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The global energy transition is an uneven process, fundamentally related to the level of economic development of countries and their access to energy resources (renewable and non-renewable) to a large extent. The global climate is interconnected, and all nations impact it through their products and services. The six countries discussed—China, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Russia, and India—account for 44.8% of global primary energy consumption and 49% of global CO2 emissions. Each of them has its own strategy for achieving carbon neutrality, based on different decarbonization scenarios, which, according to the authors, depend on geopolitical factors, national economy characteristics, and the established pragmatic goals and objectives. However, the "green agenda" itself may not always be among the top priorities when formulating energy strategies. The study objective is to analyze the feasibility of the stated goals in these countries using a combined logistic curve-based forecasting tool for predicting solar and wind production as well as investment volumes. It aims to justify the relation between solar and wind energy production and investment policies using a calculated technological coefficient. Results show similar, but time-shifted fluctuating investment dynamics in solar and wind energy trends in Japan, Germany and China, with Germany and Japan outperforming investment forecasts when considering the technology efficiency coefficient. Furthermore, the findings highlight the overwhelming appreciation of the unevenness of the green transition process, which will consequently make it impossible to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement until 2050. Taking these factors into consideration, exploratory decarbonization scenarios for these six major world economies alongside two dimensions, namely, the pace of green transition versus green technology and versus resources, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity load prediction plays a vital role in energy management. The necessity of combining scattered power generation channels of sustainable energy and other substitute resources into distribution grid networks is increasing because of the 4.1 percent rise in world electricity since 2021. The utilization of probability power generators and energy storage is maximized by short-term load prediction methods, which make it possible to anticipate potential energy usage. To facilitate the growth of energy systems in quite a sustainable way, urban energy planners utilize a range of methods and technological advances, including simulation, probability optimization, comprehensive improvement, and modelling techniques for predicting power requirements. Predicting energy consumption at granular time scales (e.g., hourly or sub-hourly intervals) is common practice for short-term energy load prediction. For similar time-series forecasting challenges, the authors have decided to use transfer learning (TL) with light gradient-boosting machine (LightGBM).1 This model can benefit from models trained on larger data sets through TL, which might boost prediction accuracy. Energy prediction and effective resource utilization largely support the accurate transition of energy systems. In this paper, the authors propose a hybrid model for short-term energy load prediction. Based on TL to optimize LightGBM (OLGBM) for smart grids, The proposed model first applies data pre-processing using an abnormal supplement strategy with an immediate deviation selection technique. This phase eliminates the missing values and extracts the required features.The second phase uses a TL-OLGBM with hyperparameters. The TL method helps to learn the dynamic time scale and complex data patterns, and the hyperparameters are tuned via the Bayesian optimization technique, which addresses the challenge of short-term load forecasting (STLF) and increases forecasting accuracy. Finally, an optimized LightGBM model is applied, combining the time and energy features to predict effective energy forecasting. The proposed model gained a 2.834589 mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value and a 0.9706495 GINI index after execution on the prescribed data set. We compare the performance of the proposed model with other comparable models, and the simulation outcomes show that the model can generate the best results for MAPE, accuracy, and root-mean-square deviation (RMSE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transition in Germany requires a high amount of new wind turbines and photovoltaic power for supply of new electricity consumers for heat and traffic. In addition, high electricity demand for production of hydrogen has to be supplied. The corresponding planning for transmission system extension does not take into account economic and environmental burden. As an alternative to the planned oversized transmission grid extension, a second bidding zone for Germany is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the scenario framework 2023‒2037/2045 [1] approved by the German Bundesnetzagentur für Elektrizität, Gas, Telekommunikation, Post und Eisenbahnen, a possible picture of the energy landscape for the case of a completely defossilized energy supply was drawn up with the help of hourly resolved producer and consumer profiles. On this basis, the question was addressed as to whether the hydrogen required for this should be produced domestically and how much decentralized, household‐based seasonal storage would relieve the low‐voltage grids. An estimate provides reference values for the financial expenditure and the area required to achieve this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing problems associated with global climate change due to the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere call for serious concerns. This scenario has necessitated the need for a shift from the use of fossil fuels to renewable energy to curtail the impact of climate change on the environment. The study was conducted to assess the potential and variability of climatic and other natural resources for renewable energy and evaluation of public perception of the energy transition process in Rivers State Nigeria. The climate data was obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) from 2000 and 2023 and analyzed using the Linear Regression Model while data on public perception was generated from structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The outcome of the Regression and ANOVA analysis were generally significant for both the natural resources and residents of the study area. Also, 65.7% of the respondents affirmed that the available natural resources are viable and suitable for energy transition. The significant and positive relationship of the different climatic elements in the study signposts huge potential for the renewable energy transition in the study area. The perception of residents was positive and showed excellent knowledge of the abundance of natural resources for the energy transition. It is therefore recommended that the Rivers State government should partner with the private sector to increase investment in energy infrastructure for improved environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of nuclear power as a high-availability energy source is increasing in countries that currently rely on coal-based energy. The growing use of renewable energy sources emphasizes the need for greater energy supply security and grid stability. However, nuclear reactors remain the most expensive commercially available power-generation technology, which limits investment in this field. This paper explores the feasibility of investing in Coal-to-Nuclear conversion at selected coal-fired power plant sites in Poland. By converting coal-fired infrastructure, it is possible to reduce the financial cost of constructing a nuclear power plant. The study included an analysis of hydrological conditions from 2010 to 2023 at selected locations, which determined the potential for siting high-power nuclear reactors. An analytical model was used to calculate the required water intake for cooling, and the results were compared with actual river flow measurements. The findings suggested that constructing an inland nuclear power plant in Poland is feasible while complying with legal standards regarding maximum cooling water temperature. The assessment of the four sites allowed appropriate recommendations to be made concerning further research into the implementation of Generation III reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This review subscribes to the MiDiNA project as a part of the European Union-African Union partnership for renewable energy, 'LEAP-RE'. This review will shed light on the energy transition in North African countries and the resilient controls for improving power availability in microgrids. It seeks to draw attention to the advantages and drawbacks of each type of control as well as discuss the specifications for resilient controls that are necessary for microgrids in the North African environment. The ambition of making North Africa a hub for renewable energies and green hydrogen has prompted local governments and the private sector to work together towards boosting the growth of locally available, sustainable energy resources. Numerous climate and energy challenges can be addressed by microgrid technologies, which enable cost-effective incorporation of renewable energy resources and energy storage systems through smart management and control infrastructures. This paper discusses the ongoing energy transition in the countries of North Africa, highlighting the potential for renewable energy sources as well as regional obstacles and challenges. Additionally, it explores how robust and stable controls and advanced management strategies can improve microgrids' performances. Special attention is given to assessing the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and advanced controllers, with an emphasis on resilience needed within the harsh North African environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The Energiewende (energy transition) is the dynamic and contested project of energy transition in Germany. It encompasses both the sociotechnical transformation of the German electricity system and the reorganization of the sector's ownership structure. In this paper, we present a Capital-as-Power (CasP) based analysis, investigating industrial path-dependency and innovation as part of the dialectics of power and sociotechnical change in capitalism. According to CasP, dominant capital seeks to increase its differential accumulation, i.e., accumulation relative to a benchmark. Energiewende policies initially decreased the differential accumulation of dominant electricity firms in Germany. However, we find that by concentrating their control over the shrinking conventional generation capacity, while variable generation expanded, dominant firms gained the leverage needed to increase differential prices and profits, thus managing to regain sectoral control by increasing their threat to reliable power supply. We find that these processes coincide with spatial centralization, ownership concentration, and decreasing penetration rates of renewable energy resources in Germany. By presenting new conceptual tools and empirical findings, we trace the ways in which the recovery of dominant capital in the German electricity sector shapes and restricts energy transition processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its formation in the 1960s as a regime, OPEC has primarily controlled the world's energy supply and price regulations. The journey of the organization as an energy cartel to the regional geopolitics and to face climate change challenges has been difficult. Although OPEC has undergone various changes in the coming time, its role in the energy market and process cannot be ignored. Despite the shifting energy market, OPEC will remain the dominant force in the coming year, even with the ongoing situation in the current global world order. This research paper intends to understand the various aspects within and outside OPEC, how its role plays a vital role in the current status of OPEC, and how much climate change will impact the organization as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The G7 nations is a major global consumers of natural resources and energy. These nations are confronted with substantial obstacles in their pursuit of sustainable growth through energy transition, while upholding their status as global economic leaders. As a result, this current study conducted an aggregated and disintegrating analysis on the heterogeneous role of green energy innovation on energy transition in G7 nations. Green energy innovation was disintegrated into hydro, solar and wind energy. Moreover, the heterogeneous effects of green innovation in solar, hydro and wind on energy transition was investigated, an analysis that has not been previously examined. For the econometric estimation, we adopted the Quantile-on-Quantile Regression (QQR) and the quantile causality method. The results of the QQR indicates that the positive role of green energy innovation on energy transition in all of the G7 nations. However, this positive role is more dominant in five G7 nations, namely Italy, Germany, Japan, the UK and the USA. Additionally, the result also highlights that the connection between green energy innovation and energy transition is differs across the various quantiles for different nations. Moreover, the quantile causality analysis indicates that green energy innovation has the potential to predict future values in energy transition within the G7 nations. The study emphasizes various policy considerations for promoting energy transition through green energy innovation in G7 nation, which help realizing sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the issue of modern challenges in the development of the fuel and energy complex, including the oil and gas industry as its basis in terms of the volume of tax revenues to the budget. Industry technological priorities have been identified: the creation of domestic equipment and technologies for the traditional upstream fuel and energy complex, digital transformation and the development of Industry 4.0 technologies, the development of technological competencies in key areas of energy transition, and the development of technologies in terms of ecology and industrial safety. The world experience of supporting the development of scientific research in industry is analyzed on the example of the USA, Norway and China. An analysis of the challenges of the institutional development of the fuel and energy complex at all stages from research to serial production is presented. The covenants of the state in the field of developing human resources for the implementation of the energy transition of the domestic fuel and energy complex, independent of external circumstances, have been determined. Proceeding from the analysis of internal barriers and successful international practices, proposals were made for the development of state technology policy. The National Program of the Russian Federation formulates directions for the development of the industry in the medium term. The technological development of the Russian Federation in the medium term will be influenced, on the one hand, by a number of external and internal threats of technological backwardness and degradation of the Russian economy, and on the other, by emerging new opportunities. Russia has a serious scientific and technical foundation in the field of hydrogen energy, scientific and technical personnel, operating facilities in the hydrogen industry, intellectual property, standard base, design and operational documentation, experience in creating the world's largest hydrogen filling station for launch vehicles and spacecraft ("Energy- Buran") guarantee the successful completion of assigned tasks in the medium term. Huge reserves of biomass, hydro resources, wind resources, geothermal resources, wave energy of the seas and oceans, solar energy provide enormous opportunities for the export of hydrogen to all interested countries, as well as the widespread use of hydrogen in the national economy, primarily for converting aviation to environmentally friendly fuel and preserving the environment megacities and large urban agglomerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive Energy Districts can be defined as connected urban areas, or energy-efficient and flexible buildings, which emit zero greenhouse gases and manage surpluses of renewable energy production. Energy storage is crucial for providing flexibility and supporting renewable energy integration into the energy system. It can balance centralized and distributed energy generation, while contributing to energy security. Energy storage can respond to supplement demand, provide flexible generation, and complement grid development. Photovoltaics and wind turbines together with solar thermal systems and biomass are widely used to generate electricity and heating, respectively, coupled with energy system storage facilities for electricity (i.e., batteries) or heat storage using latent or sensible heat. Energy storage technologies are crucial in modern grids and able to avoid peak charges by ensuring the reliability and efficiency of energy supply, while supporting a growing transition to nondepletable power sources. This work aims to broaden the scientific and practical understanding of energy storage in urban areas in order to explore the flexibility potential in adopting feasible solutions at district scale where exploiting the space and resource-saving systems. The main objective is to present and critically discuss the available options for energy storage that can be used in urban areas to collect and distribute stored energy. The concerns regarding the installation and use of Energy Storage Systems are analyzed by referring to regulations, and technical and environmental requirements, as part of broader distribution systems, or as separate parts. Electricity, heat energy, and hydrogen are the most favorable types of storage. However, most of them need new regulations, technological improvement, and dissemination of knowledge to all people with the aim of better understanding the benefits provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no doubt that the transition towards renewable energies is generating many changes on different continents, some with greater impacts than others, but the development that has occurred is recognized and widely accepted. The progress has been significant but it is necessary to analyze the roadmaps that have been proposed so far at the island level so that decision makers have sufficient tools to commit the much-needed economic resources to transform their energy systems into 100% renewable ones. These approaches are not simple and the hard work of the authors who have disseminated their research is recognized. The roadmaps are planned based on the energy potential available in the territories and the future energy demand. Within countries, it is important to increase the economic resources to allocate to investments in environmentally friendly renewable energies. In this review of 100% renewable smart systems on islands, the situation of the American continent, its challenges and its long-term approaches in the different geographical areas facing 2050 are analyzed. This article shows that research into the design of 100% renewable energy systems in scientific articles is fairly new but has gained more and more attention in recent years. In total, 175 articles published since 2002 were identified and analyzed. Many of these articles have a predominant focus on the electricity sector. As a general result, it has been determined that although there has been significant progress towards an orderly energy transition, this has not been consistent with the international agreements signed since the Paris Summit, which is a real challenge in complying with the new commitment of the COP28 of Dubai in tripling the participation of renewables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of hydrogen-based dense energy carriers (DECs) has been proposed as a combined solution for the storage and dispatch of power generated through intermittent renewables. Frameworks that model and optimize the production, storage, and dispatch of generated energy are important for data-driven decision making in the energy systems space. The proposed multiperiod framework considers the evolution of technology costs under different levels of promotion through research and targeted policies, using the year 2021 as a baseline. Furthermore, carbon credits are included as proposed by the 45Q tax amendment for the capture, sequestration, and utilization of carbon. The implementation of the mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) framework is illustrated through computational case studies to meet set hydrogen demands. The trade-offs between different technology pathways and contributions to system expenditure are elucidated, and promising configurations and technology niches are identified. It is found that while carbon credits can subsidize carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) pathways, substantial reductions in the cost of novel processes are needed to compete with extant technology pathways. Further, research and policy push can reduce the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) by upwards of 2 USD/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decarbonized economy implies deep structural changes across industries, including the power system, whose operation needs to balance supply and demand instantaneously. The energy planning community usually work with hourly-resolution tools, while the integrated assessment community do so with the year as the time unit. This article describes a model that integrates both time frames to consider limitations and competition among suppliers of electricity in long-term scenarios, with Spain as the case of study. The calibration was carried out over four historical years (2017-2020, including the impact of Covid) to show both the sensitivity of different meteorological conditions and differences in the ranking of priorities to supply power. The results show values below Spain's objective of 74% presence of renewables in the electricity mix in 2030; while this objective is reached by our own proposal. [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]

The proliferation of green industrial policy strategies around the world is taking place within a broader global context of a turn toward deglobalization and the pursuit of national self-sufficiency. The political economy of domestic renewable energy support and the basic principles of global trade regimes are in direct conflict, with direct implications for nations' abilities to transition to low-carbon economies. Many are calling for decoupling clean energy supply chains from China, yet such responses could slow the global clean energy transition, increasing the cost of deployment in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective is to propose a calculation method for assessing the benefits of individual domestic prosumers in self-consumption and economic savings when managing their own energy resources. The paper applies the demand-side management concept in the residential sector from the individual domestic perspective so that customers can understand the value of their own sustainable energy resources, conducting self-generation and demand management. The novelty lies in allowing the prosumer to manage their own energy resources to their benefit at a reasonable cost, instead of participating in automated large residential demand-side-management programmes that respond to the means of the grid system operator or other energy service companies, such as aggregators. A methodology for calculating the self-consumption rate and the economic benefit for the consumer is proposed, including three different cases: consumer demand is higher than self-generation, and consumer demand is equal to self-generation, and consumer demand is lower than self-generation. The methodology is validated with actual data from a household in Valencia (Spain) during a complete year, obtaining an average reduction in the annual electricity bill of 70% and a demand coverage with the self-renewable system reaching values of 80% throughout the year. The significance of this methodology goes beyond the economic revenue of the individual consumer; it also aims to guide consumers towards efficient practices in the use of their available energy resources and raise awareness on their energy behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of refined and efficient energy resources has played a decisive role in the advancement of societies, especially since the Industrial Revolution of the mid eighteenth to nineteenth centuries. In the twentieth century, the international energy scenario is experiencing a profound transition in terms of energy resources and their utilization. The energy transition is in response to the challenges the global energy landscape faces such as rapidly growing demand, depleting fossil fuel reserves, surging energy prices, risks associated with the security of supplies, and above all climate change. Nuclear power is an important form of energy making a significant contribution to the electricity mix around the world, especially in developed countries. One of the major advantages of nuclear power is its minimal greenhouse gas emissions as compared to fossil fuels. The paper examines the prospects of nuclear power in the energy transition considering both the trend of phase-out that the technology has experienced primarily in several European countries since the 1980s, as well as the growing interest it has received more recently as a low carbon energy solution toward addressing climate change. It also examines the significance of nuclear power toward energy transition with the help of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) based on expert opinion from developed as well as developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Required average annual installation of 400 MW of PV and 200 MW of wind power generation capacity. • In district heating systems annual installation of 60 MW of heat pumps and electric heaters, as well as 165 MW of solar collectors. • Average of 85 MW of heat pumps, 132 MW of electric heaters and 1250 MW of solar thermal collectors need to be annually installed in individual heating systems. • An average of 82 MW of electrolysers and 600 MWh of hydrogen storage have to be annually installed. • Transition scenario is cheaper in all years except for 2028 and 2029 due to the higher capital investments in the transition scenario for that period. The energy system in Europe faces significant challenges. Though, the transition to renewable energy is under way, still a significant portion of energy is supplied from fossil fuels, mainly natural gas. In the second half of 2021, the supply of natural gas and consequently the rate of replenishment of the reserves dwindled. The scarcity of natural gas has resulted in record-high energy prices as well as an increase in goods prices. Especially hit are the industry sectors highly dependent on natural gas such as the petrochemical industry. This research investigates the strategies to mitigate the crisis in the European Union energy system while simultaneously ensuring low energy system cost and fulfilment of energy transition goals. The system analysis and simulations are carried out in the liner optimization model − H2RES. The results display that the system opts for accelerated fulfilment of energy transition goals. Therefore, the dependency on the stable supply of natural gas is decreased. Also, the total cost of an energy system that undergoes transition as compared to the business as usual scenario is 33 % lower even when accounting for the necessary investments by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a representative region with poor energy resource endowment in China, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region poses a pressing and vital issue for research on energy security. This study offers a comprehensive assessment of energy security levels (ESL) in the YRD region of China from 2000 to 2019, emphasizing the pivotal role of electricity indicators in energy transition using a combination optimization model of the entropy method and CRITIC method. Subsequently, we employed a coupling synergy degree model to further quantify the energy synergy among different YRD provinces and to verify the effects of energy synergy and renewable energy generation (REG) on the ESL of the YRD region. The findings highlight supply security as the central concern for safeguarding energy security. The YRD region's ESL ranking is as follows: Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Shanghai. There is a significant linear correlation between energy synergy and ESL, with Zhejiang and Jiangsu experiencing a notably greater effect of energy synergy on ESL than Anhui. A pronounced U-shaped relationship between REG and ESL is evident in the Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. The impact of REG on ESL is significant in Zhejiang province but negligible in Shanghai. • Investigated the energy security of China's Yangtze River Delta region. • Estimated the energy synergy of China's Yangtze River Delta region. • Examined how energy synergy and renewable energy generation affect energy security. • Renewable energy generation's effect on energy security shows a clear U-shaped pattern. • There is a significant linear correlation between energy synergy and energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Development of a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology for assessing sustainable performance in hybrid systems, facilitating the gradual energy transition. • Demonstrated feasibility of the energy transition through the study of three hybrid systems tailored to Colombia's emerging energy markets. • Achievement of demand-meeting power and low-emission hydrogen production in the full hybrid process. • Exploration of low-emission hydrogen generation aligned with the just transition, aiding in emissions reduction and introducing new energy vectors to markets reliant on non-renewable generation. To explore sustainable alternatives to meet the growing energy demand worldwide, it is necessary to analyze strategies promoting the efficient use of energy, the mitigation of environmental impact, the diversification of power resources, and the orientation toward energy transition. Due to their location, Latin America and the Caribbean have a significant renewable energy potential. For instance, Colombia has an installed thermoelectric capacity accounting for over 40% of its total power generation resources. Nevertheless, its legislation promotes the fair transition toward alternative sources while leveraging the installed infrastructure. Additionally, worldwide projections show that hydrogen-based power generation will foster the hybridization of power generation systems. This research addresses the evaluation of four increasingly complex systems, starting with a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT), successfully adding subsystems up to a hybrid system comprising a CCGT, a photovoltaic field, a methane reformer with carbon capture, a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, and a hydrogen compression-storage stage. The appraisal is performed with the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), using technical, economic, sociopolitical, and environmental indicators. We used the Colombian energy market as a case study. The evaluation found that the scenario incorporating all the subsystems achieves the best trade-off across all considered criteria. In nominal conditions, this scenario achieves an overall efficiency of 63.67%, a levelized cost of energy of 0.032 USD/kWh, a carbon footprint of 0.047 kgCO 2 /kWh, and a conventional-to-total power ratio of 70.77%. Integrating electrolysis, reforming with carbon capture for hydrogen generation, and using surplus gas and power reduce CO 2 emissions while increasing profits. Additionally, the combination of hydrogen storage and solar energy enhances overall power generation capabilities. The proposed assessment methodology can be extended to evaluate the viability of similar hybrid systems in other regions and energy markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating renewables into the energy matrix enables efficient energy systems and meets the UN Sustainable Development Goals 7) affordable and clean energy, 9) industry, innovation, and infrastructure, 12) responsible production and use, and 13) climate action. A specific case is the use of marine renewable energy (MRE) for power supply in coastal cities affected by environmental and anthropogenic threats. MRE can be harnessed from waves, currents, offshore wind, and thermal and salinity gradients. In emerging economies, the marine renewable energy industry is at different stages from quantifying the potential, to device development, or testing. Currently, in Mexico, there is a wide range of marine energy projects despite the technological advances there is no framework for the device's deployment. As a guide for developers, this article presents the current Mexican legislation on MRE. The review of the legislation has identified some niche opportunities that were highlighted during the research; legal pathway for planning and operational purposes. • Lack of knowledge of local regulations can hinder the development of a marine energy industry. • Technology development can be improved if it takes place within the framework of marine regulations. • In Mexico, several laws applicable to the oil industry can be adapted to cover marine energy systems. • The regulatory framework could be seen as an ally for technology development if considered at the appropriate time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paris Agreement determined to limit global warming to below two degrees. National governments are now confronted with the challenge of taking action for climate protection. For Germany, this poses a major challenge, as the imminent phaseout of low-emission nuclear energy additionally increases the pressure to quickly advance the deployment of renewable energies. At the same time, their low energy density and the resulting high land requirements lead to severe conflicts in land use. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the diversity of societal actors leads to a diversity of energy strategies, which differ in terms of impacts on land use. We therefore want to analyse the impending restructuration of energy supply and the associated land use conflicts. We model potential scenarios of energy landscapes that can be derived from the two-degree target on the basis of Geographic Information Systems, by modifying the political guidelines and planning laws for the deployment of renewable energies. The analyses show that carbon-neutrality is attainable in principle. However, the spatial patterns of renewable energies differ considerably depending on the given legal framework. It also comes to show that land use policy must take greater account of the perspectives of those social groups that are confronted with the installation of renewable energies in the immediate vicinity of their own living environment. [Display omitted] • The energy transition leads to considerable changes in land use patterns. • The study revealed that it is possible to realize a carbon-neutral regional energy system by 2050. • The existing legal framework for nature conservation offers sufficient spatial options for the energy transition. • The weighting of site factors must consider current power structures. • A low-conflict regional climate protection strategy should be based on public participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy justice serves as a pivotal factor in the global shift towards energy transition. A comprehensive evaluation of energy security necessitates the integration of energy justice principles. Accordingly, this study introduces an energy security index (ESI) from the perspective of energy justice and assesses the energy security of 30 provinces in mainland China. The analysis, covering data from 2001 to 2020, explores the spatiotemporal variations of ESI across these provinces. It also examines their spatial relationships and clustering tendencies using Moran's I analysis. The findings indicate that, when viewed through the lens of energy justice, the majority of provinces display a low ESI, characterized by modest enhancements and persistent low-value conditions from 2001 to 2020. This trend primarily results from the inadequate emphasis on justice components in China's energy transition and the continuous failure to significantly boost regional energy supply capabilities. Additionally, this study highlights significant spatial disparities and positive correlations in ESI values across provinces. Regions abundant in resources tend to register higher ESI values, whereas resource-scarce but economically advanced areas show lower values. These insights are crucial for the formulation and adaptation of differentiated energy strategies, especially those focused on achieving energy justice and fostering a balance between regional energy supply and demand. • Developed a novel energy security index (ESI) from the perspective of energy justice. • Revealed low ESI levels across most provinces in China influenced by energy supply capacity. • Uncovered spatial agglomeration in provincial ESI underscoring regional disparities in energy justice and security. • Stressed importance of balanced energy policies for stable supply, sustainability, and justice in energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New method traces production's socio-environmental effects for mineral consumption. • EU's energy goals might expose 15–89,000 African miners to modern slavery risks. • EU's energy goals will consume up to 73 million m3 of water in water-scarce areas. • EU regulations do not currently tackle supply, environment, and social risks together. Advanced technologies are inherently dependent on critical minerals and their related metals. The mining extraction of these critical minerals leads to significant social and environmental impacts that extend beyond the regions where those advanced technologies are ultimately used. This study explores the global socio-environmental challenges arising from the European Climate Law's aim for net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050, focusing on the EU's consumption of critical minerals. Developing a novel methodology based on Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) model, enriched with detailed mineral production data from specific ore-to-mineral ratios and socio-environmental information, this work assesses the impacts of the EU's mineral consumption within its energy transition framework. This innovative approach extends beyond ore extraction to encompass all stages of the supply chain. Key findings indicate that the continental Europe accounts for 60% of the EU's ore extraction footprint, yet only 35% of the mineral footprint for the 34 analyzed critical minerals. In contrast, Africa's and South America's shares are 12% and 29%, respectively, markedly higher than attributed in previous studies. The study highlights challenges in securing these minerals, including potential usage conflicts and increased mining in water-scarce basins within Australia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and Chile, hence exacerbating environmental and community issues. Furthermore, the research suggests that achieving the EU's climate goals could expose between 15 and 89,000 African miners to increased modern slavery vulnerabilities by 2040. However, adherence to the EU Green Deal principles could mitigate these risks and recommendations are proposed, including diversifying mineral supply chains, establishing partnerships with countries that maintain high socio-environmental standards, and adopting circular economy paradigms and innovative solutions. This study advocates its new methodological development to build comprehensive strategies balancing climate goals with the global socio-environmental effects of critical mineral extraction, especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four domains of energy transition are conceptualized, emphasizing energy equity. • Five indices are introduced to quantify disparities in rooftop solar deployment. • Spatial disparities of deployment are the most heterogeneous among cities. • Gini disparities are associated with communities with higher socioeconomic attributes. • Solarize programs are linked to increased spatial but decreased Gini disparities. This study investigates the dynamics of rooftop solar deployment disparities in relation to Solarize programs in metropolitan cities in the Pacific Northwest. We introduce four equity domains and five disparity indices that encompass aspects of distributional and recognition justice, placing emphasis on spatial distribution and deployment patterns. We find that Solarize programs have a discernible impact on spatial and Gini disparities, with these disparities intensifying as installations increase. However, while spatial disparities rise with cumulative installations, Gini disparities consistently decrease over time. Interestingly, less advantageous communities exhibit heightened Gini disparities with cumulative installations, underscoring the need to focus on these communities. Additionally, communities with higher socioeconomic and demographic attributes exhibit more prominent Gini disparities, emphasizing the role of these attributes in shaping deployment disparities. Our results underscore the importance of considering spatial clustering tendencies in Solarize program advocacy and emphasize the pivotal role of community characteristics in rooftop solar deployment disparities. This study addresses energy equity trends with a unique focus on spatiotemporal dimensions, Solarize programs, and their impact on deployment disparities, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners striving for socially and physically resilient cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring that electricity systems maintain reliable power supplies is critical to sustaining political support for the low-carbon energy transition. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze the recent electricity disruptions in China and evaluate the government's response. Since 2020, China has faced three unprecedented power outage affecting multiple provinces for weeks. This study investigates the interplay of various factors contributing to China's power crisis and examines the government's policies aimed at addressing immediate issues while advancing broader reforms. Key policy measures involve adjusting the electricity market to allow greater price fluctuations for coal-fired electricity and opening the wholesale market to industrial and commercial users. While this reform is expected to boost market competitiveness, the present market structure falls short of what is likely needed to ensure that power sector dispatch, pricing, and investment can work together to ensure reliable electricity supply in the context of China's transition towards carbon neutrality. To create an advanced, resilient, and flexible renewable energy grid, more intricate reforms across the electricity system, market, regulatory framework, and institutions will be essential. [Display omitted] • Power reliability is critical to keeping political support for energy transition. • A combination of factors led to power curtailments in China in recent times. • Policy responses to address China's power crisis are examined. • Implications of these policy changes are assessed. • An integrated solution framework is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy crisis caused by the Russia–Ukraine war (RUW) has affected the energy supply chain. The countries most impacted by the sanctions imposed on Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine focused on replacing the countries they import their energy from in the short term and switching fuel, for example, from natural gas to coal in Germany. The objective of this article is to verify how the war has impacted energy trade and electricity generation in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK). The results indicate that the RUW had consequences on these countries' energy sector, significantly affecting fuel trade and electricity generation in the immediate aftermath of the war. • Russia's invasion of Ukraine sparked a global crisis in energy supply chains. • The Russia–Ukraine war led countries, such as Germany, to reactivate coal plants. • The UK replaced Russian fuel imports with those from other countries, like the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving carbon neutrality is probably one of the most important challenges of the 21st century for our societies. Part of the solution to this challenge is to leverage renewable energies. However, these energy sources are often located far away from places that need the energy, and their availability is intermittent, which makes them challenging to work with. In this paper, we build upon the concept of Remote Renewable Energy Hubs (RREHs), which are hubs located at remote places with abundant renewable energy sources whose purpose is to produce carbon-neutral synthetic fuels. More precisely, we model and study the Energy Supply Chain (ESC) that would be required to provide a constant source of carbon-neutral synthetic methane, also called e-NG (electric Natural Gas) or e-methane (electric methane), in Belgium from an RREH located in Morocco. To be carbon neutral, a synthetic fuel has to be produced from existing carbon dioxide (CO 2) that needs to be captured using either Direct Air Capture (DAC) or Post Combustion Carbon Capture (PCCC). In this work, we detail the impact of three different carbon sourcing configurations on the price of the e-methane delivered in Belgium. Our results show that sourcing CO 2 through a combination of DAC and PCCC is more cost-effective, resulting in a cost of 146 €/MWh for e-methane delivered in Belgium, as opposed to relying solely on DAC, which leads to a cost of 158 €/MWh. Moreover, these scenarios are compared to a scenario where CO 2 is captured in Morocco from a CO 2 emitting asset that allow to deliver e-methane for a cost of 136 €/MWh. • Model energy supply chain from Morocco to Belgium for electric methane; • Explore three CO2 sources for electric methane synthesis; • Analyse the pros and cons of each CO2 source on price and energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Geothermal power of an open geothermal system is enhanced. • A multiphase numerical model was created. • Different absorber types were compared. • The time-dependent enhancement was evaluated. • Further research questions were defined. The symbiotic use of underground infrastructure among the improvement of transport routes and the generation of geothermal power, is increasingly gaining momentum. Geothermal systems can be divided into open and closed systems, which differ from each other by the circumstance that closed systems have a closed circuit and open systems do not. For the application of geothermally closed tunnel systems, elegant solutions have been developed, while geothermally open tunnel systems are still dictated by the characteristics of the water entering the tunnel. In order to address this issue, concepts for tunnels under design as well as existing tunnels, were developed. The concepts allow the temperature of the inflowing water to be risen, and thereby increasing the geothermal power. The presented approach is based on the channeling of cold tunnel water inflows through absorber sections in areas of high overburden to supply them with additional energy before diverting them back into the drainage system. In order to obtain indications on the effectiveness as well as on the sensitivity of the components and influencing parameters, numerical models were created and subsequently compared, since no empirical data are available. The results show that it is possible to enhance the geothermal performance, but with decreasing efficiency over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, climate change is a major global societal challenge that significantly increases environmental stress. Most international organizations and policies have promoted initiatives to minimize emissions, reduce fossil fuel dependence and increase renewable energy resource integration into different sectors. An energy transformation towards more renewable systems is thus a priority. Under this scenario, the present paper describes and evaluates an alternative energy conversion matrix-based model to combine sector electrification, power generation units from renewables, and new clean technologies. The proposed green matrix-based model allows analyzing future scenarios, including electricity participation in end-use consumption and electric power generated by renewables – potentially integrated into different sectors –. The proposed model is evaluated in the state of Maine (United States). This case study is focused on decarbonizing both residential heating and transport sector through the integration of large offshore wind power plant. Results and discussion is also included in the paper, providing expected energy demand reductions and decreasing emissions through the integration of renewables. This energy transition integration case study is proposed in three road-maps with different penetration rates and time scales. The proposed green matrix-based model can be also applied to other areas and energy resources, as an alternative way to analyze and estimate renewable integration into different sectors. • Green Electrical Matrix to link electricity supply and end-use for energy transition. • Assesses renewable potential and electrification tech for end uses, e.g., transport. • Applies model to Maine, USA to show reductions in fossil fuels and emissions. • GIS and MCDM for optimal offshore wind location, maximizing electricity generation. • Short, medium, and long-term projections of renewable integration into energy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of energy transition on energy security risk for 41 BRI during 1995–2018 using second generation panel econometric techniques. First this study computes total energy share from renewable resources and then analyses their effects on energy security risk. According to the results of augmented mean group (AMG) and common correlated effect mean group (CCEMG) estimates, renewable resources significantly decrease energy security risk. Energy transition as variable of interest significantly decreases energy security risk with renewable energy resources. This study recommends that a structural change in the form of energy transition reduce energy security risk for selected BRI countries. This is because non-renewable resources although fulfil domestic energy requirements but degrades the environment and still there exists energy security in the form of energy demand and supply, affordability, cleanability sustainability and availability. Corresponding to these findings, BRI countries must implement policies to invest more in renewable energy resources and less utilization of non-renewable resources to prevent themselves from energy security risk in the long run. • Role of energy transition in reducing energy security risk for BRI countries. • Total renewable energy contribution towards energy security risk. • Augmented Mean Group (AMG) and Common correlated effect (CCEMG) estimates. • Dealing Cross-sectional dependence in panel analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key to the necessary decarbonization of energy systems is the large-scale expansion of renewable energy sources and their integration into the electricity system. This integration is challenging because the feed-in from renewable energy sources is highly intermittent and largely dependent on uncontrollable factors such as weather patterns. To maintain grid stability, which refers to the required balance between demand and supply in the electricity system, flexibility is key. Large flexibility potentials can be found on the electricity demand side. However, current electricity market design in Europe, while providing major flexibility incentives, often neglects small-scale electricity consumers and distributed energy resources. We contribute to shape future electricity markets with consumers at the heart by developing six design principles for a consumer-centric electricity market design. We proceed by conducting a systematic literature review and evaluate the findings by expert interviews. Based on the developed design principles, we define a consumer-centric electricity market design as a set of market rules that align with the rules of other relevant energy markets and allow for the efficient matching of electricity demand and supply, with consumers having nondiscriminatory market access, being exposed to fine-grained price signals, being able to express their preferences, and having sufficient possibilities to protect themselves against unexpected price spikes. By actively incorporating consumers into electricity markets, we contribute to the overarching goal of integrating renewable energy sources while promoting energy justice, i.e., supporting a balanced mix of economic, political, environmental, and social interests. • We define six design principles for a consumer-centric electricity market design. • This electricity market design enables consumers to actively engage in market interactions and to react to price signals. • Consumers with small-scale assets can sell their own generated electricity on the market, i.e., the integration of DER. • Consumer-centricity enhances the system's ability to increase flexibility by adapting electricity consumption patterns. • Consumer-centric electricity market design contributes to different forms of energy justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]