ABSTRACT
Considering unpredictable and hastily evolving tipping points (like the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing climate crisis and the war in Ukraine), it is clear that sustainable energy transition and utilization of locally sourced renewable energies must be in the heart of both national, regional, and local energy systems. However, if we take a closer look at the actions undertaken at the local (communal) level, we see enormous diversity of patterns, prerequisites, and implications that drive and affect spatial deployment of renewable energies. Therefore, our research targets to better comprehend the question if individual communities are comparatively involved in the energy transition. We also ask whether the demand and supply of renewable energy is territorially balanced and how these differences (if any) can be justified. We are framing our research by the concepts of energy justice and ecological debt. We thoroughly explore and asses the renewable energy balance on the level of individual communities which is based on data on the installed power capacity potentials and energy consumption in local administration units in Poland (380). Spatial distribution and discrepancies in the deployment of the renewable energy creditors and the renewable energy debtors are detected. Noticeable disproportions were identified among communities where improved utilization of local potential of renewable energy could exceed energy demand (29% of communities). This result is contrasting with communities (71% of communities) that can be, on the other hand, classified as renewable energy debtors. We claim that insufficient support (institution, regulatory, and financial) for expanding local renewable energy systems is a clear barrier when adapting to the climate crisis by balancing the energy demand and supply at the local level.
ABSTRACT
To meet the Paris temperature targets and recover from the effects of the pandemic, many countries have launched economic recovery plans, including specific elements to promote clean energy technologies and green jobs. However, how to successfully manage investment portfolios of green recovery packages to optimize both climate mitigation and employment benefits remains unclear. Here, we use three energy-economic models, combined with a portfolio analysis approach, to find optimal low-carbon technology subsidy combinations in six major emitting regions: Canada, China, the European Union (EU), India, Japan, and the United States (US). We find that, although numerical estimates differ given different model structures, results consistently show that a >50% investment in solar photovoltaics is more likely to enable CO2 emissions reduction and green jobs, particularly in the EU and China. Our study illustrates the importance of strategically managing investment portfolios in recovery packages to enable optimal outcomes and foster a post-pandemic green economy.
ABSTRACT
Clean and efficient use of coal in China entered the implementation stage in 2015, and a series of policies were established to promote the sustainable development of clean coal technologies (CCTs). However, the long-term effects of the clean coal technology policies (CCTPs) have not been evaluated, and the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would bring great uncertainty regarding the effectiveness evaluation. Employing deep learning approaches and spatial autocorrelation analysis, the present work intended to explore the air quality variation before and after the implementation of CCTPs, and investigate the association between air quality and socioeconomic factors to explore the internal mechanism of air quality improvement. Results showed that after implementing CCTPs, the air quality index (AQI) had an average reduction of 18.82%, and the identical drop in air pollution in 2018 implied a 2-year time lag of CCTPs. Additionally, emission reduction and deindustrialization were explored as two promising ways to improve air quality while promoting energy transformation. The findings indicated that the Chinese government ought to pay more attention to long-term plans;industrial restructuring and environmental protection should be insisted upon to realize sustainable energy development. By providing a perspective on air quality improvement after the policies are implemented, this study can lead practitioners and academia to a comprehensive and objective view of clean coal policies.
ABSTRACT
The article presents the current situation with the implementation of electric cars in Poland against the background of pan-European trends and the current energy sector condition in Poland. The aim of the study was to show the ecological, economic, social, and technical difficulties and controversies related to the use of electric cars in Poland. The authors used statistical analysis and identified the main factors of electromobility development in Poland. Despite the declared electromobility in the Strategy of Responsible Development program, the degree of its implementation is far from the previously established goals. The article analyzes the feasibility of the above plan and indicates the factors inhibiting the development of electromobility in Poland. The strategy and decisions to further implement electric cars cannot be purely political. In justifying the need to promote the use of electric cars in Poland, one should take into account the specificity of the Polish economy, its energy system, the condition of its infrastructure, and real social needs. The authors formulated a hypothesis that the aforementioned program is based on simplistic assumptions and marginalizes or ignores significant barriers to the development of electricity-based transport in Poland. The successful implementation of that program is conditioned by comprehensive and costly activities aimed to transform the whole energy system and introduce an effective system of incentives for the buyers of electric cars.