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[Display omitted] • Simulation model for techno-economic evaluation of biological methanation is built up. • Biomethane as fuel in mobility sector is currently the best marketing option. • Provision of balancing energy offers high full load hours and reduces investment risks. • Biological methanation can already be operated economically efficient. • For economic competitiveness, environmental benefits must be better rewarded. Power-to-Methane is a key element for achieving the European climate goals (Paris Agreement) and replacing natural gas. Biological methanation offers the possibility to produce methane from CO 2 and hydrogen by methanogenic archaea. As a green carbon source, the CO 2 from biogas can be used. Green hydrogen can be produced via electrolysis with electricity from renewable sources or balancing energy, making this technology a valuable storage and balance solution for the energy grid. However, questions relating to the economic operation of methanation are increasingly coming into focus. As part of this study, a simulation model is set up through which various operating modes of biological methanation are investigated and evaluated in terms of their economic efficiency. The decisive factors are the marketing opportunities for the biomethane itself on the one hand, and the mode of operation and the associated costs/revenues on the other. The results show that currently the most viable marketing method for biomethane is to market it as a fuel in the mobility sector (51 % more revenue compared to the conventional feeding into the gas grid for electricity and heat generation). When analyzing the provision of electricity, the provision of balancing energy appears particularly promising, as high full load hours can be achieved in combination with revenues for the provision of capacity (mixed biomethane production cost of 11.93 ct/kWh). Although economically viable operation can already be reached in most of the scenarios analyzed, the investment risk still remains high. At present, the ecological benefits of methanation are not sufficiently rewarded to offset those risks. Profits from the avoided release of CO 2 can currently increase the overall revenue by around 4 % in the case of balancing energy if a participation on the European trading system would be possible. Beside a remuneration of the ecological advantages, the costs for hydrogen production must be significantly reduced for good market integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 172 million rural households in China in 2022, will still rely on traditional biofuels instead of electricity. This study explores the feasibility of achieving rural electrification in China utilization various Energy origins and assesses its potential impact on climate change mitigation. To do so, we employ the Regional Energy Model (REM) to formulate hypotheses for rural power distribution. Covering the era from 2020 until 2050. We evaluate consequences in terms of greenhouse gas discharges, principal energy consumption, associated expenses by comparing these possibilities with a Business- as -Usual (BU) scenario. Our findings reveal that diesel-based arrangements tend to produce 'the maximum Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, trailed by network-based solutions. Electrification focused on renewable energy-driven applications has the potential to reduce total CO2 emissions by up to 97 % and primary energy consumption by 43 % in 2050 compared to the BU scenario. We also find that electrification through decentralized diesel systems tends to be the priciest choice. Rural electrification utilizing renewable energy emerges as a cost-effective choice when the majority of end-use applications rely on renewable energy sources. However, it becomes less economical than network expansions when electric end-user appliances are predominant. In summary, this study investigates the viability of renewable energy for rural power distribution and its role in climate change abatement in rural China, offering policy suggestions. • Analyzes six energy-based scenarios for China's rural electrification until 2050. • Evaluates GHG emissions, energy use, and costs impacts with regional energy model. • Provides policy insights and uncertainties for China's sustainability goals. • An oil price and distance-based analysis also is done with extra 6 scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of sustainable development, accurate renewable energy demand forecasting holds great significance for climate change mitigation and promoting sustainability. However, renewable energy forecasting has been consistently challenged by seasonality and nonlinearity. Identifying the periodic and nonlinear characteristics concealed within renewable energy sources accurately is still an unexplored problem. Consequently, an innovative nonlinear discrete seasonal grey model is proposed for renewable energy forecasting, which incorporates seasonal dummy variables and a power exponent term for handling the seasonality and nonlinear patterns in time series. Furthermore, an intelligent algorithm matching framework is proposed to augment the flexibility of the newly developed model. For practical purposes, the new methodology is contrasted against a range of benchmarks encompassing statistical, machine-learning, and traditional grey models in forecasting the quarterly total renewable energy consumption in the United States. The proposed model exhibits over 27% improvement rates over its counterparts, achieving the most superior predictive accuracies of 1.45%, 39.27, and 0.79 in MAPEP , RMSEP , and MASEP metrics, respectively. Furthermore, the probability density and sample size analyses are conducted to validate the robustness of the new model, confirming its adaptability and stability towards algorithm randomness and historical information volume. Consequently, the novel model is employed to forecast the short-to-long-terms renewable energy consumption in the U.S., showcasing an upward trend and seasonal fluctuations of the consumption for the forthcoming 24 quarters from 2023Q4 to 2029Q3. These insights can offer valuable implications to the stakeholders such as energy suppliers, utility managers, and policy advocates, highlighting actionable strategies for optimizing renewable energy consumption forecasting and aiding sustainable development initiatives. • An innovative nonlinear discrete seasonal grey model is proposed for renewable energy forecasting. • The optimum algorithm matching the novel model is determined from five alternatives. • The Monte Carlo Simulation and parameter sensitivity analysis advance the robustness. • PSO with the optimal parameter group has been selected for searching coefficients. • The new model possesses higher accuracy and robustness than various competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transitions in Indigenous, Northern and remote communities in Canada promise benefits that go beyond reliable, clean and affordable energy services. The Federal and Provincial governments have committed funding to get remote communities off diesel, acknowledging energy transitions' global and local benefits. Besides climate change mitigation, other benefits, including job creation, income generation, community ownership and local economic growth, are fundamental components of the value proposition of renewable energy projects. However, despite the promises, little evidence of the impacts of renewable energy on communities' local conditions exists. This article looks at the relationship between renewable energy projects and community well-being in Canada. We construct a panel of Indigenous communities and well-being levels using Census data and information about renewable energy projects for the period 1981–2016. The findings suggest that renewable energy is associated with higher levels of well-being. Concretely, having access to renewable energy increases overall well-being by 1 to 5 points on the 0–100 well-being scale, depending on the component of the well-being index considered in the analysis. • Renewable energy and community wellbeing is an essential relationship for successful energy transitions. • The size of the renewable energy projects is strongly associated with higher community wellbeing. • Communities that hold majority ownership of renewable energy projects exhibit higher wellbeing levels. • Solar and wind energy projects are associated with higher wellbeing levels, whereas hydropower is associated with lower ones. [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]

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]

The high dependence on imported fuels and the potential for both climate change mitigation and economic diversification make Barbados' energy system particularly interesting for detailed transformation analysis. An open source energy system model is presented here for the analysis of a future Barbadian energy system. The model was applied in a scenario analysis, using a greenfield approach, to investigate cost-optimal and 100% renewable energy system configurations. Within the scenarios, the electrification of private passenger vehicles and cruise ships through shore-to-ship power supply was modelled to assess its impact on the energy system and the necessary investment in storage. Results show that for most scenarios of a system in 2030, a renewable energy share of over 80% is achieved in cost-optimal cases, even with a growing demand. The system's levelised costs of electricity range from 0.17 to 0.36 BBD/kWh in the cost-optimal scenarios and increase only moderately for 100% renewable systems. Under the reasonable assumption of decreasing photovoltaic investment costs, system costs of a 100% system may be lower than the current costs. The results show that pumped hydro-storage is a no-regret option for the Barbadian power system design. Overall, the results highlight the great potential of renewable energy as well as the technical and economic feasibility of a 100% renewable energy system for Barbados. • Open Source Energy Modelling for Barbados with high shares of renewable energies • Modelling includes electric vehicles and shore-to-ship cruise ship energy supply. • High shares above 80% of renewable energies are cost optimal. • Pumped Hydro Storage is identified as a no-regret option. • Restricted flexibility potential is a challenge for a 100% renewable system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has impacted development progress and increased global inequality. Therefore, all emitters, both developed and developing countries, must implement climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. Indonesia is one of the developing countries that signed the Paris Agreement. In its NDC document, Indonesia has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases emission by 29% using domestic resources (unconditional) and 41% with international support (conditional) from the business as usual (BAU) scenario by 2030. This commitment gives Indonesia the right to take advantage of various types of support, including ICF opportunities offered by the ADB through the non-UNFCCC financial scheme and the Global Green Growth Institute through the UNFCCC financial mechanism. This paper explores to what extent ICF supports the achievement of Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target. The study uses qualitative analysis to provide a general overview of ICF in Indonesia, its climate finance strategies, and the case study of the energy sector. The study finds that ICF in Indonesia continues to develop, albeit with many limitations. Several ICF channels could be utilized more optimally such as, loan and grant instruments. Indonesia cannot rely solely on international support to meet its enormous climate finance needs; it must develop innovative financing through various instruments, such as green sukuk. ICF also plays a role in facilitating the energy transition from coal-based to renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency. • Climate change has impacted development progress and increased global inequality; therefore, all emitters, both developed and developing countries, need climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. • Several ICF channels can be utilized more optimally, both on loan and grant instruments. • To meet climate finance needs, developing countries (e.g Indonesia) cannot rely solely on international support, and it is necessary to develop innovative financing through various instruments. • ICF also plays a role in encouraging a transformation in terms of energy use from coal-based energy sources to renewable and more efficient energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power pooling has emerged as a regional strategy for accelerating generation capacity expansion in West Africa with the aim of leveraging vast domestic energy resources and promoting investment in regional power infrastructure. As part of their climate action pledges, most West African countries have committed to increasing the shares of variable renewable energy (VRE), particularly solar photovoltaic and wind power, in their generation mix. It, however, appears that approaches to utility-scale capacity expansion planning tend to overlook the inherent temporal intermittency and spatial variability of VRE-based generation. Moreover, despite influencing the techno-economic rationale for grid expansion and off-grid electrification, as well as the trade-offs between high renewable supply areas and grid expansion, the spatial distribution of demand has been overlooked in planning approaches, leading to conservative and weak prospects for the contribution of utility-scale VRE. Such inconsistencies with the region-wide potentials and policy ambitions highlight that it is paramount for West Africa to design its power pooling such that spatial and temporal fluctuations of VRE supply are duly considered in capacity expansion planning while taking advantage of complementarities between VRE supply and national electricity demand profiles. To address this, the present paper applies a long-term generation capacity expansion model, OptGen, soft-linked to a least-cost operation module, the SDDP tool, which is enhanced by geospatial electrification analysis using the OpeN Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET), to a subset of four member countries of the West African Power Pool – Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali – for the 2023–2040 time horizon. The results highlight that current frameworks lead to missed opportunities for bridging the supply-demand gap in all countries, not only in terms of VRE generation capacity, but also of cross-border power trade. • Long-term capacity expansion planning and dispatch models are soft-linked. • The spatial and hourly distributions of demand and renewables supply are considered. • The 10% limit on renewables share used in the regional master plan is not optimal. • The current system operation is not conducive to optimal cross-border trade. • The relaxed transmission scenario yields higher dispatch factors for renewables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illinois passed the Energy Transition Act (i.e., the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act or CEJA) in 2021, which established clean energy mandates with an emphasis on social equity. We examine CEJA and related policies to understand the politics of Illinois' energy transition. While CEJA has been praised as an approach to a just transition, critics argue that it exacerbated Illinois' rural-urban dichotomy by distributing benefits to urban areas defined as 'environmental justice communities' and tangible costs, in the form of clean energy infrastructure, to rural communities. We demonstrate that, leading up to and in response, 1) local governments deployed measures to oppose renewable energy development and 2) the state, in turn, scaled authority for energy governance upward to inhibit opposition. By framing reduced participation as necessary for just climate action, Illinois undermined procedural forms of justice viewed as critical to a just transition and reinforced energy as a partisan political issue. This case illustrates how a narrow definition of justice can contribute to distributive conflict in the energy transition and identifies a need for more inclusive strategies to manage such conflict. • Environmental (EJ) not energy justice metrics guide Illinois' energy transition. • Approach unevenly distributes benefits and burdens across an urban-rural gradient. • Illinois limits local authority over energy development to inhibit rural opposition. • Procedural injustice fosters climate action but threatens a just transition. • Policymakers must inclusively manage distributive conflict in the energy transition. [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]

Reliable, up-to-date biomass data are needed for climate change mitigation and resource efficiency. Therefore, a calculation and reporting tool with thematic maps and data was developed. A free web-tool, Biomass Atlas, collects the spatial distribution of biomasses in Finland. Over 300 data layers present land use, cultivation, residual biomasses from forest, crop production, animal husbandry, municipalities, and industry at 1 km2 spatial resolution. The service enables calculations of biomass amount in a defined geographical area of interest and examining the opportunities and restrictions to utilise biomasses. The service was evaluated with six test-users in laboratory tests and 20 voluntary pilot test-users. Biomass Atlas shows the regional potential of biomaterials, fertilizer products, and renewable energy, as well as potential targets for utilized, recyclable biomass. Other possible uses include monitoring plant cover on fields and assessing land use diversity. Application enables users with no experience in GIS or biomass assessments to analyse biomass resources, produce maps and data summaries for decision making. [Display omitted] • Biomass Atlas is a spatially explicit web application to assess the biomass data. • Amounts and location of produced and recyclable biomass in Finland. • Forests, agricultural areas, crops and sidestreams on thematic maps. • Biomass modelling and calculation tools are given at 1 km2 spatial resolution. • Data for decision making on biomass utilisation for biomaterials, nutrients, and energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy appears to be the most optimal alternative to fossil fuel and the widely accepted pathway towards the mitigation of climate change. However, the costs of adopting renewable energy are high, and it appears the wealth of nations, the stages of economic development and growth and institutional willingness and quality are important in winning this global challenge. However, there is limited information on the interplay of all the factors that are perceived as critical in moving the world towards the use of renewable energy sources to meet most of the domestic and industrial energy needs. This study investigates the inter-temporal causal relationship between institutions, renewable energy, carbon emissions and economic growth for 45 sub-Saharan Africa countries using annual data for the period 1960–2017. We used the generalised method of moment panel vector autoregression (GMM-PVAR) technique to explore the linkages. From a general perspective, the results reveal that no causal relationship exists between institutions and economic growth, but a bidirectional causality exists between economic growth and renewable energy. Our results indicate that economic growth causes carbon emissions, and institutions are more likely to respond to carbon emissions and renewable energy but prompts no causality exists between carbon emissions and renewable energy. Interestingly, these results differ between countries with different institutional origin. The policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • It analyzes the feasibility of achieving net zero emission in the Chinese power sector by 2050 and the required policy measures. • It is essential to foster the concurrent development of renewable energy, energy storage, and demand response technologies. • The carbon pricing mechanism with exponential growth is more suitable. • Referring to the European offshore wind power investment model is beneficial for the development of offshore wind power in China. The low-carbon transition in China's power sector plays a crucial role in the mitigation of climate change worldwide, and increasing renewable energy penetration rate is widely recognized as the key approach to decarbonize this sector. This paper proposes a renewable energy penetration model to examine the feasibility for net zero emission by 2050 in China's power sector taking into account of economic and social development. It also evaluates the impacts of carbon pricing and financial incentives on renewable energy penetration and carbon emissions. The results indicate that along with economic development, China's electricity demand will continue to grow, but at a gradually slowing rate. It is possible for the power sector to achieve net zero emission by 2050 while meeting this growing electricity demand, with a renewable energy penetration rate of 75%. To ensure the achievement of the goal, we recommend setting the carbon price with the current market price as the baseline and increasing it annually by a relative increment index of 10%. Furthermore, given the high initial cost and late start of offshore wind power, we suggest incorporating associated grid connection cost into the transmission and distribution price to ensure the comprehensive and healthy development of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global call to address climate change and advance sustainable development has created rapid growth in research, investment, and policymaking regarding the renewable energy transition of Indigenous communities. From a rightsholder perspective, Indigenous Peoples' vision of sustainability, autonomy, and sovereignty should guide research on their energy needs. In this paper, we present a multi-method, inductive examination to identify gaps between Indigenous communities' expressed needs and rights, and the questions researchers and policymakers investigate in energy transition research conducted in the context of Indigenous communities located in Canada. We combine a systematic review of the extant literature, a scoping review of the grey literature on off-grid communities by Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments and non-governmental policy bodies, qualitative primary data collected via fieldwork, and an in-depth study of an Indigenous-led renewable energy transition study conducted by Haíɫzaqv Nation's Climate Action Team. We holistically examine these different perspectives and identify emergent themes to recommend ways to bridge the gaps between off-grid renewable energy research and stated Indigenous community priorities. Specifically, we recommend designing equitable research practices, understanding community worldviews, developing holistic research goals, respecting Indigenous data sovereignty, and sharing or co-developing knowledge with communities to align with community priorities closely. • There is a research-practice gap in Indigenous communities' energy transitions. • We used a multi-method inquiry integrating Indigenous and Western approaches. • Renewable energy literature diverges from the Indigenous community vision and goals. • Indigenous research methods can reduce the research-practice gap in high-tech fields. • Community-based approaches can use traditional laws to yield actionable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated energy systems for multi-purpose applications are garnering increased interest in the international nuclear energy community, energy system designers and planners and decision makers in the context of deep decarbonization and net zero targets. They are expected to reduce costs and increase flexibility in operation of nuclear reactors when coupled with intermittent renewable energy sources, while also producing various commodities such as hydrogen or potable water. Adaptive solutions must be considered for each geographical area and based on the involved components of the energy system, available infrastructure, and policy in place. This paper provides an in-depth look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of such systems, while addressing different aspects related to the creation of the business case for such systems including decentralization and digitalization of future energy systems. The regulatory aspects are the ones that impose challenges on the emerging hybrid energy systems and this paper highlights some of the considerations that are needed for the couplings involved, in terms of licensing procedures and safety analysis. The potential contribution of such integrated energy systems towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) are also discussed. Concerning the stakeholders, special attention should be paid to building social acceptance and trust as this lays the foundation for successful implementation of such projects. By focusing on areas such as research and development, integration of technologies, policy support, market development, grid integration, energy storage, efficiency improvement, system modelling and simulations, significant advances in integrated/hybrid energy systems deployment can be achieved. • Role of integrated energy systems in deep decarbonization for climate change mitigation. • Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of multigeneration energy systems. • Decarbonization, decentralization and digitalization based business models. • Integrated systems can help achieving sustainable development goals (SDG7,11,13). • Hybrid energy systems can address the challenges of intermittency and grid stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a comprehensive analysis of the global transition towards renewable energy, the study revealed significant disparities in adoption rates and technological advancements across nations, while also underscoring the potential for an extensive shift in energy paradigms. Utilizing data from the renewable energy map scenario, findings indicate that renewable energy sources could command up to two-thirds of the global primary energy supply by 2050, a stark contrast to the modest 24% contribution predicted by the reference scenario. European Union countries, particularly Denmark and Germany, emerge as frontrunners in this transition, with impressive wind energy integrations and overall renewable mixes. In Asia, rapid strides are evident with countries such as China and India demonstrating an annual growth rate surpassing 30% in solar and wind sectors. The Americas, represented robustly by the United States, Canada, and Brazil, highlight a diverse renewable integration, each varying in their contributions. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern countries, are progressively diversifying their energy portfolios, and while Africa displays potential, the transition is constrained by infrastructural challenges. The study underscores the tangible global momentum towards renewable energy but emphasizes the continued disparities influenced by a myriad of geopolitical, technological, and economic determinants. The outcomes of this research not only elucidate the current state and trajectory of renewable energy adoption but also underscore the critical importance of tailored policies, investments, and collaborations to accelerate this global shift. [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]

Direct air capture (DAC) technology plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of global warming by capturing carbon dioxide (CO 2) directly from the atmosphere. A significant technical challenge for DAC is its high thermal energy consumption, which results in an unacceptable overall cost (600 $ t CO 2 – 1). The combination of a high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) and DAC system offers a substantial reduction in thermal energy consumption, decreased reliance on renewable energy sources, and enhanced DAC system flexibility. This study presents three distinct thermal integration strategies that combine an HTHP with solid adsorbent-based DAC and verifies their effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and CO 2 emissions compared to a traditional DAC system. Among them, the deeply integrated DAC-HTHP system (I-DAC) exploits low-grade adsorption heat and waste heat, providing direct heating and cooling energy to the DAC system via refrigerant condensation and evaporation processes. Simulation results indicate that the I-DAC system achieves an extremely low operating energy consumption of 2.77 GJ t CO 2 – 1 , representing a 69.5% reduction than traditional DAC under the same conditions. Consequently, the I-DAC offers a cost-effective (32.0–46.2 $ t CO 2 – 1) negative emission solution. We also demonstrate that the I-DAC is promising for wide application in cities to recycle waste heat and remove CO 2 from the air. The comprehensive implementation of the I-DAC in 105 cities could yield a net annual productivity of 980 MtCO 2. • Proposed a deeply thermal integrated DAC system (I-DAC) with waste heat recovery heat pump. • I-DAC achieved a 69.5% reduction in specific energy consumption compared to base-DAC. • I-DAC offers a cost-effective and scalable negative emission solution for climate change mitigation. • Successful implementation of I-DAC in 105 cities could yield a net annual capture capacity of 980 MtCO 2 by 2050. • Highlights the potential of I-DAC to recycle waste heat and remove CO 2 from the air, with policy implications [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving net zero emissions is a crucial challenge in the global climate change policy. It requires a substantial reduction in unabated fossil fuel use, the deployment of renewable energy sources, and the development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare two CO 2 capture retrofits for natural gas combined cycle (NGCC). First one, amine absorption, is already mature and characterised as commercial technology, whereas second one, calcium looping is a promising method but still under pilot studies. Energy required for capture process yields net efficiency penalty, which in conducted research totalled 8.4% points for amine unit and 7.4–15.5% points in calcium-looping units. The economic evaluation was performed to analyse the impact of both concepts on their profitability. Moreover, the climate change mitigation potential was assessed and indicated that carbon capture can lower the emissivity of a conventional power plant by 82–87% or even contribute to achieving negative emissions when biofuels are used. Carbon dioxide capture is one of the key elements of ongoing energy transition and its integration with NGCC power units could be determined as essential for maintaining energy security with net zero emissions. • The work provides the comparison between amine scrubbing and calcium-looping CO 2 capture for Natural Gas Combined Cycle. • CCS retrofit causes a net efficiency penalty between 7.4 and 15.5%p for analysed configurations. • Calcium-looping retrofit placed after the gas turbine yield lower SPECCA and higher unit power due to new steam cycle. • Using biogas as a feedstock to calciner of calcium-looping unit leads to negative CO 2 emissions. • Amine scrubbing retrofit has much lower CAPEX and OPEX than CaL units, yet they reach higher ΔNPV within 25 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decades, several studies have shown that heat pumps are a promising solution to reach the European Union targets on climate change mitigation, since they satisfy the energy needs for heating, cooling and hot water production employing a single device and using a significant share of renewable energy. However, the full exploitation of the energy-saving potential of heat pumps is a difficult task for designers to achieve, as several factors, such as the variability of outdoor climatic conditions, the control logic of the system and the system configuration, influence the energy performance. High Coefficient of Performance (COP) and low environmental impact make Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems one of the most suitable technologies for the heating and cooling services, to promote the decarbonization of the building sector, especially in urban areas. The objective of this study is to assess a range of strategies for heat pump systems to achieve optimal performance that can be fully utilized. To do this, the authors analyse the performance of a 'positive' office building, located in Swansea University Bay, which is already featured with renewable energy technologies for electricity and heat generation: an integrated photovoltaic roof to generate electricity and a wall-photovoltaic thermal system. The current configuration ('baseline scenario') of the building-plant system was modelled in TRNSYS 17 environment and the influence of different parameters on the energy performances was studied. To complement the already high use of renewables the authors propose an alternative scenario for the Active Office Building integrating the use of geothermal heat pumps with the existing systems. By comparing the two scenarios on an energy and environmental point of view, it was possible to assess an 11% decrease in primary energy consumption, leading to a corresponding 11% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. [Display omitted] • GSHP are a promising solution to achieve EU energy goals, since they supply heating and cooling with a high share of RES. • The work proposed suggests optimization measures for buildings to increase efficiency. • A Positive Office Building, equipped with renewable technologies has been modelled with TRNSYS 17. • A technoeconomic and environmental analysis has been performed to assess the benefits of the adoption of a GSHP. • The proposed scenario has shown an energy saving of 11% and a reduction of GHG emissions with respect to the baseline one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental deterioration brought on by the top ten greenhouse gas emitters is a critical worldwide issue with far-reaching ramifications for global economic sustainability. The main purpose of this research is to explore the link between economic growth, energy consumption, trade openness, and environmental factors with a focus on achieving carbon neutrality without compromising economic growth in the top ten emitting countries by employing a dynamic STIRPAT modeling technique. The data used in this research was taken from various sources, such as the International Energy Agency and the World Bank. The research found a robust association between energy consumption and economic growth, with a correlation coefficient of 0.87. The results revealed that carbon emissions (CO 2) are positively related to per capita gross domestic product (PGDP), cubic GDP (G D P 3 ), international tourism arrivals (Tour) and energy consumption (EC), while negatively related to trade openness (TO) and squared GDP (G D P 2 ) in the top ten emitting countries, confirming the N shaped Kuznets curve hypothesis. Trade liberalization also impacted emissions with a coefficient of 0.65 (p < 0.01). The findings suggest that in order to simultaneously achieve carbon neutrality and continue economic development, it is imperative for the major polluting countries to embrace renewable energy sources and enact environmentally beneficial trade and economic measures. [Display omitted] • The study highlights collaboration for carbon neutrality and economic growth. • Results suggest a balance between carbon neutrality & economic vitality. • Renewable energy can drive economic growth while reducing emissions. • Results are policy relevant in achieving carbon neutrality. • The study validates the N shape Kuznets curve hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a secondary energy source, hydrogen produced by water electrolysis is a promising way to sustainably use electricity generated from primary renewable resources. Thereby, hydrogen is not only a highly relevant feedstock for producing chemical products, such as fertilizers and platform chemicals, but also a valuable energy carrier that can be readily transported and stored. This study explores how transporting renewable hydrogen via pipeline from regions with high renewable energy potential to large consumer centers can help overcome current challenges in ensuring a climate-friendly renewable energy supply. To this end, this work assesses the environmental impacts of cross-border hydrogen supply chains relative to the attained operating hours of local hydrogen production and the required hydrogen transport distance via pipeline. Environmental hotspots along the hydrogen supply chain and the main parameters affecting the overall environmental impact were identified. Remarkably, an environmental trade-off emerges: the most suitable local conditions for producing renewable hydrogen need to be balanced against the distance of hydrogen transport to consumers. Nonetheless, the relevance of the transport distance decreases with an increasing share of renewable energies in the electricity mix for operating the compressor stations of the pipeline network. Considering the ongoing transition towards renewable power generation technologies, our results indicate that long-distance hydrogen transport via pipeline is environmentally justified provided that the share of renewable energies used to operate the compressor stations increases. • Renewable hydrogen supply chains are associated with environmental impacts. • Critical parameters focus on hotspots along the hydrogen supply chain. • Regions with high renewable energy potential are ideal for hydrogen production. • Benefits increase as the difference in renewable energy potential increases. • Distance becomes less relevant as energy transition progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First-time framing of renewable energy priority zones. • Definition of optimal combinations of advanced meteorological-technical criteria. • Application of wavelet analysis and coherence in a multi-criteria site assessment. • Wind energy priority zones found in 2–12% of Germany based on restriction scenario. • Solar energy priority zones found in 5–22% of Germany based on restriction scenario. The intensification of climate change impacts requires a fast and efficient transition of energy systems and deployment of renewable energies worldwide. An adequate site assessment strategy forms the basis for expanding installed capacities and energy yield. This study applies a set of meaningful criteria to determine site suitability for Germany's onshore wind and utility-scale solar photovoltaics facilities. An aggregated priority index involving meteorological-technical, economic, and environmental criteria is developed and used in a new concept for identifying renewable energy priority zones, where installations of wind and solar energy facilities should be prioritized. As a novelty, this resource-centered approach does not only analyze the mean energy potential as a meteorological criterion but also accounts for other characteristics such as variability, complementarity, and predictability. The results indicate that reducing legal restrictions substantially facilitates wind and solar energy capacity expansion in prioritized zones. With weak restrictions, up to 22% and 12% of Germany represent priority zones for an efficient and sustainable use of solar and wind energy. However, due to the intermittent nature of wind and solar resources, mismatches between generation potential and electricity demand would persist even with substantial capacity expansion. Future energy systems must advance the expansion of renewable energy capacities just as the flexibilization of demand or an increase of storage capacities to guarantee future energy security and mitigate climate change. The newly developed renewable energy priority zones are a starting point and can be transferred to other study areas by specifically adapting criteria and their weighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transition is at the core of sustainable development as it helps to combat global warming and climate change. Similarly, carbon markets also support the climate change mitigation. Therefore, by realizing the potential role of clean energy and carbon markets in ensuring environmental sustainability, this study analyzes the spillovers and connectedness between the environment (global carbon) and renewable energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal, biofuel, and fuel cell). The empirical analysis is conducted by applying the novel "TVP-VAR" connectedness framework of Balcilar et al. (2021) on the daily data over the period from August 1, 2014, to February 4, 2022. The findings show that solar and biofuel appear as the highest net shock transmitter among alternative renewable sources while global carbon is shown as the net receiver of shocks. The largest transmission of shocks to global carbon is observed from wind followed by solar. Although these findings support the connectedness between renewable energy and the environment, however this connectedness is influenced by economic crises such as the oil crisis and pandemic crisis. During COVID-19, the fuel cell was the highest transmitter of shocks. The results are important for policy formulation, investment, and portfolio management as they provide insights into the interconnectedness and help in boosting climate actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four scenarios investigated for CO 2 removal services and e-fuels/chemicals exports. • First study to explore the impact of such services on an exporting sunbelt country. • Offering such services and exports lowers several domestic cost metrics. • Concentrated solar thermal and solar PV equally optimal for CO 2 removal. • Regional distribution of installed capacities relies on renewables' full load hours. Transitioning to 100% renewable energy to mitigate climate change requires solutions for hard-to-abate energy sectors. It must also be complemented with negative emissions technologies to ensure climate security. Previous studies have investigated the feasibility of e-fuels and e-chemicals production for export and some carbon dioxide removal technologies in several regions. This study investigates, for the first time, the techno-economic impacts of offering such services on an exporting country's energy system as it transitions to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Egypt is used as a representative case study for sunbelt countries with adequate land area. Four scenarios with different system configurations have been investigated using the LUT Energy System Transition Model and compared to a reference 100% domestic renewable energy system. The results show that Egypt can technically provide 5% of the required global carbon dioxide removal capacity starting from 2035, and 10% of Europe's demand for e-fuels and e-chemicals starting from 2025 within land use constraints. The provision of both services enhances the domestic energy system performance by reducing the levelised costs of important feedstocks, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, as well as other domestic cost metrics and system losses. These findings are extendable and relevant to similar sunbelt countries. They are also relevant to European countries looking to fulfil their climate targets while diversify their energy imports sources. Overall, this study is an important step in 100% renewable energy transition research and international climate change mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has a significant importance in achieving the global Paris agreement's long-term goal as it is the world's third-largest consumer of energy. This paper aims to improve the understanding of the opportunities and constraints of decarbonizing India's electricity sector and adds to the growing body of literature by modelling the electricity sector in India with a dynamic optimization approach that assesses options for effective greenhouse reductions through carbon pricing. Attaining significant variable renewable energy penetration in India by 2050 is consistent with the lowest cost power generation options identified through our simulations, where solar and wind can provide 66 % of the electricity needs by 2050, even without a carbon price. With a carbon price of US$50/tCO2e, the simulations project that wind and power generation share in the electricity mix will rise to 81 %, leading to significant emission reductions. In this scenario, power sector emissions will be 164 million tCO2e by 2050, which is only about 14 % of the emissions levels in 2019. The analysis also indicates that fossil fuels remain part of India's electricity mix in 2050, but their role and operation would dramatically change. When a carbon price of US$50/tCO2e is introduced, coal capacity remains valuable to fill demand when solar and wind are not available. This would require modifications in operation schedules and repurposing coal power plants for frequent ramping up and down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic fuels are increasingly discussed when considering solutions to climate change mitigation. However, it is rather unclear what synthetic fuels are and their scope in replacing regular fossil fuels. Here, we propose a definition for synthetic fuels and discuss their classification based on production methods. These technologies are considered based on their scalability and extent of sustainability, along with the advantages they provide for overcoming renewable energy challenges. [Display omitted] • Synthetic fuels offer novel solutions to energy and environmental challenges. • Synthetic fuels can be grouped based on their synthesis strategies. • Intermediate molecules can play an important role in achieving new syntheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities and advancements in industries boost global energy demand and increase fossil fuel consumption, causing several global environmental problems, such as climate change. As a climate change mitigation strategy, the use of renewable energy technologies has gained unprecedented interest. In particular, the thermochemical processing of lignocellulosic biomass integrated with other renewable energy technologies has emerged rapidly. It is critical to select appropriate integrated renewable energy system configurations for sustainable and feasible power generation towards higher environmental benefits. Understanding the possible configurations of thermochemical lignocellulosic biomass processing technologies (gasification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal gasification, or hydrothermal carbonization) integrated with renewable energy technologies (solar thermal, fuel cell, fusion power, or energy storage) is crucial for the further development and propagation of the integrated renewable energy system. Hence, we provide a systematic review of the thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass integrated with the other renewable energy technologies. Finally, the challenges associated with the implementation of these systems and suggestions for future research on the systems are discussed. • Renewable energy technology is integrated with thermochemical biomass conversion process. • The integrated bioenergy systems help overcome limitations of single-source energy systems. • Challenges and prospects for the integrated systems are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We propose criteria for siting Solar-Wind Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems. • Integration of fuzzy logic and the Best-Worst Method in GIS is consistent and efficient. • Chittagong is the most suitable area for Solar-Wind Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems. • Current land-use policy is a barrier to meeting renewable energy and climate targets. • GIS-based techniques can facilitate integrated geospatial decision-making. Solar-Wind Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (SWHRESs) provide more reliable and efficient power than single systems and are, therefore, regarded as a promising tool for achieving SDG 7. However, the performance of SWHRESs in large-scale implementations is highly subject to the site selection method, which is subsequently crucial to achieving the goals of the transition from fossil fuels and climate change mitigation. To address this issue, this paper, based on a case study in Bangladesh, proposes a GIS-based BWM-Fuzzy Logic Method to select optimal sites for SWHRESs. The results show that SWHRESs are preferable to wind and solar systems alone. Totals of 11% and 25% of the area were suitable and moderately suitable, respectively, for SWHRESs, and the most suitable area for installation was Chittagong. The most influential criteria are solar irradiation, elevation, distance to rivers and waterbodies. The results of three sets of sensitivity analysis have demonstrated the robustness of the proposed method, and the comparative study has further shown that the proposed method performs better than methods proposed in previous studies. Hence, this study has provided a powerful tool for supporting decision-making regarding SWHRESs, thus offering a useful tool for achieving SDG 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Feasibility of net zero-energy (nZE) for residential and commercial building stock. • Accommodation of nZE conditions by current power distribution network. • Proposed framework integrated synthetic population and activities. • Case study on dense urban area in noncold climate. • nZE transformation pathways explored as different from those for cold climate. The transformation to net zero-energy (nZE) building stocks involves harvesting of renewable energy, enhancement of building energy efficiency, incorporation of various supply-side options, and advanced energy management. Although several studies have evaluated the feasibility of nZE for residential areas in cold regions, only a few studies have been conducted on dense urban regions in noncold climate. Additionally, the accommodation of such building stock transformation by the current power distribution network has not been clarified to date. Thus, this study proposes a novel framework integrating synthetic population, activity, building stock, and power distribution network to explore transformation pathways. This was further demonstrated by a case study on a densely populated region covering four cities in Tokyo, Japan. The results signified that complete dissemination of popular energy efficiency measures can reduce the energy demand by 40%. With the reduction in energy demand, nearly nZE condition can be realized only if the building roof area is completely covered by photovoltaics. In particular, one half of the generation would be utilized locally, whereas the remaining would be exported. Moreover, the power distribution network can accommodate the transformation with a slight increase in power distribution loss up to 1% and a modest reinforcement requirement owing to line overloading. Conclusively, this study revealed that the transformation and reinforcement requirement are significantly distinct from those required in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Material, substance, energy flows of the agricultural biogas system are quantified. • Today the system provides about 1300 TJ/a biogas and could reach 15,500 TJ/a by 2050. • Nutrient coefficients transfers through AD to fertilizers are over 80%. • Biowaste anaerobic digestion could spare over 10 kt/a DM nutrients (38 kt/a CO 2 -eq). • Agricultural biogas cannot rely on co-substrate to use the full manure potential. Today's agro-food system is typically based on linear fluxes (e.g., mineral fertilizers importation) when a circular approach should be privileged. The production of biogas as a renewable energy source and digestate as an organic fertilizer is essential for the circular economy in agriculture. This study investigates the current utilization of biomass in agricultural anaerobic digestion plants in Switzerland in terms of mass, nutrients, and energy flows to assess its contribution to the circular economy and climate change mitigation through the substitution of mineral fertilizers and fossil fuels. We quantify the system and its benefits in detail and examine potential future developments using different scenarios. Today, agricultural anaerobic digestion provides 1300 TJ/a of biogas. Our results demonstrate that the system could be largely expanded and provide ten times more biogas by 2050 while saving significant mineral fertilizer amounts (over 10 kt/a of dry mass nutrients yielding 38 kt/a of CO 2 equivalent). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change is exacerbated and existing resources are depleted, the need for sustainable industries becomes ever so important. Aviation is not an exception. Despite the overall carbon dioxide emissions related to the aviation sector accounts for 2%–4% currently, forecasts for air travel indicate an annual growth of 3%–5% and other industries present more potential to reduce carbon emissions once they recur to an increasing use of renewable energies. This option is more difficult in aeronautics since an efficient and lighter energy storage system is required and the current state of the art in battery technology is far from the specific energy densities of fossil fuels and its production is not friendly to the environment. Thus, a herculean effort to integrate several promising mitigation strategies in an efficient way is required. In this paper, a review of the most upfront solutions towards greener aviation is presented and categorized as follows: concepts of operations, energy storage, propulsion systems, aerodynamics, structures, materials, and manufacturing processes. In the end, potential synergies between the different technologies to achieve green aviation are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy resources have garnered considerable attention owing to concerns regarding climate change mitigation and sustainability. The performance of renewable energy resources varies based on weather conditions, which is an important consideration in power system planning as renewable energy penetration increases. In this study, a probabilistic approach for the potential estimation of renewable energy resources based on augmented spatial interpolation was proposed. The proposed algorithm was verified using empirical data obtained from wind farms in Jeju Island. Wind power output scenarios were modeled through ordinary kriging and Monte Carlo simulations. Moreover, the point and cause of line overload according to the seasonal wind power output and power demand were analyzed through transmission security analysis, and the frequency and scale of the curtailments were estimated. This can be used to estimate potential renewable energy resources and establish a power system operation plan. Further study includes the development of stable power system operation plans for large-scale renewable energy resource-integrated power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change mitigation has been a global effort and energy generation is one of the primary sources of GHG emissions. There is a need to transition from fossil-based energy to renewable-based energy. One of the platforms to nourish the work is Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) which it promotes resource efficiency, industrial symbiosis, and circular economy practice. There is a need to explore an optimal configuration of multiple renewable energy (RE) systems in a centralised EIP facility that generates electricity for internal consumption and exports the excess energy to the grid. This model developed a mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) model that considers RE from biogas, biomass, micro-hydro, and solar sources for a centralised water hub. The energy generated is primarily used for the main processes involved in the facility as the excess energy will be supplied to the grid. A case study and two scenarios were assessed, and the results offered simultaneous technical, economic, and environmental benefits, which are in the forms of multiple RE generations, additional yearly profit, and GHG emission avoidance from fossil source. This will further strengthen the envisioned role of EIP as it is also capable of supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) and RE100 agenda. • A MINLP model to optimise renewable energy generation for Total Site was developed. • The model is a part of a framework to optimise energy, water, and material streams. • The model considers energy generation via solar, micro hydro, biomass, and biogas. • The proposed installation could suffice the core processes energy needs. • Additional profit is up to 39% and GHG emission reduction can be up to 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spanish national energy and climate plan (PNIEC) has recently been published, leading the worldwide task of climate change mitigation towards a net zero-carbon economy by 2050. The objective scenario of the PNIEC expects to reach a renewable share in the power system of 74% by 2030. In this context, three contributions are developed: i) providing an analysis of how Spain is facing the energy transition; ii) conceptualizing the link between an hourly energy model (EnergyPLAN) and a yearly integrated assessment model (MEDEAS); and iii) proposing a transparent policy agenda for the Spanish benchmarking in line with the official report. The results clarify the decreasing role such technologies as the combined heat and power facilities, as well as the pressure of biomass in Spain. Coherency in translating common variables in the energy chain of IAMs to the energy model is effectively reflected in the tables as an output of the research. Positive conclusions are found for Spain. The commitment of 74% might well be completed and the Spanish economy could run with a 100% renewable energy system by 2050, with requirements of sixteen and six times more installed capacity of solar-PV and wind onshore, respectively, by 2050 related to 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the progressive implementation of Low-Carbon Policies based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to assess climate change mitigation, biofuels' potential environmental advantages could finally be translated into economic revenues, especially for residue-based production chains. This implies, however, tackling environmental hotspots along the Life Cycle, such as the use of enzymes, an important input in cellulosic ethanol production. While relevant, however, aspects of enzyme manufacturing, crucial to the LCA results, are often oversimplified in databases or even undisclosed, which might render the accounting for this flow unreliable. A potential solution for this is to model enzyme production, disclosing aspects such as carbon source uptakes, energy consumption and purification steps, all of which may carry significant environmental burdens, especially for fossil-reliant procedures. Integrating these steps into the biorefinery process design as an on-site operation, however, would allow access to renewable energy and carbon sources for enzyme production, potentially reducing their burden in the final biofuel LCA profile, when compared with off-site supply. This work, then, aims to evaluate the effect of inserting on-site enzyme production within a stand-alone second-generation (2G) biorefinery, using sugarcane straw as feedstock, to produce ethanol and electricity, as opposed to off-site enzyme supply from manufacturers. The results show that adopting on-site production can reduce the overall environmental impact profile for cellulosic ethanol, in comparison to off-site supply, even though off-site data present significant variability among databases and literature. This trend persisted for varied enzyme dosages in the saccharification process and for different inventories to model off-site supply. The reference inventories for off-site supply lack transparency and details, while also displaying large discrepancies between impact indicators, indicating the need to pursue more consistent, reliable, and complete inventories for its modelling in LCA. Compared to first-generation (1G) sugarcane ethanol, 2G-ethanol (with on-site enzyme production) demonstrated a reduction in the Global Warming Potential category of around 80%. However, relevant trade-offs for 2G ethanol (with off-site enzyme supply) were observed – regarding ecotoxicity, mineral scarcity, eutrophication and even the potential GHG reduction – when different enzyme inventories are used. [Display omitted] • On-site enzyme production leads to lower environmental impact. • Enzyme dosage and off-site inventory choice do not alter this previous conclusion. • With on-site production, enzymes cease to be the major hotspot within the life cycle. • On-site production leads to a 53% GHG emissions reduction, compared to off-site. • There are trade-offs among impact categories for cellulosic ethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable energy transition, air pollution reduction and climate change mitigation are the most challenging themes in nowadays energy sector. Microgrids (MGs) are one of the most effective ways to integrate Renewable Energy Sources (RES), and among them PhotoVoltaic (PV)-Storage (ST) configuration is relevantly promising. Focusing the attention on the PV and ST converters primary control, the main needs are to properly regulate voltage and frequency and optimally exploit the energy coming from the sun and manage the ST operation without any communication among the converter controllers. The conventional converter control approach presents several drawbacks and thus a strategy based on Higher Order Sliding Mode (HOSM) is presented in this work. The HOSM converter control strategy is fully analysed defining its control laws and the control schemes. A comparison between the HOSM and conventional control is performed with dedicated simulations on a common benchmark MG in order to highlight the advantages of the proposed strategy. • Decentralized control of islanded photovoltaic-storage microgrids. • Higher-Order sliding model application to microgrids. • Robust control approach for islanded power systems. • Combined results of primary and secondary frequency regulation without communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progress made in the penetration of renewable energy (RE) sources in most parts of the world is not fast enough for achieving the international climate mitigation targets. Furthermore, there is a lack of energy planning strategies, methods and tools for assessing the implementation of RE technologies which considers the social support. In this work, we present a replicable multi-criteria spatial approach based on geographical information system to estimate the potential of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind and biomass energy technologies that could be implemented in the short-term in a given territory. This potential includes environmental, technical (with economic attributes) and geographical (with social-acceptability attributes) constraints, together with existing local power plants considerations for calculating the electricity generation by technology, and then estimating its jobs creation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The approach was applied to the province of Jaén (Southern Spain), which has a pronounced unbalance between its inner electricity production and consumption and apparently is a territory with great technical potential for the aforementioned technologies. Results show that this province has a short-term implementable potential that would annually produce 8.9 TWh from solar PV, 911 GWh from wind energy and 683 GWh from biomass plants; which is 3.8 times greater than the current electricity consumption and would require 1.5% of the total surface of Jaén. This potential can create about 92,800 direct jobs and avoid the emissions of 3.78–8.61 MtCO 2 to the atmosphere. The proposed approach can be useful for energy planning processes and for allowing decision-making to accelerate the implementation of RE power plants in order to achieve the climate mitigation goals. • A multi-criteria GIS-based approach with local consideration is proposed. • A renewable energy potential with economic and socio-acceptability attributes was estimated. • 6.6 GW of photovoltaic (PV), 0.6 GW of wind and 88 MW of biomass energy can be installed in the near-term in Jaén. • PV and wind energy installed capacity would occupy 1.5% of the total surface of Jaén. • About 92,800 direct jobs can be created and 3.78–8.61 MtCO 2 emissions avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforming and expanding the electricity sector are key for climate change mitigation and alleviation of energy poverty. Future energy systems based on renewable energy sources may reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but could require more materials during construction. We assess this trade-off by quantifying the requirements of the main bulk materials used in electricity infrastructures for 281 global electricity sector pathways until 2050. We identify main determinants for material requirements and gauge the relevance of socio-economic framework conditions and climate change mitigation regimes. Five selected, highly diverse scenarios are analysed in detail by quantifying their respective annual material stocks and flows, and cumulative GHG emissions to 2050. We find robust evidence that scenarios in line with the 1.5 °C target are associated with significantly higher material requirements than scenarios exceeding a global temperature rise of 2 °C. Material stocks in 2050 differ by up to 30% for copper, 100% for concrete, 150% for iron/steel and 260% for aluminium (3rd quartiles of Monte Carlo simulations), even when the particularly material-intensive "Below 1.5 °C″ scenarios are excluded. Although power plants account for the largest part of the material requirements, grid expansion and reinforcement, necessary to accommodate large shares of volatile power generation and provide universal access to electricity, also cause substantial material demand. In the absence of future GHG mitigation in the processing industries, GHG emissions related to bulk materials (primarily iron/steel and aluminium) could amount to one tenth of the remaining carbon budget for a 50% chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. However, if preference is given to material-efficient technologies, low-carbon processes are applied in the industries and increased material recycling is achieved, GHG emissions related to bulk materials in decarbonisation pathways will not significantly exceed those in largely fossil fuel-based scenarios. • Global electricity sector pathways to 2050 require large amounts of bulk materials. • High-renewable scenarios that meet climate targets are most material-intensive. • Future iron/steel and aluminium requirements imply large greenhouse gas emissions. • Without mitigation, cumulative GHG emissions could be 10% of the 1.5° carbon budget. • Mitigation options include material efficiency, technology development & circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis can be used to produce renewable energy and offset greenhouse gas emissions. While the biopower potential of pyrolysis has been widely analyzed, agronomic and environmental benefits under competing pyrolysis modes have not been investigated and compared. This study reviews the properties and characteristics of major pyrolysis technologies including fast, intermediate, slow, gasification, and torrefaction, and then investigates and compares their biopower potential and the biochar-induced agronomic and environmental benefits so that the fundamental figures for future large-scale biopower development can be explored. The results indicate that (1) revenues from energy sale generally outweigh the agronomic and environmental benefits, but the extent depends on the commodity price and emission price; (2) if biochar is not used as an energy source, 10.58%–26.73% of biopower generation is decreased for fast pyrolysis and a 90%–97.44% decrease would occur for torrefaction; (3) biochar-induced agronomic benefits and emission offsets from torrefaction can greatly recover the loss of energy sales; and (4) with torrefaction the emission offset can be up to 2.82–3.19 tonnes carbon dioxide, on a per tonne biomass basis. We also discuss how biochar application might alleviate surface water eutrophication and groundwater pollution. • Mitigation potential of torrefaction is up to 3.19 MT per ton feedstock. • Without the use of biochar, power generation of fast pyrolysis declines by 26.73%. • Torrefaction benefits agronomic mostly but yields least biopower. • Changes in energy and emission prices would cause technology transitions. • Slow pyrolysis balances biopower production and mitigation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Large synergies of different energy models, but few practical integration studies. • Merging of a techno-economic optimisation and a socio-technical simulation model. • Model convergence shows the feasibility of soft-linking very different models. • Pace of technological change is critical for climate change mitigation. [Display omitted] Transforming global energy systems is critical for climate change mitigation and requires overcoming not only techno-economic, but also socio-technical hurdles. The main tools to analyse challenges in these two domains are integrated assessment models (IAMs) and transition theories or models, respectively. Despite a surging interest in integrative research that leverages complementarities in order to include social constraints into IAMs, both approaches are often confined to their own disciplinary background and practical integration studies of existing models are scarce. Here I demonstrate the feasibility of model integration by a bi-directional soft-link that merges the strengths of a neoclassical intertemporally optimising IAM with one global region, and a technologically and regionally highly resolved, evolutionary simulation model of S-shaped technology diffusion in the power sector. The new model iteratively converges to a stable equilibrium via two time-dependent coupling variables: carbon prices and renewable energy shares. The results for a 2 °C scenario show that due to gradual technology diffusion, energy transition challenges are exacerbated and incur higher economic losses. I discuss the potential of coupling existing models as an option to combine insights from different disciplinary perspectives to energy transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space-based geoengineering is gaining attention, if not necessarily traction, as a possible "break the glass" solution to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon future. Though still on the periphery of discussions around climate mitigation and geoengineering, space-based methods that would deflect or block incoming sunlight, and thereby diminish how much radiation ultimately reaches the Earth, could offer advantages, notably, by avoiding the need for difficult trade-offs and decisions in terms of land and resource use on Earth. Aside from a few specialist-oriented studies, the literature on space-based geoengineering remains limited. In this study, we utilize a large and diverse expert-interview exercise (N = 125) to provide a first critical examination of the promise and relevance of space-based geoengineering for tackling climate change, including perhaps as a source of renewable energy, its feasibility and prospective risks, as well as key actors and issues related to commercialization and governance. To our knowledge, no other study has employed empirical data of any kind to examine perceptions of space-based geoengineering, let alone in relation to other kinds of climate-intervention technologies. Not only does the current research represent the first of its kind, it also provides a foundation for more informed, comprehensive deliberations around this interesting, possibly even necessary solution to climate change. • Space-based solar geoengineering is a radical proposal for tackling climate change. • No study has so far employed empirical data to explore perceptions of space-based proposals. • Our data is derived from a diverse set of 125 original interviews with key experts. • The promise, feasibility, and risks for climate mitigation are critically examined. • We also engage with the potential of sunshades to provide significant amounts of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green financing has been proposed to stimulate and promote environment-friendly products such as low-carbon building and renewable energy to mitigate climate change since 2013; however, Taiwan's energy security is fragile and vulnerable to fluctuations of fossil prices. This study investigates how the promotion of green bonds benefits Taiwan's bioenergy production and emission reduction, as well as the development efficiency under various green-bond rates and volumes. We propose a price-endogenous, mathematical programming framework that incorporates the entire agricultural sector to simulate net bioenergy production, emission reduction, and overall profitability in the face of alternative bioenergy technologies and market conditions. The results show that if biopower and biofuel are eligible for low-cost bond financing, bioenergy production would be more stable. An increase in the emission trade price is favored to biopower technology, but this advantage will be partly recovered by a low borrowing rate because biofuel production will also be at a low production cost. In the face of energy price changes, we estimate that with an increase in green volume of US$0.61 to US$1.02 billion, a meaningful transition to bioenergy technology could occur. • A price endogenous, mathematical programming is applied. • We analyze the effect of bond rates and bond volume on bioenergy development. • Lower bond rates encourage the development of biopower. • Transitions among bioenergy technology occurs under various market conditions. • Capital required for biopower is relatively stable than for biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Renewable energy quotas incorporating equality and efficiency are allocated at regional level. • The methods combined entropy and ZSG-DEA models are proposed. • The quota allocation results have achieved the goal of transferring the responsibility of renewable energy quota from western to eastern. Renewable energy policy plays an important role in achieving carbon neutrality which is main goal for climate change mitigation. China is striving to promote the implementation of renewable portfolio standards under the goal of carbon neutralization in 2060. Thus, based on the principles of equality and efficiency, we apply zero sum gains data envelopment analysis (ZSG-DEA) model combined with entropy model to allocate China's renewable energy quota from provincial perspectives. Further, we introduce an environmental Gini coefficient to evaluate the rationality of allocation results. The allocation results show that Guangdong, Jiangsu, Sichuan and Shandong are four provinces with the most renewable energy quota, while Hainan, Guizhou, Gansu, and Xinjiang are four provinces with the least quota. In addition, the quota allocation results have achieved the goal of transferring the responsibility of renewable energy quota from western provinces to eastern provinces. Last, managerial suggestions in promoting renewable energy development are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, it is believed that the share of renewable energy in the overall balance of electricity production should increase in view of the climate change mitigation needs. Analysis of the current capacity of renewable energy shows that the hydropower constitutes the largest part. In this article, the authors undertook the assessment of the impact of hydropower plants on the hydromorphological conditions of the rivers on which they are located. Research sections located upstream and downstream of the facilities and on reference sections were investigated and compared for selected rivers in Poland (Oder, Bystrzyca, Ślęza Rivers) and Belgium (Meuse River). Impacts of the hydropower plants were studied based on 42 indicators, including physical conditions, coastal habitats, morphology, and hydrological regime. It was also determined which hydromorphological indicators influenced the hydromorphological conditions. Results show that in the sections upstream of the hydropower plants, the average hydromorphological state is moderate, whereas it is poor downstream of the plants and very good in the reference stations. From the 42 analyzed indicators, 26 show a deterioration in the hydromorphological state, and 14 show an improvement. The hydromorphological conditions are mostly influenced by anthropogenic pressures, the presence of transverse and longitudinal obstacles in the riverbed, river regulation, and changes in the hydrological regime and flow conditions. The presented methods used in individual EU countries (HIR, HEM, QBR, and MC) complement each other well and their results show a high convergence of the findings for the general hydromorphological state, with an average level of agreement of 82.14%. • Hydromorphological studies within hydropower plants in Poland and Belgium were shown. • Impacts of the hydropower plants were studied based on 42 indicators under 4 methods. • Hydropower plants have an ambiguous effect on the hydromorphology of rivers. • The most pronounced influence concerned the impacts on the hydrological regime. • There was a deterioration in 62.9% of the indicators, and an improvement – in 33.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of renewable energy sources (RES) is considered to be a key instrument in addressing climate change. However, different RES have different potential and economic feasibility depending on country-specific conditions and mitigation ambitions. Understanding the relative importance of each RES could help policymakers focus their efforts on the most promising options. In this paper, we focus on Ukraine and explore the potential of biomass use under two mitigation scenarios – with 68% and 83% of greenhouse gas emissions reduction in 2050 relative to the 2010 level. First, using the TIMES-Ukraine energy system model, we show that biomass would play a major role in the future climate mitigation. If constrained at the baseline scenario level (due to political or other reasons), mitigation costs would be substantially higher – by 14.0–19.6 B € or 10.8–14.3 €/tCO 2 -eq., over the 2020–2050 time frame. Second, we quantify the importance of each biomass source. We show that woody biomass and bioliquids are the most important biofuels under the high-ambition climate scenario, while biowaste and bioliquids play a key role in the lower ambition pathway. Finally, we analyse the current policy environment in the context of future biomass development and conclude with a set of policy recommendations toward the realization of the biomass potential in Ukraine. We believe that findings presented in the paper would be relevant not only for supporting the decision-making process in Ukraine, but could also provide useful insights for other countries with similar conditions. • Two scenarios with 68% and 83% reduction in GHG emissions in 2050 relative to 2010. • Over 50% of all renewable energy is coming from biomass under both scenarios. • Bioenergy constraint increases mitigation costs by 10.8–14.3 EUR/tCO 2 or 2.4–3.2 times. • No significant impact of the biogas availability on the mitigation costs. • Constraining biowoods , bioliquids or biowaste increases costs by at least 35% each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European energy landscape is currently undergoing significant changes shifting from fossil to renewable energy sources. Biomass will continue to play a significant role in decarbonisation efforts. As a pioneer in climate change mitigation, the European Union (EU) can also greatly benefit not only from the wide deployment of bioenergy, but also from Bioenergy coupled with Carbon Capture and Utilization (BECCU). BECCU is a key enabling technology for the energy transition addressing simultaneously the renewable feedstock-based circular economy. Biomass utilization in existing and future power and heat applications addresses the decarbonisation of power and heat sector, while the integration of CO 2 -utilization technologies in these plants enables the valorisation of waste streams via conversion to fuels and chemicals. The current status of bioenergy deployment in Europe is reported, along with a review of the main BECCU technologies and a special focus on valuable recycled bio–CO 2 –derived transport fuels. BECCU enables the decarbonisation of power, heat and transport sector leading to a net zero or even negative emission energy system by 2050. • Review of regulatory framework for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Utilization. • Alternative configurations in biorefinery applications are presented. • Implementation of BECCU in combined heat and power plants and in biofuel production. • Applications, carbon capture costs and technology readiness level are assessed. • Use of biogenic CO 2 for transport fuels can boost EU circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening capacity for cross-sectoral coordination has a crucial role in enabling ambitious climate mitigation. This research work integrates the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems Index into a policy framework with three main components to compare possibilities for improving urban system performance. Tiers of integration are defined and compared with the index results for more transformative action. The levels range from unintegrated urban sectors and emerging integration, including those with urban land use and spatial planning, to advanced integration across the urban system. The case study is based on a municipality that is benchmarked to receive an index score of 27.783, placing the urban area in rank 79 among 120 other cities. The measures in the existing action plan are compared with opportunities that would support the municipality in reaching higher tiers of urban integration in the future. Policy learning from other urban areas to which the index is applied is foreseen to support collective action in addressing synergistic opportunities for mitigation. The results have implications on considering urban system integration in the transition to net-zero targets, missions for climate-neutral cities, and the realization of 100% renewable energy systems. • Urban climate mitigation action can focus on integrating across the urban system. • A framework that involves benchmarking is developed in a broader policy context. • The case study receives a benchmarked score of 27.783 as a solution-seeking city. • Tiers of urban system integration are defined with comparisons to opportunities. • Net-zero emission targets can be supported with more transformative urban action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]