Green Transition and Electricity Sector Decarbonization: The Case of West Macedonia
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The comments for the manuscript titled “Green Transition and Electricity Sector Decarbonization: The Case of West Macedoniae” are as follow :
· Astract is very weak. Explain the problem and novelty of your paper for the green transition. And mention the method to solve the problem. Also include the facts and figures of your results.
· Provide the high resolution figures and tables with the references in the caption
· Problem statement is not clear in introduction
· Potential of green energy resources and transition in EU: include a section on this heading
· Section 3 .2: include a figure or table
· Authors discussed and focused on decarburization which is good but literature review on green transition is not reviewed
· Provide the graphical abstract
· Provide a heading of methodology before the results and discussion.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.docx
try to improve
Author Response
Dear Editor and Reviewers,
We would like to thank you for the comments received and for giving us the opportunity to improve the quality of our paper. To this end, responses to the queries of Reviewer #1 are given in the following.
Reviewer 1
The comments for the manuscript titled “Green Transition and Electricity Sector Decarbonization: The Case of West Macedoniae” are as follow :
- Astract is very weak. Explain the problem and novelty of your paper for the green transition. And mention the method to solve the problem. Also include the facts and figures of your results.
In the revised manuscript the abstract has been remarkably rewritten in order to explain the problem and the novelty of the present work. Actually, we first mention the importance of coal for the electrification of several European countries. Accordingly, we mention that the European Union policy for the delignitization of the electricity generation sector should also serve the just energy transition principle. In this context, the Region of West Macedonia, being one of the most affected regions of EU, has been selected as a case study. More specifically, for first time in the open literature the opinion of young scientists, related to the energy research field and residents of the region, is investigated in order to study in depth their attitude towards all these forthcoming radical changes, related to the green transition. A detailed report of both the methodology and the results obtained may be found in chapter 4.
- Provide the high resolution figures and tables with the references in the caption
We added the data sources used to create the Figures and Tables and we improve the quality of most figures.
- Problem statement is not clear in introduction
The problem statement is related to the structural change of the existing electricity generation status from a conventional centralized fossil fuel-based electricity generation system to an innovative decentralized system based on renewable energy resources as well as to the corresponding social impacts of this green tranistion. Actually, in lines 50-53 it is written: "Moreover, one very important issue, for the local societies operating coal (lignite) based Thermal Power Stations (TPS), is whether the EU can ensure a socially just development of the coal (lignite) mining areas during the coal phase-out effort."
- Potential of green energy resources and transition in EU: include a section on this heading
The section 2.2 is included concerning the EU Green Transition Plan
- Section 3 .2: include a figure or table
In section 3.1 Table 5 is included and in section 3.2 Table 7 is also included.
- Authors discussed and focused on decarburization which is good but literature review on green transition is not reviewed
Four (4) additional relevant references along with one book chapter have been added.
|
Weber, G., Cabras, I., The transition of Germany's energy production, green economy, low-carbon economy, socio-environmental conflicts, and equitable society, Journal of Cleaner Production, 2017 167, p. 1222 1231. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.07.223 |
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Wang, Q., Yi, H., New energy demonstration program and China’s urban green economic growth: Do regional characteristics make a difference?, Energy Policy, 2021, 151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112161 |
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Luciani, G., The Impacts of the Energy Transition on Growth and Income Distribution, The Geopolitics of the Global Energy Transition, 2022, 73. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39066-2_13 |
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Tranoulidis, A., Sotiropoulou, R.-E.P., Bithas, K., Tagaris, E., Decarbonization and Transition to the Post-Lignite Era: Analysis for a Sustainable Transition in the Region ofWestern Macedonia, Sustainability, 2022, 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610173 Karagianni, S., Pempetzoglou, M., The Income Distribution Impact of Decarbonization in Greece: an Initial Approach, Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2022, 2, pp. 557-567. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-021-00121-1 |
- Provide the graphical abstract
The graphical abstract is optional.
- Provide a heading of methodology before the results and discussion.
The separate sub-section 4.1 "Survey Methodology" is added.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
Dear Authors!
The main question of the research is focused on actual problem of green transition and electricity decarbonization. The authors investigate the case study of West Macedoniae, which can be interesting as the case study.
The topic of the research is original and relevant in the field of sustainability and energy transition. In comparison with other published material, it adds the case study of the practices of excellence on the case of West Macedoniae. But it should be improved in the followings:
1/ All tables and Figures should be marked by the Source (authors/etc)
2/ Figure 2 should be improved by quality and size.
3/Figure 3 should be improved in the part of Legend- the size of it should be more.
4/The references are actual and appropriate, but very short so it should be add with more (5-10 articles) actual sources published in 2022-2023 like
-Tranoulidis, A., Sotiropoulou, R. E. P., Bithas, K., & Tagaris, E. (2022). Decarbonization and Transition to the Post-Lignite Era: Analysis for a Sustainable Transition in the Region of Western Macedonia. Sustainability, 14(16), 10173.
-Karagianni, S., & Pempetzoglou, M. (2022). The Income Distribution Impact of Decarbonization in Greece: An Initial Approach. Circular Economy and Sustainability, 1-11.
5/The conclusions consistent with the evidence and arguments, but it should be more detailed explain the authors input in scientific research of the topic, because there are enough actual researches (which should be mentioned in literacy) and authors should explain in the conclusion what new they received from this article. Now it is not possible to understand because all Figures and Tables are not marked by their source.
Generally, the research is original and interesting, but for the publishing it needs complex improvements. It should be improved in literacy review and comparison with other global cases and the same actual research. Also, several technical details should be done much better.
Best regards,
Author Response
Dear Editor and Reviewers,
We would like to thank you for the comments received and for giving us the opportunity to improve the quality of our paper. To this end, responses to the queries of Reviewer #2 are given in the following.
Responses to the queries of Reviewer #2 are given in the following.
Reviewer-2
Dear Authors!
The main question of the research is focused on actual problem of green transition and electricity decarbonization. The authors investigate the case study of West Macedoniae, which can be interesting as the case study.
The topic of the research is original and relevant in the field of sustainability and energy transition. In comparison with other published material, it adds the case study of the practices of excellence on the case of West Macedoniae. But it should be improved in the followings:
- 1/ All tables and Figures should be marked by the Source (authors/etc)
We added the data sources used to create the Figures and Tables.
- 2/ Figure 2 should be improved by quality and size.
A high-definition image for Figure 2 is also provided.
- 3/Figure 3 should be improved in the part of Legend- the size of it should be more.
An improved version of Figure 3 is also provided.
- 4/The references are actual and appropriate, but very short so it should be add with more (5-10 articles) actual sources published in 2022-2023 like
-Tranoulidis, A., Sotiropoulou, R. E. P., Bithas, K., & Tagaris, E. (2022). Decarbonization and Transition to the Post-Lignite Era: Analysis for a Sustainable Transition in the Region of Western Macedonia. Sustainability, 14(16), 10173.
-Karagianni, S., & Pempetzoglou, M. (2022). The Income Distribution Impact of Decarbonization in Greece: An Initial Approach. Circular Economy and Sustainability, 1-11.
Four (4) additional relevant references along with one book chapter have been added.
|
Weber, G., Cabras, I., The transition of Germany's energy production, green economy, low-carbon economy, socio-environmental conflicts, and equitable society, Journal of Cleaner Production, 2017 167, p. 1222 1231. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.07.223 |
|
Wang, Q., Yi, H., New energy demonstration program and China’s urban green economic growth: Do regional characteristics make a difference?, Energy Policy, 2021, 151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112161 |
|
Luciani, G., The Impacts of the Energy Transition on Growth and Income Distribution, The Geopolitics of the Global Energy Transition, 2022, 73. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39066-2_13 |
|
Tranoulidis, A., Sotiropoulou, R.-E.P., Bithas, K., Tagaris, E., Decarbonization and Transition to the Post-Lignite Era: Analysis for a Sustainable Transition in the Region ofWestern Macedonia, Sustainability, 2022, 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610173 Karagianni, S., Pempetzoglou, M., The Income Distribution Impact of Decarbonization in Greece: an Initial Approach, Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2022, 2, pp. 557-567. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-021-00121-1 |
- 5/The conclusions consistent with the evidence and arguments, but it should be more detailed explain the authors input in scientific research of the topic, because there are enough actual researches (which should be mentioned in literacy) and authors should explain in the conclusion what new they received from this article. Now it is not possible to understand because all Figures and Tables are not marked by their source.
After the clarification of the information included in most figures and tables of the submitted revised manuscript the clear output of this work is given in the last paragraph of the manuscript, i.e.:
"according to the expressed opinion of one hundred well informed -about the energy issues- young scientists, the main goal of the proposed energy transition study should be to enlighten and support the policies adaptation and the technological choices required in order to guarantee the social just green energy transition, safeguarding the prosperity of the local communities involved. The successful implementation of policies that support the achievement of a sustainable energy transition might lead not only to a reliable transformation of the energy systems, but also to a just socio-economic transition, ensuring the local society participation and contributing on reviving the local economy."
Generally, the research is original and interesting, but for the publishing it needs complex improvements. It should be improved in literacy review and comparison with other global cases and the same actual research. Also, several technical details should be done much better.
Best regards,
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
Dear Authors
I find the research idea very interesting. However, in my opinion, the manuscript needs a major rewrite.
The main goal of the manuscript is to analyze the process of green energy transition and electricity sector decarbonization in the EU with special emphasis on the impact of fast decarbonization in areas where large coal power stations are operating.
However, the structure of the manuscript is ill-conceived and chaotic.
You have devoted a lot of attention to the process of energy transformation in the EU. However, little attention is devoted to reviewing the literature on the problems of the impact of the energy transition on the economy and society. Especially regarding mechanisms limiting the negative impact. This is included to some extent in chapters 3.1, and 3.2, but it is quite general information, not very detailed. There is no reference to other studies.
It is interesting of students' opinions of energetic transformation. At the same time, this analysis is quite general, not very detailed. There is no critical analysis of these responses and no reference to policy mechanisms mitigating the negative impact of decarbonization for the region of West Macedonia.
Research methodology is missing.
In my opinion, the main focus should be on the effects of the energy transition in West Macedonia and possible ways of acting.
Best regards
Author Response
Dear Editor and Reviewers,
We would like to thank you for the comments received and for giving us the opportunity to improve the quality of our paper. To this end, responses to the queries of Reviewer #3 are given in the following.
Reviewer-3
Dear Authors
I find the research idea very interesting. However, in my opinion, the manuscript needs a major rewrite.
The main goal of the manuscript is to analyze the process of green energy transition and electricity sector decarbonization in the EU with special emphasis on the impact of fast decarbonization in areas where large coal power stations are operating.
- However, the structure of the manuscript is ill-conceived and chaotic.
The structure of the revised manuscript is re-organized, including several sub-sections and removing unnecessary technical details.
- You have devoted a lot of attention to the process of energy transformation in the EU. However, little attention is devoted to reviewing the literature on the problems of the impact of the energy transition on the economy and society.
Unnecessary technical details have been removed, while additional references concerning the impact of the energy transition on the economy and society have been added.
- Especially regarding mechanisms limiting the negative impact. This is included to some extent in chapters 3.1, and 3.2, but it is quite general information, not very detailed. There is no reference to other studies.
More detailed data concerning the mitigation of electricity sector decarbonization negative impacts have been added (e.g. Table 5) and four (4) additional relevant references along with one book chapter have been also mentioned.
- It is interesting of students' opinions of energetic transformation. At the same time, this analysis is quite general, not very detailed. There is no critical analysis of these responses and no reference to policy mechanisms mitigating the negative impact of decarbonization for the region of West Macedonia.
More detailed data concerning the mitigation of electricity sector decarbonization negative impacts have been added (e.g. Table 5) and three paragraphs have also included in the discussion section in order to provide critical analysis of the students’ responses.
- Research methodology is missing.
A separate sub-section 4.1 "Survey Methodology" is included.
- In my opinion, the main focus should be on the effects of the energy transition in West Macedonia and possible ways of acting.
Actually, the output of the proposed study is summarized in the manuscript conclusions, i.e.:
"according to the expressed opinion of one hundred well informed -about the energy issues- young scientists, the main goal of the proposed energy transition study should be to enlighten and support the policies adaptation and the technological choices required in order to guarantee the social just green energy transition, safeguarding the prosperity of the local communities involved. The successful implementation of policies that support the achievement of a sustainable energy transition might lead not only to a reliable transformation of the energy systems, but also to a just socio-economic transition, ensuring the local society participation and contributing on reviving the local economy."
Best regards
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 4 Report
I appreciate the efforts of the authors to solve this issue, but since it is a broad topic, the given issue is discussed only superficially.
This work is based on the list of literature used in the "references" section, which also includes external links that refer to the page in general, or the given link cannot be opened at all, or the given source uses Wikipedia. I would also like to warn the authors about correct citation. There are also formal errors and misspellings in the quotations.
I have the most conflicts with the following references: 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 16, 28, 30.
In line 315, ,,%,, is written as a word, unlike other occurrences in the text where a character is indicated.
When expressing numbers such as In line 322, the number 25000 is written without a comma, but in the next line the number is separated by a comma / 11,000.
Author Response
Dear Editor and Reviewers,
We would like to thank you for the comments received and for giving us the opportunity to improve the quality of our paper. To this end, responses to the queries of Reviewer # 4 are given in the following.
Responses to the queries of Reviewer #4 are given in the following.
Reviewer-4
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
- I appreciate the efforts of the authors to solve this issue, but since it is a broad topic, the given issue is discussed only superficially.
The main concern of the proposed study is to present the impact of the delignitization process in selected regions of EU and to investigate the opinion of young scientists, related to the energy research field and residents of a region under decarbonization, towards all these forthcoming radical changes, related to the green transition.
- This work is based on the list of literature used in the "references" section, which also includes external links that refer to the page in general, the given link cannot be opened at all, or the given source uses Wikipedia. I would also like to warn the authors about correct citation. There are also formal errors and misspellings in the quotations. I have the most conflicts with the following references: 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 16, 28, 30.
All the references mentioned are updated, while some additional references have been also added.
- In line 315, ,,%,, is written as a word, unlike other occurrences in the text where a character is indicated. When expressing numbers such as In line 322, the number 25000 is written without a comma, but in the next line the number is separated by a comma / 11,000.
All these typos mentioned have been corrected.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
The research in present form is fine and I dont have any more any questions.
Reviewer 3 Report
Accept in present form. There is a lack of statistical analysis
Reviewer 4 Report
I would like to thanks authors for their job done on this article. I suggest to autors remake some last formal errors like (years in references are written with bold, unify the currency designation).
