Research

15 pages, 569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Educational Attainment on Renewable Energy Use: Evidence from Emerging Market Economies

by Gamze Sart, Yilmaz Bayar, Funda Hatice Sezgin and Marina Danilina

Energies 2022, 15(7), 2695; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072695 - 06 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2525

Renewable energy has become a crucial factor for circular economies, sustainable development, and the environment given the limited non-renewable energy reserves and global environmental degradation mainly resulting from non-renewable energy use. This study explores the effect of educational attainment and economic growth on [...] Read more.

Renewable energy has become a crucial factor for circular economies, sustainable development, and the environment given the limited non-renewable energy reserves and global environmental degradation mainly resulting from non-renewable energy use. This study explores the effect of educational attainment and economic growth on renewable energy use in a sample of selected emerging markets over the 2000–2018 period through causality and cointegration analyses. Causality analysis points out a significant unidirectional causality from indicators of educational attainment and economic growth to renewable energy use. In other words, educational attainment indicators and economic growth are significant determinants of renewable energy in the short run. Furthermore, the cointegration analysis ascertains a positive influence of indicators of educational attainment and economic growth on renewable energy use in the long run. The findings of both analyses indicate that educational attainment and economic growth have a significant impact on renewable energy use in the short and long term. Therefore, the policies fostering educational attainment can be used as instruments to increase the share of renewable energy use in total energy consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector: The Role of Higher Education)

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18 pages, 2157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Universities in Sustainable Development and Circular Economy Strategies

by Marta Sukiennik, Karolina Zybała, Dariusz Fuksa and Marek Kęsek

Energies 2021, 14(17), 5365; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175365 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2867

Abstract

In this article, the conditions and determinants of the introduction and development of the circular economy (CE) in Poland were presented against the background of the widely discussed essence of circular economy, with particular emphasis on the Polish mining sector. In addition, the [...] Read more.

In this article, the conditions and determinants of the introduction and development of the circular economy (CE) in Poland were presented against the background of the widely discussed essence of circular economy, with particular emphasis on the Polish mining sector. In addition, the European Green Deal—an action plan for a sustainable economy for the entire European Union, was discussed. Particular attention was paid to the role of human resources in the area of supporting research and stimulating innovation, and in the area of activating education and training. These issues are further discussed in the next chapter by presenting the forms, ways and scope of education for sustainable development in the international context. Another chapter describes the EIT Raw Materials KAVA 5 RIS competition in Poland (in Kraków) at AGH-UST from 2019 to 2022, an international project in a consortium of four universities whose main objective is to strengthen entrepreneurship in the V4 countries in line with the recommendations of the “Green action plan for SMEs” in a way to meet the requirements of circular economy. The initiatives and trainings carried out within the framework of this project were discussed, and the results of the student survey on the level of knowledge achieved regarding entrepreneurship in the area of the raw materials industry were analysed. The validity and necessity of continuous education in eco-responsible citizenship has thus been confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector: The Role of Higher Education)

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14 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public-Private Partnership and Circular Economy—What Croatian Students Learn at University

by Jasna Bogovac, Domagoj Dodig and Tereza Rogić Lugarić

Energies 2021, 14(11), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113261 - 02 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1882

Abstract

The global economy has been hit by crises in recent decades and the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to great uncertainty in the possibility of a lasting recovery and an energy transition that will enable sustainable green growth. Budgetary constraints impede the regular delivery [...] Read more.

The global economy has been hit by crises in recent decades and the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to great uncertainty in the possibility of a lasting recovery and an energy transition that will enable sustainable green growth. Budgetary constraints impede the regular delivery of public services, especially in developing countries. Energy efficiency and sustainable economic growth in Croatia can be improved with public-partnership models providing public services. However, this concept is often considered as not appropriate due to many misconceptions in public opinion. We analysed a survey of almost 1500 Croatian students with the aim of verifying the importance of formal education in the recognition of realistic aspects of PPP among the population, which represents important social capital. In comparison to other students, students who have been taught about public-private partnership models at university are more likely to recognise certain misconceptions about public-private partnerships and are more likely to think that it is possible to successfully implement such projects in Croatia. Compared with others, students in the field of energy have shown a greater tendency to apply models of public-private partnership in the energy sector, even though these concern the exploitation of natural resources where there is a traditional tendency to protect the autonomy of public governance. Compared to their male colleagues, female students are more prone to misconceptions about PPPs and are less supportive of private management of public infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector: The Role of Higher Education)

21 pages, 466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Simulation and Serious Games in Teaching Concepts on Circular Economy and Sustainable Energy

by Rocio de la Torre, Bhakti S. Onggo, Canan G. Corlu, Maria Nogal and Angel A. Juan

Energies 2021, 14(4), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14041138 - 21 Feb 2021

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 4111

Abstract

The prevailing need for a more sustainable management of natural resources depends not only on the decisions made by governments and the will of the population, but also on the knowledge of the role of energy in our society and the relevance of [...] Read more.

The prevailing need for a more sustainable management of natural resources depends not only on the decisions made by governments and the will of the population, but also on the knowledge of the role of energy in our society and the relevance of preserving natural resources. In this sense, critical work is being done to instill key concepts—such as the circular economy and sustainable energy—in higher education institutions. In this way, it is expected that future professionals and managers will be aware of the importance of energy optimization, and will learn a series of computational methods that can support the decision-making process. In the context of higher education, this paper reviews the main trends and challenges related to the concepts of circular economy and sustainable energy. Besides, we analyze the role of simulation and serious games as a learning tool for the aforementioned concepts. Finally, the paper provides insights and discusses open research opportunities regarding the use of these computational tools to incorporate circular economy concepts in higher education degrees. Our findings show that, while efforts are being made to include these concepts in current programs, there is still much work to be done, especially from the point of view of university management. In addition, the analysis of the teaching methodologies analyzed shows that, although their implementation has been successful in favoring the active learning of students, their use (especially that of serious games) is not yet widespread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector: The Role of Higher Education)

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16 pages, 1551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of Modeling Tools for Teaching Biorefinery (Focused on Bioethanol Production) in Biochemical Engineering Courses: Dynamic Modeling of Batch, Semi-Batch, and Continuous Well-Stirred Bioreactors

by M. Ángeles Martín-Lara and Alicia Ronda

Energies 2020, 13(21), 5772; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215772 - 04 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1810

Abstract

Due to the ever-growing pressure on our planet’s natural resources to supply energy, the production of bioethanol by fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass is increasingly important in courses related to engineering and energy. Moreover, recent changes in the teaching–learning paradigm make necessary the introduction [...] Read more.

Due to the ever-growing pressure on our planet’s natural resources to supply energy, the production of bioethanol by fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass is increasingly important in courses related to engineering and energy. Moreover, recent changes in the teaching–learning paradigm make necessary the introduction of novel teaching tools where students are the protagonist of their education. In this context, the purpose of this study is to compare the results obtained after traditional lessons with those obtained after the implementation of various computer activities based on modeling and simulation of bioreactors to teach biorefinery concepts focused on bioethanol production. Berkeley Madonna was chosen as the digital simulation software package because it is user-friendly, fast, and easy to program. This software allowed students to gain experience writing models that let optimize fermentations in well-stirred bioreactors and others bioprocess of industrial interest. The students (those who participated in the modeling-simulation classes and those who participated in traditional ones) completed a questionnaire and a cognitive test at the end of the course. Students that participated in modeling-simulation classes got a better score than students that participated in traditional classes. Therefore, the study showed the improvement in the understanding of the biorefinery concepts and the students improved their grades. Finally, students’ perception about the proposed modeling-simulation learning was also analyzed and they rated the efficiency of this new learning methodology as satisfactory. There are very few studies providing information about educational experiences regarding the development of skills for the formulation, interpretation, simplification, and use of mathematical models based on mass balances and simple microbial kinetics in biochemical engineering courses. The experience described in this work can be used by professors to plan and conduct courses based on the modeling of biochemical engineering problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector: The Role of Higher Education)

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14 pages, 3372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Higher Education Learning How to Protect the Environment

by Hen Friman, Netser Matsliah, Yafa Sitbon, Ifaa Banner and Yulia Einav

Energies 2020, 13(20), 5450; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13205450 - 19 Oct 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2615

Abstract

“Israeli Hope in Academia” is a program, designed by the president of the state of Israel, Reuven Rivlin. The program is based on the perception that Israeli society is changing, from having a clear majority and several minorities to a society comprised of [...] Read more.

“Israeli Hope in Academia” is a program, designed by the president of the state of Israel, Reuven Rivlin. The program is based on the perception that Israeli society is changing, from having a clear majority and several minorities to a society comprised of four principal sectors that are roughly similar in size: secular Jews, religious Jews, Haredi (ultra-orthodox) Jews and Arabs. The program acts to encourage a more diverse and culturally competent higher education system that promotes partnership. One of the means to achieve that goal is to create meaningful educational interactions between people from academia and the younger generation of these sectors. Over the past year, students from various faculties in the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT) took part in a course called “Green Ambassadors”, which corresponds with the “Israeli Hope” program. This course was considered an action learning course, which is a course that combines academic learning and social involvement that has an impact on the community. In order to illustrate the environmental topics and to achieve high participation levels of the pupils, the students created a mobile laboratory containing experiments and demonstrations in which the pupils took an active part. Thus, the course managed to make a significant impact on the community and achieve the goals set by the “Israeli Hope” program. This paper presents the “Israeli Hope” program, HIT and the “Green Ambassadors” course, as well as the methodology used to achieve the course’s goals. Finally, this paper will discuss the success levels of the course. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector: The Role of Higher Education)

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17 pages, 1697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Higher Education in the EU Countries in Achieving the Objectives of the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector

by Tomasz Rokicki, Aleksandra Perkowska, Bogdan Klepacki, Hubert Szczepaniuk, Edyta Karolina Szczepaniuk, Stanisław Bereziński and Paulina Ziółkowska

Energies 2020, 13(17), 4407; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13174407 - 26 Aug 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4064

Abstract

The main purpose of the article was to identify and present the current situation and changes in higher education in the field of electricity and energy studies in the European Union countries. The specific objectives include determining the degree of concentration of education [...] Read more.

The main purpose of the article was to identify and present the current situation and changes in higher education in the field of electricity and energy studies in the European Union countries. The specific objectives include determining the degree of concentration of education in the fields of electricity and energy in the EU countries, showing the directions of their changes, types of dominant education in this field, establishing the correlation between education in the fields of electricity and energy and the parameters assessing the achievement of circular economy assumptions in the energy sector. All Member States of the European Union were deliberately selected for research. The research period covered the years 2013–2018. The source of the materials is a literature review on the subject and Eurostat data. For the analysis and presentation of materials, methods such as descriptive, tabular, graphical, dynamics indicators with a constant basis, Gini concentration coefficient, concentration analysis using the Lorenz curve, coefficient of variation, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient were used. A high concentration of education in the fields of electricity and energy was found in several EU countries, the largest in countries with the highest energy consumption, i.e., in France and Poland. Changes in the level of concentration practically did not take place, only in the case of master’s studies, there was an increase in concentration. However, the EU countries did not differ significantly in terms of the structure of the number of students studying electricity and energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector: The Role of Higher Education)

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15 pages, 1549 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Education for Sustainable Energy: Comparison of Different Types of E-Learning Activities

by María Ángeles Martín-Lara and Nuria Rico

Energies 2020, 13(15), 4022; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13154022 - 04 Aug 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2713

Abstract

This paper reports a comparison of results obtained by using different e-learning strategies for teaching a biogas topic in two courses of the chemical engineering degree at the University of Granada. Particularly, four different asynchronous e-learning activities were carefully chosen: (1) noninteractive videos [...] Read more.

This paper reports a comparison of results obtained by using different e-learning strategies for teaching a biogas topic in two courses of the chemical engineering degree at the University of Granada. Particularly, four different asynchronous e-learning activities were carefully chosen: (1) noninteractive videos and audio files; (2) reading papers and discussion; (3) virtual tour of recommended websites of entities/associations/organizations working in the biogas sector; (4) PowerPoint slides and class notes. Students evaluated their satisfaction level (assessment) and teachers gave scores for evaluation exams (scores). We discuss the results from a quantitative point of view to suggest recommendations for improving e-learning implementations in education for sustainable energy. For dependent variables, reached scores and satisfaction assessment, we find the differences between means for students in two different academic years are no significant. In addition, there are no significant differences between means depending on the type of course. Significant differences appear for scores and satisfaction assessment between different activities. Finally, we deeply analyze the relationship between score and satisfaction assessment. The results show a positive correlation between assessment of e-learning activities and the score level reached by students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward the Circular Economy in the Energy Sector: The Role of Higher Education)

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