Energy Regionalism in ECOWAS and the EU

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Amoah Awuah
Keyword(s):  
International Political Economy ◽  
Nobel Laureate ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Regional Energy ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Energy Governance ◽  
The University ◽  
Regional Energy Systems ◽  
Comparative Regionalism ◽  
The Eu

A proven framework is vital to governing energy at the regional level, so as to ensure abundant modern energy access while achieving a net-zero economy. This book explains the governance of regional energy systems from a unique and distinctive international political economy perspective. The book conducts a comparative institutional analysis of the ECOWAS and EU energy regions, and highlights shifts from monocentric to polycentric energy governance. It charts a way of developing a robust regional energy governance regime based on the ‘design principles’ of Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom. Aimed at political scientists and political economists with an interest in energy studies and comparative regionalism with a focus on the Global South and North, this book will appeal to students, academics and policymakers. Michael Amoah Awuah is a research fellow at the Center for European Integration Studies at the University of Bonn, Germany.

Reinforcing Energy Governance under the EU Energy Diplomacy: A Proposal for Strengthening Energy Frameworks in Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-267
Author(s):  
Matteo BARRA ◽  
Martin SVEC
Keyword(s):  
Energy Sector ◽  
Development Cooperation ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
African Countries ◽  
External Energy ◽  
Member States ◽  
Energy Governance ◽  
Energy Diplomacy ◽  
The Eu

AbstractThis article, initially discussed at a conference organised in March 2017 by the Belgian Commission for Electricity and Gas Regulation (CREG) on the new governance structures in the EU energy sector, deals with energy governance structures in the EU energy and climate diplomacy and in development cooperation between the EU, its member states and third countries.It is understood that, at large, the existing tools of EU energy and climate diplomacy create governance structures: bilateral partnerships, trade agreements, regional and multilateral orders are per se instruments to govern the underlying relationship between the EU, its member states and third countries. The focus in this paper revolves around those instruments of EU energy and climate diplomacy which aim at reinforcing energy governance structures (referred to also as institutional and normative energy frameworks) and promoting solid transparent frameworks in the field of energy in partner countries.In particular, the paper aims at identifying – among the existing tools of the energy and climate diplomacy –instruments and opportunities in favour of African countries which contribute to strengthening those institutional and normative energy frameworks and facilitate investment towards universal energy access and energy transition. To do so, the paper reviews the existing policy and legal instruments of EU external energy action in general and in Africa and concludes proposing policy recommendations on further development cooperation and energy diplomacy initiatives in favour of African countries.The first section reviews the principles of EU energy and climate diplomacy and their alignment with development objectives, including the emphasis on strengthening institutional and normative frameworks in the energy sector. The second section considers the internal coordination between the EU and its member states which is necessary to carry out the external energy and climate diplomacy as well as development cooperation. The third section describes the existing tools of the EU energy diplomacy that aim to strengthen energy institutions and frameworks in partner countries. The fourth section reviews a selection of existing EU initiatives in favour of African countries and brings forward a proposal for EU action to reinforce energy governance structures of partner countries in Africa.

scholarly journals Effect of the Foresight Horizon on Computation Time and Results Using a Regional Energy Systems Optimization Model

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 495
Author(s):  
Jessica Thomsen ◽  
Noha Saad Hussein ◽  
Arnold Dolderer ◽  
Christoph Kost
Keyword(s):  
Computation Time ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Variable Cost ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Or Efficiency ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Regional Energy ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Regional Energy Systems

Due to the high complexity of detailed sector-coupling models, a perfect foresight optimization approach reaches complexity levels that either requires a reduction of covered time-steps or very long run-times. To mitigate these issues, a myopic approach with limited foresight can be used. This paper examines the influence of the foresight horizon on local energy systems using the model DISTRICT. DISTRICT is characterized by its intersectoral approach to a regionally bound energy system with a connection to the superior electricity grid level. It is shown that with the advantage of a significantly reduced run-time, a limited foresight yields fairly similar results when the input parameters show a stable development. With unexpected, shock-like events, limited foresight shows more realistic results since it cannot foresee the sudden parameter changes. In general, the limited foresight approach tends to invest into generation technologies with low variable cost and avoids investing into demand reduction or efficiency with high upfront costs as it cannot compute the benefits over the time span necessary for full cost recovery. These aspects should be considered when choosing the foresight horizon.

UK prime minister will likely remain in power for now

2022 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
Conservative Party ◽  
Culture Wars ◽  
Consumer Confidence ◽  
Party Leader ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
The Eu

Significance As many as a dozen lockdown parties are now alleged to have been held at Downing Street, significantly damaging Johnson’s support among the public and his Conservative Party. His position as party leader and prime minister is gravely threatened. Impacts Johnson’s domestic troubles, coupled with rising economic concerns, increase the chance of an agreement with the EU over Northern Ireland. Disillusionment with Johnson, opposition to net-zero and culture wars open the door for Nigel Farage’s Reform Party to revive its appeal. Rising inflation threatens to undermine consumer confidence and slow the economic recovery over the coming year.

scholarly journals An Indicator-Based Approach for Analysing the Resilience of Transitions for Energy Regions. Part II: Empirical Application to the Case of Weiz-Gleisdorf, Austria

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romano Wyss ◽  
Susan Mühlemeier ◽  
Claudia Binder
Keyword(s):  
Path Length ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Degree Centrality ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Regional Energy ◽  
Stabilization Phase ◽  
Full Picture ◽  
Regional Energy Systems

In this paper, we apply an indicator-based approach to measure the resilience of energy regions in transition to a case study region in Austria. The indicator-based approach allows to determine the resilience of the transition of regional energy systems towards higher shares of renewables and potentially overall higher sustainability. The indicators are based on two core aspects of resilience, diversity and connectivity. Diversity is thereby operationalized by variety, disparity and balance, whereas connectivity is operationalized by average path length, degree centrality and modularity. In order to get a full picture of the resilience of the energy system at stake throughout time, we apply the measures to four distinct moments, situated in the pre-development, take-off, acceleration and stabilization phase of the transition. By contextually and theoretically embedding the insights in the broader transitions context and empirically applying the indicators to a specific case, we derive insights on (1) how to interpret the results in a regional context and (2) how to further develop the indicator-based approach for future applications.

scholarly journals Climate Change in the Western Balkans and Eu Green Deal – Coherence, Challenges, and Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandi Knez ◽  
Snežana Štrbac ◽  
Iztok Podbregar
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
The State ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Western Balkans ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Average Annual Temperature ◽  
Level Of Economic Development ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Background: The European Commission (EC), based on the European Green Deal (2019) and the Recovery plan for Europe (2021) envisages investing 30% of the budget in climate-related programs, projects, and initiatives, which clearly shows Europe's commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. Activities are also planned for countries that are not members of the European Union (EU), which requires complex changes in the field of legislation, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring. To successfully plan short-term and long-term activities on these grounds, it is necessary to have a realistic picture of the state of climate change in each country - as they spill over into the entire region of Europe. The main objective of this paper is to present the state of climate change in six Western Balkans countries, of which only Croatia is a member of the EU, for the needs of planning activities and initial harmonization with the EU plan to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050. Results: The main results of the research show that in all countries of the region, the average annual temperature increased by 1.2 °C compared to 1970, with stabilization and the beginning of the decline which can be expected around 2040. The main reasons for climate change in the region are: industry, energy, and heating sector based on coal exploitation, low energy efficiency, etc. Conclusions: It can be concluded that all countries of the Western Balkans have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) the necessary regulations and strategies towards climate change mitigation, but the implementation of specific activities is at a low level. The reasons for this most often lies in the insufficient commitment of decision-makers to make significant changes in the field of climate change transition (lower level of economic development, lack of investment, preservation of social peace). Finally, the paper provides an overview of climate change by country, scenario analysis, and policy recommendations.

scholarly journals Governing Decentral Energy Systems

2021 ◽  
pp. 159-174
Author(s):  
Peter Hettich
Keyword(s):  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Energy Markets ◽  
European Level ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Market Participants ◽  
Regional Energy ◽  
Changing Roles ◽  
Local Actors ◽  
Regional Energy Systems

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of an energy system moving from vertically integrated monopolies towards a decentral system with a multitude of actors in ever-changing roles, we observe a gradual strengthening of central governance mechanisms on the nation-state and on the European level. Such a top-down approach to the governance of the energy system might have been necessary to open up energy markets to competitive processes and innovation. With social goals shifting and security of supply and environmental concerns gaining importance, the governance of the energy system has to be reshaped anew, enabling, e.g., the optimization of regional energy systems by local actors. In particular, strict unbundling rules may hinder or preclude system-serving behavior, to the detriment of all market participants and consumers. Lawmakers and regulators should provide some leeway to cooperative approaches, such as the empowerment of local actors to devise their own energy regimes.

scholarly journals The Specific Features of the Contemporary Russian Foreign Energy Policy Shift in Modern Times

2015 ◽  
pp. 94-101
Author(s):  
E. S. Leonov
Keyword(s):  
Energy Policy ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Political Crisis ◽  
External Energy ◽  
Regional Energy ◽  
Policy Shift ◽  
Bilateral Cooperation ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Eu

In recent years there has been brewing up a necessity in Russia to change direction of its external energy policy radically as a result of unconstructive and hugely politically charged approach of the EU - main and traditional partner of Russia - to settlement of fundamental issues in bilateral cooperation. First of all this refers to failed efforts to create regional energy security system, based on respective institutions and legal framework, by reason of unwillingness of the EU to respect the Russian standpoint as an exporter of energy resources. As a result, there is a legal vacuum today in energy cooperation between Russia and the EU, which they failed to fill. The current political crisis in Europe, which is caused by accession of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation and events in Ukraine, has aggravated long-standing problems of energy partnership EU-Russia. At the same time active EU policy on diversification of energy sources and supply routes discredits peculiar role of Russia as EU key energy supplier. These factors have triggered a significant revision of Russian interests in favor of eastern direction. A new promising contract with China on 21 May 2014 and memorandum with Turkey on 1 December 2014 are the milestones of the present Russian eastern policy. Both contracts can disrupt power balance on the global energy market. The article deals with background and causes for the present Russian eastern activity.

scholarly journals TRANSLATION PROBLEMS WITHIN THE EU CONTEXT

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Indra Grietēna
Keyword(s):  
Written Language ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Source Text ◽  
Source Language ◽  
General Aspects ◽  
The University ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Interference Problems ◽  
State Language

The paper reviews publications by Latvian linguists looking at the main translation problems within the context of the EU between 2005 and 2010. The author analyses the publications from three aspects: general aspects of translation problems and practices within the EU context, particular translation problems, and methodological publications providing guidelines for translators working within the EU context. The author reveals discussions on the ways translation influences language in general, the role of the source language for the development of the target language, and the role and responsibility of a translator at the ‘historical crossroads’. The article discusses a number of EU-specific translation problems, including source language interference, problems of the translator’s visibility and a translation’s transparency, ‘false friends’, and linguistic and contextual untranslatability. The author briefly summarizes the contents of guidelines and manuals for translators working within the EU context, highlighting the main differences between English and Latvian written language practices, literal (word-for-word) translation and the translator’s relationship with the source text. The publications selected and analysed have been published either in conference proceedings or in academic journals from the leading Latvian institutions in the field of translation: Ventspils University College, the University of Latvia, the State Language Commission of Latvia and Translation and Terminology Centre of Latvia.

scholarly journals PERINATAL AND INFANT MORTALITY IN THE TRANSCARPATHIAN REGION AND UKRAINE AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE WORLD: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AND POSSIBLE PROBLEMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-608
Author(s):  
Ivan M. Rogach ◽  
Gennady O. Slabkiy ◽  
Renata Y. Pogorilyak ◽  
Angelika O. Keretsman ◽  
Ivan I. Gadzhega
Keyword(s):  
Perinatal Mortality ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
The European Union ◽  
European Database ◽  
The World ◽  
Regional Medical ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Economic Institute ◽  
The University ◽  
The Eu

The aim of this article was to analyze the dynamics of perinatal mortality and mortality up to 1 year in the Transcarpathian region and Ukraine in comparison with other countries of Europe and the world. Materials and methods: The study is based on data from the Transcarpathian Regional Medical Information and Analytical Center, the Center for Medical Statistics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the European database «Health for All» and the Center for Research of Health Services at the University of Kent, Kiev Economic Institute of the Kiev School of Economics (July 2017). Review: In 2016, mortality under the age of 1 year in Ukraine amounted to 7.4 per 1000 live births, which is 13.5% lower than the same indicator in 2012 (8.4). According to perinatal mortality, in Ukraine this indicator has a level of 8.59 ‰, while the average in the EU countries does not exceed 6.01 ‰. Conclusions: Perinatal and mortality rates up to 1 year in the Transcarpathian region, as in Ukraine as a whole, are an order of magnitude higher than the European average. The same negative trend in the survival of newborns in Transcarpathia and in Ukraine.

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