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As the share of variable renewables in the power system generation mix increases, meeting capacity requirements becomes challenging. In this context, hydropower reservoirs can play a vital role in integrating renewable energy due to their storage potential, contributing to meeting power supply criteria. However, given that reservoirs serve multiple purposes, various constraints can limit their capacity potential. This article introduces an analytical methodology that is designed to evaluate the maximum available power of hydro plants in critical scenarios. By applying concepts related to hydropower production calculations for the peak power demand and metrics evaluating the compliance with supply criteria, this study distinguishes itself from region-specific investigations. It conducts a generalized analysis of power availability across all regions of Brazil, with a focus on identifying the reasons for the most significant power losses and their specific locations. The results of this analysis demonstrate the feasibility of enhancing the available power of reservoirs, effectively addressing demand fluctuations, and sustainably improving energy security. This is particularly crucial in countries that are heavily reliant on renewables, including hydropower, for a huge portion of their electricity. The findings underscore the feasibility of increasing the penetration of variable renewable generation by optimizing the operation of existing hydropower plants. This optimization not only enhances energy security but also contributes to a more resilient and sustainable future, benefiting policy makers, energy planners, and stakeholders in the field of hydropower with reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the co-benefits of renewable energy investments can aid policymakers in identifying technologies capable of generating significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to effectively offset mitigation costs. Although there has been a growing body of work evaluating co-benefits, few studies have compared the potential co-benefits of several technologies across different regions in key countries. This study fills this gap by formulating a new modeling structure to assess the environmental–health–economic co-benefits of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) in different parts of Indonesia. The proposed model is unique in that it incorporates various techno-economic activities to assess air quality, health, and economic benefits and then presents results as part of a cost–benefit analysis. From the intervention scenario, the modeling results show that installing 0.5 GW grid-connected solar PV, 100 MW of wind turbines, and a 100 MW biomass generator to cover a total of 1.64 million residential load units in the Bali province can avoid GHGs, PM2.5, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and provide health savings of 1.73 Mt/y, 289.02 t/y, 1648, and 6.16 million USD/y, respectively. In addition, it shows that the payback period is enhanced by one year, while the net present value is increased by 28%. In Jakarta, a 3 GW solar PV plant and a 100 MW biomass generator that supply 5.8 million residential load units can deliver 32,490 averted DALYs and 652.81 million USD/y of health care savings. Nationally, the contribution of renewable energy to the electricity supply mix could grow from the 2020 baseline of 18.85% to 26.93%, reducing dependence on oil and coal contribution by 5.32%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transformation in Poland, including the need to accelerate the shift away from hard coal and lignite in the power system, has been taking place in the face of the energy crisis. Ambitious climate and economic goals force the development of renewable energy sources, but they require legislative changes for the benefit of socially vulnerable consumers. This is important from the point of view of counteracting energy poverty. Energy transformation is not only a change in the fuel used, but most of all, the path and basis of low-carbon development that changes many socio-economic systems. The aim of this study is to link the development and environmental challenges in the studied subject matter with social challenges. The analyses show that it is necessary to strengthen the use of local energy potential and resources, and to activate local communities. The construction of nuclear power plants is also crucial. The results of the presented theoretical and empirical studies can be the basis for a revision of the energy policy in Poland in the area of the social dimension of the energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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It is known that ASEAN has been one of the most dynamic and fastest‐growing regions in the world in recent decades and will still be expected to contribute largely to global economic growth in the next decades. Not only facing a growing energy demand, but ASEAN also needs to balance its energy trilemma (energy security, energy equity, and energy sustainability). On the other hand, ASEAN countries also acknowledge the need for transitioning into a low‐carbon economy to contribute to the global agenda of sustainable development goals 2030. Considering all the challenges, we argue that a comprehensive review of the historical and outlook of the ASEAN energy landscape, as well as national and regional energy policies, is important to investigate the capability of ASEAN Member States (AMS) to accelerate energy transition while securing energy supply. ASEAN has been a net importer of oil since before 2005, with transport accounting for the largest share of oil demand. Measures in the transportation sector need to be taken by the AMS by enhancing their biofuels and electric vehicle developments. The electricity grid can also be more diversified with the integration of renewable energy, considering the region possesses the untapped potential for hydro and solar, among others. Public financing is required to create a supportive environment for the ASEAN energy transition pathway by opening up the path and catalyzing market participation from private businesses. This article aims to provide a novel contribution to assessing energy potential in the Southeast Asia region toward the 2030 global agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, Governments of South Asia have faced the challenge of achieving the goal of sustainable development. On the one hand, they must satisfy the ever-growing demand for energy and, on the other hand, the interminable deterioration of the environment is causing great concern among political economists. The widening gap between the demand and supply of energy, over-reliance on the use of fossil fuels, and increasing import bills due to rising global prices are the challenges that South Asia is facing. These can be overcome by using its great potential in renewables. This paper uses SWOT methodology to identify that the poor financial situation of the distribution companies, due to power losses and non-cost-reflective tariffs, and the lack of credit opportunities, due to high interest rates and inaccessibility of loans for the long-term, are the major impediments to the growth of the renewable energy sector of the region. Moreover, there is a conflict of interest between the manufacturers of renewable energy equipment and the developers of renewable energy projects in terms of Government policy concerning the imposition of import duties. India is moving towards protection of the former, while the latter see opportunities in the renewable energy sector of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many archipelagos rely on imports of diesel to produce most of the electricity they consume. That results in a high price for electricity and risk of fuel spills. Currently, many islands worldwide are facing the challenge of integrating local renewable energy sources into their electricity grids. This work conducts a review of energy transition for islands and then focuses on three case studies: Galápagos, Noronha and Príncipe. It was found that the demand for energy at these locations will continue to grow at a high rate, pushed by the growth of tourism and population. In the three cases, large PV solar projects are planned for the coming years and should supply a large share of that demand. PV solar stands out as the most economically viable option for generating electricity, with a LCOE much lower than diesel (between 44% and 80% lower). Galápagos and Noronha are installing battery storage facilities to integrate the supply of energy from renewable sources. In addition, they are fostering energy efficiency and the progressive adoption of electric vehicles. Príncipe is at a much earlier stage: the grid needs substantial investment and plans for electric mobility are still incipient. Based on this research, it is strongly recommended to (1) incentivize energy efficiency, (2) provide training in the area of renewable energy to local workers, and (3) provide incentives to the residential and commercial sectors, particularly hotels, to foster contribution to the energy supply through the installation of PV solar and solar hot water heating on rooftops. • Demand for energy in most islands is rising due to tourism and population growth. • Many islands are committed to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. • The studied cases are projected to achieve 50% generation from solar energy by 2030. • This would reduce their dependency on diesel imports and the risks of fuel spills. • Energy efficiency and electrical mobility initiatives on islands are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of globalization and rapid economic growth, affecting most world economies, increased production and consumption are leading to higher levels of energy production and consumption. The growing demand for energy means that energy resources from conventional sources are not sufficient; moreover, its production generates high costs and contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and waste. In view of the above, many countries have opted to implement an energy transformation. The energy transition allows the transition from an energy system based on conventional fuels to an energy system based mainly on renewable energy (RE) and low-emission sources. In the EU, the development of a "green economy" has become a strategic goal in the fight against climate change. The development of RE offers the possibility to improve the energy security of a given country and the entire EU. New, innovative technologies of RE also increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the economies of the Member States. In line with the EU strategy, the activities carried out aim to achieve a situation in which, in 2050, the activities of economies will not endanger the environment. The main purpose of this article was the assessment of the RE sector in the Pomerania region in the context of energy transformation. To achieve this goal, PEST analysis regarding the functioning of the RE sector in the selected Polish region was used and the potential of the RE sector was determined using GIS tools on the basis of physical conditions. The article presents the research hypothesis that the RE sector within the Pomerania Voivodeship possesses appropriate energy potential, which will allow this Voivodeship to become an energy self-sufficient region based on the use of these energy sources (according to EU strategy). The implementation of the goal set in the article allowed for the verification of the research hypothesis, where the determined energy potential from the RE sector would cover the Voivodeship's needs due to the use of electricity and heat. The conducted research shows that the RE sector in these regions has high energy potential to meet the criteria outlined in EU legal documents and to implement them successfully within the intended period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]