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Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models

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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 (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 25014

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat

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Guest Editor

Department of Marketing Management and Tourism, University of Economics in Katowice, 1 Maja 50, 40-287 Katowice, Poland
Interests: marketing strategies; marketing management; innovative business models

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable development in energy is the object of interest of scholars and managers, who not only want to identify the current situation in energy and learn about its drivers, but who also want try and predict the possible future trends in business models on the energy market. In recent years, changes in the development of innovative energy business models have been observed that are related to trends in the business environment (customer behavior related to generation X, Y, and Z; development of new technologies, especially social media; changes in the political and legal environment; and the global pandemic). Currently, companies have to face challenges associated with change, including the Coronavirus pandemic, which requires the implementation of various business activities that help protect their competitive position. A very important challenge in this matter is finding innovative business models based on the concept of sustainable development.

There is no doubt that the business environment is changing the management activities of companies. These activities are stimulated by new communication technologies and an unpredictable economic climate, but our knowledge about the detailed antecedents and consequences of these phenomena at micro-, mezzo-, and macro-levels is very fragmented. We also do not know much about specific types of managerial behavior that emerge from these phenomena, their interdependencies, or their contingencies, as these phenomena may depend heavily on the cultural and economic context of the country of comparison. This call follows the shortcomings in academic knowledge, and is open to both conceptual and empirical work that builds a better understanding of the reasons for business model change in the energy sector.

There is no restriction on the topic areas for this Special Issue. Energies readers and authors are encouraged to submit their best work to be featured. The main criteria for the acceptance of manuscripts will be novelty, as well as potential breadth and contribution to the field. Manuscripts with experimental implementation and empirical evidence are also encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

business models in the energy market
young customers
energy company
sustainable management
energy sustainability
business model innovations in the energy sector
presumption
social media
global pandemic and energy market
energy efficiency in the context of energy market
regulatory impact on business models in the energy sector

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Attitudes and Awareness of Sustainable Energy Consumption in the Opinion of Young People with Autistic-Spectrum Disorder (ASD); Implications for the Family Budget

by Bożena Frączek, Anna Gagat-Matuła and Katarzyna Plutecka

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051730 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

Energy efficiency through energy saving is a key trend in the modern world. Analyses have been conducted by scientists in different fields on various target groups that influence sustainable energy consumption. The aim of the research presented in this article is to determine the association between parental attitudes and awareness of sustainable energy consumption in the perception of young people with ASD (13–17 years old). This was a pilot study. The diagnostic-survey method was used, along with The Scale of Parental Attitudes by M. Plopa and an authored survey questionnaire. Deliberate random sampling was applied. A statistical analysis showed a relationship between the acceptance attitude of both parents and the autonomy attitude of one parent—the father—and awareness of sustainable energy consumption among young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition, a critical literature review confirmed the necessity of combining energy awareness and financial awareness, as each aspect, in terms of energy savings, reflects the financial situation of the household and influences the household budget. This is extremely important in the case of vulnerable groups such as households with a person with a disability (e.g., children with ASD). This research is interdisciplinary and covers important scientific fields such as pedagogy, psychology, and economics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

19 pages, 2118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Media Engagement in Shaping Green Energy Business Models

by Marzena Czarnecka, Grzegorz Kinelski, Magdalena Stefańska, Mateusz Grzesiak and Borys Budka

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051727 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5619

Abstract

Recent years have seen an increase in the role of social media in the communication of energy sector companies (ESCs) with consumers. Currently, consumers look for information, create it themselves, and share it with other Internet users. eWOM communication means that energy companies, firstly, must be present in social media so that consumers can get to know them better, and secondly, they must consciously shape their image according to the expectations of their customers. One-way communication, such as customer satisfaction measurements, is no longer enough to know their preferences. Market trends indicate that for current buyers—both consumer and non-consumer products—the image of a “green product” or a “green company” is expected. Only a few companies report that they are harmful for environment. All companies report that they are generally community friendly. The consumer would like to know, in particular, about the harmfulness to the environment. Thus, there is a knowledge gap that the companies are not filling. In addition to the advertised satisfaction indicators, you can also test customers’ perceptions of environmental responsibility. That is, the research and results in the area of social responsibility must also be accompanied by environmental responsibility. Therefore, the article aims to indicate whether the level of consumer engagement in social media affects the perception of the green energy business model and how the attitude and pro-environmental behavior of social media users affects this perception. The paper also identifies factors related to social media that influence the perception of ESCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

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17 pages, 3003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Processes of Modernization of Consumption in Poland in the Context of the Sustainable Consumption and the Functioning of the Renewable Energy Market

by Magdalena Sobocińska

Energies 2022, 15(1), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15010289 - 1 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

The process of consumption modernization can be expressed by adopting the principles of sustainable development within the sphere of consumption. It should be emphasized that the implementation of a sustainable consumption model becomes especially important when considering the fact that not only various types of enterprises but also consumers participate in the excessive consumption of natural resources. The processes of sustainable consumption that are related to its humanization and the formation of a responsible society are a response to the overconsumption of goods and services, which is not determined by actual human needs and does not consider social and ecological costs. The aim of the paper is to present a process of consumption modernization in Poland in the context of the functioning of the renewable energy market. Special attention is paid to behaviours that are consistent with the sustainable consumption model, as well as with the motives for using renewable energy sources by Polish consumers and the perception of barriers to increasing the use of renewable energy sources in Poland. This paper is based on literature studies, as well as on the results of an empirical study of quantitative character that was performed in 2021 on a nationwide representative sample of 1020 people. The contribution of the article is represented by showing the motivation of Polish consumers to use renewable energy sources and by indicating barriers to the development of the use of renewable energy sources by consumers in Poland. The analysis of the research results shows that the aspect of saving money plays a significant role among the motives for using renewable energy sources. At the same time, high investment costs in devices that enable the use of renewable energy sources are the main factor that is limiting the increase in the use of renewable energy sources in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

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10 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Economic Impact of Investment in Renewables in Croatia by 2030

by Tomislav Gelo, Nika Šimurina and Jurica Šimurina

Energies 2021, 14(24), 8215; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248215 - 7 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3068

Abstract

At the beginning of 2020, the Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 with an outlook to 2050 was adopted. The Strategy analyzes two energy transition scenarios, the accelerated energy transition and the moderate energy transition. The Strategy is guided and defined by goals set out by the European Union (EU), which primarily states to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy sources. In order to reach these goals, it is necessary to substitute fossil fuel capacities with new capacities for the production of electricity from renewable sources. In order to do so, a new wave of investments is needed. The Strategy does not detail the macroeconomic effects of investments in renewable sources on the Croatian economy, generally quantified through GDP growth and employment. This paper analyzes the macroeconomic effects of announced investments in renewable energy sources for electricity production. The analysis encompasses the time period 2021–2030. The effects are quantified using the input–output tables for Croatia. The analysis exhibits relatively modest macroeconomic effects of investments into renewable energy on the Croatian economy. The paper concludes that it is necessary to change the structure and dynamics of investment in renewable energy. First, the investment should go into sources with the highest domestic component in investments and at the same time develop production capacities in technologies and equipment production for wind and solar capacities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

14 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Models of Delivery of Sustainable Public Transportation Services in Metropolitan Areas–Comparison of Conventional, Battery Powered and Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Drives

by Tomasz Wojciech Szulc, Grzegorz Krawczyk and Seweryn Tchórzewski

Energies 2021, 14(22), 7725; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227725 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1830

Abstract

The development of public transport systems is related to the implementation of modern and low-carbon vehicles. Over the last several years, there has been a clear progress in this field. The number of electric buses has increased, and the first solutions in the area of hydrogen fuel cells have been implemented. Unfortunately, the implementation of these technologies is connected with significant financial expenditure. The goal of the article is the analysis of effectiveness of financial investment, consisting in the purchase of 30 new public transport buses (together with the necessary infrastructure–charging stations). The analysis has been performed using the NPV method for the period of 10 years. Discount rate was determined on 4%, as recommended by the European Commission for this type of project. It is based on the case study of the investment project carried out by Metropolis GZM in Poland. The article determines and compares the efficiency ratios for three investment options-purchase of diesel-powered, battery-powered, and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles. The results of the analysis indicate that the currently high costs of vehicle purchase and charging infrastructure are a significant barrier for the implementation of battery-powered and hydrogen fuel-cell buses. In order to meet the transport policy goals related to the exchange of traditional bus stock to more eco-friendly vehicles, it is necessary to involve public funds for the purpose of financing the investment activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

12 pages, 1361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential and Need to Implement the New Concept of Social Innovation into the Management Practice of Modern Energy Companies

by Aleksander Pabian and Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat

Energies 2021, 14(20), 6752; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206752 - 16 Oct 2021

Viewed by 1623

Abstract

The research results presented in the paper show that it is important that not only state institutions and foundations but also energy companies engage in solving environmental problems by introducing specific social innovations. This need results primarily from the fact that in the environment of energy enterprises, problems of a social nature as well as those related to ecology are observed. The occurrence of social and environmental problems is related to the fact that the solutions developed so far to eliminate them are not fully effective, and the currently functioning political and economic systems as well as financial mechanisms do not sufficiently support the interests of society members and the biological systems of the planet. Hence, people constituting a layer of the social environment of energy companies also expect support from them, in the elimination of specific problems. It appears that the active participation of energy enterprises in counteracting or eliminating social and environmental issues may result in an increase in the economic efficiency of their management systems. Therefore, the benefits may concern not only the environment in which these companies operate, but also the companies themselves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

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13 pages, 402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Attitudes and the Attitude to Energy Saving among Young People with ASD

by Anna Gagat-Matuła, Bożena Frączek and Anna Dewalska-Opitek

Energies 2021, 14(17), 5353; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175353 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2127

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the association between parental attitudes and saving energy in the perception of young people with autism spectrum (13–17 years old). The character of studies was pilot. The diagnostic survey method was used, along with The Scale of Parental Attitudes by M. Plopa and an authored survey questionnaire. Deliberate random sampling was applied. Statistical analysis showed that an attitude towards autonomy manifested by mothers, as well as an attitude of acceptance in mothers and fathers, turned out to be significant in adolescents with ASD showing a positive attitude towards energy saving, and these correlations were positive, strong and statistically significant. An overly protective attitude of mothers turned out to be significant in shaping a negative attitude towards energy saving among adolescents with ASD with a significant, positive moderate correlation. Regression analysis showed that the perception of the father’s parental attitude as accepting was a statistically significant predictor of a positive attitude towards energy saving, and that the perception of the mother’s parental attitude as demanding and overly protective was a statistically significant predictor of a negative attitude to energy saving. The achieved results acquire an additional aspect, i.e., a financial dimension in the household budget. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

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14 pages, 647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Future of Sustainable Management of Energy Companies in Terms of Attitudes and Preferences of the Younger Generation

by Arnold Pabian, Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat and Barbara Pabian

Energies 2021, 14(11), 3207; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113207 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2649

Abstract

The future of the energy sector depends on the younger generation. The paper presents the results of the study, the aim of which was to determine to what extent younger generation is pro-ecological and pro-social, and whether they will include pro-ecological and pro-social activities in the management of energy companies. It is especially important to implement sustainable management in the energy sector. The study found that only 33.9% of young people are highly pro-ecological and 28.6% highly pro-social. As many as 83.0% of the younger generation show low and medium interest in environmental protection. Declarations of young people concerning high degree of inclusion of pro-ecological and pro-social activities in management are at the level of 49.9% and 58.1%. However, in many cases, these intentions do not coincide with the high pro-ecological and pro-social attitude of young people. This means that their future activity for sustainable management may be low. According to the survey, the younger generation to a large extent is not prepared to continue efforts for sustainable development in the future in the energy companies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

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Review

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30 pages, 4863 KiB

Open AccessReview

Organizational Energy Conservation Matters in the Anthropocene

by Dimosthenis Kotsopoulos

Energies 2022, 15(21), 8214; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218214 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2442

Abstract

Almost a century after its onset, the present era—when human endeavor significantly affects the environment and the future of the Earth’s ecosystem—is now regularly being referred to as the “Anthropocene”. Electric energy is recognized as one of the main forces of change that have contributed to the rise of the human reign. Moreover, its consumption, especially in organizations, is considered responsible for a large part of the greenhouse gas emissions whose curtailment is necessary for the preservation of our climate. This work focuses on turning the spotlight onto the importance of a far-from-exhausted resource in the fight for environmental protection: organizational energy conservation—as exhibited by both the organization and its members individually. Reviewing existing literature, we find that organizational energy conservation is concurrently a matter of environmental sustainability, ethics, and social justice and a matter entwined with crises. Aiming to further guide future research and practice in this field, we discriminate between and provide guidelines for conducting both “hard” (which include facility retrofitting and automation and pose the highest cost in their execution) and “soft” (which include the utilization of IS and/or behavioral interventions and pose a significantly lower cost in their execution) organizational energy-saving interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Concept of Innovative Energy Business Models)

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