Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Economies economies	2.1	4.0	2013	21.9 Days	CHF 1800
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600
Environments environments	3.5	5.7	2014	22.8 Days	CHF 1800
Forecasting forecasting	2.3	5.8	2019	18.5 Days	CHF 1800
Laws laws	1.3	2.0	2012	42.9 Days	CHF 1400

22 pages, 1854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Belt Legislation Regulation: Comparative Legal Research

by Natalia Lisina, Aleksandra Ushakova and Svetlana Ivanova

Laws 2024, 13(5), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws13050058 - 9 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1564

Recently, legislative acts on the protection of the green belt have been increasingly adopted in various states. Using the legislation examples of the United Kingdom, the Canadian province of Ontario, and Russia, we have identified public relations that can be the subject of [...] Read more.

Recently, legislative acts on the protection of the green belt have been increasingly adopted in various states. Using the legislation examples of the United Kingdom, the Canadian province of Ontario, and Russia, we have identified public relations that can be the subject of regulation of such legislation. Based on the analysis of typical legal conflicts, the problem areas which need the most attention of the legislator have been identified. The methods of differentiation of the legal regime for various areas within the green belt are investigated, taking into account their geographical features and specific management goals. The most promising areas for legal regulation that require the increased attention of legislators speak to the establishment of the procedures and criteria for excluding land plots from the green belt, the regulation of village development processes within the green belt, the establishment of a comprehensive list of agricultural types of permitted use, and the establishment of the procedure for the development of specialized plans or strategies for the use and protection of the green belt. The article offers solutions to these issues. The methodology of comparative law, including the functional method, was used in the study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 1731 KiB

Open AccessReview

Political, Economic, Social, Technical, Environmental and Legal Analysis of the Hellenic Heating and Cooling Sector

by Rosa Christodoulaki, Vassiliki Drosou and Agis Papadopoulos

Energies 2024, 17(16), 3902; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17163902 - 7 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1513

Abstract

This work provides the policy and economic analysis of the renewable heating and cooling sector in Greece. The novelty of this study is that it unveils the different policy instruments and incentive structures in promoting renewable heating and cooling adoption, and it analyses [...] Read more.

This work provides the policy and economic analysis of the renewable heating and cooling sector in Greece. The novelty of this study is that it unveils the different policy instruments and incentive structures in promoting renewable heating and cooling adoption, and it analyses the social, cultural and technical barriers to the adoption of renewable heating and cooling systems in Greece. To this end, a PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technical, Environmental and Legal) analysis is performed, with a view to demonstrating the factors that affect Greece’s progress against the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP), the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector and finally, the alignment with the long-term energy strategy. Overall, the results of this analysis show that the heating and cooling sector is still greatly dependent on the use of fossil fuels. However, there are more opportunities than barriers for the deployment of the renewable heating and cooling sector in Greece; opportunities arise from the ambitious political goals that are harmonized with those of the EU, targeting climate-neutrality by 2050. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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25 pages, 1682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Impact of Grid Tariffs

by Christian Winzer and Patrick Hensler-Ludwig

Energies 2024, 17(6), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061364 - 12 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1648

Abstract

We propose a novel grid tariff design proportional to grid load and analyze its performance in comparison to other grid tariff designs with regards to (i) effectiveness, (ii) efficiency, (iii) profitability of technologies and (iv) equity. In the case of a large share [...] Read more.

We propose a novel grid tariff design proportional to grid load and analyze its performance in comparison to other grid tariff designs with regards to (i) effectiveness, (ii) efficiency, (iii) profitability of technologies and (iv) equity. In the case of a large share of automated loads, time-of-use tariffs and critical peak prices create problematic new rebound peaks. Direct load control and capacity prices can reduce grid load without rebound peaks but are less effective at reducing both grid and energy costs. The novel tariff design proportional to the grid load can reduce both grid and energy costs but needs to be designed appropriately to avoid rebound peaks. Tariff impacts on the profitability of different technologies are more pronounced than equity impacts because households from all income brackets may be equipped with PV and flexible technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 3040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Protection Tax and Energy Efficiency: Evidence from Chinese City-Level Data

by Junmei Qi, Yi Song and Yijun Zhang

Energies 2023, 16(24), 8104; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16248104 - 17 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

The aggravated global warming and energy crisis have greatly challenged the healthy and sustainable development of society worldwide. Improving energy efficiency is one of the vital ways to overcome the dilemma. Existing studies explore the impact of environmental regulation on energy efficiency; however, [...] Read more.

The aggravated global warming and energy crisis have greatly challenged the healthy and sustainable development of society worldwide. Improving energy efficiency is one of the vital ways to overcome the dilemma. Existing studies explore the impact of environmental regulation on energy efficiency; however, the potential impact of the environmental protection tax (EPT) on urban energy efficiency has received little attention. Using the panel dataset of 278 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2019, the unified efficiency index (UEI) based on a total non-radial directional distance function (TNDDF) is first used to calculate urban energy efficiency. A difference-in-differences (DIDs) model is conducted to explore the impact of the EPT policy on the urban UEI and its potential mechanisms. The findings indicate that: (1) The average UEI in cities experienced an uptrend and a downtrend during 2011–2019. The overall UEI levels were low, especially in Jiaxiaguan, Tianshui, and Huyang cities. (2) The EPT policy significantly increases energy efficiency for the heavily polluting cities by approximately 5.21% more than that of the non-heavily polluting cities. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that EPT has a better effect on improving UEI in higher-level economic and non-resource-based cities. (4) Mechanism analysis implies that EPT boosts the urban UEI by stimulating urban green technology innovation, upgrading the industrial structure, and introducing foreign direct investment. This study offers empirical evidence and implications for policymakers using EPT to achieve higher urban energy efficiency and sustainable targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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37 pages, 11408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of National Position, Opportunity, and Challenge of Indonesia’s Nuclear Program to Support Net-Zero Emissions by 2060

by Mujammil Asdhiyoga Rahmanta, Andrew Cahyo Adhi, Handrea Bernando Tambunan, Wigas Digwijaya, Natalina Damanik and Rahmat Adiprasetya Al Hasibi

Energies 2023, 16(24), 8089; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16248089 - 15 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2315

Abstract

Coal contributed 303 million tons of CO₂ (49% of total emissions) in Indonesia in 2021. The Indonesian government plans to retire all coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Nuclear power plants (NPPs) have low CO₂ emissions. This [...] Read more.

Coal contributed 303 million tons of CO₂ (49% of total emissions) in Indonesia in 2021. The Indonesian government plans to retire all coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Nuclear power plants (NPPs) have low CO₂ emissions. This research aims to analyze the status of the nuclear program and examine the opportunities and challenges of NPPs in supporting net-zero emissions. The method used is a literature study of national positions and a simulation of the use of NPPs with the low emissions analysis platform (LEAP) up to 2060. The Business as Usual (BaU) scenario still relies on CFPPs. The retired CFPP scenario consists of NPP utilization of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. It was found that the national position of Indonesia is in phase 1 (considering), because legally there is no policy on the use of NPPs in laws, the National Development Plan, or energy policies. A Nuclear Energy Program Implementation Organization (NEPIO) has not yet been established. The simulation results conclude that with limited renewable energy potential, NPPs have the opportunity to fulfill electricity production needs and reduce CO₂ emissions significantly. The challenge of using NPPs is the increasing production and investment costs of electricity that come along with the increase in the use of NPPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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25 pages, 2907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decomposition Analysis of Regional Electricity Consumption Drivers Considering Carbon Emission Constraints: A Comparison of Guangdong and Yunnan Provinces in China

by Haobo Chen, Shangyu Liu, Yaoqiu Kuang, Jie Shu and Zetao Ma

Energies 2023, 16(24), 8052; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16248052 - 14 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1207

Abstract

Electricity consumption is closely linked to economic growth, social development, and carbon emissions. In order to fill the gap of previous studies on the decomposition of electricity consumption drivers that have not adequately considered carbon emission constraint, this study constructs the Kaya extended [...] Read more.

Electricity consumption is closely linked to economic growth, social development, and carbon emissions. In order to fill the gap of previous studies on the decomposition of electricity consumption drivers that have not adequately considered carbon emission constraint, this study constructs the Kaya extended model of electricity consumption and analyzes the effects of drivers in industrial and residential sectors using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method, and empirically explores the temporal and spatial differences in electricity consumption. Results show that: (1) During 2005–2021, the total final electricity consumption growth in Guangdong was much higher than that in Yunnan, but the average annual growth rate in Guangdong was lower, and the largest growth in both provinces was in the industrial sector. (2) The labor productivity level effect is the primary driver that increases total final electricity consumption (Guangdong: 78.5%, Yunnan: 87.1%), and the industrial carbon emission intensity effect is the primary driver that decreases total final electricity consumption (Guangdong: −75.3%, Yunnan: −72.3%). (3) The year-to-year effect of each driver by subsector is overall positively correlated with the year-to-year change in the corresponding driver, and declining carbon emission intensity is a major factor in reducing electricity consumption. (4) The difference in each effect between Guangdong and Yunnan is mainly determined by a change in the corresponding driver and subsectoral electricity consumption. Policy implications are put forward to promote energy conservation and the realization of the carbon neutrality goal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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23 pages, 1620 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Energy Crisis in Europe: The European Union’s Objectives and Countries’ Policy Trends—New Transition Paths?

by Eva M. Urbano, Konstantinos Kampouropoulos and Luis Romeral

Energies 2023, 16(16), 5957; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16165957 - 12 Aug 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3424

Abstract

Amidst the ongoing European energy crisis, the EU has proposed a legislative package to enhance gas independence from Russia, diversify energy supplies, and increase renewable energy targets. However, the urgency for energy security has led some countries to prioritise gas independence over decarbonisation, [...] Read more.

Amidst the ongoing European energy crisis, the EU has proposed a legislative package to enhance gas independence from Russia, diversify energy supplies, and increase renewable energy targets. However, the urgency for energy security has led some countries to prioritise gas independence over decarbonisation, potentially sacrificing or delaying EU targets. Considering this framework, this article contributes to the body of knowledge by examining the electricity mix of the six most significant EU countries in terms of generation capacity, considers their alignment with 2025 energy transition goals, and analyses the latest legislative trends to evaluate their compatibility with EU objectives. The findings from these analyses indicate that EU members are currently prioritising gas independence, which has led to re-starting or extending the lifespan of coal-fired power plants and an increasing interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative. These findings have significant implications as they reveal how countries are being steered away from their pre-crisis energy transition paths, resulting in the formation of new perspectives for both the short and long term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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13 pages, 841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Local Government in the Bottom-Up Energy Transformation of Poland on the Example of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship

by Mirosław Struś, Daria Kostecka-Jurczyk and Katarzyna Marak

Energies 2023, 16(12), 4684; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16124684 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1702

Abstract

This article focuses on the role of local government in energy transition. The aim of this article is to answer the question of whether local government authorities undertake actions aimed at the energy transformation of the region. This article is based on both [...] Read more.

This article focuses on the role of local government in energy transition. The aim of this article is to answer the question of whether local government authorities undertake actions aimed at the energy transformation of the region. This article is based on both literature studies and independent research. The empirical research was carried out in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, located in Southwestern Poland. This region was chosen because it experienced the negative effects of economic transformation (liquidation of the Lower Silesian Coal Basin). Two hypotheses (H1 and H2) were adopted in the article. H1 assumes that in Polish conditions, bottom-up energy transformation requires the involvement of local authorities, and they should act as both initiators and shareholders of energy cooperatives. According to H2, local authorities participate in the energy transition to a limited extent. According to the conducted surveys, there has been no investment in wind farms, hydroelectric power plants or biogas plants. Communes are not interested in large, capital-intensive investments, limiting themselves to local actions with a small spatial range and small economic significance, although they are aware of the advantages of RES. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Intelligent Neighbourhood Grids to the German Distribution Grid: A Perspective

by Rebeca Ramirez Acosta, Chathura Wanigasekara, Emilie Frost, Tobias Brandt, Sebastian Lehnhoff and Christof Büskens

Energies 2023, 16(11), 4319; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16114319 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

Renewable energy sources generated locally are becoming increasingly popular in order to achieve carbon neutrality in the near future. Some of these sources are being used in neighbourhood (local, or energy communities) grids to achieve high levels of self-sufficiency. However, the objectives of [...] Read more.

Renewable energy sources generated locally are becoming increasingly popular in order to achieve carbon neutrality in the near future. Some of these sources are being used in neighbourhood (local, or energy communities) grids to achieve high levels of self-sufficiency. However, the objectives of the local grid and the distribution grid to which it is connected are different and can sometimes conflict with each other. Although the distribution grid allows access to all variable resources, in certain circumstances, such as when its infrastructure is overloaded, redispatch measures need to be implemented. The complexity and uncertainties associated with current and future energy systems make this a challenging bi-level multi-criteria optimisation problem, with the distribution grid representing the upper level and the neighbourhood grid representing the lower level. Solving these problems numerically is not an easy task. However, there are new opportunities to solve these problems with less computational costs if we decompose the flexibility in the lower lever. Therefore, this paper presents a mathematical approach to optimise grid management systems by aggregating flexibility from neighbourhood grids. This mathematical approach can be implemented with centralised or decentralised algorithms to solve congestion problems in distribution grids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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36 pages, 4787 KiB

Open AccessReview

Analysis of the European Strategy for Hydrogen: A Comprehensive Review

by Begoña Vivanco-Martín and Alfredo Iranzo

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3866; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093866 - 2 May 2023

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4077

Abstract

This review focuses on analysing the strategy and aspirations of the European Union within the hydrogen sector. This aim is achieved through the examination of the European Parliament’s hydrogen strategy, allowing for a study of actions and projects in hydrogen technologies. The Parliament’s [...] Read more.

This review focuses on analysing the strategy and aspirations of the European Union within the hydrogen sector. This aim is achieved through the examination of the European Parliament’s hydrogen strategy, allowing for a study of actions and projects in hydrogen technologies. The Parliament’s hydrogen strategy is the document that provides the guideline of how the EU intends to function in the hydrogen sector and manages to cover a wide range of topics, all of them significant to represent the entirety of the hydrogen sector. It touches on subjects such as hydrogen demand, infrastructure, research, and standards, among others. The review discusses also the aspect that the EU intends to be a leader in the hydrogen sector, including the large-scale industrialization of key elements such as electrolysers, and this purpose is corroborated by the large number of associations, strategies, plans, and projects that are being established and developed by the European Union. The most important conclusions to learn from this analysis are that hydrogen has many of the right characteristics to make it the key to decarbonisation, especially in hard-to-abate sectors, and that it is bound to be one of the main actors in the imminent green transition. Moreover, hydrogen seems to be having its breakthrough, and this field’s development can have benefits not only from an environmental perspective but also from an economical one, enabling the way into the green transition and the fight against climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 4951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts Analysis of Dual Carbon Target on the Medium- and Long-Term Petroleum Products Demand in China

by Li Shang, Qun Shen, Xuehang Song, Weisheng Yu, Nannan Sun and Wei Wei

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3584; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083584 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2289

Abstract

Petroleum has become a strategic resource to the national economy, and forecasting its demand is a critical step to supporting energy planning and policy-making for carbon reduction. We first conducted a characteristic analysis of end consumption for petroleum products, and the key affecting [...] Read more.

Petroleum has become a strategic resource to the national economy, and forecasting its demand is a critical step to supporting energy planning and policy-making for carbon reduction. We first conducted a characteristic analysis of end consumption for petroleum products, and the key affecting factors are identified through an extended logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method. Afterwards, the long-range energy alternatives planning system (LEAP) was adopted to predict the petroleum products demand by considering the potential impacts of different policies on the identified key factors. Through comparative analysis of three scenarios including five sub-scenarios, the findings show that the dual carbon constraints are crucial to petroleum demand control. Under the enforcement of existing carbon peaking policies, the petroleum products demand will peak around 2043 at 731.5 million tons, and the impact of energy intensity-related policies is more significant than that of activity level. However, even if the existing policy efforts are continued, supporting the carbon-neutral target will not be easy. By further strengthening the constraints, the demand will peak around 2027 at 680 million tons, and the abatement contribution will come mainly from industry (manufacturing), construction, and transportation. Additional abatement technologies are necessary for the petroleum industry to achieve carbon neutrality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Policy, Regulation and Sustainable Development)

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