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28 pages, 357 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Digital Economy and Environmental Regulation on China’s Regional Total Factor Energy Efficiency

by Tong Zhao, Rong Wang, Qian Zhang, Shengyuan Wang and Peiwen Chen

Energies 2026, 19(11), 2582; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19112582 - 27 May 2026

Viewed by 201

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the “dual carbon” goals, improving total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) has become a core task for low-carbon transformation. Using a panel dataset covering 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2024, this paper employs the super-efficiency SBM model to [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of the “dual carbon” goals, improving total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) has become a core task for low-carbon transformation. Using a panel dataset covering 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2024, this paper employs the super-efficiency SBM model to measure regional TFEE, and applies the spatial Durbin model and threshold regression model to examine the impact of the digital economy, environmental regulation, and their interaction on TFEE. Different from traditional linear analysis, this study reveals the nonlinear mechanism through which the digital economy unlocks the potential of environmental regulation and transforms its effect from “compliance cost pressure” to “innovation compensation gain”. The findings show that: First, the digital economy significantly promotes TFEE, with 56.68% of its energy-saving effect realized through spatial spillover. Second, environmental regulation alone shows a “cost-following effect” and inhibits TFEE, but its interaction with the digital economy generates a strong synergistic effect with a coefficient of 0.299. Third, the digital economy acts as a critical threshold: only when its level exceeds 0.435 can environmental regulation effectively boost TFEE via the innovation compensation effect. Fourth, the synergistic effect has strong spatial spillovers, with the indirect effect (0.383) exceeding the direct effect (0.282). This study contributes new evidence that digital infrastructure construction should be prioritized in regions with strict environmental regulation to avoid efficiency losses, and provides targeted implications for implementing regionally differentiated policies that prioritize digital upgrading to match environmental regulation intensity to coordinate digital development, environmental governance, and energy efficiency improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth)

22 pages, 3850 KB

Open AccessArticle

Income, Heating Technologies and Behavioral Patterns as Drivers of Particulate Matter Emissions in the Kraków Metropolitan Area

by Elżbieta Węglińska, Maciej Sabal, Mateusz Zareba and Tomasz Danek

Energies 2026, 19(1), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010283 - 5 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 797

Abstract

Air pollution episodes caused by particulate matter (PM) persist in and around Kraków even after the city’s ban on solid fuels. We examine how household wealth and the ongoing replacement of old heat sources with modern, energy-efficient units affect these emissions. Years of [...] Read more.

Air pollution episodes caused by particulate matter (PM) persist in and around Kraków even after the city’s ban on solid fuels. We examine how household wealth and the ongoing replacement of old heat sources with modern, energy-efficient units affect these emissions. Years of hourly data from a network of low-cost sensors for neighboring municipalities are combined with the Poland building emissions register specifying the number and type of heating devices and municipal personal income tax records. Two distinct emission patterns emerge. Episodes of elevated concentrations near houses with old hand-loaded stoves follow pronounced behavioral cycles tied to residents return home hours and the nightly sleep cycle, whereas elsewhere the pattern is smoother—consistent with modern heating sources or with advection from dispersed upwind sources. Municipalities that recorded per capita income growth also showed declines in average PM concentrations, suggesting that rising incomes accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient heating. Our findings suggest that economic development is linked to the shift towards cleaner and more efficient energy, and that providing targeted support for low-income households should not be overlooked in completing the transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth)

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21 pages, 1816 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Progress Towards Affordable and Clean Energy: A Comparative Analysis of SDG7 Implementation

by Beata Bieszk-Stolorz and Joanna Landmesser-Rusek

Energies 2025, 18(19), 5078; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195078 - 24 Sep 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2063

Abstract

Progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) is currently insufficient to achieve. It is particularly important to ensure that all people have access to sustainable, reliable and affordable energy. As SDG7 is linked to other goals, a lack of progress in its implementation [...] Read more.

Progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) is currently insufficient to achieve. It is particularly important to ensure that all people have access to sustainable, reliable and affordable energy. As SDG7 is linked to other goals, a lack of progress in its implementation could disrupt the entire sustainable development process. The aim of our article is to compare selected countries around the world in terms of the degree of SDG7 implementation and its dynamics in the years 2000–2022. We assessed the degree of SDG7 implementation using Hellwig’s method in the dynamic approach, and we compared the dynamics of the degree of implementation using the dynamic time warping (DTW) method and hierarchical clustering. The cluster of countries with the highest degree of SDG7 implementation included the European countries of Norway, Sweden and Iceland. The lowest degree of implementation was observed in Belarus, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The dynamic approach to the problem allowed us to conclude that there was an increase in the synthetic measure in all the countries analysed in the period 2000–2022, with the strongest increase observed in the countries with the lowest initial degree of SDG7 implementation (Belarus, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth)

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45 pages, 2014 KB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Business Models Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Assessing Benefits, Risks, and Optimal Approaches of Blockchain Exploitation in the Energy Transition

by Aikaterini Papapostolou, Ioanna Andreoulaki, Filippos Anagnostopoulos, Sokratis Divolis, Harris Niavis, Sokratis Vavilis and Vangelis Marinakis

Energies 2025, 18(15), 4191; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154191 - 7 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2515

Abstract

The goals of the European Union towards the energy transition imply profound changes in the energy field, so as to promote sustainable energy development while fostering economic growth. To achieve these changes, the incorporation of sustainable technologies supporting decentralisation, energy efficiency, renewable energy [...] Read more.

The goals of the European Union towards the energy transition imply profound changes in the energy field, so as to promote sustainable energy development while fostering economic growth. To achieve these changes, the incorporation of sustainable technologies supporting decentralisation, energy efficiency, renewable energy production, and demand flexibility is of vital importance. Blockchain has the potential to change energy services towards this direction. To optimally exploit blockchain, innovative business models need to be designed, identifying the opportunities emerging from unmet needs, while also considering potential risks so as to take action to overcome them. In this context, the scope of this paper is to examine the opportunities and the risks that emerge from the adoption of blockchain in four innovative business models, while also identifying mitigation strategies to support and accelerate the energy transition, thus proposing optimal approaches of exploitation of blockchain in energy services. The business models concern Energy Performance Contracting with P4P guarantees, improved self-consumption in energy cooperatives, energy efficiency and flexibility services for natural gas boilers, and smart energy management for EV chargers and HVAC appliances. Firstly, the value proposition of the business models is analysed and results in a comprehensive SWOT analysis. Based on the findings of the analysis and consultations with relevant market actors, in combination with the examination of the relevant literature, risks are identified and evaluated through a qualitative assessment approach. Subsequently, specific mitigation strategies are proposed to address the detected risks. This research demonstrates that blockchain integration into these business models can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, enhance security, and support a more decentralised energy system, providing actionable insights for stakeholders to implement blockchain solutions effectively. Furthermore, according to the results, technological and legal risks are the most significant, followed by political, economic, and social risks, while environmental risks of blockchain integration are not as important. Strategies to address risks relevant to blockchain exploitation include ensuring policy alignment, emphasising economic feasibility, facilitating social inclusion, prioritising security and interoperability, consulting with legal experts, and using consensus algorithms with low energy consumption. The findings offer clear guidance for energy service providers, policymakers, and technology developers, assisting in the design, deployment, and risk mitigation of blockchain-enabled business models to accelerate sustainable energy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth)

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16 pages, 1856 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gas in Transition: An ARDL Analysis of Economic and Fuel Drivers in the European Union

by Olena Pavlova, Kostiantyn Pavlov, Oksana Liashenko, Andrzej Jamróz and Sławomir Kopeć

Energies 2025, 18(14), 3876; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143876 - 21 Jul 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1502

Abstract

This study investigates the short- and long-run drivers of natural gas consumption in the European Union using an ARDL bounds testing approach. The analysis incorporates GDP per capita, liquid fuel use, and solid fuel use as explanatory variables. Augmented Dickey–Fuller tests confirm mixed [...] Read more.

This study investigates the short- and long-run drivers of natural gas consumption in the European Union using an ARDL bounds testing approach. The analysis incorporates GDP per capita, liquid fuel use, and solid fuel use as explanatory variables. Augmented Dickey–Fuller tests confirm mixed integration orders, allowing valid ARDL estimation. The results reveal a statistically significant long-run relationship (cointegration) between gas consumption and the energy–economic system. In the short run, the use of liquid fuel exerts a strong positive influence on gas demand, while the effects of GDP materialise only after a two-year lag. Solid fuels show a delayed substitutive impact, reflecting the ongoing transition from coal. An error correction model confirms rapid convergence to equilibrium, with 77% of deviations corrected within one period. Recursive residual and CUSUM tests indicate structural stability over time. These findings highlight the responsiveness of EU gas demand to both economic and policy signals, offering valuable insights for energy modelling and strategic planning under the European Green Deal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth)

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17 pages, 1224 KB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Efficiency of Renewable Energy Investments in Photovoltaic Projects: A Regression Analysis

by Adem Akbulut, Marcin Niemiec, Kubilay Taşdelen, Leyla Akbulut, Monika Komorowska, Atılgan Atılgan, Ahmet Coşgun, Małgorzata Okręglicka, Kamil Wiktor, Oksana Povstyn and Maria Urbaniec

Energies 2025, 18(14), 3869; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143869 - 21 Jul 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) are performance-based financing mechanisms designed to improve energy efficiency and support renewable energy adoption in the public sector. This study examines the economic efficiency of a 1710.72 kWp solar power plant (SPP), implemented under an EPC at Alanya Alaaddin [...] Read more.

Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) are performance-based financing mechanisms designed to improve energy efficiency and support renewable energy adoption in the public sector. This study examines the economic efficiency of a 1710.72 kWp solar power plant (SPP), implemented under an EPC at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, using a regression-based analysis. The model evaluates the effects of solar radiation, investment cost, and electricity sales price on unit production cost, and its predictions were compared with actual production data. Results show the system exceeded the EPC contract target by 16.2%, producing 2,423,472.28 kWh in its first year and preventing 1168.64 tons of CO₂ emissions. The developed multiple linear regression model achieved a predictive error margin of 14.7%, confirming its validity. This study highlights the technical, economic, and environmental benefits of EPC applications in Türkiye’s public institutions and offers a practical decision-support framework for policymakers. The novelty lies in integrating a regression model with operational data and providing a comparative assessment of planned, predicted, and actual outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth)

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21 pages, 303 KB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Environmental Regulation and Marketization: A Quantile Analysis of Energy Efficiency in China’s Provinces

by Junguo Shi, Wenyi Yan, Yan Li, Qian Wang and Shanshan Dou

Energies 2025, 18(7), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071857 - 7 Apr 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1167

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of environmental regulations and marketization on energy efficiency in China using panel data from 30 provinces covering the period from 2008 to 2016. The analysis employs fixed effects regression, quantile regression, and heterogeneity analysis methods to provide comprehensive [...] Read more.

This study investigates the impact of environmental regulations and marketization on energy efficiency in China using panel data from 30 provinces covering the period from 2008 to 2016. The analysis employs fixed effects regression, quantile regression, and heterogeneity analysis methods to provide comprehensive insights. The fixed effects regression results reveal that both command-and-control (CAC) regulations and market-based (MBR) regulations exert a negative impact on energy efficiency. Notably, marketization significantly mitigated the adverse effects of CAC regulations. Quantile regression analysis indicates that both negative impacts are more pronounced at lower energy efficiency levels, whereas marketization (MR) significantly mitigates these effects. Heterogeneity analysis further identified regional disparities, with CAC regulations yielding more significant negative impacts in the Western and Central regions and MBR showing stronger effects in the Western region. The results advocate for regionally differentiated policies that account for local economic, infrastructural, and institutional contexts to enhance energy efficiency outcomes rather than relying on one-size-fits-all approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth)

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Review

Jump to: Research

26 pages, 334 KB

Open AccessReview

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Road Transport Systems: A Comparative Study of Australia, Hong Kong and the UK

by Philip Y. L. Wong, Tze Ming Leung, Wenwen Zhang, Kinson C. C. Lo, Xiongyi Guo and Tracy Hu

Energies 2026, 19(1), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010266 - 4 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1086

Abstract

Road transport systems are central to sustainable mobility and the energy transition because they account for a large share of final energy use and remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels. With more than 90% of transport energy still supplied by petroleum-based fuels, improving [...] Read more.

Road transport systems are central to sustainable mobility and the energy transition because they account for a large share of final energy use and remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels. With more than 90% of transport energy still supplied by petroleum-based fuels, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in road networks has become a strategic priority. This review compares Australia, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom to examine how road-design standards and emerging digital technologies can improve energy performance across planning, design, operations, and maintenance. Using Australia’s Austroads Guide to Road Design, Hong Kong’s Transport Planning and Design Manual (TPDM), and the UK’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) as core reference frameworks, we apply a rubric-based document analysis that codes provisions by mechanism type (direct, indirect, or emergent), life-cycle stage, and energy relevance. The findings show that energy-relevant outcomes are embedded through different pathways: TPDM most strongly supports urban operational efficiency via coordinated/adaptive signal control and public-transport prioritization; DMRB emphasizes strategic-network flow stability and whole-life carbon governance through managed motorway operations and life-cycle assessment requirements; and Austroads provides context-sensitive, performance-based guidance that supports smoother operations and active travel, with implementation varying by jurisdiction. Building on these results, the paper proposes an AI-enabled benchmarking overlay that links manual provisions to comparable energy and carbon indicators to support cross-jurisdictional learning, investment prioritization, and future manual revisions toward safer, more efficient, and low-carbon road transport systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Energy Development: Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth)

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