Deliberation Platform for Energy Transition Policies: How to Make Complex Things Simple

The energy transition from inefficient fossil-based to sustainable energy systems can face various lock-ins. There are no pathways that are free of stress. However, many routes are possible. A good understanding of the dynamic behavior of systems is crucial, and proper support tools are needed to assess the outcomes of every selected pathway. This study aims to develop an Internet-based interface tool for the national energy simulation model as a tool for a “hybrid forum”; study energy transition lock-ins in one of the Eastern European countries; and apply the interface tool to study different pathways to Latvia’s climate and energy goals. System dynamics are used to reach the goals of the study. A causal loop diagram is applied to study feedback loops and lock-ins, a stock-and-flow structure is used to build a simulation model, and a user interface tool is built on top of it. The results show that the developed interface tool is user-friendly and can be used as a discussion platform. The results from the case study reveal how the soft power of Russia can lock in the energy transition in Eastern European countries by creating policy choices with additive effects and what pathways towards energy transition can be used to lock-out.

Research in Sustainable Energy Systems at the Department of Management and Engineering during the First 15 Years of 2000

At the Department of Management and Engineering (DTG) of the University of Padova (Italy), the research team led by Prof. Renato Lazzarin, formed by the authors, worked during the first fifteen years of the millennium on different topics focused on sustainable technologies for energy production and utilization in buildings. Both experimental and theoretical/modeling studies were carried out, all sharing the evaluation of energy performance and sustainability: From the life cycle assessment and life cycle cost of building insulation materials in Italy, to the measurement of energy performance of a green roof, to the experimental measurement of different photovoltaic/thermal modules, to the development of a simulation software for direct and indirect evaporative cooling techniques, to the evaluation of different energy savings techniques for refrigeration and air conditioning in supermarkets, to an extensive analysis of the urban heat island effect in the city of Padova. The paper summarizes the main theoretical and experimental approaches, providing the methods adopted in each line of research. The main results of the studies conducted during the fifteen-year period are described and commented on, some of which were a well-established reference for the following literature.

Development of Sustainable Energy Use with Attention to Fruitful Policy

There are different energy approaches around the world to the development of sustainable energy systems. In this regard, the role of governments, local governments, and people in the development and use of sustainable energy is remarkable. This research, concerning the present epistemic and normative differences, aims to investigate the societal debate on citizen inclusion, local and national attempts to develop clear procedures and guidelines in the transition to sustainable energy use in different countries. Existing theories, subjectivities, and policy implications for different countries are first carefully analyzed. Based on theories, evidence, and policy implications, the behavioural insights for sustainable energy use are then examined. The results show that national governments should never ignore the psychology and behaviour of people, especially in terms of economic behaviour, performance applicable and knowledge of local governments and people in sustainable energy development. Channels of communication between local, people, and national governments, can make a robust shared network and implement simple policies such as increasing their authority. They can also encourage and build capacity through the training, support, trust and knowledge capacity of local governments and people to move toward sustainable energy development. Therefore, focusing on government and maintaining national authority should be departed from any approaches that local government and the public should be constrained as minor actors in sustainable energy governance networks. This work demonstrates that local governments can develop sustainable energy. Moreover, national governments can overcome issues and further control sustainable energy public policy goals under difficult national political conditions.

Additional Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Offset Potential from Sugarcane Straw Recovery for Bioenergy Production in Southern Brazil

This study was designed to assess the additional greenhouse (GHG) emissions including measurements of soil CO 2 -C emissions in sugarcane areas plus emissions associated with the recovery and transport operations of straw bales up to the factory gate for electricity production, contrasting with leaving all straw on the soil surface. The total additional GHG emissions considering the main sources evaluated ( i.e ., soil CO 2 -C, diesel use and N 2 O from straw), was estimated at 1,465 kg CO 2 eq ha -1 , resulting an emission factor of 212. 6 kg CO 2 eq ton -1 of straw recovered. Applying the parameters cited in this study for electricity or 2G ethanol production (GHG balance of emission and offset potential), our results showed that straw-based for electricity production would result in additional GHG emissions of (+) 860 kg CO 2 eq ha -1 . In contrast, applying the same study parameters for 2G ethanol production replacing gasoline, an avoided GHG emission of (-) 2,316 kg CO 2 eq ha -1 could be achieved. The route of recovering around 27% of sugarcane straw through bale system for bioelectricity production using technical parameters and industrial efficiency rate of this study could not be a sustainable option because the additional emissions can be higher than its potential to offset generated emissions, based on the emission factor of Brazilian energy matrix. Applying the same experimental parameters, the option of producing ethanol 2G with around 6.89 ton DM ha -1 of sugarcane straw could offset gasoline GHG emissions, contributing with sustainable energy systems.