Strategies to balance energy security, business, trade and sustainable development: selected case studies†

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-99
Author(s):  
Paolo Davide Farah

Abstract Energy is pivotal for socio-economic and cultural development. Last century witnessed a drastic increase, on one hand on the consumption of energy and, on the other on greenhouse gases emissions. Traditionally, energy security has been linked with the need to guarantee supply and, in turn, enables economic growth. Against this background, countries focused on diversifying both energy sources and trade partners while at the same time increasing investment in energy infrastructure and technology. Investment in low-carbon energy sources for enhancing national energy policies prompts for a new understanding of energy security. The aim is, in fact, not anymore limited to securing provision but also to strengthen diversification and counteract the negative effects of energy consumption on the environment. The need to include a sustainability component to energy in trade, business and in the society at large, is adding a further layer of complexity in shaping national and international energy policy. Strategies to balance energy security, business, trade, and sustainable development are urgently needed in the Anthropocene. Creative and innovative approaches to energy policy could be found in countries where energy consumption is on a steady rise and environmental degradation is crystal clear.

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2864
Author(s):  
Wiesław Musiał ◽  
Monika Zioło ◽  
Lidia Luty ◽  
Kamila Musiał

As a consequence of increasing air pollution, the European Commission has decided to introduce special directives laying down the measures to achieve climate and energy neutrality. Renewable energy (RE) sources play an important role in the pursuit of these goals, which has been taken into account in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The aim of this article is to describe patterns and trends in the achievements of the energy policy of European Union (EU) countries in the field of renewable energy in sustainable development. The identification of leaders in this field gives the possibility to analyse actions taken by the governments of these countries and the possible implementation of the introduced solutions on the ground of individual Member States at the regional and national levels. At the beginning Main goal of energy policy on the field of renewable energy sources (RES) is to increase production from environmentally friendly sources that is why trends were determined in order to assess the rate of achievement of the national target for changes the share of energy from renewable sources in total gross energy consumption. Groups of similar countries were then identified on the basis of three indicators corresponding to the targets set in the climate and energy package. In the group of analysed countries, 14 have achieved the 2020 targets and 4 have exceeded the 2030 targets. The main renewable energy sources (RES) are biofuels, wind, and hydropower. In the assessment of the achievement of energy policy targets, the best situation was observed in the case of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. These countries have significantly increased the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption. Compared to other EU countries, they have reduced the economy’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions the most.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-78
Author(s):  
Zeittey Karmilla Kaman ◽  
Siti Fatihah Salleh ◽  
Waznatol Widad Mohamad Ishak

Research Highlights   This paper aims to assess the current progress of RE in this country and identify the impact of business sustainability idea towards RE policy development. The extensive review presented in this work offers a useful reference for policy makers, corporate managers and researchers who have vested interest in business sustainability and renewable energy related studies. ___________________________________________________________________________   Research Objectives   The objectives of this study is to explore the evolving concept of business sustainability towards environmental concern and to identify the impact of business sustainability idea towards Malaysia’s policy development on RE deployment.   Methodology   This is conceptual paper where the authors tend to make the analysis by exploring particular theories on business sustainability, renewable energy (RE), and the engagement of RE activities on Malaysia policy development.   Results   All energy sources have some impact and benefit on our environment. For instance, renewable energy (RE) is energy resource that naturally replenished over time and always can be generated such as solar, wind and hydro energy. However, if the rate of use exceeds the rate of renewal, gradually it will become unsustainable. Thus, to have a sustainable energy which defined as energy production that can last for the foreseeable future is crucial and become main focus of recent national policies, strategies and development plan as of many countries. Malaysia energy consumption still heavily depended on the non- renewable energies (RE) such as fossil fuel and natural gases. Unfortunately, the use of the non-RE is unsustainable and can contribute adversely towards the environment and economic performance of a country. Renewable energy is brought to play as it is believed sustainable and has the potential to thrive in infinitely competitive market of contemporary business nowadays. Therefore, in 2009, the government of Malaysia has announced a National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan (NREPAP) as part of their commitment to accelerate the growth of RE as an alternatives energy sources for the coming years. Moving onwards, a strong policy is needed to tackle the challenges in meeting the demand, energy security and also the affordability of energy pricing. Thus, in energy security dimension, perhaps the government should put attention on renewable energy by engaging more on the alternative mechanism to deploy RE capacity through program such as Large-Scale Solar PV, Net Metering as at current practices and also other new initiative like green certificates. The exploration on new RE resource such as wind, geothermal, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) also could assist in build up a new opportunity to enlarge the share of renewable energy mix percentage and ensure the future energy security (UNDP, 2007)   Findings   The energy industry is changing fast and in multiple directions. It is also regularly known as the catalyst for development in a country. Realizing the importance of energy as a vital dimension in economic and social development, the government of Malaysia has been continuously reviewing its energy policy and practices to ensure long-term sustainability, reliability and security of energy supply (Mohamed & Lee, 2006). The private sector even the communities should also be more corporate in social responsibilities and make compromises for instance by participating in green programs and accepting longer payback periods in RE projects. Nevertheless, continuous efforts and strong support from the societies are vital to ensure RE development can reach its maximum potential. This effort is also supported by (Dincer, 2000) and (Wutenhagen, Wolsink, & Buer, 2007) where they are stressed that increases the public awareness and acceptance on RE, it is as the initial step to make the sustainable energy program successful. This is done through the media, professional organizations, public and government channels. In conclusion, since there is still insufficient insight to critically reasoning the RE development in aspect of business and sustainability, the paper insists to contributes more to the research on energy policies enhancement in Malaysia particularly. This could be a challenge on governing agenda that involves a series of tradeoffs, market players, organizations and companies (Oliveira, 2018) and these efforts are important to ensure the future success of the RE development in Malaysia.   Acknowledgement   The authors would like to acknowledge Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) for the fund granted through the Internal Grant (UNIIG2019), Project code: J510050852.   References   Dincer, I. (2000). Renewable energy and sustainable development: a crucial review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 4(2), 157–175. Mohamed, A. R., & Lee, K. T. (2006). Energy for sustainable development in Malaysia: Energy policy and alternative energy. Energy Policy, 34(15), 2388–2397. Oliveira, R. L. De. (2018). Powering the future : Malaysia ’ s energy policy challenges. Kuala Lumpur: IDEAS Policy Research Berhad. UNDP, United Nations Development Programme. (2007). Energy and Poverty in Malaysia: Challenges and the Way Forward. UNDP. Wutenhagen, R., Wolsink, M., & Buer, M. J. (2007). Social acceptance of renewable energy innovation: An introduction to the concept. Energy Policy, 35, 2683–2691.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4099
Author(s):  
Ann-Kristin Mühlbach ◽  
Olaf Mumm ◽  
Ryan Zeringue ◽  
Oskars Redbergs ◽  
Elisabeth Endres ◽  
...  

The METAPOLIS as the polycentric network of urban–rural settlement is undergoing constant transformation and urbanization processes. In particular, the associated imbalance of the shrinkage and growth of different settlement types in relative geographical proximity causes negative effects, such as urban sprawl and the divergence of urban–rural lifestyles with their related resource, land and energy consumption. Implicitly related to these developments, national and global sustainable development goals for the building sector lead to the question of how a region can be assessed without detailed research and surveys to identify critical areas with high potential for sustainable development. In this study, the TOPOI method is used. It classifies settlement units and their interconnections along the urban–rural gradient, in order to quantify and assess the land-uptake and global warming potential driven by residential developments. Applying standard planning parameters in combination with key data from a comprehensive life cycle assessment of the residential building stock, a detailed understanding of different settlement types and their associated resource and energy consumption is achieved.


Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Paweł Tomczyk ◽  
Mirosław Wiatkowski

Hydropower (HP) in Europe is playing an increasingly important role. Its share in final energy consumption varies from country to country, which is associated with different challenges for each of them. This article presents the challenges of HP development in three countries with a diversified domestic share, i.e., Albania (100% share in 2019), Slovenia (25.7%) and Estonia (0.3%). Particular attention was paid to issues of rational management of water resources in conjunction with the objectives of nature protection and European energy policy. As a result of the analysis, the following challenges in the development of HP were identified: the need to modernize the current HP network, conflicts related to the implementation of HP projects in naturally valuable areas, dependence on external electricity supply due to adverse environmental conditions, problems with the diversification of energy sources and lack of cooperation between environments representing different interests. The countries described have different local specificities; therefore, the challenges in the development of HP are different in each of them. The key to solving them is especially mutual cooperation between various environments, integration of energy markets and diversification of used energy sources, with an indication of renewable energy sources (RES). This will enable harmonious development of each country. Furthermore, it cannot be clearly determined whether the assumed objectives of EU energy policy will be achieved. Achieving these goals is possible because the share of RES in final energy consumption in the countries described is growing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (516) ◽  
pp. 65-76
Author(s):  
O. V. Klymchuk ◽  
◽  
S. V. Kozlovskyi ◽  
R. V. Lavrov ◽  
◽  
...  

The article is aimed at developing strategic directions and introducing regulatory measures for the formation of Ukraine’s energy policy on the principles of energy saving and the development of renewable energy industry. On the basis of scientific works, the main organizational-economic vectors of energy industry sector development are systematized, which are associated with the formation of a favorable socio-political climate regarding the priority of using renewable energy sources in the fuel and energy complex; development of effective methods of both the State-based and the market-based regulation by the world community; coordination of the strategy of sustainable development of the world economy. It is determined that the energy saving policy should be based on a flexible combination of the State-based regulation and the market environment for the formation of the most acceptable stimulation mechanisms in the specific economic and political situations, which allows for the greatest economic benefit. It has been found out that the implementation of energy saving processes is impossible without the mass use of renewable energy carriers, which are a universal resource for processing to the right types of energy, are marked by energy independence related to obtaining economic benefits and contribute to the creation of an ecological friendly environment. In the perspective, the energy saving processes, the transition of the national economy to wide implementation in the production of high-tech technologies and the use of renewable energy sources should become the determining factors of Ukraine’s energy strategy.


2013 ◽  
Vol 712-715 ◽  
pp. 883-886
Author(s):  
Qi Guo ◽  
Li Qiong Zhao ◽  
Qiu Yan Liang

Construction industry develops with the increase of energy consumption, and there are enormous impacts on the environment during the process of its design construction and use. However, the environment is the conditions for the survival of mankind and the basis of sustainable development of human society. This paper explores the ways to architecture design under the concept of low-carbon economy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (516) ◽  
pp. 151-157
Author(s):  
T. G. Chala ◽  
◽  
Y. V. Priadko ◽  
O. I. Slavuta ◽  
◽  
...  

The article is aimed at modeling the energy market of Ukraine on the meso-level, identifying its features and development problems, forming a system of indicators for monitoring the development of electricity production at the regional level. It is determined that Ukraine produces electrical power mainly from non-renewable energy sources, namely fossil and mineral fuels, using nuclear power plants and thermal power plants, which comprises 54% of the total electricity production. Wind, solar sources of electrical power, biofuels and hydroelectric power plants make up a smaller part of production – 7%. It is noted that Ukraine annually consumes about 92 million tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) of energy, has a high level of energy intensity of the economy, therefore, in order to reach the world average level, it is necessary to reduce energy consumption by 50 million toe. The level of losses of the produced and imported energy during its transformation and transportation to the end user is 44%. The potential for reducing energy consumption during consumption in sectors such as housing, budget-based and energy supply is about 19 million toe. To assess the state of the energy sector in Ukraine in 2019, a grouping of regions of Ukraine was carried out using cluster analysis. The regions that have entered the 1st cluster, namely: Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, have the best prospects for the rapid innovative development of the energy market. The regions that are included in the 3rd cluster have the lowest values of energy sector development indicators among other clusters and require special attention to the development of new, cost-effective energy technologies. The system of indicators for the analysis of the energy market development on meso-level is substantiated. The proposed indicators are adapted to the indicators of monitoring the achievement of sustainable development goals, namely: sustainable development goals 7 «Ensuring access to inexpensive, reliable, sustainable and modern energy sources for everyone».


2020 ◽  

<p>The long-term forecasting of the energy demand is an important issue of an area’s sustainable development, especially for mega cities such as Beijing. Beijing is changing its energy supply strategy to depend on energy imports from other provinces due to the city’s long-term low carbon sustainable development plan. Beijing has promised that it will reach the peak value of energy consumption by 2050 and the peak value of the carbon emissions by 2030. To understand whether this can be achieved, this study built an energy demand simulation model using the LEAP with different development scenarios. The results show that, the peak value of Beijing’s energy demand is between 108.25 and 131.74 Mtce during the period of 2044 to 2048, while the peak value of carbon emissions is between 134 and 139.38 million tons in 2025. We also find that adjusting the industry structure and improving the tertiary industry’s energy usage efficiency can be efficient ways to reduce energy consumption. These approaches not only reduce the negative influence of the economic development, but also achieve the energy saving and carbon emission reducing requirements. This study provides an interpretation of the implications for the future energy and climate policies of Beijing.</p>


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