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Increasing penetration of renewable energy generation poses a challenge to power system inertia adequacy. It is vital to provide long-term incentive signals to induce a generation mix with adequate inertia supply. However, existing literature rarely studies inertia incentive mechanisms or considers inertia constraints when making generation investment decisions. Thus, we propose an inertia market to quantify the value of inertia and to remunerate inertia provision. To examine the impacts of the inertia market on generation mix, we then propose a stochastic bilevel generation investment equilibrium model that depicts a multi-leader and multi-follower Stackelberg game. The lower level of the model considers the proposed inertia market, along with the energy, reserve, and capacity markets. The upper level considers multiple profit-maximizing strategic producers, and each producer is able to build gas-fired generators, wind generators, and energy storages. Numerical experiments demonstrate that a generation mix with adequate inertia supply can be induced with the proposed inertia market whereas there can be inertia shortage without the inertia market. Interestingly, considering carbon taxes, it is more cost-competitive to invest in wind resources with virtual inertia facilities than to substitute wind resources by thermal generators. Correspondingly, the introduction of an inertia market does not significantly reduce wind generation shares but boosts virtual inertia facility penetration. Our findings imply a future power system powered by fully decarbonized power resources with adequate inertia.

Recent environmental policies have led academic, industrial, and governmental stakeholders to plan scenarios with a high share of renewable energy sources (RES), to ensure that future energy systems, composed mostly of RES, can remain stable, match the demand during seasonal variations and are economically feasible. This article considers different energy scenarios to obtain various options in terms of size, generation technologies, and grid configuration. The scenarios are studied in the POSYTYF project and are quantified through an optimization‐based algorithm, where the test grids topologies are based on specific locations in Europe, and real data related to the availability of RES, as well as the demand. Different RES technologies are considered to meet requirements of grid integration of renewables at different horizons of time, up to 100% in the most futuristic case. The optimization algorithm is applied to three scenarios. It is shown that solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind can provide the renewable backbone, but they lack flexibility to achieve a very high share in the energy mix. Solar thermal and pumped hydro become important to cover the last range of integration, as they provide high flexibility, which is crucial for high share, but they are expensive for low share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recent environmental policies have led academic, industrial, and governmental stakeholders to plan scenarios with a high share of renewable energy sources (RES), to ensure that future energy systems, composed mostly of RES, can remain stable, match the demand during seasonal variations and are economically feasible. This article considers different energy scenarios to obtain various options in terms of size, generation technologies, and grid configuration. The scenarios are studied in the POSYTYF project and are quantified through an optimization‐based algorithm, where the test grids topologies are based on specific locations in Europe, and real data related to the availability of RES, as well as the demand. Different RES technologies are considered to meet requirements of grid integration of renewables at different horizons of time, up to 100% in the most futuristic case. The optimization algorithm is applied to three scenarios. It is shown that solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind can provide the renewable backbone, but they lack flexibility to achieve a very high share in the energy mix. Solar thermal and pumped hydro become important to cover the last range of integration, as they provide high flexibility, which is crucial for high share, but they are expensive for low share.

In order to fulfill the commitment of China to achieve carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, all industries have been taking their respective carbon reduction actions. The transportation industry accounts for 11% of CO2 emission of the whole society, and its energy conservation and carbon reduction benefit is of great significance to the national carbon reduction process. New energy vehicles are undoubtedly one of the most important means of carbon emission reduction in the transportation sector. However, electric vehicles still have CO2 emissions, as the fossil fuel use comes from upstream power. To systematically and comprehensively evaluate the CO2 emissions of HEV, PHEV and BEV in the whole process, this study introduces the life-cycle method to research on the past and current situations, and predict future scenarios for ICEV and EV light-duty vehicles at the national and regional levels, by deeply analyzing the generation mix and generating efficiency from the WTT stage, and fuel economy from the TTW stage. The study shows that compared with ICEV, HEV and PHEV could reduce around 30% of CO2 emissions. Currently, BEV could reduce 37% of CO2 emission in the region where the proportion of coal-fired power is high, and 90% of CO2 emission in the region where the proportion of hydro power is high. This study discusses the impact of the proportion of renewable energy application on the carbon emissions from electric vehicles, analyzes the environmental benefits of promoting electric vehicles in different regions, and lays a foundation for the promotion strategy of electric vehicles for different regions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has established itself has one of the biggest health crises facing humanity. Countries all around the world were forced to adopt unprecedented restrictive measures in order to halt the spread of the virus and safeguard public health. These measures have profoundly changed the way of life and severely affected practically all sectors of activity, with major demand and supply shocks, leading to one of the largest recessions in world history. An essential pillar to the proper functioning of modern societies is energy security, particularly electricity security, which guarantees a reliable and efficient supply of electricity. Energy distributors and utility companies remained operational during mandatory stay-at-home orders, to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. Given the relevant role of energy in society, this work will study the consequences of the economic shutdown on the Iberian electricity market, and discuss the timeline of events, the macroeconomic outlook, the financial status of the major electric utility companies (prior to being hit by the COVID-19 health pandemic), the changes in load profile, the generation mix and, finally, the electricity market spot prices.

This study investigates whether generation diversity in workforce can influence economic growth. Using a panel data of 37 OECD countries over the years 1979–2019, it is found that the effect of generation diversity on economic growth depends on the development level of a country. Essentially, the generation diversity has a positive impact on economic growth in developed countries, but a negative impact on economic growth in developing countries.

Climate change motivated by human activities constitutes one of the main challenges of this century. To cut carbon emissions in order to mitigate carbon's dangerous effects, the current energy generation mix should be shifted to renewable sources. The main drawback of these technologies is their intermittency, which will require energy storage systems to be fully integrated into the generation mix, allowing them to be more controllable. In recent years, great progress to develop an effective and economically feasible energy storage systems, particularly motivated by the recent rise of demand for electric transportation, has been made. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery prices have fallen near 90% over the past decade, making possible the affordability of electric vehicles and transforming the economics of renewable energy. In this work, a study on storage capacity demand previously presented as conference paper is expanded, including a deep analysis of the Spanish generation mix, the evaluation of the energy storage requirements for different low-carbon and carbon-free scenarios in Mainland Spain, and the calculation of the CO2 emissions' reduction and the associated storage costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strict enforcement of government policies to integrate high generation share from renewable energy sources (RES) like wind and PV would create inevitable operational challenges for the utilities to deliver Frequency Response (FR) services. Uncertain RES generation characteristics would worsen the situation for SO, to detain initial frequency deviation following the largest generation outage. This necessitates investigation of optimal generator combination for securing PFR adequacy with simultaneous characterization of uncertainty. In this regard, this paper proposes a novel Modified Interval (MI) based optimal generation mix formulation for operation cost minimization and FR adequacy. RES uncertainty is characterised by forecasted upper and lower bound, while hourly ramp needs are based on the net load scenarios. Proposed model is assessed on one area IEEE reliability test system. Rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) and frequency deviation are considered as network security limits to obtain optimal generation mix. Results obtained provide, overall cost performance, PFR and optimal generation mix, without violating system security criteria. This model would certainly assist SO, to enhance system's inertia and PFR adequacy at short-term system operations and could be extended for long-term planning framework.

Malaysia is a net importer of coal, petroleum products and piped natural gas. Moreover, its primary energy supply is dominated by fossil fuels, at about 93% in total, with coal and natural gas constituting the highest shares in electricity generation. Thus, there is need for Malaysia to take swift action in transitioning to a high renewable energy system for long-term sustainability and meeting its climate action commitment under the Paris Agreement. A net-zero emissions vision guided by a roadmap may effectively motivate and catalyse carbon-free energy deployments. In this paper, we revisit the carbon-free energy roadmap that was developed in 2015 and compare it with the current generation development plan to identify the gaps between them. We argue that the roadmap is still relevant to the net-zero emissions vision; however, we have also identified gaps that merit further research and improvement. The identified gaps mainly relate to more recent data, along with technology and policy developments. Accordingly, we put forward potential research suggestions to bridge these gaps for future development of a roadmap that would assist Malaysia in shaping a long-term plan towards realizing a high renewable net-zero power generation system. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Developing resilient energy systems’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to fulfill the commitment of China to achieve carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, all industries have been taking their respective carbon reduction actions. The transportation industry accounts for 11% of CO2 emission of the whole society, and its energy conservation and carbon reduction benefit is of great significance to the national carbon reduction process. New energy vehicles are undoubtedly one of the most important means of carbon emission reduction in the transportation sector. However, electric vehicles still have CO2 emissions, as the fossil fuel use comes from upstream power. To systematically and comprehensively evaluate the CO2 emissions of HEV, PHEV and BEV in the whole process, this study introduces the life-cycle method to research on the past and current situations, and predict future scenarios for ICEV and EV light-duty vehicles at the national and regional levels, by deeply analyzing the generation mix and generating efficiency from the WTT stage, and fuel economy from the TTW stage. The study shows that compared with ICEV, HEV and PHEV could reduce around 30% of CO2 emissions. Currently, BEV could reduce 37% of CO2 emission in the region where the proportion of coal-fired power is high, and 90% of CO2 emission in the region where the proportion of hydro power is high. This study discusses the impact of the proportion of renewable energy application on the carbon emissions from electric vehicles, analyzes the environmental benefits of promoting electric vehicles in different regions, and lays a foundation for the promotion strategy of electric vehicles for different regions in the future.

Workers of different generations often complain about one another as their opinions, values, attitudes, and approaches to work differ. This might lead to a reduction in labor productivity that can negatively impact the economic growth of any nation. In this paper, we used generation mix indices to analyze whether generation gap has any impact on economic growth. Using Thailand's data between 1961 to 2019, we found that when generations were intensely mixed, economic growth did suffer.

Countries are investing in renewable energy such as wind or solar to meet electricity demand and minimize CO 2 emissions. Due to the intermittent nature of these energy sources, back-up generating assets or adequate storage is needed to meet peak demand. In this study, we evaluate the extent to which an electricity grid can rely on intermittent renewable energy (wind and solar) if a 'black box' battery is used for storage. We examine the potential for 100% generation from wind and solar, as well as scenarios that are consistent with a policy to eliminate coal generation. A constrained optimization model is used that minimizes thermal generating capacity and battery size subject to load and battery constraints. Our application is to the fossil-fuel dependent Alberta electricity system. Our results suggest that it might be difficult and costly to supply the grid with 100% renewable energy. Replacing coal with renewable energy and using natural gas and a battery as back-up would be feasible, but would require a very large battery and result in high costs. Other storage methods should be considered to facilitate increased generation from renewable sources. • We examine the feasibility of integrating renewable energy into the grid using a battery for storage. • We evaluate renewable energy policy goals in Alberta, Canada. • The constrained optimization model minimizes thermal capacity and battery, subject to constraints. • It will be very expensive and require a big battery to rely on 100% renewables. • Replacing two thirds of coal capacity or generation with renewables is feasible but costly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can reduce both greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air pollutant (CAPs) emissions, when compared to gasoline vehicles. However, research has found that while today’s BEVs typically reduce GHGs, they can increase certain CAPs, though with significant regional variability based on the electric grid mix. In addition, the environmental performance of electric and gasoline vehicles is not static, as key factors driving emissions have undergone significant changes recently and are expected to continue to evolve. In this study, we perform a cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis using state-level generation mix and vehicle operation emission data. We generated state-level emission factors using a projection from 2020 to 2050 for three light-duty vehicle types. We found that BEVs currently provide GHG benefits in nearly every state, with the median state’s benefit being between approximately 50% to 60% lower than gasoline counterparts. However, gasoline vehicles currently have lower total NOx, urban NOx, total PM2.5, and urban PM2.5 in 33%; 15%; 70%; and 10% of states, respectively. BEV emissions will decrease in 2050 due to a cleaner grid, but the relative benefits when compared to gasoline vehicles do not change significantly, as gasoline vehicles are also improving over this time.

Analysis of water use for power generation has, in the past, focused on large geographical regions and time scales. Attempting to refine this analysis on the time and spatial scales could help to further understand the complex relationships involved in the energy–water nexus, specifically, the water required to generate power. Water factors for different types of plants and cooling systems are used from literature in combination with power generation data for different balancing authorities to model water use as a function of time based on the fuel mix and power generated for that region. This model is designed to increase public awareness of the interrelation between the energy consumed and water use that can be taken into account when making decisions about electrical energy use. These results confirm that areas with higher renewable energy penetration use less water per unit of power generated than those with little or no renewable technologies in the area, but this effect is heavily dependent on the distribution of the types of renewable and conventional generation used.

Abstract The precipitation trend is critically important for functioning of hydroelectric power stations and development of irrigation sector. Studies indicate that freshwater availability in many river basins in India is likely to decrease due to climate change. Despite having promising hydro potential in north-eastern (N-E) region of India, decline in rainfall in the region causes paucity of water in various hydro power plants' reservoirs. Many units of hydroelectric projects are being kept off and as a result, generation comes down to a large extent. As a partial solution to the problem, many such small hydroelectric projects' may be revived by integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) powered pumped storage unit as there is synergy of solar energy with irrigation water pumping and hydro power station. The present study aims to looking at reliable, continuous and cost-competitive power supply option. The study has been conceived with the lone hydroelectric power station of Tripura (one of the N-E states of India) which practically remains inoperative as water is hardly available at the end of the year and before next monsoon. Results substantiate that PV powered pumped storage is a viable option for restoring the steady annual performance of the hydroelectric plant. Highlights • Aims to revamping the hydroelectric power plants suffering from declining rainfall. • Envisages the integration of PV powered pumped storage system in small hydroelectric power plant. • The loss of power supply probability and unmet load fraction reduce to 4.4% and 11% respectively with the proposition. • Overall efficiency of the pumped hydro storage system is found to be 59.8%. • Possible enhancement in net power production is about 78%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Small-scale multi-source energy systems that accommodate distributed energy resources are increasingly serving the demand for efficient low-carbon energy systems. This paper investigates the relationship between carbon reduction targets and the optimal design and scheduling of a small-scale multi-source energy system based on an energy hub model. A Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to represent the uncertainty of solar power generation, and reliability indices (loss-of-load expectation and expected energy not served) are considered to ensure a reliable energy supply within the system. The simulation results show a considerable change in the optimal energy resource mix corresponding to different carbon reduction targets in both the grid-connected and isolated systems, as well as the essential role of electrical energy storage in maintaining reliability. Highlights • Impacts of carbon reduction targets on energy system planning are investigated. • An energy hub model represents combined heat and power system characteristics. • System reliability is considered under uncertain solar power generation. • Different carbon reduction targets are found to change the optimal resource mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the impact on power system frequency control in small power systems based on different generator topologies with a large penetration (50%) of variable speed wind turbines. The impact of a proposed controller is investigated versus various wind speeds. In particular, wind speeds with an average wind speed just below rated wind speed proves to cause the worst frequency fluctuations regardless of the type of backup generation topology investigated during 50% wind‐penetration ratio. For this wind‐speed session and a hydro‐based system, the proposed control system improves the frequency duration outside of the specified range [49.9, 50.1]Hz from 81 to 53% while reducing its delivered energy by only 6%. Furthermore, the proposed control reduces the absolute value of requested reserve by 49% from the hydro unit responsible for primary frequency control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly serious renewable generation curtailment in many countries reflects the drawbacks of current planning approach, which separates power source planning and grid expansion planning. In addition, resources in demand side should no longer be ignored in power planning with gradually mature policies related to energy efficiency and demand response. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a novel power system planning approach and builds an integrated source-grid-load planning model at the macro level. The model considers all the available elements in source side, grid side and load side together to find an optimal development solution from the perspective of the whole power system. The effectiveness and superiority of this model is verified through the comparison among separated source-grid planning, integrated source-grid planning and integrated source-grid-load planning in the case study. Then, an optimum development path for China's power sector till 2030 worked out by the model proposed in this paper is presented. Based on the in-depth analysis of the planning results, policy recommendations are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of generation mix, encompassing fossil fuels (black and brown coal and natural gas) and renewables (hydropower and wind power) on daily spot electricity prices across the five regional electricity markets in the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM) from January 2006 to June 2012. The objective is to gain insights into the emergent effect of government policy and industry developments regarding the choice of generation on wholesale electricity prices. Using least squares and quantile regressions, it is found that the changing generation mix used for producing electricity exerts a strong influence on wholesale prices. This is especially the case with prices expected to increase markedly with the increasing utilization of gas-fired generation used to support the intermittent and variable production from renewables and from the policy-driven use of renewables wind power associated with the current renewable energy target and carbon taxation in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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This paper examines the impact of interregional flows, production capacity and generation mix, encompassing both fossil fuels (black and brown coal and natural gas) and renewables (hydropower and wind power), on daily wholesale electricity price volatility across the five regional electricity markets in the Australian National Electricity Market from January 2006 to June 2012. One objective is to examine the volatility impacts of daily interregional energy flows when regions are exporting and importing electricity and daily slack (excess daily capacity) produced by differences in generation capacity and actual generation. Another is to gain insights into the emergent effects of policy and industry developments regarding the choice of generation on price volatility. Using Student panel common and fixed-effects generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) specifications, we find that the type of generation exerts a strong influence on prices and price volatility, with prices increasing for open-cycle gas turbine and hydro generation and decreasing for black coal generation. We also find increasing price volatility for black coal, open-cycle gas turbine, and hydro generation, and decreasing price volatility for combined-cycle gas turbine generation. Interregional flows appear to exert no significant influence on prices or price volatility, while generation slack tends to reduce prices, but has no effect on price volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the fuel-cycle emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollutants (NO x , SO 2 , PM 10 , and PM 2.5 ) of electric vehicles (EVs) in China and the United States (U.S.), two of the largest potential markets for EVs in the world. Six of the most economically developed and populated regions in China and the U.S. were selected. The results showed that EV fuel-cycle emissions depend substantially on the carbon intensity and cleanness of the electricity mix, and vary significantly across the regions studied. In those regions with a low share of coal-based electricity ( e.g ., California), EVs can reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions (except for PM) significantly compared with conventional vehicles. However, in the Chinese regions and selected U.S. Midwestern states where coal dominates in the generation mix, EVs can reduce GHG emissions but increase the total and urban emissions of air pollutants. In 2025, EVs will offer greater reductions in GHG and air pollutant emissions because emissions from power plants will be better controlled; EVs in the Chinese regions examined, however, may still increase SO 2 and PM emissions. Reductions of 60–85% in GHGs and air pollutants could be achieved were EVs charged with 80% renewable electricity or the electricity generated from the best available technologies of coal-fired power plants, which are futuristic power generation scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates whether generation diversity in workforce can influence economic growth. Using a panel data of 37 OECD countries over the years 1979-2019, it is found that the effect of generation diversity on economic growth depends on the development level of a country. Essentially, the generation diversity has a positive impact on economic growth in developed countries, but a negative impact on economic growth in developing countries., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

The complexity of an interconnected power system has grown exponentially with the increased load demands. These demands and stress conditions are the potential nodes in coupled system to challenge the control and stability of a multi-operational power system. Once these potential nodes are exploited, this could lead to developing stringent conditions and generation of power system oscillations which are required by the grid codes to be damped and controlled adequately. A poorly damped set of power oscillations may lead to system-wide breakups or considerably reduce the power transfer over critical channels and corridors. In recent years, a compelling need has arisen to understand the oscillation damping in the conventional and modern power grids for better performance management, control, and stability in power transfer. In this paper, a bibliographic review on the damping of power system oscillations is provided. The study identifies various control design techniques, technologies, and characteristics used in power systems. Moreover, it discusses various devices and tools to minimize damping during the era of conventional grids and renewable energy integration. The methodology of different approaches and their likely combination are discussed for different types of control design. This study also represents useful information for readers on the complete life-cycle and development phase of technology to minimize the instability variations in generating units, transmission lines, transformers, loads, and HVDC lines. A comprehensive list of publications to date in the open literature is compiled to portray a complete visual of different developments in this area. • Unstable power oscillations result in blackouts and reduced interarea power transfers. • Compel the need to understand oscillation dynamics and damping control in renewable rich grids. • Overview of analysis and control techniques, infrastructure and systems characteristics hitherto. • Classification of past and emerging oscillation frameworks from the perspective of smart grids. • Highlighting technology life cycle and development/deployment phases to minimize instability risk. • Comprehensive list of publications for a visual scenery of hitherto developments in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an enhanced optimization formulation to help determine the type of power generation mix that can meet a given carbon emission target at the minimum cost. Compared to the previous studies, the model proposed in this paper takes account of the emission cost at operational level and explores its impacts on the long-term emission target oriented generation planning innovatively. Meanwhile, the model is able to take account of the integer variables and nonlinearity of the operational cost together with network constraints and renewable generation expansion in one long-term generation planning model. The problem is solved by an innovative discrete gradient search method, and a new concept, emission reduction cost (ERC), is developed, which helps determine which generation technology is the most cost efficient in emission reduction during different stages of generation expansion. A case study on a modified IEEE 30-bus system is presented to demonstrate the application of this model and the value of considering short-term emission costs and the network constraints on the long-term generation expansion. The results and sensitivity analysis are provided to show that a higher short-term financial pressure can help realize the emission target at a lower total cost (investment and operational costs). Optimization without considering it may overestimate the total cost required for the generation mix restructuring. Additionally, a comparative study shows that optimization without considering network constraints may underestimate the total cost required for realizing the specified emission reduction target. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Availability of wind energy which differs across locations primarily determines the appropriate location for installing windfarms. However, the grid location of windfarms must always be considered in an attempt to accurately quantify the benefits which can be achieved from windfarms during their lifetime operation to the supply network. The value of wind power is significantly affected by their penetration and concentration, and is further affected by their location within a network. This is because the location and penetration level of wind generation will result in a significant impact on power-flow distribution across the network. The objective of this paper is to measure the impact of grid location of windfarms on economic and operational parameters of a power system in the lifetime of a windfarm project. This paper first develops an assessment tool to quantify the economic and operational impact of wind power in the grid. This is followed by developing different scenarios in which different penetrations of wind power are installed at different locations in the grid, and it shows how the value of wind power is affected by location and network constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to simulate the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for renewable energy (RE) in Japan under various socioeconomic conditions and further analyzes penetration process of WTP-promoted RE into Japan's energy sector from 2015 to 2050. The analysis was performed by incorporating the simulated WTP for RE into a multiregional optimal generation planning model, applying Japan's mid-century CO 2 emissions target. The results show that total WTP in 10 aggregated regions by 2050 would increase to varying degrees than its initial value in 2015 under Japan's unique socioeconomic circumstances of gradual economic growth yet decreasing population. These increasing WTP would create an opportunity for RE expansion into generation mix, allowing increase of share of generation by solar photovoltaic and wind power from 0.7% to 4.3–9.9% by 2050. With integrating WTP-promoted RE into the generation mix, it would promote to achieve the feasible emission reductions by up to 8% of 2015 emission levels and decrease the cost gap for shifting of generation mix from baseline to zero-carbon emission target. All these results indicated the significant roles of WTP for RE penetration into the generation mix in reaching a completely decarbonized power system. • Willingness to pay (WTP) for renewable energy (RE) in Japan was simulated until 2050. • WTP was incorporated into a generation planning model to assess RE penetration in energy sector. • WTP promotes RE expansion in generation mix, increasing share of RE generation to 4.3–9.9% by 2050. • WTP-promoted RE expansion in generation mix decreases cost gap to reach a zero-carbon power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power sector has been going through quite turbulent times during the past couple of years. During this time, several long-held tenets of the sector have been rewritten. As new technologies appear and as the surge of renewables dramatically transforms the system, we witness an emergence of new market players and possibilities. With key issues revolving around different problem areas, the importance of taking a multidisciplinary view on forming development strategies proves crucial in achieving desired outcomes. Having a detailed understanding of the dynamics underpinning energy markets is crucial for both decision-makers and investors. Forming a successful development strategy or a policy framework requires reconciling a string of technical, environmental, economic and social factors. Choosing the right combination of policies and technologies could fuel economic growth while still providing secure and affordable energy in line with low-carbon goals. In this light, we take Southeast Europe (SEE) as a practical example and study various questions regarding legal frameworks and development policies of countries in the region. The methodology structure allows considering environmental, economic, technology and policy issues. Each country's electricity sector is evaluated using a comprehensive database, with particular consideration to its affordability, self-reliance and sustainability. This study presents an overview to help clarify some of the aspects behind forming a successful framework capable of making the right decisions for the future. • Novel methodology evaluating the performance of an electricity sector is presented. • Multi-criteria index is based on three main dimensions: affordability, self-reliance and sustainability. • Dimensions of energy security are broken into a number of indicators to assess the state of selected electricity sectors. • ►Mid-term forecast on electricity sectors' development in South East Europe is conducted. • ►Forecasts and recommendations on key issues and challenges are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modeled grid-connected hydrogen storage and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. • Hydrogen storage becomes economically feasible in carbon-regulated cases only when the system cost reduces by 20%. • The production and storage profiles of hydrogen are influenced by the seasonal, weather, and diurnal variations. • To reduce 80% emission by 2050, about 179 GW, 106 GW, and 35 GW of CCS-based coal power plants should be constructed in the eastern, western, southern parts of India. • Northern and southern part benefits the most from the CCS based power generation in the eastern part of India. This study integrates grid-connected hydrogen storage and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in a spatially disaggregated capacity expansion model, that can explicitly characterize the operational behavior of other conventional technologies. The model is then used to assess the decarbonizing pathways of the integrated power grid of four countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal of South Asia under multiple policy scenarios. The impact of the cost associated with hydrogen system components, and with capturing, transporting, and injecting CO 2 in storage sites on the technology choices and their capacities are further evaluated through sensitivity analysis. The hydrogen storage system is effective in tapping surplus energy produced from intermittent renewables mostly in coal deficit regions for both short as well as long-term duration, but its large-scale deployment depends on electrolyzer and fuel cell cost reductions by more than 20% to compete against battery technology. In a very optimistic situation of 90% cost reduction, northern, western, southern parts of India and Bangladesh can completely decarbonize its power sector by 2050 through the installation of about 593 GW, 395 GW, 138 GW, and 120 GW of hydrogen storage tank. The storage and production profiles of hydrogen are influenced by seasonal, weather, and diurnal variations. Under limited solar PV and nuclear scenario, India should start operating CCS-based coal power plants from 2030 to meet the 80% emission reduction target and techno-economically feasible capacity requirements reach about 179 GW, 106 GW, and 35 GW by 2050 in the eastern, western, and southern parts of India respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is a net importer of coal, petroleum products and piped natural gas. Moreover, its primary energy supply is dominated by fossil fuels, at about 93% in total, with coal and natural gas constituting the highest shares in electricity generation. Thus, there is need for Malaysia to take swift action in transitioning to a high renewable energy system for long-term sustainability and meeting its climate action commitment under the Paris Agreement. A net-zero emissions vision guided by a roadmap may effectively motivate and catalyse carbon-free energy deployments. In this paper, we revisit the carbon-free energy roadmap that was developed in 2015 and compare it with the current generation development plan to identify the gaps between them. We argue that the roadmap is still relevant to the net-zero emissions vision; however, we have also identified gaps that merit further research and improvement. The identified gaps mainly relate to more recent data, along with technology and policy developments. Accordingly, we put forward potential research suggestions to bridge these gaps for future development of a roadmap that would assist Malaysia in shaping a long-term plan towards realizing a high renewable net-zero power generation system. This article is part of the theme issue 'Developing resilient energy systems'.

Light-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can reduce both greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air pollutant (CAPs) emissions, when compared to gasoline vehicles. However, research has found that while today's BEVs typically reduce GHGs, they can increase certain CAPs, though with significant regional variability based on the electric grid mix. In addition, the environmental performance of electric and gasoline vehicles is not static, as key factors driving emissions have undergone significant changes recently and are expected to continue to evolve. In this study, we perform a cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis using state-level generation mix and vehicle operation emission data. We generated state-level emission factors using a projection from 2020 to 2050 for three light-duty vehicle types. We found that BEVs currently provide GHG benefits in nearly every state, with the median state's benefit being between approximately 50% to 60% lower than gasoline counterparts. However, gasoline vehicles currently have lower total NOx, urban NOx, total PM2.5, and urban PM2.5 in 33%; 15%; 70%; and 10% of states, respectively. BEV emissions will decrease in 2050 due to a cleaner grid, but the relative benefits when compared to gasoline vehicles do not change significantly, as gasoline vehicles are also improving over this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]