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This paper is the editorial of the VSI (virtual special issue) of Applied Energy (APEN) dedicated to the 18th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) held in 2023, from September 24th to 29th in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The VSI, after a rigorous pre-screening among the more than 600 submissions, around 40 authors were invited to submit the extended version of their work to Applied Energy with a final number of 14 published articles. Sustainable Energy Systems are explored by the authors of those papers from different perspectives by presenting innovative and cutting-edge solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive research on the impact of policy on objective outcomes of performance, the effects on subjective perceptions remain relatively unexplored, yet these are critical in shaping public behaviors and influencing policy makings. To address this gap, we investigate the impact of China's smart city pilots on both objective and subjective environmental performance, examining the underlying mechanisms involved. The empirical illustration is based on rich micro-level data and a difference-in-differences approach. Our results suggest that smart city initiatives have a negative and statistically significant impact on pollution. This reduction is facilitated through the spread of digital technologies and the increased adoption of energy technologies. However, smart city initiatives also reinforce subjective perceptions of environmental degradation. We find that information transmission, measured using the level of educational attainment, internet use and migration, plays an important role in shaping these subjective perceptions. Our study contributes to the literature on smart cities and research on gaps between objective outcomes and subjective perceptions, as well as information transmission theories, while our results offer multiple policy implications. • Smart cities have opposite effects on objective and subjective environmental performance. • Digital and energy technologies moderate the objectively measured positive effect. • Smart city initiatives reinforce subjective perceptions of environmental degradation. • Information transmission serves as a mechanism of the negative subjective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Investigates the role of energy policy uncertainty (ENERPU) on energy technologies. • ENERPU reduces renewable energy consumption and RR&D expenditures. • ENERPU stimulates energy efficiency technologies. • The governments should minimize ENERPU for renewable energy development. Uncertainty can affect both macroeconomic indicators and the environment. Countries are implementing various energy policies to combat global warming, but these policies contain some uncertainties and contradictions. The environmental impact of uncertainties in energy policies is a research topic that has just begun to be investigated by researchers. This study examines the effects of energy policy uncertainty (ENERPU) on renewable energy R&D (RR&D), energy efficiency R&D (EER&D) and renewable energy consumption in the four countries with the highest RR&D expenditures (USA, Germany, Japan, and Spain). The study uses the novel multivariate quantile-on-quantile (M-QQR) approach from 2003m1 to 2022m9. The results of the study show: (i) The impact of ENERPU varies by quantile and country. (ii) ENERPU causes a decrease in renewable energy consumption and hinders RR&D expenditures. (iii) ENERPU increases EER&D. The Fourier quantile causality test confirms the robustness of the empirical results. Based on these findings, policymakers are recommended to minimize ENERPU and implement stable energy policies to develop the renewable energy sector and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the editorial for the virtual special issue (VSI) of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) dedicated to three Sustainable Development of Energy Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) Conferences held in 2022, namely: (i) the 5th South East European Conference SEESDEWES 2022 held from May 22 to 26, 2022 in Vlore, Albania; (ii) the 3rd Latin American LASDEWES 2022 held from July 24 to 28, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil and (iii) the 17th SDEWES 2022 held from November 6 to 10, 2022 in Paphos, Cyprus. The VSI collected both high quality review papers and original research articles presented at these conferences, aligning with the aims and scope of RSER. Following a rigorous peer review process, seventeen articles were accepted and published. These articles explore techniques and technologies essential for advancing feasible Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems. Spanning multidisciplinary topics, many of them address almost all the Sustainable Development Goals, offering feasible solutions for much-needed decarbonization pathways. • The VSI SDEWES 2022 presents the ready solutions for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems. • Five clusters for presenting the Renewable and Sustainable energy cutting edge solutions. • The positioning in the scientific context of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems. • Feasible solutions for much-needed decarbonization pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounting energy consumption and increased concern over the financial and ecological repercussions necessitate the implementation of renewable energy technology in India. Renewable energy sources have experienced a variety of challenges, which shows their growth level. Given its extensive population and finite fossil fuel reservoirs, India stands at a significant opportunity to excel in renewable energy forms like wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, biomass, and tidal energy. The objective of this study is to recognize and evaluate the barriers hindering the adoption of renewable energy technology and to prioritize the various renewable energy sources prevalent in India. An exhaustive literature analysis has revealed 21 barriers, which were classified into five categories: economic, technical, social, environmental, and political. The existing literature rarely addresses tidal energy and political barriers, both of which are explored here. Additionally, this research integrates fuzzy data. As fuzzy sets allow partial membership in contrast to crisp sets, this offers enhanced flexibility. Graph Theory and Matrix Approach is utilized for ranking the renewable energy sources with the help of matrix permanent in fuzzy environment. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the consistency of the sequence of importance. The case study reveals that among the alternatives, wind energy holds the highest permanent value, followed by solar and biomass energy, with tidal energy having the lowest value. This indicates that, considering the barriers, wind energy is the most preferred renewable energy source in India, followed by solar and biomass energy. The outcomes might be applicable to numerous developing countries with similar technological and technical limitations. Moreover, this comprehension could prove valuable in formulating policies and strategies aimed at embracing renewable and sustainable energy technologies. [Display omitted] • A fuzzy GTMA approach is proposed for ranking renewable energy sources (RES). • Finalize 21 barriers to adopting RES from the literature and expert opinion. • Rank the RES based on the impact of the barriers to adopting them in India. • Perform sensitivity analysis to check the consistency of the order of importance. • Managerial implications and suggestions are provided as research direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The world's perennial need for energy and microelectronic miniaturization brings with it a broad set of technological and scientific challenges. Materials characterized by precise microstructural architectures based on fractal analysis and ranging in size down to nano scale represent an important avenue for finding novel solutions. Deep materials structure hierarchies of this type open new possibilities in capacity according to the Heywang model, especially when extended by a fractals approach and intergranular relationships supported and recognized by their fractal nature. These developments are opening new frontiers in microelectronics miniaturization. They build on early fractal applications that were used as tools in miniaturization research and also provided application perspectives for diverse energy technologies. In other words, fractals, as a crucial concept of modern theoretical-experimental physics and materials sciences, are tightly linked to higher integration processes and microelectronics miniaturization. They also hold potential for meeting the energy exploitation challenge. In this research context, for the first time we experimentally and theoretically investigated the electrostatic field between the grains within fractal nature aspects. It is essentially a theoretical experiment based on samples of experimental microstructures imaged with SEM, as previously published in a number of other papers. We now take the research a step further by consolidating the experimental samples with respect to the predicted distribution of grains and pores within the sample mass. We make an original contribution by opening the frame of scale sizes with respect to the technical processes of consolidation. This lets us predict the constitutive elements of the microstructures – approximately equidistant grains and pores. In this paper we define in a practical manner the final target elements for experimental consolidation of real samples. It is the main bridge between a designed microstructure and related characteristics – for example, fractal dimensions and final properties of next-generation fractal microelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the editorial for the virtual special issue (VSI) of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) dedicated to the 16th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2021) held from October 10 to 15, 2021 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The VSI collected both high quality review papers and original research articles presented at the SDEWES Conference in 2021 belonging to the aims and scope of RSER. After a scrutinizing peer review process, 28 articles were accepted and published. These articles deal with techniques and technologies to board on the feasible Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems. Many of them are multidisciplinary articles addressing almost all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and providing feasible solutions to the strongly needed decarbonization pathways. • The VSI SDEWES 2021 covers the feasible Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems. • An overview of the Renewable and Sustainable energy cutting edge techniques. • An overview of the Renewable and Sustainable energy cutting edge technologies. • Feasible solutions to the strongly needed decarbonization pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to assess the extent to which five low-emission energy technologies contribute to social welfare in the scope of the concept of sustainable development. Heuristic methods: multi-criteria analysis (MCA) and the Delphi method are used to resolve the multi-goal problem of this research. The study reveals that priorities of environmental and economic dimensions are most important, followed by social ones. Renewable energy technologies should be utilized instead of nuclear energy to meet sustainable development policy goals. First place belongs to photovoltaics, followed by biomass and biogas. Wind on-shore and wind off-shore are on third and fourth place respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a considerable diversity of district heating (DH) technologies, components and interaction in EU countries. The trends and developments of DH are investigated in this paper. Research of four areas related to DH systems and their interaction with: fossil fuels, renewable energy (RE) sources, energy efficiency of the systems and the impact on the environment and the human health are described in the following content. The key conclusion obtained from this review is that the DH development requires more flexible energy systems with building automations, more significant contribution of RE sources, more dynamic prosumers׳ participation, and integration with mix fuel energy systems, as part of smart energy sustainable systems in smart cities. These are the main issues that Europe has to address in order to establish sustainable DH systems across its countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation processes during the early period of a technology’s development establish the conditions for widespread commercialization. For comparative analysis of innovation processes across technologies, a common operational definition of the formative phase is needed. This paper develops a set of indicators to measure the start and end points of formative phases with reference to key innovation processes including experimentation and market formation. The indicators are then applied to measure the formative phase durations of sixteen energy technologies covering a range of historical periods and applications. Formative phases are found to last 22 years on average. Determinants of formative phase duration are explored. Duration does not appear to be explained by unit scale, up-scaling, nor initial cost. However, technologies that are ready substitutes for incumbents have shorter formative phases, ceteris paribus. Policy implications include the potentials and risks of accelerating formative phases to push low carbon technologies into the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the speed of adoption of energy technologies in a traditionally innovation importing country, Portugal, as compared with countries where these technologies first started. Data were collected on the growth of eight energy-related technologies, both energy supply (e.g. natural gas plants, wind turbines) and end-use (e.g., motorcycles). The analysis is done in terms of the evolution of the number of units and installed capacity, indicating possible scale effects. The results show an average adoption lag of one to two decades relatively to “Core” countries. However, the growth rate increases when a technology arrives at Portugal, confirming the hypothesis that adoption accelerates when technology reaches new markets. Additionally, the duration of diffusion in Portugal is less constrained by the final scale of diffusion, contrasting with previous observations for the Core. The data also uncover the successful diffusion of wind energy in Portugal, showing that growth took off less than a decade after the diffusion in the Core, and achieving similar levels of intensity. The analysis suggests that this was supported by the improvement in the adoption capacity, associated with the development of a wind energy innovation system. These findings open new perspectives for the spatial diffusion of sustainable innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents problems related to the assessment of local energy efficiency of energy systems. In practice, local energy efficiency is commonly used to evaluate these systems, which is not a correct criterion to compare different energy technologies, especially non-renewable and renewable energy systems. For the correct assessment of efficiency, a system analysis in the global balance boundary should be used. In the paper system analysis algorithm is discussed - Thermo-Ecological Cost (TEC), which is a correct tool to compare energy and ecological efficiency of different energy systems. Problems with the correct application of the energy and environmental efficiency assessment are illustrated with examples of results of local and system (TEC) evaluation of non-renewable and renewable energy systems efficiency. • Results confirming that local energy efficiency is not proper tool to compare different energy technologies. • Presentation of advanced system analysis tool – Thermo-Ecological Cost (TEC) – for proper comparison efficiency of energy technology. • Comparison of local and system assessment of efficiency of non-renewable, renewable, renewable integrated with accumulation energy systems. • Results confirming that local and system evaluation of energy systems can lead to opposite conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability in the building industry is currently a trend of the governmental policies in the EU and the USA. In the EU, the target for 2020 is to achieve net-zero energy buildings (NZEB) for the new constructions, as enforced by the 2010 recast Energy Performance Building Directive. On the other hand, it is necessary to make decisions about the technologies to include in buildings when undergoing a major renovation. The aim of this paper is to help to define guidelines about the feasibility of achieving a near-zero energy condition on the existing building stock using the Axiomatic Design theory. Applying this design process to a set of existing office buildings, it is possible to evaluate the energy use of renovated buildings. In the context of this study, the renovation focuses on the reduction of internal loads, isolating the facade and applying new efficient systems in each building. Following the decoupled design matrix of such renovation, it is possible to obtain the fuzzy functions of the energy use. In reality, these functions are the fuzzy sum of contributions to the energy use of the design parameters applied according to the design matrix. The membership function of the energy use allows in turn determining the information content of each type of building, for a design limit of 100 kW·h/(m 2 · a) of primary energy use. It is found that a renovated building using a photovoltaic system area of about 20% of the floor area of the building allows achieving null information content, or in other words a 100% probability of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the environmental performance of two centralized clean coal technologies and localized biogas digester, biomass gasifier and a solar PV by joint use of life cycle assessment (LCA) and emergy analysis. We also calculate cost of electricity generation by each of these technologies. The resulting information is utilized to determine the optimum energy mix to meet the energy demand in Rampura Village, Uttar Pradesh, India by solving a linear programming (LP) problem. The LP problem is processed in two steps: first, it is solved for four scenarios involving different practical situations and constraints. After determining the suitable scenario, the optimum energy combination within this scenario is found. The scenario and energy combination analyses reveal that performing 70% of cooking by biogas cook stoves, 30% by improved biomass cook stoves in the traditional way, and converting rest of biogas to electricity to meet irrigation and lighting energy needs is the most environmentally benign, economically feasible and socially attractive option for the village. Direct utilization of biogas for cooking makes it possible to meet all the energy demand in Rampura with local resources. Importing energy from erratic and unreliable government grid is not needed, hence energy security and reliability are ensured. Additionally, the GHG and other emissions related to cooking with inefficient stoves are also significantly mitigated (88%) through the use of biogas and improved biomass cook stoves. Energy projection through 2031 to determine changing energy patterns in the project site shows that there will be enough biogas for cooking needs in Rampura until 2031. However, by 2016, the total energy demand (cooking + irrigation + lighting) will exceed what can be met with only biogas. Then either biogas potential will need to increase or electricity will have to come from biomass or solar resources. If these local sources of energy are not enough, importing energy from centralized energy options will be necessary. Thus, increasing energy demand in developing countries will necessitate utilization of centralized energy options even in rural areas. Utilizing centralized clean coal technologies to meet this demand could ease energy related environmental problems. Alternatively, if rural development can take place without rampant consumerism and energy-intensive lifestyles, then satisfying local needs with local resources with minimum environmental impact is much more likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public acceptance is crucial for successful implementation of energy technologies in society. However, studies that use the concept do so in diverse and often inconsistent ways. They also often limit themselves to specific technologies and do not account for the effects of labeling, time, and the heterogeneity of the general public, which may lead to a biased and incomplete understanding of public acceptance. This study first conceptualizes three forms of public acceptance: socio-political acceptance, market acceptance and community acceptance. It then relates the concept of socio-political acceptance to preference formation. Next, it uses two discrete choice experiments that were conducted in 2010 and 2012 to investigate these concerns. Our results show that public preferences for energy technologies are temporally stable, even in the face of exogenous shocks such as the Fukushima incident. Using mixed logit models, we further show that labeling has a profound influence on stated preferences. When technology labels are revealed, respondents favor renewable and natural gas technologies. When labels remain unobserved, nuclear energy and biomass take prominence. However, latent class models show that there are distinct classes of respondents, tied to specific socio-demographic characteristics that differ greatly in their sensitivity to labeling and in the temporal stability of their preferences. It follows that changes in public acceptance are not population-wide, but remain limited to specific sub-groups. We discuss the theoretical and policy implications of our findings and conclude that future studies and policy initiatives may overlook important insights if they disregard the effects of labels, time, and heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy (RE) is the key element of sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective electricity generation. An official report by International Energy Agency (IEA) states that the demand on fossil fuel usage to generate electricity has started to decrease since year 2019, along with the rise of RE usage to supply global energy demands. Researches on RE technologies are continuously growing in order to enhance the performance of RE generation, especially in term of energy conversion efficiency. The aim of this review paper is to understand and study further the current RE technologies such as solar energy, hydro energy, wind energy, bioenergy, geothermal energy, and hydrogen energy. Several hybrid RE technologies have been also studied and compared, to improve the overall performance of RE in generating electricity. Lastly, suggestions are provided for the purpose to solve and overcome the challenges and limitations of RE technologies in terms of economy, technical, and energy conversion efficiency. • Comparison between the fossil fuel and renewable energy usage on electricity generation. • Review on current renewable energy technologies implementing in developed and developing countries. • Discuss the obstacles, challenges and policies of renewable energy usage in developing and developed countries. • Provide suggestions and opinions to avail the benefits of current renewable energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Modern civilization faces grand challenges: first and foremost the task of conserving resources and protecting climate to safeguard our living conditions on earth. The starting point for mastering this challenge is technological progress as a result of human striving for excellent performance. However, technologies can only have the desired effect if society actually embraces these advances. Detailed monitoring often proves a lack of compliance of technical systems in operation. In most of the cases this turns out to have manifold reasons addressing the whole value chain, legal and economic structures and missing awareness. The success of a transformation process intending the inevitable mitigation of greenhouse gases by radical enhancement of efficient energy technologies and shifting to renewable energy sources depends initially on the ability of our politicians to realize this complexity and to take the consequent decisions. Subsequently appropriate measures are essential to raise awareness in society and to integrate all parties involved. Actually the innumerable amount of single activities is poorly interconnected and does not achieve the compulsory impact. This paper describes on-going activities concerning the development of an international competition format “European Energy Avantgarde”, attempting in this regard to sketch a scenario of international collaboration in future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The augmented REMIND model is used to study the role of energy technologies under a carbon tax. [•] The scale and timing of fossil fuels with CCS, nuclear, and renewables are examined. [•] CCS is important but the window of opportunity for its deployment is limited. [•] The effectiveness of nuclear is strongly linked to its cost performance. [•] Renewable energy is a long-term mitigation option. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this research was to extend an Australian developed large group process which proved effective in engaging the general public on issues related to climate change, energy technologies, and the overall shift towards a low carbon society. The results from Australia, the Netherlands, Canada and Scotland found that in each of the geographic locations the context varied, and participants reported different experiences and understanding of each topic. This paper explores how context may have impacted on the results, the differences that arise and discusses the implications for policy makers and research developers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electricity production sector has currently and for the past years been dominated by fossil fuel technologies, mostly coal, oil and natural gas. This has had various environmental consequences, such as increased gaseous emissions, soil and water pollution, global warming, as well as fossil resource depletion. As a result, the need to pursue Sustainable Development (SD), in order to reduce dependency on fossil fuel, to achieve Greenhouse Gas (GHG) mitigation and to reverse the effects of climate change has currently become imperative. SD is considered to be one of the most important factors for countries’ energy policy today and efforts, such as the ones materialized through the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms, are being made to promote sustainable electricity production technologies globally. Nuclear and renewable energy technologies both have the potential of contributing to the increasing global energy demands, while simultaneously lowering GHG emissions and also having a positive economic and social impact. In view of their differences and the ongoing nuclear debate, this paper aims to compare specific promising and emerging nuclear and renewable energy technologies in terms of their contribution to SD and prospects for deployment. The comparison showed that each technology contributes in its own way to SD and that political decisions, individual country energy policies and public opinion will probably determine the future deployment of each energy technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a systematic approach to study how the development in terms of cost and proven functionality of emerging energy technologies affects the optimal choice and timing of investment decisions at an industrial plant today. The methodology used is based on stochastic programming, and all investments are optimized under uncertain energy market conditions. The cost development of the new technology is modeled using scenario analysis where both the cost levels and the timing of the market introduction are considered. Two examples are presented to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed approach. The examples are taken from the pulp and paper industry. In addition to investments in conventional technology for heat and/or power production, the emerging technology of carbon capture is considered as a possible future investment in the first example while lignin separation is considered in the second one. It is shown that possible future technologies can be highly important to consider already in today’s investment decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Technology assessment has changed in nature over the last four decades from an analytical tool for technology evaluation, which depends heavily on quantitative and qualitative modelling methodologies, into a strategic planning tool for policy making concerning acceptable new technologies, which depends on participative policy problem analysis. The goal of technology assessment today is to generate policy options for solutions of organizational and societal problems, which, at the operational level, utilize new technologies that are publicly acceptable, that is, viable policy options. This study focuses on the development of a framework that incorporates a technology assessment approach, namely, system dynamics, within the broader scope of technology development for sustainability. The framework, termed system approach to technology sustainability assessment (SATSA), integrates three key elements: technology development, sustainable development, and dynamic systems approach. The article then demonstrates the framework of incorporating the system dynamics methodology in energy technology assessment theory and practice within the context of sustainable development. The framework provides for technology sustainability assessment, which, in turn, can guide the promotion of sustainable energy technologies at a policy level. In addition, it can assist technology developers in understanding the potential impacts of a technology, hence enabling them to reduce technology transfer risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The field of technology assessment is not new, but it continues to be relevant today more than ever, especially in the energy sector. Issues related to climate change, energy security and sustainability in general are at the core of all energy policies and strategies. The development of new and more sustainable energy technologies are needed to address these challenges. As part of this, energy technology assessment tools can help decision-makers with the identification of sustainable energy solutions, in order to integrate them in long-term energy policies and strategies. The concept and practice of sustainable development has subsequently manifested in the technology assessment field. This implies the re-classification of technology assessment into ecological, economic and social (and other) goals. In the Southern African context, specifically, there is no formal and coherent approach to energy technology assessment from a sustainability perspective. Governments in the region are finding it challenging to establish national policies concerning energy technology assessment. Indeed, the review reveals the limited use of the term “technology assessment” in energy evaluation studies in Southern Africa. Energy sustainability assessments may be reported, but certainly not from the perspectives of the technology management community, and, although a number of studies have discussed the issues of sustainability in technology assessment, none account for technology sustainability assessment from a holistic perspective. The paper argues that it is in this area that further research is needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Currently, issues related with climate change, security of energy supply, energy efficiency and sustainability are at the core of all energy policies and strategies. The current technologies are not able to face this challenge; therefore, the development of new and more sustainable energy technologies must be supported. As part of this, energy technology assessment tools can help decision-makers in the identification and evaluation of sustainable energy solutions, in order to integrate them in long term energy strategies. The EMINENT tool was developed to assess the performance and market potential of early stage technologies (EST) in a pre-defined energy chain, under national conditions, in terms of financial, energy and environmental criteria. This paper presents a comparative study between EMINENT and other tools for energy technology assessment. The tools analysed were CO2DB, MARKAL, IKARUS and E3Database. Although there are many different energy technology assessment tools, EMINENT seems to be the only one targeting EST. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The pollution haven hypothesis affirms that an open market regime will encourage the flow of low-technology polluting industries toward developing countries because of potential comparative advantages related to low environmental standards. In contrast, the hypothesis suggested by Porter and van der Linde claims that innovating firms operate in a dynamic competitive situation which allows global diffusion of environmental-friendly technologies. Environmental regulation may represent a relevant mechanism through which technological change is induced. In this way, countries that are subject to more stringent environmental regulations may become net exporters of environmental technologies. This paper provides new evidence on the evolution of export flows of environmental technologies across different countries for the energy sector. Advanced economies, particularly the European Union, have increasingly focused on the role of energy policies as tools for sustaining the development path. The Kyoto Protocol commitments, together with growing import dependence on energy products, have brought attention to the analysis of innovation processes in this specific sector. The analysis uses a gravity model in order to test the determinants and the transmission channels through which environmental technologies for renewable energies and energy efficiency are exported to advanced and developing countries. Our results are consistent with the Porter and van der Linde hypothesis where environmental regulation represents a significant source of comparative advantages. What strongly emerges is that the stringency of environmental regulation supplemented by the strength of the National Innovation System is a crucial driver of export performance in the field of energy technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• NFC closure – implementation of fast neutron reactor technologies provides a competitive development of nuclear energy. • This is possible only if set requirements for techno-economic indicators of NPP with high-capacity FNR and requirements for the economics of closed NFC is achieved. • In this case economic efficiency of IPC with RBN-1200 is ensured in comparison with alternative energy technologies. • Achievability of set requirements for "Proryv" PD competitiveness has to be confirmed yet. As alternative energy generation evolves strongly during the last decade, it becomes essential to analyze competitive advantage of new nuclear power plant (NPP) projects in perspective of both recent designs of NPP with thermal neutron reactors and renewable energy technologies. At present the most promising and sustainable option according to analysis of levelized cost of electricity is innovative projects with closed nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) with high-capacity fast neutron reactors (FNR). The key objective of nuclear power industry for near future is to accomplish set requirements for techno-economic indicators of these projects to ensure their competitive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonizing the energy system requires new technologies, whose formation and diffusion needs the attraction of actors from different sectors to compose the value chain. Sectoral interactions are crucial and dependent on contextual and technological factors, as well as firm-specific characteristics. This paper examines the determinants of firm diversification towards a new technology and their role in sectoral interactions. We combine concepts from technological innovation systems (TIS), sectoral innovation systems and organization studies to examine the drivers of actors' entry as well as their impact on systems' formation, through the effect on inter-sectoral relations associated with technological variety and relatedness. The development and demonstration of marine renewable energy technologies (MRET) in Portugal over the past two decades provides the empirical case. A database of 237 companies includes responses from a survey of a large part of the actors involved in MRET and potential entrants. A standard binary logit model estimates the effect of a set of drivers of firms' entry in MRET. Firms are more driven by variety-led factors and technology maturity, than by their technological capacity and sectoral proximity. We derive implications for policy and theory, namely for the conceptualization of inter-sectoral relations in TIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to review and evaluate models used to assess the market penetration of energy technologies. While there are different models and tools, choosing the appropriate approach for a particular application is very challenging. In this paper, each model is reviewed and discussed extensively and a hierarchy diagram is developed to help choose a model. Market penetration models based on subjective estimation and market survey could be individual-dependent and not reliable for long-term forecasts. Cost estimation, diffusion, and econometric models offer more reliable results both for short- and long-term forecasts. Based on the review, a new combined model was developed and applied to a case study. The combined use of different market penetration models offers more accurate and robust results, as demonstrated in the case study. • Qualitative market penetration models are not reliable for long-term forecasting. • Cost estimation, diffusion, and econometric models are reliable for long-term forecasting. • The choice of appropriate forecasting model depends on the technology maturity level. • An integrated market penetration model can provide accurate and robust results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing significant pressure from growing energy demand, China needs to identify specific, effective, and targeted policies that can effectively control this demand. In the past, both technological progress and structural change have been shown to reduce energy demand. However, extant studies on this lack sufficient evidence to support effective policies as these look broadly at technological progress and do not narrow this to the energy field alone. Moreover, heterogeneity in energy technology along with internal changes in specific industries have been overlooked. To address these gaps, this study investigates the effects of energy technologies and structural change on China's energy demand. Using a provincial panel dataset from 2000 to 2016, the results show that although energy technological progress is effective in controlling demand, different technologies offer significantly different results: utilitarian energy technologies, focused on energy conversation, are more effective than technologies aimed at energy substitutions. In addition, technologies developed by enterprises show a significant and positive effect on energy demand, while those developed by higher education institutions and individuals do not. Analysis of the regions indicates some significant regional differences as well. The implication is that China should design energy policies that support funding for enterprises developing utility-focused energy technologies. Unlabelled Image • China faces significant pressure from growing energy demand. • Provincial data are examined for energy technology and structural change effects. • Results show that both external and inner structural changes are also important to energy demand. • Utility-type energy technologies, focused on saving energy, are the most effective. • Technologies aimed at energy substitutions are not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research develops a decision model that obtains a technology transfer score. These scores can be used to evaluate the technology transfer potential of different research proposals bolstering organizations' development of a research portfolio. In a highly competitive global market, an organization's growth and success depends on having better R&D performance followed by the ability turn the results into application. This model can be used by organizations with goals of selecting and the proposals with outcomes that have higher potential of moving into successful application. This increase in success can be achieved by helping an organization make informed and deliberate decisions about their research portfolio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy sectors of all the countries around the world are faced with a big challenge: the energy transition under the imperative of continuous reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The energy transition and the sustainability constraints pose a significant challenge for engineers, researcher and scientists developing new and clean energy-efficient technologies. Energy production and transformations, along with its storage, distribution and consumption, are achieved by utilising new and clean energy technologies, with the goal of the continuous increase of energy efficiency, the growth of renewable energy sources utilisation, the uninterrupted switch from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources, and the continued reduction of CO2 emissions. This editorial paper addresses the latest progress and the findings in research and developments in the sustainable energy technologies, energy and environment systems from selected papers of the conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems held in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]