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In this paper an approach for analysing the potential for implementation of different technology pathways for the European pulp and paper industry (PPI) is presented. The approach is based on detailed technical research and aggregates the knowledge from previous studies to incorporate the whole European PPI. Thus, the potential for different technology pathways can be estimated on a European level whilst still considering important characteristics of individual mills. The usefulness of the approach was exemplified by applying it to a case study of the potential for introduction of carbon capture and storage (CCS) within the European PPI. The results from the case study show that for the European PPI, CCS has an up-hill road in order to be a viable, large scale alternative for reduction of CO2 emissions. If CCS is to be introduced in large scale within the European PPI, large biomass-based point sources of CO2 emissions need to be included when planning for CCS infrastructure and also the infrastructure needs to be built out for clusters emitting <20 MtCO2/yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Scandinavian mechanical pulp and paper industry has been facing great challenges during the past decades, mainly because of declining demand for newsprint, and higher prices on raw material and energy. One way of increasing profitability is to produce more value-added products besides the production of pulp and paper. In this study, integration potentials of three possible future biomass gasification-based energy mills with an existing thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) mill, co-located with a sawmill, have been evaluated. The product gas was utilized for electricity production in a gas turbine, for production of methanol or for production of Fischer–Tropsch (FT) liquids. Integration of the energy mills showed good potential as the TMP mill constitutes a heat sink for which the excess heat from the energy mills can be utilized all year round. However, since there is little excess heat from the TMP mill at the required level to be utilized for biomass drying, for example, heat integration is typically one way. It has also been shown that integration of biomass gasification with a TMP mill results in larger CO2 emissions reduction than stand-alone operation. Still, compared to co-firing biomass in a coal power plant, the energy mills all have lower potentials for CO2 emissions reduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current study analyzes the potential of an environmentally benign integration of a parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) with a heat-intensive multi-effect evaporator (MEE) used in pulp and paper industry. Actual plant data was used to simulate the MEE and estimate the steam economy (SE) and steam consumption (SC), which are used to judge the performance of PTSC-MEE system. Four distinct alternatives for the integration are investigated with Self-adaptive Differential Evolution (SaDE) utilized for optimization. Initially, a normal PTSC with four different model configurations of MEE, basic or with energy reduction schemes (ERSs) are tested and found that SE is slightly increased for each. Next, a geometrically optimized/combinatorial optimized PTSC with basic MEE is examined, a rise of ∼3.4% in SE is noted for both, with current integration outperforming one out of three ERSs. Subsequently, geometrical plus combinatorial optimized PTSC with basic MEE is inspected, increase in SE reached 7.59% and two of the three ERSs outperformed. Economic analysis is conducted to estimate the steam saving with different PTSC-MEE systems and corresponding payback periods. The possibility of decarbonization with the various integration possibilities is also explored by evaluating the fuel savings and related CO 2 savings. • Integration of PTSC with an MEE used in pulp and paper industry is investigated. • The fusion of PTSC with MEE is studied with various possibilities. • Self-adaptive Differential Evolution (SaDE) is used for various optimizations. • The steam savings and payback times are estimated for various PTSC-MEE systems. • Decarbonization is studied by analyzing fuel savings and CO 2 reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with the difficult but urgent task of reducing carbon emission intensity, considering urban agglomeration as a fundamental spatial unit for this purpose has become increasingly important. However, as a long-standing and pivotal phenomenon in the development of urban agglomerations, the potential role of spatial functional division in urban agglomerations in reducing carbon emission intensity has been largely overlooked. To fill this gap, this paper explores the relationship between spatial functional division in urban agglomerations and carbon emission intensity, relying on a dataset of 19 urban agglomerations in China. The main results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between spatial functional division in urban agglomerations and carbon emission intensity. Spatial functional division in urban agglomerations increases carbon emission intensity in the initial stage; once it reaches a turning point, spatial functional division in urban agglomerations can reduce carbon emission intensity. This conclusion remains robust after conducting various robustness checks and addressing endogeneity concerns. This paper identifies productivity enhancement as an underlying mechanism that shapes this relationship. Moreover, the relationship between spatial functional division in urban agglomerations and carbon emission intensity exhibits heterogeneity based on function types and urban types. These findings emphasize that spatial functional division in urban agglomerations plays a unique role in reducing carbon emission intensity, which offers a new strategy for reducing carbon emission intensity from an individual city level to an entire urban agglomeration level. • An inverted U-shaped relationship exists between SFD and CEI. • Productivity enhancement derived from SFD is a crucial influencing mechanism. • Function types and urban types influence the relationship between SFD and CEI. • Improving SFD adds a novel urban agglomeration-level strategy to reduce CEI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon neutrality agenda requires that carbon lock-in enters an endgame. A well-developed energy system, which is secure, equitable, and sustainable is paramount to getting rid of carbon lock-in and realizing decarbonization. We carry out systematic research to empirically study the possible carbon lock-in reduction effect of energy trilemma based on the instrumental variable-generalized method of moment (IV-GMM) model. We also detect heterogeneous effects in terms of geographical locations and endowments of capital, as well as the impact mechanisms. Moreover, this paper highlights the mediating and threshold role of environmental regulation. We thus get the following conclusions. (1) The paper's primary findings underscore that the continuous increase of energy trilemma exacerbates carbon lock-in and hampers the process of decarbonization; (2) Energy trilemma has a higher stimulating effect on carbon lock-in in provinces that lie in the central region and that have a comparatively low level of physical, social, and human capital; (3) Energy trilemma can also indirectly aggravate carbon lock-in by inhibiting technology innovation and exacerbating carbon emissions intensity; (4) The interaction of environmental regulation and energy trilemma can alleviate the energy trilemma - carbon lock-in nexus, and environmental regulation also shows a significant threshold effect. • We investigate the impact of the energy trilemma on carbon lock-in. • Energy trilemma eradication is an effective way to realize the carbon lock-in endgame. • The nexus between energy trilemma and carbon lock-in is more prominent in provinces with high capital endowments. • Environmental regulation shows significant mediating and threshold effects. • The exacerbate carbon lock-in effect of energy trilemma depends on technology and intensity effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the macroeconomic impacts of different decarbonization storylines until 2050 using two Computable General Equilibrium models. The modeling shocks are harmonized across models to simulate four decarbonization scenarios through three main drivers: technical development, societal attitude, and policies. The study explores the contribution of each of these drivers to the European decarbonization. The results show that the decarbonization scenarios have moderate effects on GDP; decarbonization scenarios rather result in sectoral shifts. The impact of temperature on labor productivity minimally alters expected growth levels, since larger differences in temperature between the scenarios are only expected to occur in 2100, not yet in 2050. Electricity demand is increasing in all scenarios, particularly with stronger political guidance leading to additional tax and subsidy measures to encourage the use of electricity and discourage fossil-based fuels. When society is a driving factor, it is found that circular business models result in an increase in the service industry but might have a slightly negative impact on overall growth due to stronger spillover effects linked to the manufacturing industry. Technology appears to be the only driver to facilitate decarbonization while maintaining steady economic growth. • We address the macroeconomic effects of five climate scenarios using two CGE models. • We focus on the effects of changes in society, technology, and policy. • We incorporate climate change effects through labor productivity. • Effect of decarbonization on GDP is moderate under given technological improvement. • Decarbonization scenarios result in relatively large sectoral shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial chain structure optimization and digital transformation are crucial factors for achieving carbon emission reduction goals. Based on China's non-competitive input-output tables, this paper constructed industrial chain panel data using the structural path analysis method. We explored the influence of industrial chain division (ICD) on CO 2 emission intensity through panel fixed effects model, and examined the moderating effect of digitization. The research found that: (1) The ICD can significantly reduce CO 2 emission intensity, the results are robust after some endogeneity tests. (2) The emission reduction effect brought by ICD will be more obvious in high-stage, high-energy consumption, and high-intelligence industrial chains. There is still room to improve the emission reduction brought by the division network effect. (3) Digitization plays a positive moderating role on this effect. Furthermore, digital manufacturing and digital services exhibit heterogeneity in various types of industrial chains. (4) The ICD can reduce carbon emission intensity through pathways such as intelligent transformation, technological innovation, and energy efficiency, and digitization has positively moderated these impact pathways. Based on research results, targeted policy suggestions are provided for optimizing industrial chain structure and promoting digital transformation. • This paper constructed industrial chain carbon emission intensity panel data. • This paper assessed the industrial chain digitization by digital intermediate input. • This paper constructed industrial chain synergistic division (ICSD) index. • This paper explored the influence of ICSD on CO 2 emission intensity. • Digitization plays a positive moderating role on carbon emission reduction effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether renewable energy consumption is beneficial to reducing CO 2 emission intensity and carbon emissions in the context of the goal of "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" in China. To prove this conjecture, considering the spatial spillover effect of carbon dioxide, this paper adopts the spatial Dubin model for empirical analysis based on the panel data of China's 30 provinces over the period 2002–2019. This study explores the CO 2 intensity mitigation effect of China's renewable energy consumption and further investigates the mediation role of technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading and optimization, and energy efficiency in the nexus between renewable energy consumption and carbon intensity. The main findings present that: (1) China's carbon emission intensity is characterized by significant spatial correlation; (2) Renewable energy consumption can significantly reduce carbon intensity and per capita carbon emissions; (3) The mediation effect of renewable energy consumption in reducing carbon emission intensity is to promote technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading, as well as improve energy efficiency. Based on the conclusions, this paper offers several policy implications for governments to reduce CO 2 emission intensity. • The impact of renewable energy consumption on CO 2 emission intensity is explored. • Renewable energy consumption can reduce carbon emission intensity and per capita carbon emissions. • Renewable energy consumption reduces CO 2 intensity through the spatial mediation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: India accounts for 4.5% of industrial energy use worldwide. This share is projected to increase as the economy expands rapidly. The level of industrial energy efficiency in India varies widely. Certain sectors, such as cement, are relatively efficient, while others, such as pulp and paper, are relatively inefficient. Future energy efficiency efforts should focus on direct reduced iron, pulp and paper and small-scale cement kilns because the potentials for improvement are important in both percentage and absolute terms. Under business as usual, industrial energy use is projected to rise faster than total final energy use. A strong focus on energy efficiency can reduce this growth, but CO2 emissions will still rise substantially. If more substantial CO2 emissions reductions are to be achieved then energy efficiency will need to be combined with measures that reduce the carbon intensity of the industrial fuel mix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ammonia is receiving increasing attention as a zero-carbon fuel. However, it is difficult to use alone because of its high auto-ignition temperature. Therefore, in this paper, the effects of four ammonia energy ratios (15 %, 30 %, 45 %, and 60 %) on the combustion and emission characteristics of the engine at different loads were studied by using the ammonia/diesel dual-fuel strategy. The results indicated that the presence of ammonia lowered the combustion temperature at all loads, thereby lowering the cylinder temperature and cylinder pressure. In addition, the HRR first increased and then decreased as the ignition delay increased with the increase in ammonia energy ratio. In terms of emissions, at 100 % load, the CO 2 and NO of the D40A60 were 65.5 % and 88.14 % lower than that of the D100. The decrease in CO 2 was due to more carbon-based fuels being replaced by ammonia. The decrease in NO was due to the decomposition of NO by the thermal deNO x reaction resulting from the lower combustion temperature. The emissions of N 2 O produced by partial ammonia oxidation offset the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect caused by the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Further optimization of the engine combustion strategy is still needed in the future. • The combustion characteristics of engines with different AERs at different loads are investigated. • The effect of different AERs on various emissions is presented. • An increase in AER is observed to increase N 2 O and GHG emissions. • Increasing the engine load can improve the emissions of unburned ammonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

—Regarding the increase of carbon dioxide emissions with growing energy demand, recent emerging technologies for multi-energy system have attracted much attention, as they can effectively couple and coordinate different energies to further control carbon dioxide emissions. This paper focuses on distribution-level multi-energy system and proposes an optimal scheduling method for hydrogen support based on dual-agent energy-carbon price interactive response. Firstly, a hydrogen-supported multi-energy closed-loop flow mode is developed, which provides an effective way to improve renewable energy consumption and brings additional economic revenue of solid carbon. Secondly, a dual-agent energy-carbon price interactive response scheme is designed based on the concept of energy-carbon participation ratio, which takes carbon dioxide emissions of gas load and various carbon revenues into account. This scheme can motivate users for energy demand adjustment and active carbon dioxide reduction by setting energy and carbon prices as two guiding signals. Finally, a bi-level optimal scheduling model is proposed for dual agents of energy service provider and users to maximize the benefit of each side. Case study illustrates that the proposed model can effectively balance benefits of dual agents and has economic advantage of carbon dioxide reduction, while promoting the consumption of high proportion renewable energy and system stability. • Hydrogen-supported multi-energy closed-loop flow mode is developed. • DECIR scheme is designed for active energy adjustment and CO 2 reduction of users. • Bi-level scheduling model balancing both benefits of dual agents is proposed. • The proposed model improves the economy, low carbon and stability of MES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recently, there is an upsurge interest of using biomass derived char products in various fields, in order to address some of the most urgent energy and environmental problems we are facing today, such as CO 2 emission, energy crisis and environmental pollution. In this review paper, most recent studies on biochar/hydrochar production, characterization and prospective utilizations are summarized. Fundamentals and reaction mechanisms of biochar/hydrochar formations are discussed in detail. The energy balance and economic flexibility of biochar production technology is also analysed. The effects of reaction temperature, feedstock types, and thermochemical conversion modes on biochar are compared. In addition, we highlighted benefits and potential challenges in promoting biochar application in energy and environmental fields, including the applications in adsorbents, precursor of catalysts, soil amendment, anaerobic digestion and composting, and electrochemical energy storage materials. This paper not only summarises recent advances in engineered biochar technology but also demonstrates insights on new directions for biochar research and development in the future. Highlights • Biochar has enormous potential for ever-increasing energy and environmental demands. • Formation, properties and applications of biochar/hydrochar are summarized. • Biochar properties are influenced by temperature, feedstock and conversion modes. • The mechanisms of biochar/hydrochar generation are comprehensively summarized. • Biochar applications in energy, waste management and agriculture are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Asia has become a major emitter of carbon emissions. To better achieve emission reduction targets, it is necessary to study the characteristics of carbon dioxide emissions in Asia and their emission reduction potential. Firstly, the gravity movement of Asia's carbon dioxide emissions and its leading forces are explored. Then, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index method is applied to find the driving factors governing carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, this paper establishes a theoretical model of carbon dioxide emission reduction. At last, the influencing factors are utilized to construct a decoupling index, which is used to describe the dependence of economic development on carbon dioxide emissions. The gravity center for Asia's carbon dioxide emissions was an overall movement towards southwest. However, the gravity center for carbon dioxide emissions per capita was an overall movement towards the southeast. The energy intensity effect was the most factor decreasing Asia's carbon dioxide emissions. Only five countries achieved theoretical reduction of carbon dioxide emissions over 2000–2015. However, three countries were failed to achieve the theoretical reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in this period. The economic development in most east Asia and southeast Asia countries was less dependent on energy-related carbon dioxide emissions over the period 2000–2015. Highlights • The gravity movement of Asia's CO2 emissions and its leading forces were explored. • This paper established a theoretical model of carbon dioxide emission reduction. • This paper constructed a decoupling index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper explores the effects of enforced Chinese policies regarding environmental matters at the provincial level. The paper proposes several features and explores datasets from the last four Five-Year Plans, which extensively covered the period from 1995 to 2015. As the datasets are multidimensional, dimensional reduction is applied with a control of information loss described by data variance preservation. A data-based clustering algorithm is applied to identify the similarities, and characteristics are explored in relation to the specific features. The use of this method makes it possible to identify the changes in the relevance of the features in the most recent Five-Year Plan, in which decarbonization is relevant instead of productivity. This method also makes it possible to identify specific efforts several provinces have made to introduce cleaner energy production. Following the analysis, it is concluded that the proposed features enable the proposed method to be considered a tool for analyzing the real-world effects of the adopted policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Global climate change is a significant environmental problem. A major trigger of climate change is the excess carbon emissions. Based on 44 scenarios in the second generation of new dry cement technology systems, this paper establishes IPSO-BP model to forecast the carbon emissions peak of China's cement industry for 2016–2050 years. The results indicate that China's cement industry only implements capacity reduction plans and the second generation of new dry cement technology systems, so that carbon emissions can reach the peak before 2030. It is up to 19 years ahead of the carbon emissions peak of the basic scenario and the carbon emissions peak is reduced by 38 Mt. Moreover, this paper analyzes the technical combination of the earliest carbon emissions and the lowest carbon emissions. As for the earliest carbon emissions technical combination, China's cement industry carbon emissions will peak at 789.95 Mt in 2021. According to the lowest carbon emissions technical combination, China's cement industry carbon emissions will peak at 742.37 Mt in 2025. Accordingly, the conclusions will be helpful for making carbon emissions reduction policies for China's cement industry. Highlights • Carbon emission levels were reviewed from industrial output and technologies. • The prediction model of carbon emissions was built with improved PSO and BPNN model. • The scenarios were set to analyze carbon emission peak in China's cement industry. • Importance of technique and capacity reduction in China's cement industry is defined. • The best carbon emission peak plan for China's cement industry is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable lipids can be converted into jet fuel-range alkanes via catalytic hydrotreatment, and many researches have been conducted over the past few decades. Relevant specification for Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HEFA-SPK) has been approved by American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM), and lipids-derived aviation fuel has been used in the commercial flights because of its obvious advantages in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. This paper introduces production processes for sustainable aviation fuels by hydroprocessing of lipids. First, the properties of lipids and their pretreatment methods are introduced. Hydrotreating catalysts, including supported single/bimetallic catalysts, metal sulfide catalysts, metal oxide catalysts, metal carbide and nitride catalysts, are introduced by category, and their catalytic mechanism in the hydroprocessing of lipids is discussed. In addition, several major commercial production technologies and techno-economic evaluations for the production of bio-aviation fuel from lipids are introduced. Finally, major challenges and promising prospects are also pointed out for the future development of conversion of lipids to aviation fuels. HEFA-SPK (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene) is an important type of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from lipids. This work carefully reviewed and summarized the properties of lipid feedstocks and pretreatment, hydrotreating catalysts, production processes and techno-economic evaluation. [Display omitted] • The properties of lipids and its pretreatment methods were introduced. • Hydrotreating catalysts of lipids were summarized by category. • Deoxygenation routes (HDO, DCN or DCX) of triglyceride depend on catalyst and reaction conditions. • Major commercial production technologies of jet fuel from lipids were introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The share of renewable sources in energy production in Poland is increasing steadily, but the reliability of energy supplies is determined primarily by stable sources, i.e. the coal-fired power units now in operation. The paper compares the current energy mix of the Polish power generation system with other European countries, drawing attention to the dominant role of coal-fired sources in Poland. Recent-year changes in the structure of the energy system are presented, along with the changes planned to ensure reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. It is demonstrated that the planned changes in the energy mix will significantly deteriorate the level of reliability of energy supplies in subsequent years of transition. Variants are presented of necessary adjustments in the planned energy mix in the system, which will make it possible to meet the growing national demand for energy and ensure the required level of the energy system reliability. Several variants of the system expansion are considered, including gas-fired units, onshore and offshore wind farms, photovoltaic sources and a slower rate of decommissioning the coal-fired power units retrofitted with CO 2 capture facilities. The most favourable solution for the system reconstruction is to increase the share of all the above-mentioned energy sources. • Demand for power in the Polish energy system until 2035 was estimated. • Very low reliability of the planned power system has been demonstrated. • Reconstruction variants of the energy system, which increase its reliability, are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to clean energy has a positive impact on societies, whereas excessive extraction of fossil fuels along with population growth, traps the world into serious problems. Global energy strategy is a manner to find a balance between positive and negative impacts of energy on societies, especially their quality of life. This paper proposes a framework to choose a decent global energy strategy in the presence of five factors including final energy consumption, quality of life, poverty, health, and carbon dioxide emissions. The core of the framework is “Trade-off Analysis”, which its outputs are analyzed by three defined scenarios in the presence of total population. According to the results, mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions and preservation of the natural energy sources are two factors with a higher priority to encourage developed countries to reduce energy consumption. In case of developing countries, in addition to the two previous factors, the poverty and quality of life are next priorities. For pre-developing countries, the first priority is poverty reduction, then health and quality of life improvement. Thereby, the paper proposes the eco-sufficiency and eco-efficiency policies for developed and developing countries respectively, while energy poverty policy for pre-developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the carbon impact of commercial developments is an essential starting point in understanding a company's carbon footprint. It is also integral to the development of a strategy to reduce that impact in a cost effective manner. There are numerous industry standard carbon calculation methodologies. This paper focuses on the application of one such method, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, and applied it to the unusual example of a UK safari park. The safari park management wanted to understand the park's impact on the environment as part of a long-term plan to reduce that impact by identifying realistic carbon reduction solutions. Actual monitored energy data for a twelve-month period were available as part of the analysis. The results of this paper show that the application of the GHG Protocol, in reality, and especially for a non-standard situation, is difficult. Effective performance monitoring is essential to enable transparent recording of data, from which a carbon footprint can be calculated. The methodologies for calculation are relatively straightforward but depend upon available information. Identification of the carbon impact of the development is the relatively easier task - the real challenge is reducing this impact to near zero in a cost effective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aircraft performance degradation causes higher fuel consumption. This results in higher emission and it is an important factor when the complete life cycle is analyzed. Current research in the field doesn’t quantify degradation emissions in the life cycle of an aircraft. The objective of this paper is to suggest a methodology for determining carbon dioxide emission during the life cycle of turbofan aircraft. Special attention is given to degradation and the importance of proper and timely maintenance as a way of controlling these emissions. Degradation plays a significant role in the carbon dioxide emission of turbo fan aircraft. The life cycle was modeled by eight sequences. In this paper a new mathematical interpretation is suggested for following life sequences: use and repair. In the use cycle, emission caused by aerodynamic structure degradation and engine degradation is calculated separately. The proposed methodology was implemented on four and tested on eight turbofan aircraft. Results show that more than 99% of carbon dioxide emission occurs in the use sequence. The emission caused by degradation (aerodynamic structure and engine) makes up between 3.6% and 6.4% of total carbon dioxide emission. A novel methodology for reducing emission caused by degradation is proposed by the authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates environmental technical efficiency for a panel of European Union (EU) member and candidate countries for the period 1990–2011 using parametric hyperbolic distance function. The paper also examines the environmental technical efficiency convergence among the sampled countries. The main results suggest that environmental technical efficiency scores vary among EU member and candidate countries. The EU-15 countries in contrast to the new members and the candidate countries have a greater potential for reducing CO 2 emissions while increasing GDP and reducing energy use simultaneously. The results also indicate the existence of environmental technical efficiency convergence among EU member and candidate countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper employs an LMDI decomposition exercise to investigate the main factors that affect changes in CO 2 emissions of South Africa at national level within the BRICS group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) from 1990 to 2014. From the results, it is expected to derive some information on the existence of the energy rebound hypothesis for South Africa with ultimate purpose to direct future research into examining the effect in a micro level. The aim of this paper is not to estimate the precise rebound effect but to decompose the determinants of emission changes in the BRICS countries. The concept of energy rebound would play a role if the improvements in energy intensity might lead to emission increases, instead of the opposite as expected. The overall results suggest that the changes in CO 2 intensity and energy intensity had a negative impact to the changes in CO 2 emissions: in other words, as the energy intensity (energy consumption per unit of economic output) decreased for all the countries (possible technological developments), the emissions kept rising. For South Africa specifically, the energy intensity was a negative contributor to CO 2 emissions only for the part of the examined period (2008–2014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, economic and environmental impacts of energy efficiency programs associated with new and existing buildings are evaluated for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In particular, the analysis considers optimized designs for new buildings as well as different energy retrofit programs for existing buildings are considered in the bottom-up analysis using archetypical building energy models located in five sites representing a wide range of KSA climates. In particular, the analysis presented in this paper provides specific estimations to the extent of the energy and demand savings that could be achieved in the building sector even under highly subsidized energy prices. It is found that even a basic energy retrofit program using low-cost energy efficiency measures implemented to the existing building stock can provide significant economic and environmental benefits. Indeed, a level 1 energy efficiency retrofit program targeting only the existing residential building stock could reduce electricity consumption by 10,054 GWh/year and peak demand by 2290 MW and carbon emission by 7.611 million tons/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron and steel industry is one of the most energy-intensive industries, emitting 5% of the total anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2). The control of CO 2 emissions has become increasingly stringent in the European Union (EU), resulting in EU allowance above 90 €/t CO2. Carbon capture will be required to achieve CO 2 emissions control, and carbon utilization via power-to-gas could significantly increase interest in carbon capture in the iron and steel sector. This paper presents a new concept that combines amine scrubbing with power-to-gas to reduce emissions in blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace steelmaking plants. Synthetic natural gas (SNG) is produced using green hydrogen from water electrolysis and CO 2 from steelmaking. The synthetic natural gas is later used as a reducing agent in the blast furnace, constantly recycling carbon in a closed loop and avoiding geological storage. The oxygen by-produced via electrolysis eliminates the necessity of an air separation unit. By applying these innovations to steelmaking, a reduction in CO 2 emissions of 9.4% is obtained with an energy penalty of 16.2 MJ/kg CO2 , and economic costs of 52 €/t HM or 283 €/t CO2. A sensitivity analysis with respect to electricity and the CO 2 allowances prices is also performed. • Novel power-to-gas and amine scrubbing integration proposed for BF-BOF steel making. • Detailed steel plant process model developed and validated. • Technical viability of the novel process concept demonstrated. • A reduction of 9.4% in CO 2 emissions has been achieved. • The novel concept would be profitable under 35 €/MWh and 177 €/tCO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the existence of environmental Kuznets curve in Croatia for the period of 1992Q1-2011Q1. To fulfil to goals of the paper, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and VECM method has been applied. Results show the existence of inverted U-shape relation between CO 2 emissions and economic growth in long run that is the validity of EKC. Granger causality based on VECM approach shows bi-directional causality between CO 2 emissions and economic growth in short run and uni-directional causality from economic growth to CO 2 emissions in long run. DOLS and FMOLS results confirm the robustness of long run results. Variance decomposition and Impulse response also show similar results. Beauty of the paper is the consistency of results from different techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the existing district heating systems are second and third generation and operate with supply temperature above 80–100 °C. To meet long-term decarbonization targets, existing networks should be transformed into low-temperature systems in a cost-effective manner. This paper presents a critical review on the strategies that can be adopted to reduce the supply temperature in existing district heating networks taking advantage of previous studies (both research projects and scientific papers) and forerunner experiences. This includes a review of the constraints met during transition and the possible strategies/actions to overcome them, along with the actions to boost the change. The analysis shows that there is often significant room for improvement by exploiting the oversizing of network, substations and terminal units along with techniques, previously adopted with other aims, for a proper infrastructure/operation modification. Temperature reductions can be achieved without groundbreaking infrastructural modifications. Therefore, acting on specific subnetworks (the way usually adopted) is not the only way to proceed; this can be done in entire networks by adopting proper changes of perspective, policies and preliminary analysis. In the meantime, there is still need for specific approaches to estimate the main limitations and the corresponding best actions to implement in a specific network. [Display omitted] • Strategies to transform existing DH into low temperature systems are reviewed. • Experiences, project results, analyses and discussions are included. • Limitations due to network, substation and building are taken into account. • Possible solutions to overcome the various constraints are reviewed. • A possible action plan to implement the transition is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current approach to hydraulic fracturing requires large amounts of industrial hardware to be transported, installed and operated in temporary locations. A significant proportion of this equipment is comprised of the fleet of pumps required to provide the high pressures and flows necessary for well stimulation. Studies have shown that over 90% of the emissions of CO 2 and other pollutants that occur during a hydraulic fracturing operation are associated with these pumps. Pollution and transport concerns are of paramount importance for the emerging hydraulic fracturing industry in Europe, and so it is timely to consider these factors when assessing the design of high pressure pumps for the European resources. This paper gives an overview of the industrial plant required to carry out a hydraulic fracturing operation. This is followed by an analysis of the pump's design space that could result in improved pump efficiency. We find that reducing the plunger diameter and running the pump at higher speeds can increase the overall pump efficiency by up to 4.6%. Such changes to the pump's parameters would results in several environmental benefits beyond the obvious economic gains of lower fuel consumption. The paper concludes with a case study that quantifies these benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbocompounding is an important technique to recover waste heat from engine exhaust and reduce CO 2 emission. This paper presents a parametric study of turbocompound diesel engine based on analytical model. An analytical model was developed to investigate the influence of system parameters on the engine fuel consumption. The model is based on thermodynamics knowledge and empirical models, which can consider the impacts of each parameter independently. The effects of turbine efficiency, back pressure, exhaust temperature, pressure ratio and engine speed on the recovery energy, pumping loss and engine fuel reductions were studied. Results show that turbine efficiency, exhaust temperature and back pressure has great influence on the fuel reduction and optimal power turbine (PT) expansion ratio. However, engine operation speed has little impact on the fuel savings obtained by turbocompounding. The interaction mechanism between the PT recovery power and engine pumping loss is presented in the paper. Due to the nonlinear characteristic of turbine power, there is an optimum value of PT expansion ratio to achieve largest power gain. At the end, the fuel saving potential of high performance turbocompound engine and the requirements for it are proposed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper construct a CCHP and renewable energy based hybrid energy system driven by distributed energy resources (DERs CCHP). Then, the paper constructs performance indexes from energy, economic and environment. Thirdly, the paper proposes a multi-objective optimization model for DERs CCHP system under four optimization of energy rate (ER), total operation cost (TOC), carbon dioxide emission reductions (CER) and joint optimization. Finally, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center (GHEMC) in China is taken as the object for comparatively analyzing the operation performance of DERs CCHP system and CCHP system driven by natural gas (NG CCHP system). Results show: Joint optimization mode could balance the results of different optimization modes. DERs CCHP system shows better operation performance. ER of ER optimization, CER optimization and joint optimization are higher than that of NG CCHP system. NPV of all optimization modes is positive, IRR are bigger than the expected yield rate. DERs CCHP system could reduce CO 2 emission by utilizing wind energy and solar energy to replace NG. The sensitivity analysis indicates the performance of the DERs CCHP system will become better with the increase of chiller COP, decrease of NG price and wind-photovoltaic equipment cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the requirement of the Energy Efficiency Directive for assessing the potential of efficient heating and cooling. The paper describes the method for calculating the economic potential of efficient district heating (DH) in Austria under different scenarios, assuming the full decarbonisation of the heating sector by 2050. A spatially explicit approach is used to derive heat demand density maps, heat distribution costs and potential DH areas. The obtained areas are clustered, and depending on their potential spreads, up to four supply portfolios on the installed generation capacities are assessed in each cluster. While this method maintains the level of detail, it significantly reduces the number of required sensitivity analyses. Finally, the least cost portfolios of DH supply in each cluster are identified and compared with the costs of individual heat supply. The economic potential of DH by 2050 is calculated accordingly. The analyses revealed that the DH market share within DH areas is the main driver of DH competitiveness. Depending on the scenario, the economic DH potential varies between 13% and 50% of space and water heating demand in Austria. The extensive application of renewable gases in this sector was not economically feasible under any scenario. • A method for assessing national economic district heating potentials is presented. • Decarbonisation targets strongly affect the parameterization of the approach. • Connection rates have a significant impact on the total district heating potential. • In Austria the economic district heating potential can exceed 50% of heat demand. • Decarbonisation of the sector through renewable gases is not economically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents a combined analytical and experimental study of an innovative multiple-throughout-flowing micro-channel-panels-array applicable to a solar-powered rural house space heating system. This array, compared to the traditional one-to-one-connection panels-array, can significantly reduce the temperature difference between the head and real panels and thus increase the overall solar thermal efficiency and energy efficiency ratio (EER). The research methodology covers the theoretical analysis, experimental testing, model validation and system optimization. It is found that the analytical model has a good accuracy in predicting the performance of the multiple-throughout-flow micro-channels-panels-array, giving a discrepancy of less than 10%. In terms of the configuration and sizes of the array, 10 pieces of panels with 5 flow turns is regarded as the most favorite option. During the operation, decreasing flow rate of the fluid led to the increased EER of the panels-array. By converting the one-to-one-connection mode into the multiple-throughout-flowing mode, the overall solar thermal efficiency of the panels-array increases by around 10% and its energy efficiency factor (EER) decreases by 80% respectively. The research has addressed a novel solar-panels-array that can be well applied to solar thermal systems, thus making a significant contribution to the saving of fossil fuel energy consumption and reduction of carbon emission on global scale. Highlights • Multiple-throughout-flow lowers temperature difference between head and rear panels. • This flow mode leads to the increased overall solar thermal efficiency by around 10%. • This flow mode leads to the increased energy efficiency factor by around 80%. • The most appropriate panel number in an array is 10. • The most appropriate fluid flow turning number is 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Low-carbon power dispatching with wind power has been attracting increasing attention recently, whereas it also encounters some difficulties under carbon trading mechanism, such as the resistance to carbon emission reduction, the fairness of carbon trading, and the disturbance of wind power uncertainty. For harmonizing these contradictions, this paper presents a stochastic dynamic economic dispatch model focusing on wind power uncertainty and carbon emission rights simultaneously, which tries to minimize total electrical energy costs under uncertainty, and to meet the specific requirement of carbon emission reductions. Moreover, several traditional allocation methods for initial carbon emission rights emphasizing the equality are introduced, and the uncertainty characterizations of wind power are discussed through the scenario-generation technique. The simulation results eventually demonstrate that the operating cost for non-cooperative mode cannot be optimized as the ratio of carbon emission reductions rises; carbon trading mechanism is beneficial for lower cost under the pressure of carbon emission reduction; carbon price ranges that suit both carbon trading parties could be deduced. Synthesizing wind power uncertainty and carbon emission rights, this study is helpful for allocating the load demand of wind power integrated system to each generating unit more scientifically and reasonably based on carbon trading mechanism. Highlights • A stochastic DED model is proposed for low-carbon power dispatching problem. • Carbon trading mechanism proved to be helpful for carbon emission reduction. • Carbon price ranges that suit both carbon trading parties are finally deduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Carbon capture for coal-fired power plant draws an increasing attention because CO 2 emissions may have an impact on global climate change. Using the dry carbonate process (DCP) for CO 2 capture in low-temperature flue gas has many potential advantages with respect to the Ca-Looping (CaL) for CO 2 capture, and the solar thermal energy is used to provide the entire or part heat required for sorbent regeneration, thus replacing the steam extraction from turbine circuit. However, no significant improvement of the DCP operations was made in all studies. The conventional heat transfer arrangement not only increases the heat losses, but also increases the capital cost. The present paper suggested a novel scheme removing the regenerator and reboiler from DCP, directly heating the sorbent in solar collector. This scheme was applied to the exhaust gas of a typical 600 MW coal-fired power plant, and eliminates the dependence of DCP on steam cycle in power plant, thus increasing further flexibility for DCP operation. The economic and technical advantages of this integrated system are highlighted and the influences of meteorological data on flexible operation of DCP in this system are determined using model built by Aspen Plus. The results would give some guidelines regarding the application of the novel DCP. Graphical abstract Image 10 Highlights • A completely new CO 2 capture scheme with significant improvement of the DCP is proposed. • This scheme is applied to a power plant increasing the flexibility for DCP operation. • The economic and technical advantages of this integrated system are highlighted. • The operation performance evaluation of DCP in this integrated system has been carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Besides lowering supply temperatures, the concept of fourth generation of district heating (4DH) also includes integration of heating, cooling and power sector. Due to their high interconnectivity, number of involved technologies and relatively long, but at the same time detailed temporal scale, optimization of such systems presents a challenging task. So far, only hourly district heating multi-objective optimization for a whole year period has been carried out, where detailed district heating and cooling multi-objective optimization has been reserved for small scale utilization and short temporal scale, usually covering specific days or weeks. The main objective of this paper was to develop an hourly based multi-objective optimization district heating and cooling model which is capable of defining supply capacities, including thermal storage size, and their operation for a whole year period. The objective functions are minimization of a total system cost, which includes discounted investment and operational costs, and minimization of environmental impact in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. By using multi-objective optimization, this research shows that for equal level of carbon dioxide emissions, combined district heating and cooling systems have lower total discounted cost when compared to district heating and cooling systems which operate separately. Highlights • Multi-objective optimization of district heating and cooling systems. • Objective functions defined as minimization of total discounted cost and carbon dioxide emissions. • Hourly optimization for a time horizon equal to one year. • Combined district heating and cooling system achieves the same carbon dioxide emissions but for lower total discounted cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates the relationship among carbon dioxide emissions, economic growth and electricity consumption in the presence of two other variables which are trade openness and annual average temperature. The study uses data of four selected North- African countries over the period 1971–2014. We use the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Cointegration approach (ARDL) known as the Bounds approach. The obtained results confirm the existence of long run equilibrium among the studied variables. The long run analysis reveals that economic growth and electricity consumption are the main cause of environment degradation, while the increased temperature over the year leads to increase electricity consumption in Egypt and Morocco. On the other hand, the analysis of short run causalities confirms the growth hypothesis in these two countries. Furthermore, the feedback relationship between economic growth and electricity consumption has been confirmed in Tunisia. These findings imply that environmental and economic corrective measures have to be adopted to achieve green growth and sustainable development. Highlights • The economic growth in North-Africa region is accompanied by an increased electricity use. • Energy consumption and economic growth are the main sources of CO2 emissions. • Climate change appears to be a significant factor that determines electricity consumption in the region. • North- African countries should investing in renewable energy field to achieve sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy prices, environmental concerns, carbon dioxide emissions, and economic matters are driving factors for research on reducing machining system energy consumption. Energy efficiency evaluation for machining systems is an effective management strategy for reducing the energy consumption and improving the energy efficiency of machining systems. This paper proposes a methodology called virtual part method to evaluate the energy efficiency of machining systems, and the proposed method overcomes the deficiencies or limitations of major existing methods (such as the entitative part method) through equivalence and virtualization of all possible machining system parts that may be manufactured in future. Based on an analysis of the energy compositions and characteristics of the proposed virtual part, an energy efficiency evaluation for machining systems through virtual part is conducted in three steps: 1) selection of evaluation indexes; 2) corresponding data collection for calculating indexes; and 3) development of energy efficiency evaluation system. Its application in a machine tool suggests that the proposed method is more accurate than the existing ones and contributes to energy-saving activities including the development of energy efficiency standards, design of energy-efficient machining systems, and reform of old machining systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we have hard-linked a bottom-up energy system model (TIMES) and a top-down computable general equilibrium model (REMES) in order to analyze both the energy system impacts and the economic impacts of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport. We study a limitation of CO 2 emissions from transport in Norway in 2030 to 50% of CO 2 emissions in 1990. The linked approach gives new insight both in terms of the technology mix and the emissions from different transport segments, ripple effects through the economy and regional welfare effects. Furthermore, the convergence of our full-link full-form hybrid model is relevant for comparison with soft-linked approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron and steel sector, characterized by fossil fuel-driven processes is one of the most difficult to decarbonize and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Various new technologies promise to change this, but their development is highly uncertain. This paper aims to analyze the prospects of key low-carbon technologies in the sector, focusing on the impact of technology learning, in the light of the uncertainty related to the learning rate. An optimization energy system model was used with an iterative learning formulation, adopting different learning assumptions. The results show that learning may have only a minor impact in the short and medium term, reducing global carbon emissions of the sector by 3% (at most) in 2050, compared to a non-learning scenario. In the long term, high learning potentials for novel processes are important, leading to a market share of up to the 80% by the end of the century. The learning potential for Carbon Capture and Storage processes, however, plays no role in the simulations. Early investments and research and development can help unlock the full potential of the technologies, while more detailed studies should be performed to better understand the retrofitting impact in the shorter term. • Impact of technology learning on iron and steel sector's key technologies is studied. • A bottom-up optimization model is used, with an iterative approach to learning. • Results show learning strongly affects only on a limited number of technologies. • Deep decarbonization of the sector is achieved in the scenarios only after 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries worldwide are transforming their energy systems to achieve Carbon-Neutrality. Investing in renewable resources-based technologies and implementing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) are common strategies to achieve higher sequestration levels. Negative emissions through Bioenergy with CCS are expected to play an essential role in the transition to full decarbonization. On top of that, biomass is a limited resource that depends on environmental factors, which create uncertainties related to the amount that can be sustainably provided to the energy system. Therefore, this study emphasizes the relevance of variability in carbon sequestration for achieving climate targets by 2050. This paper proposes a probabilistic approach that integrates the Global Change Analysis Model for Latin America (GCAM-LA) with a chance constraint approach. GCAM-LA is used to assess the impact on the energy sector of different limits of sustainable biomass and carbon budget scenarios. The risk associated with exceeding the sequestration capacity of a given region is modeled via Chance Constraint. Results show that electrification is an appropriate long-term decarbonization strategy. It smoothes the effects of uncertainty in sequestration capacity and responds to end-user demands. For this case study, higher levels of electrification are obtained at likelihood levels > 66% for end-use sectors. • A novel approach for risk assessment for integrated assessment models. • Chance constraint for risk assessment of sequestration capacity. • Electrification is a viable pathway for decarbonization of systems. • Higher likelihood levels reach 100% renewable electrical systems. • Renewable electricity reduce dependency on sequestration capacity for decarbonization of systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to reduce carbon intensity of electricity involve increasing shares of variable renewable energy (VRE), including a trend towards decentralized generation. Ensuring their high utilization necessitates addressing generation variability at different spatial and temporal scales, likely involving a coordination of multiple systems (e.g. flexible loads, storage, dispatchable generation). This paper presents a methodology for estimating the energy flexibility required from such a synchronized system. The simple data-based approach uses local load and VRE production patterns, and provides a regional assessment considering (1) indicators to evaluate energy flexibility requirements based on VRE self-consumption (2) visualization methods to observe consumption and production patterns' impact on flexibility requirements across day/week/year and (3) simple algorithms to estimate the energy flexibility requirements at different timescales. The approach is demonstrated for three Swiss distribution system operators, for both current and increased shares of VRE generation. The largest benefits for optimal self-consumption are realized for the energy flexibility timescale of 6–12 hrs. Medium- and long-term (seasonal) storage appears beneficial at VRE penetration levels beyond 40%. The proposed framework can be readily utilized to assess energy flexibility requirements of different regions, and serve as a basis for identifying a suitable mix of strategies needed to address them. • Variable renewable energy raises flexibility needs at various spatiotemporal scales. • Novel metrics evaluate energy flexibility needs using aggregated time-series data. • They consider the effect of spatial and temporal mismatch on renewable energy use. • A simple algorithm estimates how they evolve with increased shares of renewables. • As proof-of-concept, the method is applied to multiple case studies in Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Black liquor gasification (BLG) is currently being developed as an alternative technology for energy and chemical recovery at chemical pulp mills. This study examines how different assumptions regarding systems surrounding the pulp mill affect the CO2 emission balances for different BLG concepts. The syngas from the gasification process can be used for different applications; this study considers production of renewable motor fuels and electricity generation. Both a market pulp mill and an integrated pulp and paper mill are considered as host mill for the BLG plant. Furthermore, the consequences of limited availability of biomass are shown, i.e., increasing the use of biomass in a mill is not necessarily CO2-neutral. The results show that the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by introducing BLG is generally much higher for a market pulp mill than for an integrated pulp and paper mill. Electricity generation from the syngas is favoured when assuming high grid electricity CO2 emissions where as motor fuel production is favoured when assuming low grid electricity CO2 emissions. When considering the consequences of limited availability of biomass, the CO2 emission balances are strongly affected, in some cases changing the results from a decrease to an increase of the CO2 emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The city of Riga, currently updating their energy planning strategy for 2020–2030, surpassed the emission reduction target of the EU for 2030. Suitable targets for Riga are a reduction by 61% (2030) and 70% (2050), respectively, compared to 1990 levels. To achieve these objectives, this paper describes the research work defining pathways and measures in line with the planned actions of Riga, that focus on three thematic areas: green hydrogen, solar engagement, and modern transportation. The characterisation and comparison of the pathways is based on a graphical indicator method and weighting different factors accordingly to the Riga energy framework. The research done shows that production of green hydrogen is economically viable for Riga, achieving a Levelized Cost of Electricity of 0.0395 EUR/kWh and a Levelized Cost of Hydrogen of 3.67 EUR/kgH 2. Rooftop photovoltaic systems represent an appealing option for the citizens if a feed-in tariff of 0.1 EUR/kWh is awarded. As additional outcomes, this paper proposes alternative loan schemes such as voucher return packages that can foster citizen engagement in renewable projects and defines strategies to reduce road emissions that could include the development of microalgae carbon capture systems and the creation of a fossil-free last-mile delivery zone. • Identification of indicators and targets for a decarbonization strategy. • Competitive Levelized Cost of Hydrogen via wind power production increase. • Break even feed-in tariff for a growing rooftop PV systems adoption. • Solar potential map or alternative loan schemes fostering citizen engagement. • Implementing biological carbon capture and fossil-free last-mile delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical process industry is the second largest carbon-emitting sector in China. Therefore, it is extremely urgent and crucial to explore how to reduce carbon emissions in the sector. This paper employs the co-integration method and scenario analysis to investigate how to reduce carbon emissions in the sector. The granger causality test is conducted and the result indicates that all the variables except lnPare granger-causes lnCE. Moreover, comparing the JJ (Johansen-Juselius) co-integration with the EG (Engle-Granger) co-integration based on the squared residual, the fitting effect and the prediction effect, we find that the EG co-integration method is better. Furthermore, we adopt the EG co-integration and scenario analysis and find that the emission reduction potential of the sector will be 63.9 Mt in 2015 and 180 Mt in 2020 under the middle scenario; and 121.4 Mt in 2015 and 327.9 Mt in 2020 under the advanced scenario. Finally, the paper provides some policy implication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently a great number of empirical research studies have been conducted on the relationship between certain indicators of environmental degradation and income. The EKC (Environmental Kuznets Curve) hypothesis has been tested for various types of environmental degradation. The EKC hypothesis states that the relationship between environmental degradation and income per capita takes the form of an inverted U shape. In this paper the EKC hypothesis was investigated with regards to the relationship between carbon emissions, income and energy consumption in 16 EU (European Union) countries. We conducted panel data analysis for the period of 1990–2008 by fixing the multicollinearity problem between the explanatory variables using their centered values. The main contribution of this paper is that the EKC hypothesis has been investigated by separating final energy consumption into renewable and fossil fuel energy consumption. Unfortunately, the inverted U-shape relationship (EKC) does not hold for carbon emissions in the 16 EU countries. The other important finding is that renewable energy consumption contributes around 1/2 less per unit of energy consumed than fossil energy consumption in terms of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in EU countries. This implies that a shift in energy consumption mix towards alternative renewable energy technologies might decrease the GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the social costs and benefits of potential configurations of electric vehicle deployment, including and excluding vehicle-to-grid. To fully explore the benefits and costs of different electric vehicle pathways, four different scenarios are devised with both today's and 2030 electricity grid in Denmark. These scenarios combine different levels of electric vehicle implementation and communication ability, i.e. smart charging or full bi-directionality, and then paired with different levels of future renewable energy implementation. Then, the societal costs of all scenarios are calculated, including carbon and health externalities to find the least-cost mix of electric vehicles for society. The most cost-effective penetration of electric vehicles in the near future is found to be 27%, increasing to 75% by 2030. This would equate to a $34 billion reduction to societal costs in 2030, a decrease of 30% compared to business as usual. This represents a projected annual savings per vehicle of $1200 in 2030. However, current vehicle capital cost differences, a lack of willingness to pay for electric vehicles, and consumer discount rates are substantial barriers to electric vehicle deployment in Denmark in the near term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the significant solutions for hazy is to reduce carbon emission by introducing renewable energy on a large scale. However, the large-scale integration of new energy will result in stochastic disturbance to power grid. Therefore it becomes a top priority to make new energy compatible with power system. The PDWoLF-PHC(λ) based on the idea of time tunnel is to be proposed in this paper. Optimal strategy could be obtained by adopting the variable learning rate in a variety of complex operating environments, and thence it can deal with stochastic disturbance caused by massive integrations of new energy and distributed energy sources to the power grid, which is difficult for traditional centralized AGC. The proposed algorithm is simulated to be effective according to the improved IEEE standard two-area load-frequency control power system model and the Central China Power Grid model. Compared with the traditional smart ones, the proposed algorithm is characterized with faster convergence and stronger robustness, which makes it able to reduce carbon emission and enhance utilization rate of the new energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns over carbon emissions have motivated motorcycle producers to explore the use of electric energy instead of gasoline. Due to battery capacity limitations, electric energy consumption should be optimized to extend the range of Electric Motorcycles (EMCs). Road curvature is an inevitable part of motorcycle travel, and this paper proposes a detailed electric motorcycle model to calculate electric energy consumption on both straight curved roads. Simulation results show that road curvature has a significant effect on energy consumption, so a Dynamic Programming (DP) optimization strategy was used to calculate EMC optimized speed over curved roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relations between carbon and energy market is a hot topic but little research has focused on the time-varying spillover in a quantitative way. This paper employs the method introduced by Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) which constructs the spillover index by variance decomposition of the prediction error. The results reveal the asymmetric spillover effect between two types of markets in return and volatility series. Among three energy markets including WTI oil, Brent oil and natural gas markets, WTI oil market transmits the strongest spillover effect to the system, and the spillover effect of natural gas to carbon market is also prominent. Then, we adopt the rolling window technique and detect the time-variation property in the spillover effect. It turns out that some major policy changes and events can cause great changes in spillover index. Furthermore, we study the spillover under extreme conditions and our results show the significant mean spillover (volatility spillover) from oil (natural gas) market to the carbon market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current coal-to-SNG (synthetic natural gas) projects are facing two main issues, addressing on insufficient energy utilization and large amount of carbon emissions. For this reason, we proposed a coal-based SNG and power cogeneration process, at the ability to achieve high-efficiency and achieve zero-energy-penalty separation of CO 2 , by incorporation with chemical looping combustion (CLC). The main objective of this paper is to estimate thermodynamic performances under the effects of key parameters in order to pre-examine whether the proposed process is thermodynamically viable. At optimal condition (oxygen to carbon ratio ( O/C)  = 0.4, steam to carbon ratio ( S/C)  = 0.8 and recycling ratio of unreacted gas (Ru)  = 3), the overall plant energy efficiency, exergy efficiency and energy saving ratio are 58.84%, 56.59% and 10.82%, respectively. The proposed process is compared with several traditional systems that aims to further demonstrate the superiority of such process design in terms of thermodynamic and preliminarily economic assessment. A sensitivity analysis is also included to examine the effects of different coal feedstocks and oxygen carriers of CLC on system performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a framework that aims to minimise power generation costs while satisfying carbon emission constraints. We then construct a carbon-abatement investment-option game model for asymmetric generation companies. The results show that the investment behavior of generation companies is largely affected by the critical value of the electricity price after carbon-abatement investment (relative decarbonization price). When the relative decarbonization price is lower than the critical value, only generation companies with low emission are motivated to invest in carbon abatement. By contrast, companies with high emission will only make such investments when the relative decarbonization price is higher than the critical value. We find that raising the proportion of competitive electricity will stimulate generation companies to invest in carbon abatement, while the influence of carbon-emission targets on investment behavior is uncertain. Compared with implementing a subsidy, increasing the relative decarbonization price can motivate generation companies to invest in carbon abatement more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]