Covid-19 Pandemic Deranging Energy Transition in Uganda: Challenges and Prospects

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-216
Author(s):  
Susan Nakanwagi ◽  
Ayebare Tom Rukundo
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Carbon Trading ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Oil Crisis ◽  
Trading Scheme

The coronavirus (Covid-19) global pandemic of 2020 is alarming for economic growth and development. Several sectors in the world have experienced shocks, and the energy industry has intensely suffered as characterised by the massive drop in petroleum prices. Only a pick-up in global oil demand would overcome the oil crisis after the lifting of comprehensive lockdown measures and the economic revamp. During this period, environmental advocates are pressing for the transition from traditional fuel sources like coal and oil to renewable energy sources. Moreover, clean energy projects are more likely to be impacted by the pandemic because of the effect on foreign exchange and the global economy. The energy transition has also faced other major setbacks by the Covid-19 crisis. Globally, many policies related to climate and energy, such as the carbon trading scheme of the European Union (EU) have been shelved or postponed. This article thus explores the Covid-19 impact on the global economies with a focus on Uganda which is yet to start actual petroleum production and how they face challenges in adapting to the energy transition movement. The governments are encouraged to realign policies and also extend Covid-19 fiscal recovery packages to cover clean energy investments.

scholarly journals Post COVID-19 Recovery and 2050 Climate Change Targets: Changing the Emphasis from Promotion of Renewables to Mandated Curtailment of Fossil Fuels in the EU Policies

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1347
Author(s):  
Kyriakos Maniatis ◽  
David Chiaramonti ◽  
Eric van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
The European Union

The present work considers the dramatic changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the global economy, with particular emphasis on energy. Focusing on the European Union, the article discusses the opportunities policy makers can implement to reduce the climate impacts and achieve the Paris Agreement 2050 targets. The analysis specifically looks at the fossil fuels industry and the future of the fossil sector post COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis first revises the fossil fuel sector, and then considers the need for a shift of the global climate change policy from promoting the deployment of renewable energy sources to curtailing the use of fossil fuels. This will be a change to the current global approach, from a relative passive one to a strategically dynamic and proactive one. Such a curtailment should be based on actual volumes of fossil fuels used and not on percentages. Finally, conclusions are preliminary applied to the European Union policies for net zero by 2050 based on a two-fold strategy: continuing and reinforcing the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive to 2035, while adopting a new directive for fixed and over time increasing curtailment of fossils as of 2025 until 2050.

Territorial Governance of EU Cross-Border Renewable Energy Cooperation: A Soluble or Turbulent Model in the Current Framework?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-97
Author(s):  
Melis Aras
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Cross Border

The energy transition in Europe requires not only the implementation of technological innovations to reduce carbon emissions but also the decentralised extension of these innovations throughout the continent, as demonstrated by the ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’ package. However, decentralised energy generation, and specifically electricity generation, as it gives rise to new players and interactions, also requires a review of the energy planning process. In this sense, governance becomes the key concept for understanding the implementation of the energy transition in a territory. This is particularly visible in a cross-border setting, especially considering cross-border cooperation in the development of renewable energy sources (RES) provides the necessary elements to determine the criteria of local regulation between the different levels of governance. In light of the current legal framework in France, this paper presents the institutional framework of the multi-level governance of the RES development planning process. It concludes that it is quite conceivable for the rationales of governance at the local level (decentralisation) and the large-scale operation of a large interconnected network (Europeanisation) to coexist.

scholarly journals A Review of Key Performance Indicators for Building Flexibility Quantification to Support the Clean Energy Transition

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (18) ◽  
pp. 5676
Author(s):  
Girolama Airò Farulla ◽  
Giovanni Tumminia ◽  
Francesco Sergi ◽  
Davide Aloisio ◽  
Maurizio Cellura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Electric Power System ◽  
Power Grids ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
The Stability

The transition to a sustainable society and a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 requires extensive deployment of renewable energy sources that, due to the aleatority and non-programmability of most of them, may seriously affect the stability of existing power grids. In this context, buildings are increasingly being seen as a potential source of energy flexibility for the power grid. In literature, key performance indicators, allowing different aspects of the load management, are used to investigate buildings’ energy flexibility. The paper reviews existing indicators developed in the context of theoretical, experimental and numerical studies on flexible buildings, outlining the current status and the potential future perspective. Moreover, the paper briefly reviews the range of grid services that flexible buildings can provide to support the reliability of the electric power system which is potentially challenged by the increasing interconnection of distributed variable renewable generation.

scholarly journals Corporate Social Responsibility of Heating Companies in Poland in the Context of Sustainable Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 329-336
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Wrzalik
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
High Energy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Environmental Requirements ◽  
High Energy Efficiency ◽  
Corporate Social

Abstract In the coming years, the heating sector in Poland will undergo further changes as a result of the implementation of the country’s energy policy within the European Union. Its main goals are: increasing energy efficiency, development of renewable energy sources and meeting legal and environmental requirements. Their implementation should take into account the observance of CSR principles in order to ensure a stable supply of heat to industrial and municipal consumers with high energy efficiency and limitation of the environmental impact. The article presents the conditions for the operation of the heating industry in Poland and CSR issues in heating companies. Particular attention was paid to the issue of energy poverty and its reduction. The application of social responsibility practices in heating industry on the basis of activities of selected enterprises in this sector was presented. The importance of social responsibility of heating companies in the implementation of a just energy transition in Poland was also indicated.

Policies for Financing the Energy Transition

Daedalus ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kassia Yanosek
Keyword(s):  
Private Equity ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Private Investment ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Energy Economy ◽  
Clean Energy Policy

Historically, energy transitions have occurred gradually over the span of several decades, marked by incremental improvements in technologies. In recent years, public interest in accelerating the next energy transition has fueled a clean-energy policy agenda intended to underpin the development of a decarbonized energy economy. However, policies to date have encouraged investors to fund renewable energy projects utilizing proven technologies that are not competitive without the help of government subsidies. A true transition of the energy mix requires innovations that can compete with conventional energy over the long term. Investments in innovative technology projects are scarce because of the “commercialization gap,” which affects projects that are too capital-intensive for venture capital yet too risky for private equity, project, or corporate debt financing. Accelerating innovation through the commercialization gap will require governments to allocate public dollars to, and encourage private investment in, these riskier projects. Policy-makers will face a trade-off between prioritizing policies for accelerating the energy transition and accounting for the risks associated with innovation funding in a tight budgetary environment.

scholarly journals Analysis of the RES Potential in Accordance with the Energy Policy of the European Union

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 6030
Author(s):  
Tomasz Jałowiec ◽  
Henryk Wojtaszek
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Economic Growth ◽  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Policy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
The European Union

There is a need to reduce carbon-based energy and replace it with clean energy in order to counteract the negative effects of climate change. The increase in renewable energy sources may result in savings and the increasing cost of maintaining carbon-based energy. Worldwide involvement is required. The fulfillment of conditions by individual states does not solve the problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed economic growth. It turns out that economic growth is not always associated with increased investments in RES (existing or emerging new clean energy points). We have a new epidemiological threat—Delta—which could become large. This will not improve the situation. Germany is an exemplary country for benchmarking in the field of renewable energy. The worrying fact is that Poland, despite economic growth, does not achieve an even growth in RES. Each of us is required to be involved, to be open to innovation and to act in accordance with the energy policy of the European Union. Basic management functions (planning, organizing, motivating and controlling) are also essential. Failure to meet the demands of the energy policy should be thoroughly verified and consequences should be drawn in order to involve the whole world. The authors thoroughly analyzed many factors that have a significant impact on the success in stopping climate change and increasing RES. With the increase in energy demand, renewable energy is introduced to a greater extent. Additionally, coal energy will be more expensive to maintain. The more RES, the more expensive the energy obtained from mine sources. The investment is an opportunity to meet the demands of RES, but investors are currently only interested in investing in renewable energy in highly developed countries. The decision-making process regarding the implementation of renewable energy sources not only consists in a radical decision to introduce changes, but also in the fulfillment of a number of assumptions regarding the energy policy controlled by the authorities of a given state as part of this action. There is a risk (fear) in underdeveloped countries that they will not be able to finalize this project, either due to the lack of investor interest or the lack of real opportunities due to the failure to meet the guidelines of the energy policy of a given country. It is advisable that state governments facilitate the process as much as possible so that even less developed countries could take advantage of this postulate.

scholarly journals Atmospheric emissions from electric energy generation and their impact on environment, and the potential of renewable energy sources in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 271 ◽  
pp. 02014
Author(s):  
Tong Wang ◽  
Longmiao Yuan ◽  
Yingqin Wu
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Development Trend ◽  
Electricity Demand ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Total Energy Consumption

The European Union has set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in total energy consumption, ensure the development and use of clean energy sources, and strive to reduce carbon emissions by 90% from 1990 levels by 2050. This study attempts to assess the environmental impact of electricity production on electricity demand and associated emissions in Italy through a three-step process. First, a literature review was conducted to estimate the growth of electricity demand in Italy by population and industry in 2014. Secondly, the CO2 and SO2 produced in the process of power generation by different power production methods were evaluated and compared. Finally, according to the current production and power models, the development trend of renewable energy in Italy in 2050 was estimated, and the satisfactory conclusion is that the renewable energy can fully meet the supply and demand in 2050 in Italy.

scholarly journals The energy union – a new step towards sustainability by promoting clean energy

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 896-906
Author(s):  
Ana-Maria Iulia Şanta
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Coal Industry ◽  
Banking Union ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Energy Union

Abstract The Energy Union is an important issue on the agenda of the European Commission, which is addressed in the package “Clean Energy for All Europeans”, adopted by the European Commission in November 2016. The present paper deals with the role of the Energy Union in ensuring an optimal framework for a common energy market at the level of the European Union, aimed for the benefit of the consumers in the European Union and of a modern and functional business environment. Which perspectives opens this possible win-win situation is a topic to be analyzed in the present article. The Energy Union is a stronger form of integration within the European Union, related to the internal market of the European Union, which brings more than harmonization of standards and mutual recognition: it brings a common policy and shared values. The goal of this project is to ensure consumer protection through common rules and harmonization, which is a trend at the level of the European Union occurring in various fields of activity and business sectors, such as the Energy Union, the Banking Union, data protection and the competition framework. The main focus on the consumer is new, compared to former attempts of harmonization in specific fields. The challenge rising from this project is to achieve a union in a strategic sector, such as energy. Possible aspects that could hamper the building of the union will be analyzed, for example the fact that some member states of the European Union still rely on fossil fuels, such as the coal industry. The switch to renewable energy sources is related to high costs, as well as to social turbulences on the labour market, that have to be taken into consideration. When drafting measures for the Energy Union, the effects on climate change as well as socio-economic parameters have to be weighed, in order to find the proper balance. It is therefore important to draft appropriate measures ensuring a smooth transition from fossil fuels to Clean Energy. The present paper focuses on these measures proposed by the European Commission. The key elements of the Energy Union will be analyzed in the measures drafted by the European Commission in the package “Clean Energy for All Europeans”. Case studies will illustrate the debated aspects and will provide best practice guidelines as a result. An interdisciplinary approach will be used in the present paper, combining economic and legal issues in a comparative manner.

scholarly journals Are We on the Right Track? Collective Self-Consumption and Energy Communities in the European Union

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12494
Author(s):  
Dorian Frieden ◽  
Andreas Tuerk ◽  
Ana Rita Antunes ◽  
Vasilakis Athanasios ◽  
Alexandros-Georgios Chronis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Electricity Market ◽  
National Level ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
The European Union ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Eu

To accelerate the energy transition, the EU “Clean Energy for all Europeans” package aims to strengthen the involvement of end consumers in the energy market. To this end, together with so-called “active consumers” and provisions for individual and collective renewable energy self-consumption, two types of energy communities were introduced. The EU framework, however, leaves many details of the transposition process to the national level. The corresponding directives were supposed to be transposed by the end of December 2020 (recast Electricity Market Directive, defining active consumers and citizen energy communities) and by the end of June 2021 (Renewable Energy Directive, defining renewables self-consumption and renewable energy communities). In this paper, we critically discuss major developments of the transposition, including questions of the general distinction of the different concepts, governance and ownership, physical expansion, administrative barriers and the overall integration of energy communities into the energy system. The analysis builds on country case studies as well as on previous work by the authors on the status of the transposition process throughout the EU. The paper shows that the national approaches differ greatly and are at very different stages. While basic provisions are in place in most Member States to meet the fundamental EU requirements, the overall integration into the energy system and market is only partly addressed. This concerns, for instance, the analysis of system impacts of energy communities and measures that would allow and support energy system-friendly behaviour. In addition, several practical hurdles need to be overcome. These often relate to administrative requirements such as complex registration and licensing procedures, the need for the involvement of several institutions, or difficult procedures for access to relevant data. The paper concludes that discussed barriers will need to be carefully addressed if the high expectations for the role of energy communities are to be met.

scholarly journals EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
T.A. Zheliezna
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Climate Neutrality ◽  
Goals And Objectives

The aim of the work is to develop recommendations for Ukraine on setting long-term integrated climate and energy goals and identifying ways to achieve them. The preconditions, main goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, which was presented by the European Commission in December 2019, are analyzed. The European Green Deal is a comprehensive strategy for the transition to a sustainable economy, clean energy and climate neutrality, i.e., zero greenhouse gas emissions, in Europe by 2050. The adoption of this Deal was preceded by several stages of a coherent EU policy in the relevant sectors. Possibilities for renewable energy development within the framework of the European Green Deal are considered. It is determined that preference is given to the production of green electricity, mobilization of the potential of offshore renewable energy, production of biogas and biofuels from biomass of agricultural origin, sustainable use of low-carbon and renewable fuels, including biomass and hydrogen, in hard-to-electricity sectors. In Ukraine, the document that is closest by its contents to the European Green Deal is the draft Concept of green energy transition until 2050 presented in January 2020. The draft Concept states the goal of achieving 70% of renewable energy sources in electricity generation by 2050 and the climate-neutral economy of Ukraine by 2070. It is recommended that this document should be finalized and adopted formally as soon as possible.

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