Search

This paper accounts for a methodology to address the management of forest bioresidue in western Himalayan region of India. The genesis of the paper lies in cause and effect relationship, where one of the authors of this paper has seen numerous forest fires during the course of his careers as a natural resource manager. The methodology tackles linkages between forest and it’s users by involving them in hazardous forest bioresidue waste management. Though the methodology is self evolutionary in nature but during the course of it’s evolution two major findings come forth. Traces of social entrepreneurship among the villagers and the requirement for an appropriate machine to handle the forest bioresidue were largely seen during the study. Both the above mentioned facts lead to an Innovation of eco friendly bioresidue briquetting machine. The paper in addition equally deals with the complete innovation cycle in addition to the methodological context of forest bioresidue resource utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop an integrated multi-objective optimization ( iMOO ) model for establishing the low-carbon scenario 2020 to achieve the national carbon emissions reduction target (CERT) (27.0%) for South Korea׳s residential building sector. This study was conducted in six steps: (i) analysis on the energy consumption patterns of the multi-family housing complexes (MFHCs) by cluster; (ii) establishment of the energy retrofit models for the target MFHC through energy simulation; (iii) scale conversion from the target MFHC to the standard MFHCs by cluster; (iv) life-cycle economic and environmental assessment on the energy retrofit models of the standard MFHCs by cluster; (v) trend analysis of the energy saving effects for the energy retrofit models of the standard MFHCs by cluster; and (vi) establishment of the low-carbon scenario 2020 for achieving the national CERT by using an iMOO model. The results showed that if the optimal low-carbon scenario 2020 is to be implemented as of 2012, the energy-saving effect as of 2020 would be 27.20%. This was determined as follows: (i) the initial investment cost was $1,410,252, 102.5% of the optimized value (optimization goal A); (ii) NPV 40 (net present value at year 40) was $18,954,210, 71.9% of the optimized value (optimization goal B); and (iii) SIR 40 (saving to investment ratio at year 40) was 5.03, 74.2% of the optimized value (optimization goal C). The proposed model may be useful for policymakers in determining the optimal low-carbon scenario 2020 for achieving the national CERT under the budget limits, from the macro perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy communities have multiplied the last years in many countries, even in contexts that the structural conditions are not favorable. The paper analyses individual motivations for partaking in local renewable projects and generating energy jointly in an investment community, in order to inform policy debates on how to support such communities. To do so, we applied a socio-psychological approach for studying renewable energy communities in Germany and the Netherlands. Our results show that mainly gain (such as decreasing energy costs) and normative (such as addressing climate change) considerations played a role in the decision, but in the background hedonic motivations were also present, such as having fun and integrating in a community. Each of the groups examined emerged in already existing strong communities, where trust was relatively high, which seems to be an important condition for the realization of local energy projects. Consequently, we argue that tailor-made incentives addressing the different types of motivations can be more effective for the support and spread of renewable energy communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A widespread adoption of distributed generation (DG) technologies in energy systems can play a key role in creating clean, reliable energy and support the targets of emission reduction. A transition from current modes of production to a significant deployment of renewable energy technologies can fundamentally affect the structure of the industry and change the way energy is produced, transmitted and sold. The current paper provides an extended review of the socio-technical configurations of micro-generation based on journal publications and reports during the 21st century. The paper analyses currently existing and missing configurations and discusses technology and policy implications to support proliferation of micro-generation technology and local energy production from renewable sources. The potential for new configurations can be found particularly in heat producing micro-generation with solar heat, heat pumps, and biomass. Developing further the operations and maintenance of distributed generation technologies and business models appears an area that calls for further innovation, and corresponding innovation policy measures. Third party service and community-driven deployment models can aide the proliferation of distributed generation and further innovation therein, justifying the introduction of feed-in-tariffs to attract such models during their early diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development requires analytical tools to assess through a comprehensive approach the effectiveness of energy-environmental policies on medium-long term and their impact on the different macroeconomic sectors. Among the available tools, partial equilibrium models are particularly suited to represent and analyze complex energy systems with a high technology detail as well as to individuate the optimal energy-technology roadmaps that allows to fulfil multiple objectives (e.g. energy supply security, climate change mitigation and air quality improvement). In fact these models enable the users to perform a scenario analysis in order to explore the behaviour of energy system to boundary conditions variations. They are typically characterized by a huge amount of data which informative content is often not fully exploited. In this framework, multivariate statistical techniques (Cluster Analysis—CA and Principal Component Analysis—PCA) can represent a key tool to characterize data correlation structure and to point out the variables with the highest information content. The paper shows the methodological procedure utilized to characterize the NEEDS-TIMES Pan European model results, describing its usefulness to individuate homogeneous areas for the application of suited targets and to characterize from a statistical point of view energy systems behaviour in different scenario hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global attention and continuous investment in the field of clean energy and carbon emission reduction, the renewable energy occupies an increasingly large proportion in the power system. China, as the world׳s fastest developing country, the development of renewable energy becomes an inevitable path in the context of low-carbon economy. However, due to the intermittent and stochastic property of renewable energy, the renewable energy system cannot be widely used without the configuration of energy storage system. The aforementioned requirement precipitates the industrial application of energy storage technology becomes increasingly urgent. However, according to the present status of energy storage industry in China, there are enormous difficulties to be overcome promptly. In this work, the development status of China׳s energy storage industry is analyzed from the perspectives of technology, application and policy, by referring to a large number of statistical literatures. Subsequently, the existing problems are categorized in terms of technology, cost, promotion, policy mechanisms. In the end, suggestions to solve the above problems are put forward, aiming at facilitating the rapid development of energy storage industry in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical energy consumption is expected to increase in Malaysia, and illumination is the second largest electric power consumption in Malaysia. Remarkably, the majority of residential illumination is carried out with incandescent lamps which consume a high level of energy in comparison with recent high efficient technologies. Light Emitting Diodes (LED) could possibly be an option to replace incandescent lamps and even fluorescent lamps (FL). This paper outlines the overview of Malaysia׳ energy sector, policy and programs; and calculate possible savings in terms of energy, costs and environmental emissions by using LED lamps in Malaysia. Despite the capital cost of energy-efficient LED lamps, the use of LEDs might make economic sense for households due to the reduction in operational energy (OE) in certain stage. By replacement of incandescent with LED, a significant reduction in annual energy use, electricity bill, CO 2 and other greenhouse gas emission in terms of lighting can be accomplished by each household in Malaysia. It is also suggested that the governments׳ financial support and regulations assist in adopting this energy-efficient technology more rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial shading is a condition where, the panels in a photovoltaic (PV) array do not receive uniform irradiation. Shading causes mismatch in the electrical characteristics of the panels composing the PV array and results in significant reduction in the energy yield. The reduction in output is not proportional to the shaded area but depends on the extent of mismatch that in turn depends on other factors like array size, type of configuration chosen, position of the panels in the array and shading pattern. To reduce the severity of this issue and to improve the energy yield under shaded conditions, it is therefore necessary to analyze the role played by each one of the contributing factors in greater detail. This paper presents a detailed analysis focusing mainly on the role played by the array size, array configuration (interconnections among the panels) and the shading pattern on the energy yield under partial shading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan is a nation densely concentrated with industrial properties, causing a high level of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, poor air quality and environmental pollution in Taiwan are severe societal problems. Although Taiwan has formulated severe environmental protection-related penalties, the excessive use of energy and high level of pollution remain a persisting environmental problem in Taiwan. Because communities are collective groups beneficial for the promotion of local policies, several subsidy policies for environmental quality improvement are currently promoted through community development in Taiwan. These policies consider factors such as Taiwan’s long-day geographical environment and the increase in idle agricultural land after the process of economic transition. To explore the effectiveness of promoting these policies, this study applied the Delphi method and fuzzy logic theory to establish a quantified effectiveness assessment model. In addition, we determined that communities that encourage the participation of its residents and factors such as proenvironment, solar power, and plain afforestation enhanced the overall environmental protection of the community and reduced the emission of CO 2 . Furthermore, the core problems that hinder the improvement of current policies were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the past several years, the biomass power generation industry in China has witnessed notably rapid development. However, many biomass power generation manufacturers in China are currently making small profits or suffering losses, and the entire biomass supply chain does not function well, which not only poses a challenge for the stable operation of enterprises but also may impact the smooth development of the biomass power industry. From the perspective of supply chain risk, this paper explores the reasons for the current plight and the future obstacles that the Chinese biomass power generation industry may face. Identifying such risks as market risk, production risk, technology risk, economic risk and management risk in the upstream, midstream and downstream of the biomass supply chain and ordering the degrees of risk controllability by the government and enterprises, it is determined that joint effort by both the Chinese Government and the biomass power generation enterprises is an ideal choice for risk control coming out of the plight. However, at present, more problems should go to the government for solutions than to the enterprises. To guide the healthy development of the industry, the Chinese government should play a more prominent role in promulgating supporting policies in each stage of the supply chain and strengthening the supervision and control of biomass projects. Last, specific measures taken by the Chinese Government and the enterprises are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because China has emerged as the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter in total annual emissions, to accelerate the pace of GHG emission reduction in China is important to the success of global efforts in addressing climate change. Carbon trading is a market mechanism and key instrument in the mitigation of climate change. This paper explores the policy process and development state to date of China׳s carbon-trade market to understand the emergence and development of that market and to understand what barriers are hampering China׳s carbon-trade market development. To achieve this goal, this paper introduces and analyzes China׳s status in the international market, examines the factors driving carbon-market launching by the Chinese government, and traces the development of mandatory carbon-emission trading and voluntary emission trading. It is argued that China׳s carbon-trading market is confronted with challenges such as the absence of a functional carbon-trading market, inaccuracy of the quota allocation, an imperfect trading mechanism, and lagging legislation. At the present stage, shortcomings such as having no real-time carbon price and dominated spot transactions differentiate China׳s trade market substantially from a functional system. A quick market integration of China׳s carbon market appears remote. It is suggested that specific measures be taken to promote the development of the Chinese carbon-trading market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International low-carbon technology (LCT) transfer has emerged as a key focus of research and policy for global climate change mitigation efforts. While the benefits of international LCT transfer are widely understood, the processes associated with international LCT transfer are more complicated than is portrayed in the often-polarized discussions around LCT transfer. In order to effectively incentivize innovation and diffusion of LCTs globally, it is important to synthesize the emerging integrated concept of LCT transfer with due consideration to the dynamics of the processes underpinning it. A robust view of international LCT transfer requires a holistic understanding of the various economic, political, institutional, and legal factors that impact widespread transfer of LCTs. Focusing on these factors, the primary objective of this paper is to place the recent empirical literature in LCT transfer within the framework of key theoretical and conceptual ideas in the broader innovation and technology transfer literature. We organize our synthesis of this literature under three overarching themes: intellectual property rights; recipient country characteristics; and the role of international partnerships. By focusing on the dynamics of LCT transfer, this paper provides structured insights from the existing body of work, while also outlining fruitful directions to take in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co-benefits approach is a concept that aims to align the climate change issue with the local development goals. The premise of this approach is that the mainstreaming of the climate mitigation issue within the local level polices will result in various local environmental and non-environmental co-benefits in addition to a reduction of GHG emissions. The implementation of the co-benefits approach aims to strengthen the policy making process, which is identified as being especially important in context of developing cities. This paper attempts to confirm this by analyzing a planning process of and global and local benefits generated by an innovative project related to provision of bicycle parking. The paper firstly overviews recent co-benefits literature related to urban transport in general and active travel in particular, as well as evaluated benefits related to bicycle infrastructure provision. Then, taking the case of the Serbian city of Novi Sad, this paper examines local drivers behind the bicycle project implementation, the reduction of CO 2 emission generated by the increase of cycle commuters, the project impact on individual commute behavior as well as potential for income generation. The results support arguments towards relevance of implementation of the co-benefits approach within processes of cycling planning and popularization, particularly highlighting the role and possibilities for implementation of co-benefits projects related to bicycle parking facilities. This case study is relevant as it identifies and analyses a real-life action to respond to both, global and local sustainability challenges, but also, as it points to an action at the city level that has potential for diffusing desirable changes into wider society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, China has witnessed substantial progress in urbanization and industrialization and has become the manufacturing center of the world, but has suffered from severe environmental deterioration, especially air pollution. National and provincial governments have adopted a series of policy tools aiming at energy conservation and emission reduction, varying from energy saving regulations to cleaner production policies. This paper investigates provincial energy saving and emission reduction policies by evaluating their effectiveness on local air pollution control. Relying on a panel data regression analysis on a sample of 26 provinces and four centrally-controlled municipalities over a ten-year period from 2002 to 2011, we find empirical support for the positive impacts of provincial energy saving regulations and two environmental standards on the improvement of local air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preference given to biodiesel in a diesel engine has gained importance over the past two decades, due to its various environmental and economic benefits. There exists a lot of scope for further improvement in the performance and emission reduction with biodiesel as the fuel. Fuel adulteration is one of the important techniques for performance enhancement and emission reduction, compared to other techniques such as engine modification and exhaust gas treatment. In recent years, the use of nanoparticles as additives in diesel improves the thermo physical properties, such as high surface area-to-volume ratio, thermal conductivity, and mass diffusivity, when dispersed in any base fluid medium. Based on the results available in the literature, it has been found that nanoadditives with diesel, biodiesel and blends improve the flash point, fire point, kinematic viscosity and other properties, depending upon the dosage of the nanofluid additives. In the present work a review has been made to study the effect of dispersion of various nanoadditives on the enhancement of the performance and emission reduction characteristics of a CI engine fuelled with diesel, biodiesel, and its blends and a summary of the observation made from the literatures are reported in the conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most commentators expect improved energy efficiency and reduced energy demand to provide the dominant contribution to tackling global climate change. But at the global level, the correlation between increased wealth and increased energy consumption is very strong and the impact of policies to reduce energy demand is both limited and contested. Different academic disciplines approach energy demand reduction in different ways: emphasising some mechanisms and neglecting others, being more or less optimistic about the potential for reducing energy demand and providing insights that are more or less useful for policymakers. This article provides an overview of the main issues and challenges associated with energy demand reduction, summarises how this challenge is ‘framed’ by key academic disciplines, indicates how these can provide complementary insights for policymakers and argues that a ‘sociotechnical’ perspective can provide a deeper understanding of the nature of this challenge and the processes through which it can be achieved. The article integrates ideas from the natural sciences, economics, psychology, innovation studies and sociology but does not give equal weight to each. It argues that reducing energy demand will prove more difficult than is commonly assumed and current approaches will be insufficient to deliver the transformation required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the potential rural development benefits of community ownership or co-ownership (or equity participation) of on-shore wind energy developments and argues for further research to assess the case for enhanced policy support for such ownership structures. Previous authors have argued that if communities are given a stake in renewables enterprises this will support the Scottish Government׳s community empowerment agenda, increase economic activity in rural Scotland and provide substantial benefits to rural communities. Others have argued that community ownership schemes may decrease community resistance to on-shore wind developments, and set beneficiary communities on a low-carbon development pathway through stimulating ‘energy citizenship’. However, empirical evidence to support all of these claims remains limited. Focussing on Scotland, where the growth of on-shore wind has been strong in recent years, the paper reviews the current policy environment and governance context before reviewing evidence in relation to the various arguments for community ownership or shared equity in the case of on-shore wind energy. It identifies several areas where further research is urgently required to guide policy makers, so as to ensure that both rural development objectives and renewable energy targets are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focal point of this review is to provide a comparative display of qualitative and quantitative methodologies employed for the appraisal of interacting energy and climate policies, underlying their key features while presenting the most critical issues and limitations not addressed so far. Qualitative approaches provide a descriptive explanatory analysis of often non-quantifiable process in policy interactions, whereas modeling approaches provide numerical data estimating the extent of policy interaction impacts. Quantitative methods work best for narrowly specified policy combinations, while contextual implications and cause-impact effects are explained further via qualitative ones. In addition most evaluations so far adopt a rational view of policies and policy interactions leaving out a systemic evaluation of the institutionalism of interacting policies. Research analysis of energy and climate policy interactions is still young in comparison to the broad field of policy evaluation and impact assessment. However infants inherently tend to grow. Endeavors for a methodological framework that would allow for a systematic exchange of data between qualitative and quantitative approaches and would also include the relevance of the context as well as key casual relationships behind policy combinations, would provide the basis for further growth of knowledge in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-to-water heat pumps are regarded as a fundamental part of many proposed climate action plans in heating dominated climates. However, individual studies have concluded that this technology generally underperforms in practice when compared to its rated performance. This study aims to harmonise these conclusions and propose reasons for this reported underperformance. The European standards used to rate the performance of heat pumps are first reviewed and deconstructed, a review and analysis of all past research that report air-to-water heat pump performance is then conducted. Finally, a novel in-situ monitoring study of an air-to-water heat pump in Ireland is presented. Of the 378 heat pumps reviewed, it was found that the average seasonal performance was 2.59, significantly lower than typical product rated performances. Three reasons for this underperformance include, misrepresentative weather data for certain locations, unaccounted for losses in the distribution pipes and unaccounted for effects of cycling. The measured seasonal performance factor of the case study heat pump monitored in this paper was 2.49 for space heating. This 40% reduction in performance, when compared to the product rated performance of 4.12, was attributed to the three reasons identified. Because these reasons are largely due to inadequate installation practice, environmental policy should focus not just on the quantity of these technologies to be installed but critically also on the quality of the installation itself. • Review of heat pump field studies evidences consistent underperformance. • Heat pump rating in the EU and heat pump in-use performance are analysed. • Heat pump performance metrics are defined, compared and evaluated. • A case study analysis reports ∼40% lower performance in-use than product rating. • The difference is primarily due to losses in the pipe run and unaccounted for cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After its establishment in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has rapidly developed, and it has brought together countries from all over the world. The BRI countries of Eurasia cover nearly 40% of the land surface and, in particular, the energy dimension of BRI is a dynamic and impacting reality: countries connected by the BRI account for 54% of world primary energy supply. In this global framework, it is of uttermost importance to evaluate the behaviour of BRI countries towards energy sustainability issues, by providing an overview of the current situation and assessing its evolution over time. In our analysis, we develop a quantitative framework for sustainability analysis, based on four dimensions: society, economy, energy and environment. The different dimensions are integrated in an overall sustainability index, evaluated through Multi Criteria Decision Analysis and in particular PROMETHEE II. We consider the most impacting (in terms of energy) BRI countries and we implement a comparative analysis of their sustainability providing a ranking and tracking their time evolution. Furthermore, we analyse the current practises of carbon pricing (carbon tax or Emission Trading System) along BRI, when implemented, as these mechanisms can contribute in reducing emissions and improving sustainability, also resulting in a benefit for the economy and society. For this aim, we use the proposed quantitative framework for assessing their effects on BRI sustainability. • BRI countries cover more than 50% of World GDP, energy consumption and CO 2 emissions. • The sustainability of countries is assessed with a multi-dimensional approach (MCDA). • Carbon pricing can enhance economic, social, energy and environmental sustainability. • Europe has the highest sustainability level for its environmental and social policies. • Kazakhstan, China and Europe improve in sustainability also thanks to carbon pricing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Environmental pressure from residential energy use is projected to significantly increase by 2030. Different environmental policy measures provide different incentives for “environmentally responsive” consumer choices and behavioural responses. There is a great energy saving potential in residential buildings of Lithuania. Compared to the other EU countries with similar climate conditions, energy consumption for residential heating is approximately 1.8 times higher in Lithuania. About 60% of Lithuanian population resides in multi-apartment buildings constructed during 1961–1990. The aim of the paper is to define the main drivers of residential energy use in Lithuania and to compare energy saving technologies in terms of energy saving potential and costs in Lithuanian residential buildings. Seeking to achieve the aim the main tasks of the paper are to analyse theoretical issues of the main drivers of residential energy use; to analyse residential energy use trends in Lithuania and to compare these trends with other EU member states; to define the main drivers of residential energy use by applying correlation analysis; to analyse policies aiming to reduce energy consumption in residential buildings and their impacts on GHG emission reduction. The comparative study of residential energy use in Lithuania and several old EU member states showed that residential energy use per capita in Lithuania is significantly lower than in old EU member states because of the lower income per capita and lower living standards. The economic and technological factors are the main driving forces of final energy consumption in all compared EU member states; however the impact of different factors varies between countries. The comparative analysis of energy saving and GHG emission reduction potential and costs in residential buildings provided by different studies showed that the most cost-effective instruments were appliance standards, energy efficiency obligations, Demand Side Management programs, public benefit charges and labelling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines the development of policy instruments that support the low-carbon governance in China. The instruments are analysed in five aspects in relation to the key policies in low-carbon governance in China, including: energy conservation, developing new energy, reforestry, developing circular economy, and industry restructuring. Each aspect is discussed in three instrument groups which are (1) law and regulations, (2) industry standard and (3) finance and taxation. This research suggests that law enforcement for the new established laws should be further strengthened and stricter supervision systems should be in place to safeguard effective implementation of low carbon policies, measures and standards, especially for those energy condensed sectors. More rigorous industry standards regarding energy efficiency should be considered to help eliminate outdated equipments in industries and promote the introduction of more climate-friendly technologies. The industrial standards should be given strong legal support in accountability, in order to enforce their complete application once in operation. New policies and instruments need to be introduced in order to reduce carbon print by landfill. The backward law and industrial standards in China should be upgraded more regularly, therefore to support the low carbon development strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Various environmental challenges, particularly the rising severity of the impacts of climate change, require a systematic shift in and decarbonization of the global economy. Due to their high environmental impacts, buildings and construction have a special role in decarbonization. Environmental modelling of building stock dynamics can help policy makers and inform decision making. This study presents a systematic review of both the latest scientific literature on environmental modelling of building stocks and related EU policy initiatives. Our findings illuminate the strengths and limitations of existing approaches as well as the potential of such modelling and the required directions for future development to provide effective policy support. Based on the assessment of 104 scientific papers, our study shortlisted and analysed 22 environmental building stock modelling approaches. While promising, these show various limitations on their effectiveness in supporting decarbonization efforts while avoiding burden shifting. Future building stock models should offer extended system boundaries and comprehensive life cycle assessment, improved hotspot analysis and impact monitoring across spatiotemporal scales. A long-term perspective on the entire building stock covering climate and other environmental impacts is needed, as outlined in the latest standards. By linking existing studies to related EU policy objectives, we identify various studies that investigate scenarios and strategies relevant to EU policy makers and highlight research gaps. Future research should enable comprehensive environmental assessment of building stocks across scales and emphasize the monitoring of multiple environmental impacts of building stock development to ensure compliance with environmental targets and minimization of trade-offs. [Display omitted] • Integrated review of EU policy documents and latest approaches for environmental modelling of building stocks. • We analyse scope, methods, tools and data to find existing studies mostly focus on housing stock and on short to medium time horizons. • Existing studies are limited in the number of archetypes, as well as coverage of building parts, life cycle stages and environmental indicators. • The scope and level of detail of existing models hence require elaboration to effectively support EU policy for decarbonization of building operation and construction. • Future research is particularly needed on environmental hotspot analysis and monitoring of impacts across time and space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The environmental pollution crisis and the new environmental legislations have facilitated the need for cleaner-burning gasoline. Oxygenate additives, which can increase the octane rating and induce complete fuel combustion, play increasingly important roles in the development of a greener and more sustainable environment. In this short review, one of the better-known oxygenate additives, ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), is discussed; this compound gained interest after the limitations and negative impacts caused by the addition of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) to gasoline were discovered. The discussion focuses on the trends in ETBE production and on the evolution of conventional separation techniques toward the development of hybrid processes. Moreover, a new concept that involves the use of nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphenes) in the production and separation of ETBE is proposed and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper aims to investigate the achievements of the theoretical and practical basis of environmental policy analysis in order to study their works and point out the future possible research direction. It sorts out researches about environmental efficiency assessment and reviews the works about the theory and application of efficiency analysis around the world. It is suggested that environmental efficiency evaluation theory under small samples and DEA method with undesirable outputs will further extend the research on environmental efficiency evaluation. Also, this review confirms that more studies in methods and their applications in this area are in urgent need. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nowadays, one of the urgent issues regarding global climate change is to discuss the future of the second period of the Kyoto Protocol. However, the divergence of views and opinions among parties in the last Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Durban in December 2011, is still large. One of the bones of contention is whether the emerging developing countries, like China, should make commitments and legally bind themselves to a Green House Gas (GHG) reduction target in near future. As the largest GHG emitting country, China and its energy and climate policies will play an important role in global climate change and will also significantly influence the other countries’ policies and the global climate negotiation. In this paper, we review the current differences among parties in the Durban Conference, and we analyze the recent situation, barriers, and future policies in China. Finally we highlight the impact and potential effect of Clean Development Mechanisms in avoiding China''s barriers regarding climate change. Results show that China is making a great effort to mitigate climate change by establishing and reforming its energy and climate policies in order to achieve a low-carbon development. At the same time, more innovation and international collaboration is needed in China to achieve this goal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The EU''s new energy and environment policy – agreed by government leaders in their Council meeting in March 2007 – established a political agenda to tackle three core energy objectives: sustainability, economic competitiveness and security of supply. A triad of specific policies addresses these challenges: first, the 20/20/20 targets of the EU; then, the Second Strategic Energy Review of the European Commission; and finally, plans to liberalise energy markets. The European Union''s ‘20/20/20′ targets for 2020: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% comparing with 1990 level (to become a 30% reduction if other major global economies join), increase the share of renewables in the final energy consumption to 20% and to achieve 20% improvement in energy efficiency compared to the level in 2020 if existing trends were to continue. The aim of the paper is to analyse the feasibility of EU to implement 20/20/20 targets under the various international GHG trading regimes. GHG trading regimes were addressed by developing 10 energy scenarios until 2020 for EU by applying several energy modelling tools ranging from top down partial equilibrium to detailed technology based bottom up models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Global climate change is a change in the long-term weather patterns that characterize the regions of the world. Scientists state unequivocally that the earth is warming. Natural climate variability alone cannot explain this trend. Human activities, especially the burning of coal and oil, have warmed the earth by dramatically increasing the concentrations of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. The more of these gases humans put into the atmosphere, the more the earth will warm in the decades and centuries ahead. The impacts of warming can already be observed in many places, from rising sea levels to melting snow and ice to changing weather patterns. Climate change is already affecting ecosystems, freshwater supplies, and human health. Although climate change cannot be avoided entirely, the most severe impacts of climate change can be avoided by substantially reducing the amount of heat-trapping gases released into the atmosphere. However, the time available for beginning serious action to avoid severe global consequences is growing short. This paper reviews assessing of such climate change impacts on various components of the ecosystem such as air, water, plants, animals and human beings, with special emphasis on economy. The most daunting problem of global warming is also discussed. This paper, further reviews the mitigation measures, with a special focus on carbon sequestration and clean development mechanism (CDM). The importance of synergy between climate change mitigation and adaptation has been discussed. An overview of the relationship between economy and emissions, including Carbon Tax and Emission Trading and the policies are also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Copenhagen Accord in 2009 initiated new opportunities for international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The purpose of this study was to review Taiwan''s current climate policy and, in response to the Copenhagen Accord, to deliberate this policy in the light of new strategic thinking. The study proposes a two-stage approach with a dividing line in 2020. In the first stage, from now until 2020, strategy should be based on cost constraints, with a suggested reduction cost below $60/t-CO2, and implementation of domestic GHG emissions trading scheme and reduction strategies. In the second stage, from 2020 and beyond, action by Taiwan should, accord with international cooperative actions to link its domestic emissions trading scheme with the international carbon market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is seen as an important solution to solve the twin challenge of reducing GHG emissions, while utilizing fossil fuel reserves to meet future energy requirements. In this study an innovation systems perspective is applied to review the development of CCS technologies in the US between 2000 and 2009 and to come up with policy recommendations for technology managers that wish to accelerate the deployment of CCS. The analysis describes the successful built-up of an innovation system around CCS and pinpoints the key determinants for this achievement. However, the evaluation of the system''s performance also indicates that America''s leading role in the development of CCS should not be taken for granted. It shows that the large CCS R&D networks, as well as the extensive CCS knowledge base, which have been accumulated over the past decade, have not yet been valorized by entrepreneurs to explore the market for integrated CCS concepts linked to power generation. Therefore, it is argued that the build-up of the innovation system has entered a critical phase that is decisive for a further thriving development of CCS technologies in the US. This study provides a clear understanding of the current barriers to the technology''s future deployment and outlines a policy strategy that (1) stimulates technological learning; (2) facilitates collaboration and coordination in CCS actor networks; (3) creates financial and market incentives for the technology; and (4) provides supportive regulation and sound communication on CCS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Great pressure to curb carbon emission and increased need for energy have forced China to develop an “energy saving and emission reduction” (ESER) plan. ESER has become China''s basic national policy, and a guideline for China''s energy and environmental issues during the 11th Five-Years Plan (2006–2010). ESER represents a recalibration of China''s economic model, moving away from growth-at-all-cost in favor of a more “balanced and sustainable” output. In 2007, China''s GDP grew by 11.4%, but emission of COD and SO2 decreased by 3.14% and 4.66% respectively compared to 2006, energy consumption for each unit of GDP declined by 3.27% also compared to 2006. ESER is also the engine behind reform of China''s traditional administrative system which has always favored economic growth over environmental protection. The ESER accountability system sets green efforts as a decisive factor in determining the career prospects of local leaders. Also, China''s State Environmental Protection Agency has been upgraded to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, gaining cabinet status for the first time. A greener future relative to the previous three decades can be anticipated with confidence for China provided that the best practices enunciated by ESER are taken to heart by policymakers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sustainability of energy systems has a strategic role in the current energy-environmental policies as it involves key issues such as security of energy supply, mitigation of environmental impact (with special regard to air quality improvement) and energy affordability. In this framework modelling activities are more than ever a strategic issue in order to manage the large complexity of energy systems as well as to support the decision-making process at different stages and spatial scales (regional, national, Pan-European, etc.). The aim of this article is to present a new model for the Italian energy system implemented with a common effort in the framework of an integrated project under the Sixth Framework Programme. In particular, the main features of the common methodology are briefly recalled and the modelling structure, the main data and assumptions, sector by sector, are presented. Moreover the main results obtained for the baseline (BAU) scenario are fully described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Turkey''s demand for energy and electricity is increasing rapidly. Since 1990, energy consumption has increased at an annual average rate of 4.3%. As would be expected, the rapid expansion of energy production and consumption has brought with it a wide range of environmental issues at the local, regional and global levels. With respect to global environmental issues, Turkey''s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have grown along with its energy consumption. Emissions in 2004 reached 193 million tons. States have played a leading role in protecting the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). State emissions are significant on a global scale. CO2 and carbon monoxide (CO) are the main GHGs associated with global warming. At the present time, coal is responsible for 30–40% of the world CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and NO x contribute to acid rain. Carbon assessments can play an important role in a strategy to control CO2 emissions while raising revenue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Today''s environmental policies are largely devoted to fostering the development and implementation in Europe of renewable energy technologies, such as grid-connected photovoltaic solar energy, which are being actively promoted by European Union countries. This article describes an environmental decision-support system (EDSS) for selecting optimal sites for grid-connected photovoltaic power plants. This system combines multicriteria analysis and the analytic hierarchy process with geographical information systems (GIS) technology and at the same time takes into account environment, orography, location, and climate factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hydropower came into the energy matrix as a consequence of a sequence of technological innovations in the late 19th C. Rapidly expanding electricity demand turned hydropower in numerous countries into an “energy bridge”. The rise of public awareness of environmental issues of the early 1970s put hydropower into a coexistence mode. This narrowed public acceptance of hydropower as an energy source and reduced significantly its role in the energy matrix in numerous states. In the academic literature it was downgraded as a major energy source, and the sector attended the technical aspects professionally, but the decision makers treated the dam-site and reservoir area population with woeful neglect. This aspect is addressed to restore balance to hydro-project studies. News reports about select specific cases are presented as examples to address this complex issue. Hydropower continues to serve as “energy bridge” in many parts of the world, but in most countries it can only provide a fraction of the total electricity needs. Its coexistence with other electricity sources plays a major role in environmental protection. It has to be noted that irrigation projects, urban water supply systems, flood control installations and recreational dams fail to articulate comparable disfavor noted for hydropower. Hydropower projects are notable imprints upon the landscape. Agricultural land uses are by far the most extensive of all, and these are indisputably essential. Balance in analysis should guide needed initial analysis throughout. Contemporary hydropower projects and those under construction include environmentally sensitive technical improvements to minimize the project''s environmental impact. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During last century, worldwide environment degradation gets more and more serious, and achieving environmental sustainable development is desirable. As many environmental issues are directly or indirectly energy related, energy sustainable development is one of the most important prerequisites for environmental sustainable development. Renewable energy technologies and energy conservation are two solutions for energy sustainable development. At present, energy-saving technology is a feasible and an effective way to achieve energy and environmental sustainable development, although renewable energy may be final solution to environmental issues. Building cooling, heating, and power (BCHP) technology, which usually use natural gas as primary energy, has high efficiency of energy utilization due to the utilization of distributed power generation and heat recovery, and thus is a promising energy conservation technology. BCHP can reduce pollutants emission and thus protects the environment besides improving IAQ and increasing reliability of building energy supply. As the largest developing country, China is just in the process of adjusting energy structure and improving energy efficiency. Because of its significant role in energy and environmental sustainable development, developing BCHP in China will help the country in optimizing energy proportion, increasing energy efficiency, and protecting environment. Therefore, BCHP technology will have broad prospects in China and it will promote the country''s energy and environmental sustainable development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present work aims at discussing the possibilities of atmospheric carbon emissions mitigation in the scope of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in the forest sector using a case study in the Northeast of Brazil. Taking Ceará State as an example and based on the Ceará State Energy Balances for 1980, 1984 and 1987, the Carbon (C-CO2) Emission Balances were drawn up covering these same years. An exercise was carried out in order to draw up carbon emissions mitigation proposals through both Environmental Education and reforestation policies replacing forest clearing. The first, environmental education and forest management practices, involves more efficient practices in the woody sector. The second, reforestation policies, instead of felling native forests for fuel-wood burned to produce charcoal, is discussed from the economic point of view. An estimate was drawn up of the carbon abatement costs, using a case study for charcoal production based on reforestation instead of deforestation, for a ferroalloy plant in Ceará State. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Taiwan is a high energy-dependent nation with about 97% of our energy needs supplied by imported fuels in 2002. Environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are becoming significant environmental issues in the country. In this regard, renewable energy is thus becoming attractive in recent years based on the energy policy for the sustainable development and environmental pollution mitigation in Taiwan. In response to the balance between economic development, energy supply stability and environment protection, the Energy Commission under the Ministry of Economic Affairs has issued the Renewable Energy Development Plan in 2001. The objective of this paper is to present an updated overview of current utilization and future development on renewable energy, including biomass energy, solar energy (i.e., photovoltaic power and solar water heating), wind energy and geothermal energy. The description is first centered on energy production/consumption situation and greenhouse gas emissions status, and then concerned with renewable energy utilization in terms of environmental impacts, especially in air pollution. Finally, we present the promotion measures related to the renewable energy utilization under the government regulations, industrial policy, financial incentives and funding supports. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current situation of China's coal chemical industry faces many problems: 1) This industry causes environmental pollution; 2) employs inadequate environmental management system, wastewater pollution control standards, and energy consumption standards; 3) lacks environmental standards applicable to the coal chemical industry; 4) suffers from poor implementation of technical standards for coal use; 5) and lacks top-level design of a high salinity wastewater standard. A modern coal chemical industry demonstration area should be established to promote industrial agglomeration and development. Therefore, several suggestions are put forward to promote the modernization of the coal chemical industry: 1) The responsibilities, supervision tasks, scope, and implementation rules of local environmental law enforcement and supervision agencies should be improved and clarified at all levels; consequently, law enforcement and supervision work would be backed up by relevant laws. 2) To decrease the treatment cost of highly saline wastewater, a corresponding subsidy scheme should be formulated. 3) Research on the top-level design of the standard system for saline wastewater should be accelerated to standardize the treatment of saline wastewater. 4) Coal chemical enterprises should integrate environmental management into their daily production management system, constantly improve their management level, and reduce pollution generation and emission. 5) Furthermore, it is necessary to consider the recycling of wastes and both the separation and recovery of valuable resources as part of the treatment of wastewater from the coal chemical industry. 6) Moreover, economic policies can be used because economic leverage may be more effective than administrative orders or even regulations. 7) Finally, cooperation should be increased to promote the "green development, circular development, and low-carbon development" of the modern coal chemical industry. [Display omitted] • Blind development of coal chemical industry causes environmental problems. • "Pithead layout" leads to the prominent contradictions between the source and environment. • The environmental law enforcement and supervision system should be improved. • Disposal of high salt wastewater should be incorporated into the management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the energy system of the Basilicata region (southern Italy) to highlight, through a scenario analysis, its possible future development in compliance with the European Commission's long-term vision. The IEA-ETSAP methodology was utilized to model and analyse the Basilicata energy system in a business- as -usual scenario, based on the assumptions of the 2010 Regional Energy and Environmental Policy Plan, and in two low-carbon scenarios, decarbonisation and high energy efficiency, which, in line with the long-term European strategy, foresee an 85% carbon dioxide emission reduction and a 20% energy efficiency increase in 2050. The results highlight that electricity production from renewable energy sources (in particular wind energy), strongly supported by the regional policy, goes beyond the Basilicata Regional Energy-Environmental Plan forecast, with a further increase in the decarbonisation scenarios. In addition, solar thermal and highly efficient technologies are adopted in commercial and residential end-use sectors. An additional 9% reduction in energy consumption is achieved in the high energy efficiency scenario by passive houses. The proposed approach shows the usefulness of a modelling framework typically used for national and supranational analyses to support regional authorities in their decision-making process to obtain results in line with the European and national strategies. Application to the Basilicata region shows the usefulness of a consolidated framework for policy assessment at a local scale to assess regional contribution to the achievement of national climate mitigation targets that tend towards climate neutrality. • The role of regional authorities is essential to reach national decarbonisation goals. • TIMES can be advantageously used for regional energy system modelling and analysis. • Scenario analysis can be a powerful tool for policy evaluation. • A cap on carbon dioxide emissions leads to a 28% increase of electricity production. • Passive houses in Residential allow a further 5% reduction of energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many urgent environmental problems can be mitigated with more sustainable use of resources. An acknowledgement of which is a growing interest among policy practitioners in encouraging pro-environmental behaviour change initiatives. In this contribution a review of the existing literature on behavioural change case studies is offered and a categorisation of treatments and guidelines for successful project implementation provided. While most studies relate to energy use and efficiency, the review is not restricted to energy applications to allow insights from other disciplines. The experimental designs considered are treatment–control and before–after studies. Five types of treatments have been considered: education and awareness, outreach and relationship building, social influence, nudges and behavioural insights and incentives, which have been used in experimental studies. In total, 85 primary case studies were collected, many of which tested several treatments, therefore the total number of treatments examined is 155. The analysis finds that the share of success of behaviour change projects related to energy or waste exceeds 70%, while success rate in water-related programmes is about 60%. On balance, the case studies suggest that all types of treatments are suitable but their selection should be based on specific objectives and target population. Interestingly, the choice of the behaviour to change is rarely discussed before project implementation. This analysis also highlights that little is known on whether behaviour change projects achieve sustained pro-environmental behavioural change over time. • We reviewed the literature on pro-environmental behaviours and behavioural changes. • We identified five approaches to encourage pro-environmental behaviours and their success. • All approaches may be successful if implemented correctly. • Behaviour change programs should test the most appropriate methods based on specific objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]