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New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "B3: Carbon Emission and Utilization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 43838

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Giacomo Di Foggia

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Department of Business and Law, Università di Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, MI, Italy
Interests: circular economy; energy policy; ESG; industrial policy; environmental econometrics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In light of the recent climate agreements, the energy transition for the industrial sector must combine energy and environmental sustainability with growth and business performance. Various incentive tools are available to promote energy efficiency and achieve decarbonization objectives, such as tax deductions, energy efficiency certificates, and emissions trading systems. Although there is no doubt that these are effective tools that can lead to the set objectives if correctly designed, the associated costs are challenging to estimate in advance. They can vary widely given the size of the market and the number of market operators. In addition to the opportunity costs of different tools, it is necessary to shed some light on the interaction with tools to support Industry 4.0 policies, given that the connection with energy efficiency is well established. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze, on one hand, the technological and energy potential to reduce energy intensity in industry and the impact that energy efficiency and industry 4.0 measures can determine on the performance of companies, and on the other, the costs of the various incentives. This SI takes place against the recent decarbonization goals considering that different incentive tools may coexist, overlap, or neutralize each other. Currently, there is a tendency to set ambitious decarbonization goals. The combination of instruments such as emission trading systems, energy efficiency certificates, and support for Industry 4.0 policies is necessary to achieve them.

Dr. Giacomo Di Foggia
Guest Editor

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Keywords

ETS
industry 4.0
energy efficiency
decarbonization

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Adoption of Rooftop Photovoltaics Integrated with Electric Vehicles toward Sustainable Bangkok City, Thailand

by Thiti Jittayasotorn, Muthiah Sadidah, Takahiro Yoshida and Takuro Kobashi

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3011; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073011 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2572

Abstract

Realizing urban energy systems with net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 is a major goal of global societies in building sustainable and livable cities. Developing cities hold a key to meeting this goal, as they will expand rapidly in the next decades with increasing energy demand, potentially associated with rising CO₂ emissions and air pollution if fossil fuels continue to be utilized. Therefore, identifying equitable, cost-effective, and deep decarbonization pathways for developing cities is essential. Here, we analyzed Bangkok City, Thailand, using the System Advisor Model (SAM) for techno-economic analysis to evaluate the decarbonization potential of rooftop photovoltaics (PV) integrated with electric vehicles (EVs) as batteries on a city scale. The analyses took into consideration hourly local weather conditions, electricity demand, electricity tariffs, feed-in-tariffs, degradation, declining costs of PV and EV, etc., specific to Bangkok. As the prices of PV and EVs decrease over the next several decades, the “PV + EV” system may provide a basis for new urban power infrastructure with high energy efficiency, low energy cost, and large CO₂ emission reduction. The results show that the “PV + EV” scenario in 2030 has the highest CO₂ emission reduction of 73% from electricity and vehicle usage, supplying 71% of the electricity demand of the city. The “PV + EV” system may reduce energy costs by 59% with estimated technology costs in 2030. Most of the energy generated from rooftop PV is consumed owing to large EV battery capacities, which can contribute to the rapid decarbonization of Bangkok City by 2050. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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19 pages, 2416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Strategies by Oil and Gas Companies, Contribution to the SDGs and Local Innovation Ecosystems

by Jaime Menéndez-Sánchez, Jorge Fernández-Gómez and Andrés Araujo-de-la-Mata

Energies 2023, 16(6), 2552; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062552 - 8 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6221

Abstract

Oil and gas (O&G) companies are facing increasing pressure to transform their businesses in order to contribute effectively to the transition from an economy based on fossil fuels to one driven by clean energy technologies. Understanding how O&G companies can define actions to comply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and, specifically, how they can generate a positive impact in terms of sustainability through technology innovation becomes relevant in order to guarantee the success of such transformation. To explore this issue, this article analyzes, using a case study research methodology, the sustainability strategy of an O&G company in the Basque Country region (Spain) that is undergoing a profound transformation of its overall business strategy. In particular, the analysis focuses on how the company’s innovation and research and development (R&D) activities and projects related to clean technologies contribute to fulfilling the energy- and non-energy-related SDGs. The main result of the analysis is the identification and characterization of an emerging complex public–private multi-stakeholder business and innovation ecosystem surrounding the O&G company under scrutiny with a clear focus on low-carbon technologies. This ecosystem channels knowledge and innovation synergies and spillovers at the local and regional levels, encouraging green industrial growth in different value chains, and provides insights about how O&G companies can contribute effectively to the SDGs and, at the same time, increase the sustainability of their businesses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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13 pages, 1110 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Review and Perspectives of Key Decarbonization Drivers to 2030

by Massimo Beccarello and Giacomo Di Foggia

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031345 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4174

Abstract

Global climate policy commitments are encouraging the development of EU energy policies aimed at paving the way for cleaner energy systems. This article reviews key decarbonization drivers for Italy considering higher environmental targets from recent European Union climate policies. Energy efficiency, the electrification of final consumption, the development of green fuels, increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the electric system, and carbon capture and storage are reviewed. A 2030 scenario is designed to forecast the role of decarbonization drivers in future energy systems and to compare their implementation with that in the current situation. Energy efficiency measures will reduce final energy consumption by 15.6%, as primary energy consumption will decrease by 19.8%. The electrification of final consumption is expected to increase by 6.08%. The use of green fuels is estimated to triple as innovative fuels may go to market at scale to uphold the ambitious decarbonization targets set in the transportation sector. The growing trajectory of renewable sources in the energy mix is confirmed, as while power generation is projected to increase by 10%, the share of renewables in that generation is expected to increase from 39.08% to 78.16%. Capture and storage technologies are also expected to play an increasingly important role. This article has policy implications and serves as a regulatory reference in the promotion of decarbonization investments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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23 pages, 1916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Taxation Reform with an Environmental Focus in Portugal

by Alfredo Marvão Pereira and Rui Marvão Pereira

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031232 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1689

Abstract

Climate change has made the decarbonization of the different domestic economies a widely accepted and urgent priority. Yet, this is a very challenging task in a largely uncharted territory. In this context, in this paper, we address the issue of energy taxation reform with an environmental focus in Portugal. We do so using a multi-sector and multi-household dynamic computable general equilibrium model of the Portuguese economy. We analyze the environmental, macroeconomic, and distributional effects of different policies replacing current energy taxation with carbon taxation and, then, extend the carbon taxation to the levels necessary to achieve the IPCC 2018 emissions reduction targets. Our analysis indicates a clear path in the quest for decarbonization. First, replace energy taxes with a carbon tax; second, adopt the levels of carbon taxation necessary to achieve the emissions goals; third, use extra tax revenues from the carbon tax to reverse any potential adverse macroeconomic and distributional effects of carbon taxation. In the process, this would be a way around the pervasive problem of perverse fossil fuel subsidies, which would effectively disappear and, as such, would improve the efficiency of the tax system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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17 pages, 1742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allocative Efficiency towards Energy Transition: The Cases of Natural Gas and Electricity Markets

by Amaro Olimpio Pereira, Jr., Rafael Cancella Morais, Bruno S. L. Cunha, Maria Bernadete Gomes Pereira Sarmiento Gutierrez and Mario Jorge Cardoso de Mendonça

Energies 2023, 16(2), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020796 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2758

Abstract

Conventional economic theory indicates that the free market contributes to allocative efficiency. However, specific energy markets present network industry characteristics which distance them from perfect competition. These markets, therefore, need effective regulation. The liberalizing reforms which took place in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and emerging countries from the 1990s onwards have reduced the share of state ownership in the energy sector, but not its functions of regulation, coordination and planning. It is also worth noting the expansion of the government’s agenda due to the energy transition that has unequivocally imposed itself in the 21st century. This article uses the Slacks-Based Measure of the Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) methodology to investigate the relationship between market liberalization and sustainability in a low-carbon energy transition context. Taking the cases of the natural gas and electricity markets, we verify whether liberalization contributes to the progress of the energy transition, driven by the emergency need to tackle climate change. The results show that the most advanced markets, in their processes of opening up, tend to be positively associated with a more vigorous energy transition. European nations, such as the United Kingdom and Norway, have experienced a relatively more advanced market liberalization leading to an efficient path toward energy transition. Chile, Canada and Colombia also have efficient scores regarding their energy transitions. For low performing countries, such as Brazil, the study suggests some calls for action that should be pursued to improve their energy market indicators, resulting in a stronger energy transition towards renewables, more competitive energy prices and a larger participation of natural gas in the energy mix, which will contribute to decreasing its external dependency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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17 pages, 2743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Energy Consumption and Production in Emerging Markets: A Review

by David Mhlanga

Energies 2023, 16(2), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020745 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 11441

Abstract

An increase in consumption and inefficiency, fluctuating trends in demand and supply, and a lack of critical analytics for successful management are just some of the problems that the energy business throughout the world is currently facing. This study set out to assess the potential contributions that AI and ML technologies could make to the expansion of energy production in developing countries, where these issues are more pronounced because of the prevalence of numerous unauthorized connections to the electricity grid, where a large amount of energy is not being measured or paid for. This study primarily aims to address issues that arise due to frequent power outages and widespread lack of access to energy in a wide range of developing countries. Findings suggest that AI and ML have the potential to make major contributions to the fields of predictive turbine maintenance, energy consumption optimization, grid management, energy price prediction, and residential building energy demand and efficiency assessment. A discussion of what has to be done so that developing nations may reap the benefits of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the energy sector concluded the paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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21 pages, 3660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrification of Steam and Thermal Oil Boilers in the Textile Industry: Techno-Economic Analysis for China, Japan, and Taiwan

by Ali Hasanbeigi and M. Jibran S. Zuberi

Energies 2022, 15(23), 9179; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15239179 - 3 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3640 | Correction

Abstract

Process heating is typically more than half of the total final energy demand in the textile industry, most of which is usually provided by fossil fuels. There is significant potential to decarbonize the textile industry by the electrification of process heating where low-carbon electricity is used. This study aims to quantify the potential for the electrification of process heating in the textile sector in three of the top textile manufacturing and exporting countries in the world. The results show that the total annual potential energy savings due to the electric steam boiler applications are estimated to be around 92, 2.4, and 2.5 PJ in China, Japan, and Taiwan, respectively, by 2050. This is equal to approximately 19% of the total boiler energy demand in the three economies. Similarly, annual potential energy savings of 8.6, 0.21, and 0.24 PJ can be realized if the existing fossil-fuel-fired thermal oil boilers are electrified in the textile industry in China, Japan, and Taiwan, respectively, by 2050. Moreover, the potential CO₂ abatement resulting from the electrification is highly dependent on the carbon intensity of the electricity used. The economic analysis shows that switching from combustion boilers to electric boilers may result in higher energy costs primarily because the average electricity prices in all three economies are substantially higher than fossil fuel prices. Finally, some key recommendations that different stakeholders can take to scale up electrification in the textile industry are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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16 pages, 1859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Market-Based Instruments to Promote Energy Efficiency: Insights from the Italian Case

by Giacomo Di Foggia, Massimo Beccarello, Marco Borgarello, Francesca Bazzocchi and Stefano Moscarelli

Energies 2022, 15(20), 7574; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207574 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3101

Abstract

Market-based instruments such as white certificates offer the potential to increase efficiency gains, reduce primary energy consumption and make energy systems more resilient. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the white certificate scheme through a case study analysis. In light of increasing decarbonization and energy efficiency targets, it is important to rethink the role that policy instruments play in the energy transition, including the energy efficiency obligation schemes within which white certificate schemes fall. We focus on Italy’s white certificate scheme because it is among the longest-lived and has achieved notable results. The scheme is characterized by annually increasing energy savings targets, flexibility, the opportunity to include many interventions, and the role of energy services companies. We provide evidence based on an empirical survey and fill the research gap left by the latest updates to the scheme along with an appraisal of those updates, which covers prominent scheme innovations such as its stability mechanism. Our research can serve as a baseline for policymakers in designing white certificate schemes in countries with little related previous experience and provide useful information from countries where similar schemes have been implemented to fine-tune similar market-based mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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14 pages, 916 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Funding of the Energy Transition by Monetary Sovereign Countries

by Mark Diesendorf and Steven Hail

Energies 2022, 15(16), 5908; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15165908 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4048

Abstract

If global energy consumption returns to its pre-pandemic growth rate, it will be almost impossible to transition to a zero-emission or net-zero-emission energy system by 2050 in the absence of large-scale CO₂ removal. Since relying on unproven technologies for CO₂ removal is speculative and risky, this paper considers an energy descent scenario for reaching zero greenhouse gas emissions from energy by 2050. To drive the rapid transition from fossil fuels to carbon-free energy sources and ensure demand reduction, funding is needed urgently in order to implement four strategies: (i) technology change, i.e., implementing the growth of zero-carbon energy production, end-use energy efficiency and ‘green’ energy carriers, together with ongoing R&D on CO₂ removal; (ii) reducing climate impacts; (iii) reducing energy consumption by social and behavioural changes; and (iv) improving human wellbeing while increasing social justice. Modern monetary theory explains how monetary sovereign governments, with their own fiat currencies, can create the necessary funding without financial constraints, although constraints do result from the productive capacities of their economies. The energy transition could be part-funded by a significant transfer of resources from monetary sovereign countries of the global North to the global South, financed by currency issuance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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Review

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21 pages, 4743 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Energy Policy and Energy Transition Objectives for 2040 in the Canary Islands (Spain)

by Santiago Escamilla-Fraile, Francisco J. Ramos-Real, Francisco J. Calero-García and Benjamín González-Díaz

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031321 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2964

Abstract

The objective of this work is to analyze the possibility of compliance with the objectives committed to by the Canary Islands authorities, which aim to reach a completely decarbonized economy by 2040, meaning ten years earlier than the entire EU. Since historically, energy planning in the Canary Islands did not achieve its objectives by far, we will first identify the historical obstacles which had prevented the achievement of this planification, to later highlight the main differences between the energy transition foreseen by the current planning instruments of the government of the Canary Islands and the expected evolution of the energy transition of the archipelago. Beyond this point, and, within the frame of energy governance, we will understand how the root of this failure lies in planning instruments developed hierarchically, without including the view of the different stakeholders involved in the process. The final goal, after identifying the main barriers faced by the energy transition in the Canary Islands, is to provide a set of recommendations contributing to supporting a successful energy transition for the archipelago. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Energy and Environment Economics: Decarbonization Goals)

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