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The need to view innovation policy through the lens of policy mixes has gained momentum given the growing complexity, the dynamics of real-world policy and the wide array of difficulties to address the current great societal challenges, notably the increasing pressure on the ecosystems that support our society. One of the main challenges concerning the transition towards bioeconomy, is to gain a more in-depth understanding on the policy mix to stimulate innovation in sustainability transitions. Our paper aims at enriching the portfolio of empirical case studies on policy mixes for innovation and sustainable transitions, by investigating the development of the policy mix underpinning the sustainability transition of the pulp and paper industry in Sweden. We apply a case study approach which draws on event history analysis, semi-structured interviews with industry and policy makers, literature reviews, a participative workshop with stakeholders from the pulp and paper industry, as well as on the IEA databases on climate change and energy efficiency policies and measures. Our analysis emphasises coordination, timing and scale in policy mixes as important elements to understand how instruments interact to accelerate sustainability transitions. The mapping of the policy mix shows that destabilising policies were crucial for accelerating the transition process of the industry. Prior to novelty creation policies, destabilising policies (e.g. environmental policies) were needed for 'innovation policy instruments' to be effective. More specific instruments (e.g. carbon tax), targeting particular functions of the innovation systems, require 'on-the-ground' policy intelligence and benefit from close interaction with industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pulp and paper industry is one of the most energy-intensive industries worldwide. In 2007, it accounted for 5% of total global industrial energy consumption and 2% of direct industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. An energy audit is a primary step toward improving energy efficiency at the facility level. This paper describes a plant-wide energy audit aimed at identifying energy conservation and CO2 mitigation opportunities at a paper mill in Guangdong province, China. We describe the energy audit methods, relevant Chinese standards, methods of calculating energy and carbon indicators, baseline energy consumption and CO2 emissions of the audited paper mill, and nine energy-efficiency improvement opportunities identified by the audit. For each of the nine options, we evaluate the energy conservation and associated CO2 mitigation potential. The total technical energy conservation potential for these nine opportunities is 967.8terajoules (TJ), and the total CO2 mitigation potential is equal to 93,453tonnes CO2 annually, representing 14.4% and 14.7%, respectively, of the mill’s total energy consumption and CO2 emissions during the audit period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The heat recovery system (HRS) is a vital part in a paper machine when it comes to the overall energy economy in papermaking. For a typical newsprint machine more than 60% of the exhaust energy from the dryer section can be recovered, resulting typically in a regain of about 30MW. The synthesis task of a HRS is a decision process where the target is on the one hand to achieve maximal energy recovery and on the other hand to obtain it with minimal investment costs. These goals are contradictory and thus the problem is to find a solution minimizing the overall costs, considering simultaneously both energy and investment costs. One further challenge is how to take into account known variations in the parameters so that the design is robust, i.e. it is capable of handling all evolving situations and furthermore the design should be the most economical one when also considering the duration of all expected operational situations. In this work a hybrid method based on evolutionary programming and non-linear programming for the synthesis of robust and optimal heat recovery systems (HRS) for paper machines is presented. Variations and uncertainties on process parameters are modeled with probability distributions and the cost of the utilities are thus obtained as an integrated value of all different situations expected to evolve. The importance of obtaining a robust design is shown in a case study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Space solar power is an old idea. From its initial suggestion in the 1940s to the first practical concept by Dr. Peter Glaser in 1968, it has been analyzed, studied, and refined many times. Multiple government institutions, including NASA, JAXA, ESA, and CAST have invested significant funds into developing direct space solar power research. In parallel to these direct studies, considerable investment has also flowed into enabling technologies that serve as the cornerstone of current space solar power development concepts, including space solar panels, space hardware manufacturing, low-cost launch, wireless power transfer, robotic assembly, and swarm monitoring/control. In the last few years, space solar power concepts and studies have received increased funding, including non-governmental funding showing a strong positive growth trend. Multiple reports in 2021 and 2022, including from this author, have found that while space solar power has been technically feasible for decades, falling launch and hardware costs have only recently made it economically viable as well. Despite these findings, translation from economic feasibility to economic reality will require additional high-value investment. Sourcing these new funds requires investment context. This technical paper will present a state of the industry report on space solar power, including the total and source distribution of historical investments. It further contextualizes the investments in space solar power with the scale of investment in key technologies and their current technology readiness levels. The methodologies developed for this report and the data sourced are intended to serve as a catalyst, alongside industry feedback, to create a template for ongoing reporting of this growing market sub-sector and ultimately drive the full deployment of this technology. • NASA found in 1979 that Space Solar Power was technically and economically viable. • A half-century later solar power cost has fallen 99.8 %, launch has fallen 97.6 %. • A given solar panel will produce 6–20 times as much energy in space. • Direct investment into space solar power has reached $879 million. • Critical indirect investment, including into solar PV, is in hundreds of billions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmonizing the cleanliness and economics of energy is an effective means of integrating economic growth with carbon peaking goals, and realizing sustainable development in China. However, due to the existence of the energy trilemma, a worthwhile research question is how to fulfill the carbon peaking commitment while guaranteeing China's stable national development. Based on this, this paper not only discusses the nonlinear relationship between clean energy consumption transition and economic growth through threshold regression, but also simulates several scenarios of energy transition dynamics with different growth rates by using Oracle Crystal Ball software to forecast the future trend of China's carbon emissions up to 2030, aiming to find a transition scenario that can make the peak of carbon emissions appear without significant economic burden, so as to put forward countermeasures and suggestions to avoid falling into the energy trilemma in the process of fulfilling the commitment of carbon peaking. This paper finds that: firstly, there is an inverted U-shaped non-linear relationship between clean energy consumption transition and economic growth, with the inflection point of the inverted U-shape being 0.595; and secondly, only when energy transition exceeds 0.535 in 2030, the peak of carbon emissions (about 12,922.28 Mt) will occur. In summary, this paper argues that China should steadily advance energy transition, avoiding either too fast or too slow a pace (bring clean energy consumption transition to within the 0.535–0.595 range by 2030), in order to secure economic growth while honoring its commitment to peak carbon. Therefore, China should prudently design a coal exit strategy to avoid falling into the energy trilemma when promoting energy transition. Moreover, if China wants to further fulfill its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060, it needs to continue to deepen the construction of green financial markets in order to better balance the relationship between energy cleanliness and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The assessment of building energy performance through dynamic simulations has been increasing significantly in recent years since it represents a key strategy for the correct design of highly efficient buildings. Results of dynamic energy simulations are affected by many uncertainties, and its reliability depends on the accuracy of the input variables. One of the most influential variables is the climate surrounding the building, a reason why the use of accurate weather data files is essential, but experimental datasets are not always available. In this context, this paper analyses numerical weather datasets obtained from different regional climate models by comparing them with real data; in addition, it evaluates their impact on the energy performance of a historical building in Asunción through dynamic simulations. The database of five different weather data sources is compared with observed meteorological data in order to assess their accuracy through statistical analyses. Moreover, some methodologies to estimate diffused and direct components of the global solar radiation are evaluated, with the objective of solving the problem of missing direct and diffused solar data components from the meteorological codes. Subsequently, weather data files are generated to quantify the influence of measured/simulated meteorological data on the evaluation of building energy performance. The results obtained in this paper show that the simulated meteorological data agree very well with real observations for the year under study. Also, the simulations of the building energy performance delivered similar values to those obtained using the real weather dataset. Therefore, the regional climate models can represent a reliable tool for building energy performance assessment, and mainly for the calibration of building energy models when measured weather data is not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper explores the most influential aspects regarding the environmental and economic performance of zero-energy and zero-emission buildings and proposes a pathway for transition in building solutions. A representative zero-energy office building in Norway is investigated with alternative design solutions to achieve zero-emission status i.e., the extensive use of locally generated energy through photovoltaic (PV) panels and the use of materials with low embodied emissions, such as low-carbon concrete and wood. A life cycle environmental and economic assessment is performed to evaluate specific indicators during the building life cycle: cumulative energy (CED), global warming potential (GWP), and equivalent annual cost (EAC). The extensive use of PV panels was most effective in lowering the operational energy because it reduced the CED by about 30% compared to the building as-built. However, the extensive use of wood in the construction contributed the most to GWP reduction, with around 30% decrease compared to the building as-built. Finally, the differences in EAC were interestingly insignificant among the alternatives, with the investment costs dominating the EAC for all designs examined. The findings of this paper emphasise that a full compensation of the life cycle GHG emissions from materials is difficult to achieve through renewable energy, even with extensive use of PV panels, especially in a low-carbon grid situation as in Norway. A pathway strategy from zero-energy towards zero-emission buildings must therefore strongly focus on the materials' embodied energy and emissions because low operational energy demand is already a regulatory priority in most countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In recent years, with the gradual deterioration of atmospheric environment in China, the "coal to electricity" project is being implemented by the government vigorously. Even though "coal to electricity" project has a positive impact on eliminating serious pollution and promoting clean energy, in the rural areas, the power grid enterprises have less interest in implementing this project. Aimed at this background, the present paper explored the economic benefits generated by the implementation of "coal to electricity" project of grid enterprises. The results indicate that the project carried out by grid company has poor economic performance during its life cycle, which could attributable to its large investment, irrational electricity price mechanism and the big seasonal difference between peak and valley power demand. Finally, based on the conclusion, this paper gives some specific suggestions for grid corporation to increase the economic efficiency of "coal to electricity" project, including reforming the existing irrational price mechanism, taking full advantage of distributed renewable energy and so on. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • "Coal to electricity" project implemented by grid company has a poor economic performance. • The deficiency in economic performance mainly caused by large investment and irrational price mechanism. • Measures need to be taken such as reforming the existing irrational price mechanism or use distributed renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Resident satisfaction with governmental environmental protection is of great significance to environmental governance by the Chinese government. However, the impact of internet use on resident satisfaction with governmental environmental protection is complex, and the relevant empirical evidence is far from sufficient. Based on data from the Chinese Social Survey for 2013 and using OLS and ordered probit regressions, this study finds a significant negative relationship between internet use and resident satisfaction with governmental environmental protection. Further study suggests that an increase in different online content frequencies could reduce resident satisfaction with governmental environmental protection. Nevertheless, residents who are conservative or skeptical about internet information are more satisfied with the government's environmental protection. The conclusions of this study are consistent with the "negativity bias" theory, indicating that netizens focus greater attention on negative news related to environmental protection. Finally, this paper performs two analyses to ensure the robustness of the research results. First, considering the possible "self-selection" problem, this paper conducts a robustness test using the method of propensity score matching (PSM) and finds that the results are still consistent. Second, the sample is subdivided to analyse the regional differences in the impacts of internet use on resident satisfaction with governmental environmental protection. The results show that internet use has a significant negative influence on resident satisfaction with governmental environmental protection in eastern China, central China but has no significant effect in western China. In addition, the impact of internet use on urban resident satisfaction with governmental environmental protection is significantly greater than that of rural resident. Highlights • The effect of internet use on resident satisfaction with the governmental environmental protection is studied for China. • Internet use has significant negative impact on resident satisfaction with governmental environmental protection in China. • Residents who are skeptical about internet information are more satisfied with the governmental environmental protection. • Conclusions are consistent with "negativity bias theory", indicating that netizens pay more attention to negative news. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In 2011, the Danish government published an energy strategy for Denmark where one of the main targets are that Denmark should be a fossil-free society by 2050. Calculations show, that in order to reach this goal it is necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the existing building stock by 50% on average. Since a 50% reduction is obviously not possible for all buildings, those that can should aim for a so-called "deep energy renovation", i.e. reducing the energy consumption to a level corresponding to that of new buildings or even more. This paper describes two case studies where multi-story apartment buildings have undergone deep energy renovation. "Traneparken" where the expected energy use after renovation aimed at a level corresponding to that of a new building according to the Danish Building Regulations from 2015. "Sems Have" where the aim was to go even further and meet the requirements expected for new buildings in 2020, i.e. corresponding to the Danish "nearly zero energy"-definition according to the EPBD. The paper reports on calculations and measurements of energy savings, the economy of the projects and looks at the added benefits or co-benefits that residents, housing association and society in general have achieved in addition to significant energy savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We compare mobility cost of three different e-fuels, diesel, methanol, and LOHC. • The energy market design has a major influence on the production costs of e-fuels. • Dynamic and price-sensitive production of e-fuels can make them competitive in 2035. • LOHC is the most cost-effective option compared to synthetic diesel or methanol. • The optimal setup of e-fuel production is decisively affected by the market design. Abstract Electric fuels (e-fuels) enable CO 2 -neutral mobility and are therefore an alternative to battery-powered electric vehicles. This paper compares the cost-effectiveness of Fischer-Tropsch diesel, methanol and Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers. The production costs of those fuels are to a large part driven by the energy-intensive electrolytic hydrogen production. In this paper, we apply a multi-level electricity market model to calculate future hourly electricity prices for various electricity market designs in Germany for the year 2035. We then assess the economic efficiency of the different fuels under various future market conditions. In particular, we use the electricity price vectors derived from an electricity market model calibrated for 2035 as an input for a mathematical model of the entire process chain from hydrogen production and chemical bonding to the energetic utilization of the fuels in a vehicle. Within this model, we perform a sensitivity analysis, which quantifies the impact of various parameters on the fuel production cost. Most importantly, we consider prices resulting from own model calculations for different energy market designs, the investment cost for the electrolysis systems and the carbon dioxide purchase price. The results suggest that the use of hydrogen, which is temporarily bound to Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers, is a favorable alternative to the more widely discussed synthetic diesel and methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This paper presents enhanced modeling of gas network within planning models. • Solves the gas-electricity planning problem appling Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition. • Presents a scalable planning problem under long-term uncertainties. • Highlights the importance of multi-stage-stochastic gas-electricity planning problem. Abstract Planning networks within a multi-stage stochastic framework is becoming critical for improving the economic performance of investment decisions against the present levels of uncertainty. This problem, however, has been proved extremely challenging to be solved on real networks, especially when considering the interactions among various energy vectors. In this context, this paper proposes the use of Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition and parallel asynchronous column generation to solve a multi-stage stochastic planning of an integrated power and natural gas system, including non-linear effects of gas compressors reformulated in a mixed integer linear programming fashion. We compare the computational performance of the proposed approach against two alternatives: a parallel synchronous column generation approach and the counterfactual, monolithic approach, where the mixed integer linear program (without decomposition) is directly solved by a commercial solver. Our sources of long-term uncertainty are the locations and volumes of (i) new renewable generation (which may depend on policy objectives, regulatory incentives, etc. that are constantly evolving) and (ii) new demands. The model also ensures that the planned energy infrastructure can effectively be operated reliably against a large array of operating conditions originated by high variability of renewable generation outputs, multiple demand levels and hydro inflows. Through various case studies, we discuss and demonstrate the importance of stochastic and integrated planning of electricity and natural gas systems along with the benefits of asynchronous algorithms and decomposition techniques that can be parallelized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The Energy Justice Metric (EJM) quantifies energy justice. • The EJM balances competing aims of the energy trilemma. • Presents energy justice performance of US, UK, Germany, Denmark and Ireland. • The EJM addresses inequality in the energy sector and society. Abstract Energy justice is a fast emerging research and policy tool which captures the injustices across the energy life-cycle, i.e., from 'cradle-to-grave'. The Energy Justice Metric (EJM) quantifies energy justice through analyzing the energy justice performance of different countries utilising data from international institutions and national governments. This paper identifies why there is a need for a modeling tool such as the EJM which focuses on the full energy life-cycle and also has a distributive (inequality-correcting) oriented approach. The EJM demonstrates how a country can achieve an improved balance between the three competing aims of the energy trilemma, i.e. economics, politics and the environment. A key feature of the EJM is modeling energy justice using a ternary plot where the energy justice performance of a country can be transferred directly onto the energy trilemma. In this paper, five countries are analysed, the US, UK, Germany, Denmark and Ireland. The EJM presents a research and policy decision-making tool that can contribute to the growing literature that tackles the issue of inequality in society, and informs on society's decision on which energy source would be more just for a society to build. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green loan has attracted worldwide attention in recent years due to the increasingly striking environmental problems caused by economic activities. This paper considers a game on the application of green loans for technique innovation among the enterprises, banks and government, and addresses the effectiveness of green loan and government subsidy on promoting clean production. Serial profit-risk models are established and then solved according to the intention of enterprises to technique innovation for promoting clean production. Energy emission is selected as a measure capturing the production effects on environment in this paper. The conditions that enterprises execute technique innovation with loans and that banks approve loans for enterprises are derived. Two threshold values on technique maturity are presented to support these conditions. The most importantly, it is rigorously proved that green loan subsidy provided by the government could improve environmental quality through reducing the energy emissions from enterprises. It is also shown that subsidy not only improves the intention of enterprises to technique innovation, but also increases the innovation risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy consumption has promoted a continuous development for economy and society, but it has also brought serious environmental pollution problems which endanger public health. In order to focus on the impact of PM 2.5 emissions from future energy consumption on human health better, this paper estimated PM 2.5 emissions caused by energy consumption in Beijing in 2020,2025 and 2030 by setting the baseline scenario, emission reduction scenario, intensified emission reduction scenario and the data of the base year 2015, which will be 162.6 thousand tons, 195.9 thousand tons and 235.9 thousand tons in the baseline scenario, 143.1 thousand tons, 151.8 thousand tons and 160.9 thousand tons under the emission reduction scenario, and 132.6 thousand tons, 130.2 thousand tons, 127.9 thousand tons under the intensified emission reduction scenario. Finally the paper measured the number of different health effect ends caused by PM 2.5 emissions and the economic loss. The results showed that there was a rapid increase, a mild increase and a moderate decrease in energy consumption and PM 2.5 emissions in Beijing under the three scenarios from 2015 to 2030. Besides, under the same scenario and the same concentration level baseline, the number of the internal medicine (over the age of 15) was the largest, and the economic loss caused by total death rate was the biggest. This article provides suggestions to reduce PM 2.5 emissions and public health effect ends for Beijing in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is abundant solar potential in the Middle East North Africa region. Yet access to sustainable energy is still a fundamental challenge in many countries of this region. In this paper we seek to understand the success and failure of the development and the diffusion of solar energy technologies by analysing using a Strategic Niche Management framework to compare the niche development of solar thermal energy and solar photovoltaics in Lebanon. This paper has two main questions: (1) How have the solar thermal niche and the solar photovoltaic niche developed in Lebanon, and how do they compare? (2) In which ways does the Strategic Niche Management framework help us to understand the development of solar energy niches in a developing country context? To answer these questions, a cross case analysis of solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems was conducted. Due to the absence of research using Strategic Niche Management in Middle Eastern developing countries, this study uses an illustrative case from a country in this region to contribute new insights. Moreover, unlike the Strategic Niche Management research that only focuses on single case studies, this paper presents the results of a comparative study of two niches. The main Strategic Niche Management propositions were grouped and compared per item (i.e. on voicing and shaping expectations, social networks, and learning). The results show that the solar thermal niche affected the solar photovoltaic niche to a large extent. This was especially in relation to the learning and coordination processes. This has gradually contributed to establishing a clear vision. However, both niches lacked a niche manager who was able to coordinate, manage and maintain the dynamics of the niche processes. It also lacked horizontal collaboration between key actors involved (i.e. ministries). International donors were found to play a crucial role in initiating and shaping the market with certain constraints of prioritization in the region. The paper ends with conclusions and ideas for future research on solar energy niche development in the context of developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed energy supply has a prominent impact on solving the contradiction between energy supply and demand, environmental degradation, and other issues. This paper analyzes the application of distributed energy supply for specific power projects. We developed a systematic post project evaluation index and evaluation model using the theory of matter-element extension, and determined weights for all indicators that influenced distributed energy generation projects, combined with the attribute hierarchical model. The proposed model was verified experimentally, and shown to enhance evaluation of distributed generation projects. In addition, (1) Distributed energy systems have been widely applied across the world due to their inherent advantages of flexibility, convenience, environmentally friendliness, and high reliability, so it is necessary to study. (2) This paper combined the matter-element extension theory (MEET) and the attribute hierarchical model (AHM) to develop an evaluation model for distributed generation projects. The proposed model was verified experimentally using actual distributed energy project data. (3) This paper enhances the evaluation theoretical research on the post-evaluation of distributed generation projects and capturing experience and lessons for subsequent projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The needed transition from a fossil-to a bio-based economy fosters the utilization of biological resources derived from recycled low value by-products and waste streams. Chain actors face multiple challenges associated with the adoption of novel processing technologies. Bio-based technologies might be related to high switching costs, missing downstream processing technologies, lack of quality standards, missing industry standards, emerging regulatory frameworks. Moreover, as previously unrelated actors form new relationships, value chains are moving towards new structural changes. This paper thus seeks to explore the challenges associated with the emergence of novel value chains with an exploratory case study approach that reviews a new process of recovering phosphate - a typical scarce and fundamental resource - from rapeseed oil press cakes. The contribution of our paper is thus not only to provide conclusions for this specific case, but also, and more importantly, to present a blueprint for other cases of scarce resources that require the establishment of novel supply chains to foster cascading usage of by-products. Expert interviews with different value chain actors have been conducted to investigate arising challenges, and derive implications and a further research agenda. Despite the advantages of the bio-based process, interviews revealed several challenges associated with the emergence of novel value chains: hesitation of respondents in making new investments in terms of equipment and know-how, missing complementary competencies, and difficulties in integrating different industrial sectors to engage in cross-industry innovation, such as food processing (rapeseed oil cakes) and specialty chemicals/mineral (phosphate and its derivatives). These exploratory results open the way for some useful recommendations, enabling us to propose an agenda for further research and policy development in areas such as: development of synergies between academia and industry; formulation of management strategies to support the flexibility of firms to capture opportunities associated with by-product valorization; building a systemic approach at a local level to implement bio-based technology clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial symbiosis is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for industries. It reduces the consumption of energy and virgin material by extracting value from waste, lost heat and by-products. Energy symbiosis could fulfill a portion of industrial and non-industrial energy needs. This study discusses the opportunities and challenges of energy symbioses for non-industrial purposes, and develops a multi-objective mixed integer linear programming model for that purpose. The model minimizes the total cost and the environmental impact among energy suppliers and users. It includes the costs of implementing and operating an energy sharing network. The model is used to determine the optimal energy partners in an industrial area and residential neighborhoods in a western European industrial park. The proposed model also helps in studying the effects of uncertainties that may arise when establishing the energy network. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, it proposes using industrial symbioses to identify the challenges and to find solutions to meet the increasing demand for energy in urban and rural areas. Second, it develops a method to access affordable sources of energy for non-industrial purposes under uncertainties. The results show that involving residential customers in the symbioses would increase the environmental and economic benefits for all stakeholders in an eco-industrial park. The paper also shows that industries can play a key role in reducing the environmental impact in residential neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an algorithm for optimal management of aggregated power demand of a group of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) units. The algorithm provides an advanced direct load control mechanism for HVACs that leverages the availability of smart thermostats, which are remotely programmable and controllable. The paper provides a theoretical basis and an optimal solution to the problem of cycling a large number of HVAC units while respecting customer-chosen temperature limits for the purpose of maximum load reduction. The problem is presented in a new light by transforming it into a job scheduling problem and is solved using a combination of a novel greedy algorithm and a binary search algorithm. By leveraging widespread availability of smart internet-based (also referred to as IoT-based) thermostats in today’s environment, the proposed approach can be readily applied to residential buildings without additional electrical/IT infrastructure changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an approach to analyze the economic feasibility of offshore wind energy under influences of government financial subsidies, dynamic weather conditions (including typhoon), taxation, expectation of investor, optimal maintenance schedule, generated electricity under real weather conditions, and benefits from reduction of CO 2 emission. Economic criteria are calculated and used to assess efficiency of the government financial subsidies. This paper further proposes more appropriate subsidies for the government in term of satisfying both of investor’s expectation and the government’s target. In the case of Taiwan, government has been currently adopting Feed-in-tariff (FIT) subsidy and offering subsidy on capital cost to promote the development of offshore wind system. However, the currently applied subsidy on capital cost is not attractive enough for the investors and the current FIT subsidy is applied equally for all regions of Taiwan regardless the distinct conditions of each region. This paper proposes a more appropriate subsidy for capital cost, and suggests establishing regional FIT subsidy to subsidize differently for different regions. The results indicate that the proposed subsidy for capital cost and the proposed regional FIT subsidy are more appropriate to promote the expansion of offshore wind system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing system costs for power generation is essential for evaluating the economical aspect of energy resources. This paper examines traditional and renewable energy resources under uncertainty and variability of input variables. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of each technology is computed using a global sensitivity analysis. A Monte Carlo approach is utilized to study the thermoeconomics of a variety of power generation methods in the United States: fossil fuel-based, nuclear, developed renewable, and emerging renewable energy resources. The results of this study demonstrate how uncertainties in input data can significantly influence the LCOE values. Power generation from well-developed energy technologies exhibit less variability in LCOE due to established capital costs, operating and maintenance costs, and power generation. On the contrary, emerging renewable energy technologies are subject to high uncertainties in both technical and economic performance, as expected for technologies in early stages of development. A scenario with carbon pricing in power generation is also carried out in the paper. The presence of carbon pricing significantly increases the LCOEs of fossil fuel technologies, and LCOEs of other technologies also experience significant changes when life-cycle carbon assessments are considered. Several cost reduction opportunities are discussed to guide the development of future energy conversion, especially from emerging renewable energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides further arguments why Jacobson and Delucchi’s (JD) critiques of my paper are misplaced. It also provides additional references to work that reached different conclusions than Jacobson et al. Work by JD and others is useful in identifying the plethora of assumptions required to conclude that intermittent renewables can now be economically substituted for all current uses of fossil fuels throughout the entire economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of existing financial incentive policies in the U.S. for integrated photovoltaic and battery energy storage (PV-BES) systems. A mathematical model of PV-BES system to evaluate annual energy performance is developed in this paper. Four types of buildings (i.e., hospital, large office, large hotel, and secondary school) located in four different states, which each has their own PV and/or BES incentives, are selected and analyzed. Based on the energy performance data for each building type, the simply payback period (PBP) for the PV-BES system in different locations is calculated according to the local incentive policies. The PBP is chosen as an indicator to evaluate the effectiveness of incentive policies for different locations and building types by comparing it to the PBP for the same PV-BES systems without incentive policies. The reduction of carbon dioxide emission (CDE) due to the PV generation is also investigated since it indicates the potential to reduce the PBP for a further step when a high carbon credit is available. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is conducted to determine the sensitivity and contribution of parameters such as the capacity of the PV-BES system, the capital cost of PV module and the battery storage on the performance of the PV-BES system. Results show that for all the evaluated buildings in California and Hawaii, the existing incentive policy could reduce the PBP effectively below 10 years. However, the PBP for most of the evaluated buildings in New Jersey and New York were high even when both the PV and BES incentive policies were taken into account (approximately from 11 to 29 years). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refrigerators are a common appliance in developed and emerging economies around the world. These appliances consume significant energy globally and improving their efficiency is an important aspect of future climate change mitigation. It is widely understood that the energy consumption of household refrigerating appliances is strongly influenced by room temperature and many analysts have identified ambient temperature as the most important factor in normal use. Room temperature has two main effects on the energy consumption of refrigerating appliances. Firstly, the temperature difference between the compartment and the room dictates the heat gain into the appliance through the wall insulation and door seals. A second effect is that a change in room temperature affects the condensing temperature. An increase in room temperature reduces overall refrigeration system efficiency by increasing the difference between the evaporating and condensing temperature. This paper examines laboratory data for 111 appliances where energy consumption is measured at four ambient temperatures from 10 °C to 40 °C. Field data for 235 appliances in homes is also examined. This is more complex to analyse, but it does provide useful information on underlying energy changes due to changes in room temperature during normal use. This paper determines the ratio of energy at 16–32 °C (energy conditions in IEC62552-3) and explores the shape of the energy curve at intermediate temperatures in order to develop a generalised energy curve as a function of temperature for the refrigerating appliances measured. The field data gave highly comparable shape data to that measured in the laboratory. The results provide a useful method to estimate the likely power consumption of different appliance types under a wide range of operating conditions, even where limited data is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) has dual aims to reduce emission production and stimulate adoption of long-term abatement technology. Whilst it has generally achieved its first aim, its issues are hindering the accomplishment of the second. Several solutions have been proposed to improve ETS’s efficacy, yet none of them have considered the advancement of Industry 4.0. This paper proposes a novel ETS model customised for Industry 4.0 integration. It incorporates blockchain technology to address ETS’s management and fraud issues whilst it utilizes a reputation system in a new approach to improve ETS efficacy. Specific design of how the blockchain technology and reputation system are used to achieve these objectives is showed within this paper. The case study demonstrates the inner working of reputation-based trading system—in which reputation signifies participants performance and commitment toward emission reduction effort. Multi-criteria analysis is used to evaluate the proposed scheme against conventional ETS model. The result shows that the proposed model is a feasible scheme and that the benefits of its implementation will outweigh its drawback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key steps towards economic feasibility of wave energy conversion technology concerns scaling up to farms of multiple devices, in the attempt to reduce installation costs by sharing infrastructure, and a consequent drop in levelised cost of energy. Moreover, whenever wave energy systems are deployed in proximity (in so-called arrays), the exploitation of the hydrodynamic interactions between single devices is fully enabled, potentially increasing the final energy outcome. To achieve this in real (operational) time, the employed energy-maximising control strategies require control-oriented array models, able to efficiently describe the dynamics of these interconnected systems in a representative fashion. This can be, nonetheless, a difficult task when considering first principles alone, under small motion assumptions, for modelling purposes. Recognising the uncertainty associated to array numerical models obtained from the linearisation of simplified system equations around their equilibria, this paper presents models of several array configurations identified following a frequency domain approach on the basis of experimental data. Tailored tests on laboratory-scale devices have been designed and conducted in the Aalborg University (Denmark) wave tank facility, with the purpose of performing representative system identification of the wave energy systems arrays. The obtained models are validated on different representative sea states configurations, in controlled and uncontrolled motion operational conditions. The validation results are fully discussed and analysed in terms of standard error measures and time lag, while the obtained models are made freely accessible via a linked repository (named OCEAN), in the attempt to openly provide validated models for different array configurations. • Data-based modelling of wave energy system arrays from experimental data. • Different array layouts, up to three devices at different distances. • Validation made in uncontrolled and controlled (passive and reactive) conditions. • Freely available validated MIMO models of the different array configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The allocation of carbon emission quotas is recognized as a fundamental and critical step towards the establishment of an effective nationwide carbon emissions trading (CET) market in China. This paper aims to examine the quota allocation pertaining to China's east coastal areas. These regions are pioneers in reformation and the domestic heavy emitters. In this paper, a multi-criteria decision analysis model is proposed. This model is based on the principles of efficiency and equity. In order to reflect the true efficiency of carbon emissions, a weighted Russell direction distance model is employed. Three criteria, namely capacity, responsibility and potential, are used to evaluate the degrees of equity. Furthermore, different situations are set to evaluate the related indicators. The results indicate the following: (1) Industrial provinces have less carbon emission quota increments. (2) The Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone has notably improved energy efficiency, and future quota increments correspond with the zone's current carbon emissions. (3) Circum-Bohai Sea Economic Zone will be a major buyer of carbon emission quotas, while Pan-Pearl River Delta Economic Zone currently receives surplus quota. (4) The overall allocation of quotas converts from uneven to even as a result of GDP growth. These results provide a reference for collaborative regional reductions in carbon emissions and for the construction of a CET market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper first estimates the energy-related carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions and carbon intensity of China's 30 provinces from 2000 to 2015. By constructing a 4-variable Panel Vector Auto-regression (PVAR) model, the paper quantitatively analyzes the dynamic relationship among urbanization, industrial structure, energy and carbon intensity in China during urbanization and industrialization stage. The results show that urbanization process and the advancement of industrial structure are consistent with the optimization goals of energy and carbon intensity. In the long term, energy and carbon intensity will decline with the development of urbanization and the advancement of industrial structure. But urbanization process has an inverted U-shaped effect on energy and carbon intensity, while the influence of industrial structure advancement on energy and carbon intensity increases over time. In contrast, the positive impact of energy intensity on carbon intensity is mainly reflected in the short term. This paper confirms the importance of urbanization and upgrading of industrial structure in the goal of energy saving and emissions reduction. Thus, this paper suggests that each province should adopt the upgrading of industrial structure as one of the policy goals, and constantly promote new urbanization process, following their own development characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a complex matter, where the involvement of all relevant stakeholders can play a crucial role in supporting policymakers in defining an effective and long-running waste management plan at the local level. This paper deals with the difficulties related to the scarce collaboration and commitment of stakeholders involved in OFMSW collection and management, which mainly affects the regions located in the southern part of Italy. Starting from these premises, the aim of the study was to test an approach for involving stakeholders in the definition of a long-term strategy to address a complex issue, such as OFMSW valorisation. For this purpose, participatory backcasting was used to allow stakeholders to describe their desired future, and working backwards to identify the policy actions needed to achieve that future. Specifically, this paper focusses on the OFMSW's valorisation of the municipality of Foggia (Southern Italy), which is representative of the lagging behind in waste management. The experiment led to a strategy based on OFMSW valorisation involving bio-methane and the production of digestate, through which it will be possible to reduce the quantity of waste disposed in landfills. To investigate the suitability of the proposed approach, a questionnaire for measuring the level of influence of participants on the workshop results and the quality of the final strategy was submitted. Participants expressed a strong degree of empowerment in the identification of actions and their arrangement on the timeline. Overall, the experience proved that the suggested approach fostered the stakeholders' contribution to the long-term strategy definition for OFMSW management. However, this draft strategy needs to be further elaborated to be implemented. In addition, the validation scores demonstrated a positive effect on the democratization of policymaking. Therefore, the proposed backcasting could be considered a valuable approach for supporting policymakers, especially in regions affected by the scarce engagement of people towards environmental protection. In this way, local governments may adopt this tool to improve their waste management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper finds that specific characteristics of bioenergy investments – namely long times to build, relatively high variable costs, and the managerial ability of corrective actions during the project – help bioenergy producers to respond to market uncertainties. This effect is shown to compromise the economic effectiveness of bioenergy policies. The paper compares the effectiveness of financial and regulatory incentive programs aiming to stimulate production of crop-based biogas. A stylized stochastic real-options based investment model is developed to analyze the investment behavior of biogas producers under alternative policies. The model is solved by a numerical approach combining stochastic simulations and the genetic algorithm technique. Unless bioenergy schemes account for structural characteristics of the bioenergy industry, they will tend to encourage investments in unused production capacities. This would cause additional welfare costs and benefit mainly crop producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-third of global energy demand as well as CO 2 emissions is accounted to industrial processes. In particular, over 30% of total industrial energy consumption is attributed to the iron and steel, cement and refining industry. The aim of the present paper is to review crosscutting technologies and measures adopted to improve energy efficiency in the main Italian industrial sectors regulated by the recent EU legislation on integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC-IED). In fact, 2010/75/EU Directive on industrial emissions, a general improvement on the entire environmental performance of the industrial installations is pursued by taking into account relevant environmental issues, such as emissions into water, air, soil as well as energy efficiency, waste production, recovering and recycling, restoration of the site upon definitive cessation of activities. Moreover, according to 2010/75/EU Directive, IPPC permits should be based on Best Available Techniques (BAT) aimed to reach an adequate level of environmental protection and should establish all the necessary measures including operating conditions, emission limit values for relevant polluting substances as well as monitoring requirements. Thus, in the present paper an assessment of Best Available Techniques (BAT) related to energy efficiency in the main Italian industrial installations is carried out on the base of the analysis on the IPPC permits released by the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea, and made available on its web site. As a result a significant improvement in energy efficiency was assessed. In fact, many process units were upgraded, by major revamping or even by replacing the process completely with one showing better performances. Finally, since energy efficiency is at its best at the beginning of the life cycle of the plant, operators, whenever necessary, periodically monitor and measure the actual energy performance of their own installations for process control and maintenance purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the regulatory policies, feed-in tariffs (FIT) and renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are the most popular to promote the development of renewable energy power industry. This paper uses system dynamics (SD) to establish models of long-term development of the renewable energy power industry under FIT and RPS schemes, and provides a case study of China's wind power industry by using scenario analysis method. The model, on the one hand, not only clearly shows the complex logical relationship between the factors but also reveals the process of coordination between the two policy tools in the development of the renewable energy power industry. On the other hand, it provides a reference for scholars to study similar problems in different countries, thereby facilitating an understanding of the renewable energy power's long-term sustainable development pattern under FIT and RPS schemes, and helping to provide references for policy-making institutions. The results show that the integrate implementation of FIT and RPS can promote long-term and rapid development of China's wind power industry given the constraints and actions of the mechanisms of RPS quota proportion, the tradable green certificates (TGC) valid period, and fines. In addition, in the period of the construction of the TGC market, RPS quota growth rate and fine have a no significant effect on industrial development, however, with TGC market game becoming more and more fierce, both of them have a significant positive impact on the long-term development of the industry. TGC valid period has little effect on industrial development in our study. At the end of the paper, policy implications are offered as references for the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel research work on the potential benefits of using, a unique and sustainable energy source - the human-power. The paper discusses the benefits and the practicality of using human-power as a domestic energy source to power electrical and electronic devices and explores the benefit of its use in a more diverse perspective for possible change in behaviour and energy savings for improved sustainability in the society. The economic and sustainability gains of using Human-Powered Products (HPPs) are investigated. Two studies have been conducted, the first is a study which involves assessing the environmental impact of a human-powered products via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); and the second is a case study called Home User Study (HUS), where the technology is experimentally tested. The human-powered system is used to explore the real benefits and life-cycle analysis towards assessing the sustainability of such products. The Home User Study (HUS) has been conducted to explore the in-situ use of human-powered systems using a new prototype that has been built and deployed. The study has used a monitoring device to measure the outcome of the interaction between the user and human-powered products. The results interestingly have revealed various other forms of benefits beyond renewable energy that could add extra motives for using human-powered products, such as health benefits. The paper also puts an emphasis on the opportunity of using Human-Powered Products which can be perceived as a great viable solution against counter measuring social issues such as physical inactivity and increasing sedentary behaviour. The results of the theoretical study indicate that Human-Powered Products (HPP) do not offer significant financial savings. The results of the HUS indicate that using human-powered products for health prospective outweigh the benefit gained from the prospective of energy savings and renewable energy. Based on the findings of this study, the paper suggests an approach that shows how the implementation of Human-powered systems could provide the opportunity to sustainable energy generation and energy savings, but in all cases they can be retained through a motivational drive in improving the health benefit via encouraging physical activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities are the main carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emitters in China, and it is important to explore both the characteristics and reduction potential of their CO 2 emissions. This paper calculates the industrial energy-related CO 2 emissions (IECEs) of 17 cities in China's Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region from 2005 to 2014 and analyses the driving factors of CO 2 emissions using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI). In addition, this paper predicts the CO 2 reduction potential of this group of cities for the period from 2015 to 2020. The results show that (1) during the sample period, industrial CO 2 emissions in the studied cities increased by a factor of 1.61. Economic output is the greatest contributor, followed by population size. Energy intensity and energy structure are the two main emission mitigation factors; (2) the driving factors of CO 2 emissions in the group of cities exhibit distinct spatial characteristics, indicating that future analyses of cities in this area should have distinctly different foci; and (3) the forecasting results show that under moderate and aggressive scenarios, CO 2 emissions in the studied cities can be reduced by 281.59 Mt and 711.90 Mt, respectively, by 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main problems for adopting smart thermostats is consumers’ expectations about smart thermostats. Generally, the interfaces in smart thermostats and smart devices in the energy market are designed without consideration for the expectations of the customers or are not adjusting their operation according to the consumers’ expectations and behavior. Moreover, the business model does not consider one part of the product as the main link between customers and value propositions. This study shows a structure for creating a smart interface based on consumers’ expectations and shows an extension of the CANVAS business model. Furthermore, the paper re-defines the term “smart” in electric devices as the ability to adjust the system in order to reach the expectations of the consumer and to save energy. This term is not only defined in terms of saving energy but also it includes the customer’s expectations. If the system is only smart to control the temperature and save energy, the customer’s expectations may not always be achieved; thus, the smart devices are not successfully adopted in households. The design is based on artificial neural networks and a fuzzy logic controller to achieve the consumer’s expectations. The results show the interface operation on each block. The classification systems have to operate to detect changes in the customer’s market segment. The fuzzy logic controller tries to reach the customer’s expectations in order to move the customer into the energy saving market. This expectation interface tries to motivate designers to focus on consumer’s expectations for smart devices in the energy market. Not only are the energy requirements important to design a smart thermostat, but also the consumer’s expectations to create a successful smart thermostat in the electric market. Smart thermostats can reduce the consumption of electrical energy, but they need to be accepted. This interface provides an effective manner to connect the consumer’s expectations with the consumption of energy. This papers shows a proof of concept about intelligent interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty can be understood as the inability of a household to secure socially and materially the necessitated level of energy services in the home. This condition is described as either energy or fuel poverty and it has been recognized by the EU's so called “Third Energy Package”. The work in this field has identified a number of household-level factors that influence the likelihood of experiencing domestic deprivation, with particular emphasis being placed on understanding how education levels correlates to the phenomenon. In that perspective, and in order to study the dynamics of energy poverty in Greece, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed mainly by means of in-situ interviews and, in exceptional cases, in remote sessions. The evidence presented in this paper is based on a comprehensive study of 762 questionnaires mainly for Western Macedonia (43.6%) and Central Macedonia (42.6%), Greece. Using the quantitative data gathered, we measure the energy vulnerability concerning the quality of the housing–dwelling, the heating system, indoor thermal comfort and the net-income. The research is, to our knowledge, the first attempt to analyze residential energy, habitants’ behavior, and attitudes in the middle of the economic crisis in North Greece. It has been determined, that the middle class has become the most vulnerable class in that sense. A further scope of this paper is not only to present this data, which prove that domestic energy deprivation appears not only in Southern but also in Northern Greece, but also to discuss measures that can be adopted in order mitigate energy and social vulnerability of the middle class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes that the gas economics in East Asia (including Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia) is different from standard economics due to its exogenous oil-indexed pricing and certain region-specific and industry-specific factors. Based on a hypothesis of distinctive economics, this paper proposes an analytical framework that studies East Asian gas markets. We demonstrate this framework through a case study of the effects of a low oil prices. The qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that low oil prices, and subsequent oil-indexed gas prices, have affected gas supply and demand, and trade and pricing dynamics in ways that can be explained by the distinctive gas economics. This paper demonstrates that the distinctive economics may cause market failure and that the analytical framework based on the distinctive economics can be used to assess policy options to address these market failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

System inertia reduction, driven by the integration of renewables, imposes significant challenges on the primary frequency control. Electrification of road transport not only reduces carbon emission by shifting from fossil fuel consumption to cleaner electricity consumption, but also potentially provide flexibility to facilitate the integration of renewables, such as supporting primary frequency control. In this context, this paper develops a techno-economic evaluation framework to quantify the challenges on primary frequency control and assess the benefits of EVs in providing primary frequency response. A simplified GB power system dynamic model is used to analyze the impact of declining system inertia on the primary frequency control and the technical potential of primary frequency response provision from EVs. Furthermore, an advanced stochastic system scheduling tool with explicitly modeling of inertia reduction effect is applied to assess the cost and emission driven by primary frequency control as well as the benefits of EVs in providing primary frequency response under two representative GB 2030 system scenarios. This paper also identifies the synergy between PFR provision from EVs and “smart charging” strategy as well as the impact of synthetic inertia from wind turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper forms a Virtual Energy Storage System (VESS) and validates that VESS is an innovative and cost-effective way to provide the function of conventional Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) through the utilization of the present network assets represented by the flexible demand. The VESS is a solution to convert to a low carbon power system and in this paper, is modelled to store and release energy in response to regulation signals by coordinating the Demand Response (DR) from domestic refrigerators in a city and the response from conventional Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESSs). The coordination aims to mitigate the impact of uncertainties of DR and to reduce the capacity of the costly FESS. The VESS is integrated with the power system to provide the frequency response service, which contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions through the replacement of spinning reserve capacity of fossil-fuel generators. Case studies were carried out to validate and quantify the capability of VESS to vary the stored energy in response to grid frequency. Economic benefits of using VESS for frequency response services were estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, model predictive control (MPC) is employed to resolve the energy management problem of a plug-in hybrid electric bus (PHEB). Dynamic programming (DP), as a global optimization method, is inserted at each time step of the MPC, to solve the optimization problem regarding the prediction horizon. A multi-step Markov prediction model is constructed to forecast the near future driving velocities for the MPC. The battery SOC is restrained to fluctuate near a reference trajectory to ensure the global performance of MPC. Three novel restraining methods are proposed and compared in this paper. The resultant fuel economy performance with different SOC constraint methods are evaluated. Simulation results indicate that by restraining the battery SOC adaptively to the control variables gains the best fuel economy performance, and the fuel consumption of MPC is 8.7% less than a ruled based strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents methods for assessing the statistical interdependencies between solar irradiance and the outside temperature, which are used to assess the correspondence between the operation of technologies to meet the heat demands and the PV output. It is important to be able to assess the impact of heating technology changes and increased PV penetration on power system requirements. Considering the correlation between the PV outputs and heat loads, there exist multiple effects of weather variations on the “Source-Grid-Load.” Heat load, photovoltaic (PV), electric air conditioner (EC), natural gas-fuelled combined heat and power (CHP), and central heating boiler models are established to study the influences of the solar irradiance and the temperature of the outdoors. The energy dependence impacts on the “Source-Grid-Load” are simulated in a 41-bus distribution network, and the paper's results show how the correspondence between the temperature and solar irradiance can impact the system's requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meeting the growing electricity demand in many developing countries is a major challenge as there is a shortage in power generation. This paper proposes a novel strategy for mitigating the effect of weather intermittency on the scheduling power interruption of residential houses. The proposed method involves optimal scheduling strategy for the electricity supply of these houses in a distribution grid and weather temperature prediction using a probability paper plot is deployed. Data training is achieved through the Monte-Carlo Simulation, and the prediction model is validated through error analysis. Using this method, novel power interruption schedules, based on maximizing houses’ accessibility to electricity and considering consumers’ fairness of accessing electricity services on hourly basis, have been designed. The design considers two optimization problems, scheduling electricity supply and validating the schedule in the power distribution grid by ensuring no violations of grid operational requirements. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis has been conducted to investigate the effect of scaling up the demand from the house context on enabling electricity access to such houses. The effect of conservative voltage reduction schemes on energy consumption reduction has also been explored. The studied results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in enabling electricity access of new regions accommodated in the grid by up to 47.6% which increases the profit of the power utility from residential electricity bill payments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Market based pricing of CO 2 was designed to control CO 2 emissions by means of the price level, since high CO 2 price levels discourage emissions. In this paper, it will be shown that the level of uncertainty on CO 2 market prices, i.e. the volatility of CO 2 prices itself, has a strong influence not only on generation portfolio risk management but also on CO 2 emissions abatement. A reduction of emissions can be obtained when rational power generation capacity investors decide that the capacity expansion cost risk induced jointly by CO 2 volatility and fossil fuels prices volatility can be efficiently hedged adding to otherwise fossil fuel portfolios some nuclear power as a carbon free asset. This intriguing effect will be discussed using a recently introduced economic analysis tool, called stochastic LCOE theory. The stochastic LCOE theory used here was designed to investigate diversification effects on energy portfolios. In previous papers this theory was used to study diversification effects on portfolios composed of carbon risky fossil technologies and a carbon risk-free nuclear technology in a risk-reward trade-off frame. In this paper the stochastic LCOE theory will be extended to include uncertainty about nuclear power plant construction times, i.e. considering nuclear risky as well, this being the main uncertainty source of financial risk in nuclear technology. Two measures of risk will be used, standard deviation and CVaR deviation, to derive efficient frontiers for generation portfolios. Frontier portfolios will be analyzed in their implications on emissions control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents hybrid control approaches for heating air supply in response to changes in demand by using the Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) fitting models. Since early 2000’s, some advanced computing and statistical tools were introduced to replace conventional control models in improving control and energy efficiency. Among the tools, the FIS and ANN algorithms were used to define complex interactions between inputs and outputs, and were able to facilitate control models to predict or evaluate precise thermal performance. This paper introduces the FIS and ANN control schemes for simultaneously controlling the amount of supply air and its temperature. Input and output data derived from the FIS results generate and validate the ANN model, and both models are compared to the typical thermostat on/off baseline control to evaluate conditions of supply air for a heating season. The differences between the set-point and actual room temperature and their sums indicate control efficiency, and the heat gains into a room and their sums define the energy consumption level. This paper concludes that the simultaneous control of mass and temperature maintains the desired room temperature in a highly efficient manner. Sensitive controls may have a disadvantage in terms of energy consumption, but the ANN controller can minimize energy consumption in comparison with simple thermostat on/off controller. The results also confirm the effectiveness of simultaneous control of mass and temperature using an ANN algorithm corresponding to intermittent or unpredicted changes in thermal demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power split configurations exhibit potential on decreasing fuel consumption. However, how to select the best power split configuration among all the possible configurations still need to be explored. In this paper, a one-dimensional searching ECMS (Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy) is developed to evaluate fuel consumption for input power split configuration. Additionally, a battery degradation model based on experimental data is applied to evaluate the battery degradation for input power split configuration. According to one-dimensional searching ECMS and battery degradation model, the impact of different input power split configurations on fuel consumption and battery degradation is investigated. Simulations show that configuration T1 has fuel consumption and battery degradation advantages for PHEV city bus application in China. These advantages are observed because the system efficiency operation points of configuration T1 are closer to the high efficiency area than the system efficiency operation points of other input power split configurations. Furthermore, according to the lever model and one-dimensional searching ECMS method, a power split configuration selection method is provided in this paper. The simulation results based on configuration selection method still indicate that configuration T1 appears to have the best fuel economy for PHEV city bus application. Moreover, configuration T5, with a lever length close to 0, exhibits the worst fuel consumption and battery degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over-capacity problem in refining sector and energy security for oil supply are critical issues for China’s oil industry. As governmental intervention plays a significant part in current and future development of oil industry, over-capacity problem would not be solved without macro-regulatory. Though China is promoting large-scale strategic reserve of crude oil, there is rare quantitative evaluation on the capability of the oil industry in dealing with import disruption. In this paper, a system dynamic model is established for oil supply chain analysis. Based on the model, a quantitative measurement is proposed to evaluate the over-capacity extent of refining industry. The over-capacity extent is classified into three levels, according to varied demand fluctuation the supply chain is expected to deal with. By comparing the modeling results and historical data of 2012 and 2013, we conclude that over-capacity in China’s refining industry is in the severest level. The measurement reveals the driven-force of over-capacity from supply chain perspective, and demonstrates a quantitative method to figure out the proper capacity of energy supply industry. Second, the model simulates how oil supply chain responds to crude oil import disruption and the subsequent impacts. The modeling results indicate that the current configuration of China’s oil supply system is able to maintain sustainable supply under a less-than-180-day crude oil import disruption. The model provides a supply chain perspective in looking into energy security issues, and reveals the relationship between strategic petroleum reserve and the capability to cope with supply risks. In summary, the system dynamic model proposed in this paper is applicable for analysis on capacity planning and reserve strategy design of oil supply chain, providing valuable suggestion for the future development of China’s oil industry. The design concept and method of the model can be used for analysis of other energy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a large untapped potential for improved energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy. Governmental industrial energy audit programs subsidizing the companies to conduct an energy audit are the most common policy in trying to overcome the energy efficiency gap. Evaluation studies have been carried out to gain knowledge about the success of a completed energy audit policy program. The evaluations were made in different ways and in addition focused on different performance indicators and used different ways of categorizing data. In this article, a literature review has been made of five evaluation studies from different energy audit programs, where the problems of the present incomparability between programs due to differences are discussed. The policy implication of this paper is that new energy audit policy programs must distinguish a harmonized way of categorizing data, both regarding energy efficiency measures and energy end-use. Further, a proposition for a standard for how to evaluate energy audit policy programs is suggested. Conclusions from this study are that important elements, such as the free-rider effect and harmonized energy end-use data, should be defined and included in evaluation studies. A harmonized standard for evaluating audit programs is not least needed within the EU, where member states are obliged to launch audit programs for large enterprises, and preferably also for small and medium-sized enterprises. This paper serves as an important contribution for the development of such a standard in further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within many industries there is a constant drive to reduce environmental impact and energy costs thereby ensuring maximum energy re-use. Within the iron and steel industry the ironmaking processes are acknowledged to be the focus area when the topic of energy saving arises. A lot of attention has been applied to the ironmaking processes with regards to environment and energy saving, with established technologies being in place to reach these goals such that the process per se, is now at or very close to theoretical limits. The following areas of the blast furnace process are currently the focus of Primetals activity with regards the target to further improve energy saving with incremental improvements: • Flue gas recycling within blast furnace stoves • MERIM dry gas cleaning process • Dry slag granulation including heat recovery This paper will present the concepts and latest status of the above technologies. The paper will review the progress to date of these development activities and thus present ideas on options for energy saving and re-use within the ironmaking system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequential growth in offshore electrical power demand associated with increased oil and gas production, new offshore developments and advanced technologies for enhanced oil recovery is driving the decision to explore alternative means of power supply as opposed to solely considering localized gas turbine generators, the last being the conventional approach over the decades. As part of the overall strategic decision making process, which would include consideration of a numerous other technical issues, this paper presents a Reliability Constrained Integrated Energy Economics Model (RC-IEEM) as a tool to allow for the economic comparison between two strategic electrification options namely (i) continue with offshore localized power generation using large-scale gas turbines (GTs), or (ii) propose a new approach for power supply from onshore using a voltage source converter (VSC) based high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. Results reported in this paper show usefulness of the proposed tool and the benefits of connecting to onshore using HVDC technology, offering lower life-cycle cost with higher reliability and lower environmental impacts. The assumptions and conclusions reached in this paper are generic and are not project specific but are typical for the offshore oil and gas industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]