scholarly journals PROSPECTS FOR DECARBONIZATION OF DISTRICT HEATING IN UKRAINE

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 44-51
Author(s):  
G.G. Geletukha ◽  
T.A. Zheliezna ◽  
A.I. Bashtovyi
Keyword(s):  
Heat Supply ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
District Heating ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Electronic Trade ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Solid Biofuels ◽  
The Eu

The purpose of the work is to determine promising areas for decarbonization of district heating in Ukraine, as well as measures necessary for their practical implementation. State of the development of bioenergy in the world and in the EU is presented, and considerable contribution of bioenergy to the production of renewable heat is emphasized. In Ukraine, the existing problems of long-term planning at the state and regional levels in the heat supply sector need to be addressed. Recommendations for solving these problems have been developed. One of them is the elaboration of the Heat Supply Strategy until 2035, built on the principle of the Energy Strategy of Ukraine, as well as the Action Plan for its implementation. It is recommended to introduce the term “efficient district heating” in the legislation of Ukraine, which corresponds to Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency, and to declare the purpose of increasing the share of such systems in district heating. The role of bioenergy in the process of decarbonization of district heating of Ukraine is analyzed. It is shown that one of the ways that can significantly improve the situation in heat supply is the wide involvement of biomass and solid biofuels in this sector. For the effective implementation of this task it is necessary to launch an electronic trade system for solid biofuels (biofuel exchange), introduce competition in district heating systems, as well as perform a set of additional actions and measures. This will allow not only to stabilize the situation with heat supply in Ukraine, but also to reduce the heat tariff for end users by 15-20%.

STATE REGULATION OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKET IN UKRAINE

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
pp. 30-47
Author(s):  
Lyudmila Nikolayevna Akimova ◽  
Alla Vasilievna Lysachok
Keyword(s):  
Life Insurance ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Credit Unions ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
The State ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Insurance Contracts ◽  
State Pension

The essence of such concepts is “financial service”, “financial ser- vices market”, and “participants of the financial services market”; determined the purpose of state regulation of the financial services market; forms of state regu- lation of the financial services market; financial services that are present in the financial services market; the structure of state regulation bodies of the financial services market in Ukraine is given; The role of state bodies in the regulation of the financial services market was studied; to characterize the regulatory le- gal regulation of the financial services market in Ukraine; the main problems of functioning of the domestic market of financial services are revealed; ways to solve existing problems. It is grounded that the state regulation of financial ser- vices markets consists in the state’s implementation of a set of measures aimed at regulating and overseeing financial services markets to protect the interests of financial services consumers and preventing crisis phenomena. It is concluded that the financial services market is an important element of the development of the economy as a whole, in particular, it concerns not only the state but also society. We must understand that when this market is settled, that is, all bodies that carry out state regulation are competent in their powers, only then will we make informed, effective decisions about the normal and effective functioning of the RFP. It is important that the data of the subjects of control do not overlap, their activities should be fixed at the legislative level. It is also worth bearing in mind that appropriate conditions must be created to create compensatory mecha- nisms in the financial services markets by developing a system for guarante- eing deposits and providing for payments under long-term life insurance contracts, non-state pension provisions, deposits with deposit accounts to credit unions, etс.

scholarly journals Remediation of mercury-contaminated soils and sediments using biochar: a critical review

Biochar ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Yang ◽  
Yongjie Wang ◽  
Huan Zhong
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Functional Materials ◽  
Redox Conditions ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Soils And Sediments ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Biochar Amendment

AbstractThe transformation of mercury (Hg) into the more toxic and bioaccumulative form methylmercury (MeHg) in soils and sediments can lead to the biomagnification of MeHg through the food chain, which poses ecological and health risks. In the last decade, biochar application, an in situ remediation technique, has been shown to be effective in mitigating the risks from Hg in soils and sediments. However, uncertainties associated with biochar use and its underlying mechanisms remain. Here, we summarize recent studies on the effects and advantages of biochar amendment related to Hg biogeochemistry and its bioavailability in soils and sediments and systematically analyze the progress made in understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for reductions in Hg bioaccumulation. The existing literature indicates (1) that biochar application decreases the mobility of inorganic Hg in soils and sediments and (2) that biochar can reduce the bioavailability of MeHg and its accumulation in crops but has a complex effect on net MeHg production. In this review, two main mechanisms, a direct mechanism (e.g., Hg-biochar binding) and an indirect mechanism (e.g., biochar-impacted sulfur cycling and thus Hg-soil binding), that explain the reduction in Hg bioavailability by biochar amendment based on the interactions among biochar, soil and Hg under redox conditions are highlighted. Furthermore, the existing problems with the use of biochar to treat Hg-contaminated soils and sediments, such as the appropriate dose and the long-term effectiveness of biochar, are discussed. Further research involving laboratory tests and field applications is necessary to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the role of biochar in reducing Hg bioavailability in diverse soil types under varying redox conditions and to develop completely green and sustainable biochar-based functional materials for mitigating Hg-related health risks.

scholarly journals Circular Agreements—Exploring the Role of Agreements and Deals as a Political Tool for a Circular Economy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Alternative Form ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Free Rider Problem ◽  
Political Governance ◽  
The Eu

AbstractA problem for a circular economy, embedded in its policies, tools, technologies and models, is that it is driven by the interests and needs of producers, rather than customers and users. This opinion paper focuses on an alternative form of governance—agreements, which thanks to their bargaining approach brings actors from across the value chain into the policy process. The purpose of this opinion paper is to uncover and analyse the potential of such agreements for a circular economy. Circular agreements aim at increasing the circulation of materials and are an emerging form of political governance within the EU. These agreements have different names, involve different actors and govern in different ways. However, circular agreements seem to work when other types of regulations fail to establish circulation. These agreements bring actors together and offer a platform for negotiating how advantages and disadvantages can be redistributed between actors in a way that is more suitable for a circular economy. However, circular agreements are dependent on other policy instruments to work and can generate a free-rider problem with uninvolved actors. The agreements may also become too detailed and long term, which leads to problem shifting and lock-ins, respectively.

scholarly journals Selected aspects of technological innovations management in district heating companies

2018 ◽  
Vol 183 ◽  
pp. 04003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Rak
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Heat Production ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Heat Supply ◽  
District Heating ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Heat Sources ◽  
Product Innovations ◽  
Eu Directives ◽  
The Eu

The accession of Poland to the EU results in the realization of EU directives, including the field of energy efficiency and CO2 emissions. The regulations oblige enterprises that produce and distribute heat to technical activities involving the use of existing heat sources and modernization of thermal networks, as well as economic and environmental optimization of the heat supply process. The implementation of these projects requires a change in the way the energy sector is managed and thoroughly restructured by implementing and applying technological and product innovations. The article discusses the legal and environmental conditions of the heat market in Poland, the key challenges for the heating industry and selected innovations in heating companies regarding two areas: technical infrastructure and management of the heat production and transmission.

scholarly journals Cooperation and Security: Examining the Political Discourse on Natural Gas Transit in Ukraine and Slovakia

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 5969
Author(s):  
Kateryna Yakovenko ◽  
Matúš Mišík
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Political Discourse ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
The Political ◽  
Nord Stream ◽  
Under Construction ◽  
The Eu

The COVID-19 pandemic appeared in the midst of developing the European Green Deal, the most ambitious project to decarbonise the EU’s economy to date. Among other issues, the project highlighted the challenges connected to the long-term role of natural gas as a fossil fuel in the European economy. Moreover, the changes to the gas architecture caused by the development of new import infrastructure (especially Nord Stream and its extension, which is currently under construction) put additional pressure on the transit countries, mainly of which are linked to the Brotherhood pipeline. These have been strong supporters of natural gas utilisation and harsh critics of new pipelines that circumvent their territories, as they consider energy transit to be an important part of their energy sectors. This research examines the political discourse on gas transit in Slovakia and Ukraine in order to identify the main arguments connected to these positions. The paper examines a total of 233 textual units from both countries for the period 2014–2018. It concludes that, while Ukraine sees transit predominantly through the lens of cooperation with the EU and other actors, the Slovak political discourse considers gas transit in terms of energy security and the availability of gas for the national economy.

Unemployment as a threat to society – an analysis of the situation in Poland and selected countries of the European Union

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 265-282
Author(s):  
Tomasz Łachacz ◽  
Sylwester Zagulski
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
The State ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Role Of The State ◽  
And Migration ◽  
The Unemployed ◽  
The Eu

Unemployment is classified today as one of the main threats to society. The phenomenon affects the lives of individuals, the functioning of families and society and development of the state. It is often the source of other social problems such as poverty, violence, or social pathologies. The article presents the scale and nature of unemployment occurring after 1989 in Poland and in selected European Union countries, i.e. the Netherlands, Spain, Slovakia and Latvia. It attempts to show the characteristic trends of the phenomenon over a period of more than two decades. Examples from the European countries analysed show that the situation in the labour market and the approach to employment are radically different. Individual countries are characterised by very different unemployment rates, which reflect their different size, economic and demographic potential, or are associated with the tradition of employment. The existence of differences seems to be normal, but their scale may give rise to concern. A characteristic feature of unemployment in the period analysed is its regional diversity, both in Poland and in the whole of the European community. Important factors that determine the level of unemployment are age, sex, education and people’s qualifications. The effects of long-term unemployment are very painful for the whole of society. Such a situation can lead to, amongst others, poverty, societal antagonism, violence and migration. The latter is an issue that the whole of Europe is currently struggling with. The uncontrolled influx of immigrants, including those migrating for economic reasons, causes fear of losing their job among Europeans, which in turn translates into the radicalisation of society. A role of the state and the EU institutions is to create an effective mechanism for the protection and support of the unemployed. This is a prerequisite for Europeans to continue the project which is a common united Europe.

Procuring 230 Football Fields of Membrane - Strategy, Results and Lessons Learned

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-272
Author(s):  
J. Grundestam
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The City ◽  
The Eu

Stockholm is currently one of Europe’s fastest growing cities, with its population increasing by approximately 1.5% per year, corresponding to 15,000 to 20,000 people. Sweden’s commitment to the Baltic Sea Action Plan and the EU Water Directive will lead to more stringent effluent requirements (6 mg-Tot-N/l, 0.2 mg-Tot-P/l and 6 mg-BOD7/l), and wastewater treatment in Stockholm will require major investment to handle these challenges. As Stockholm Vatten’s two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) – Bromma, 320,000 people, and Henriksdal, 780,000 people – are both located in or near residential areas in the city, plant development must be coordinated with its needs on economic, political, sustainable and long-term bases. Both WWTPs being facilities located underground also pose a challenge for any extension works.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurship education in Italian secondary education

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Ottaviano ◽  
Manuel Gentile ◽  
Valentina Dal Grande ◽  
Dario La Guardia ◽  
Mario Allegra
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Serious Game ◽  
Reform Process ◽  
European Policies ◽  
Eu Project ◽  
The Eu ◽  
School Curricula

Abstract The Communication from the European Commission entitled "Entrepreneurship Action Plan 2020" highlights the role of Entrepreneurship Education (EE) as a key strategy for stimulating economic growth in Europe. As stated in the report “Entrepreneurship Education at School in Europe”, EE is not yet sufficiently integrated into the school curricula in European countries. In the last few years, the Italian school system has undergone a profound revolution. This paper analyses how European policies on entrepreneurship education have been taken into account in this reform process within the tourism school sector. Moreover, a blended learning model is presented which was developed within the framework of the EU project "I can ... I can not ... I go! "Rev. 2 co-financed by the EU under the LLP programme. The model is based on a serious game and was designed in order to foster the integration of EE into curricular activities. Keywords: Entrepreneurship Education; Serious Game; Learning Model; Tourism

scholarly journals Conflicting Perspectives on the “Migrant Crisis” in the Horn of Africa

2018 ◽  
pp. 228-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Horn Of Africa ◽  
Apparent Paradox ◽  
Population Displacement ◽  
Nation States ◽  
And Migration

In sharp contrast to the sense of a “migrant crisis” which prevails in Europe, nation states in the Horn of Africa understand migration, including state-induced population displacement, as unexceptional. The chapter addresses this apparent paradox by contrasting European policy discourse on migration with the long-term political and structural processes in northeastern Africa that cause population displacement and migration. The chapter then examines the migration policies of governments in the Horn and concludes by arguing that the European Union misrepresents and misunderstands the factors responsible for large-scale migration and the role of states in exploiting migrants. For these reasons it is highly unlikely that the EU-Horn of Africa Action Plan/Khartoum process will bring about better border management policies and practices.

scholarly journals CORONAVIRUS CRISIS AND EU ANTITRUST – JUST TEMPORARY ADAPTATIONS OR LONG-TERM CHANGES?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Václav Šmejkal ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Role ◽  
Management Communication ◽  
Medical Products ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Long Term Changes ◽  
Competition Rules ◽  
The Eu

The European Commission and the competition authorities of the EU member states responded to the coronavirus crisis with assurances about sufficient flexibility of their instruments. They enabled temporary cooperation between competitors to ensure the supply of essential medical products and services. At the same time, they warned against any misuse of the crisis for overpricing or other monopolistic practices. However, the crisis has also intensified long-term pressures for a fundamental adaptation of European competition rules. The first challenge is represented by Chinese state-backed enterprises as potential acquirers of weakened European competitors. The second source of pressure is the increasingly dominant role of global online platforms. Their role as an irreplaceable infrastructure for management, communication, counselling and distance learning was reinforced in the coronavirus crisis. The Commission and other experts are already discussing appropriate responses. This paper maps the discussion on possible EU responses to these challenges, and tries to show the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solutions and on this basis to estimate the future development of EU antitrust in the post-coronavirus period.

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