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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2022) | Viewed by 29148

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Linwei Ma

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Guest Editor

Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: energy system analysis and energy strategic planning, especially on low-carbon energy transition; sustainable development of energy and mineral resources; regional and technological energy economics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Bo Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: global anthropogenic CH4 emissions; China’s GHG emission inventories; energy and climate policies in developing countries; environmentally extended input–output analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Wenjia Cai

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Guest Editor

Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: economic, environmental, and social impact assessment of carbon mitigation; energy–environment–economy system modeling and analysis; energy and climate policy

Dr. Zongxiang Lu

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Guest Editor

Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: wind and solar power integration analysis and control; energy and power macro planning; power system reliability; distributed generation and Microgrid

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To cope with global climate change and implement the Paris Agreement, all regions and industries need to accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy systems in a practical manner and finally realize carbon neutrality. However, there are still a series of policy, technical, and commercial challenges to overcome in the process of low-carbon energy transition, due to the system complexities, dynamics, and openness involved. The purpose of this Special Issue is to focus on challenges and innovations in the low-carbon energy transition of regions and industries, reveal the latest problems and progress in this transition from the policy, technology, and business aspects, and put forward enlightenment for practice through innovations in system methodology. The purpose is to promote critical and original thinking around low-carbon energy transition, explore the frontiers of system theory and methods, and share typical regional and industrial practice cases.

The scope of this Special Issue includes but is not limited to the following issues:

The implications of carbon neutrality on the economy, on regions, industries, international trade, and on the development of low-carbon technology, and the co-benefits/trade-offs of low-carbon energy transition in economic development, resource utilization, ecological environment, and social welfare;
The challenges, mechanisms, and innovative measures to accelerate low-carbon energy transition in regions, cities, and key industrial sectors/supply chains/enterprises, such as power, coal, steel, cement, chemical industry, etc.;
Major technological innovation in the supply chain of energy, electric power, and industries, and the cost–benefit analysis of mitigation technologies for energy activities, especially the challenges and innovations to develop and deploy negative emission technologies;
Major issues of social governance, law, and planning and business models to accelerate the low-carbon energy transition;
The challenges to estimating GHG emissions from energy activities, including CO2 and non-CO2 GHGs;
Green Belt-and-Road and the role of low-carbon energy.

Dr. Linwei Ma
Prof. Dr. Bo Zhang
Dr. Wenjia Cai
Dr. Zongxiang Lu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Addressing climate change
Low-carbon energy
Energy transition
System analysis
Energy technology innovation
Energy-related GHG emissions

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 7049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Power System Transition with Multiple Flexibility Resources: A Data-Driven Approach

by Hao Li, Ying Qiao, Zongxiang Lu and Baosen Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2656; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052656 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1721

Abstract

Power systems are transitioning toward having high shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) with the help of flexibility resources. However, multiple flexibility resources on the generation, storage and demand sides introduce multiple technical and economic uncertainties, making the transition hard to predict. Moreover, the benefit of these resources in the transition is unclear. To fill these gaps, this paper proposes a data-driven approach to explore the transition to a high VRE share-oriented power system with multiple flexibility resources. This approach generates a wealth of possible transition paths under multiple uncertainties and then uses them to quantitatively analyze the transition. Specifically, the proposed method includes principal component analysis-based path visualization, multiple index-based transition milestone identification, cluster and distance calculation-based key influential factor identification, marginal index-based flexibility resource benefit comparison and Pareto frontier-based path recommendation. Case studies based on the Northwest China power system, which involves wind, photovoltaics and concentrated solar plants, validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and further indicate that flexibility resources increase rapidly with the growth of the VRE share. Of the multiple flexibility resources, storage contributes the most. Key influential factors include the capital cost of VRE and storage along with coal price. These factors should be the focus in a low-cost and low-carbon transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Innovations in Low-Carbon Energy)

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29 pages, 10734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Calculation and Decomposition Method Embedding Sectoral Energy Structure for Embodied Carbon: A Case Study of China’s 28 Sectors

by Yunlong Zhao, Linwei Ma, Zheng Li and Weidou Ni

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2593; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052593 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1659

Abstract

The measurement and allocation of carbon emission responsibilities is a fundamental issue in China’s low-carbon development. However, existing studies of embodied carbon do not sufficiently consider the sectoral energy structure. In this work, we developed a high-resolution calculation method for embodied carbon that embeds the sectoral energy structure into traditional input–output methods, thus expanding the driving factors of SDA decomposition. Based on this method, we calculated the quantity, final consumption structure, and energy structure of embodied carbon in China’s 28 sectors from 2002 to 2018, drew a carbon emissions allocation Sankey diagram of China in 2018, and calculated the SDA decomposition results for 2002–2010 and 2010–2018. The results indicate that fixed capital formation was still the top contributor of embodied carbon, and it caused more coal consumption. “Construction for fixed capital formation” and “other services for domestic consumption” were the two most important drivers of carbon emissions. The final consumption quantity and energy intensity were the main factors that promoted and inhibited the growth of embodied carbon, respectively, while the effects of the input–output structure, sectoral energy structure, and carbon emission coefficient on reducing carbon emissions were obvious after 2010. This also revealed that policymakers should formulate differentiated emission reduction strategies according to the carbon emission characteristics of key sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Innovations in Low-Carbon Energy)

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17 pages, 2297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Planning Method for Low-Carbon Energy Transition in Rapidly Growing Cities

by Yayu Xiao, Honghua Yang, Yunlong Zhao, Geng Kong, Linwei Ma, Zheng Li and Weidou Ni

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042063 - 11 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1956

Abstract

Coping with climate change requires promoting low-carbon energy transition (LCET) in cities. However, the planning method of LCET for rapidly growing cities deserves further study because it involves dynamicity and interactions of multiple factors. This paper aims to put forward a comprehensive methodology to fill that gap. First, a theoretical framework of “energy system–sustainability–governance–operation of rapidly growing cities” is put forward to explain the general mechanism of LCET. Second, a three step method is built for LCET planning, including energy system analysis based on low emissions analysis platform modeling, operation analysis applying multilevel perspective and stakeholder theories, and governance evaluation by policy review. To verify this method, a city in Western China, Chengdu, was selected as the case study. The results show that Chengdu’s energy related CO₂ emissions are expected to peak in 2025 under timely and aggressive measures. The main obstacles lie in three aspects: techno–economic insufficiencies, lack of social cognition, and problems of institution and policy. To realize this scenario, Chengdu must incorporate the target and pathway of a carbon peak as soon as possible into its policy system and enhance the coordination among governmental departments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Innovations in Low-Carbon Energy)

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56 pages, 30624 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Visualization Method of the Economic Input–Output Table: Mapping Monetary Flows in the Form of Sankey Diagrams

by Chinhao Chong, Xi Zhang, Geng Kong, Linwei Ma, Zheng Li, Weidou Ni and Eugene-Hao-Chen Yu

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12239; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112239 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5185

Abstract

The input–output table and input–output method have been widely used to understand complex economic structures and are often used in cross-disciplinary research between economics and other disciplines, such as analysis of embodied energy, carbon footprints, the water–food nexus, etc. However, when researchers present these results to audiences, especially policymakers, they often lack an effective visualization tool to present (1) the full picture of the input–output table; (2) the complicated upstream–downstream nexus, and (3) the input–output relationships between the economic sectors. Therefore, a better visualization method is developed to solve this problem. We propose mapping an input–output table into a Sankey diagram, a so-called monetary allocation Sankey diagram. We first designed the mapping structure of a monetary allocation Sankey diagram according to the general structure of an economic monetary input–output table to establish the correspondence nexus between the table and diagram. We used China as a case study to demonstrate the usage of the monetary allocation Sankey diagram. The purpose of the monetary allocation Sankey diagram is to help people understand the input–output table in a short time and quickly grasp the big picture of the economic system. To verify whether this goal is achieved, we presented and applied these Sankey diagrams on different occasions and obtained evaluations from scholars from different academic backgrounds. The evaluation shows that the monetary allocation Sankey diagram is not only a visualization result of the input–output table but also a miniature model of the economic system, which allows people to “truly observe” the complex input–output relationship and upstream–downstream nexus in the economic system. Researchers can quickly grasp the main features of the economic system by observing the miniature model, or they can use this miniature model as an auxiliary tool to introduce the economic system and its inherent complex relationships to the audience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Innovations in Low-Carbon Energy)

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Review

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29 pages, 1415 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methane Emission Estimation of Oil and Gas Sector: A Review of Measurement Technologies, Data Analysis Methods and Uncertainty Estimation

by Shuo Sun, Linwei Ma and Zheng Li

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13895; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413895 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4080

Abstract

The emission estimation of the oil and gas sector, which involves field test measurements, data analysis, and uncertainty estimation, precedes effective emission mitigation actions. A systematic comparison and summary of these technologies and methods are necessary to instruct the technology selection and for uncertainty improvement, which is not found in existing literature. In this paper, we present a review of existing measuring technologies, matching data analysis methods, and newly developed probabilistic tools for uncertainty estimation and try to depict the process for emission estimation. Through a review, we find that objectives have a determinative effect on the selection of measurement technologies, matching data analysis methods, and uncertainty estimation methods. And from a systematic perspective, optical instruments may have greatly improved measurement accuracy and range, yet data analysis methods might be the main contributor of estimation uncertainty. We suggest that future studies on oil and gas methane emissions should focus on the analysis methods to narrow the uncertainty bond, and more research on uncertainty generation might also be required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Innovations in Low-Carbon Energy)

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28 pages, 5023 KiB

Open AccessReview

Low-Carbon Development for the Iron and Steel Industry in China and the World: Status Quo, Future Vision, and Key Actions

by Yuancheng Lin, Honghua Yang, Linwei Ma, Zheng Li and Weidou Ni

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12548; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212548 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 9260

Abstract

The low-carbon development of China’s iron and steel industry (ISI) is important but challenging work for the attainment of China’s carbon neutrality by 2060. However, most previous studies related to the low-carbon development of China’s ISI are fragmented from different views such as production-side mitigation, demand-side mitigation, or mitigation technologies. Additionally, there is still a lack of a comprehensive overview of the long-term pathway to the low-carbon development of China’s ISI. To respond to this gap and to contribute to better guide policymaking in China, this paper conducted a timely and comprehensive review following the technology roadmap framework covering the status quo, future vision, and key actions of the low-carbon development of the world and China’s ISI. First, this paper provides an overview of the technology roadmap of low-carbon development around the main steel production countries in the world. Second, the potential for key decarbonization actions available for China’s ISI are evaluated in detail. Third, policy and research recommendations are put forward for the future low-carbon development of China’s ISI. Through this comprehensive review, four key actions can be applied to the low-carbon development of China’s ISI: improving energy efficiency, shifting to Scrap/EAF route, promoting material efficiency strategy, and deploying radical innovation technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Innovations in Low-Carbon Energy)

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23 pages, 7373 KiB

Open AccessReview

Convergence, Development, and Energy-Intensive Infrastructure in Africa: A Review of the Evidence

by Vijaya Ramachandran

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10572; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910572 - 23 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

The structural changes in an economy that accompany its growth to high-income status have been predictable in Europe, the United States, and Asia, characterized by declining employment in agriculture and rising levels of urbanization driven by jobs in the modern industrial sector. As agricultural productivity rises, the share of people employed in agriculture declines, and both urbanization and employment in manufacturing increase. Food prices fall relative to wages, causing the share of income spent on food to decline to very low levels. Asian countries have followed a similar path, although at a much faster pace. Africa, however, is different. Despite a high share of the population in urban areas, most African countries have yet to see significant increases in agricultural productivity that might drive industrial growth and jobs. The rising share of urban population has not been matched by increases in agricultural productivity, falling food prices, or the emergence of a viable industrial sector. Available evidence shows that agricultural yields in Africa are low and food is costly, while the share of employment in agriculture remains high. For the process of structural transformation to get underway, African countries must invest in the manufacture of fertilizer, develop better methods of water control, improve transportation, and invest in cold storage. Each of these interventions requires significant amounts of energy, including energy from fossil fuels, and they are not replaceable—countries have managed structural transformation in different ways but to date none have leapfrogged the process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Innovations in Low-Carbon Energy)

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Other

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19 pages, 3107 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Proposal of Implementation Framework of Cooperative Approaches and Sustainable Development Mechanism

by Huangwei Deng, Ying Su, Zhenliang Liao and Jiang Wu

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020655 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2120

Abstract

To slow down climate warming and achieve sustainable development, the Paris Agreement attempts to establish cooperative approaches (Article 6.2 in the Paris Agreement) and a sustainable development mechanism (Article 6.4 in the Paris Agreement) for carbon trading. However, deficiencies in implementation exist due to a lack of systematic execution regulations and an integrated management system. To strengthen the effectiveness of the two carbon trading mechanisms for reducing carbon emission, this paper aims to propose an implementation framework of cooperative approaches and a sustainable development mechanism. Based on the international regime theory in global climate change and the nine elements of the market mechanism, the paper makes use of comparative analysis to discuss the type of mechanism, coverage of the system, operational framework, governance framework, and implementation framework of cooperative approaches and a sustainable development mechanism. The main results and conclusions are as follows: (1) Cooperative approaches are considered as project-based and quota-/credit-based carbon market mechanisms. Under cooperative approaches, trading units should be authorized at the international-regional and sub-regional levels. CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆, and NF₃ are the seven types of greenhouse gases that could be traded through cooperative approaches, and they shall be accounted by the unit of CO₂-eq. (2) The sustainable development mechanism is considered as an industry-based and credit-based carbon market framework. Under the sustainable development mechanism, trading units should be authorized at the international level. CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and PFCs can work in the sustainable development mechanism as subject matters. The unit of gases shall be CO₂-eq as well. (3) The implementation framework of cooperative approaches ought to follow three stages: project preparation, project submission, and auditing, as well as internationally transferred mitigation outcomes transfer. The implementation framework of the sustainable development mechanism ought to contain three stages: project development and review, project implementation and monitoring, and project acceptance and unit transfer. The authors hope it can work as a guideline for the early implementation stage of the cooperative approaches and sustainable development mechanism to stimulate carbon reduction and further slow climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Innovations in Low-Carbon Energy)

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