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14 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Factors Affecting National Energy Efficiency

by Marina A. Nevskaya, Semen M. Raikhlin, Victoriya V. Vinogradova, Victor V. Belyaev and Mark M. Khaikin

Energies 2023, 16(13), 5170; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16135170 - 5 Jul 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2204

Abstract

National energy efficiency is a key driver for the sustainable development of society. However, the conditions for increasing energy efficiency vary widely around the world and depend on numerous controllable and uncontrollable factors. Existing indicators for assessing energy efficiency typically focus on individual [...] Read more.

National energy efficiency is a key driver for the sustainable development of society. However, the conditions for increasing energy efficiency vary widely around the world and depend on numerous controllable and uncontrollable factors. Existing indicators for assessing energy efficiency typically focus on individual factors, neglecting the complex interplay of socioeconomic, environmental, technological, and other factors that influence energy efficiency. This limitation hampers the quality of assessments. The goal of this study is to develop and apply a comprehensive methodological approach for assessing the influence of key factors on energy efficiency across different countries. The approach utilizes factor analysis methods to identify correlations between indicators and energy-efficiency factors. The study’s findings offer a model for assessing energy efficiency that enables a more profound and comprehensive analysis of the multifactorial impact experienced by national economies in various energy-efficiency domains and areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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18 pages, 1752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Carbon Trading Promote Low-Carbon Transformation of High Energy Consumption Enterprises?—The Case of China

by Peishu Chen, Yu He, Kai Yue and Guochang Fang

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3438; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083438 - 13 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1274

Abstract

This paper explores the effect of carbon trading on low-carbon transformation of high energy consumption enterprises in China. Based on the mechanism of interaction and restriction among high energy consumption enterprises, carbon verification agencies and the government, a tripartite evolutionary game model is [...] Read more.

This paper explores the effect of carbon trading on low-carbon transformation of high energy consumption enterprises in China. Based on the mechanism of interaction and restriction among high energy consumption enterprises, carbon verification agencies and the government, a tripartite evolutionary game model is constructed. The three-dimensional dynamic system is built to analyze the behavior patterns of the three parties. The evolution path of the tripartite game is visualized, and the low-carbon transformation states of high energy consumption enterprises in different situations are described. The results show that the high energy consumption enterprises, verification organization and the government cannot reach the optimal game equilibrium (low-carbon transformation, verification and supervision) temporarily when seeking their own interests. The corresponding measures should be taken with different situations of the tripartite game. No matter what strategy the government chooses, the low-carbon transformation could be promoted by carbon trading through carbon verification mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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17 pages, 2179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Policies to Reduce Australia’s Electricity Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Net Zero by 2050

by Steph Byrom, Geoff Bongers, Paul Dargusch and Andrew Garnett

Energies 2023, 16(5), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16052259 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2270

Abstract

Recent events within the Australian National Electricity Market have demonstrated that the system of an energy-only market (a market that only compensates power that has been produced) is no longer fit for purpose. The rate of change in installed capacity and generation requires [...] Read more.

Recent events within the Australian National Electricity Market have demonstrated that the system of an energy-only market (a market that only compensates power that has been produced) is no longer fit for purpose. The rate of change in installed capacity and generation requires better planning to ensure reliability is maintained at the lowest total system cost during the transition to net zero. Australian National Electricity Market participants will need sufficient incentives and confidence to invest in new capacity. This paper assesses a “no constraints” scenario and recommends a range of policy and market mechanisms that could be utilized to achieve a net zero National Electricity Market in Australia by 2050. This paper adopts the perspective of total system cost, which allows multiple factors relating to decision-making to be incorporated. In the absence of a carbon price, this paper seeks to put forward technology-based policy and market mechanisms to incentivise the changes required. The “Modelling Energy and Grid Services” model used in this study has shown that this “no constraints” future grid will need to contain approximately 100 GW of variable renewable energy, almost 20 GW of firm, low-emissions generation, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, hydroelectric power, or nuclear power. It will also require more than 10 GW of storage, including pumped hydro energy storage and other energy storage technologies, and over 30 GW of firm, dispatchable peaking plants, including thermal power generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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21 pages, 1497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Properties Evolution and Influencing Factors of Global Virtual Water Scarcity Risk Transfer Network

by Gaogao Dong, Jing Zhang, Lixin Tian, Yang Chen, Mengxi Zhang and Ziwei Nan

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031436 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1640

Abstract

Loss of production due to local water scarcity, i.e., Local Water Scarcity Risk (LWSR), is transferred downstream through international supply chains to distant economies, causing potential economic losses to countries and sectors that do not directly experience actual water scarcity, which is defined [...] Read more.

Loss of production due to local water scarcity, i.e., Local Water Scarcity Risk (LWSR), is transferred downstream through international supply chains to distant economies, causing potential economic losses to countries and sectors that do not directly experience actual water scarcity, which is defined as Virtual Water Scarcity Risk (VWSR). Much research has focused on assessing VWSR and characterizing the structure of VWSR transfer networks, without explaining the formation and dynamics of VWSR transfer network patterns. In this study, the global VWSR transfer networks for 2001–2016 are then constructed based on a multi-regional input-output model and complex network theory. The determinants influencing the formation of VWSR transfer networks are further explored using the time-exponential random graph model. The results demonstrate that: (1) The VWSR transfer networks exhibit a distinctly small-world and heterogeneous nature; (2) Asia and Europe are the main targets of VWSR transfers, and Asia is also the main source of risks; (3) China and the USA play a leading role on the import side of VWSR, and India is the largest exporter of VWSR; (4) The evolution of VWSR transfer networks is significantly influenced by transitivity and stability. Countries located on the same continent, sharing geographical borders and having a higher level of economic development, have a facilitating effect on the formation and evolution of VWSR transfer networks. Countries with a higher share of merchandise trade are more inclined to receive VWSR inflows, while the urbanization rate has a restraining effect on VWSR outflows. The study provides a network-based insight that explores the structural evolution of VWSR transfer networks and the determinants of their formation, informing policy makers in developing strategies to mitigate the cascading spread of VWSR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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16 pages, 648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Interdependence in Sustainable Mobility Tools and Home Energy Equipment Choices

by Gaofeng Gu and Xiaofeng Pan

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031084 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1037

Abstract

Energy consumption in transportation and households are the main two sections of energy consumption in Europe. To cope with the challenges raised by energy security, sustainability, and pollution, great efforts have been made to encourage the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric [...] Read more.

Energy consumption in transportation and households are the main two sections of energy consumption in Europe. To cope with the challenges raised by energy security, sustainability, and pollution, great efforts have been made to encourage the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles and car sharing. In terms of households, home renewable energy equipment such as heat pumps and solar panels are promising solutions. To accelerate the diffusion of these promising and environmentally friendly technologies, an abundance of studies has investigated the factors that impact the adoption of them. Most of the existing literature considered the choice behavior of vehicle types and choice behavior of energy equipment to be exogenous to other. Charging electric vehicles at home will lead to an increase in home energy costs. It is important to understand to what extent a household’s decision to purchase new mobility tools or energy equipment is affected by the other. This paper, therefore, attempts to investigate the correlation between the choice of home energy equipment and the choice of new mobility tools. An inverted sequence stated preference experiment was designed and conducted in the Netherlands to examine the interdependence of mobility tools choice and home energy equipment choice. Two logit models were presented to investigate how the choice of mobility tools and energy equipment impact each other. Results indicate that the promoting effect between electric vehicles and solar panels is bidirectional, while the promoting effect between electric vehicles and heat pumps is unidirectional. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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20 pages, 5002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Energy Resilience in the Rural Thai Power System—A Case Study in Nakhon Phanom

by Maria Christina Gudrun Hart and Michael Hans Breitner

Energies 2022, 15(19), 7374; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197374 - 7 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2072

Abstract

With rising electricity demand, heavy reliance on imports, and recent economic downturns due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Thailand is suffering severely from energy resilience risks. The government has therefore set [...] Read more.

With rising electricity demand, heavy reliance on imports, and recent economic downturns due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Thailand is suffering severely from energy resilience risks. The government has therefore set a goal of decentralizing energy production through small-scale distributed renewable energy systems. To support their design and the planning process, we simulate multiple scenarios with wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, and battery storage for a model community in rural Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Using the software NESSI4D, we evaluate and discuss their impact on energy resilience by considering environmental sustainability, economic attractiveness, and independence from the central power grid. To fill the gap of missing data on energy demand, we synthesize high-resolution load profiles from the Thailand Vietnam Socio-Economic Panel. We conclude that distributed photovoltaic systems with additional battery storage are only suitable to promote energy resilience if the government provides appropriate financial incentives. Considering temporal variations and local conditions, as well as a participatory decision-making process, are crucial for the long-term success of energy projects. Our advice to decision-makers is to design policies and regulatory support that are aligned with the preferences and needs of target communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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37 pages, 5118 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Can We Rely on Open-Source Energy System Optimization Models? The TEMOA-Italy Case Study

by Matteo Nicoli, Francesco Gracceva, Daniele Lerede and Laura Savoldi

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6505; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186505 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3074

Abstract

Energy system models have become crucial to assess the effectiveness of possible energy policies in pursuing the declared environmental objectives. Among bottom-up models, the tools most widely used by researchers and institutions to perform scenario analyses and policy evaluations rely on commercial software [...] Read more.

Energy system models have become crucial to assess the effectiveness of possible energy policies in pursuing the declared environmental objectives. Among bottom-up models, the tools most widely used by researchers and institutions to perform scenario analyses and policy evaluations rely on commercial software and closed databases, limiting the transparency of the studies. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate that open-source tools, relying on open databases, can be used as a valid alternative to commercial tools, getting equivalent results not only for simple case studies as done so far, but also for complex (national, regional, or multi-regional) reference energy systems. Working on the already available open TEMOA optimization framework, a bottom-up technology-rich model is developed here for the Italian reference energy system on an extended TEMOA version, comparable in detail and complexity to the equivalent TIMES framework. The accuracy of the novel TEMOA-Italy model in a business-as-usual scenario is assessed, showing that the average relative differences with respect to the consolidated TIMES-Italy results are in the order of few percent. The open-source model, available on Github, is now ready for the test and implementation of new optimization paradigms, which was not possible in the TIMES framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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18 pages, 6454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Breakpoints in Carbon Market Based on Probability Density Recurrence Network

by Mengrui Zhu, Hua Xu, Xingyu Gao, Minggang Wang, André L. M. Vilela and Lixin Tian

Energies 2022, 15(15), 5540; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155540 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1336

Abstract

The scientific judgement of the structural abrupt transition characteristics of the carbon market price is an important means to comprehensively analyze its fluctuation law and effectively prevent carbon market risks. However, the existing methods for identifying structural changes of the carbon market based [...] Read more.

The scientific judgement of the structural abrupt transition characteristics of the carbon market price is an important means to comprehensively analyze its fluctuation law and effectively prevent carbon market risks. However, the existing methods for identifying structural changes of the carbon market based on carbon price data mostly regard the carbon price series as a deterministic time series and pay less attention to the uncertainty implied by the carbon price series. We propose a framework for identifying abrupt transitions in the carbon market from the perspective of a complex network by considering the influence of random factors on the carbon price series, expressing the carbon price series as a sequence of probability density functions, using the distribution of probability density to reveal the uncertainty information implied by carbon price series and constructing a recurrence network of carbon price probability density. Based on the community structure, the break index and statistical test method are defined. The simulation verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the method compared with traditional methods. An empirical analysis uses the carbon price data of the European Union carbon market and seven pilot carbon markets in China. The results show many abrupt transitions in the carbon price series of the two markets, whose occurrence period is closely related to major events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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Review

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17 pages, 3135 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Technological Review of Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS): Global Standing and Potential Application in Australia

by Domingo Garza, Paul Dargusch and David Wadley

Energies 2023, 16(10), 4090; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104090 - 15 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3765

Abstract

There is mounting evidence that, unless greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fall back quickly, the goals outlined by the 2015 Paris Agreement to keep the global temperature rise well below 2 °C and preferably 1.5 °C will not be met. In response to these [...] Read more.

There is mounting evidence that, unless greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fall back quickly, the goals outlined by the 2015 Paris Agreement to keep the global temperature rise well below 2 °C and preferably 1.5 °C will not be met. In response to these concerns, direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) technologies are gaining research and development attention. This article provides a thorough comparison of the two leading DACCS variants and reports on their status among major research and policy institutions worldwide. By translating the operating and capital costs to the Australian context, we assess the viability of DACCS implementation using either cheap renewable or legacy fossil energy to power CO₂ extraction plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Transition)

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