Energies

Research

17 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the “Energy-Saving Personality Traits” in the Office and Household Situation: An Empirical Study

by Qian-Cheng Wang, Yi-Xuan Wang, Izzy Yi Jian, Hsi-Hsien Wei, Xuan Liu and Yao-Tian Ma

Energies 2020, 13(14), 3535; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13143535 - 09 Jul 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3757

Behavior-driven energy conservation has been a promising strategy for reducing building energy consumption as well as carbon emissions. With the intention of revealing the impacts of an individual’s personality basis on energy conservation behavioral attitudes and intentions in households and offices, the present [...] Read more.

Behavior-driven energy conservation has been a promising strategy for reducing building energy consumption as well as carbon emissions. With the intention of revealing the impacts of an individual’s personality basis on energy conservation behavioral attitudes and intentions in households and offices, the present study proposes and conducts an experiment in Xi’an, China with two groups for the investigation of such attitudes towards household energy-saving behavior (HESB) and office energy-saving behavior (OESB), respectively. The research adopts structural equation modeling for experiment data analysis. The analysis results suggest that the two personality traits, Agreeableness and Neuroticism, are significantly related to both HESB and OESB attitudes. Especially, agreeable people tend to present stronger energy-saving attitudes, while individuals with higher Neuroticism are less likely to do so. The results indicate that the impacts of these two traits on energy-saving attitude are found to be less influenced by different environment settings. Further, the results find that Extraversion positively influences energy-saving attitude in the office environment, while Openness only significantly works in the household environment. It is hoped that the findings of the present study can provide informative references to energy-saving intervention design as well as further studies on the spillover of pro-environmental behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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27 pages, 3902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward a Low-Carbon Transport Sector in Mexico

by Jorge M. Islas-Samperio, Fabio Manzini and Genice K. Grande-Acosta

Energies 2020, 13(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13010084 - 23 Dec 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4568

Abstract

Considering that the world transport sector is the second largest contributor of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to energy use and the least decarbonized sector, it is highly recommended that all countries implement ambitious public policies to decarbonize this sector. In Mexico [...] Read more.

Considering that the world transport sector is the second largest contributor of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to energy use and the least decarbonized sector, it is highly recommended that all countries implement ambitious public policies to decarbonize this sector. In Mexico the transport sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions, in 2014 it contributed with 31.3% of net emissions. Two original scenarios for the Mexican transport sector, a no-policy baseline scenario (BLS) and a low carbon scenario (LCS) were constructed. In the LCS were applied 21 GHG mitigation measures, which far exceeds the proposals for reducing transport sector GHG emissions that Mexico submitted in its National Determined Contributions (NDC). As a result, the proposed LCS describes a sector transformation path characterized by structural changes in freight and passenger mobility, new motor technologies for mobility, introduction of biofuels, price signals, transportation practices and regulations, as well as urban planning strategies, which altogether achieve an accumulated reduction of 3166 MtCO_2e in a 25 year period, producing a global net benefit of 240,772 MUSD and a GHG emissions’ reduction of 56% in 2035 in relation to the BLS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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21 pages, 1752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Macroeconomic Effects of EU Energy Efficiency Regulations on Household Dishwashers, Washing Machines and Washer Dryers

by Paola Rocchi, José Manuel Rueda-Cantuche, Alicia Boyano and Alejandro Villanueva

Energies 2019, 12(22), 4312; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12224312 - 12 Nov 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2886

Abstract

Testing the relationship between economic performance and energy consumption is of utmost importance in nearly all countries. Taking the European Union as scope, this paper analyses the impacts of energy efficiency legislation on a selection of household appliances. In particular, it analyses the [...] Read more.

Testing the relationship between economic performance and energy consumption is of utmost importance in nearly all countries. Taking the European Union as scope, this paper analyses the impacts of energy efficiency legislation on a selection of household appliances. In particular, it analyses the employment and value added impacts of the stricter energy efficiency requirements for dishwashers, washing machines, and washer dryers. To do so, this paper combines a bottom-up stock model with a macro-econometric dynamic general equilibrium model (FIDELIO) to quantify the direct and indirect value added and employment impacts in the European Union. The analysis shows that stricter energy efficiency requirements on household dishwashers, washing machines, and washer dryers have a net negative macroeconomic impact on value added (roughly 0.01 % of the total European Union value added) and a slightly net positive impact on employment. In fact, the regulations cause a shift in the composition of the household consumption basket that seems to favor labor-intensive industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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33 pages, 7073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Critical Review of CO₂ Capture Technologies and Prospects for Clean Power Generation

by Najmus S. Sifat and Yousef Haseli

Energies 2019, 12(21), 4143; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12214143 - 30 Oct 2019

Cited by 107 | Viewed by 15138

Abstract

With rapid growth in global demand for energy, the emission of CO₂ is increasing due to the use of fossil fuels in power plants. Effective strategies are required to decrease the industrial emissions to meet the climate change target set at 21st [...] Read more.

With rapid growth in global demand for energy, the emission of CO₂ is increasing due to the use of fossil fuels in power plants. Effective strategies are required to decrease the industrial emissions to meet the climate change target set at 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21). Carbon capture and storage have been recognized as the most useful methods to reduce the CO₂ emissions while using fossil fuels in power generation. This work reviews different methods and updates of the current technologies to capture and separate CO₂ generated in a thermal power plant. Carbon capture is classified in two broad categories depending on the requirement of separation of CO₂ from the gases. The novel methods of oxy combustion and chemical looping combustion carbon capture have been compared with the traditional post combustion and precombustion carbon capture methods. The current state of technology and limitation of each of the processes including commonly used separation techniques for CO₂ from the gas mixture are discussed in this review. Further research and investigations are suggested based on the technological maturity, economic viability, and lack of proper knowledge of the combustion system for further improvement of the capture system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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18 pages, 3079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncovering Household Carbon Footprint Drivers in an Aging, Shrinking Society

by Yuzhuo Huang, Yosuke Shigetomi, Andrew Chapman and Ken’ichi Matsumoto

Energies 2019, 12(19), 3745; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12193745 - 30 Sep 2019

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4025

Abstract

In order to meet climate change mitigation goals, nations such as Japan need to consider strategies to reduce the impact that lifestyles have on overall emission levels. This study analyzes carbon footprints from household consumption (i.e., lifestyles) using index and structural decomposition analysis [...] Read more.

In order to meet climate change mitigation goals, nations such as Japan need to consider strategies to reduce the impact that lifestyles have on overall emission levels. This study analyzes carbon footprints from household consumption (i.e., lifestyles) using index and structural decomposition analysis for the time period from 1990 to 2005. The analysis identified that households in their 40s and 50s had the highest levels of both direct and indirect CO₂ emissions, with decomposition identifying consumption patterns as the driving force behind these emissions and advances in CO₂ reduction technology having a reducing effect on lifestyle emissions. An additional challenge addressed by this study is the aging, shrinking population phenomenon in Japan. The increase in the number of few-member and elderly households places upward pressure on emissions as the aging population and declining national birth rate continues. The analysis results offer two mitigatory policy suggestions: the focusing of carbon reduction policies on older and smaller households, and the education of consumers toward low-carbon consumption habits. As the aging, shrinking population phenomenon is not unique to Japan, the findings of this research have broad applications globally where these demographic shifts are being experienced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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17 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Banning Diesel Vehicles in London: Is 2040 Too Late?

by Moayad Shammut, Mengqiu Cao, Yuerong Zhang, Claire Papaix, Yuqi Liu and Xing Gao

Energies 2019, 12(18), 3495; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12183495 - 11 Sep 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7342

Abstract

Air pollution contributes to 9400 deaths annually in London and diesel vehicles are considered a major source of lethal air pollutants. Consequently, the UK government announced its intention to ban diesel vehicles by 2040 to achieve a sustainable zero-carbon road transport system. Since [...] Read more.

Air pollution contributes to 9400 deaths annually in London and diesel vehicles are considered a major source of lethal air pollutants. Consequently, the UK government announced its intention to ban diesel vehicles by 2040 to achieve a sustainable zero-carbon road transport system. Since no empirical studies have used a bottom-up approach to seek Londoners’ views, it is therefore worth investigating the public opinion regarding this forthcoming ban. This paper aims to fill this research gap by taking London as a case study. A survey was designed, and fieldwork was conducted to distribute questionnaires to Londoners. Completed questionnaires were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings revealed that the majority of Londoners would be in favour of the ban if they were sufficiently exposed to the appropriate sources of information and were favourably disposed towards environmental protection measures. The results also showed that Londoners were more likely to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) if they were offered generous incentives and encouraged to use scrappage schemes. The present study makes a strong case for enforcing the ban well before 2040. The significance of this research is to provide clearer signals regarding the future of diesel vehicles, which in turn will strengthen the EV policy and uptake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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18 pages, 2283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resource Security Strategies and Their Environmental and Economic Implications: A Case Study of Copper Production in Japan

by Ran Motoori, Benjamin McLellan, Andrew Chapman and Tetsuo Tezuka

Energies 2019, 12(15), 3021; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12153021 - 06 Aug 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3707

Abstract

Japan is a nation which is highly dependent on the import of raw materials to supply its manufacturing industry, notable among them copper. When extracting copper from ore, a large amount of energy is required, typically leading to high levels of CO₂ [...] Read more.

Japan is a nation which is highly dependent on the import of raw materials to supply its manufacturing industry, notable among them copper. When extracting copper from ore, a large amount of energy is required, typically leading to high levels of CO₂ emissions due to the fossil fuel-dominated energy mix. Moreover, maintaining security of raw material supply is difficult if imports are the only source utilized. This study examines the environmental and economic impacts of domestic mineral production from the recycling of end-of-life products and deep ocean mining as strategies to reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance security of raw material supplies. The results indicate that under the given assumptions, recycling, which is typically considered to be less CO₂ intensive, produces higher domestic emissions than current copper processing, although across the whole supply chain shows promise. As the total quantity of domestic resources from deep ocean ores are much smaller than the potential from recycling, it is possible that recycling could become a mainstream supply alternative, while deep ocean mining is more likely to be a niche supply source. Implications of a progressively aging society and flow-on impacts for the recycling sector are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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16 pages, 2200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Information and Communication Technology Capital Affect Productivity in the Energy Sector? New Evidence from 14 Countries, Considering the Transition to Renewable Energy Systems

by Hidemichi Fujii, Akihiko Shinozaki, Shigemi Kagawa and Shunsuke Managi

Energies 2019, 12(9), 1786; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12091786 - 10 May 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3330

Abstract

By focusing on a distributed energy system that has been widely diffused for efficient utilization of renewable energy generation in recent years, this paper investigates the relationship between productivity growth and information and communications technology capital in the energy sector. Information and communications [...] Read more.

By focusing on a distributed energy system that has been widely diffused for efficient utilization of renewable energy generation in recent years, this paper investigates the relationship between productivity growth and information and communications technology capital in the energy sector. Information and communications technology is a key factor in operating distributed energy systems in a way that balances energy supply and demand in order to minimize energy loss and to enhance capacity utilization. The objective of this study is to clarify the determining factors that affect productivity growth, focusing on three different information and communications technologies: information technology capital, communication technology capital and software capital. Our estimation sample covers energy sectors in 14 countries from 2000 to 2014. The results show that information technology and software capital contribute to increasing material productivity and capital productivity in the energy sector, respectively. Meanwhile, communication technology capital negatively affects these two productivity indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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16 pages, 4051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sources of China’s Fossil Energy-Use Change

by Yawen Han, Shigemi Kagawa, Fumiya Nagashima and Keisuke Nansai

Energies 2019, 12(4), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12040699 - 21 Feb 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4162

Abstract

Technology improvement related to energy conservation and energy mix low-carbonization is a critical approach for tackling global warming in China. Therefore, we attempt to identify the technology factors of China’s energy consumption change between 2007 and 2012, when China’s economy started slowing. This [...] Read more.

Technology improvement related to energy conservation and energy mix low-carbonization is a critical approach for tackling global warming in China. Therefore, we attempt to identify the technology factors of China’s energy consumption change between 2007 and 2012, when China’s economy started slowing. This study proposes a new refined structural decomposition analysis (SDA) based on a hybrid multi-regional input–output (MRIO) model. The technology factors are expressed through the energy input level effect, energy composition effect, and non-energy input effect. We find that the energy level effect was the primary driver for energy reduction, saving 1205 million tonnes of standard coal equivalent (Mtce) of energy, while 520 Mtce was offset by energy composition and non-energy input effects. The sector analysis shows that the energy input level, energy composition, and non-energy input effects of electricity, the chemical industry, and metallurgy are noteworthy. In addition, the sector contribution to energy-use change, by province, related to the three effects, is also studied. From these results, we propose policy suggestions for further energy saving, in order to achieve China’s energy target through technology improvements by the higher priority contributors identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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14 pages, 1203 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Lifecycle Analysis of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards in Japan

by Mitsuki Kaneko

Energies 2019, 12(4), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12040677 - 20 Feb 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3133

Abstract

This study estimated the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and CAFE targets of Japan’s domestic automobile manufacturers and evaluated whether manufactures have achieved these estimated CAFE targets. Furthermore, an analysis framework was proposed for estimating what impact the introduction of the CAFE standards [...] Read more.

This study estimated the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and CAFE targets of Japan’s domestic automobile manufacturers and evaluated whether manufactures have achieved these estimated CAFE targets. Furthermore, an analysis framework was proposed for estimating what impact the introduction of the CAFE standards in Japan will have on motor vehicle-derived lifecycle CO₂ emissions. As a result, the following was found: (1) Automobile manufacturers can maximize their sales under the constraints of the CAFE standards, but vehicle sales plans based on sales maximization will lower their CAFE standard scores. (2) Economically optimal automobile manufacturer behavior—striving to achieve CAFE standards while maximizing sales—will increase the manufacturers’ overall carbon footprint and actually worsen the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Carbon Technologies and Transition)

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