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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to thank Bill Ruck, Moray First Marine and colleagues from the University of Aberdeen for assistance with the data collection. We are also grateful to Drs. Nathan Merchant and Adrian Farcas (CEFAS) for the provision of the data on the noise modeling and their valuable comments during the development of this work. The project benefited at all stages from input provided by the scientific steering groups and stakeholder groups established by UK and Scottish Governments to support the work conducted around these regional oil and gas and renewables projects. FUNDING Financial support for this study was provided through a series of consortia funded projects that involved the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Scottish Government, Oil and Gas UK Ltd., COWRIE, NatureScot, The Crown Estate, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Beatrice Offshore Wind Ltd., and Moray Offshore Wind Farm (East) Ltd. OFB was funded by the Fundación "la Caixa" (Becas Posgrado, 2015) and their support was greatly appreciated. The authors declare that this study received funding from three commercial developers: Oil and Gas UK Ltd., Beatrice Offshore Wind Ltd., and Moray Offshore Wind Farm (East) Ltd. However, these funding bodies had no input into the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article or the decision to submit it for publication. ; Peer reviewed ; Publisher PDF

We estimate the reduction of electricity poverty in Vietnam from 2008 to 2018 using national household surveys. We find that in 2018, the fraction of households with access to electricity was over 98% (up from 96.5% in 2010). The median level of electricity usage was 139 kWh per month per household (up from 74 kWh in 2010), enough to access high power appliances like a washing machine or microwave. The electricity bill weighted less than 6% of income for 92.1% of households (down from 97.7% in 2010). In statistical terms, the electricity consumption distribution was closer to uniform than the income distribution: energy inequality is lower than income inequality. In 2014, the fraction of households declaring unsatisfied electricity needs was below three per cent. Few households cannot afford to turn on fans or air conditioner during a heatwave. The engineering, economic and socio-political perspectives converge to indicate that electricity poverty was not an acute social issue in 2018. Vietnam has mostly satisfied the universal electricity access facet of the Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy for all (SDG7). The electricity subsidy mechanism contributes more to alleviating poverty (SDG1) than to SDG7

The goal of this Law is to promote investments in projects that use renewable energy sources such as hydraulic, geothermal, wind, solar and biomass.

Tidal Stream Energy (TSE) is emerging as an innovative solution to provide clean and reliable energy. TSE also has the benefit to conserve land, since the turbines are located in an offshore environment with strong tidal flows. This energy source has the opportunity to make a major difference in off grid areas, such as those found in the Philippines. As an archipelago of over 7000 islands, there are many "off grid" locations which are underserved or completely unserved with electricity. The Philippine government has instituted a missionary electrification program designed to help the many off grid locations throughout the country. However, providing electricity for the citizens of these locations is difficult due to the high cost of produced energy in remote areas. To assist in this, the government has created a Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME), which is a subsidy from developed areas distributed to missionary areas to improve the affordability of generated power. However, the subsidy algorithm is largely based upon the OPEX of diesel plants.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to point out the impact of geopolitical risk on climate change. The CO2 emissions per capita is used as a proxy for climate change. Methodology: In this study, the data sample covers annual data from 1990 to 2015 for 12 selected Latin American and Asian countries. After standard preliminary tests (Cross-sectional dependence tests, CIPS unit root test, and slope homogeneity test), we employ the second-generation estimator – the AMG (Augmented Mean Group) method to explore the long-run relationship between geopolitical risk and CO2 emissions per capita. Results: The AMG findings document that a 1% rise in geopolitical risk escalates CO2 emissions per capita by 0.001%. In addition, economic growth and fossil energy consumption foster CO2 emissions per capita, whereas renewable energy contributes to decreasing CO2 emissions per capita. Conclusion: In recent years, scholars have attempted to explore the impact of geopolitical risk on environmental degradation. According to our results, in Latin American and Asian countries, decreasing geopolitical risk and conflict can impede environmental degradation. In the long run, a robust clean energy policy should be considered in case of geopolitical conflict by the government. Besides, the government should focus on renewable energy policy and substitute non-renewable energy resources with more technology-intensive resources.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to point out the impact of geopolitical risk on climate change. The CO2 emissions per capita is used as a proxy for climate change. Methodology: In this study, the data sample covers annual data from 1990 to 2015 for 12 selected Latin American and Asian countries. After standard preliminary tests (Cross-sectional dependence tests, CIPS unit root test, and slope homogeneity test), we employ the second-generation estimator – the AMG (Augmented Mean Group) method to explore the long-run relationship between geopolitical risk and CO2 emissions per capita. Results: The AMG findings document that a 1% rise in geopolitical risk escalates CO2 emissions per capita by 0.001%. In addition, economic growth and fossil energy consumption foster CO2 emissions per capita, whereas renewable energy contributes to decreasing CO2 emissions per capita. Conclusion: In recent years, scholars have attempted to explore the impact of geopolitical risk on environmental degradation. According to our results, in Latin American and Asian countries, decreasing geopolitical risk and conflict can impede environmental degradation. In the long run, a robust clean energy policy should be considered in case of geopolitical conflict by the government. Besides, the government should focus on renewable energy policy and substitute non-renewable energy resources with more technology-intensive resources.

Intervention au séminaire "BRICs" du 14 novembre 2011, sur le thème : "La stratégie de Recherche et Développement et l'innovation en Chine " ; R&D and innovation have become much more strategic than ever before for the growth of China as well as for its global societal upgrade. The Chinese authorities have designed an innovation strategy to face new economic and social challenges. The first part of the paper is focused on the emergence of the policy, in the 2006-2020 Plan for S&T, with a historical perspective explaining the legacy of the past in today's choices. In the second part, we illustrate China's catching up strategy through four sectors (high-speed trains, aeronautics, clean energy, IT) and discuss its potential impact on the world industry. ; La R&D et l'innovation sont plus stratégiques que jamais pour la croissance de la Chine aussi bien que pour le progrès global de sa société. Les autorités chinoises ont mis en place une stratégie d'innovation pour affronter de nouveaux défis économiques et sociaux. La première partie de ce papier se concentre sur l'émergence de cette politique, dans le Plan de 2006-2020 pour les Sciences et Techniques, avec une perspective historique qui explique l'héritage du passé dans les choix contemporains. Dans la seconde partie, nous illustrons la stratégie de rattrapage de la Chine dans quatre secteurs (les trains à grande vitesse, l'aéronautique, l'énergie propre et technologies de l'information) et discutons de ses impacts potentiels sur l'industrie dans le monde.

Intervention au séminaire "BRICs" du 14 novembre 2011, sur le thème : "La stratégie de Recherche et Développement et l'innovation en Chine " ; R&D and innovation have become much more strategic than ever before for the growth of China as well as for its global societal upgrade. The Chinese authorities have designed an innovation strategy to face new economic and social challenges. The first part of the paper is focused on the emergence of the policy, in the 2006-2020 Plan for S&T, with a historical perspective explaining the legacy of the past in today's choices. In the second part, we illustrate China's catching up strategy through four sectors (high-speed trains, aeronautics, clean energy, IT) and discuss its potential impact on the world industry. ; La R&D et l'innovation sont plus stratégiques que jamais pour la croissance de la Chine aussi bien que pour le progrès global de sa société. Les autorités chinoises ont mis en place une stratégie d'innovation pour affronter de nouveaux défis économiques et sociaux. La première partie de ce papier se concentre sur l'émergence de cette politique, dans le Plan de 2006-2020 pour les Sciences et Techniques, avec une perspective historique qui explique l'héritage du passé dans les choix contemporains. Dans la seconde partie, nous illustrons la stratégie de rattrapage de la Chine dans quatre secteurs (les trains à grande vitesse, l'aéronautique, l'énergie propre et technologies de l'information) et discutons de ses impacts potentiels sur l'industrie dans le monde.

Intervention au séminaire "BRICs" du 14 novembre 2011, sur le thème : "La stratégie de Recherche et Développement et l'innovation en Chine " ; R&D and innovation have become much more strategic than ever before for the growth of China as well as for its global societal upgrade. The Chinese authorities have designed an innovation strategy to face new economic and social challenges. The first part of the paper is focused on the emergence of the policy, in the 2006-2020 Plan for S&T, with a historical perspective explaining the legacy of the past in today's choices. In the second part, we illustrate China's catching up strategy through four sectors (high-speed trains, aeronautics, clean energy, IT) and discuss its potential impact on the world industry. ; La R&D et l'innovation sont plus stratégiques que jamais pour la croissance de la Chine aussi bien que pour le progrès global de sa société. Les autorités chinoises ont mis en place une stratégie d'innovation pour affronter de nouveaux défis économiques et sociaux. La première partie de ce papier se concentre sur l'émergence de cette politique, dans le Plan de 2006-2020 pour les Sciences et Techniques, avec une perspective historique qui explique l'héritage du passé dans les choix contemporains. Dans la seconde partie, nous illustrons la stratégie de rattrapage de la Chine dans quatre secteurs (les trains à grande vitesse, l'aéronautique, l'énergie propre et technologies de l'information) et discutons de ses impacts potentiels sur l'industrie dans le monde.

Intervention au séminaire "BRICs" du 14 novembre 2011, sur le thème : "La stratégie de Recherche et Développement et l'innovation en Chine " ; R&D and innovation have become much more strategic than ever before for the growth of China as well as for its global societal upgrade. The Chinese authorities have designed an innovation strategy to face new economic and social challenges. The first part of the paper is focused on the emergence of the policy, in the 2006-2020 Plan for S&T, with a historical perspective explaining the legacy of the past in today's choices. In the second part, we illustrate China's catching up strategy through four sectors (high-speed trains, aeronautics, clean energy, IT) and discuss its potential impact on the world industry. ; La R&D et l'innovation sont plus stratégiques que jamais pour la croissance de la Chine aussi bien que pour le progrès global de sa société. Les autorités chinoises ont mis en place une stratégie d'innovation pour affronter de nouveaux défis économiques et sociaux. La première partie de ce papier se concentre sur l'émergence de cette politique, dans le Plan de 2006-2020 pour les Sciences et Techniques, avec une perspective historique qui explique l'héritage du passé dans les choix contemporains. Dans la seconde partie, nous illustrons la stratégie de rattrapage de la Chine dans quatre secteurs (les trains à grande vitesse, l'aéronautique, l'énergie propre et technologies de l'information) et discutons de ses impacts potentiels sur l'industrie dans le monde.

The question of how to give meaning to the concept of sustainability in architectural design practices is highly contested today. Although architects, engineers, clients, politicians, and others seem to agree that sustainability must be addressed, behind this apparent consensus many ambiguities, contradictions, and open questions emerge. Opinions largely vary on how to define the sustainability challenges that architectural design is to respond to, how to align the various stakeholders involved, which scales and elements to consider, and how to transform these questions into design strategies, spatial configurations, and materiality of buildings. These practices cannot be confined merely to technological problem-solving as they essentially mesh a range of cognitive, social, cultural, and material elements. This article draws on the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) to set out the transferable analytical framework of 'translation' through which to explain how the concept of sustainability is continuously transformed within contingent, complex, and dynamic architectural design practices as buildings materialize. The framework of translation is particularly well adapted to unpack claims, make them more accountable, and thereby support the larger project of sustainability.

"Serial no. 101-105." ; Includes bibliographical references. ; Mode of access: Internet.

The current changes of the planet's biophysical dynamics, defining the current epoch of the Anthropocene, are becoming increasingly visible and intense, with 2021 being another record-breaking year of extreme weather. The urgency to respond is continuing to grow, as are efforts to limit global warming to well below 2oC, preferably 1.5oC, compared to pre-industrial levels, as mandated in the Paris Agreement. In addition, the war between Russia and Ukraine has put energy on the agenda and highlighted geopolitical elements of international fossil fuel trade and interdependence. The focus on fast transition away from parts of the European natural gas imports from Russia is pivotal. A central measure towards a clean, smart and secure European energy system, is driven by significant energy savings, energy efficiency and deployment of renewable energy. The European Union has thus set ambitious objectives for the future of Europe's energy system, committed to developing a sustainable and decarbonised system and transitioning toward a low carbon economy in line with the Paris Agreement. Energy efficiency is seen as a cost-effective key to supporting the transformation of the energy system and achieving climate neutrality in combination with an acceleration of the deployment of renewable energy. The Energy Efficiency First Principle urges Member States to prioritise energy efficiency in planning processes and investments. The question is what energy efficiency measures have which effect and at what levels renewable energy is more cost effective than further end savings?

"The world is desperate for cobalt. It fuels the digital economy and powers everything from cell phones to clean energy. But this 'demon metal,' this 'blood mineral,' has a horrific present and troubled history. Then there is the town in northern Canada, also called Cobalt. It created a model of resource extraction a hundred years ago -- theft of Indigenous lands, rape of the earth, exploitation of workers, enormous wealth generation -- that has made Toronto the mining capital of the world and given the mining industry a blueprint for resource extraction that has been exported everywhere. Charlie Angus unearths the history of the town and shows how it contributed to Canada's mining dominance. He connects the town to present-day Congo, with its cobalt production and misery, to horrendous mining practices in South America and demonstrates that global mining is as Canadian as hockey."--