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Energy Policy and Sustainable Development: Challenges to Economic Development

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "C: Energy Economics and Policy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (11 July 2024) | Viewed by 12821

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Economics and Finance, University of Szczecin, Mickiewicza 64, 71-101 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: energy and environment; economics and policy; energy poverty; regulation and liberalization in infrastructure sectors; macroeconomic policy and economic growth
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Guest Editor
Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-261 Kraków, Poland
Interests: power system economics; energy markets; energy and climate policy; energy transition; energy planning; mathematical modeling; decision support systems, optimization of power systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the announcement of the European Green Deal, which defines a set of policy initiatives to achieve a 50–55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and to make Europe climate neutral in 2050, the challenge of energy transition becomes even more critical. The transformation of national energy systems toward “green and energy”, low-carbon economy, and sustainable development is progressing in all European Union countries. The COVID-19 pandemic and rising energy prices have caused rising inflation in the economies of highly developed countries, mainly European Union countries.

Thus, questions have begun to arise as to whether long-term commitments in terms of emission reductions, promotion of low-emission technologies, and renewable energy sources are not too ambitious. Coal-fired plants have been relaunched as the more stable and cheaper option. The problem of energy poverty and providing energy at socially acceptable prices have also become topical again. A successful energy transition requires well-designed policy instruments and sound economic analyses that ensure the best possible outcome at the lowest possible cost to society. In this context, this Special Issue aims to introduce the challenges currently facing the countries of the European Union, especially those in which the transition is still ongoing.

Prof. Dr. Rafał Nagaj
Prof. Dr. Jacek Kamiński
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Energy policy
  • Energy economics
  • Energy efficiency
  • Climate policy
  • Sustainable development
  • Energy poverty
  • Policy instruments
  • Regulation policy
  • Environmental impact
  • Renewable energy
  • Economics of energy systems
  • Integration of energy markets
  • Energy security
  • Post-COVID-19 economy

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1469 KiB  
Article
Empowering Remote and Off-Grid Renewable Energy Communities: Case Studies in Congo, Australia, and Canada
by Julien Lemaire, Rui Castro and Fátima Montemor
Energies 2024, 17(19), 4848; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194848 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 851
Abstract
This paper aims to explore the feasibility of establishing self-sufficient electricity generation systems in off-grid remote communities using renewable energy sources. It provides an overview of current trends and developments in Renewable Energy Communities worldwide, with a focus on remote locations. To assess [...] Read more.
This paper aims to explore the feasibility of establishing self-sufficient electricity generation systems in off-grid remote communities using renewable energy sources. It provides an overview of current trends and developments in Renewable Energy Communities worldwide, with a focus on remote locations. To assess the technical feasibility, simulations were conducted using PVGIS for irradiation data and a load generator for energy consumption data. Different scenarios combining photovoltaic modules with lithium-ion battery systems were simulated using a dedicated optimization model developed in the PYTHON environment. The simulations aimed to size the entire system for three distinct locations: Congo, Australia, and Canada. The optimal number of PV modules determined for each location was 50 for Congo and 55 for Australia, and the battery system sizes were found to be 225 kWh and 150 kWh, respectively, admitting usual practices for the energy not supplied. The results obtained regarding Canada pointed to a system difficult to justify from an economic standpoint due to challenging weather conditions, namely, the existence of several consecutive days without irradiation. Full article
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13 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Green Transformation of Mining towards Energy Self-Sufficiency in a Circular Economy—A Case Study
by Małgorzata Magdziarczyk, Andrzej Chmiela, Weijian Su and Adam Smolinski
Energies 2024, 17(15), 3771; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153771 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 720
Abstract
This article presents the concept of green transformation of the coal mining sector. Pump stations that belong to Spółka Restrukturyzacji Kopalń S.A. (SRK S.A., Bytom, Poland) pump out approximately 100 million m3 of mine water annually. These pump stations protect neighboring mines [...] Read more.
This article presents the concept of green transformation of the coal mining sector. Pump stations that belong to Spółka Restrukturyzacji Kopalń S.A. (SRK S.A., Bytom, Poland) pump out approximately 100 million m3 of mine water annually. These pump stations protect neighboring mines and lower-lying areas from flooding and protect subsurface aquifers from contamination. The largest cost component of maintaining a pumping station is the expenditure for purchasing electricity. Investment towards renewable energy sources will reduce the environmental footprint of pumping station operation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The concept of liquidation of an exemplary mining site in the context of a circular economy by proposing the development/revitalization of a coal mine site is presented. This concept involves the construction of a complex consisting of photovoltaic farms combined with efficient energy storage in the form of green hydrogen produced by water electrolysis. For this purpose, the potential of liquidated mining sites will be utilized, including the use of pumped mine wastewater. This article is conceptual. In order to reach the stated objective, a body of literature and legal regulations was analyzed, and an empirical study was conducted. Various scenarios for the operation of mine pumping stations have been proposed. The options presented provide full or nearly full energy self-sufficiency of the proposed pumping station operation concept. The effect of applying any option for upgrading the pumping station could result in the creation of jobs that are alternatives to mining jobs and a guarantee of efficient asset management. Full article
16 pages, 629 KiB  
Article
Exploring Off-Grid Energy Choices: Household Decisions in Upper Blinkwater, South Africa
by Mahali Elizabeth Lesala, Golden Makaka and Patrick Mukumba
Energies 2024, 17(14), 3556; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143556 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 589
Abstract
Household energy is critical for sustainable development, but many rural and off-grid communities lack access. As global concerns about climate change prompt a re-evaluation of energy strategies, understanding rural household energy decisions becomes increasingly complex, particularly in remote areas without grid access. This [...] Read more.
Household energy is critical for sustainable development, but many rural and off-grid communities lack access. As global concerns about climate change prompt a re-evaluation of energy strategies, understanding rural household energy decisions becomes increasingly complex, particularly in remote areas without grid access. This study examines the energy decisions of households in the Upper Blinkwater community to uncover the primary drivers for their choice of energy amidst grid connections. Survey data from 53 households were analyzed using multivariate regression. The findings revealed significant economic vulnerability among the respondents, marked by high unemployment and limited resource access, with the majority of households relying on social grants. These households depend on multiple energy sources, with firewood usage significantly influenced by the availability of grants, total income, post-primary education, household size, and remittance income. The findings contradict the energy ladder hypothesis, indicating that despite economic improvements, a complete transition to modern fuels may not be possible as firewood remains a crucial energy source. These results highlight the complex interplay of economic, social, and cultural factors in household energy decisions and underscore the importance of enhancing infrastructure, providing economic incentives, and conducting educational campaigns to facilitate the transition to cleaner energy alternatives. Full article
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19 pages, 3592 KiB  
Article
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: European Regional Policy and the Role of Financial Instruments
by Jacek Batóg and Przemysław Pluskota
Energies 2023, 16(24), 8029; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16248029 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1182
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate whether the regional funds allocated for energy efficiency and renewable energy are related to the quantity of air pollutants discharged and the stage of regional development, and whether the evidence of convergence of regional levels of renewable energy [...] Read more.
The study aimed to evaluate whether the regional funds allocated for energy efficiency and renewable energy are related to the quantity of air pollutants discharged and the stage of regional development, and whether the evidence of convergence of regional levels of renewable energy electricity generation can be provided. A comparative analysis of financial instrument implementation within regional programmes was conducted, with a particular focus on instruments dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency and utilising renewable energy. To verify the research hypotheses, statistical coefficients of correlation and concentration, along with trend and econometric models were applied. The findings have confirmed the rise in regional funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy, along with the growing importance of financial instruments in transforming the energy sector. The hypotheses that air pollutant emissions per unit of GDP generated are decreasing, there exists a regional convergence of renewable energy production per capita, and the spatial accumulation of renewable energy production is declining, have been confirmed. No correlation was found between the regional economic development and the level of funds allocated to energy efficiency and renewable energy. The lack of such relationships provides a convincing argument for appropriate state regulation. Full article
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19 pages, 1140 KiB  
Article
A Study on Inter-Provincial Environmental Pollution Movement in China Based on the Input–Output Method
by Yong Shi, Anda Tang and Tongsheng Yao
Energies 2022, 15(18), 6782; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186782 - 16 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1565
Abstract
In China, environmental pollution responsibilities are divided according to administrative regions. However, because of the strong externality of environmental pollution, the movement of environmental pollution undoubtedly increases the complexity of pollution governance. To divide the responsibility of environmental pollution governance in each province, [...] Read more.
In China, environmental pollution responsibilities are divided according to administrative regions. However, because of the strong externality of environmental pollution, the movement of environmental pollution undoubtedly increases the complexity of pollution governance. To divide the responsibility of environmental pollution governance in each province, we effectively quantify the unequal relationship between environmental pollution costs and economic benefits in each province to understand the mechanism and characteristics of inter-provincial environmental pollution movement. Based on the regional input–output model and an inventory we compiled of sulfur dioxide(SO2) emissions of air pollutants in 2012, we calculate the implied inter-provincial environmental pollution emissions and economic benefits from trade, based on production and consumption (supply-side and demand-side). In addition, the movement relationship is explored, and the cost and economic value-added indexes of air pollution control are further constructed to provide effective evidence for a reasonable division of responsibility for environmental pollution control. The results show that there are obvious environmental inequities in the regional trade process in each province, indicating that environmental pollution has been moved. Developed provinces have more economic benefits but pay less in the process of trading goods with less-developed provinces due to the advantages of their industrial structure, while the opposite is true for less-developed provinces. Finally, we propose corresponding policy recommendations to change this condition. Full article
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20 pages, 6412 KiB  
Article
Cluster Analysis of the EU-27 Countries in Light of the Guiding Principles of the European Green Deal, with Particular Emphasis on Poland
by Aurelia Rybak, Aleksandra Rybak, Jarosław Joostberens and Spas D. Kolev
Energies 2022, 15(14), 5082; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15145082 - 12 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2092
Abstract
The article presents a cluster analysis of the EU-27 countries. The clusters were built to identify groups of countries similar to each other in relation to the set of Eurostat indicators from the Climate Change Drivers and Environment and Energy sections. During the [...] Read more.
The article presents a cluster analysis of the EU-27 countries. The clusters were built to identify groups of countries similar to each other in relation to the set of Eurostat indicators from the Climate Change Drivers and Environment and Energy sections. During the research, tools of spatial information systems were used, such as cluster analysis, diagram maps, rasterization and the TSA method. ARIMA prediction models were also used. The research aims to verify our hypotheses. Particular attention was paid to Poland; therefore, it was verified whether the composition of the country’s energy mix translated into excessive emissions of pollutants in relation to other EU countries. Furthermore, the level of integration of energy markets in the European Union and its changes over time were examined. The authors also proposed a methodology to create detailed energy and climate strategies for designated clusters. The results of the presented research are particularly important in light of recent events in Ukraine. Full article
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22 pages, 1410 KiB  
Article
Macroeconomic Policy versus Fuel Poverty in Poland—Support or Barrier
by Rafał Nagaj
Energies 2022, 15(13), 4710; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134710 - 27 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
Energy and climate policies play an increasingly important role in the world in the era of climate change and rising energy prices. More often, the importance of the development of the energy sector and climate protection is seen from the point of view [...] Read more.
Energy and climate policies play an increasingly important role in the world in the era of climate change and rising energy prices. More often, the importance of the development of the energy sector and climate protection is seen from the point of view of the expenditures that will need to be absorbed in the economy, with the potential for increased energy prices. However, it should be remembered that this is also related to the issue of fuel poverty and the inability to meet basic energy needs by parts of society. The aim of the paper is to assess the importance of macroeconomic policy instruments in reducing fuel poverty, using Poland as an example. It will be examined whether and how the government influenced this phenomenon (directly or indirectly), through which instruments, and which instruments (fiscal, monetary or energy-climate policy) played the most important role in shaping the scale of fuel poverty in Poland, with an emphasis on the role of monetary and fiscal policy instruments. The analysis covered the period from 2004 to mid-2021. The results of the research showed that in Poland there is a lack of policy directly aimed at reducing fuel poverty, and the government affects the scale of fuel poverty indirectly mainly through macroeconomic policy instruments, i.e., fiscal and monetary policy instruments. The main and most effective instruments for reducing fuel poverty in Poland are social transfers. Other instruments that have a statistically significant impact on this poverty rate are the level of tax burdens and short-term interest rates. The analysis also revealed some opportunities for effective fuel poverty reduction policies. It was proven that in addition to fiscal policy, monetary policy, which would stimulate a decrease in short-term interest rates, is also an effective way to reduce the fuel poverty rate in Poland. Full article
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17 pages, 1247 KiB  
Article
Quest for a Tool Measuring Urban Quality of Life: ISO 37120 Standard Sustainable Development Indicators
by Adam Przybyłowski, Agnieszka Kałaska and Piotr Przybyłowski
Energies 2022, 15(8), 2841; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15082841 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2758
Abstract
Humanity is exceeding planetary boundaries, and it seems that it is unlikely to meet internationally agreed sustainable development goals. Current trends and challenges in the domain of urban sustainability assessment have proven that measuring and interpreting results regarding quality of life requires a [...] Read more.
Humanity is exceeding planetary boundaries, and it seems that it is unlikely to meet internationally agreed sustainable development goals. Current trends and challenges in the domain of urban sustainability assessment have proven that measuring and interpreting results regarding quality of life requires a complex analysis. The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibility of comparing, in a transparent way, urban quality of life using sustainable development indicators based on the ISO 37120 standard, taking as case studies seven selected cities: Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Gdynia, London, Los Angeles and Zagreb. The hypothesis reads as follows: the ISO 37120 indicators, converted into partial and total utility value, then grouped within sustainable development dimensions (environmental, economic and social) may be used to measure the level of urban quality of life. Research results indicate that there are some significant and interesting differences between the compared cities within the environmental, economic and social pillars. The analysis, conducted with the use of utility method, may facilitate taking the right decisions on urban management, planning and investment. Thus, this tool may be useful for decision makers and help cities and communities of all sizes to become more safe, resilient, prosperous, inclusive, smart and sustainable. Full article
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