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Introduction: An online deliberative engagement process was undertaken with members of the general public to understand what they value or would like to change about the energy system, within the broader context of decarbonizing Australia's energy networks, identifying a role for future fuels (hydrogen and biogas). Citizens developed a set of principles that could guide Australia's path toward a low-carbon energy future, reflecting on expectations they place upon energy transition. Next, citizens' principles were shared with policy-makers in government and policy-influencers from the energy industry using an online interactive workshop. Methods: This study analyses policy-makers and -influencers response to citizens' guiding principles using the 'diamond of participatory decision-making' framework for analysis. Convergence and divergence in diverse, complex and rich views across cohorts and implications thereupon energy policy were identified. Results: Although considerable alignment between multi-stakeholders' views was noted, key areas of divergence, or what is called the "groan zone" were easily identified in relation to social and environmental justice issues. This groan zone highlights the struggles that energy policy-makers face -the need to listen and respond to citizens' voices, vs. the need for practical and workable policies that also support overarching government or industry objectives. Discussion: Policy making when the views of different stakeholders align is relatively straightforward. However, this is not the case where the expectations diverge. More creative measures will be needed to address divergent views and expectations whilst maintaining procedural fairness, in this case, using democratic deliberative engagement processes. While the use of deliberative processes is gaining momentum worldwide, particularly concerning climate change and energy transition policies, this paper also highlights the benefits of conducting a robust post facto analysis of the content of the processes. Areas of alignment, where policy can be made and implemented relatively easily without contention are identified. Other areas (such as making electrification mandatory) might be more complex or have unwanted negative social and environmental justice effects. Overall, this paper bridges an analytical gap between "expectation studies" and participatory research. By borrowing terminology from a participatory research framework we sharpen the concepts in "expectation studies" from a consensus, inclusion and diversity standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper navigates the critical role of hydrogen in catalyzing a sustainable energy transformation. This review delves into hydrogen production methodologies, spotlighting green and blue hydrogen as pivotal for future energy systems because of their potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through a comprehensive literature review and a bibliometric analysis, this study underscores the importance of technological advancements, policy support, and market incentives in promoting hydrogen as a key energy vector. It also explores the necessity of expanding renewable energy sources and international cooperation to secure a sustainable, low-carbon future. The analysis highlights the importance of scalable and cost-effective hydrogen production methods, such as solar-thermochemical and photo-electrochemical processes, and addresses the challenges posed by resource availability and geopolitical factors in establishing a hydrogen economy. This paper serves as a guide for policy and innovation toward achieving global sustainability goals, illustrating the essential role of hydrogen in the energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has become a major agenda item in international relations and in national energy policy-making circles around the world. This review studies the surprising evolution of the energy policy, and more particularly the energy transition, currently happening in the Arabian Gulf region, which features some of the world's largest exporters of oil and gas. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other neighboring energy exporters plan to export blue and green hydrogen across Asia as well as towards Europe in the years and decades to come. Although poorly known and understood abroad, this recent strategy does not threaten the current exports of oil and gas (still needed for a few decades) but prepares the evolution of their national energy industries toward the future decarbonized energy demand of their main customers in East and South Asia, and beyond. The world's largest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas, Qatar, has established industrial policies and projects to upscale CCUS, which can enable blue hydrogen production, as well as natural carbon sinks domestically via afforestation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea of energy justice has been reflected and implemented in China's energy policy system over years. However, the existing normative basis of energy justice remains imperfect. China's special political system and Confucian concept of justice, and its particular focus on energy security, have made its energy transition practices highly efficient but also prone to violating recognition, distributional and procedural justice, resulting in a victim structure that sacrifices the few for the well-being of the many. It is essential to introduce energy justice to achieve sustainable development of China's energy system and policy transformation in the new era, as energy justice will provide insights for policy stakeholders regarding how to address complex and interrelated energy production and acquisition issues. In doing so, the first step is to comprehensively examine the existing energy injustice in China's energy life cycle and then apply systemic energy justice to optimise China's future energy policies. Specifically, policymakers should first reaffirm recognition justice by recognising energy rights, including the fundamental rights of energy vulnerable groups and the natural environment together with the rights of consumers as energy producers. Secondly, procedural justice should be strengthened from three perspectives, namely decision-making participation, information disclosure and judicial relief. Thirdly, distributive justice can be effectively promoted by establishing benefit-sharing mechanisms, setting fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory energy prices, and developing compensation mechanisms between regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transition is crucial for sustainable development, but its drivers have been neglected due to data limitations. Germany has adopted a low-carbon, secure, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy transition policy to achieve its 2050 carbon-neutrality goals. Despite the fact that the sub-components of energy have often been considered, to the author's knowledge, there is currently no study available that empirically examines the drivers of the energy transition in Germany. Therefore, the investigation examines the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT), research and development (R&D) investments in nuclear (NRD) and renewable (RRD) energy, and urbanization on the energy transition in Germany for the period 2000/Q1-2022/Q4. The results show that ICT, NRD, and RRD have an increasing impact, while urbanization hinders the energy transition. Accordingly, German policymakers make greater use of the increasing impacts of ICT and R&D investments to improve the energy transition and implement an urbanization plan to expand the use of green energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea of exporting dispatchable solar electricity from the North African region to Europe is still the subject of several bilateral meetings, workshops, and conferences, despite doubts and previous failures with the Desertec concept. Given that each North African country has its own privacy policy, energy strategy, and distinct approach to the concept of renewable energy exports, while the potential of renewable energy sources varies from country to country, it would be very helpful to assess the potential and export opportunities of each country. In this respect, this paper focuses on the potential of Algeria. Several key factors that can make Algeria an attractive place to supply Europe with dispatchable solar electricity have been identified and discussed. The factors have been identified from the European perspective and can be used to analyze the potentials of neighboring countries. The barriers that could impede the export of dispatchable solar electricity from Algeria to Europe have also been identified. Based on certain given criteria, the paper provides some scenarios of possible solar electricity import corridors from Algeria to Europe. This work is timely as the Algerian government has expressed interest in exporting its surplus electricity to Europe and is studying an electricity interconnection project with Italy.

This article addresses one of the contemporary economy's most challenging endeavors: the energy transition. Specifically, the aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Poland's energy transition process between 2004 and 2021. A comprehensive approach is employed to analyze Poland's energy transition process, focusing on the effectiveness of implementation through the Energy Transition Effectiveness Index. This methodology incorporates four dimensions, namely energy security, economic considerations, climate impact, and social aspects, each characterized by 22 sub-indices. The research methodology employs a two-tiered approach based on the multi-criteria decision making methodology. The EDAS method is utilized to determine the indices' values, while the CRITIC, equal weights, and statistical variance methods and Laplace's criterion are employed to ascertain sub-indices values and dimension weights, particularly useful for decision making under uncertainty. Moreover, the relationship between these indices, the Energy Transition Effectiveness Index, and Poland's Gross Domestic Product is explored. By evaluating Poland's energy transition effectiveness from 2004 to 2021 and comparing the results with other European Union countries, it becomes evident that the effectiveness varies over time. Despite encountering economic and social challenges during the energy sector's transformation, Poland exhibits positive progress in its energy transition efforts, outperforming certain European Union counterparts. However, there is a pressing need to intensify efforts to curtail emissions and enhance renewable energy utilization. The European Union's support and coordination are deemed crucial in facilitating these endeavors, alongside fostering the wider adoption of best practices among member states. The developed methodology stands as a valuable tool for ongoing evaluation of transformation processes across European Union nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crucial role of environmental assessment quality has been recognised by environmental and sustainable development goals in addressing climate change challenges. By focusing on the key identifier of environmental assessment, progress can be made towards overcoming climate change issues effectively. The current study considers environmental commitments under COP28 to study the role of economic complexity, greenfield investments, and energy innovation in environmental degradation in newly industrialised economies from 1995 to 2021. We employ novel panel estimations from CS-ARDL, CS-DL, AMG, and CCEMG to confirm that economic growth and greenfield investments degrade environmental quality. On the other hand, energy innovation and urbanisation improve environmental sustainability. Lastly, we confirm the EKC hypothesis for economic complexity as well. Given the reported empirical findings, the study suggests policymakers must focus on economic complexity to transform industrial sectors' economic potential. Furthermore, foreign investment projects must be linked with environmental goals to increase renewable energy capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesiaʼs economy is highly dependent on the fossil fuel industry as evidenced in measures of non‐taxable revenue, energy subsidy, energy mix and regulatory flexibility. To cut carbon emissions by 41% in 2030, the energy system needs to transition faster than anticipated through progressive reforms and investment. Policy makers understandably are fearful of the shocks and unrests resulted from fossil fuel subsidy reform. However, the fears were shown to be an over‐reaction, especially if poorer households were supported. The state‐owned enterprise, Perusahaan Listrik Negara, is the central player in the tug of war between the fossil fuel and renewable sectors. The government should signal unwavering support for international investment in the renewables, and update the regulation on rooftop solar that boosts return on investment for domestic households. International investors will need modelling of cost competitiveness of wind farms against coal‐fired plants in more remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy communities (ECs), as forms of social innovation, have the potential to contribute to sustainability transitions in the energy system. Hence, policymakers place great hopes in ECs as drivers of the energy transition and impose 'transformative goals' on EC actors. However, earlier work revealed differentiated motives (e.g., personal gain, hedonism, economic reasons) on the part of these actors, with system transformation not always being the most important goal. Hence, this empirical study aims to provide a more nuanced picture of how individual actors, namely, founders, intermediaries, and influential early members of ECs, set about understanding and constructing their roles in the energy transition. Using the concept of actor roles in transitions and taking a discourse–theoretical approach, we study the case of Austria, where recent legislative changes enabled the formation of renewable ECs. Drawing on extensive desk research, 15 in-depth interviews, and participant observations in four community meetings, we identify four ideal–typical role constructions of EC actors: grassroots, entrepreneurial, local hero, and techno-centric. In fact, these roles vary significantly in their transformative potential, with the grassroots role emphasizing empowerment for a profound social and ecological transition, the techno-centric focusing on technological advancement, while the entrepreneurial role prioritizes economic aspects, and the local hero role centers on a limited, small-scale approach. Our findings challenge the widespread assumption of EC actors taking a 'transformative' role and reveal novel insights into the different roles' main concerns that need to be considered in the implementation of energy policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green innovation is a new driving force to promote green and low-carbon development. Whether an energy transition strategy can induce green innovation is an important question that has not been clearly answered. With the help of panel data from 281 cities in China during 2007–2021, this study considers China's new energy exemplary city policy as a quasi-natural experiment and conducts a difference-in-differences model to explore the effects and mechanisms of energy transition strategy on urban green innovation. The results show that a new energy exemplary city effectively induces urban green innovation, with mediating mechanisms of increasing government financial support, promoting human capital agglomeration, and improving energy efficiency. The moderating mechanisms test reveals that environmental regulation and intellectual property protection play a positive moderating role in the promotion of green innovation through the new energy exemplary city policy. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that the new energy exemplary city policy has a stronger effect on promoting green innovation in eastern regions and non-resource-based cities. Our findings not only enrich our understanding of the relationship between energy transition strategy and green innovation but also provide a reference for policymakers to promote energy transition and green innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers the first comprehensive analysis of the emergent modes for greening electricity governance through agencification in the Global South by examining the drivers and role of renewable energy agencies (REAs) in various countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. Furthermore, the article illustrates the impact of this form of agencification on the deployment of renewables and the "democratization" of energy governance. We found that the diffusion of REAs is facilitated by the intermediation of international and transnational actors, whereas their role in national energy governance is constrained by the fossil fuels rentier political economy. As an institutional strategy for greening energy governance, agencification has the potential to foster the deployment of renewables: agencies can catalyze external funding overcoming regulatory and policy barriers. However, this strategy can reproduce top‐down approaches to policymaking, hindering the "democratic" potentials of the energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the relationship between urban planning and mobility management, TeMA has gradually expanded the view of the covered topics, always remaining in the groove of rigorous scientific in-depth analysis. This section of the Journal, Review Notes, is the expression of continuously updating emerging topics concerning relationships between urban planning, mobility and environment, through a collection of short scientific papers written by young researchers. The Review Notes are made of four parts. Each section examines a specific aspect of the broader information storage within the main interests of TeMA Journal. In particular, this section, International Regulations and Legislation for the Energy Transition, explores the challenges and opportunities in the urban context to understand the evolving landscape of the global energy transition. In this direction, the contribution of this review note examines the role of the European Union in promoting the energy transition through citizen participation. The crucial role of cities in achieving the environmental and climate objectives of European energy policy is underlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging energy transition is particularly described as a move towards a cleaner, lower-carbon system. In the context of the global shift towards sustainable energy sources, this paper reviews the potential and roadmap for hydrogen energy as a crucial component of the clean energy landscape. The primary objective is to present a comprehensive literature overview, illuminating key themes, trends, and research gaps in the scientific discourse concerning hydrogen production and energy policy. This review focuses particularly on specified geographic contexts, with an emphasis on understanding the unique energy policies related to renewable energy in Brazil, Austria, and Germany. Given their distinct social systems and developmental stages, this paper aims to delineate the nuanced approaches these countries adopt in their pursuit of renewable energy and the integration of hydrogen within their energy frameworks. Brazil exhibits vast renewable energy potential, particularly in wind and solar energy sectors, positioning itself for substantial growth in the coming years. Germany showcases a regulatory framework that promotes innovation and technological expansion, reflecting its highly developed social system and commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. Austria demonstrates dedication to decarbonization, particularly through the exploration of biomethane for residential heating and cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia's commitment to ecological quality is evident in its agendas for achieving a sustainable environment by 2030. However, hindrances like challenges towards energy transition efforts, stable political institutions, unclean economic globalization practices, and transiting to a complex economy could potentially delay the nation's attainment of its environmental goals. Against this backdrop, the current study focuses on examining the roles of political risk, economic globalization, energy transition, and economic complexity on ecological sustainability in Malaysia. In contrast to previous studies, this study innovatively incorporates a dummy variable to account for potential structural breaks that may occur during the study period. Furthermore, this study used an innovative environmental proxy which incorporates both the demand and supply aspect of the environment during computation. Using the time series data from 1984 to 2018 and employed the ARDL estimator method, the empirical results indicate that economic globalization is associated with ecological deterioration in Malaysia in the long run. On the other hand, economic complexity, political stability, and energy transition are shown to promote ecological sustainability in Malaysia in the long run. Moreover, the bootstrap time varying causality method demonstrates that each of the regressors has the capacity to predict the load capacity factor during distinct sub-periods. [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]

The energy transition is a major challenge for both Germany and France. This Weekly Report provides an overview of the short- and long-term goals as well as current developments and trends in France's energy and climate policy. It reveals that France is largely on track with its greenhouse gases targets and is also making good progress on installing heat pumps. However, its expansion of renewable energy capacities is falling short. Differences in the energy policies of France and Germany are most apparent in the power sector: While France is prioritizing nuclear power, Germany is relying heavily on renewable energy. For France to achieve its climate goals, it will have to expand renewable energy faster. One challenge faced by both countries is their planned electrification of mobility and space heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Policy Analysis is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung: DIW-Wochenbericht is the property of DIW Berlin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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]

Australia has abundant volumes of forest residues that are a potential feedstock for supplying biomass as a renewable carbon carrier to the market. However, there remains an underutilization of this resource, even in mature bioeconomy markets. Several existing or perceived barriers can be attributed to the underdeveloped, forest-based bioeconomy in Australia. One of these is the limited understanding of feedstock supply costs. In this study, two ranking approaches were applied to identify the optimal biomass feedstock supply chain from field to conversion plant gate. A panel of experts embedded in the Australian bioeconomy were employed to first assign ranks to biomass supply chain items by cost intensity. Then, a layer of analytic hierarchical process (AHP) was used to weigh and rank various biomass supply pathways by efficiency. The results reveal that biomass extraction ranks the highest and biomass feedstock storage ranks the lowest, relative to other supply chain costs. Extracting and chipping material in the field attracted the most support from the experts in terms of efficiency, followed by transporting and chipping at the roadside and, finally, transporting and chipping at the conversion plant. This study provides insights for designers of the forest-based bioeconomy in Australia into relative cost drivers that may be applied to investment and industry decisions. It also provides a framework to support further investigations into forest biomass development and the management of biomass as a renewable carbon carrier at a time when Australia is transitioning from an energy policy focused on fossil fuels to a renewable energy strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen potential as a clean energy carrier presents promising prospects in the fight against climate change. The most efficient method of producing decarbonized hydrogen is through electrolysis, which involves splitting water molecules using renewable sources of electricity. Morocco boasts various advantages that enable it to play a pivotal role in bringing this vision to fruition. Lately, the nation has devised an ambitious strategy for green hydrogen and implemented significant changes related to industry and water resource management. This document presents a thorough examination of Morocco's energy sector, with a special focus on the substantial hurdles that must be surmounted to establish an economy centered on green hydrogen, with the capacity to generate employment opportunities and achieve carbon neutrality. Numerous impediments require cooperation with Europe and other international allies to establish a green hydrogen industry in Morocco. These challenges encompass bolstering the competitiveness of green hydrogen, scaling up production, and cultivating the requisite expertise. • Morocco is identified as one of the countries with the highest potential for green hydrogen export. • Green hydrogen roadmap for Morocco is presented and analyzed. • Technological, economical, environmental and societal challenges for green hydrogen development in Morocco are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Justice and sustainability are the foundation of fair and equitable biofuel development. Policies and practices are consequently necessary to support a just transition towards a low-carbon economy. Therefore, this study aimed to understand multi-actor perspectives on policies and practices relevant to the just transition in biofuel development. Applying a socio-legal approach based on the JUST framework, this study focused on the Indonesian biofuel industry, which is primarily driven by crude palm oil (CPO) production. This study also added comparative perspectives from Thailand's biofuel industry. The primary data were gathered from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), while the secondary data were from research, policy, and other government archives. Based on the results, oil palm plantations in Indonesia and Thailand are crucial for macroeconomic development. However, smallholder farmers in Indonesia, especially independent ones that do not join farmer groups, remain marginalised by the current regulations. In fact, many benefits from biofuel practices and policies accumulate disproportionately towards large corporations, while marginalised groups bear the costs. The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification that should induce market accessibility and competitiveness has not fully reached most rural farmers. Furthermore, various overlapping regulations and perplexing data differences exist from multiple ministries and administrative levels. Thus, palm oil stakeholders in Indonesia demand a dedicated institution for integrated regulation and monitoring of the industry, similar to the National Palm Oil Policy Committee in Thailand. The myriad of legal, political, socio-economic, and justice issues thus necessitates all hands on deck to ensure a just transition for all stakeholders of the Indonesian biofuel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Informacion Comercial Espanola Revista de Economia is the property of S.G.E.E.I.P.C., Secretaria de Estado de Comercio, Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The clean energy transition has entered the policy discourse and government agenda of the Caspian oil-producing countries of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Both countries have set a target to increase the share of renewable energy sources (RES) in total energy production by 2030. This article presents a comparative analysis of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in their paths to a low-carbon sources of energy covering the status of RES, renewable energy targets, and the role of government policy schemes in promoting renewable energy (RE) deployment. The study shows that despite some commonalities in the initial conditions (such as Soviet-era legacies of fossil-fuel-based infrastructure, a high degree of dependence on oil and gas rents, and dominance of state-owned enterprises), Kazakhstan adopted a more targeted regulatory framework and more elaborate policy schemes with regards to renewables than Azerbaijan did. In the latter case, the introduction of relevant renewable legislation has been significantly delayed or implemented only partially. As a result, Kazakhstan has performed relatively more successfully on advancing non-conventional renewable energy targets: non-hydro renewable sources accounted for 3% of total electricity generated in Kazakhstan and made up only 1% of electricity produced in Azerbaijan (as of 2020). This article highlights the following factors that stand out in explaining these variable outcomes: the degree of economic liberalization, quality of governance of the oil and gas sector, regulatory frameworks, and policy support schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobbying is part of social life and constitutes an informal path of influencing politics at the national and international levels. The EU is a prime example of an organisation wherein Member States act as lobbyists trying to influence EU policy. The energy transformation that has begun is a process that is particularly dependent on the shaping of climate and energy policy at the European Union level should one compare it to previous socio-technical transformations, with interest advocacy playing an important role in this process. This article aims at examining and explaining the activities and influence of Germany's lobbying on the shaping of energy policy in the European Union (EU). The subject of the research is Germany's lobbying strategy based on the Europeanisation of the country's energy transition (in German, Energiewende). The research shows that lobbying activities have had the intended effect of Europeanising Germany's Energiewende, which has allowed for increased innovation in technology and as well as increased production of products from the broader environmental sector. Furthermore, these activities have created new jobs in the sector, which has kick-started and strengthened the German economy. In conclusion, the more resources a Member State has and the longer it has been a member of the EU, the better the conditions are for effective lobbying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reach the necessary cohesion for the member states at socio-economic level, the EU sets substantial budgets in motion to implement its policies. This study proposes an analysis of how European funds were used for the construction of the Cohesion Policy in the segment of transition to low-carbon economy within the South-East Region of Romania, with a focus on the social side. The study case reveals challenges in implementing non-reimbursable financing for programming period 2014-2020/2023. The source of data are the official reports of the ministries with the role of management authority and that are updated up to this moment. The results of this study emphasize the importance of the Cohesion Policy financing for reaching the energy transition targets, but also the need to use a part of this fund for supporting social aspects so that people can more easily overcome the financial barriers on the way to green transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Indonesiaʼs economy is highly dependent on the fossil fuel industry as evidenced in measures of non‐taxable revenue, energy subsidy, energy mix and regulatory flexibility. To cut carbon emissions by 41% in 2030, the energy system needs to transition faster than anticipated through progressive reforms and investment. Policy makers understandably are fearful of the shocks and unrests resulted from fossil fuel subsidy reform. However, the fears were shown to be an over‐reaction, especially if poorer households were supported. The state‐owned enterprise, Perusahaan Listrik Negara, is the central player in the tug of war between the fossil fuel and renewable sectors. The government should signal unwavering support for international investment in the renewables, and update the regulation on rooftop solar that boosts return on investment for domestic households. International investors will need modelling of cost competitiveness of wind farms against coal‐fired plants in more remote areas.

Continued dependence on imported fossil fuels is rapidly becoming unsustainable in the face of the twin challenges of global climate change and energy security demands in Europe. Here we present scenarios in line with REPowerEU package to identify Renewables Acceleration Areas that support rapid renewable expansion, while ensuring minimal harm to places important for biodiversity and rural communities. We calculated the area needed to meet renewable energy objectives under Business-as-Usual (BAU) and Low-conflict (LCON) development scenarios within each country, providing a broad overview of the potential for renewable energy generation to reduce impacts when development is steered toward lower conflict lands. Our analysis shows that meeting renewable energy objectives would require a network of land-based wind turbines and solar arrays encompassing upwards of 164,789 km2 by 2030 and 445,654 km2 by 2050, the latter roughly equivalent to the land area of Sweden. Our results highlight that BAU development patterns disproportionately target high-conflict land cover types. By 2030, depending on the development pathway, solar and wind development are projected to impact approximately 4,386–20,996 km2 and 65,735–138,454 km2 of natural and agricultural lands, respectively. As renewable energy objectives increase from 2030 to 2050 impacts to natural and agricultural lands also increase, with upwards of 33,911 km2 from future solar development and 399,879 km2 from wind development. Despite this large footprint, low-conflict lands can generate substantial renewable energy: 6.6 million GWh of solar and 3.5 million GWh of wind, 8–31 times 2030 solar objectives and 3–5 times 2030 wind objectives. Given these patterns, we emphasize the need for careful planning in areas with greater impact potential, either due to a larger demand for land area or limited land availability. Top-emitting countries with large renewable energy objectives (Germany, Italy, Poland, France, Spain) and those with limited flexibility in meeting objectives on low-conflict land (Albania, Slovenia, Montenegro, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Finland, Greece, Portugal, and Norway) should be priorities for country-level customizations to guide low-conflict siting and avoid disproportionate impacts on high-value areas.

The paper presents an analysis of the role of interest groups in Poland's energy policy in the context of the EU climate and energy policy. The main aim of the analysis is to try to answer the question of who shapes the Polish energy policy, which stakeholders have the greatest impact on, who are the key players, and what kind of interest intermediation system has developed in the energy sector. Poland's energy mix is dominated by coal, which results from the ownership structure in the energy sector, strong influence of conventional (coal) energy companies and centralization of energy policy. The interests of coal energy companies are protected by the government both in Poland and at the EU level. The research puts forward a thesis that Polish energy policy is co-shaped by conventional energy companies, which leads to their monopolistic position and the formation of a neocorporatist model with elements of statism, and the process of illiberal backlash and creeping authoritarianism further strengthens their role. Privileging the interests of the state-owned energy companies hampers the process of energy transition in Poland, which is contrary to the EU's climate and energy policy.

In the informal settlement of Langas, Kenya, access to domestic energy for cooking is a complex and multifaceted issue. Political and infrastructural efforts have promoted LPG gas bottles as a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional fuels like firewood and kerosene. However, residents demonstrate a diverse set of contextual concerns that challenge gas bottles' uptake and prompt questions about how straightforward these energy transitions can be. The ethnographic study I conducted in Langas reveals a significant gap between the way energy transitions to clean fuels are imagined by energy policies and stakeholders and how these are experienced by end-users. While energy policies often reduce energy transitions to mere technological shifts, local communities show that access to energy is a social rather than a technical issue and requires a more inclusive, context-specific, and culturally sensitive approach so that energy solutions appropriate and responsive to their needs can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an analysis of the role of interest groups in Poland's energy policy in the context of the EU climate and energy policy. The main aim of the analysis is to try to answer the question of who shapes the Polish energy policy, which stakeholders have the greatest impact on, who are the key players, and what kind of interest intermediation system has developed in the energy sector. Poland's energy mix is dominated by coal, which results from the ownership structure in the energy sector, strong influence of conventional (coal) energy companies and centralization of energy policy. The interests of coal energy companies are protected by the government both in Poland and at the EU level. The research puts forward a thesis that Polish energy policy is co-shaped by conventional energy companies, which leads to their monopolistic position and the formation of a neocorporatist model with elements of statism, and the process of illiberal backlash and creeping authoritarianism further strengthens their role. Privileging the interests of the state-owned energy companies hampers the process of energy transition in Poland, which is contrary to the EU's climate and energy policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving universal access to energy by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 7.1) hinges on significantly scaling up and accelerating electrification efforts in developing countries. Governing the ecosystem of government agencies, energy utilities, practitioners, development and finance institutions, banks, NGOs, academia, and, most importantly, beneficiary communities to accelerate the pace of electrification requires the interweaving of technological innovation, disruptive business models, improved institutional frameworks, and inclusive multi-stakeholder decision-making, to ensure that no one is left behind. The foundation of this article is based on extensive insider research, including 14 national electrification plans, numerous visits, field studies, and semi-structured interviews with these actors conducted over ten years in 25 countries. This article presents a novel comprehensive conceptual approach that integrates both macro (national and global) and micro (local and individual) level mechanisms and the role of cultural factors and shared values within the ecosystem in driving and accelerating action within a harmonized regulatory, policy, and planning framework. It outlines the essential mechanisms for effectively engaging and empowering governments, utilities, donors, and local actors to accelerate the path to universal electrification through the most cost-effective articulation of diverse technologies and business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change represents a grave challenge to the global economy, environment, and societal well-being, jeopardizing their long-term sustainability. In response to this urgent issue, the study emphasizes the significance of environmental policy and energy transitions as fundamental factors in addressing the climate change crisis. The research draws upon data from OECD countries spanning the period between 1990 and 2020, utilizing robust econometric techniques to assess data properties. The study utilizes a comprehensive CS-ARDL model, incorporating multiple control variables like non-renewable energy GDP, foreign direct investment (FDI), and research and development (R&D). The results show that environmental policy and energy transitions are effective in reducing climate change impacts in the form of CO2 emissions. The non-environmental factors like GDP and FDI are positively associated and thereby accelerate climate change processes, whereas R&D promotes environmental protection by reducing CO2 emissions. Based on these findings, the study advocates for the implementation of rigorous policy measures by OECD economies to strengthen and enforce environmental policies to ensure compliance and foster sustainable practices across sectors. The study also suggests that OECD must promote energy transitions by investing in renewable energy sources at the mass level (micro and macro) and phasing out reliance on non-renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transition and achieving net-zero goals were viewed as a straight road – in some quarters. Still, with the realities on the ground, energy security has emerged as another path governments must earnestly consider. The government of the United Kingdom has backed, and committed itself to achieving, a greener and clean-energy society through various policies and laws. However, the Russian–Ukraine crisis has raised a vital question of energy security for the government. This paper looks pragmatically at some issues and opportunities for the UK government. Energy security issues are not peculiar to the UK; many countries are saddled with these energy problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of renewable energy in achieving necessary reductions in emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is widely acknowledged. However, there is growing concern over the allocation of land for constructing the required new infrastructure. Nowhere is this conflict more apparent than in India, where renewable energy targets are ambitious and land use conflicts are already significant. India intends to increase renewable energy to 500 GW by 2030. This would require an additional 42 GW of renewable energy to be installed every year. Although renewable energy can provide the solution to both India's growing need for cheap energy and climate change mitigation, the sustainable future of renewable energy deployment is far from simple due to its associated land use impacts and socio-ecological risk. While others have highlighted challenges to India's renewable energy targets, here we focus on the land use change issues that will need to be addressed for India to meet its targets. We introduce a series of recommendations and highlight how these could contribute to mainstreaming land values and facilitate the implementation of India's 2030 renewable energy targets. These recommendations include suggested planning approaches that would guide the development of standard siting guidelines, identification of preferential "go-to" areas for renewable energy, and the development of tools that allow access to data and information to site renewable right. Policy recommendations highlight utilizing converted lands and existing built infrastructure for renewable energy development, and adapting existing policies so they address land use impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest climate science provides stark warnings around the need for a transition away from further oil and gas exploration. Denmark, as a leader in the oil and gas transition, has already cancelled new oil and gas permits and is pursuing the phase-out of existing oil production in the Danish North Sea by 2050. Progress in other areas of the world, however, is more circumscribed, giving rise to a landscape of both 'leaders' and 'laggards' across value chains. This Special Issue unites the need for market-led oil and gas just transitions with net zero emission ambitions, critically analyzing the potential for a just transition (or transitions) by 2040. This editorial provides introductory context to nine articles and summarizes their key policy insights. The nine contributions present interdisciplinary and mixed method perspectives from globally diverse country contexts. Papers explore oil and gas transitions across the value chain and with attention to a range of stakeholders and processes, including public norm development, tribunals, and industry investments. Whilst there is growing consensus across various actors and institutions in society around the need to phase-out oil and gas, the papers also showcase that care must be taken to avoid perverse incentives, engage the public, steer investment, engage with controversies, account for emerging producers, consider country phase-out sequencing, account for indirect and direct job losses, and consider investor compensation caps. Across all contributions, and alongside reflections of the various barriers and enablers for obtaining just outcomes, considerations of just transitions thinking appear in several different ways. They appear conceptually, empirically (in terms of research findings), as guidance for decision-making, and as an aspirational outcome or target to be obtained; that is, just transition is treated in the same way as the phase-out of oil and gas - as a process and a goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen is globally seen as a universal fuel, feedstock or energy carrier and storage. The study aims to examine the role of the emerging green hydrogen market in developing countries in Africa. The goal is to indentify key factors that may either positively or negatively affect the development of green hydrogen energy in Africa. Several developing countries have been identified as potential key players in green hydrogen production: South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Namibia. These countries are expected to play a vital part in the development of hydrogen technologies due to favourable climatic conditions for the production of low-cost renewable energy, the possibility of exporting hydrogen to EU countries, and the presence of various national policy initiatives (national hydrogen strategies) and international partnerships (the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance). The results showed that green hydrogen will boost economic development in African countries, stimulate investment and create new jobs. The study also identifies several barriers that could affect the development of green hydrogen in Africa: high investment costs for hydrogen infrastructure, financing, weak institutions, water scarcity and the imbalance between hydrogen for local use and for export. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different energy transition efforts in the EU-27 countries are analysed, paying special attention to the achievement of set energy targets and the real influence on energy dependence and GHG reduction. Various methodologies were used, ranging from construction of timelines to geo-statistical analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the implementation of machine learning techniques and models, using R. The results show how different modifications of the energy saving and efficiency targets, along with lower power consumption due to the COVID pandemic, resulted in that although most of the EU-27 countries have achieved their saving and efficiency targets, this has not been reflected in a real reduction in consumption (compared to 1990 levels). In addition, the fulfilment of the objectives has not resulted in a reduction in energy dependence, generating a false sense of security and satisfaction in the fulfilment of the targets. Concerning GHGs, almost all EU-27 countries decrease their GHG emissions per capita compared to 2000 (with the exception of Lithuania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Latvia), with this decrease being mainly related to the fulfilment of renewable energy targets in transport. The conclusion highlights the need to make greater efforts to achieve saving and efficiency in the near future; otherwise, higher power consumption via renewable energy sources, while helping meet future increases in energy demand, will not impact the reduction in energy dependence compared to current levels. Achievement of energy transition targets. Contribution to the reduction in greenhouse gases and energy dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is globally acknowledged as a versatile energy carrier crucial for decarbonization in multiple sectors. Many countries have initiated the development of national hydrogen roadmaps and strategies, recognizing hydrogen as a strategic resource for achieving sustainable energy transitions. Formulating these guidelines for future action demands a solid technical foundation to facilitate well-informed decision-making. Energy system modelling has emerged as a significant scientific tool to assist governments and ministries in designing hydrogen pathways assessments based on scientific outcomes. The first step in the modelling process involves gathering, curating, and managing techno-economic data, a process that is often time-consuming and hindered by the unavailability and inaccessibility of data sources. This paper introduces an open techno-economic dataset encompassing key technologies within the hydrogen supply chain, spanning from production to end-use applications. Energy modelers, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders can leverage this dataset for energy planning models, with a specific focus on hydrogen pathways. The presented data is designed to promote modelling studies that are retrievable, reusable, repeatable, reconstructable, interoperable, and auditable (U4RIA1). This enhanced transparency aims to foster greater public trust, scientific reproducibility, and increased collaboration amongst academia, industry, and government in producing technical reports that underpin national hydrogen roadmaps and strategies.