Search

In the past two decades, we have witnessed an unprecedented acceleration of the energy transition in China. The implications of the ongoing energy transition will reverberate across the established energy, economic, and environmental systems. This study constructed a new comprehensive evaluation index system to evaluate the energy transition in 30 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2019. We found that the average score of China's provincial energy transition in 2019 (0.518) was higher than that in 2000 (0.410); the average score of provincial energy transition from 2000 to 2019 was only 0.445. During this period, Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai, Fujian, andIEA 2011 Guangdong were the top five provinces in terms of average scores, and Tianjin, Ningxia, Shanxi, Shanghai, and Hainan were the five provinces with the lowest average scores. We also found that provincial energy transition has significant peer-group characteristics, including region, income level, provincial energy trade, and international energy trade. Moreover, compared with the energy transition measured by comprehensive evaluation, the energy transition measured by energy structure underestimated the quality of energy transition in the eastern and central regions. It overestimated the quality of energy transition in the western region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global economy experiences significant changes marked by increased disruptions and escalating geopolitical tensions, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is expected to assume a crucial role in reshaping global supply chains. This research adds to the existing knowledge about the BRI by looking into how it affects supply chain resilience in the clean energy sector, which is gaining new prominence within the BRI. The study examines various BRI projects and finds that despite hurdles and challenges, they can potentially boost the resilience of clean energy supply chains by improving infrastructure, creating diverse routes, fostering technological advancements, and encouraging collaboration among different stakeholders. Additionally, the research delves into how BRI clean energy projects impact China’s relationships with both BRI partner countries and Western nations. It suggests that while these projects generally benefit China’s ties with BRI countries, they can lead to a mix of positive and zero-sum games in China’s relations with the West. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Demand response is an important option for accommodating growing shares of renewable electricity, and therefore, crucial for the success of the energy transition in Germany and elsewhere. In conjunction with smart meters, real-time (or 'dynamic') electricity tariffs can facilitate the flexibilization of power consumption and reduce energy bills. Whilst such tariffs are already quite common in several EU member states, Germany lags behind in this respect. The country makes for an interesting case study because of the sheer volume of additional flexibility that its energy transition necessitates. Main text: This paper discusses how German policymakers can make real-time tariffs more attractive for households and thus entice them to better adapt their consumption to current market conditions. Following an analysis of the current impediments to the adoption of such tariffs, we discuss four policy options: (1) a more ambitious legal definition of real-time tariffs that can promote market transparency and leverage potential savings for consumers, (2) a shift in energy taxation that encourages the uptake of renewable power and increases price spreads, (3) a new model of dynamic network charges which combines grid-serving and market-serving incentives, and (4) a subsidy for users of real-time tariffs that helps internalise the benefits they provide to all electricity consumers. Given the similar regulatory framework, our suggestions should generally also apply to other countries in Europe and beyond. Conclusions: Overall, we argue that there is considerable scope for policymakers to better exploit market forces to ensure security of electricity supply at lower social cost. Our call for stricter regulation in order to allow the markets to better guide consumer behaviour may seem like a paradox—but it is one well worth embracing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas are emerging as "strategic sites" in the ongoing sustainable energy (SE) transitions. This has rekindled the importance of urban governments in initiating this transition urgently, a departure from the actors managing more mainstream centralized energy governance. However, while there is a growing international and academic interest in urban energy transitions, the political presence of cities in the global clean energy landscape remains largely underwhelming. Scholars studying urban energy transitions or governance have often pointed toward the lack of material and knowledge capacities of the urban governments as the key barrier for their muted actions. I argue that decision-making by urban governments with respect to clean energy adoption needs deeper inspection wherein aspects such as capacity, or the lack of it, are symptoms of underlying power contestations and conflicts that are negotiated in multi-level governance systems. The scholarship of power captures the ideas of contestation, control, and acquiescence, going beyond the ideas of cooperation prevalent in multilevel governance. In this article, I juxtapose these with concepts from multi-level governance and socio-technical studies to offer an analytical framework for understanding energy decision-making by city governments. The framework presented in this article attempts to capture both direct and indirect forms of power, their operationalization, and manifestation in constituting identities, actual decisions (and indecisions) as well as the conditions of decision-making. I also use the framework to understand the role of power in sustainable energy decision-making in three cities in India as an illustration of possible application of the framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: The need to diversify their economies is an enduring challenge for fossil fuel‐dependent countries, one which will become ever more important as the world seeks to decarbonize. But the conditions under which major oil‐producing countries (petrostates) seek to diversify their exports—and those under which their attempts succeed—are poorly understood. Purpose: This article tests competing explanations for the successes and failures of petrostates' export diversification. Methods and approach: We employ a comparative case study approach using qualitative evidence from two comparatively successful diversification cases—Egypt and Malaysia—and one less successful case—Kazakhstan—selected using a Theil index of export concentration. Findings: The evidence indicates that Egypt and Malaysia's more successful outcomes stemmed more from necessity and policy design than from differences in domestic institutions and interests. All three countries were motivated to diversify by price volatility and declining revenues at various points from the 1980s to the 2000s and beyond, but reserve depletion was a greater threat in Egypt and Malaysia. As such, they adopted a more balanced approached to diversification, one that combined liberalization with state intervention. Policy implications: These cases suggest that petrostates may be willing and able to diversify as the global shift toward renewables raises the prospect of unburnable oil reserves. Petrostates can diversify efficiently by using a basket of policies that includes a mix of economic liberalization and government intervention to create investment and incentives in non‐oil tradeable sectors and nurture infant industries. Opposition to reforms in petrostates can be addressed by selectively compensating vested interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escalations in economic development and the concomitant upsurge in social globalization (SG) in the largest economies have enhanced the utilization of fossil fuels, which in turn has stimulated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Given that reducing global warming is one of the essential means to disrupt climate change and attain sustainable development, this study examines the interlinkages between SG, energy transition (ENTR), international tourism (ITU), and CO2 emissions. As environmental issues are widespread in the largest economies, this investigation analyzed the data from the 10 largest economies using the Method of Moments Quantiles Regression (MM‐QR) from 1995 to 2020. The study found that ENTR plays a significant role in decreasing emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. Alongside this, increasing social globalization also curbs CO2 emissions and facilitates environmental sustainability. Apart from this, the findings demonstrate a progressively increasing contribution of ITU and economic growth to enhancing environmental degradation. Furthermore, results indicated that carbon emissions are not influenced by reductions in political risks in the member nations. Finally, policies to support environmental sustainability are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research paper investigates the nexus between energy transition reporting practices and corporate efficiency of listed European companies from the agri-food sector. The study relies on key energy-related and financial indicators and logistic regression analysis conducted on 219 EU business entities publishing their financial and non-financial reports between 2004 and 2023. Based on the distribution of financial metrics in the sample, we assumed that entities reporting data on energy transition, either partially or fully, could achieve higher profitability and simultaneously have lower liquidity than non-reporting companies. The panel data model indicated a strong relationship between the reporting status of a business entity, its revenue, and the time variable, demonstrating that the likelihood of providing information on energy transition was associated with the size of a company and increased systemically over time. However, further regression analysis revealed a lack of a persistent, significant relationship between the key financial indicators and the entities' energy transition reporting status. Considering the substantial changes in the EU regulatory environment associated with introducing CSRD, we conclude that with increasing legal pressure over time, companies will gradually shift towards standardized industry-related reporting practices, resulting in more consistent and transparent evidence of their energy transition strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the need for a clean transition has made the upscaling of sustainable energy investment projects imperative. This paper addresses the increasing importance of sustainable energy investment projects in the context of climate change and the urgent need for a global energy transition. Given the complexity of decision-making in this field, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is employed to assess the main criteria considered by project developers and financial institutions. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, eight criteria are identified and evaluated. Results highlight differing priorities between project developers and investors, emphasizing the need for adaptable approaches to accelerate sustainable energy investments. The study underscores the importance of understanding diverse stakeholder preferences and priorities in formulating effective strategies and managing associated risks to effectively promote sustainable energy projects. Future research should focus on real-life case studies and policy assessments to further enhance the understanding of sustainable energy investment dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transition, aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, presents both opportunities and challenges in addressing energy poverty. This article explores the differing approaches of Poland and Sweden in energy poverty alleviation within the context of this transition. Poland, with its historical dependence on coal, faces considerable obstacles as it seeks to shift towards cleaner energy sources while minimizing the impact on vulnerable populations. Conversely, Sweden, supported by its advanced energy infrastructure and strong welfare systems, has implemented effective strategies that have largely mitigated energy poverty, though challenges persist for low-income households, especially in rural areas. The article delves into the definitions, drivers, and alleviation strategies of energy poverty in both countries. Through a comprehensive literature review and the analysis of key initiatives such as Poland's Clean Air Program and Sweden's Warm Rent scheme, the study underscores the potential for policy interventions to address energy poverty. It concludes with recommendations on how both countries can further reduce energy poverty, highlighting the critical role of energy efficiency, social support systems, and the integration of renewable energy in achieving a fair and equitable energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term global target of facilitating energy security and optimizing resource utilization while supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems has led the pathway towards regional cooperation in the context of energy infrastructures and trading. Recent trends highlight the development of transnational energy grids, pipelines, and renewable energy projects, facilitating efficient distribution of electricity, gas, and other energy forms. These advancements offer benefits such as increased reliability of energy supply, cost savings through shared resources, and strengthened relationships between countries. However, challenges persist, including regulatory differences, geopolitical tensions, alignment of market rules as well as substantial investment requirements in infrastructure and technology. Addressing these challenges necessitates harmonized policies, robust legal frameworks, and cooperative international governance, which are crucial for effective cross-border energy trading. The aim of the work is to present the current landscape as well as analyze the latest trends and developments in the dynamic field of electricity interconnectors, providing insights into its trajectory and implications for the European internal energy market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual rights are the right to choose asset uses not specified in the contract. They are essential in situations of uncertainty. The current energy transition presents a greater variety of assets. Moreover, it is impossible to anticipate all relevant states that the assets and the environment can embody, making it impossible to optimize them contractually. Furthermore, there is consensus that the transition must occur quickly, which means high levels of investment in new specific assets. How should we distribute property rights to maximize social benefits in a context with specific and dispersed assets? Because of the complementarity between network and distributed resources, this article questions the premise that deverticalization is invariably beneficial to consumers and argues for the need to revise the concept of network and develop the regulatory implications of such a reconceptualization. We defend the need to evaluate alternative network concepts considering the technological repertoire available to operationalize them. When considering the technological repertoire available today, characterized by the competitiveness of information and communications technology (ICT) and distributed resources, we should recognize the inherently incomplete nature of the contracts signed between network operators and users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transition in the electricity sector is central to limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. Countries around the world rely on official planning documents, such as strategies, special programs, and action plans, to guide these efforts. However, there are few systematic approaches and tools that can help policy makers determine comprehensiveness, coherence, consistency, and coordination when designing these planning documents. This represents a risk to meet energy transition and climate change goals if the relationships of policies and actions included in these documents are not addressed properly. To this end, this paper proposes an approach to model hierarchical relationships using the theory of change, while causal relationships are allocated using policy makers' experience (yet can also be exogenously allocated using other models). As a case study, this work investigates Mexico's energy transition policy of the electricity sector over the 2013–2018 period. The results show that Mexico's official planning documents lack a good design since most policies and actions are not articulated in the right sequence and privilege clean centralized and distributed generation and energy efficiency, while others related to the modernization of electrical grids and climate and environmental policies are barely included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transitions are reshaping hydrosocial relations. How they will be reshaped, however, depends on location and water's material relationship to other resources and industrial activities embedded within energy transitions. To highlight this, we focus on three different resources—coal, natural gas, and lithium—to signal how the water–energy nexus will be reworked in a transition away from fossil fuels. We examine the water–coal nexus as an example of a resource relationship that is transitioning out, or that is being moved away from in the green energy transition. Natural gas represents the "bridge fuel" used through the transition. Lithium illustrates a resource inside the green transition, as it is a fundamental material for green technologies in the transition to a low‐carbon future. Coal, natural gas, and lithium each have their own material impacts to water resources that stem from their industrial lifecycle and different implications for communities shaped by coal, natural gas, and lithium activities. To explore this, we review each of these resources' connection to water, their legal and regulatory dimensions, and their impact on communities and water justice. We argue that the energy transition is also a hydrosocial transition that will create uneven water‐related benefits and burdens. To maximize sustainability and equity, efforts to decarbonize energy systems must examine the localized, place‐based hydrosocial relations that differentially affect communities. This article is categorized under:Engineering Water > Planning WaterHuman Water > Water GovernanceHuman Water > Rights to Water [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, states are increasingly taking regulatory action, especially in the natural resources and energy sectors, to address these pressing environmental problems. This regulatory action can impact financially on investments in the host state. In response, investors are resorting to investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) clauses in investment treaties between states, claiming compensation for the financial impact of the regulatory action. This increase of ISDS claims is controversial. Amongst other criticisms, the bringing of ISDS claims, or even the threat of ISDS claims, has a chilling effect on states taking needed regulatory action to address pressing environmental problems. There have been calls for reform of the ISDS system, including its application to environmental regulation. This article maps the nature, history and evolution of ISDS claims in natural resources, energy and other environmental cases and the controversies these ISDS claims have attracted. The article canvasses the calls for reform of the ISDS system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the course of the past decade, critical and strategic minerals lists have soared in popularity globally. Though nomenclature may range from critical minerals to critical raw materials, the core understanding is generally one informed by critical functionality – often linked to the energy or digital transition or to military purposes – and economic scarcity, which renders it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. This paper develops a compendium of core critical and strategic minerals with global importance by comparing the critical and strategic minerals lists of ten jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and collating a single list on the basis of clear majority representation. Because most mining law practitioners are not trained geologists, the paper then unpacks information that will be valuable to practitioners who encounter a given critical mineral in their practice: Where is it listed as a critical and strategic mineral? Geopolitically speaking, what does the world's security of supply look like? What are its main uses and why is it critical? How is it mined and refined, and are there any particular associated risks? What are the social and environmental impacts that are specifically associated with this mineral (as opposed to impacts broadly associated with all mining)? How easily substitutable is this commodity (given that that constitutes an economic risk to the mine)? Finally, what is the position regarding recyclability? Critical and strategic minerals vary in important ways from one another. The careful practitioner will want to derisk critical and strategic mineral projects in a targeted manner, mindful of the characteristics of the commodity at hand. Thus a rare earths project raises different considerations than a lithium one. Bespoke contracts require insight into the characteristics of critical and strategic minerals, as outlined in the Core Critical and Strategic Minerals Compendium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transition is a national agenda, prioritised in many countries, to ensure public safety and achieve climate goals. Although enacting laws is a critical means of realising energy transition policy, legal scholarship has paid little to no attention to the role of law in a sustainable energy transition. Countries are currently experimenting with their legal frameworks to achieve sustainable and smooth energy transition policies that are most beneficial. The pivotal role of law in energy transition has led researchers to place a growing emphasis on introducing and analysing the recently enacted domestic laws in various countries, seeking implications and insights in this regard. This study draws on the example of Korea's legal framework for energy transition to argue that the voluntary nature of this agreement between the government and operator would have policy implications for many countries striving towards sustainable energy transitions. Unlike numerous other countries (eg Germany) that unilaterally force early closure of nuclear power plants by law, Korea tries to innovatively establish legal grounds that enable a voluntary agreement between the government and operators and the considerable efforts on just transition, while the government commits to contributex to bearing the costs of energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

We use restricted-access, geocoded data on the near-universe of workers in 23 US states to quantify the impact of wind energy development on local earnings and employment, by race, ethnicity, sex, and educational attainment. We find significant impacts that persist for several years beyond the project construction phase. Our estimates are larger than those from previous studies but still small relative to typical economic multipliers for fiscal spending or investment in other industries. We find the largest percentage increases for black workers and workers who either do not have a high school diploma or who have a college degree. We also find the economic gains for men to be much larger than those for women. Finally, we find estimates from data aggregated to the county level to be significantly lower than our worker-level estimates. We suggest a number of areas for further study building off the justice implications of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive energy consumption and poor regulatory framework in urban areas have created environmental slums and are a serious threat to sustainability. East Asian and Pacific economies are vulnerable to climate crises and striving for sustainability by transition to green energy and taking climate initiatives. In the past, no study has explored the effectiveness of energy transitions and climate actions in the context of East Asia and Pacific. To understand the effectiveness of these efforts, this study has been planned and executed to examine the impact of energy transition and climate actions, along with emissions from residential and commercial buildings, per capita income, and effective governance, on sustainable cities and communities in East Asia and the Pacific region. The study utilizes panel data of six high‐income countries and 11 lower‐middle and upper‐middle income countries from 2000 to 2022 for comparative empirical analysis. Empirical analysis is performed using truncated regression due to the nature of the data. The study found that energy transition, climate actions, and governance effectiveness increase the sustainability of cities and communities. However, emissions from residential buildings and per capita income adversely affect the sustainability of cities and communities. Furthermore, the dynamics of energy transition and climate change vary according to the income classifications of East Asian and Pacific countries. Energy transition and emissions showed a higher impact in HICs, while climate actions were more resilient in lower‐middle and upper‐middle income countries. These findings emphasize the transition to clean and green energy, prompt climate policy actions, and effective governance to ensure sustainability in East Asian and Pacific cities and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores spillover into advanced energy conversion technologies as an oil industry response to US energy and environmental policies from the last third of the twentieth century. These policies initiated the ‘quasi-planned’ renovation of energy infrastructure through an uncoordinated mixture of regulation and innovation/industrial stimulus intended to develop all forms of primary energy and the technologies that could efficiently and cleanly convert that energy. Influenced by this sweeping public policy objective as well as the global consumer electronic industry’s increasing demand for petroleum-derived inputs from the late 1970s, Western oil interests doing business in the US engaged the technoscience of advanced energy conversion. Big Oil researched, developed, and in some cases manufactured materials and components associated with power sources including fuel cells, galvanic batteries, and photovoltaic arrays in projects that illustrate the affinities and antagonisms between enterprises of naturally stored primary energy, energy conversion, and flows and carriers of energy. Case studies of Big Oil’s involvement with these technologies illustrate how public policies supporting all-of-the-above energy and energy conversion limited the extent of oil spillover into advanced energy conversion systems and complicated the transition to a fossil fuel-free future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The development of new energy and the application of intelligent technologies are crucial for ensuring energy security and promoting high‐quality economic growth. This article utilises a sample of A‐share listed enterprises in China from 2008 to 2020, employing a difference‐in‐differences (DID) approach to explore the impact of new energy demonstration cities (NEDC) on innovation quality and focuses on the role of intelligent development. It is found that the construction of NEDC contributes to the improvement of enterprise innovation quality. Corporate intelligence transformation further enhances the effect of the NEDC policy, demonstrating a synergistic relationship with new energy transition. Additionally, compared with collaborative innovation, the improvement effect of NEDC policy on enterprise self‐innovation quality is more significant. Non‐state‐owned enterprises, those in the growth stage, with a solid technological foundation and located in non‐resource‐based cities are more likely to achieve improvements in innovation quality during the energy transition. Our work provides empirical evidence and valuable insights for ensuring energy security and facilitating intelligent innovation development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transition and green innovation have appeared as new hopes for environmental impact due to human activity, which has destroyed biodiversity and increased environmental degradation. Therefore, developed and emerging economies are focusing on green innovation and energy transition to tackle the environmental impact. Thus, this study was initiated to provoke a meaningful relationship between energy transition, economic growth, trade, green innovation, and good governance to measure the role of concerning factors in achieving environmental sustainability. For this objective, dynamic econometric approaches such as cointegration, heteroskedastic OLS estimation using GMM (HOLS-GMM), AMG, and Driscoll–Kraay were implemented to estimate the Asian dataset between 1990 and 2022. The result indicates that concerning factors have a significant influence on environmental impact. The findings specify that a 1% rise in the energy transition and green innovation will influence the environment by 0.0517% and 3.051%, respectively. Further, AMG and Driscoll–Kraay validate the findings of HOLS-GMM. The robust tests indicate that the factors, which are concerning, significantly impact environmental sustainability. Consequently, the energy transition, trade, and green innovation significantly contribute to attaining ecological sustainability in the long term, and the Sustainable Development Theory prevails in the economy. Thus, innovative policy implications, including energy transition, green innovation, trade, and economic growth, are required to make Asia prominent in achieving environmental sustainability via implementing sustainable and green technologies and clean energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meeting renewable energy targets is one of the most significant global challenges to achieving SDG 7—Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This study focuses on the global energy transition to understand the factors that influence success or failure in achieving targets. First, the gap between the stated targets and our predictions was calculated. Next, the roles of economic, political, and environmental variables in determining this gap were analyzed. Data were collected from 63 countries from 2000 to 2022, ensuring the global representativeness and robustness of the results. Many countries may struggle to meet their renewable energy targets. Political stability, regulatory quality, and investment freedom play a remarkable role in helping countries get closer to achieving their targets. More industrialized countries with large populations face greater challenges due to high energy intensity. This paper aims to predict the propensity of countries to meet their energy targets by integrating the forecasting and analysis of the economic, political, and geographical factors that influence a green transition. The results provide new insights into how socioeconomic and geopolitical differences influence the energy transition, offering insights for more effective policies. It is argued that accelerated administrative procedures are needed to reduce investment uncertainty and improve energy systems' flexibility. In addition, involving local communities in the decision-making process is important to ensure the acceptance of RE projects. Finally, introducing energy markets that reflect the characteristics of renewable sources is recommended to facilitate a more rapid and sustainable transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental impact of Bitcoin mining has raised severe concerns considering the expected growth of 30% by 2030. This study aimed to develop a Life Cycle Assessment model to determine the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with Bitcoin mining, considering material requirements and energy demand. By applying the impact assessment method IPCC 2021 GWP (100 years), the GHG emissions associated with electricity consumption were estimated at 51.7 Mt CO2 eq/year in 2022 and calculated by modelling real national mixes referring to the geographical area where mining takes place, allowing for the determination of the environmental impacts in a site-specific way. The estimated impacts were then adjusted to future energy projections (2030 and 2050), by modelling electricity mixes coherently with the spatial distribution of mining activities, the related national targeted goals, the increasing demand for electricity for hashrate and the capability of the systems to recover the heat generated in the mining phase. Further projections for 2030, based on two extrapolated energy consumption models, were also determined. The outcomes reveal that, in relation to the considered scenarios and their associated assumptions, breakeven points where the increase in energy consumption associated with mining nullifies the increase in the renewable energy share within the energy mix exist. The amount of amine-based sorbents hypothetically needed to capture the total CO2 equivalent emitted directly and indirectly for Bitcoin mining reaches up to almost 12 Bt. Further developments of the present work would rely on more reliable data related to future energy projections and the geographical distribution of miners, as well as an extension of the environmental categories analyzed. The Life Cycle Assessment methodology represents a valid tool to support policies and decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth in population, economic expansion, and urban dynamism has collectively driven a surge in the use of public and private transport, resulting in increased energy consumption in this sector. Consequently, the transport sector requires an energy transition to meet mobility demands, foster economic growth, and achieve emission reduction. The main objective of this article is to systematically review the literature on energy transition in transportation, categorizing research, identifying barriers, and providing analysis to guide future steps, with a special focus on developing countries. The methodology used in this study follows a sequence for a systematic review based on an evidence-informed approach and specific guidelines for systematic reviews, exploring the concepts, methodologies, and policies within the context of the energy transition, considering transport modes and geographical scope. The findings indicate that electricity is the predominant energy source in this transition, although its prevalence varies by transport mode. Biofuels present an alternative, primarily contributing to emission reduction associated with fossil fuel use. Natural gas emerges as a cost-effective option for heavy transport, while hydrogen represents another alternative, with the challenge of developing recharging infrastructure. Determinants of this transition include recharging infrastructure, tax and nontax incentives, public policies, the generation of electric power from renewable sources, and the management of battery life cycles from mineral extraction to disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing social, economic, and political pressure causes many companies to pledge to decarbonize. A common measure involves the use of Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC), such as the European Guarantees of Origin (GO), to reduce emissions from electricity procurement (Scope 2). However, previous studies find no effect on additional renewable energy capacity. Focusing on Norway and Germany as dominant contributors to net GO exports and imports, this study examines the GO trade alongside corporate carbon accounting data to answer the research question: Does the decarbonization of corporate electricity procurement using Guarantees of Origin contribute to the expansion of renewable electricity generation capacity in Norway and Germany? The analysis of CDP and Association of Issuing Bodies data reveals Norway's consumption mix is more carbon intensive than Germany's because Norway exports GO and imports fossil electricity attributes. German companies report predominantly market‐based approach, mainly using green tariffs and GO for zero emission claims, while Norwegian companies favor the location‐based approach. The largest share of GO issued in Norway comes from hydropower plants aged 41 to 70 years. The results highlight the urgency to revise corporate carbon accounting standards. GO lack additionality due to double counting of renewable attributes. Potential solutions include additionality criteria, GO trade restrictions based on physical capacities, and age limits for eligible power plants. This study's novelty is linking CDP data with GO trade, to assess the integrity of corporate decarbonization strategies. It contributes valuable insights to ongoing discourse on the role of EAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fossil fuels can be replaced with electricity and hydrogen. However, the implementation and use of these low-carbon energy carriers require a sociotechnical transition. This transition might not be completed in time. Main text: CO 2 -based methane is a substitute for natural gas that is less carbon-intensive. This methane is synthesized by capturing CO 2 from air and by performing water electrolysis to produce hydrogen. CO 2 -based methane is compatible with our current fossil-based society. An analysis of the substitution of natural gas with different energy carriers will be performed, and the results will be compared. The effects of CO 2 -based methane, hydrogen, and electricity will be evaluated for energy storage, high-temperature level heat production, and residential heating. The multi-level perspective will be applied to assess these energy carriers in the context of our society. Conclusions: CO 2 -based methane is the least energy efficient energy carrier among those analyzed. Nevertheless, this type of methane supports the acceleration of the energy transition. Highlights: CO2-based methane is a valuable, renewable, and carbon-neutral energy carrier that supports a timely energy transition. The implementation of hydrogen and electricity requires more modifications to our current sociotechnical society than the implementation of CO2-based methane. The urgency of reducing CO2 emissions is not being considered adequately in the current societal discussion, and a multi-level perspective analysis should provide valuable results that account for the temporal aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this essay is to pierce behind the veil to understand better how social and environmental conditions have shaped the development of Britain's canal network across time. The first part of the argument looks at the place of climate and technology in regulating the water supply in the canal system. The second examines the role of draft animals in supplying motive power for barge transport. Inspiration for this dual framework comes from two closely related methodological strands: the perspectives of political ecology and the labor history of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of its climate action policy, Indonesia prioritizes the development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) facilities. Recognizing the necessity of reducing emissions, Indonesia is aggressively implementing novel carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This paper gives a detailed assessment of Indonesia's CCS potential, covering CO2 emission profiles, storage capabilities, active projects, economic feasibility, and policy frameworks. Indonesia plans to cut carbon emissions by 29% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050. With 15 CCUS projects set to begin by 2026, the government is making tremendous progress toward its targets. The concept includes pilot projects, feasibility studies, and phased adoption of CCUS using existing oil and gas infrastructure. Initiatives such as Tangguh CO2-EGR and Gundih CCS show how smaller-scale projects may pave the way for larger ones. Economic cost assessments show that natural gas processing plants producing high-purity CO2 are the most cost-effective for CCUS. Regulatory developments, such as MEMR February 2023 and Presidential Order No.14/2024, highlight the importance of supporting policies in promoting local and international collaboration. Despite advances, there are still gaps in long-term performance data, risk assessments, and economic consequences for industries such as iron, steel, cement, and chemicals. Future studies should fill these gaps by concentrating on environmental implications, economic viability across several industries, legal and financial obligations, integration with renewable energy sources, and socioeconomic repercussions. Collaborative efforts among government, business, and academia will be critical for the effective development and deployment of CCUS technology following Indonesia's climate goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term power system expansion planning aligned with current sustainable development policies plays a pivotal role in achieving global targets for energy transition, particularly in developing countries. This paper presents a comprehensive long‐term expansion planning model for Brazil, taking into account decarbonisation pathways using OSeMOSYS integrated with Flextool. Four scenarios explore the potential benefits of increasing the share of variable renewable energy (VRE), specifically photovoltaic (PV) and offshore wind, to 40% of the total energy produced, both with and without a storage system. Results indicate that policies better aligned with net‐zero strategies do not impose a significant cost burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the current composition of the energy matrix in Colombia, encompassing its legal framework, configuration, impacts, and future projections. This research, based on a systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis, and text mining, reveals that hydroelectric power is the primary source of clean energy. Fossil fuels, although essential for energy availability in the territory, generate the largest carbon footprint, representing a significant environmental challenge. Despite legal efforts and projections towards clean energy, limitations persist in infrastructure, technology, and social acceptance towards energy production projects. The transition to a sustainable energy system requires overcoming these technical, regulatory, and social barriers while integrating legal, environmental, social, and technological aspects into planning to meet the goals of the current matrix's energy transition, which presents a complex landscape that demands comprehensive strategies for a sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to assess the sustainability of bioenergy potential from agriculture in the European Union in the period 2012–2021, with a particular focus on material flow and emissions management, bioenergy and recycling impacts, while assessing the potential of bioenergy from agriculture and analyzing the degree of self-sufficiency and import dependency in the biomass economy. While biomass has significant potential in the EU energy transition, its use is accompanied by challenges related to sustainability, carbon neutrality, efficiency and economic viability. Using a quantitative approach based on official statistical data, this research tracked the evolution of biomass imports, exports, domestic extraction and consumption, providing a comprehensive picture of the stability and adaptability of the biomass economy in the European Union. The results indicate a steady increase in domestic extraction and a stability in consumption, reflecting a high capacity of the European Union to manage biomass resources; thus, the degree of self-sufficiency has been high throughout the period, with a moderate dependence on imports, showing an adaptable economy. The conclusions suggest that in order to maintain this stability, the European Union must continue to develop balanced economic and environmental policies that support the sustainable use of biomass and contribute to the energy transition and environmental objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns about climate change are a hot topic in the current debate about a sustainable future, and despite more than 30 years of international conferences, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), the annual usage amount of fossil fuel-based energy sources has remained largely unchanged, and the green transition to a carbon-free energy system is progressing at a much slower pace than anticipated. This paper presents an original approach that consists in addressing the green transition's dilemmas by analyzing the complex interplay of strongly interwoven forces hindering the rapid adoption of so-called green energy sources scrutinized from a three-fold perspective: socio-psychological; political–strategic and territorial; and technological. Moreover, these forces are ranked according to the magnitude of their impact on the anticipated transition to green, and it is estimated by logistic fit extrapolation that the total share of the contribution of low-carbon sources might reach a maximum of about 25% among all energy sources in 2050. A final original picture is presented, summarizing how all the involved forces are acting upon the expected transition as well as their consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential for renewable energy to encourage sustainable development raises high hopes for the future among countries in the Global South. However, there has been less research on how energy transitions are perceived outside of the Global North and democratic contexts. This paper explores attitudes towards the energy transition in Jordan, where expert interviews reveal that a strong renewable energy industry has emerged from top-down government efforts to reduce energy dependency and costs. We perform an in-person household survey with 320 respondents in areas with different transition risks and benefits, and then test a series of hypotheses using regression analysis. In the four communities surveyed, income stress and climate concern influence attitudes, as well as perceptions of community benefits. National-level concerns also matter, including energy dependency and energy costs for all Jordanians. Our results highlight the importance of context: findings from the North are not universal and understanding transitions in the Global South requires studying them in their own right. Policy insights Jordanian policymakers should reverse their policy of blocking renewables to avoid public backlash. Jordanian policymakers and funders should promote projects in communities with high economic dependence on the fossil fuel industry to ensure local support in areas facing transition risks. Policymakers should highlight collective, not just individual benefits of transitions, as perceptions of community and country benefits increase support. Policymakers in highly energy-dependent countries like Jordan should frame renewables as an answer to local and national challenges such as high energy prices. Actors wishing to promote clean energy support in different contexts should investigate local dynamics to build communication strategies that frame transitions appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental innovation is pivotal in tackling climate change by offering diverse and practical solutions to reduce carbon footprints, promote resource conservation, and enhance ecological sustainability. As anthropogenic activities continue to accelerate global environmental degradation, innovative solutions are imperative for mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering sustainability. However, the effectiveness of these innovations is threatened by global uncertainties and rising income inequalities. Uncertainties in geopolitical landscape and economic disparities may impede the development and widespread adoption of eco-friendly technologies and practices. Given the above background, this study empirically investigates the influences of environmental innovation, world uncertainty and income inequality on renewable energy generation for a balanced panel of 58 countries between 1990 and 2020. The estimated models also control for the effects of globalisation and economic growth. After diagnosing for necessary panel diagnostic tests including cross-sectional dependence, heterogeneity, and panel unit-root, the Westerlund cointegration test confirms a significant long-run relationship between the variables of the study. Using panel Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimation, the results reveal that while environmental innovation continues to promote the renewable energy generation, global uncertainty and income inequality hamper it. More importantly, the moderating effects of world uncertainty and income inequality reduce the favourable impact of environmental innovation on renewable energy generation. Besides, economic growth and globalisation continue to play critical roles in speeding up the quest for renewable energy. The PCSE estimation technique confirms the significance of these baseline findings. Potential policy implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern heavy duty industrial gas turbines in combined cycle configuration, with rated efficiencies (at ISO base load) above 60% net LHV, are expected to play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of utility scale electricity generation. Even without postcombustion capture (PCC), simply switching from coal-fired generation to natural gas-fired generation reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 60% (on a kg per MWh of generation basis). In simple cycle mode, with efficiencies above 40% net LHV and startup times around 20 min, 300-400+ MW gas turbines can easily serve as peakers to support variable renewable resources, i.e., wind and solar. In this paper, a close quantitative look is taken at the capabilities of gas turbines firing natural gas, hydrogen, or a blend thereof, both in simple and combined cycle configurations. Furthermore, using published data, first-principles calculations, and software simulations, it will be shown that the gas turbine constitutes an efficient and cost-effective technology, with and without carbon capture, as a key player in decarbonization of the electric power sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Global climate goals require a transition to a deeply decarbonized energy system. Meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement through countries' nationally determined contributions and long‐term strategies represents a complex problem with consequences across multiple systems shrouded by deep uncertainty. Robust, large‐ensemble methods and analyses mapping a wide range of possible future states of the world are needed to help policymakers design effective strategies to meet emissions reduction goals. This study contributes a scenario discovery analysis applied to a large ensemble of 5,760 model realizations generated using the Global Change Analysis Model. Eleven energy‐related uncertainties are systematically varied, representing national mitigation pledges, institutional factors, and techno‐economic parameters, among others. The resulting ensemble maps how uncertainties impact common energy system metrics used to characterize national and global pathways toward deep decarbonization. Results show globally consistent but regionally variable energy transitions as measured by multiple metrics, including electricity costs and stranded assets. Larger economies and developing regions experience more severe economic outcomes across a broad sampling of uncertainty. The scale of CO2 removal globally determines how much the energy system can continue to emit, but the relative role of different CO2 removal options in meeting decarbonization goals varies across regions. Previous studies characterizing uncertainty have typically focused on a few scenarios, and other large‐ensemble work has not (to our knowledge) combined this framework with national emissions pledges or institutional factors. Our results underscore the value of large‐ensemble scenario discovery for decision support as countries begin to design strategies to meet their goals. Plain Language Summary: Most countries have pledged to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next few decades. These emissions primarily come from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, energy for industrial processes, and transportation fuel. Converting to cleaner forms of energy requires transforming the energy system. However, decision makers must consider the countless, unpredictable ways the future could unfold. Modelers address this "deep uncertainty" by running computer simulations many times and computing how impactful various inputs are on the outcome. We explore different ways countries may meet emissions reduction goals and how impacts vary regionally, considering 11 sources of uncertainty with 5,760 simulations. We find larger economies and developing regions experience the most severe economic outcomes consistently across our wide range of inputs. Further, removing carbon dioxide from the air through engineered and natural solutions allows some flexibility to continue emitting during the transition, but the role of different options varies regionally, and is subject to future costs and the way emissions are priced. Previous work has typically focused on representative scenarios, rather than a "large ensemble," and has not combined this framework with modeling national emissions pledges. These findings are helpful for decisionmakers as countries design strategies to meet their goals. Key Points: Energy transition costs can, by multiple metrics, unevenly impact larger economies, and developing regions under a wide range of futuresRegional investment risk has global implications for mitigation pathways, robust to broad uncertainties and with strong relative impactsThe relative role of different carbon dioxide removal options in meeting decarbonization goals varies across regions and scenario pathways [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this article is to identify the opportunities and threats that have emerged as a result of the energy transition process in Poland, with a particular focus on the economic implications of the measures that have been implemented. The analysis commences with a theoretical considerations of the identification and categorisation of the objectives of the European Union9s climate and energy policy, together with an investigation of their environmental and economic consequences for Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The article employs a critical analysis of the existing literature on the subject, later used to conduct a SWOT analysis for the purpose of identifying potential opportunities and threats to the current transformation processes in the energy sector in Poland. The research problem was also analysed and synthesised using the aforementioned investigative and synthesis method. Findings: The key finding of the study is that the energy sector in Poland is not appropriately prepared to accommodate such wide changes which are going to be certainly brought about the energy transition process. The restructuring of the existing energy mix is contingent upon substantial financial commitments, which Poland is currently not prepared to undertake. Furthermore, the implementation of the assumptions of energy system transformation requires the allocation of financial resources between the sectors of the national budget. Originality/value: The consideration carried out constitute the author9s assessment of the opportunities and threats to the assumptions of the energy transition in Poland carried out on the basis of SWOT analysis. The article is directed towards all the individuals involved in the resolution of this issue. The secondary objective is to present a realistic evaluation of the assumptions underlying the energy transition in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Modern Science is the property of Alcide De Gasperi University of Euroregional Economy 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.)

We develop a marketing-centric framework for delivering affordable, clean energy to consumers by leveraging the marketing 4 Ps to encourage a bi-directional flow of information between firms and consumers. Using a multimethod approach that covers a consumer survey, field experiment, and a decarbonization simulation to test the various aspects of the framework, our findings point to the need for a "system-wide" solution. Specifically, we examine consumer responsiveness to multiple levers within the 4 Ps, showcase the real effects of a combination of an automated solution and dynamic electricity pricing on behavior, and examine the role of dynamic prices and automation in transitioning to 100% clean electricity. We argue that there are ways to achieve affordable, 100% clean energy that many consumers will adopt. We conclude with a set of research questions examining additional aspects of the 4 Ps that can be leveraged to facilitate the wide-spread adoption of clean energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals has instigated a transformative phase in policy formulation, emphasizing the multifaceted approach required to attain these objectives. Central to this pursuit is the management of diverse goals and their intricate interactions. This paper rigorously examines the pivotal role of institutional transparency in the nexus between energy transition and income inequality across 127 countries from 2012 to 2020, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. The estimated results from the non‐balanced panel threshold model suggest the existence of a threshold effect of institutional transparency in the impact of energy transition on income inequality. On the whole, the process of energy transition has had a detrimental effect on income inequality, with institutional transparency serving to moderate it. When institutional transparency falls within the first regime (lnCPI ≤3.3322), the second regime (3.3322 < lnCPI <4.3041), and the third regime (lnCPI >4.3041), a 1% increase in the proportion of renewable energy consumption results in average increases in disposable income inequality of 0.0165%, 0.0143%, and 0.0128%, respectively. This suggests that institutional transparency has a positive moderating effect on the detrimental impact of energy transition on disposable income inequality. However, this result does not hold true for market income inequality. Additionally, there is an "inverted U‐shaped" relationship between economic growth and income inequality, indicating the negative impact of energy transition on income inequality would be offset by its contribution to economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity generation is a key contributor to global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The urgent need to mitigate climate change demands a transition to more sustainable ways of electricity generation. However, focusing on operational emissions without assessing their life cycle may lead to less effective decisions on energy policy and technology advancements. This study examines the life cycle GHG emissions of major electricity generation systems in Malaysia, employing the life cycle assessment approach. The systems are based on energy resources of coal, natural gas, hydro, and solar photovoltaic (PV). Furthermore, five types of PV systems with different capacity range and module technologies were compared. Furthermore, the study also compares the scenarios of PV installation in major cities in the country. The results show that electricity produced by renewable energy yields substantially lower GHG emissions compared to fossil fuel energy. Throughout their lifetime, PV and hydro electricity systems release GHG emissions at least 5 and 7.4 times lower than coal respectively, and at least 3.5 and 5.2 times lower than natural gas, respectively, under the worst-case uncertainty scenario. Besides, the GHG emissions of PV system installed in major cities in Malaysia ranges from 61.4 to 72.5 g CO2-eq/kWh. The study highlights the potential of renewable energy in promoting sustainability within the energy sector, offering a viable pathway towards the decarbonization of the energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsustainable economic development and ecological degradation are major challenges for human beings. Human welfare can be obtained by promoting transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy usage, adopting environmental legislation, and reforming financial system. However, prior studies overlook the role of energy transition, environmental policies, and green financial policies on ecological footprint. Hence, this research investigates the heterogeneous effects of energy transition, environmental policies, and green financial policies on environmental footprint of 27 OECD nations. For this purpose, we examine the period from 2000 to 2019 using the non-additive fixed effects quantile regression. Our results show that energy transition exerts a harmful impact on ecological sustainability in countries with relatively better ecological quality while leading to an improvement in ecological sustainability in countries with relatively worse ecological quality. It is concluded that environmental policy and green financial policy significantly reduce ecological footprint in OECD countries. The favorable impact of environmental policy intensifies as ecological quality degrades while the favorable impact of green financial policy varies considerably across the distribution of ecological footprint. These findings have significant policy implications in the quest for environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive energy district (PED) concept is attracting growing research interest; however, the need for practical approaches to facilitate their implementation remains crucial. This study, framed in the COST Action 'Positive Energy Districts European Network', offers a comprehensive review of the roadmaps, pathways, and guidelines—namely 'PED-Transition Approaches'—currently available to support the implementation of district-scale innovative models, thereby advancing energy transitions and enhancing livability at the city level. The review involved a systematic search and web scraping of documents, including scientific and grey literature, as well as EU-funded projects' reports. The studies were identified according to multiple filters and eligibility criteria, then categorised in a structured repository using a multidimensional matrix, and finally examined following three-levels of detail (i.e., bibliometric study) overview and in-depth analysis. The findings reflect the main characteristics, gaps, and challenges in PED implementation by underlying the growing need for effective step-by-step, user-centric, and context-based transition approaches. In conclusion, the research, building on an extensive literature of multiple inspirational methodologies and their associated use cases, is a strong basis to develop sequential pathways to facilitate PED implementation among key stakeholders in a short–medium-term perspective towards a climate-neutral city vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]