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This study delves into the financial performance of the Compañía Española de Petróleos, S.A.U. (CEPSA) within the context of the ongoing ESG transformation in the Energy Sector. The primary aim of this research is to understand the critical dimensions essential for evaluating energy companies' ESG performances. The research assesses the changes in CEPSA's financial indicators over the last five years (2018–2022). The report uses DuPont analysis to evaluate CEPSA's environmental and social responsibility performances. The study examines several financial performance metrics, including return on net assets, profitability, and corporate financing structure changes. The methodology of this study comprehensively assesses CEPSA's sustainable development trajectory and ESG management system. The analysis reveals that CEPSA has consistently improved its sustainable development capabilities over the last five years by establishing a comprehensive ESG management system. While return on net assets and profitability indicators have shown positive trends, the financing structure has changed significantly. Notably, the proportion of debt financing has increased substantially, and there is a slight decline in the net profit margin. The formal transformation in 2020 further influenced increases in liabilities and fixed assets for CEPSA. The study focuses on CEPSA's sustained improvements in ESG management and the associated shifts in financial metrics, adding originality to the study and offering a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of sustainable practices. The study reveals the financial implications of ESG transformation in the energy sector and offers valuable insights for stakeholders. Moreover, this research contributes to the existing literature by employing the DuPont analysis system to explore the intricate relationship between ESG performance and financial indicators in the energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manifestations of energy transformation are visible throughout the developed world. As the threat to the survival of humanity arises, the countries of the world are starting to take faster and more specific actions to transform the energy sector. One of the energy transformation strategies is the decentralized development of the energy system in the regions. This concept is especially relevant at this time, when centralized sources of energy production and supply are becoming the target of physical and cyber attacks. The purpose of this article is to form theoretical assumptions for the smooth implementation of the decentralization of the energy system. This article aims to remove obstacles to short-term energy transformation. The novelty of this article is related to emphasizing the role of biomass cogeneration in achieving energy system efficiency and greening. Mathematical modeling based on RSM is used in the article. The established factors of the market structure revealed that the efficiency of energy production is based on the use of cogeneration and the markets for raw materials and energy can be attributed to different types. The results of this study showed that the optimal combination of biomass cogeneration can ensure competitive energy production. This article is relevant because it offers transitional solutions until adequate hydrogen utilization and energy storage solutions are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of the European energy sector is becoming a priority for the European Union. This is indicated, for instance, in the European Union strategy known as the European Green Deal. According to the Green Deal, the area of ‘research and innovation’ is one which can counteract climate change. Universities can play a significant role in this by adopting a pedagogical approach aimed at mobilizing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in young professionals. In addition to modifying curricula related to mining, energy, and environmental engineering, i.e., activities in recognized, traditional schemes, one prospective tool may be the involvement of students and PhD candidates in European initiatives such as the InnoEnergy PhD School (which is funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology). This paper aims to discuss the InnoEnergy PhD School programme as a possible instrument for mitigating the negative effects of energy transformation. The article analyzes the programme using a case study method, including surveys and open interviews. The paper draws attention to and highlights the role of human resources in the field of education and the stimulation of innovation, as well as the need to strengthen the business component in the education of PhD candidates.

This paper presents a set of energy and resource intensive scenarios based on the concept of Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs). The scenario family is characterized by rapid and fossil-fueled development with high socio-economic challenges to mitigation and low socio-economic challenges to adaptation (SSP5). A special focus is placed on the SSP5 marker scenario developed by the REMIND-MAgPIE integrated assessment modeling framework. The SSP5 baseline scenarios exhibit very high levels of fossil fuel use, up to a doubling of global food demand, and up to a tripling of energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions over the course of the century, marking the upper end of the scenario literature in several dimensions. These scenarios are currently the only SSP scenarios that result in a radiative forcing pathway as high as the highest Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP8.5). This paper further investigates the direct impact of mitigation policies on the SSP5 energy, land and emissions dynamics confirming high socio-economic challenges to mitigation in SSP5. Nonetheless, mitigation policies reaching climate forcing levels as low as in the lowest Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP2.6) are accessible in SSP5. The SSP5 scenarios presented in this paper aim to provide useful reference points for future climate change, climate impact, adaption and mitigation analysis, and broader questions of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The horizontal axis turbine is one of the most promising energy extractors for tidal stream energy utilization. However, there is no widely accepted model for describing the wake structure of a tidal stream turbine. Besides, the flow velocity variation in wakes is accompanied by energy transformation and has hardly been investigated to date. In this paper, a brief review of existing laboratory tidal stream turbine experiments is first presented, followed by a discussion about the controlling variables that includes cross-comparisons between different results from physical laboratory tests. Theoretical derivation and experimental data analysis are conducted to enable a better understanding of the energy transformation and wake development processes, and tidal stream energy extraction. It has been found that part of the flow kinetic energy has been converted into potential energy before reaching the rotor, commonly used power coefficients are not equivalent when quantifying energy extraction, and it is possible to reconstruct turbine wakes using 3 independent data-based parameters. • Energy transformation from potential energy to kinetic energy occurs even before the flow reaching the rotor. • The widely used energy coefficients based on torque and thrust are not equivalent to each other. • It is possible to reproduce the horizontal and vertical far-wake velocity profiles using 3 independent parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reach the climate goals set by national and international institutions, a vast transition of the legacy power system is unavoidable. The necessary integration of distributed, renewable generation devices, which are often interfaced with power electronic converters, has a non-negligible influence on the characteristics of the power grid. This is particularly visible during abnormal grid conditions such as faults. For rotating machines, the fast-timescale reaction to these events is mainly determined by physical properties. However, power electronic devices lack this strong coupling and their behavior is generated by the control and automation system, making them a major field of interest during this transition. The present paper provides a survey of real-world incidents, as for example blackouts or oscillatory incidents, that are discussed with respect to the implications for future converter dominated power grids. For typical cascading outages it is shown, where the increasing penetration of distributed, renewable generation and smart grid technologies can be leveraged to increase the system resilience, e.g. by providing grid services through adequate control design or by enabling microgrid concepts. Further, real-world examples of newly emerging challenges driven by power electronic devices are presented. The mechanisms of control system interactions with the neighboring grid and its inherent complex dependency on various factors is illustrated. Lastly, resulting structural developments such as the changed resonance properties of low voltage grids and the increase of harmonic emissions are exemplified.

After joining the globalization initiative, countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have experienced an exponential growth in carbon emissions. The high carbon lock-in of the energy consumption structure and lagged energy infrastructure construction have led to high carbon emissions, which has put great pressure on ASEAN countries to reduce their carbon emissions. To achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by the middle of this century, ASEAN countries have successively formulated strategic guidelines for energy transformation and green development, focusing on the structural transformation of energy development and utilization, a coal decommissioning plan, grid interconnection, the electrification of urban transportation patterns, energy conservation, consumption reduction, and international technological cooperation. ASEAN countries still face many challenges in achieving their carbon neutrality targets, including unstable policies, poor environmental awareness among residents, poor guarantee for energy transformation, disconnection between technology and capital, and difficulties in regional coordination. These are reflected in the obvious carbon lock-in effect and the strong dependence on carbon in traditional industries. ASEAN countries are seeking a balance of interests in the Sino–US infrastructure game. In this context, China, as an advocate of South–South cooperation, is committed to expanding the cooperation with ASEAN countries on carbon neutrality in the following aspects: the development and utilization of renewable energy resources, formulation of a progressive grid interconnection plan, establishment of the green financial system, and research and development of green technologies. The purpose is to help ASEAN countries achieve their goals of carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the environmental policy adopted by the European Union (EU), EU countries are obliged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They reduce emissions largely through the energy transformation and switching to renewable energy sources (RES). Therefore, it is important to assess the progress of the energy transformation of individual EU countries. This is related to the aim of the article, which is a temporal analysis of the energy transformation process towards the transition to RES and reducing the use of fossil fuels in energy production. To achieve this goal, a new Temporal/Dynamic Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (T/DMCDM) method called Temporal PROSA was developed, based on the PROMETHEE and PROSA family of methods. The Temporal PROSA method, unlike many other T/DMCDM methods, enables the aggregation of data from many periods into a single final assessment, as well as the direct transfer of information from the examined periods to the overall result. As a result of the research, EU countries that dominated in terms of progress in energy transformation towards RES in the years 2004–2021were identified. Based on the data and methodology used, it was indicated that these countries are primarily Sweden and Portugal, and recently also Denmark and Finland. On the other hand, countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Poland made the least progress between 2004 and 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slovakia committed to the objectives related to the mitigation of climate change's pace. The most important acts include reducing energy consumption and increasing the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption of the country. Regions are challenged by a fundamental transformation of energy. The main aim of this paper was to evaluate the use of renewable energy sources in Slovakia, as well as the procedural and economic side of support mechanisms allowing progress in the use of renewable energy sources. The secondary aim was to economically assess the impact of support schemes for the effectiveness of investments and make recommendations on renewable energy use for the next period based on an example of a biogas plant in Slovakia. Slovakia has experienced the development of biogas installations after the year 2009. By 2013, Slovak market significantly promoted investments in biogas plants, but in 2014, there was a downturn in the installation of new ones. A database for the analysis was obtained from real data of a specific biogas plant in Slovakia. Results of the analysis declare that financial support mechanisms from the country and the EU are a major determinant in the development of biogas plants in Slovakia with a positive impact on important economic indicators of effectiveness. This process will also support the achievement of the objectives of Target 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact disturbance and bedding angle have a substantial effect on the mechanical response of sandstone under prestressed loading. Therefore, in this paper, a combined 1D static and dynamic loading test system is employed for examining the compression of sandstone at various bedding angles under a pre-applied axial pressure of 25 MPa. Under these conditions, the strength, stress-strain curves, energy usage ratio, particle size and deformation of sandstone are obtained. The results are as follows. (1) Strain rebound easily occurs in high-strength sandstone under low impact pressure. (2) The peak strength of sandstone is positively correlated with the impact pressure. The peak strength and combined dynamic‒static strength of sandstone change in a "v" shape. (3) The rock's failure particle size is controlled by the bedding plane at low impact pressure. (4) We propose a new energy calculation method in which the energy utilization rate presents an approximately inverted "v" shape. (5) The sandstone with different bedding angles has different bursting liabilities at an identical impact pressure. (6) The impact pressure is proportional to the crack growth rate of sandstone. • A new method for rock energy calculation under dynamic and static loading is proposed. • The induced mechanism of rock burst is explored from the aspect of experiment, and the corresponding preventive measures are put forward. • From the aspect of fracture mechanism, the bedding effect and impact pressure effect of sandstone are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transformation that began in 2022 led to a breakthrough in green energy. It has opened opportunities to develop regional areas, as they have the land needed to build wind and solar power plants, as well as biomass waste power plants. Energy transformation enables regions to solve long-standing social problems determined by the inconvenient geographical location and the growth of agglomerations. However, in order to assess the potential of the regions, it is necessary to use different data groups, covering economic, social, environmental, and governance aspects. This article aims to create conditions for gathering quantitative and qualitative data that would allow us to assess the extent of energy transformation in regional areas. The article presents the case of Lithuania. Since the beginning of the energy crisis, there has been a breakthrough in the fields of wind and solar energy in the regions of Lithuania. This article is relevant because it aims to solve the problem of insufficient use of renewable energy resources in the regions. This article will present the regions' potential to contribute to the energy transformation. The "research by design" formula was used for the research, which was chosen as the basis for further research. Based on this method, quality information was collected from interested parties—energetically innovative Lithuanian municipalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper indicates that hydropower, including small hydropower plants (SHPs), may play a very important role in Poland's energy transformation in the near future. The development of SHPs may also increase water resources in the steppe Poland. Additionally, the aim of the present research is to conduct the PEST analysis of SHPs in Poland, taking into account the SHP potential. For the first time, maps showing the power and location of potential SHPs on the existing dams in Poland are presented. SHPs should be an important element of energy transition in Poland, especially on a local scale—it is stable energy production. Our analysis shows that there are 16,185 such dams in Poland, while the total capacity of potential hydropower plants in Poland would be 523.6 MW, and the total number of new jobs is estimated at 524. It was calculated that the annual avoided carbon dioxide emissions will amount to 4.4 million tons, which will reduce Poland's emissions by 1.4%. The construction of SHPs can bring significant environmental and economic benefits. As far as the PEST analysis is concerned, the political environment of SHPs in Poland can be described as unfavorable (2.86 points). The economical nature of PEST analysis (3.86 points) should be considered as friendly for the development of SHPs. The social nature of PEST analysis can be considered as neutral (3.36 points). The technological nature of the PEST analysis can be considered as neutral (3.21 points). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many other countries, Germany has defined goals to reduce its CO2-emissions following the Paris Agreement of the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP). The first successes in decarbonizing the electricity sector were already achieved under the German Energiewende. However, further steps in this direction, also concerning the heat and transport sectors, have stalled. This paper describes three possible pathways for the transformation of the German energy system until 2050. The scenarios take into account current climate politics on a global, European, and German level and also include different demand projections, technological trends and resource prices. The model includes the sectors power, heat, and transportation and works on a Federal State level. For the analysis, the linear cost-optimizing Global Energy System Model (GENeSYS-MOD) is used to calculate the cost-efficient paths and technology mixes. We find that a reduction of CO2 of more than 80% in the less ambitious scenario can be welfare enhancing compared to a scenario without any climate mitigating policies. Even higher decarbonization rates of 95% are feasible and needed to comply with international climate targets, yet related to high effort in transforming the subsector of process heat. The different pathways depicted in this paper render chances and risks of transforming the German energy system under various external influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increasing expected energy demand and current dominance of coal electrification, India plays a major role in global carbon policies and the future low-carbon transformation. This paper explores three energy pathways for India until 2050 by applying the linear, cost-minimizing, global energy system model (GENeSYS-MOD). The benchmark scenario "limited emissions only" (LEO) is based on ambitious targets set out by the Paris Agreement. A more conservative "business as usual" (BAU) scenario is sketched out along the lines of the New Policies scenario from the International Energy Agency (IEA). On the more ambitious side, we explore the potential implications of supplying the Indian economy entirely with renewable energies with the "100% renewable energy sources" (100% RES) scenario. Overall, our results suggest that a transformation process towards a low-carbon energy system in the power, heat, and transportation sectors until 2050 is technically feasible. Solar power is likely to establish itself as the key energy source by 2050 in all scenarios, given the model's underlying emission limits and technical parameters. The paper concludes with an analysis of potential social, economic and political barriers to be overcome for the needed Indian low-carbon transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Participation processes can improve environmental decision-making. However, proving the impact of participation processes – i.e. decision-making involving diverse actors from civil society, business, state, and administration – is challenging. This paper therefore examines participation processes by applying proxy measures that are assumed to strongly correlate with improved environmental decision-making. Such indicators include the perception of the process as being fair and legitimate, the final outcomes being considered effective and efficient, satisfaction with one's own engagement and the development of trust, and conflict resolution. Participation process characteristics such as participation format and facilitation are assumed to have an impact on these indicators. This study examined participation processes in relation to the German energy transformation (Energiewende), asking respondents about their experience of participation, their perception of the process, and also about intermediate outcomes such as trust building and conflict resolution. An online survey was conducted, resulting in 516 valid responses. The results show that participation processes related to the Energiewende are often perceived as fair and legitimate. Moreover, the findings provide a better understanding of the relationships between participation process characteristics and desirable intermediate outcomes, such as trust and conflict resolution, as well as normative process factors. The intensity of a participation process – i.e. whether it is dialogic or a written consultation process – had no significant influence either on normative process factors, such as procedural fairness, or on trust or conflict resolution. Instead, a trustworthy moderator and the integration of all affected interests are important participation process characteristics that could determine the success of the decision-making process. Highlights • The results of an online Survey (N = 516) are presented. • Participation processes related to the German energy transformation are positively perceived. • Participatory approaches can enhance trust building. • Participation has limited capacity to resolve conflicts. • Participation intensity is less important than participants diversity and facilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A suspended buffer system reduces the out-of-pipe speed of gangue particles to a reasonable value, which prevents damage to the gangue storage silo. During the buffering process, the kinetics energy of gangue particles is dissipated by particle collision and structural damping of the suspended buffer, with the remaining energy being the residual kinetics energy of gangue particles. The ratios of these energies are important indicators of the buffering effect and are the basis for feeding safety judgment. Therefore, it is necessary to reveal the kinetic energy transformation pattern of gangue particles during the collision process. This paper established a numerical kinetic energy transformation model for gangue particles by combining Solidworks and Femap. The simulation results showed that kinetics energy of gangue particles is mainly consumed by the collision between particles and the suspended buffer, while the energy consumed by structural damping of the suspended buffer is relatively small. At the same time, the ratio of energy consumed by particle collision decreases with the increase of gangue particle size, which corresponds to the increasing particle residual kinetic energy. Origin was then employed to fit ratio of energy consumed by collision, particle residual kinetic energy and velocity as functions of particle size: E 1 = 57.19 + 34.48/(1 + e(D -48.89)/7.19), E 2 = 40.57–33.59/(1 + e(D -49.16)/8.14) and v´ = 52.34–51.93/(1 + e(D -50.50)/18.75). Based on the requirement of particle kinetic energy transformation, the reasonable particle size was determined to below 50 mm according to the aforementioned functional relationships. Industrial testing of the simulation result was performed in the Dongping coal mine, which showed good buffering effect while damage of the storage silo was not observed. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • It was revealed that kinetic energy transformation pattern of gangue particles. • The reasonable gangue particle size was determined to be 50 mm. • No damage to the storage silo was observed in the industrial test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Heilongjiang University of Science & Technology is the property of Journal of Heilongjiang University of Science & Technology Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: This paper deals with the electro-mechanical transfer functions of an ultrasonic wheel system. The objective is to initiate a mode that can produce certain relative dynamic responses in the proposed ultrasonic wheel system. The performance will be parameterized by system inputs in an attempt to obtain an optimal operational configuration. The electro-mechanical transfer function model of the piezoelectric ultrasonic wheel based on the lateral elliptical motion is derived for the control application and certification of its load-characteristic parameters and also predicts the wheel system performance. On this basis, we can determine whether the output of the wheel system will be stable. The contact-dynamics behaviors of the stator are also studied. These derived formulations in this paper are based on the general concept of the constitutive laws governing piezoelectric materials which permit the introduction of kinetic energy, electrical energy, and geometric constraints relating to the deformation variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Transport (16484142) is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper describes the methods and outcomes of a 12-year longitudinal study into the effects of an early intervention program, while reflecting back on changes that have occurred in approaches to research, learning and instruction since the preliminary inception stages of the study in the mid 1960s. We began the study to challenge the prevailing consensus at the time that primary school children were either preoperational or concrete operational in their cognitive development and they could not learn abstract concepts. Our early research, based on Ausubelian theory, suggested otherwise. The paper describes the development and implementation of a Grade 1–2 audio tutorial science instructional sequence, and the subsequent tracing over 12 years, of the children’s conceptual understandings in science compared to a matched control group. During the study the concept map was developed as a new tool to trace children’s conceptual development. We found that students in the instruction group far outperformed their non-instructed counterparts, and this difference increased as they progressed through middle and high school. The data clearly support the earlier introduction of science instruction on basic science concepts, such as the particulate nature of matter, energy and energy transformations. The data suggest that national curriculum standards for science grossly underestimate the learning capabilities of primary-grade children. The study has helped to lay a foundation for guided instruction using computers and concept mapping that may help both teachers and students become more proficient in understanding science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the transfer functions of a new disc-type ultrasonic motor: stator and stator–rotor energy transformation. The objective is to initiate a mode that can produce certain relative dynamic responses in the proposed motor. The performance will be parameterized by system inputs in an attempt to obtain an optimal operational configuration. The transfer function model of the piezoelectric ultrasonic stator based on the lateral elliptical motion is derived for the control application and certification of its load-characteristic parameters and also predicts the motor performance. On this basis, we can determine whether the output of the motor will be stable. The contact-dynamics behaviors of the stator are also studied. These derived formulations in this paper are based on the general concept of the constitutive laws governing piezoelectric materials which permit the introduction of kinetic energy, electrical energy, and geometric constraints relating to the deformation variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to promote the construction of a clean, low-carbon, and diversified modern rural new energy system, this study examines the development, utilization, connection, and system construction of rural new energy in China. This is done through the classification, integration, and systematic analysis of official statistical data and materials from recent years. Utilizing descriptive statistical analysis, the study holds great theoretical and practical significance. The findings indicate the following: 1) overall, the development of new energy in China’s rural areas is progressing well. However, there is an increasing contradiction between supply and consumption. 2) The new energy industry is experiencing overall growth, accompanied by increasing policy support. Despite this, the industry’s driving effect is not substantial. 3) The development of new energy production equipment in rural areas is lagging, resulting in insufficient cleanliness of energy consumption. There is still a significant gap compared to the goal requirements of agricultural and rural modernization. 4) During the process of rural new energy connection and development, there exists a lack of strong connections between the various subjects of interest. The interest relationship is consequently unstable, necessitating the improvement of a closely-knit interest community. Taking the issue of rural new energy development as its starting point, this paper thoroughly explores the mechanisms driving rural new energy connection. It delves into the interest relationship between the different stakeholders and provides guidelines for optimizing rural new energy system construction. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to rural revitalization, facilitate the realization of the “double carbon” goal, and establish a modern rural new energy system.

Organizational interactions in fields, including their antecedents and consequences, remain under-researched, in particular with regard to relational distance and transformative skills. Through a comparative study of the German and Japanese wind power sectors, we explore the importance of distance among organizational actors and the development of skills. While in the case of Germany a radical increase in wind energy generation can be witnessed, the situation in the field of Japanese wind power remains largely unchanged. We show how different degrees of distance among organizational actors in these two countries result in the different development of skills that stimulate transformation in the field of energy generation. More precisely, we illustrate the pivotal role of distant challengers with their transformative skills for the successful conversion of already established field structures. Our study contributes to field theory by elaborating on the understanding of the evolution of relational distance, thereby grasping the dynamic interplay between the diversity of actors and their skill formation within a certain strategic action field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of research on the importance of managing the energy transition in various economic sectors. The barriers and benefits of implementing a knowledge management and environmental management system in enterprises were considered. These factors are necessary for the effective planning and proper functioning of enterprises. Knowledge becomes the main and most dynamic factor responsible for the development of a given company, while environmental management ensures it achieves high economic efficiency of production and environmental rules and regulations. The article presents the results of the functioning of knowledge-based enterprises in contemporary conditions characterized by constant changes in the environment in terms of energy transformation. As part of my research, an algorithm was built based on which essential elements of the Polish energy policy strategy were defined enterprises in various sectors of the economy. In the holistic approach, a model of the functioning of knowledge-based enterprises was built and tested. On its basis, a prosumer/customer business model was proposed on the example of a photovoltaic installation. The study was conducted using the methods of economic measurement models. These methods allowed us to calculate the market value of the investment with the assumed boundary criteria and to determine its effectiveness. The research was carried out in 2020–2022 on the example of a real photovoltaic installation. The use of a photovoltaic installation in a company based on a business model is justified in practice and allows the company to reduce the electricity costs incurred, in this case by about 60%. Taking into account the result for the calculated payback period of 3 years, this proves that such an investment is very profitable for the company. The developed business model showed that the project of its implementation is fully economically justified and will allow investors to create various economic areas as part of the ongoing energy transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brittleness is a key mechanical characteristic of rock and critical to various engineering practices particularly to design efficient fracturing stimulation of unconventional shale gas reservoirs. Variety of brittleness definitions and evaluation criteria have been proposed to describe rock failure behavior; however, their suitability and reliability have yet to be verified. In this paper, the existing brittleness indices were reviewed in detail and their applicability to reflect rock brittle characteristics were then investigated. The analysis indicated that most of expressions cannot describe brittle failure characteristics of rock efficiently and either partially or thoroughly fail to correctly address the impact of stress state on rock brittleness. Therefore, a new brittleness evaluation method was proposed based on promising energy transformation analysis of the complete stress-strain behavior of rock under compression. The new criterion is capable of dealing with the plastic energy dissipation mechanisms in the pre-peak region and the extent and rate to which rock strength degrades during macroscopic fracturing in the post-peak stage. Besides, the proposed brittleness index describes the entire transition of rock failure behavior of class I, from completely plastic to absolutely brittle states, in a continuous scale corresponding to 0 to 1. The applicability and outperformance of the proposed brittleness index were then verified against uniaxial and triaxial compression test results of some carbonaceous lithofacies from the Garau shale gas play within the Lurestan Basin, Iran. Samples under compression revealed various deformation and failure characteristics transitioned from brittle to semi-brittle behaviors with increasing confining pressure. Application of the brittleness indices to the tested rock specimens clearly demonstrated that the developed energy-based expression is able to rigorously capture the relative brittleness sequences of lithofacies and evolution trends under application of confinement, whereas further proved lack of either sufficient physical basis or appropriate formulation strategy in the existing indices. Accordingly, the new evaluation method seems to provide reliable estimates of rock brittleness in various field practices even though further verification is necessary. Finally, the important relation between microstructural carbonaceous texture and rock brittleness was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]