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The motivation of this paper is to investigate the resistance of countries' energy research and development (RD&D) expenditures to random shocks. The analysis includes the five countries (France, Germany, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom) that are the biggest investors in RD&D in fossil fuels, renewables, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy. Thus, economies will be able to take precautions against global shocks in producing sustainable energy policies. To achieve this aim, this paper uses the artificial neural network approach, which uses a distributed computing model that can store and generalize data after a learning period. Empirical results widely depend on countries and distinct energy technology policy fields. The key findings provide evidence that RD&D expenditures, except for renewables, do not tend to mean revert. The economies of Japan, Germany, and the United States should make more renewable investments to reduce the resistance of renewable energy sources to shocks and thus produce policies for both environmental sustainability and energy security. The economies of France and the United Kingdom can ensure energy security by continuing their sustainable energy policies. • Applied SDG policies focused on energy technology RD&D are presented. • The stochastic characteristics of energy technology investments are examined. • Carbon-reducing policies are recommended for the top five economies. • Energy technologies are perused through artificial intelligence approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global economic costs of environmental pollution increase the importance of renewable energy sources. This paper analyzes the impact of financial development on renewable energy consumption in 34 upper middle income developing countries from 1994 to 2015. The long-term relationship between variables is estimated by applying Panel Pedroni cointegration and Kao cointegration tests. The long run effect of financial development on renewable energy consumption is investigated by using Fully-Modified OLS (FMOLS) approach. The empirical results indicate the presence of long run relationship between renewable energy consumption and financial development. Moreover, financial development increases the demand for renewable energy. Economic growth has a negative effect on renewable energy consumption, but consumer prices have a statistically insignificant impact on renewable energy consumption. The empirical evidence reveals that financial development triggers in increasing demand for environmentally friendly energy sources, i.e., renewable energy. Renewable energy consumption reduces the amount of greenhouse gases in nature as opposed to fossil energy consumption. Therefore, to achieve sustainable development goals, governments should implement incentives and tax policies that increase the demand of enterprises for renewable energy resources. In addition, investment opportunities in renewable energy resources to be created by public-private cooperation via financial arrangements should be increased. - This paper examines how financial development affects renewable energy consumption? - The panel Pedroni cointegration and Kao cointegration approaches are applied. - The Fully-Modified OLS (FMOLS) approach is employed for long run association. - Financial development promotes renewable energy demand. - Economic growth declines renewable energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy resource utilisation is becoming more prevalent in society and can be a sustainable method to meet rising energy demand and consumption. The International Renewable Energy Agency reports that presently, approximately 33% of total electricity output around the world is from renewable energy sources. However, in Nigeria, the World Bank reported this figure as 18.2% in 2015. It is important to understand how Nigeria can raise this average as the world moves towards less use of fossil fuels. Therefore, the aim of this work was to provide a review of the established literature, which can then be used to support the development of renewable energy systems in Nigeria. The methodology employed for the study of the literature involved a systematic review method, including identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion criterium steps. Understanding the national energy landscape is essential to support potential projects, and consequently, energy supply, demand and consumption in Nigeria are observed. The review examined renewable energy sources in Nigeria with a focus on solar and biomass/bioenergy. The levelised cost of electricity from renewable technologies was analysed, and the paper identified and evaluated past projects centered on solar and biomass, presenting three main case studies. The results indicate that solar and biomass have the most potential for energy generation in Nigeria, with 4–6.5 kWh/m2 of solar irradiation available per day and approximately 2.3 × 109 GJ bioenergy potential per year. However, solar PV is currently of most interest in Nigeria due to the lower cost of on-grid solar PV electricity, which can comfortably compete with fossil fuels. Nevertheless, costs still need to be lowered to compete fully. Finally, the findings also indicate that there is an omission in the literature surrounding the existing renewable projects and technologies in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the relationship between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy production and consumption patterns in 122 countries over the period from 1990 to 2020. Particular attention is paid to the role of different types of energy, including renewable, hydro and nuclear energy, as well as oil, gas and coal, in shaping GHG emissions. Unlike previous studies, the paper analyzes the full range of energy resources and focuses on different quantiles of data using the quantile-quantile regression (QQR) method. The results of this approach are compared with traditional quantile regression (QR) to assess its validity. Among the findings of this study are: (1) different parts of the energy mix have a heterogeneous impact on GHG emissions in different quantiles; (2) energy consumption patterns play a more significant role in shaping GHG emissions than production patterns; (3) increasing production and consumption of fossil fuels does not necessarily increase GHG emissions; (4) similarly, the development of renewable energy sources is not always accompanied by a reduction in GHG emissions. Our general conclusion is that existing climate policy requires significant diversification to not be focused only on renewable energy, which impact on GHG emissions is not as homogeneous as it usually considered, and which cannot solve the problem of raising emissions solely. Instead of this, it could be more rational to focus on the searching the ways of hydrocarbon industries sustainable development and support them in this journey, especially in the field of Scope 2 and Scope 3 operations management. • Impact of energy consumption and production on GHG emissions were analyzed for 122 countries in 1990–2020. • Quantile and Quantile-on-Quantile regression were used to catch the specifics of energy consumption and production patterns. • Two temporal breakpoints (1999/2000 and 2009/2010) were introduced to catch shifts in variables dependencies. • The influence of fossil fuels on GHG emissions is not homogeneous as it usually considered, the same is fare for renewables. • A promising option to reduce GHG emissions is carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide utilization of fossil energy, including its specific application as transportation fuel, significantly contributes to the continuous increase of the atmospheric CO 2 concentration. Several solutions have been promoted or scheduled to reduce CO 2 emissions. Among these solutions, the development of renewable energy resources, such as bio-fuels, offers important advantages as promoted by several countries and institutions who disclosed their plans to partly or totally use alternative renewable energy sources in the future. For the rapidly growing aviation sector, aviation fuel derived from fossil resources is still the major available energy source. The development of renewable aviation fuel is considered to be a promising future strategy to reduce related CO 2 emissions. The worldwide total aviation fuel consumption by commercial airlines increased from about 260 million m³/year in 2005 to over 340 million m³/year in 2018, and a further annual increase of about 5% is expected till 2050. Worldwide actions have hence been undertaken with respect to bio-aviation fuel production, distribution, and demonstration flying. As a relatively new topic, there are a lot of remaining challenges in technology development, fuel certification and distribution. The production technology, policy and environmental impact of bio-aviation fuel were comprehensively reviewed, including its production by the catalytic conversion of lipids, by the conversion of carbohydrates or lignocellulosic biomass, and by developing bio-refinery concepts for bio-aviation fuel production. The future reduction of CO 2 emissions in the aviation sector requires an improvement of the biomass to aviation fuel production technology through the correct integration of biology, chemical engineering, and energy crops. The paper illustrates this potential integration through reviewing the current research in the production of aviation fuels from biomass, including the complete industrial chain from airplane manufacturer, aviation fuel producer and provider, airline strategies, and ongoing R&D, bearing in mind that major efforts are required to foster the development of the cost-effective production of renewable aviation fuel. The different topics of the Table of contents will be subsequently dealt with. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of renewable energy consumption on material consumption, considering the relationship between Material Footrprint and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and testing the assumptions of the Environmental Kuznets Curve. A STIRPAT variation is used to specify a model relating the Material Footprint to renewable energy consumption and GDP. The effect is tested for the Material Footprint of fossil fuels and for the Material Footprint of the other categories. The analysis is applied to the seven European countries with the highest proportion of renewable energy consumption. The model estimation shows that the relationship between GDP and Material Footprint follows an inverted N-shaped form, and that the renewable energy favours the reduction of the material consumption of fossil fuels. However, there is a positive effect between the renewable energy consumption and the Material Footprint of the other categories beyond fossil fuels. These results must be interpreted considering the context, as the development of renewable energy coincides with the effects of the 2008 crisis, which may distort the relation between the variables. To pose dematerialization scenarios, it seems necessary to consider reducing energy consumption even if it comes from renewable sources. • The hypotheses of the Environmental Kuzntes Curve are tested. • Renewable energy does not seem to contribute to dematerialization. • Renewable energy contributes to reducing the consumption of Fossil Fuels. • An inverted N-shaped relationship between the Material Footprint and GDP is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the panel data of 20 countries in EU during the period of 2007–2019, this paper study the effect of energy market integration (EMI) on renewable energy development (RED). We develop a general equilibrium model to explain how EMI affect the RED and the role of different mechanisms. The empirical results reports that the European EMI increased both the consumption and power generation of renewable energy, which proves a significant positive effect of EMI on the RED. In line with our expectations of theoretical model, our estimates show that the increase of renewable energy consumption is mainly due to the fossil energy cost increased, technology advancement and regional environmental regulation strengthening. And the fossil energy cost is the main driven force which plays a completely mediating role between EMI and RED. Furthermore, we also observe a negative effect of FDI and industry structure on RED. • We establish a general equilibrium model to explain how EMI affect the RED and the role of different mechanisms. • The European EMI increased both the consumption and power generation of renewable energy. • The increase of renewable energy consumption is mainly due to the fossil energy price increased and technology advancement. • A negative effect of FDI and industry structure on RED is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since the beginning of the last century, energy affairs have always been taken into global consideration due to their effects on economies, policies, security and the environment. Fossil fuels have been the first recourse for global energy supply needs (80% of total energy consumption); nonetheless, owing to the production of greenhouse gases, they are gradually being replaced with renewable energy resources. In addition, renewable energy resources are perpetual, unlike fossil fuels, which may be exhausted in less than one century. From 2005 to 2010 (coinciding with Iran's fourth development program), renewable energy resources enjoyed a double-digit global growth rate as a result of environmentally friendly perception and a reduction in equipment price. Some policies and strategies were globally adopted to support renewable energy resources (Feed-In-Tariff, subsidies, etc.). Iran began utilizing renewable resources from the early 1990s and set targets and policies for renewable energy resource utilization in the fourth development program. However, Iran's trend has not aligned with global trends, and it appears that its enormous fossil fuel reserves overshadow the growth of renewable energy resources in the country. In this paper, the status, achievements and policies of Iran during the fourth development program will be discussed and compared with global trends. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China is facing a number of challenges such as electricity supply shortages, excessive consumption of fossil fuels and environmental pollution. As a renewable energy, wind power plays a vital role in mitigating these issues. With its unique geographical location and rich resources, China has produced a wind power industry that has achieved rapid growth. However, the complex Chinese market environment presents significant challenges to the industry. This research has adopted a strength, weakness, opportunity and threat analysis approach to examine both the internal and external factors that affect the competitiveness of the wind power industry in China. An extensive and critical review of a wide range of literature (including academic papers, industry reports, statistical data, relevant regulations and policy documents) was conducted. As a result, 19 factors were identified. These factors form part of an integrated framework that provides a useful tool for both policy makers and industry to gain a better understanding of what affects the sustainable development of the wind power industry in China. The results also provide a useful reference for foreign firms that intend to explore the Chinese wind power market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gansu province is relatively less developed in economy, whereas abundant in Renewable Energy Sources (RES). It has been counting on heavy industry for a long time and highly dependent on fossil fuels, causing serious pollutions. Meanwhile, its own power demand is insufficient, thus its RES-generated electricity must be out-delivered. After the Renewable Energy Law (REL) took effect in 2006, RES development is booming in this area, bringing about a series of problems as well. This paper aims to present the current status, future potentials and challenges in Gansu by carrying out a detailed review of relevant studies, along with surveys on the wind and solar developers. Particularly, Gansu is a typical province in terms of RES development in Northwest China. It can be concluded that the RES development in this district is policy-driven to avoid risks in technology cost efficiency, grid co-development and so on. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The interest in increasing the participation of renewable energy sources (RES) in energy production arises with increasing population and growing demands for energy production and consumption, as well as the fact of the limited fossil fuels reserves. RES in the energy balance of any country has their share of energy, socio-economic and environmental benefits. Investment in energy sector in the RES domain enables Vojvodina Province to reduce energy dependence on the fossil fuel market. From the total RES potential in Vojvodina Province that is 1293ktoe/year, around 1.7% is located in existing geothermal sources. There are 73 drills with a total capacity of 72.6MW from which 65 drills are tested positive. Currently, 15 wells are in production, with a total power of 17.7MW. There are 27 drills that have never been in production and which are perspective, with a total power of 42.8MW. The aim of this paper is to perform data analysis of direct geothermal energy utilization according to the water temperature and geothermal fluid flow. According to the results of the analysis recommendations for geothermal energy utilization are given within certain sectors: agriculture (aquaculture and greenhouses), heating of the facilities and pools, industrial applications and balneology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Korea relies on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy consumption demands. As such, there is a need to investigate alternative energy resources such as renewable energy. In this paper, assessments of the potential of various ocean renewable energy resources in the sea around Korea; potential sources of energy including wave energy, tidal energy, tidal current energy and ocean thermal energy. Tidal energy and tidal current energy are likely to play an important role in meeting the future energy needs of Korea, whereas the potentials of wave energy and ocean thermal energy for the same are relatively low. The level of technical development and the renewable energy market in Korea is currently in an early stage. The government will have to be more aggressive in the promotion of renewable energy to achieve sustainable development in Korea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy security has recently gained importance for many commercial, industrial, and government facilities. Increasing the security of energy supply is essentially a strategy to reduce or hedge risks that derive from energy use, production and imports. The aim of this paper is to identify the main challenges concerning the security of energy supply in Turkey and to offer solutions. Rapid population growth and economic development in the country have resulted in rapid increases in energy demand in recent years. Turkey is currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels for energy consumption, with oil, natural gas, and coal being the predominant energy sources, accounting for a significant majority of the total energy consumption. Turkey has very limited domestic sources of oil and natural gas, thus it is almost entirely dependent on foreign sources. Due to continuously increase of energy consumption Turkey will be forced to import increasing amounts of fossil fuels. In spite of Turkey’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels for energy demand, the country has a large potential for development of renewable resources of every type. In addition, Turkey has considerable thorium reserves as future nuclear fuel source. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Enhancing energy and environmental systems through sustainable development, in particular integrating concepts of circular economy and cleaner production are important for the emerging needs of humankind. In recent years, the developments in alternative sources of renewable energy counterparts has been prompted to substitute the nonrenewable fossil fuel consumptions towards clearner environment. However, environmental problems arising currently must be carefully addressed and to be solved to conserve the energy, water and other environmental resources for the future. This article highlights the recent developments on alternative energy sources that mainly focus on energy and environmental sustainability, that has been discussed on "The 4th International Conference on Alternative Fuels & Energy (ICAFE–2019)", which was held at Taichung City, Taiwan on October 18–21, 2019. Additionally, it provides useful insights from some of the papers published on a virtual special issue (VSI) of the Bioresourse Technology Journal. The highlighted research works in this review can be used as route-map towards sustainable development and energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]