Local Energy Concepts in Germany – An Environmental Alternative to Liberalisation?

1994 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Collier
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Local Energy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Public Companies ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Energy Companies

Liberalisation in the energy sector continues as a dominant theme in the European Union in the 1990s but little attention is being given to its potential environmental implications. However, issues of regulation, structure, ownership and scale of operation are crucial determinants in the environmental performance of the energy sector. This paper examines the situation in Germany where, as both federal energy policy measures and activities of the large energy companies have given limited attention to environmental matters, an increasing number of local councils and municipally owned energy companies have been adopting so-called local energy concepts with environmental concerns as a main driving force. It is shown that while countries like the UK struggle to induce their privatised energy companies into environmental activities, local public companies in Germany are at the forefront of implementing more environmentally benign energy systems. It is argued that, at a time when many decision-makers are preoccupied with promoting greater competition and private ownership, the benefits of local public ownership and decentralised planning in at lease part of the energy sector may be overlooked. If the political priorities at the local level are skewed in favour of the environment, local, integrated energy plans, implemented by public utilities, can reap substantial environmental benefits.

scholarly journals Coopetitive Nature of Energy Communities—The Energy Transition Context

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 931
Author(s):  
Karolina Mucha-Kuś ◽  
Maciej Sołtysik ◽  
Krzysztof Zamasz ◽  
Katarzyna Szczepańska-Woszczyna
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Energy Transformation ◽  
Pilot Projects ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Self Sufficiency

The decentralization of the large-scale energy sector, its replacement with pro-ecological, dispersed production sources and building a citizen dimension of the energy sector are the directional objectives of the energy transformation in the European Union. Building energy self-sufficiency at a local level is possible, based on the so-called Energy Communities, which include energy clusters and energy cooperatives. Several dozen pilot projects for energy clusters have been implemented in Poland, while energy cooperatives, despite being legally sanctioned and potentially a simpler formula of operation, have not functioned in practice. This article presents the coopetitive nature of Energy Communities. The authors analysed the principles and benefits of creating Energy Communities from a regulatory and practical side. An important element of the analysis is to indicate the managerial, coopetitive nature of the strategies implemented within the Energy Communities. Their members, while operating in a competitive environment, simultaneously cooperate to achieve common benefits. On the basis of the actual data of recipients and producers, the results of simulations of benefits in the economic dimension will be presented, proving the thesis of the legitimacy of creating coopetitive structures of Energy Communities.

scholarly journals An Influence of Group Purchasing Organizations on Financial Security of SMEs Operating in the Renewable Energy Sector—Case for Poland

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Zimon ◽  
Marek Sobolewski ◽  
Grzegorz Lew
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Industry ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Operating Cycle ◽  
Cash Conversion Cycle ◽  
Energy Companies ◽  
Renewable Energy Industry

European countries are increasingly using renewable energy. Poland is an outsider of such solutions. The Polish energy sector is primarily based on energy produced from coal. However, environmental changes and regulations of the European Union are forcing the increased use of energy from renewable sources. Renewable energy is an industry that is still developing in Poland. At the same time, Poland is a country where the political decisions of the government over the last few years have resulted in a significant limitation of the possibilities of renewable energy development. These actions have also resulted in lowering the profitability of the currently operating renewable energy enterprises, especially those from the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises. An opportunity for SMEs operating in the renewable energy sector is to merge into industry purchasing groups. The aim of the article—and at the same time the research question—is: Is it financially safer for renewable energy companies to operate within purchasing groups compared to companies operating independently in this industry? Traditional ways of purchasing can be transferred to integrated purchasing systems, which will be created by purchasing groups associating renewable energy companies. For this purpose, the financial effects of the implementation and functioning of the purchasing groups in the renewable energy sector in relation to entities operating independently were examined. In the research of renewable energy SMEs, a comparative analysis of key indicators determining the possibility of continuing the activity of these entities was made. The following indicators were examined: current financial liquidity ratio, return on sales, operating cycle, cash conversion cycle, share of receivables in current assets, share of inventory in current assets, turnover ratios, level of receivables, liabilities and profitability. The scientific literature is dominated by studies on purchasing groups in the pharmaceutical and construction industries. Thanks to the research conducted, it has been indicated that the renewable energy industry can also improve its profitability, and thus the possibility of safe continuation of operations by extending the business model to inter-entity cooperation within purchasing groups. Increasing the efficiency of individual entities of the renewable energy industry within purchasing groups becomes particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analyses and their graphic presentation present the significant impact on the safety and profitability of renewable energy entities in the form of purchasing groups.

La complessitŕ dei mercati energetici e la necessitŕ di una regolazione multilivello

2009 ◽  
pp. 121-152
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Franco Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Local Level ◽  
National Level ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Markets ◽  
Multilevel Governance ◽  
Energy Market ◽  
The European Union

- The energy markets are very complex, because, on the one hand, they imply several different activities and, on the other hand, they involve various levels of govern- 183 ment. The energy market is divided indeed in different segments: supply (generation or purchasing), transmission, distribution and sale, which are allocated at different levels of government, from the international and European level (with reference to the security of energy supply), to the local level (with specific regard to the distribution and sale). This complexity makes the energy sector particularly critical, under the pressure of political interests and economical needs. Another sensitive point is linked with the environmental protection, since the consumption of energy is one of the most polluting human activities, and the demand of energy is growing up together with the economical growth of the developing Countries. This problem is increasingly discussed at the international level, with reference to the climate change issue, in order to plan a sustainable development for the whole globe: because of it, the Kyoto Protocol was issued within the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change. It establishes legally binding commitments for the reduction of four greenhouse gases for all the 183 ratifying Countries, according the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and provides for the promotion of renewable energy. The European Union ratified the Protocol implementing the relative obligations through, for instance, the creation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The European Union most of all addressed the competitive issue, since the 70s, in order to achieve the result to create a free energy market in Europe. The last results of the European energy policy were the directives on electricity and natural gas in 2004, that imposed the complete opening of the energy markets in almost all the European Countries (with few exceptions). The implementation of the European directives requires the intervention of the national level, since each Country has to modify its own regulatory framework, in order to comply with the directives. Everywhere in Europe, this process faces with several difficulties, but it is particularly hard in Italy, since the energy sector is traditionally public owned. Indeed, in our Country, the privatization and liberalization processes are strictly linked to another trend: the decentralization of legislative and administrative powers from the State to the Regions and Local Communities. Thus it is evident that the global governance of the energy sector, for its complexity and its sensibility, can only derive from a network of interventions by several levels of government, and different international, national and local actors, which realize a typical case of multilevel governance.Key words: Energy markets, competition, sustainable development, multilevel governance.JEL classifications: K21, K23.Parole chiave: Mercato energetico, concorrenza, sviluppo sostenibile, multilevel Governance.

8. Referendums

UK Politics ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 171-191
Author(s):  
Andrew Blick
Keyword(s):  
Direct Democracy ◽  
Local Level ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Public ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Political Decisions

This chapter starts with a definition of the term ‘referendum’. A referendum is a means of involving the public in political decisions via voting on specific issues such as leaving the European Union. The chapter focuses on the use of referendums at the local level. It sets out the key features of a referendum. Who is allowed to vote in referendums? What sort of questions are put to voters? Under want circumstances should a referendum take place on specific issues? What are the risks associated with holding a referendum? The chapter also looks at regulations surrounding referendums in the UK. The theoretical considerations that the chapter examines are the fact that a referendum subject tends to be controversial, the relationship between referendums and direct democracy and the implications of the results.

Local-level Nudging for Renewables in Slovenia: Organisational Aspects and Legal Limitations

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-556
Author(s):  
Luka Martin Tomazic
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Local Level ◽  
State Level ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Local Energy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
National Legal System ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Positive Effect

Proliferation of renewable energy is high on the agenda of the European Union. In it, local government plays an important role. Besides traditional regulatory approaches such as legislation, nudging could have a positive effect on achieving the desired policy goals. This article analyses the legal framework within which the local-level practice of nudging is embedded in the Republic of Slovenia. Since EU-level legislation and ECHR aspects are analysed as well, the application of findings is broader than merely the national legal system. Nudging could be performed either by using the existing infrastructure or through the creation of local energy organisations. Three main groups of legal limitations are identified, namely state-level limitations, GDPR-related concerns and constitutional or human rights considerations. Defaults and individualised informing are emphasized as two of the most promising nudge-types in the field of renewable energy.

scholarly journals Examining Consumer-Brand Relationships in the UK Energy Sector A Social Media Perspective

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Mogaji ◽  
Dandison Ukpabi ◽  
Sunday Olaleye
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Brand Trust ◽  
Brand Relationships ◽  
Brand Relationship ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Facebook Pages ◽  
Energy Companies ◽  
Big Six

With social media transforming how customers interact with brands, this study explores the consumer –brand relationship in UK energy sector which has a reputation for lack of trust by customers. Using user-generated contents on Facebook pages of the ‘big six’ UK energy companies, the study qualitatively operationalised and applied three consumer-brand relationships construct, exploring the interplay between the brands and the consumer. Findings revealed various indications of brand trust, satisfaction and affiliation but overall customers are not satisfied with their relationship with energy companies, they want to know there is a brand on their side, who takes an interest in their complaints and is willing to help them out. There were forms of engagement and a sense of attachment through brand icons and winning prizes through competition. The consumers found social media a more accessible, cheaper, faster means of communicating, they often offer compliments, complain or requests for assistance. The study extends understanding of energy brands and consumer relationships and advances knowledge on the emerging research approach of thematic analysis; by extracting and analysing consumer comments on social media.

New Migrant Databank Concept and Development

2010 ◽  
pp. 111-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Boden ◽  
Phil Rees
Keyword(s):  
International Migration ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Statistical Framework ◽  
Migration Data ◽  
Local Areas ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
The Uk

Few parts of the UK remain unaffected by the surge in migration from central and eastern Europe that has been evident since the expansion of the European Union in 2004. However, the statistical instruments available to measure the multi-dimensional impact of international migration remain inadequate. The lack of empirical evidence to support research and analysis of migrant populations is an issue that affects a broad range of organisations at international, national, regional and local level. The problem is particularly acute in a selected set of local areas, where migrant populations have had a significant demographic, economic and social impacts. This chapter reports on work examining the changing profile and dynamics of the UK’s ethnic populations. The estimation and projection of ethnic group populations for local areas requires accurate intelligence on the inflow and outflow of international migrants. In the absence of a definitive source of data that can provide these statistics, the New Migrant Databank (NMD) has been developed which combines alternative sources of international migration data into a common statistical framework for presentation and analysis. The alternative sources of international migration data are summarised and a number of analytical examples are provided to illustrate how the NMD can provide a much improved picture of patterns and trends at a local level and the basis for improved intelligence on local estimates of both short-term and long-term migration. A number of developments are suggested, both to focus future research and to extend the content and value of the NMD as a common source of intelligence on UK immigration and emigration.

scholarly journals Exporting environmental objectives or erecting trade barriers in recent EU free trade agreements

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Mcneill
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Free Trade Agreements ◽  
Trade Agreements ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Multilateral Environmental Agreements ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Environmental Objectives ◽  
The Uk

The European Union (EU) has historically sought to influence environmental policies of other countries through multilateral environmental agreements. Under its 7th Environmental Action Plan and Trade for All strategy it now seeks to extend its environmental policy projection through trade; its recent free trade agreements now contain chapters addressing environment and sustainable development. However, by adopting high environmental standards the EU can also advance its own economic interests suggesting an ambiguous motivation. The recent Korean, Japanese and Canadian FTAs and the Mercosur agreements are examined in order to place the extent of this environmental turn within the context of economic advantage. The finding is that while environmental protection provisions in these FTAs may have environmental benefits, they may also serve EU domestic economic interests. This motivation has implications for new FTA negotiations, such as those with New Zealand and Australia, and now the UK.

scholarly journals Strategies of European Energy Producers. Directions of Evolution

Energies ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 609
Author(s):  
Jerzy Niemczyk ◽  
Aleksandra Sus ◽  
Edyta Bielińska-Dusza ◽  
Rafał Trzaska ◽  
Michał Organa
Keyword(s):  
Primary Source ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Strategic Orientation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Operational Activity ◽  
Energy Companies ◽  
Climate Neutrality ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Desk Research

The article presents an innovative method of analyzing energy companies’ strategies, which aims to identify the strategic orientation of the entities subject to the research and, thus, to initially define the directions of strategic changes in the analyzed sector. The aim of the research, the results of which were used in this publication, was to identify the features of energy sector companies’ strategies in the European Union in the period of sector transformation caused by the new climate policy. The analysis area is the energy sector, i.e., the sector whose fundamental strategic goal is energy production. The research used a critical analysis of the subject literature and desk research method with the use of the researchers’ own analytical equipment, developed for the needs of this analysis. It was assumed in the conducted research that the primary source of information in the empirical study, the information subject to subsequent analysis, was the analysis of official documents (strategies, financial reports, etc.) posted on the websites of the surveyed corporations. The research results indicate the dominance of the resource-based approach in implementing strategic postulates of the surveyed companies. Nevertheless, the operational activity focuses on the implementation of innovative solutions towards decarbonization and climate neutrality.

The Development of Wind Power in Denmark and The Uk

1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Brunt ◽  
Derek Spooner
Keyword(s):  
Wind Power ◽  
Local Level ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Power Development ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Wind Power Development ◽  
Turbine Installation ◽  
Wind Resources

Renewable energy technologies are attracting increasing support in the European Union, with wind power particularly favoured. The growth of wind power capacity has proceeded at variable rates in different countries. This paper focuses upon the contrasting experiences of two countries both blessed with abundunt wind resources: Denmark, a leader both in wind turbine installation and manufacture, and the UK, where development has been slow until the 1990's. The recent energy histories of the two countries are explored as the context for wind power development. Denmarks success has been based on a combination of local and co-operative ownership with government encouragement and support, whereas the UK, despite the impetus provided by the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation since 1989, has largely failed to ensure the involvement of people at the local level.

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