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Kırda K, Aytekin A. Assessing industrialized countries' environmental sustainability performances using an integrated multi-criteria model and software. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023:1-46. [PMID: 37362981 PMCID: PMC10183106 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03349-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This study seeks to identify and highlight the differences in the environmental sustainability and environmental protection practices of industrialized countries. For this purpose, thirty industrialized countries were examined using a multi-criteria integrated decision model based on fourteen environmental sustainability performance criteria. An open-source software based on the Python that allows different multi-criteria decision-making methods to be used through a user-friendly interface was developed for evaluations. The results from the developed software rank Sweden first and India last in their environmental sustainability performances. Sweden stands out notably in terms of negative greenhouse gas emission technologies, afforestation, reforestation, environmental laws, carbon tax, bioenergy, and national consciousness. India, on the other hand, does not appear to handle environmental problems in a timely and appropriate manner considering its large population and development needs. Development, utilization, and expansion of renewable energy sources, waste recycling, waste reduction, proper waste disposal, and prioritization of the development of technologies with zero or negative greenhouse gas emissions have emerged as significant factors for environmentally friendly industrialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Kırda
- Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Hopa Economics and Administrative Sciences, Artvin Çoruh University, 08100 Hopa, Artvin, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Aytekin
- Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Hopa Economics and Administrative Sciences, Artvin Çoruh University, 08100 Hopa, Artvin, Turkey
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Kasradze M, Kamali Saraji M, Streimikiene D, Ciegis R. Assessing key indicators of efficient green energy production for IEA members. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:55513-55528. [PMID: 36892693 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26285-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution, increased energy consumption, and growing demand for the energy sector have been widely discussed. Due to policymakers and different organizations impacting a lot of new regulations, tools have been implemented to use clean energy that has zero impact on the environment. The International Energy Agency (IEA) supports energy efficiency and evaluation by developing tracking indicators and analyzing energy consumption data. The paper identifies critical indicators for efficient green energy production and ranks the IEA member countries using the CRITIC-TOPSIS method. Results showed that CO2 emissions and monitoring energy consumption are the most significant indicators while assessing the countries' performance regarding green energy production. The results indicated Sweden as the best-performing country regarding green energy production and reaching energy efficiency between 1990 and 2020. While Turkey and the USA ranked last, resulting in significantly increased CO2 emissions within the time range that need more efforts and policy implications to reach similar energy efficiency levels as other IEA countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Kasradze
- Kaunas Faculty, Vilnius University, Muitines 8, 44280, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Dalia Streimikiene
- Kaunas Faculty, Vilnius University, Muitines 8, 44280, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Remigijus Ciegis
- Kaunas Faculty, Vilnius University, Muitines 8, 44280, Kaunas, Lithuania
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3
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Rimantho D, Hidayah NY, Pratomo VA, Saputra A, Akbar I, Sundari AS. The strategy for developing wood pellets as sustainable renewable energy in Indonesia. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14217. [PMID: 36938449 PMCID: PMC10020010 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Concerns about carbon emissions from the use of fossil fuels are felt globally. In order to support sustainable energy in the future, efforts to reduce emissions are carried out by developing wood pellets as renewable energy. The Indonesian government is also concerned about advancing renewable energy technology to supply the country's industries and residents with electricity. Several factors and substitute sources hamper the growth of wood pellets as a renewable energy source in Indonesia. Studies from the past point to four obstacles to low-carbon development: sociocultural, economic, technological, and governmental. Therefore, this article aims to determine the inhibiting factors and seek the best decisions for developing wood pellets as a renewable energy source. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) procedures were applied to determine the best strategy for developing wood pellets in Indonesia. This study recruited several vital informants to identify factors and assess each alternative. The results of the analysis using ISM provide information that the Raw Materials (D11) and Standard Products (D6) sub-factors are vital in developing wood pellets as one of the renewable energies in Indonesia. Furthermore, the analysis of selecting the best alternative using TOPSIS shows that Alternative A1 (Government Incentives), with a weight of 0.825, has the longest distance. A more thorough evaluation of the articles is still needed to produce more accurate findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Rimantho
- Industrial Engineering, Pancasila University, Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Nur Yulianti Hidayah
- Industrial Engineering, Pancasila University, Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Vector Anggit Pratomo
- Electrical Engineering, Pancasila University, Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Agung Saputra
- Electrical Engineering, Pancasila University, Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ilhamsyah Akbar
- Industrial Engineering, Pancasila University, Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Anggina Sandy Sundari
- Industrial Engineering, Pancasila University, Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
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Mohammadi F, Nabi Bidhendi G, Aslani A. Designing an energy security index with a sustainable development approach for energy-exporting countries using fuzzy BWM method. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:7427-7445. [PMID: 36040695 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22631-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Energy-exporting countries have always been isolated when it comes to energy security since according to the traditional definition of energy security, it is believed that there are no energy security-associated problems in these countries. Over the recent years, exporting countries have encountered the issue of single-product economy on a much larger scale, due to large oil revenues; they are facing more and more problems in the field of energy security every day. In this regard, the present paper primarily identified the challenges and factors affecting energy security and sustainable development related to energy in these countries. Afterwards, this information was employed for the construction of a composite index to measure the energy security and sustainability in these countries using the fuzzy BWM method. This composite index was utilized for a period of 14 years in five energy-exporting countries, namely Iran, Iraq, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. The results obtained herein were fully consistent with the process of the changes in energy security in the mentioned countries and indicated the weaknesses and obstacles of these countries in the field of oil and oil economy. The results of a 14-year evaluation of the composite index show that Saudi Arabia, followed by Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela, displays the best performance in the field of energy security and sustainability and has an ascending trend and significant progress in the index value. Although Russia is in second place, it represents a descending trend. Iran, which is in third place on the slope of changes, has a falling but gentler trend. Iraq has a rising trend in the index value despite being in fourth place. The lowest level of energy security belongs to Venezuela with a sharp descending trend and naturally the worst performance in the field of energy security and sustainability. Examining these obstacles, it was observed that the economic-technological issues were a heavier burden than the social and environmental ones. In the economic-technological sector, oil-free per capita GDP, the share of non-energy exports in total exports, and the share of investment in the energy sector in total investment were the biggest obstacles, indicating the urgent need to change macro policies, exit the single-product economy, and adopt policies to increase the value added and reduce the sale of raw energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Mohammadi
- Faculty of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. box: 1417853111, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Nabi Bidhendi
- Faculty of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. box: 1417853111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Aslani
- Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, P.O. box: 1439957131, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Restructuring of the Coal Mining Industry and the Challenges of Energy Transition in Poland (1990–2020). ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15103518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The European Union’s climate policy and the energy transition associated with it force individual countries, their economies and their industrial sectors to carry out thorough changes, often of a deep, high-cost and restructuring nature. The aim of the article is to provide a multidimensional assessment of the forms and effects of the restructuring of coal mining companies in Poland in light of the current energy transition process. The research problem is encapsulated within the following two interdependent questions: Has the restructuring process allowed the coal mining industry to achieve sufficient efficiency to sustainably compete in the open market, and to what extent, if at all, have the objectives of restructuring been achieved from the perspective of changes in the energy mix? The research covers all coal mining companies included in the official statistics. It adopts a long-term perspective (1990–2020), dating from the beginning of the systemic transformation in Poland. The research involved the use of multivariate financial analysis methods, including the logit model for predicting the degree of financial threat, as well as taxonomic methods for assessing the dissimilarity of structures and their concentration. The general conclusion of the research is that there has been a lack of consistency (follow-up) between the forms and effects of restructuring in coal mining companies in Poland on the one hand and changes in the composition of the country’s energy mix as a result of the energy transition on the other. In particular, this means that such restructuring, being neither effective nor efficient, has failed to accelerate change in the energy mix.
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Drivers of Digitalization in the Energy Sector—The Managerial Perspective from the Catching Up Economy. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15041437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article attempts to identify the key forces driving the successful digitalization of the energy sector, ensuring improvements in the energy triangle including sustainability, stability, and economic performance. The article sheds light on the diverse energy priorities at supra-, national, and managerial levels, and the role of digitalization in achieving these objectives. Catching up economies (such as Poland), being post-socialist EU member states, in order to transform its energetic sector, must overcome a number of infrastructural and social shortcomings retained as a legacy of the socialist economy. As such, sustainability (as the core priority at EU energy agenda) may not be the leading objective at both national and company level in the energy sector transformation. This article presents the results of empirical research carried out through distribution of e-questionnaire addressed to Polish managers from the energy sector. The results were analyzed using the fsQCA method. The findings suggest that, for managers, the most important drivers of digitalization and transformation of the energy sector in Poland are its high economic performance, together with support for energy prosumers and consumers. The prerequisites for a successful digitalization are alternatively the absence of management barriers, or a combination of high economic performance and a strong focus on environmental protection. Surprisingly, according to managers surveyed, the rapid implementation of new technologies is not considered a vital condition for successful digital transformation of the energy sector, which implies either or managerial lack of knowledge in this area and/or a reluctance to introduce digital rapid technologies.
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7
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Kamali Saraji M, Streimikiene D, Ciegis R. A novel Pythagorean fuzzy-SWARA-TOPSIS framework for evaluating the EU progress towards sustainable energy development. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 194:42. [PMID: 34939168 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09685-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Energy Union aims to provide clean, secure, and affordable energy for many customers leading societies towards sustainable energy development. Several criteria were introduced in this vein to evaluate the twenty-third EU countries' progress towards energy union goals. The present study proposed and applied a SWARA-TOPSIS framework based on Pythagorean fuzzy sets to rank the EU members considering their sustainable energy development progress. Ten experts working in various fields were selected to support the identified criteria, and a sensitivity analysis based on twenty scenarios was performed to evaluate the proposed model's sensitivity to weight changes. The obtained results indicated that "energy affordability" is the most influential criterion for evaluating countries, and the proposed model is sensitive to weight changes. Luxembourg is also the first-ranked country, followed by Denmark and Sweden, while Bulgaria achieved the worst rank among the EU considering its progress towards the energy union goals. The analysis of the results indicates room for improvement in implementation with the European Union goals by the EU members and the need to consider energy justice and affordability in the policy development, especially in the new members of the EU.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dalia Streimikiene
- Kaunas Faculty, Vilnius University, Muitines 8, 44280, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Remigijus Ciegis
- Kaunas Faculty, Vilnius University, Muitines 8, 44280, Kaunas, Lithuania
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8
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Smart Sustainable City Manufacturing and Logistics: A Framework for City Logistics Node 4.0 Operations. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14248380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The location of smart sustainable city multi-floor manufacturing (CMFM) directly in the residential area of a megapolis reduces the delivery time of goods to consumers, has a favorable effect on urban traffic and the environment, and contributes to the rational use of land resources. An important factor in the transformation of a smart city is the development of CMFM clusters and their city logistics nodes (CLNs); the key elements of the logistics system of a megapolis. The primary goal of this study was to examine the role of the CLN4.0, as a lead sustainability and smart service provider of a CMFM cluster within the Industry 4.0 paradigm, as well as its value in the system of logistics facilities and networks of a megalopolis. This paper presents an innovative model of a CLN4.0 under supply uncertainty using a material flow analysis (MFA) methodology, which allows for specific parameters of throughput capacity within the CMFM cluster and the management of supply chains (SCs) under uncertainty. The model was verified based on a case study (7th scenario) for various frameworks of a multi-floor CLN4.0. The validity of using a group of virtual CLNs4.0 to support the balanced operation of these framework operations under uncertainty, due to an uneven production workload of CMFM clusters, is discussed. The results may be useful for the decision-making and planning processes associated with supply chain management (SCM) within CMFM clusters in a megapolis.
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9
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Utilization of Renewable Energy Sources in Road Transport in EU Countries—TOPSIS Results. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14227457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to assess and compare EU countries in terms of the use of renewable energy sources in road transport. The following research tasks were undertaken to realize this aim: (1) a review of the literature concerning the negative externalities in road transport, the concept of sustainable development, and legal regulations referring to the utilization of renewable energy sources; (2) presentation of changes in energy consumption (both traditional and renewable) in road transport in EU countries in the years 2008–2019; and (3) identification of leaders among the EU countries in terms of consumption of renewable energy sources in road transport. The aim and tasks were realized using the literature review and TOPSIS method as well as descriptive, tabular, and graphic methods. The analysis was conducted for 28 EU countries according to the status for 2019. The period of 2008–2019 was investigated. Sources of materials included literature on the subject and Eurostat data. Although renewable energy sources accounted for as little as 6% of total energy consumption in road transport in EU countries in 2019, this is a significant topical issue. It results from the direction in which changes need to be implemented in terms of energy generation in this area of human activity. It turned out that blended biodiesel and blended biogasoline were the most commonly used fuels originating from renewable sources. The application of the TOPSIS method resulted in the identification of five groups of EU member countries, which differed in terms of the degree of utilization of renewable energy sources in road transport. Luxemburg, Sweden, and Austria were leaders in this respect. In turn, Malta, Estonia, and Croatia were characterized by very low consumption of renewable energy. The greatest progress in the utilization of renewable energy sources in road transport was recorded in Sweden, Finland, and Bulgaria (changes in the relative closeness to the ideal solution from 0.15 to 0.27), while the greatest reduction in relation to other countries was observed in Austria, Germany, and Lithuania (changes from −0.35 to −0.22).
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10
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The Situation of Households on the Energy Market in the European Union: Consumption, Prices, and Renewable Energy. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14196364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Energy plays a crucial role in the modern world. The acquisition and consumption of energy is unfortunately associated not only with economic development or the facilitation of everyday life, but also with a negative impact on the environment. To prevent these, measures are being taken which are part of a broad programme referred to as sustainable energy development (SED). A special place among energy consumers is occupied by households, as access to energy is a fundamental factor affecting the quality of life. The aim of this paper is to look at and assess the current situation of the household sector in the EU energy market in the context of SED and to point out similarities and differences between EU countries. The analysis considers factors based on SED indicators: final energy consumption per capita, energy prices offered to households, and the share of renewable energy in household energy consumption. The k-means method was used as a research tool. The results obtained indicate first of all that the EU countries are highly differentiated in terms of the analysed factors. It can be said that these differences result not only from the wealth of a given country, geographical location, or natural possibilities to use renewable energy sources, but mainly from the energy policies implemented in individual countries.
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11
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Use of Renewable Energy Sources in the European Union and the Visegrad Group Countries—Results of Cluster Analysis. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14185680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Increasing the use of renewable energy sources is one of the strategic objectives of the European Union. In this regard, it seems necessary to answer the question: which of the member countries are the most effective in its implementation? Therefore, the main goal was to distinguish groups of European Union countries, including the Visegrad Group, differing in the use of renewable energy sources in transport, electricity, heating and cooling (based on cluster analysis). All members of the EU were determinedly selected for research on 1 February 2020 (27 countries). The research period embraced the years 2009–2019. The sources of materials were the literature on the topic and data from Eurostat. Descriptive, tabular, graphical methods and cluster analysis were used in the presentation and analysis of materials. In 2019 wind and hydro power accounted for two-thirds of the total electricity generated from renewable sources. In 2019, renewable energy sources made up 34% of gross electricity consumption in the EU-27. Wind and hydro power accounted for two-thirds of the total electricity generated from renewable sources (35% each). Moreover, it was determined that there were 5 clusters that differed in their use of renewable energy sources. The highest average renewable energy consumption in transport, heating and cooling in 2019 was characterized by a cluster consisting of Sweden and Finland. In contrast, the highest average renewable energy consumption in electricity was characterized by a cluster consisting of countries such as: Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Latvia and Portugal. Finally, in a group that included countries such as Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands and the entire VG (Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia and Poland), renewable energy consumption rates (in transport, electricity, heating and cooling) were lower than the EU average (27 countries).
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12
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Spatiotemporal Patterns and Influencing Mechanism of Urban Residential Energy Consumption in China. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14133864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The residential sector has become the second largest energy consumer in China. Urban residential energy consumption (URE) in China is growing rapidly in the process of urbanization. This paper aims to reveal the spatiotemporal dynamic evolution and influencing mechanism of URE in China. The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of URE during 2007–2018 is explored through Kernel density estimation and inequality measures (i.e., Gini coefficient, Theil index, and mean logarithmic deviation). Then, with several advantages over traditional index decomposition analysis approaches, the Generalized Divisia Index Method (GDIM) decomposition is employed to investigate the impacts of eight driving factors on URE. Furthermore, the national and provincial decoupling relationships between URE and residential income increase are studied. It is found that different provinces’ URE present a significant agglomeration effect; the interprovincial inequality in URE increases and then decreases during the study period. The GDIM decomposition results indicate the income effect is the main positive factor driving URE. Besides, urban population, residential area, per capita energy use, and per unit area energy consumption positively influence URE. By contrast, per capita income, energy intensity, and residential density have negative effects on URE. There is evidence that only three decoupling states, i.e., weak decoupling, strong decoupling, and expansive negative decoupling, appear in China during 2007–2018. Specifically, weak decoupling is the dominant state among different regions. Finally, some suggestions are given to speed up the construction of energy-saving cities and promote the decoupling process of residential energy consumption in China. This paper fills some research gaps in urban residential energy research and is important for China’s policymakers.
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Multi-Criteria Method for the Selection of Renewable Energy Sources in the Polish Industrial Sector. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14092386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rational decision-making requires assessing the advantages and disadvantages of options, including nonmarket effects (such as environmental effects). This also applies to strategic decision-making in the industrial sector to select alternative renewable energy source (RES). Often, a variety of criteria can be used to select a renewable energy source, whereas no ideal family of criteria for renewable energy selection for industry has been defined in the literature. It was concluded that there is a need to support the actions of industrial development based on RES, which will contribute significantly to overcoming the limitations of the negative effect on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. There is a clear need for a systematic and polyvalent multicriteria approach to planning in industry. Therefore, a method for choosing the preferred renewable source of electricity for industry has been developed, which considers key criteria of RES choice: Expert opinions, the costs of obtaining the energy and maintaining energy installations, and the volume of electricity from RES. This article offers a modified multicriteria selection method based on a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) and the technique for preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), integrated with a qualitative price analysis (ACJ). This new method was tested through a case study on selecting a preferred RES in Polish industrial conditions. The research results indicate that the proposed method of choosing the preferred renewable energy source can be used in industrial enterprises that strive to meet their energy needs in accordance with the principles of social responsibility.
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Zhou H, Mu C. Influence of Cavity Width and Powder Filling in a Cavity on Overpressure Evolution Laws and Flame Propagation Characteristics of Methane/Air Explosion. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:10072-10084. [PMID: 34056162 PMCID: PMC8153671 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Passive explosion suppression remains an indispensable auxiliary method for gas explosion suppression due to its low cost. To explore a new type of explosion passive suppression technology, three rectangular cavities with different width-diameter ratios were designed and laid in a large-scale methane/air explosion experiment system, and its explosion suppression performance was evaluated by measuring the changes in the explosion flame and shock wave before and after passing through the cavity. The results show that the suppression effect of the cavity is affected by its width. The larger the width-diameter ratio, the faster the attenuation of the flame and shock wave. The cavity-combined aluminum hydroxide powder effectively improves the suppression effect. When the filling amount of the powder is 140 g, the flame is quenched. However, there is an optimal powder filling degree for the suppression of the shock wave in the limited space of the cavity. In the test range, the maximum decay rate of the overpressure and impulse are 49.4 and 39.4%, respectively. This study can provide theoretical guidelines for the suppression of gas explosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- School
of Mining and Safety Engineering, Anhui
University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China
- Key
Lab of Mining Coal Safety and Efficiently Constructed by Anhui Province
and Ministry of Education, Anhui University
of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China
| | - Chaomin Mu
- School
of Mining and Safety Engineering, Anhui
University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China
- Key
Lab of Mining Coal Safety and Efficiently Constructed by Anhui Province
and Ministry of Education, Anhui University
of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China
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15
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CO2 Intensities and Primary Energy Factors in the Future European Electricity System. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14082165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The European Union strives for sharp reductions in both CO2 emissions as well as primary energy use. Electricity consuming technologies are becoming increasingly important in this context, due to the ongoing electrification of transport and heating services. To correctly evaluate these technologies, conversion factors are needed—namely CO2 intensities and primary energy factors (PEFs). However, this evaluation is hindered by the unavailability of a high-quality database of conversion factor values. Ideally, such a database has a broad geographical scope, a high temporal resolution and considers cross-country exchanges of electricity as well as future evolutions in the electricity mix. In this paper, a state-of-the-art unit commitment economic dispatch model of the European electricity system is developed and a flow-tracing technique is innovatively applied to future scenarios (2025–2040)—to generate such a database and make it publicly available. Important dynamics are revealed, including an overall decrease in conversion factor values as well as considerable temporal variability at both the seasonal and hourly level. Furthermore, the importance of taking into account imports and carefully considering the calculation methodology for PEFs are both confirmed. Future estimates of the CO2 emissions and primary energy use associated with individual electrical loads can be meaningfully improved by taking into account these dynamics.
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16
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Getting Municipal Energy Management Systems ISO 50001 Certified: A Study with 28 European Municipalities. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13073638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Managing energy use by municipalities should be an important part of local energy and climate policy. The ISO 50001 standard constitutes an internationally recognized catalogue of requirements for systematic energy management. Currently, this standard is mostly implemented by companies. Our study presents an approach where consultants supported 28 European municipalities in establishing energy management systems. A majority (71%) of these municipalities had achieved ISO 50001 certification by the end of our study. We also conducted two surveys to learn more about motivations and challenges when it comes to establishing municipal energy management systems. We found that organizational challenges and resource constraints were the most important topics in this regard. Based on the experiences in our study we present lessons learned regarding supporting municipalities in establishing energy management systems.
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Sustainable Development of the Energy Sector in a Country Deficient in Mineral Resources: The Case of the Republic of Moldova. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13063261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The energy sector is an essential element in an economy’s infrastructure, so a deficit of national mineral resources makes the energy sector dependent on imports of raw materials, which in turn can negatively affect a country’s energy security. The sustainable development of the energy sector for countries with transitioning economies should be based on the energy trilemma. Four principles are proposed: diversification of energy resources and energy generation sources, ensuring energy efficiency, ensuring energy affordability, and green energy production. Based on a comparative analysis of the economic and energy indicators (for the years 2014 to 2019) of European countries that are not members of the European Union, the situation in the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova is classified as critical and its fundamental issues are identified (107th place in the World Energy Trilemma Index). The main objectives of the study are: (1) To analyze energy and economic efficiency as well as the conditions for and problems of the functioning of the energy sector in countries with transition economies (using non-European Union countries as an example); (2) To present a substantiation of the directions for development of the energy sector in countries with transition economies that lack energy resources (using the Republic of Moldova as an example), taking into account the identified factors and principles of sustainable development; (3) To develop an economic and mathematical model for assessing the directions for the development of the energy sector in countries with transition economies using multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Decision-making methods can be used to select strategic development alternatives, particularly in the energy sector. MCDA has several advantages and uses in the following situations: comparing several alternatives; identifying the most preferable and unacceptable alternatives; comparing alternatives based on several (sometimes conflicting) criteria; looking for a compromise in a situation where different stakeholders have conflicting goals or values. A methodology including a system of 7 indicators and an economic and mathematical model for assessing development paths for the energy sector in countries with transition economies were developed that are based on multiple-criteria decision analysis. An algorithm and a computer program were developed to carry out MCDA and select the best development path for the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova. The article presents a rationale for choosing the best option regarding the development of the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova, which is a country with a deficit of its own energy resources.
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Green Energies, Employment, and Institutional Quality: Some Evidence for the OECD. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13063252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Using a sample of 19 OECD countries over the 1985–2011 period, we propose the application of fixed effects regression to appraise the impact of green energies on employment and to assess how the quality of institutions shapes the relationship. The evidence reported in this paper indicates that higher supply of green energies enhances employment, though the effect is crucially mediated by the quality of institutions, depending on the measure of institutional quality employed. Further, the relationship remains stable under both Kyoto agreements and the 2007 financial crisis.
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Abstract
In this paper, we describe a procedure for designing an accurate simulation model using a price-wised linear approach referred to as the power semiconductor converters of a DC microgrid concept. Initially, the selection of topologies of individual power stage blocs are identified. Due to the requirements for verifying the accuracy of the simulation model, physical samples of power converters are realized with a power ratio of 1:10. The focus was on optimization of operational parameters such as real-time behavior (variable waveforms within a time domain), efficiency, and the voltage/current ripples. The approach was compared to real-time operation and efficiency performance was evaluated showing the accuracy and suitability of the presented approach. The results show the potential for developing complex smart grid simulation models, with a high level of accuracy, and thus the possibility to investigate various operational scenarios and the impact of power converter characteristics on the performance of a smart gird. Two possible operational scenarios of the proposed smart grid concept are evaluated and demonstrate that an accurate hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) system can be designed.
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Varying the Energy Mix in the EU-28 and in Poland as a Step towards Sustainable Development. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14051502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The demand for clean energy is a key global issue requiring global ideas to be implemented through local action. This is particularly important in Poland’s energy transition, since the country produces energy mainly from conventional sources, i.e., coal, gas, and crude oil. Adverse climate change caused by high emissions of the economy based on the combustion of hydrocarbons as well as the growing public awareness have made it necessary to look for new environmentally friendly energy sources. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate that the use of alternative energy sources, biomass in particular, is compatible with sustainable development policy. Eight indicators for the EU-28 and for Poland were analysed in order to verify the progress in modifying the energy mix between 2010 and 2018 in the context of implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis showed that both in the EU-28 and in Poland, the aggregated indicator taking into account the positive and negative change in the values of individual indicators improved between 2010 and 2018. In the EU-28, this indicator is higher (180.1) than in Poland (152.3). The lower value for Poland is mainly due to the fact that the main source of energy in Poland remains hard coal and lignite. However, the noticeable increase in recent years in the share of energy from renewable sources, biomass included, allows us to look with hope to a rapidly growing indicator measuring progress towards a sustainable development goal, and to improving environmental standards.
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Evolution Process of Liquefied Natural Gas from Stratification to Rollover in Tanks of Coastal Engineering with the Influence of Baffle Structure. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the storage process, liquefied natural gas (LNG) may undergo severe evaporation, stratification, and rollover in large storage tanks due to heat leakage, aging, or charging, causing major safety risks. Therefore, this article theoretically analyzes the causes and inducing factors of the LNG stratification and rollover phenomenon in the storage tank of coastal engineering. The computational fluid dynamics was used to establish a numerical model for the heat and mass transfer of LNG multicomponent materials in the imaginary layered interface of the storage tank, and the evolution process of LNG from spontaneous stratification to rollover was simulated. The accuracy of the mathematical model is verified by comparing numerical results with experimental data from open literature. The effects of the density difference between upper and lower layers, layering parameters, heat leakage parameters, and the baffles structure on the rollover process were studied. The effects of the interfacial surface variations are not included in this study. The results show that different baffle structures will form different boundary velocity fields, which will only affect the severity of the rollover, not the occurrence time. The larger the layering density difference, the earlier the rollover occurs. Under current conditions, the baffle structure that has the best suppression of rollover and the minimum boundary velocity is at 0.5 m above the stratified interface with the installation of the baffle at 5 degrees.
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