Search Results (43)

The global energy transition is expected to require three to twenty times more land areas than fossil fuel-based power generation, making the availability of suitable land for the global energy transition a key challenge. Based on different types of energy resources, this study designs a telecoupling multi-regional input–output (MRIO) model to analyze cross-border electricity-driven embodied land appropriation patterns. The results show that the land footprint associated with renewable energy is substantially lower than that associated with conventional power generation. However, the growth rate of this footprint is 2.18 times higher than that of conventional electricity generation. China and Germany are identified as key export markets for wind- and solar- driven embodied land. The share of electricity-driven embodied land from China to the United States, Japan, and Germany declined, whereas the embodied land flowing to countries including South Korea, India, and Singapore increased. Embodied land-exporting nations face trilemma issues related to environmental degradation chain reactions, resource consumption threshold lines, and social distribution tensions, which may significantly affect decarbonization progresses. By integrating renewable power infrastructures and land use occupation, this analytical framework is expected to advance the understanding of energy–land nexus dynamics, providing theoretical foundations for cross-system governance in the implementation of carbon neutrality. Full article

As ESG sustainability uncertainty intensifies and globalisation deepens, the energy trilemma—security, equity, and sustainability—emerges as the defining calculus of modern energy policy. Therefore, this investigation explores the influence of ESG sustainability uncertainty intensification and globalisation on the energy trilemma, while controlling education, urbanization and economic growth, using data from 2001 to 2022. The energy trilemma offers an all-inclusive gauge for understanding the effect of ESG sustainability uncertainty on energy trilemma. The study employed Lewbel’s Two Stage Least Squares method to examine the connection. The results disclose that ESG sustainability uncertainty is negatively associated with all three trilemma pillars. Globalisation displays a nonlinear influence: its squared terms are negative and statistically significant, implying diminishing marginal benefits at high levels of openness. This paper’s significance lies in evidence that ESG sustainability uncertainty erodes all three pillars of the energy trilemma, while globalization’s benefits taper at high openness—strengthening the mandate for a clean, just, secure, and sustainable transition. Full article

In recent years, blockchain consensus mechanisms have evolved significantly from the original proof-of-work design, transitioning towards more efficient and scalable alternatives. This paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis framework for blockchain consensus mechanisms based on a systematic examination of 200+ publications. We categorize consensus mechanisms into four performance-oriented groups: high throughput, strong security, low energy, and flexible scaling, each addressing specific trade-offs in the blockchain trilemma of decentralization, security, and scalability. Through quantitative metrics including transactions per second, energy consumption, fault tolerance, and communication complexity, we evaluate mainstream mechanisms. Our findings reveal that no single consensus mechanism optimally satisfies all performance requirements, with each design involving explicit trade-offs. This paper provides researchers and practitioners with a structured framework for understanding these trade-offs and selecting appropriate consensus mechanisms for specific application contexts. Finally, we discussed future development trends, as well as regulatory and ethical considerations. Full article

Against the backdrop of the profound restructuring in global climate governance, China’s energy management system is undergoing a comprehensive transition from dual energy consumption control to dual carbon emissions control. This policy shift fundamentally alters the underlying logic of energy-focused regulation and inevitably impacts the economy–energy–environment (3E) system. This study innovatively constructs a “Triangular Trinity” theoretical framework integrating internal, intermediate, and external triangular couplings, as well as providing a granular analysis of their transmission relationships and feedback mechanisms. Using Guangdong Province as a case study, this study takes the dual control emissions policy within the external triangle as an entry point to research the restructuring logic of dual carbon emissions control for the coupling coordination mechanisms of the 3E system. The key findings are as follows: (1) Policy efficacy evolution: During 2005–2016, dual energy consumption control significantly improved energy conservation and emissions reduction, elevating Guangdong’s 3E coupling coordination. Post 2017, however, its singular focus on total energy consumption revealed limitations, causing a decline in 3E coordination. Dual carbon emissions control demonstrably enhances 3E systemic synergy. (2) Decoupling dynamics: Dual carbon emissions control accelerates economic–carbon emission decoupling, while slowing economic–energy consumption decoupling. This created an elasticity space of 5.092 million tons of standard coal equivalent (sce) and reduced carbon emissions by 26.43 million tons, enabling high-quality economic development. (3) Mechanism reconstruction: By leveraging external triangular elements (energy-saving technologies and market mechanisms) to act on the energy subsystem, dual carbon emissions control leads to optimal solutions to the “Energy Trilemma”. This drives the systematic restructuring of the sustainability triangle, achieving high-order 3E coupling coordination. The Triangular Trinity framework constructed by us in the paper is an innovative attempt in relation to the theory of energy transition, providing a referenceable methodology for resolving the contradictions of the 3E system. The research results can provide theoretical support and practical reference for the low-carbon energy transition of provinces and cities with similar energy structures. Full article

Under the guidance of high-quality development goals, the energy industry should not only pay attention to the development level but also to the coordination effect among multiple elements. In the process of low-carbon development, natural gas plays an important transitional role as a clean fossil energy. In this study, by introducing the theoretical perspective of energy trilemma, a comprehensive measurement system of the three-dimensional development level of the regional natural gas industry was constructed. Then, in order to overcome the limitation that the coordination effect is weakened due to the concentration of function values, an improved coupling coordination model was established based on the redefined coupling degree distribution function. Next, based on actual data from Beijing from 2006 to 2022, the safety–economy–environmental protection development level of the natural gas industry was empirically analyzed, and the coupling coordination degree of multi-dimensional factors was deeply investigated. The empirical results reveal the following: (1) Beijing is one of the largest natural gas consumption markets in China, so the economy level of its natural gas industry was relatively high. However, the safety level and environmental protection level needed to be improved. This is mainly due to the scarce resource endowment, and the dependence of economic growth on fossil energy. (2) The coupling coordination degree showed a fluctuating upward trend. The coordination degree of safety and environmental protection was the best, mainly because they coexisted and promoted each other at the policy level. The coordination degree of safety and economy was also relatively high, mainly because supply security could provide resource support for market expansion and stabilize price levels. Meanwhile, a prosperous market would stimulate energy exploration and infrastructure extension. This study will help to provide a high-quality development plan for the natural gas industry for solving the regional energy trilemma. Full article

Cities host over 50% of the world’s population and account for nearly 75% of the world’s energy consumption and 80% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, ensuring a smart way to organize cities is paramount for the quality of life and efficiency of resource use, with emphasis on the use and management of energy, under the context of the energy trilemma, where the objectives of sustainability, security, and affordability need to be balanced. Electrification associated with the use of renewable energy generation is increasingly seen as the most efficient way to reduce the impact of energy use on GHG emissions and natural resource depletion. Electrification poses significant challenges to the development and management of the electrical infrastructure, requiring the deployment of Smart Grids, which emerge as a key development of Smart Cities. Our review targets the intersection between Smart Cities and Smart Grids. Several key components of a Smart City in the context of Smart Grids are reviewed, including elements such as metering, IoT, renewable energy sources and other distributed energy resources, grid monitoring, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, or buildings. Case studies and pilots are reviewed, and metrics concerning existing deployments are identified. A portfolio of 16 solutions that may contribute to bringing Smart Grid solutions to the level of the city or urban settings is identified, as well as 11 gaps existing for effective and efficient deployment. We place these solutions in the context of the energy trilemma and of the Smart Grid Architecture Model. We posit that depending on the characteristics of the urban setting, including size, location, geography, a mix of economic activities, or topology, the most appropriate set of solutions can be identified, and an indicative roadmap can be built. Full article

Energy is often described as the lifeblood of a nation’s economy, and the world energy trilemma calls for collaboration and innovative solutions at the national level. This is where Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) plays a crucial role, helping integrate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing the challenges posed by the energy trilemma. Europe’s strong commitment to transitioning to sustainable energy is evident in its response to geopolitical changes and climate targets. Notably, the Baltic States have taken decisive action in response to the war in Ukraine, choosing to completely halt electricity imports from Russia and Belarus. This shift was supported by increased energy imports via interconnectors from Finland, Sweden, and Poland, with electricity imports rising to 13,053 GWh—an increase of 2.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Latvia, which holds the highest green energy potential in the Baltic Sea region, has nevertheless lagged behind its Baltic counterparts in terms of implementation. In 2021, Latvia ranked third among European Union (EU) countries for renewable energy share in final energy consumption, with 42.1%, significantly higher than the EU average of 21.8%. However, further progress is needed to meet Latvia’s 2030 target of 14% renewable energy use in transport. The Baltic States aim to produce 98–100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2050. The Baltic States should be regarded as a unified energy system, with a coordinated strategy for achieving sustainable energy development through collaboration and joint planning. This analysis highlights the complexities of managing energy markets amidst global and regional challenges, emphasizing the importance of well-designed public interventions to secure long-term benefits. The study concludes with a call for enhanced interagency cooperation to reform ESD and create a new interdisciplinary sector dedicated to “Sustainable Development”. Full article

The mining industry is a basic sector of the Russian economy. Sustainable Development Goals appear in the strategies of mining companies and are ensured, inter alia, by increasing the energy efficiency of enterprises and plants within their structure through the implementation of projects. The lack of generally accepted criteria for assessing energy efficiency determines the need to develop a methodology that would allow taking into account the contribution of the results of projects of different scales and levels of implementation to improve the energy efficiency of the mining enterprise and the company as a whole. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for the comprehensive assessment of projects aimed at improving the energy efficiency of mining enterprises in the context of sustainable development. The research method is based on establishing a logical relationship between the goals of sustainable development, the principles of the “energy trilemma”, criteria and results of the implementation of projects aimed at improving the energy efficiency of the mining enterprise, taking into account the systematization of these projects. The authors develop a methodology for assessing projects related to the energy efficiency of mining enterprises. The methodology is based on a two-level system of criteria: the first-level criteria characterize the degree of realization of project objectives in accordance with the goals of sustainable development and the principles of the “energy trilemma”. The first-level criteria consist of the following: economic efficiency, ecological performance, reliability and safety, and flexibility. The second-level criteria characterize the economic results of the project based on the assessment of its economic efficiency. In order to provide a comprehensive economic assessment of various project outcomes, a set of indicators is proposed. The assessment of this methodology has been tested using the example of projects implemented at the mining enterprise “Albazinsky GOK” (mining and processing complex). Implementation of a comprehensive project, including the transition to a centralized power supply source, installation of a wind generator, photovoltaic installation, and energy storage system, will allow the enterprise to reduce CO₂ emissions by 100% and increase the flexibility of the enterprise’s power system by 33%. The economic effect will amount to RUB 1252.5 mln (due to savings on electricity costs). The obtained results can be used by managers of mining companies to select and assess projects aimed at improving energy efficiency. Full article

This review analyzes the complex relationship between climate change and energy security and their joint impact on global development. It emphasizes the need for sustainable energy solutions to tackle increasing global warming effects and energy demands. A thorough literature analysis highlights the link between energy policies, climate goals, and sustainable development aspirations. Moreover, it examines the effectiveness of energy policies in various national contexts in promoting environmental sustainability and emphasizing regional dynamics, socio-economic factors, and diverse energy planning approaches. The review explains the multifaceted relationship between climate change, energy security, and environmental protection. Key recommendations related to renewable energy transitions are provided as crucial means to address global energy demand and resource constraints while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The analysis underscores renewable energy’s key role in aligned energy strategies that balance security and sustainability for a low-carbon future. It emphasizes the critical need for coordinated policies, technological innovation, and collaborative action between academia, industry, and policymakers to advance integrated energy systems and thermal storage solutions. Full article

Morocco, despite its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, which made up 68% of electricity generation in 2020, has recognised its significant renewable energy potential. The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment is to reduce emissions by 45.5% from baseline levels with international assistance and abstain from constructing new coal plants. Moreover, the Green Hydrogen Roadmap aims to export 10 TWh of green hydrogen by 2030, as well as use it for local electricity storage. This paper critically analyses this Roadmap and Morocco’s readiness to reach its ambitious targets, focusing specifically on an energy trilemma perspective and using OSeMOSYS (Open-Source energy Modelling System) for energy modelling. The results reveal that the NDC scenario is only marginally more expensive than the least-cost scenario, at around 1.3% (approximately USD 375 million), and facilitates a 23.32% emission reduction by 2050. An important note is the continued reliance on existing coal power plants across all scenarios, which challenges both energy security and emissions. The assessment of the Green Hydrogen Scenarios highlights that it could be too costly for the Moroccan government to fund the Green Hydrogen Roadmap at this scale, which leads to increased imports of polluting fossil fuels for cost reduction. In fact, the emission levels are 39% higher in the green hydrogen exports scenario than in the least-cost scenario. Given these findings, it is recommended that the Green Hydrogen Roadmap be re-evaluated, with a suggestion for a postponement and reduction in scope. Full article

Energy landscapes in Asia and other regions are currently undergoing a transformation aimed at increasing the share of clean energy sources. This article analyzes and forecasts the electricity demand in Vietnam, examining existing constraints that necessitate the shift from coal to renewable energy sources. The rapid economic growth in Vietnam is driving a substantial surge in electricity demand, projected to reach 124 thousand MW by 2030 according to the National Electricity Plan, positioning Vietnam second in Southeast Asia. This surge poses a significant challenge to national energy security, given the impracticality of effective coal mining in the country and the imperative to develop renewable energy sources. Anticipating the changes in Vietnam’s energy mix by 2050, this study foresees a substantial reduction in dependence on coal production. Government investment and green energy investment funds such as JETP are strategically directed towards renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen energy, and efficient energy storage technologies. Consequently, this research substantiates the viability of an energy transition from coal to green energy in Vietnam. The article presents an assessment of the rate of replacing coal with renewable energy sources, taking into consideration various scenarios for economic development, energy consumption growth, and the utilization of renewable energy sources. Full article

In recent years, advancements in rooftop solar panel technology have sparked a revolution in the electricity markets. This has given rise to a new concept of energy exchange—the ability for consumers and producers to trade localized energy. This concept has been made possible by the emergence of blockchain technology, which has gained significant traction in the energy markets. Its unique ability to facilitate peer-to-peer (P2P) energy transactions has made it a promising solution for the trilemma of scalability, security, and decentralization. However, while blockchain technology has shown great potential, it is still in its early stages of development and has yet to reach its full potential. To fully understand the potential of blockchain technology in P2P energy trading, it is important to explore the trilemma in depth. This study proposes a blockchain-based scalability solution with a focus on P2P energy trading. This strategy is supported by empirical modeling, utilizing data gathered from a trial case study. The results of this study demonstrate that the suggested technique outperforms base-layer models in terms of scalability while still maintaining the essential elements of security and decentralization. This proposed solution not only has the potential to revolutionize the energy markets but also has broader implications. By providing a more secure and decentralized platform for P2P energy trading, it has the potential to address issues of energy distribution inequality and promote the adoption of renewable energy. With blockchain technology, individuals and communities have the opportunity to take control of their energy usage and production, reducing their reliance on traditional centralized energy systems. This not only has the potential to lower energy costs for consumers but also contributes to the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. The combination of rooftop solar panel technology and blockchain applications has the potential to create a significant shift toward decentralized and sustainable energy systems. This will not only benefit individuals and communities but also have a positive impact on the environment and the global energy market. However, for this transition to occur, it is crucial that governments and energy companies continue to support and invest in these advancements. Full article

This study conceptualises the extent of supply chain collaboration in the oil and gas (O&G) sector using the evidence from the literature and the primary data collected from supply chain practitioners across various companies in the UK O&G sector. The goal is to establish how the sector can address its traditional narrow and adversary relationships that undermine the sector’s ability to be resilient and competitive considering the volatility of global oil prices and the trilemma (i.e., energy transition, energy security, and energy diversification) of issues facing the sector. Using exploratory quantitative online surveys, data were collected from 82 supply chain practitioners across Tier 1, 2, and 3 companies in the UK O&G sector. The collected data were analysed thematically, providing deeper insights into supply chain collaboration, including its motivations and barriers in the UK O&G sector. The findings show that the pattern of collaboration in the O&G sector is transient, situational, and mostly influenced by the sector’s performance and global economic situations. The findings further show that the nature of the relationship in the O&G sector is mostly dependent on how it contributes to the performance of each business rather than the supply chain. This study argues that businesses in the oil and gas sector need to re-examine their relationships to enhance their competitiveness. It proposes that the sector should embrace strategic collaborations as the sector faces many disruptions, particularly from energy transition and the decommissioning of assets. Full article

The UN vision of climate resilience contains three independent outcomes: resilient people and livelihoods, resilient business and economies, and resilient environmental systems. This article analyzes the positive contributions of low-carbon energy technologies to climate resilience by reviewing and critically assessing the existing pool of studies published by researchers and international organizations that offer comparable data (quantitative indicators). Compilation, critical analysis, and literature review methods are used to develop a methodological framework that is in line with the UN vision of climate resilience and makes it possible to compare the input of low-carbon energy technologies climate resilience by unit of output or during their lifecycle. The framework is supported by the three relevant concepts—energy trilemma, sharing economy/material footprint, and Planetary Pressures-Adjusted Human Development Index. The study identifies indicators that fit the suggested framework and for which the data are available: total material requirement (TMR), present and future levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) without subsidies, CO₂ emissions by fuel or industry, lifecycle CO₂-equivalent emissions, and mortality rates from accidents and air pollution. They are discussed in the paper with a focus on multi-country and global studies that allow comparisons across different geographies. The findings may be used by decision-makers when prioritizing the support of low-carbon technologies and planning the designs of energy systems. Full article

The public sector plays a pivotal role in setting the pace for climate action innovation through policy development and inter-organization collaborations for sustainable energy solutions. There is generally a lack of a proper understanding of innovation in the public sector compared to the private sector, with the public sector being considered slow, bureaucratic adopters of innovation. This study investigated the understanding and approach to innovation in public energy organizations, determining if and how these organizations innovate and their ability to innovate, especially towards climate action, in Kenya while comparing them with Iceland, a developed economy with equivalent geothermal energy potential. A questionnaire survey was conducted in public energy organizations in Kenya and Iceland. Statistical analysis was used to validate and evaluate the collected data. The study findings revealed that innovation collaboration systems in organizations positively predicted the employees’ innovation awareness, confirming that energy sector innovations shall require public–private sector collaboration in developing innovative, incremental, and disruptive energy solutions. Employee knowledge and skills, on the other hand, were found not to be a predictor of an organization’s innovation awareness. Furthermore, employees’ motivation to innovate, as well as organizational innovation strategy, management structure and leadership, were found to positively predict an organization’s readiness to innovate. Finally, the Kenyan energy sector was benchmarked against the Icelandic energy sector indicating some noteworthy differences in the prioritization of energy sector climate action initiatives, with most organizations identifying themselves as innovation generators and innovation adopters and the least being innovation imitators, showing the organizations’ commitment to developing new technologies, markets and policies towards sustainable energy solutions. Full article