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Ocean energy is a promising source of clean renewable energy, with clear development targets set by the European Commission. However, the ocean energy sector faces non-technological challenges and opportunities that are frequently overlooked in deployment plans. The present study aimed to provide a critical evaluation of the ocean energy sector's legal, institutional, and political frameworks with an identification and analysis of both barriers and enabling features for the deployment of ocean energy. In the first stage, a literature review on the current political and regulatory frameworks of a set of European countries was carried out, setting the basis for the main challenges and enabling factors faced by the sector. Secondly, a critical analysis of the main non-technological barriers and enablers was performed, which was supported by questionnaires sent to regulators, technology developers, and test-site managers. This questionnaire allowed us to collect and integrate the views, perceptions, and personal experiences of the main stakeholders of the ocean energy sector in the analysis. The most relevant insights were collected to guide future policy instruments, supports, and consenting measures in a more informed and effective manner and to help accelerate the development of the sector.

What America does - or fails to do - in the next few years to solve the problem of climate change will largely determine the fate of the earth and humanity for centuries to come. Despite the efforts by some states, local governments and individual citizens to respond, controversy still embroils national efforts to come up with a solution. This book lets the reader cut through the confusion and political rhetoric and understand the way to resolve the climate problem. It explains in clear, accessible language how a sensible national policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can bring about a transition to clean energy sources while preserving healthy economic growth and high standards of living. It shows where the pitfalls are in developing a climate solution, how they can be avoided, and how to bring resistant interest groups on board. America cannot act alone but other nations will not take action if the United States does not lead, and this book explains how America can successfully promote international cooperation on climate solutions.

By 2010, the United States has about 250 millions registered vehicles - roughly 800 motor vehicles per 1000 people. According to a report by Environmental Defense in 2006, American cars are responsible for nearly half of the greenhouse gases emitted by automobiles globally, despite the fact that the nation's vehicles only made up just 30% of the total cars in use in the worldwide. Intuitively, the idea of replacing low fuel-efficient vehicles with high fuel-efficient ones could significantly decrease the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Nowadays, the U.S. government has always been encouraging people to purchase clean-energy cars; in addition, both American and foreign automobile companies emphasize energy conservation over engine performance. Based on a large pool of data on 2012 car and light truck models' features as well as their relative emissions and fuel economy information, this thesis is focused on investigating the vehicles' emission and fuel-efficiency performances with the assistance of using different blocking factors such as vehicle make and class level. The aim of this thesis is to help the people ease the process of choosing the relative cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle that meet their own needs.

Within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the Agenda 2030, this article aims to explain and understand the usefulness of energy audits and their potential to reveal energy efficiency opportunities in a small public building located in northwestern Mexico. The methodological structure was adopted from the Cleaner Production&ndash ; Energy Efficiency Manual published by the United Nations Program for the Environment. A case study approach was employed to examine how energy audits might potentially increase energy efficiency opportunities in the participating building. Amongst the findings, the primary source of energy wastage was occupants&rsquo ; behaviors. Furthermore, this study showed that energy audits could be useful to establish a baseline in situations where previous data were not available, to allow comparisons as well as to identify opportunities in old buildings for the purpose of increasing their energy efficiency performance. As a practical implication of this research, the Sonora government can be in a better position to assist the Mexico federal government in reaching some of the country&rsquo ; s General Law on Climate Change objectives, particularly the one related on cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by the year 2020, and 50% by the year 2050, compared to those registered in 2000.

Examines the abilities of different types of governments to take proactive steps toward reducing pollution. Specifically, the hypothesis that the system of interest group representation on a scale of pluralism to corporatism will affect a state's rate of change to reduce consumption of carbon dense fuels. Using a standardized measure of carbon density of fuels consumed, this work examines industrialized economies over a 13-year time period. The study shows that the Nordic corporatist systems are more capable of shifting to cleaner fuels than pluralist, majoritarian systems. It is asserted that this is a result of the goal-oriented policy making in corporatist states in comparison to more process-oriented policy making in pluralist systems. 3 Tables, 1 Figure, 36 References. Adapted from the source document.

"Solar Power Finance Without the Jargon introduces financial concepts through a lively history of the solar industry, and cuts through the main areas of mystique and misinformation about solar technology and projects. With extensive experience in answering questions from clients in the solar, finance and energy industries, Chase focuses on the practical and financial aspects of solar power, making this book suitable for those wanting to work in clean energy or who have a strong interest in the subject, particularly those without a business background. Since the first edition was published in 2019, solar capacity has only grown bigger and cheaper, opening up new markets. Most significantly, Russia invaded Ukraine, igniting an energy crisis across the world which made countries glad of any renewable energy capacity they had built, as well as amplifying calls for a diversified and resilient global supply chain for renewable energy components. This second edition of Solar Power Finance Without the Jargon is considerably more detailed and optimistic about batteries and hydrogen. It extensively updates readers on the rapidly-changing price and energy landscape, the latest industry thinking on the effects of large volumes of renewable energy on the grid and the path to deep decarbonisation of human civilisation."

"Solar Power Finance Without the Jargon introduces financial concepts through a lively history of the solar industry, and cuts through the main areas of mystique and misinformation about solar technology and projects. With extensive experience in answering questions from clients in the solar, finance and energy industries, Chase focuses on the practical and financial aspects of solar power, making this book suitable for those wanting to work in clean energy or who have a strong interest in the subject, particularly those without a business background. Since the first edition was published in 2019, solar capacity has only grown bigger and cheaper, opening up new markets. Most significantly, Russia invaded Ukraine, igniting an energy crisis across the world which made countries glad of any renewable energy capacity they had built, as well as amplifying calls for a diversified and resilient global supply chain for renewable energy components. This second edition of Solar Power Finance Without the Jargon is considerably more detailed and optimistic about batteries and hydrogen. It extensively updates readers on the rapidly-changing price and energy landscape, the latest industry thinking on the effects of large volumes of renewable energy on the grid and the path to deep decarbonisation of human civilisation"--

AbstractWhile it is widely recognized that energy injustices are prevalent in the clean energy transition process, there has been limited research attention on policy efforts aiming to mitigate these inequities. In this paper, we use solar equity policies as an empirical case study to understand how social equity considerations are conceptualized and operationalized in energy policy content. We build upon the policy design literature and code institutional statements of 54 solar equity policies adopted between 2001 and 2021 in the United States. In our comparative analysis, we focus on three levels of policy design elements that can be directly observed in written policy language: macro‐policy goal construction, meso‐policy instrument choices, and micro‐level policy settings and calibrations. We find that the policy goal of energy justice is multifaceted, with a great emphasis on solar energy accessibility and provision of economic benefits and security for disadvantaged communities. There is a dominant preference by policymakers to use redistributive policies and community solar programs to advance energy justice‐related goals. Solar equity policy instruments on‐the‐ground measures have also been calibrated to target specific disadvantaged populations in the energy system, which focus mostly on income‐based vulnerability.

In 2018, the European Commission presented its long-term Strategic Vision "A clean planet for all", which calls for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of the European Union by 2050. The Strategic Vision is accompanied by the In-depth Analysis containing a detailed impact assessment based on a scenario analysis. This paper presents the findings of an assessment of the In-depth Analysis, in particular its suitability as the analytical input for the Strategic Vision. In summary, the In-depth Analysis covers the key aspects for building an adequate long-term climate strategy and is thus a strong foundation for the Strategic Vision, in spite of certain limitations. The presented pathways to net-zero emissions cover all the relevant sectors and GHGs and are in accordance with other studies. However, they are not fully assessable, because important input and output data are not provided for all scenarios. Moreover, it is unclear why none of the scenarios maximises the use of renewable energies. The variety of models used provides evidence for the economic feasibility of such a transition. In this regard, the restricted set of scenarios used for the macro-economic assessment is a shortcoming. In the scenarios with net-zero GHG emissions in 2050, all sectors have to pursue very ambitious emission reductions early on. Nonetheless, some remaining GHG emissions have to be compensated by a combination of natural and artificial carbon sinks. Detailed considerations of the economic and social implications of the mitigation scenarios show moderate impacts on GDP and labor in comparison to other societal drivers, but also indicate the need for a strong shift from consumption to investment in mitigation technologies and infrastructure. International cooperation is seen as essential to foster the transformation to net-zero GHG emissions.

Can field trips provide a more efficient way of teaching energy systems and technologies at the university level? This paper provides an overview of how field trips could be used to teach students the fundamentals and complexities of energy systems and energy technologies. It contains an overview of learning objectives related to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (clean and affordable energy) as well as teaching methods that could be used during a field trip programme. This paper uses the findings of five weeklong field trips for university students as a case study to shed light on the benefits of such an educational experience. These visits included visits to production sites, governmental and corporate stakeholders of the energy system in different regions in Germany. The paper then proposes a schedule for a multiple-day field trip and suggests a general programme in four categories (political institutions, production sites, civil society and research institutions) for a better understanding of energy systems and technologies.

Energy security is at the top of the international political and economic agenda due to its importance for the economic and social development of individual countries, for relations between them, for the global economy and the environment. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine an area where countries are more interdependent than at the confluence of energy, environment, and economic development. Energy security has implications for domestic and foreign policy. This means the interdependence between producer and consumer, where mutual vulnerability and a win-win opportunity are short-term and long-term. The work systematizes the types of energy with the goal of sustainable development: the balance of economic, social, and environmental components, through a model of a circular economy, which allows achieving energy security. The first step is switching from carbon-based energy (oil, gas, coal) to clean energy (solar, wind, hydropower, etc.). However, it is also important to act on the principle of energy efficiency, which is to measure the difference between the actually used energy and the total energy consumed (often higher due to losses). The principle of the circular economy of achieving the most efficient use of resources is the most essential for the development of innovative solutions aimed at the transition to clean energy. Having studied the various approaches by comparison and analogy, we can conclude that the Concept of the circular economy offers effective business models to ensure environmentally friendly resource use, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals of society. The article used historical and statistical methods, as well as a system approach to the study of economic phenomena, which helped to identify the relationship between all elements and their roles in the general functioning of the circular economy. Using the method of comparison and scientific modeling, the role of the circular economy in resource-saving, minimizing waste and reducing pressure on the environment is revealed, while achieving significant economic and social results in energy security. ; Вопросы энергетической безопасности – одни из важнейших в международной политической и экономической повестке дня в силу их важности для экономического и социального развития отдельных стран, отношений между ними, а также для мировой экономики и окружающей среды. Действительно, трудно представить область, в которой страны являются более взаимозависимыми, чем в сфере слияния энергетики, окружающей среды и экономического развития. Энергетическая безопасность имеет значение для внутренней и внешней политики. Это означает взаимозависимость между производителем и потребителем, где взаимная уязвимость и взаимная выгода являются и краткосрочными, и долгосрочными. В статье систематизированы виды энергии с целью устойчивого развития: баланс экономической, социальной и экологической составляющих посредством модели циркулярной экономики, которая позволяет достичь энергетической безопасности. Первым шагом является переход от углеродной энергии (нефть, газ, уголь) к чистой энергии (солнечная энергия, энергия ветра, гидроэнергетика и т.д.). Однако, не менее важно следовать принципу энергоэффективности, который заключается в соизмерении разницы между фактически использованной энергией и общей потребленной энергией (часто более высокой из-за потерь). Принципы циркулярной экономики, направленные на достижение наиболее эффективного использования ресурсов, являются важнейшими при разработке инновационных решений, направленных на переход к чистой энергии. Изучив различные подходы путем сравнения и аналогии, мы можем сделать вывод, что Концепция циркулярной экономики предлагает эффективные бизнес-модели для обеспечения экологически безопасного использования ресурсов, способствуя достижению целей общества в области устойчивого развития. В статье использованы исторические и статистические методы, а также системный подход к изучению экономических явлений, который позволил выявить взаимосвязь между всеми элементами и их ролью в общем функционировании циркулярной экономики. Используя метод сравнения и научное моделирование, раскрывается роль циркулярной экономики в ресурсосбережении, минимизации отходов и снижении нагрузки на окружающую среду при достижении значительных экономических и социальных результатов в области энергетической безопасности. ; Питання енергетичної безпеки – одні з найважливіших в міжнародному політичному та економічному порядку денному в силу їх важливості для економічного і соціального розвитку окремих країн, відносин між ними, а також для світової економіки та навколишнього середовища. Дійсно, важко уявити область, в якій країни є більш взаємозалежними, ніж в сфері злиття енергетики, навколишнього середовища та економічного розвитку. Енергетична безпека має значення для внутрішньої і зовнішньої політики. Це означає взаємозалежність між виробником і споживачем, де взаємна уразливість і взаємна вигода є і короткостроковими, і довгостроковими. У статті систематизовано види енергії з метою сталого розвитку: баланс економічної, соціальної та екологічної складових за допомогою моделі економіки замкнутого циклу, яка дозволяє досягти енергетичної безпеки. Першим кроком є перехід від вуглецевої енергії (нафта, газ, вугілля) до чистої енергії (сонячна енергія, енергія вітру, гідроенергетика тощо). Однак, не менш важливо дотримуватися принципу енергоефективності, який полягає в порівняння різниці між фактично використаною енергією і загальною спожитою енергією (часто більш високою через втрати). Принципи циркулярної економіки, спрямовані на досягнення найбільш ефективного використання ресурсів, є найважливішими при розробці інноваційних рішень, спрямованих на перехід до чистої енергії. Вивчивши різні підходи шляхом порівняння і аналогії, ми можемо зробити висновок, що Концепція економіки замкнутого циклу пропонує ефективні бізнес-моделі для забезпечення екологічно безпечного використання ресурсів, сприяючи досягненню цілей товариства в сфері сталого розвитку. У статті використані історичні та статистичні методи, а також системний підхід до вивчення економічних явищ, який дозволив виявити взаємозв'язок між усіма елементами і їх роллю в загальному функціонуванні економіки замкнутого циклу. Використовуючи метод порівняння і наукове моделювання, розкривається роль економіки замкнутого циклу в ресурсозбереження, мінімізації відходів і зниження навантаження на навколишнє середовище при досягненні значних економічних і соціальних результатів в області енергетичної безпеки.

On September 27th, the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Landesa, the New York City Bar Association International Environmental Law Committee, and Wake Forest Law School hosted a day-long conference on the intersection between land use, the climate crisis and clean energy transition, and human rights. Held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, the conference brought together individuals from civil society organizations, governments, and academia, as well as lawyers, climate scientists, land-rights experts, indigenous representatives and other stakeholder groups. The panelists analyzed the critical role that land plays in achieving climate solutions, the degree to which climate change may reshape regional abilities to support sustainable ecosystems, and the ways in which these land and climate interactions might affect land rights, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. This outcome document summarizes the panel discussions and crucial takeaways.

This study examines the correlation between environmental degradation, financial development, and energy consumption in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region. Data covering the period of 1980 to 2022 have been utilized. For empirical estimation, the study applies the Hausman test and the Fixed Effect Model (FEM). The country-specific effects of energy consumption (EC) and financial development (FD) on total greenhouse gases (TGHG) have been checked. The dependent variable is environmental deterioration. TGHGs are used to illustrate ecological degradation. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and economic growth have been control variables. FEM results show that EC, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and FDI all have a significant effect on environmental deterioration. In contrast, the link between FD and TGHG emissions is inverse, implying that FD reduces ecological damage. However, the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) idea has been confirmed since, as GDP grows, pollution begins to drop in an inverted "U-shape." The Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) has also been verified in certain SAARC countries. The findings have significance for governments in encouraging industries to participate in renewable energy projects and for financial institutions in determining how much to subsidize loans for such investment projects to reduce TGHG emissions, resulting in a slightly cleaner environment.

The production of natural gas from formerly inaccessible shale formations through the use of hydraulic fracturing has expanded domestic energy supplies and lowered prices and is stimulating the replacement of dirtier fossil fuels with cleaner natural gas. At the same time, shale gas production has proven controversial, triggering intense opposition in some parts of the United States. State and local regulators have scrambled to adapt to the boom in natural gas production, raising the question of whether federal regulators should step in to supplant or supplement state regulation. This Article takes a policy-neutral approach to the federalism questions at the center of that inquiry, asking which level of government ought to resolve these policy questions, rather than which level of government is likely to produce a particular favored policy outcome. Consequently, this analysis begins with four economic and political rationales typically used to justify federal regulation. Federal regulation is necessary (1) to address spillover effects that cross state boundaries, (2) to prevent economic forces at the state level from initiating a "race to the bottom" in environmental regulation, (3) to promote business efficiencies through uniform national standards, and (4) to respond to national interests in the development of natural resources through a federal licensing system. Applying these rationales to the regulation of fracking yields several important conclusions. First, while a few of the externalities of shale gas production cross state boundaries, most are experienced locally. Second, existing federal regulatory regimes offer ample authority to address those few interstate externalities. Third, the race-to-the-bottom rationale does not justify federal regulation of shale gas production because shale gas states are not competing for quantity- or time-limited capital investment. Fourth, given that the impacts of fracking are still under study and the subject of considerable ongoing debate, there is currently no overriding national interest supporting the creation of a comprehensive federal licensing or regulatory regime for shale gas production. ; The Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law, and Business