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• A simple, large-scale fabrication of cooling paper via pulping and papermaking technology. • The cooling paper is facilely deconstructed and regenerated to architect the secondary cooler. • The cooling paper features a high solar reflectance of 94% and emissivity of 0.95. • The cooling paper shows the sub-ambient temperature drop of 6 ∼ 8.8 °C under directly solar radiation at daytime. Passive radiative cooling materials provide coldness without energy consumption for all-day thermal comfort by reflecting solar irradiation and emitting heat into the 3 K universe. However, the conventional radiative cooling materials involve complex multilayer structures and unsustainable polymers, showing the non-recyclable disadvantage, which induces resource waste and environmental issues. Herein, we reported a low-cost, scalable, and eco-friendly radiative cooling material (namely cooling paper), consisting of the delignified, fibrillated cellulose fibers and nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) via the mature pulping and papermaking process. The resulting cooled paper can be recycled, and it can be easily deconstructed to harvest cellulose fibers and HA, individually. The recovered source materials can be reused to prepare secondary products that show comparable performance to the original cooling paper, including a high solar reflectance of ∼94% and an infrared emissivity of ∼0.95 in the atmospheric transparency window. Such cooling paper enables superior cooling performance with the temperature drop of 6 ∼ 8.8 °C under directly solar radiation. Based on the EnergyPlus simulation, our cooling paper shows a average cooling energy saving of ∼29 % in buildings across China. The recyclable cooling paper with high cooling capability and scalability, as well as environmental friendliness, shows promising potential for sustainable energy-efficient buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transnational power cooperation contributes to promoting the large-scale use of renewable energies in Asia, but how to develop the structure of power transmission network deserves careful investigation. This paper thoroughly investigates the structure of power investment and transmission network in China and neighbouring countries, aiming to promote the large-scale use of renewable energies around Asia. Various power-generation and power-transmission technologies are considered in detail, and transnational power interconnection risk cost and carbon emission cost are embedded into a bottom-up optimization model. The future power-generation structures and networks installed under various policy scenarios are analysed in detail, and the corresponding economic, carbon emission reduction and renewable energy consumption benefits are evaluated. The results show that power transmission between China's internal regions and neighbouring countries can save $56.7 billion for the entire power system through the large-scale grid integration of renewable energy. The installed capacities of wind power, solar power, and hydropower renewable energy power generation could be increased by 141 GW, 163 GW, and 58 GW, respectively. The construction of transnational transmission lines from Central Asia to Northwest China, Mongolia to North China, the Russian Far East to Northeast China, and Northeast China to South Korea could effectively promote the utilization of renewable energy in the Russian Far East, Mongolia and Central Asia and further reduce carbon emissions in China, Japan and South Korea. • It examines how to construct a power investment and transmission network in Asia. • Various technologies, risks and costs are considered based on bottom-up model. • Huge benefits exist for power transmission between China and neighbouring countries. • Various power-generation structures and networks installed are analysed in detail. • Suggestions about power investment and transmission are given for Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of renewable energy is the key to tackling climate changes and ensuring energy security. Meanwhile, the process is usually associated with a huge investment and financing gap, especially for transitional countries like China. Hence, developing and innovating the traditional financial system is urgent. However, existing studies have mainly focused on traditional financial perspectives, and few papers have critically examined how digital financial inclusion affects the growth of renewable energy industries. To this end, using Chinese provincial data from 2011 to 2020 and applying Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) method, this study explores the effect of financial inclusion on renewable energy and its underlying mechanisms from the production and consumption perspectives. It is found that the impact of financial inclusion on the production side of the renewable energy industry is significantly better than on the consumption side, and there is heterogeneity effect in different energy resource varieties, different regional locations, and different financial regulation intensities. The financial inclusion on renewable energy has a significant pulling effect in photovoltaic and wind provinces, but not in large hydropower provinces. Then, its driving effect is particularly pronounced in the northern region. Nonetheless, it is not significant for renewable energy consumption in the southern region. Besides, this positive effect cannot be achieved without stronger financial regulation. The mechanism of action assessment finds that optimizes the consumption pattern, increase the competition of commercial banks, and improve technological innovation all contribute to the positive effect whereas, FDI shows the negative effect. This study provides new evidence on China's achievement of the energy transition, suggesting the need to further improve incentives for FDI firms and to strengthen consumption-side guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple geographically dispersed data center buildings have been increasingly positioned in renewable-rich areas due to their high energy consumption. This paper proposes an optimal multi-energy portfolio for zero carbon data center buildings in the presence of proactive demand response programs. In the data center buildings, the complementarities of hydro-solar-wind hybrid renewable energy sources (RESs) are fully exploited via multi-energy conversion and storage devices, which are modeled as 100% renewable energy hubs for zero carbon multi-energy supplies. In order to exploit the hub-internal operational dispatchability and flexibility, a comprehensive energy consumption model of data center buildings is proposed to facilitate the demand response in terms of available serves, while the variable speed pumped storage (VSPS) is modeled to capture its dynamic operational characteristics. The energy‑carbon production, conversion, storage, and consumption are formulated as an energy‑carbon matrix, which are solved via a two-stage method to obtain the optimal portfolio. Case studies on southwest China data center buildings are implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methodology on cost-effective accommodation of RESs. Simulations results show that the system portfolio cost can be reduced by at most 17.8% with a higher operational flexibility. • A cost-effective data center building is proposed to accommodate zero carbon targets. • Hydro-solar-wind 100% renewables are formulated for multi-energy supplies. • VSPS and data center energy consumption are modeled to exploit inherent flexibility. • The energy-carbon production, conversion, storage, and consumption are optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Theses on China's low-carbon economy focus on the driving forces of carbon emissions, energy–carbon efficiency, and the carbon–economy nexus. Meanwhile, comprehensive frameworks that assess China's green economy and also analyze its driving forces are lacking. This paper constructs a green productivity index based on the Global Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index to evaluate the development of the low-carbon economy in China. A panel vector auto-regression model is adopted to further analyze the endogenous interactions and dynamic relationships among aspects of the green economy and its influencing factors. Empirical results show that China has seen a balanced development of green economic growth in 2000–2016, achieved in a series of clear stages. To maintain the sustainable growth of the low-carbon economy in the future, China must rely more on technological progress. This research also makes some important discoveries that have not been found in previous studies: the impact of China's industrial structure and energy consumption structure on the green economy are short term, having a duration of impact of approximately four years. Finally, we provide an assessment of provincial green economy development and describe the corresponding policy implications. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • A comprehensive analysis of China's green economy. • A slack-based Global Malmquist–Luenberger index is adopted to calculate the Green Productivity Index in China. • The stage characteristics of green economic development are identified. • A panel vector autoregressive model is used to analyze the interactions among aspects of the environmental economic system. • The findings that the impact duration of energy structure, industry structure, and urbanization on the green economy is about four years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the context of China's severe energy and environmental problems, as an alternative vehicle fuel bioethanol is a promising choice because its theoretically renewable and carbon neutral. To guarantee grain security, China is developing non-grain fuel ethanol. Based on a life cycle assessment (LCA), this paper assesses the uncertainty of energy efficiency and environmental performance in the development of cassava ethanol of 1.5-generation bioethanol whose raw materials are non-staple crops. The results show that cassava ethanol is a good alternative vehicle fuel from the view of energy efficiency. From an environment perspective, global warming potential and photochemical ozone formation potential of cassava ethanol are better than gasoline, but acidification potential and respiratory inorganics inferior. The Monte Carlo simulation reveals cassava ethanol is feasible compared with gasoline in the case of uncertain variables. Among these uncertain variables, cassava yield, nitrogen fertilizer use, and steam use are the most important variables for energy efficiency and environmental performance of cassava ethanol. Furthermore, this study calculates the potentials for energy savings and emissions reduction with improving key aspects, and gives the suggestions of enhancing the performance of key indicators to promote the development of bioethanol vehicle fuel. Highlights • Cassava ethanol is a good alternative vehicle fuel from the view of energy efficiency. • Cassava ethanol decreases GWP and POFP, but increases AP and RI compared with gasoline. • Cassava yield, nitrogen fertilizer usage and steam usage have the greatest impact on cassava ethanol. • The potentials of energy-saving and emission-reduction are calculated with improving key aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Renewable quotas incorporating equity and duty are allocated at regional level. • The entropy method coupled with Management by Objectives principles is adopted. • Quotas scheme is dominated by differences in resource endowment and infrastructure. • Nexus for renewable-rich and developed areas is vital to fulfill renewable quotas. • Renewable revolution needs a twin-track process of nearby and external consumption. Abstract Feed-in tariff and renewable portfolio standards are two major policies for renewable power generation and China is the first country to adopt both policies at the national level. The black box for regional allocation of renewable portfolio standards, however, may lead to the instability and inefficiency of this policy. This paper introduces the principles of Management by Objective to build a clear policy framework for renewable portfolio standards in China and employs the entropy method to equally and reasonably assign regional responsibility for renewable energy development. A comparison is made between our allocation and the goal-directed policy to determine whether historical responsibility and infrastructure construction should be further considered in crafting renewable portfolio standards. The trends for regional renewable quotas are influenced by the twin-track approach of nearby utilization and external transmission. Finally, based on our analysis, the policy implications behind the new incentive are presented to urge the establishments of supporting facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, China's renewable energy has entered a stage of rapid development. The government gives financial and power-rate subsidies to clean power while putting great support on its construction. However, there is currently a big gap in the government's subsidy on new energy power generation, which is challenging to meet the demand for renewable energy consumption and sustainable development. In this regard, participating in the market is inevitable for renewable energy development, which is significant for promoting renewable energy power consumption and alleviating the subsidy dilemma. Considering the market-based mechanism, this paper regards the electricity market, the tradable green certificate market, and the carbon emissions allowance trading market as an integrated energy platform system that couples carbon emissions with electricity, linking generators and retailers. We consider two scenarios, including green electricity–green certificate separation and unity, and introduce the intermittency of new energy generation to construct the optimal pricing decision for this platform supply chain. We explore the optimal price of tradable green certificate for renewable power and the equilibrium demand for green power and thermal power in two circumstances. The results show that: (1) there is an equilibrium solution in various conditions. Moreover, the optimal price of green certificate in condition two, namely green electricity–green certificate unity, is higher when the on-grid price of green electricity and thermal one and the substitution effect of these two powers satisfy a certain constraint, which can stimulate generator and retailer to generate and consume green electricity as much as possible. (2) The price of carbon emissions and the responsibility weight of renewable electricity consumption both have a positive influence on the optimal price of green certificate and the share of equilibrium demands for green power, whereas intermittency of new energy generation has a negative impact on them. Adjusting the carbon price and incentive responsibility weights and taking relevant measures to reduce intermittency in different situations help to reduce thermal power demand and promote green power consumption. (3) When the prices of green certificates in diverse circumstances are in a certain interval, the impact intensity of changes in green certificate price on electricity demand will arise. It is conducive to performing the facilitative role of green certificate price on the power market better and stimulates the generation and consumption of new energy power in the carbon-electricity coupling market. • Through the carbon-electricity coupling perspective, the optimal TGC price was explored. • Introducing substitution effects of green power and thermal power to analyze optimal TGC prices. • A higher incentive responsibility weight of renewable consumption in scenario two can promote the retailer to consume. • Impact intensity of changes in green certificate price on power demand will arise when the price is in a certain interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the past three decades, the notion of sustainable cities has become central in planning and managing urban areas in the world and the large-scale city formation has been formed in big cities. As a result of economic growth and urban transformation, Shanghai, a major Chinese international metropolis, faces ongoing issues with resource waste and low energy utilization. Therefore, this paper aims to consider the availability of water for energy production from a consumption-based perspective and estimate the water footprint of the energy supply using a regional input-output analysis approach for Shanghai. As a result, we conclude that the water footprint of the energy supply of Shanghai is about 1.28 billion m 3 in 2007, with 46.1% of water used for electricity and heat supply. The total water withdrawal by the energy sector is about 2.35 billion m 3 and additional water withdrawal needed is about 35% of the total water withdrawals by the energy sector in Shanghai. Furthermore, an energy self-sufficiency scenario was developed, and the scenario analysis reveals that 55% more water would be required to ensure a self-sufficient energy sector. To guarantee future regional energy security, it is important to manage water resources effectively by allocating water resources among sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to trace and quantify the sources of rebound effect for different energy sources in China. This paper decomposes the economy-wide rebound effect into 135 production sector-level rebound effects and five final demand components. The sector-level rebound is further decomposed into output effect and substitution effect. A two-stage decomposition method and a static computable general equilibrium model are developed to achieve this. Five types of energy-specific efficiency improvements are introduced, respectively, in all the production sectors. Results show that improving efficiency of using coal leads to the smallest macro-level rebound. For rebound decomposition, four findings are generalized. First, final consumption shows larger impact on the rebound of secondary energy sources than on primary energy sources. Second, production sectors that are big user of the efficiency-exposed energy source are expected to be key rebound contributor. Third, energy-producing sectors make negative rebound contribution. Results also show that, substitution effect is the predominant mechanism that triggers sector-level rebound. Policy implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A method for spatiotemporal coordination of multienergy systems is proposed. • Virtual energy storage gain is calculated based on spectral analysis. • The hydropower regulation ability affects the virtual energy storage gain. • The optimal coordination range between multiple energy sources is obtained. Utilizing the spatial heterogeneity and climate periodicity of various available renewable energy sources can enhance the multienergy complementarity, which will further reduce the energy storage demand and contributes to the "virtual energy storage gain." In this paper, we propose a spatiotemporal coordination method based on spectral analysis for a wind-PV-hydropower system that targets the maximum virtual energy storage gain. The complementary effect of hydropower on wind and PV power can be seen as changes in the regulation ability resulting from the hydropower construction development as well as a decreased variance in the total system production output. This method is used to determine the optimal coordination distance of multiple energy sources that are matched over different periods representing typical climate variation. A case study in the Yalong River basin in China obtains the best range of hydropower bundling surrounding wind power and PV power stations under different hydropower construction planning scenarios, and it reveals that increased regulation capacity of hydropower will reduce the optimal coordination distance but can achieve more energy balance if both actual storage and virtual storage is accounted for. This approach can realize energy delivery with the optimal coordination distance to meet intensive and efficient development needs, which can provide guidance and support for the planning and construction of wind-PV-hydropower storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under China's current Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) policy system, the provincial power grid is the assessment subject, and then the assessment is conducted on the user side. However, in the centralized clearing power market, renewable energy (RE) consumption on the user side cannot be accurately identified, so accurate value transmission cannot be formed to guide users to optimize their electricity consumption behavior. To improve this problem, this paper identifies the irreplaceable role of users in RE consumption through time series simulation. We construct a three-layer RPS assessment value transmission model of "power grid company - retailers - users" based on the identified unique contributions of each user. The equilibrium state of multi-market participants is obtained based on the decentralized training framework of reinforcement learning. The following conclusions are drawn through simulation analysis:(1) the user-side RE contribution identification method can effectively identify the user's contribution to RE consumption, which can reduce about 8% or increase about 7.48% of RPS cost allocation according to different contribution degrees; (2) the RPS value allocation mode can optimize users' power consumption behavior, achieve peak shaving and valley filling, promote RE consumption, and reduce about 0.6% of the abandoned wind power; (3) Under the RPS system, the effect of improving the response-ability of the user-side is better than increasing the RPS target and the peak shaving capacity. • Accurately identify the RE consumption of users under the unified clearing mode. • Construct a transmission mode of RPS assessment among grid, retailers, and users. • Construct a distributed training framework of multi-agent. • The research is helpful in promoting the consumption of new energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under China's current Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) policy system, the provincial power grid is the assessment subject, and then the assessment is conducted on the user side. However, in the centralized clearing power market, renewable energy (RE) consumption on the user side cannot be accurately identified, so accurate value transmission cannot be formed to guide users to optimize their electricity consumption behavior. To improve this problem, this paper identifies the irreplaceable role of users in RE consumption through time series simulation. We construct a three-layer RPS assessment value transmission model of "power grid company - retailers - users" based on the identified unique contributions of each user. The equilibrium state of multi-market participants is obtained based on the decentralized training framework of reinforcement learning. The following conclusions are drawn through simulation analysis:(1) the user-side RE contribution identification method can effectively identify the user's contribution to RE consumption, which can reduce about 8% or increase about 7.48% of RPS cost allocation according to different contribution degrees; (2) the RPS value allocation mode can optimize users' power consumption behavior, achieve peak shaving and valley filling, promote RE consumption, and reduce about 0.6% of the abandoned wind power; (3) Under the RPS system, the effect of improving the response-ability of the user-side is better than increasing the RPS target and the peak shaving capacity. • Accurately identify the RE consumption of users under the unified clearing mode. • Construct a transmission mode of RPS assessment among grid, retailers, and users. • Construct a distributed training framework of multi-agent. • The research is helpful in promoting the consumption of new energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy consumption has a strong driving force for promoting energy conservation and emission reduction, and is a new way to achieve clean and low-carbon development. Based on this, this paper uses the data of renewable energy consumption, carbon productivity, GDP, population, energy efficiency and technological innovation of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, and empirically analyzes the impact of renewable energy consumption on carbon productivity in 30 provinces in China, using STIRPAT model, comprehensively considers spatial horizontally and temporal vertically dimension. The empirical results show that: (1) China's carbon productivity shows a significant spatial spillover effect, its impact can spill over to adjacent areas within 1000 km; (2) China's renewable energy power consumption plays a significant role in promoting the improvement of carbon productivity. (3) Renewable energy consumption in the western region plays the most important role in driving carbon productivity. Finally, according to the temporal and spatial relationship between renewable energy consumption and carbon productivity in different regions, we provide specific regional policy suggestions. • The STIRPAT model is employed to explore temporal and spatial impact, while it considers sub regions. • Spatialy, the impact can spill over to adjacent areas within 1000km. Temporally, the impact fluctuates and rises. • The positive role of renewable energy consumption is found in China's western region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution of biomass resources is not uniform. At present, the zoning of biomass energy development suitability is primarily based on resource potential, whereas energy demand is ignored as an important factor affecting the degree of local energy self-sufficiency. Under the constraints of high transportation costs, solar energy with low geographical constraints can be a supplementary energy source for biomass despite its instability. Based on the energy utilization potential of solar energy and biomass resources, this paper evaluates the energy surplus factor (ratio of renewable resource potential to energy demand) of each city in the study area, takes meeting the specific energy surplus factor as the construction prerequisites of biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plants, calculates the biomass resource utilization rate and energy surplus factor in the study area under different conditions, and provides zoning suggestions and data reference for the unified planning of biomass CHP plants. The minimum energy surplus factor that is suitable for the development of biomass energy is set as the construction threshold of biomass CHP plants (The construction threshold is the minimum condition for the construction of biomass CHP plants. Only areas where the energy surplus factor reaches the preset construction threshold are allowed to build biomass CHP plants). The results show that the construction threshold is negatively correlated with the utilization rate of biomass resources. When the construction threshold is less than 1.4, the utilization rate of biomass resources decreases rapidly with the increase of the construction threshold; when the construction threshold is greater than 1.4, the utilization rate of biomass resources decreases slowly and tends to be flat. It is suggested that biomass resources should be developed in different regions and in stages, and priority should be given to developing areas with an energy surplus factor greater than 1.4. Areas with an energy surplus factor of 0.3–1.4 are considered secondary development areas, and areas with an energy surplus factor of less than 0.3 are not recommended for development; these can meet 31% and 59% of the total energy demand and reduce 50319380 tons and 180524400 tons carbon emissions so that the limited construction cost can meet higher energy demand and biomass resource utilization. • Priority development areas are identified based on solar and biomass potential. • Energy surplus factor is calculated to determine the development suitability. • Strategies for zoning and phased planning of biomass resources are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Currently one of the most promising power solutions for remote rural areas and isolated islands which are far away from utility grid is the stand-alone solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy system or hybrid solar–wind power system. This paper presents the investigation results of a real remote solar PV project on an island in Hong Kong. The stand-alone PV system, rated at 19.8kWp, is established on a remote island for power generation to local residents. Power on this island was originally supplied by diesel generators and this new solar energy system has significantly reduced fuel costs and alleviated environmental pollution. The on-site entire system’s operating data was collected for one whole year in 2011, and the energy performance of the PV array, inverters, battery bank and the entire PV system were analyzed in terms of daily energy balance, normalized performance parameters and overall system energy utilization ratio. The results from this long term system monitoring and its evaluation enables a detailed inspection of system operating performance with respect to the technical issues, which provides a useful reference for future applications of solar photovoltaics in remote islands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons for ever growing energy consumption in buildings and to give enhanced supervision strategies for reduction of building energy consumption compared to regular ones. A case study of Ningbo city was used to make a detail analysis. Several factors were determined as the reasons for ever growing building energy consumption including climate change, household electricity load increase, the growth of real estate, fast-growing household electrical appliances, high energy consumption in existing buildings, changes in industrial structure and the lack of enhanced government supervision. Then the discussion of suitable countermeasures shows that only enhanced supervision strategies are currently applicable. Finally, it is concluded that enhanced government supervision strategies, including the establishment of a strict control system for new built buildings through information integration and encryption, establishing an energy efficiency supervision system of large-scale public building and a carrot-and-stick approach with added expert checklist for the building application of renewable energy, showed great advantages in promoting building energy efficiency in Ningbo, compared with other cities. These supervision strategies are applicable in other cities as they are in the similar situations in the enforcement of building energy efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify the relations between transportation energy consumption and its impacted factors. We first analyze the current status of transportation energy consumption in China. Then, the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) technique is used to find the nature of the factors those influence the changes in transportation energy consumption. We find that: (1) In 2006, the transportation energy consumption increased by 7.63 times against that in 1980. (2) Up to 2006, the oil consumed by transportation accounted for 49.6% of that in the whole country, which almost equaled to the net oil import. (3) In the light of the increasing energy consumption intensity, the energy-utilization effectiveness of transportation sector has been declining gradually. (4) The transportation activity effect is the most important contributor to increase energy consumption in the transportation sector and the energy intensity effect plays the dominant role in decreasing energy consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Along with high-speed economic development and increasing energy consumption, the Chinese Government faces a growing pressure to maintain the balance between energy supply and demand. In 2009, China has become both the largest energy consumer and CO2 emitting country in the world. In this case, the inappropriate energy consumption structure should be changed. As an alternative, a suitable infrastructure for the implementation of renewable energy may serve as a long-term sustainable solution. The perspective of a 100% renewable energy system has been analyzed and discussed in some countries previously. In this process, assessment of domestic renewable energy sources is the first step. Then appropriate methodologies are needed to perform energy system analyses involving the integration of more sustainable strategies. Denmark may serve as an example of how sustainable strategies can be implemented. The Danish system has demonstrated the possibility of converting into a 100% renewable energy system. This paper discusses the perspective of renewable energy in China firstly, and then analyses whether it is suitable to adopt similar methodologies applied in other countries as China approaches a renewable energy system. The conclusion is that China’s domestic renewable energy sources are abundant and show the possibility to cover future energy demand; the methodologies used to analyse a 100% renewable energy system are applicable in China. Therefore, proposing an analysis of a 100% renewable energy system in China is not unreasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An optimal configuration method of concentrating solar power in power systems. • A data-driven scenario generation method to describe the uncertainty in power systems. • The benefits of concentrating solar power are comprehensively considered. • Sensitivity factors affecting the configuration results are analyzed in the case study. The proportion of renewable energy sources and the flexibility demands of the power grid have increased simultaneously, which has caused difficulties in renewable energy consumption and the secure operation of power systems. Concentrating solar power (CSP) can provide additional flexibility for power systems and change the uncontrollable characteristics of variable renewable energy generation. Due to the high construction cost, it is necessary to fully evaluate the configurational scheme of CSP. In this paper, we propose an optimal configuration method for CSP in multienergy power systems to fully utilize the CSP benefits. We first improve the variational autoencoder (VAE) to describe the uncertainty in power systems and generate scenarios for the configuration model. The model consists of two stages: planning and operation. The planning model determines the configuration capacity of each component of the CSP station. The operation model considers the day-ahead and real-time periods to analyze the operational cost of the power systems with CSP. By means of linearized methods, the configuration model is treated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation to obtain a rapid solution. A case study is conducted based on the power source data of a province in northwestern China. The simulation results show that flexibility values makes CSP more competitive in the configuration process, and the configuration results are significantly affected by the coordination with other power sources. We use sensitivity analysis with different situations to explore the development prospects of CSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following India's efforts to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases, there has been a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, such as solar and wind, in the energy portfolio. The renewable energy sector is widely acknowledged as a fertile ground for employment creation, as it is labour-intensive. Against this backdrop, the main objective of this paper is to provide an empirical explanation of how the growth of renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, affects employment creation in India. The findings reveal that, despite a substantial investment in India's solar PV technology, the number of jobs created by the sector declined marginally from 164000 in 2017–114000 in 2018. India's estimated employment elasticity is just 0.004, implying that the level of employment does not show a significant positive response to changes in installed capacity. Almost 60 per cent of the global solar PV workforce is in China, which has become the leading country both in terms of installed capacity of global solar PV technology and manufacturing of solar PV cells and modules. The wide disparity in solar PV employment between India and China is explained by the former's excessive dependence on China for solar PV cells. Alongside climate conservation, India should, therefore, place more emphasis on revitalising the domestic solar manufacturing industry to bring about efficient use of the nation's untapped resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]