Search

The innovation of the city’s integrated energy system has become the key to China’s realization of “carbon peaks by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060”. At present, urban energy planning lacks the guidance and theoretical support of the planning system, and the planning practice lacks coordination with urban planning. In view of this, this article starts from the perspective of planning system and planning theory, and establishes a comprehensive urban energy planning work management system and a hierarchical structure system; Demonstrated the compatibility of CAS theory with urban systems and urban integrated energy systems; By exploring the definition of the main body of the urban complex system and the urban integrated energy complex system, the urban complex adaptive system diagram and the urban integrated energy complex adaptive system diagram are formed; Combining CAS theory and the content of the hierarchical structure system to form a comprehensive urban energy planning system. At the same time, on the basis of the above research, using various planning documents of the Lin-gang Special Area as materials to form a comprehensive district-level urban comprehensive energy planning method, realize the synergy of the urban comprehensive energy planning inside and outside, and provides new ideas for the research and actual planning of urban comprehensive energy planning.

Recent technological advancements demand IEPM for sustainable energy development through the induction of advanced computational techniques. However, the applicability and outcomes of such modeling tools vary due to underlying limitations in addition to gaps within the energy sector. This study uses a three-pronged approach to determine the potential of IEPM in shaping sustainable energy systems, particularly for Pakistan. Findings suggest that the main hindrances in sustainable electricity generation in Pakistan are over dependence upon thermal fuel mix and partial achievement of national energy policy targets. A review of the public sector plans, researches, and historical energy mix of Pakistan affirms that all efforts are targeted towards least cost electricity production without considering social and environmental impacts. All past studies projected energy supply and demand to ascertain future implications, but no one suggested sustainable alternatives for meeting national energy targets. Findings of this study necessitate upon development of a fair, consistent, long-term and sustainable IEP with clear policies to overcome sectoral bottlenecks and attain a high growth trajectory. A review of modeling tools, their applications and limitations, carried out in this study, suggests the adoption of the LEAP model for realistic IEP for Pakistan. This considered LEAP's strengths in terms of energy-environment nexus, strong-accounting and scenario-building, bottom-up/top-down approach, user-friendliness, and spatial-temporal flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities can substantially contribute to European Green Deal targets by accelerating their transition towards smarter, more efficient, and renewable-based energy models. In that context, European cities need to increase their self-sufficiency and the resilience of their energy system especially through the promotion of district and neighbourhood scale energy projects such as positive energy districts (PEDs). Despite the increasing interest for PEDs experienced in the last years, their deployment is currently hindered by the absence of an energy planning culture and the lack of adequately skilled personnel in cities. Indeed, there is a strong need for practical tools and guidelines that support practitioners in the design and implementation of PEDs. In that context, the present paper introduces PlanPED, a framework for the conception of methodologies for PED planning, design, and implementation, to support municipalities in their energy transition. PlanPED aims at providing a multiple perspective approach based on the most important elements from existing methodologies. In that sense, the paper begins with an overview of the state of the art, leading to the identification of trends, gaps, and good practices of current research. Then, based on this analysis, the novel framework PlanPED is introduced. It consists of three interconnected workflows that, if followed, enable to know which steps and resources need to be put into practice to initiate the transition towards PED, while recognizing the variability of contexts and necessities. By doing so, PlanPED seeks to facilitate the elaboration of tailored and practical roadmaps for the deployment of PEDs in cities. [Display omitted] • Presentation of theorical framework of methodologies for PED design and planning. • Analysis of eight methodologies to identify trends, gaps, and good practices. • A framework to guide municipalities in the conception of methodologies is proposed. • This approach for holistic PED design encompasses three interconnected workflows. • It is baseline proposal to be further defined depending on local requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghana currently has no future energy strategic plan or framework for its generation system apart from the Energy Policy developed by the Energy Commission (EC). The EC based its research on the year 2000 parameters and estimated the energy system up to 2020, which cannot entirely address the current challenges facing the energy sector. The main objective of this paper is to develop an integrated energy planning (IEP) framework for Ghana as a guideline for addressing energy challenges, to promote energy efficiency in both demand and transmission, CO2 emissions reduction, and the utilization of renewable energy sources (RES). The methods used are content analysis, multiple case study, and procedure for IEP framework development. The primary computer tool used for the analysis and future energy projections was Long-range Energy Alternative Planning. The demand forecast was performed using key input parameters, including Gross Domestic Product, population change and urbanization. The overall results of this study suggest 40% of non-conventional renewable energy resources into the country's energy mix, proposed energy efficiency promotion in both demand and transmission, and the utilization of RES integration to save the nation up to about 40% CO2 emissions reduction. The paper recommends strategies to reduce losses in the transmission and distribution systems of Ghana. The paper again recommends the revenues accrued from the carbon tax for maintenance work on the existing equipment, and finally, an integrated energy planning framework was developed to serve as a roadmap for Ghana's energy sector up to the year 2050.

The Green Deal places at the centre of its policies the need to act in order to achieve climate neutrality goals by 2050. In this context, the role of cities and, in particular, of already existing buildings is relevant. Although they are responsible for 40% of energy consumption, only 1% are involved in major restructuring processes. In the context of smart city strategies and to improve their performances, Europe proposes various approaches such as Positive Energy Districts and Industry 4.0. This paper analyses case studies and innovative European projects with the aim of identifying the most relevant strategic actions. Eventually, it presents a real case in the city of Bologna as a basepoint for the reflection proposed.

The Green Deal places at the centre of its policies the need to act in order to achieve climate neutrality goals by 2050. In this context, the role of cities and, in particular, of already existing buildings is relevant. Although they are responsible for 40% of energy consumption, only 1% are involved in major restructuring processes. In the context of smart city strategies and to improve their performances, Europe proposes various approaches such as Positive Energy Districts and Industry 4.0. This paper analyses case studies and innovative European projects with the aim of identifying the most relevant strategic actions. Eventually, it presents a real case in the city of Bologna as a basepoint for the reflection proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the effects of climate change are already being felt in many parts of the world, societies are compelled to drastically rethink the way they produce and manage energy, to reduce the greenhouse-gases emissions associated to the sector. Urban areas are a critical piece of the puzzle to achieve the energy transition and reach the ambitious climate targets set out at global and European scales. Positive energy districts (PEDs), a new concept introduced in 2018 by the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, constitute a bottom-up response to this massive problematic and an opportunity to accelerate the transition towards low-carbon energy models in cities. However, their deployment is currently facing a set of diverse and complex challenges, mainly arising from their novelty and the lack of practical experience. In that context, the contribution of the present review of the literature is twofold. First, it seeks to provide a broad perspective of the advances of the research on PEDs with a special focus on applied studies and practical experiences. Then, it aims to identify substantial challenges that are currently slowing down PEDs effective operationalization, and study to what extent researchers and practitioners are currently approaching them. To that end, 135 papers are selected, categorized, and analysed according to their topics, locations, climates, districts, studied solutions and social concerns. As a result, the paper gives an overview of the main trends and necessities of PEDs research and practice and draws recommendations on how to adequately address identified challenges. [Display omitted] • Systematic review focusing on applied studies and practical experiences. • Theorical framework defining PEDs' main concepts, principles, and challenges. • Assessment of included literature performed using two levels of analysis. • Lack of studies including public space, non-technical solutions, and social issues. • Need for holistic, flexible, and efficient methodologies to support PEDs design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa’s economic and population growth prospects are likely to increase energy and water demands. This quantitative study shows that energy decarbonisation pathways reduce water withdrawals (WWs) and water consumption (WC) relative to the baseline scenario. However, the more aggressive decarbonisation pathway (1.5 °C) leads to higher overall WWs than the 2.0 °C scenario but lower WC levels by 2065. By 2065, investments in low-carbon energy infrastructure increase annual WWs from 1% (52 bcm) in the 2.0 °C to 2% (85 bcm) in the 1.5 °C scenarios of total renewable water resources in Africa compared to 3% (159 bcm) in the baseline scenario with lower final energy demands in the mitigation scenarios. WC decreases from 1.2 bcm in the 2.0 °C to 1 bcm in the 1.5 °C scenario, compared to 2.2 bcm in the baseline scenario by 2065, due to the lower water intensity of the low-carbon energy systems. To meet the 1.5 °C pathway, the energy sector requires a higher WW than the 2.0 °C scenario, both in total and per unit of final energy. Overall, these findings demonstrate the crucial role of integrated water-energy planning, and the need for joined-up carbon policy and water resources management for the continent to achieve climate-compatible growth.

Reasonable regional integrated energy planning is an important prerequisite for the construction of a Near-Zero Carbon Emission Demonstration District (NCEDD). An integrated energy planning scheme that is based on a three-step planning method with the objective of achieving an NCEDD is proposed in this paper. First, the planning objectives should be determined. After that, the planning strategies should be established. Finally, the planning approaches should be proposed according to the previously determined objectives and strategies. A case study considering the integrated energy planning of the Meishan International Near-Zero Carbon Emission Demonstration District (MINCEDD) is investigated to explain the planning method. In addition, the planning results, which are indicated as indexes, are explained, analyzed, and compared to the ones of other districts. The indexes include a proportion of renewable energy to primary energy (73% by 2030 and 108% by 2050), a proportion of renewable power to total power consumption (98% by 2030 and 111% by 2050), and CO2 emission reduction rates (70% by 2030 and 100% by 2050) and are more advanced than other districts in China. This planning scheme and method can provide a reference for the integrated energy planning of NCEDDs in developed urban areas.

Abstract The planning of energy ambitious neighborhood pilots in Norway typically begin with the creation of holistic and socially ambitious visions based on extensive stakeholder collaboration, citizen insight generation and vision setting. However, as projects move from planning to implementation, the exploratory innovation methods are replaced by exploitative approaches. 'The holistic vision and in particular, citizens' described needs, fail to transfer into the implementation phase. This paper identifies four main challenges as to why this happens and link these to theory on ambidextrous organizations that need to exploit existing knowledge while reaching into the future with its rapidly changing goals and technological opportunities. Implementing stakeholders are familiar with exploitative tools, which build on earlier experience and capabilities of the selected implementing stakeholders, and the implementation stage leaves little time and resources for innovation on a lower hierarchical level. While extensive research on smart and integrated planning focus on 'breaking down the silos' meaning sectors and disciplines, our findings argue that the need to manage ambidextrous organizations and support both exploratory and exploitative innovation is equally important. An ambidextrous organization is one that has the ability to be efficient in its management of today's business while being adaptable for coping with the changing demand of tomorrow. We propose a model in which the organizational style and management style of innovative neighborhood pilots focus more on how to transfer knowledge and learn from the bottom-up and horizontally through management that foster both innovation models. Highlights • Energy ambitious neighbourhood pilots in Norway fail to meet needs such as improvement of spatial qualities and socio-economic aspects identified through exploratory processes with citizens and stakeholder • The inability to manage and balance exploitatory and exploratory innovation models hinder the sustainability potential of integrated planning for smart cities • An ambidextrous municipal led organization for neighbourhood planning with bottom-up capacity building will be better at adapting to rapid technological advances emerging from the smart city paradigm [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas have a pivotal role to play in climate change mitigation, as they are responsible for a high share of energy consumption and provide many opportunities for more efficient supply & use of energy. This makes the case for energy system modelling at city level, as done within the INSMART EU project, which identified the optimum mix of measures for a sustainable energy future for four European cities in a holistic manner. The approach combined quantitative modelling with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Sector specific data and models (buildings and transport) were articulated into one integrated energy system model based on the TIMES model generator. It was found that urban level energy modelling brings with it a new set of challenges, since for a well-known territory, transparency and effective communication with local decision-makers are even more important than at national or transnational level. Special efforts should be paid to making model results geographically explicit, and urban modelling results should expect scrutiny by local agents. It was found that there is a gap between the scope for action of local energy planners and the most energy intensive urban sectors, which highlighted new priorities instead of those traditionally taken under municipal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission has acknowledged the significance of local and regional communities in its effort to tackle climate change. In this respect a number of initiatives and programmes (e.g. Covenant of Mayors, Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, CONCERTO, CIVITAS, etc.) have been set up in order to engage European cities in the effort towards a low carbon future and an improved quality of life through sustainable economic development. These initiatives have been generally successful and have resulted in the commitment of an increasing number of European cities towards sustainable development goals. At the same time, however, it has been revealed that there is a critical need for improved comprehensive city planning driven by an integrated and strategic approach, focused on cost benefit assessment towards sustainable energy use. This paper presents an innovative city planning approach developed within the EU FP7 project InSMART. It brings together four European municipalities – Evora (Portugal), Nottingham (UK), Trikala (Greece) and Cesena (Italy) –, academics, industries and technical consultants in order to establish a common methodology for enhancing sustainable planning for both the current and future city needs through an integrative and multidisciplinary approach. The methodology develops and employs a number of tools to assess the optimum mix of medium term measures (up to 2030) for a sustainable energy future, addressing the efficiency of energy flows across various city sectors with regards to economic, environmental and social criteria and paving the way towards actual implementation of priority actions. This paper presents the key concepts around this methodology and some selected results of the project (still ongoing). The results refer to the four city partners, all actively involved in developing a more sustainable energy system. Further on, the proposed approach may be replicable to other cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission projections for grid-connect thermal power generation in India till 2030. Future power generation projections are obtained by utilizing an integrated power and energy planning tool. The optimal mix of thermal power generation from coal, natural gas and diesel is found by using a multiperiod generalized network flow model. Using a novel hybrid approach, the study, comprising different scenarios of thermal power generation efficiencies, highlights an important national strategy for low carbon growth [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasonable regional integrated energy planning is an important prerequisite for the construction of a Near-Zero Carbon Emission Demonstration District (NCEDD). An integrated energy planning scheme that is based on a three-step planning method with the objective of achieving an NCEDD is proposed in this paper. First, the planning objectives should be determined. After that, the planning strategies should be established. Finally, the planning approaches should be proposed according to the previously determined objectives and strategies. A case study considering the integrated energy planning of the Meishan International Near-Zero Carbon Emission Demonstration District (MINCEDD) is investigated to explain the planning method. In addition, the planning results, which are indicated as indexes, are explained, analyzed, and compared to the ones of other districts. The indexes include a proportion of renewable energy to primary energy (73% by 2030 and 108% by 2050), a proportion of renewable power to total power consumption (98% by 2030 and 111% by 2050), and CO2 emission reduction rates (70% by 2030 and 100% by 2050) and are more advanced than other districts in China. This planning scheme and method can provide a reference for the integrated energy planning of NCEDDs in developed urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The energy planning endeavours for a particular region involves the finding of a set of sources and conversion devices so as to meet the energy requirement/demand of all the tasks in an optimal manner. This optimality depends on the objective to minimise the total annual cost of energy and the dependence on non-local resources or maximise the overall system efficiency. Factors such as availability of resources in the region and task energy requirements impose constraints on the regional energy planning exercise. Thus, regional energy planning turns out to be a constrained optimisation problem. This paper describes an optimum energy allocation using integrated energy planning approaches for Uttara Kannada district and makes a satisfying energy allocation plan for the years 2005, 2010 and 2015. Integrated energy planning gives an optimal mix of new/conventional energy sources and is developed based on decision support systems (DSS) approach. The central theme of the energy planning at decentralised level would be to prepare regional energy plans to meet energy needs and development of alternate energy sources at least- cost to the economy and environment. Regional integrated energy planning (RIEP) mechanism takes into account various available resources and demands in a region. This implies that the assessment of the demand supply and its intervention in the energy system, which may appear desirable due to such exercises, must be at a similar geographic scale. Regional energy planning exercises need to be flexible (to cope with rapidly changing energy systems) and easy to use. The application of DSS is a new approach to this problem. Towards the goal of implementing analytical methods for integrated planning, computerised decision-system provides useful assistance in the analyses of available information, the projection of future conditions, and the evaluation of alternative scenarios. Some of the features of DSS found particularly useful in regional energy planning are: (i) flexible structure—allows appropriate feasible levels of disaggregation, (ii) integrated nature—promotes a better overall understanding of many processes and concepts involved in planning, allowing planners to concentrate on specific energy subsectors, and (iii) iterative nature and easy scenario testing features—provide guidance in optimising data collection activities. Regional integrated energy plan (RIEP) is a computer-assisted accounting and simulation tool being developed to assist policy makers and planners at district and state level in evaluating energy policies and develop ecologically sound, sustainable energy plans. Energy availability and demand situation are projected for various scenarios (base case scenario, high-energy intensity, and transformation, state-growth scenarios) in order to get a glimpse of future patterns and assess the likely impacts of energy policies. The application of DSS for Uttara Kananda district energy planning focuses on renewable resources that could be harnessed for energy, land use database, sectorwise energy demand database and optimal allocation of energy resources for various tasks, and then explore the energy use consequences of alternative scenarios, such as, base case scenarios, high-energy intensity and improved end use efficiency options. Linear programming formulation for optimum allocation based on the cost minimisation objective shows that there is substantial savings of about 19.19% in energy and 36.24% cost reduction in overall energy system. Cost per unit (kWh) of energy with optimal allocation of energy is Rs. 0.31/kWh (as against Rs. 0.39/kWh without optimisation). Optimisation carried out with the objective of maximisation of efficiency of ‘ijk’ combination for all combinations shows energy saving of 19.98% and cost of energy as Rs. 0.34/kWh. The scenario analyses reveal that relatively vigorous growth in energy demand in Uttara Kannada district can be accomplished without exceeding available resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are considered as one of the pioneer strategies to guide cities in their energy planning process towards climate neutrality in an attractive, innovative and human-centered way. The concept of PED is the result of a long co-creation process and integrates several multidimensional features, aiming to promote the sustainable development of urban areas and the transition of cities towards a climate neutral energy system. The paper provides an overview of the first outcomes of WG1 "PED Mapping, Characterization and Learning", in the research COST Action CA19126 "Positive Energy Districts European Network" (PED-EU-NET). This study describes activities that focus on creating a comprehensive PED-Database by mapping existing concepts, strategies, projects, technological and non-technological solutions related to PEDs in Europe. The main objective of the Database is to support municipalities through the decision-making process by providing strategies for building and running a successful PED that can provide alternatives to consider, and is powered by an interactive web-based map. The design of the Database framework is supported by a step-by-step methodology adopted in the framework of the CA19126 in order to develop the PED-Database as an interactive, updatable and user-friendly tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to modern energy services is a precondition to improving livelihoods and building resilience against climate change. Still, electricity reaches only about half of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), while about 40% live under the poverty line. Heavily reliant on the agriculture sector and increasingly affected by prolonged droughts, small-scale irrigation could be instrumental for development and climate change adaptation in SSA countries. A bottom-up understanding of the demand for irrigation and associated energy services is essential for designing viable energy supply options in an effective manner. Using Uganda as a case study, the study introduces a GIS-based methodology for the estimation of groundwater irrigation requirements through which energy demand is derived. Results are generated for two scenarios: (a) a reference scenario and (b) a drought scenario. The most critical need is observed in the northern and southern regions of the country. The total annual irrigation demand is estimated to be ca. 90 thousand m3, with the highest demand observed in the months of December through February, with an average irrigation demand of 445 mm per month. The highest energy demand is observed in the northern part of the study area in January, reaching 48 kWh/ha. The average energy demand increases by 67% in the drought scenario. The study contributes to current gaps in the existing literature by providing a replicable methodological framework and data aimed at facilitating energy system planning through the consideration of location-specific characteristics at the nexus of energy–water–agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the vast rural population, the availability of locational renewable energy resources and limited finances in low-income (developing) countries, there is the need for an integrated and holistic energy planning framework to unlock their potential for achieving energy-based economic development. The integrated rural energy planning framework provides a unified road map for energy planning and system design with renewable energy integration geared towards improving energy access in rural areas. Therefore, this study presents the application of case studies to this framework to foster improved localized renewable energy access in low-income (developing) countries. Using rural Nigeria as the geographic scope, the site identification and selection and the locational estimation of annual energy demand steps of the framework are performed for rural areas. Utilizing GIS-based tools, rural communities are identified, and their viable renewable energy resources are estimated. Adopting the reference building approach, seasonal disaggregated energy demand profiles are obtained at community scale with an hourly time-step. These are obtained in the absence of smart-metering equipment and measured datasets on energy use. The obtained results provide insights to inform localized energy policy design by combining rural electrification with energy conservation strategies. This framework has wide applicability across areas with similar energy access and rural development issues especially in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia. • Case study applications presented on the integrated the rural energy planning framework. • "Brownfield" locations identification scheme to select low hanging fruits sites. • Hourly energy demand profile obtained for rural areas without smart metering. • Insights to inform localized energy policy design by combining rural electrification with energy conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]