financing low-emission lowering measures from the Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund in municipalities in Lubusz Province in 2020. The article uses cause-effect relationship analysis (regression models). Investments implemented by local governments generally have a positive impact on the reduction of low emissions, although the results of the study indicate a negative impact of financing investments in alternative energy sources (RES). This may be related to large investment outlays, as well as difficulties in spatial planning, environmental impact and administrative inefficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the PVSYST simulator is the most well-known software among researchers and PV experts, we chose to compare its results to those of the manual method. Thus, the objective of the article was to obtain the degree of similarity between the results of the PVSYST simulation and the manual calculation of the same parameters, based on the study of the photovoltaic systems of the University Ibn Tofail. Those installations are installed in the Faculty of Letters, Science, the Presidency and CFC. The later used in our study, have different parameters. Hence, to collect these parameters and their distinct data we used multiple sources. The datasheets of each components of the PV system contains the parameters that distinguish the devices therefore it was mandatory to look for that information, since it will facilitate our study. The meteorological database PVGIS, was our reference for the temperature and irradiation data. What's more is the PVSYST software that helps in the simulation of the PV system and thus having a detailed report with massive information. All this collection of data was aiming to help us comparing the results of yields and other parameters by manual calculation versus simulation in PVSYST. Morocco has demonstrated a strong commitment to combat climate change by embracing renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic systems. In this pursuit, universities like Ibn Tofail University (UIT) play a crucial role in addressing climate challenges and developing research solutions for mitigation. UIT actively participates in projects related to environmental protection and sustainable development, contributing to Morocco's growth and higher education advancement. As part of its efforts, UIT has been involved in implementing sustainable green projects and promoting renewable energy technologies. A specific study at UIT aimed to compare PVSYST simulation results with manual calculations for four PV systems on campus, considering parameters such as orientation, electrical installation, and panel types. The International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Systems Program has established standards and a key concept, the yield factor, measuring the net energy production over a facility's lifetime compared to the energy used for construction, operation, and supply. By evaluating the accuracy and efficiency of PVSYST, researchers sought to advance the use of PV systems and contribute to Morocco's renewable energy goals. Such research not only aids in the progression of renewable energy technology but also aligns with Morocco's vision for sustainable development and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]