Energies

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 6134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost-Effective Target Capacity Assessment in the Energy Transition: The Italian Methodology

by Enrico Maria Carlini, Corrado Gadaleta, Michela Migliori, Francesca Ferretti, Riccardo Vailati, Andrea Venturini and Cinzia Puglisi

Energies 2024, 17(12), 2824; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17122824 - 8 Jun 2024

Viewed by 549

Abstract

Long-term transmission expansion planning has to face the energy transition in a restructured electricity market environment. Increased transmission capacity within and between Member States is likely to play an essential role in maintaining the secure and economic operation of the whole European power [...] Read more.

Long-term transmission expansion planning has to face the energy transition in a restructured electricity market environment. Increased transmission capacity within and between Member States is likely to play an essential role in maintaining the secure and economic operation of the whole European power system and ensuring the integration of growing renewable generation. This paper proposes a novel iterative methodology aimed at assessing an optimal level of interconnection between relevant bidding zones, simultaneously investigating different potential alternatives. Starting from a reference grid, a multi-criteria analysis is adopted to select the additional transmission capacities to be tested in each iteration via network and market simulations in order to confirm that transmission expansion benefits outweigh the estimated realization costs. The proposed approach is applied to the Italian case in two contrasting energy scenarios for the mid-term 2030 and very-long-term 2040 horizons: different development strategies are derived, and the least regret criterion is applied to define the most cost-effective as the target development strategy for the Transmission System Operator (TSO). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses on relevant input data variation are performed to test the robustness of the results obtained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Transformation Development Strategies: Evaluation of Asset Conversion in the Regions

by Mantas Svazas and Valentinas Navickas

Energies 2024, 17(7), 1612; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071612 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 718

Abstract

Manifestations of energy transformation are visible throughout the developed world. As the threat to the survival of humanity arises, the countries of the world are starting to take faster and more specific actions to transform the energy sector. One of the energy transformation [...] Read more.

Manifestations of energy transformation are visible throughout the developed world. As the threat to the survival of humanity arises, the countries of the world are starting to take faster and more specific actions to transform the energy sector. One of the energy transformation strategies is the decentralized development of the energy system in the regions. This concept is especially relevant at this time, when centralized sources of energy production and supply are becoming the target of physical and cyber attacks. The purpose of this article is to form theoretical assumptions for the smooth implementation of the decentralization of the energy system. This article aims to remove obstacles to short-term energy transformation. The novelty of this article is related to emphasizing the role of biomass cogeneration in achieving energy system efficiency and greening. Mathematical modeling based on RSM is used in the article. The established factors of the market structure revealed that the efficiency of energy production is based on the use of cogeneration and the markets for raw materials and energy can be attributed to different types. The results of this study showed that the optimal combination of biomass cogeneration can ensure competitive energy production. This article is relevant because it offers transitional solutions until adequate hydrogen utilization and energy storage solutions are developed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 2190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The European Market for Guarantees of Origin for Green Electricity: A Scenario-Based Evaluation of Trading under Uncertainty

by Alexander Wimmers and Reinhard Madlener

Energies 2024, 17(1), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010104 - 23 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2064

Abstract

Guarantees of Origin (GOs) were introduced in order to enhance transparency about the origin of green electricity produced in Europe, and to deliberately empower end-consumers to participate in the sustainable energy transition. The separation of electricity and the GO trade has resulted in [...] Read more.

Guarantees of Origin (GOs) were introduced in order to enhance transparency about the origin of green electricity produced in Europe, and to deliberately empower end-consumers to participate in the sustainable energy transition. The separation of electricity and the GO trade has resulted in a prosperous GO market that, however, has been characterized by non-transparency and opportunistic behavior. Historic price development has been opaque and can therefore not be used to forecast future GO prices. This paper, firstly, provides a thorough overview of the European GO market and an analysis of the historic price development; secondly, it proposes a model, the first of its kind, for determining future price developments of European GOs for different renewable energy technologies in different countries up to 2040. For household consumers, GO price determination is based on willingness-to-pay estimates from the literature, whereas for non-household consumers, the model introduces a novel approach to determine the willingness to pay for green electricity. Four different scenarios are considered (Status Quo, Sustainable Development, Full Harmonization, and Ideal Development) and annual GO data are used. The findings indicate that GO prices can be expected to increase on average in the next years, with prices ranging from 1.77 to 3.36 EUR/MWh in 2040. Sensitivity analysis shows that ‘WTP percentages’ have the highest influence on GO prices. It can be concluded that future GO prices will remain challenging to predict, even with the support of sophisticated models, due to the expected supply and demand-driven market growth affecting the market equilibrium prices for different GOs in different countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 4836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Based Computational Model in Sustainable Transformation of Energy Markets

by Izabela Rojek, Adam Mroziński, Piotr Kotlarz, Marek Macko and Dariusz Mikołajewski

Energies 2023, 16(24), 8059; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16248059 - 14 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1865

Abstract

The ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to process large amounts of data, analyze complex patterns, and make predictions is driving innovation in the energy sector and transformation of energy markets. It helps optimize operations, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate the transition to [...] Read more.

The ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to process large amounts of data, analyze complex patterns, and make predictions is driving innovation in the energy sector and transformation of energy markets. It helps optimize operations, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. AI is playing an increasingly important role in transforming energy markets in various aspects of the industry in different ways, including smart grids and energy management, renewable energy integration, energy forecasting and trading, demand response and load management, energy efficiency and conservation, maintenance and asset management, energy storage optimization, carbon emission reduction, market analytics and risk management, exploration and production, regulatory compliance, and safety. The aim of this article is to discuss our own AI-based computational model in sustainable transformation of energy markets and to lay the foundations for further harmonious development based on a computational (AI/ML-based) models, with particular reference to current limitations and priority directions for further research. Such an approach may encourage new research for the practical application of AI algorithms in critical domains of the energy sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 7852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Energy Retrofit Impact in Public Buildings: A Numerical Cross-Check Supported by Real Consumption Data

by Vincenzo Ballerini, Bernadetta Lubowicka, Paolo Valdiserri, Dorota Anna Krawczyk, Beata Sadowska, Maciej Kłopotowski and Eugenia Rossi di Schio

Energies 2023, 16(23), 7748; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237748 - 24 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 782

Abstract

In the framework of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption, the energy retrofit of existing buildings plays a significant role and is often supported by numerical analyses of the planned activities and expected results. This study analyses a public building (a kindergarten) [...] Read more.

In the framework of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption, the energy retrofit of existing buildings plays a significant role and is often supported by numerical analyses of the planned activities and expected results. This study analyses a public building (a kindergarten) located in Bialystok (Poland) and aims to determine the building’s energy performance prior to and after thermal modernization. The building was examined by employing two different software packages, Audytor OZC 7.0 Pro and Trnsys 18. The thermal efficiency improvement applied to the renovated building in Bialystok was also analyzed by virtually locating the building in Bologna (Italy). Moreover, a comfort analysis focused on the classrooms of the kindergarten was carried out employing Trnsys. As a novelty, in the analysis, particular attention is paid to ventilation losses and to the influence of envelope elements properties on the building energy demand. The results arising from analyses were compared to real consumption data for the heating season. The results obtained from the two software programs display excellent agreement, and they also match the real consumption data if the heating demand is considered, while some differences arise when the cooling demand is considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Machine Learning Approach for Investment Analysis in Renewable Energy Sources: A Case Study in Photovoltaic Farms

by Konstantinos Ioannou, Evangelia Karasmanaki, Despoina Sfiri, Spyridon Galatsidas and Georgios Tsantopoulos

Energies 2023, 16(23), 7735; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237735 - 23 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1853

Abstract

Farmland offers excellent conditions for developing solar energy while farmers seem to appreciate its notable revenues. The increasing adoption of photovoltaics (PVs) on farmland raises various concerns with the most important being the loss of productive farmland and the increased farmland prices, which [...] Read more.

Farmland offers excellent conditions for developing solar energy while farmers seem to appreciate its notable revenues. The increasing adoption of photovoltaics (PVs) on farmland raises various concerns with the most important being the loss of productive farmland and the increased farmland prices, which may prevent young farmers from entering the farming occupation. The latter can threaten the future of agriculture in countries that are already facing the problem of rural population ageing. The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of crop type on farmers’ willingness to install photovoltaics on their farmland. To that end, this study applies four machine learning (ML) algorithms (categorical regression, decision trees and random forests, support vector machines) on a dataset obtained from a questionnaire survey on farmers in a Greek agricultural area. The results from the application of the algorithms allowed us to quantify and relate farmers’ willingness to invest in PVs with three major crop types (cotton, wheat, sunflower) which play a very important role in food security. Results also provide support for making policy interventions by defining the rate of productive farmland for photovoltaics and also for designing policies to support farmers to start and maintain farming operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 982 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Barriers to Renewable Energy Source (RES) Installations as Determinants of Energy Consumption in EU Countries

by Bożena Gajdzik, Radosław Wolniak, Rafał Nagaj, Wieslaw Wes Grebski and Taras Romanyshyn

Energies 2023, 16(21), 7364; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16217364 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2955

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the statistical relationship between the determinants of and barriers to the development of renewable energy sources (RESs) in the macroeconomic system and the development of renewable energy source consumption in individual European Union countries. The article considers [...] Read more.

The article presents an analysis of the statistical relationship between the determinants of and barriers to the development of renewable energy sources (RESs) in the macroeconomic system and the development of renewable energy source consumption in individual European Union countries. The article considers four key categories of RES development barriers in the European Union: political, administrative, grid infrastructural, and socioeconomic. The work is based on publicly available historical data from European Union reports, Eurostat, and the Eclareon RES Policy Monitoring Database. The empirical analysis includes all 27 countries belonging to the European Union. The research aimed to determine the impact of all four types of factors, including socioeconomic, on the development of RESs in European Union countries. The analysis uncovered that describing the European Union as a consistent region regarding the speed of renewable energy advancement and the obstacles to such progress is not accurate. Notably, a significant link exists between a strong degree of societal development and the integration of renewable energy sources. In less prosperous EU nations, economic growth plays a pivotal role in renewable energy development. Barriers of an administrative nature exert a notable influence on renewable energy development, especially in less affluent EU countries, while grid-related obstacles are prevalent in Southern–Central Europe. In nations where the proportion of renewable energy sources in electricity consumption is substantial, an excess of capacity in the renewable energy market significantly affects its growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 5271 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Reviewing the Situation and Prospects for Developing Small Renewable Energy Systems in Poland

by Mirosława Witkowska-Dąbrowska, Natalia Świdyńska and Agnieszka Napiórkowska-Baryła

Energies 2023, 16(21), 7339; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16217339 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1271

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the number of small renewable energy sources (RES) power plants and the volume of generated energy in the years 2016–2020, with an outlook to year 2025. The study covered the area of Poland, [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the number of small renewable energy sources (RES) power plants and the volume of generated energy in the years 2016–2020, with an outlook to year 2025. The study covered the area of Poland, including the division into provinces and different sources of renewable energy. Absolute values of electric power production and sale were presented, in addition to calculated structure indices. Moreover, the number and structure of small power plants using different renewable energy sources was determined for every Polish province. A classification of the provinces was made, where four classes were distinguished depending on the number of RES plants operating in the provinces. The research results allowed us to diagnose the current situation and make a prognosis for the future, which may translate into support for the development of particular types of installations, depending on the natural and economic characteristics of each area. The added value of the study stems from the fact that previous reports focused mainly on micro or large power plants and the time span covered data before and during the pandemic. This made it possible to assess the impact of the pandemic on the development of small renewable energy sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

31 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Agricultural Wastes and Their By-Products for the Energy Market

by Magdalena Zielińska and Katarzyna Bułkowska

Energies 2024, 17(9), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092099 - 27 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1228

Abstract

The conversion of lignocellulosic agricultural waste into biofuels and other economically valuable compounds can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce harmful gas emissions, support the sustainability of natural resources, including water, and minimize the amount of waste in landfills, thus reducing environmental degradation. [...] Read more.

The conversion of lignocellulosic agricultural waste into biofuels and other economically valuable compounds can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce harmful gas emissions, support the sustainability of natural resources, including water, and minimize the amount of waste in landfills, thus reducing environmental degradation. In this paper, the conversion of agricultural wastes into biomethane, biohydrogen, biodiesel, bioethanol, biobutanol, and bio-oil is reviewed, with special emphasis on primary and secondary agricultural residues as substrates. Some novel approaches are mentioned that offer opportunities to increase the efficiency of waste valorization, e.g., hybrid systems. In addition to physical, chemical, and biological pretreatment of waste, some combined methods to mitigate the negative effects of various recalcitrant compounds on waste processing (alkali-assisted thermal pretreatment, thermal hydrolysis pretreatment, and alkali pretreatment combined with bioaugmentation) are evaluated. In addition, the production of volatile fatty acids, polyhydroxyalkanoates, biochar, hydrochar, cellulosic nanomaterials, and selected platform chemicals from lignocellulosic waste is described. Finally, the potential uses of biofuels and other recovered products are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 5615 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bibliometric Analysis of Renewable Energy Research on the Example of the Two European Countries: Insights, Challenges, and Future Prospects

by Paweł Kut and Katarzyna Pietrucha-Urbanik

Energies 2024, 17(1), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010176 - 28 Dec 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1637

Abstract

Renewable energy sources, encompassing wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal options, are assuming an increasingly crucial role in the global energy landscape. They present a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and significantly contributing to the ongoing efforts against climate [...] Read more.

Renewable energy sources, encompassing wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal options, are assuming an increasingly crucial role in the global energy landscape. They present a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and significantly contributing to the ongoing efforts against climate change. The widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies has undergone rapid expansion on a global scale, propelled by governmental policies, technological advancements, and decreasing costs. Despite their numerous advantages, renewable energy sources encounter challenges such as intermittent energy supply, storage solutions, and integration into existing power grids. Nevertheless, with sustained investment and innovation, renewable energy sources have the potential to become the predominant energy source of the future. This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of research on renewable energy sources in Poland and Germany. The analysis is grounded in publications catalogued in the Web of Science database, spanning the years from 1990 to 2023. The investigation delves into research topics related to renewable energy sources and scrutinizes the most frequently cited publications authored by individuals from these two countries. This bibliometric analysis stands out through its unique value proposition compared to other similar studies by placing a distinctive emphasis on critical research gaps, such as energy storage, smart grid technologies, and renewable energy in transportation. Additionally, the study’s focus on the specific trajectories of Poland and Germany in renewable energy adoption, coupled with the identification of key institutions with the highest centrality index, provides unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable energy research. The findings from this study can serve as a valuable source of information for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders interested in promoting the advancement and utilization of renewable energy sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Transformation of Energy Markets: Description, Modeling of Functioning Mechanisms and Determining Development Trends – Second Edition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI