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Recently, considerable attention in the world is given to the use of renewable energy sources. Among them geothermal waters are of great importance due to ecological safety and economic efficiency of their use. Russia has confirmed high potential of geothermal water resources, but today only a small proportion is used. One of the most promising areas for geothermal waters is the Chechen Republic, which is at the 3rd place among the Russian regions for approved operational reserves of geothermal waters deposits, the largest of which is the Khankala deposit.Achievement of the sustainability in geothermal waters resource development requires an integrated approach and an important role in solving the problems of exploitation of thermal waters is played by geostatistical analysis and estimation, as well as mathematical modelling. The adjusted structural map of the most productive layer (layer XIII) and a 3-D map of temperature distribution within the Khankala deposit were created using universal kriging. Results approved the importance of the structural-tectonic factor and movement of groundwater in the formation of the temperature regime of the territory. Modelling of the Khankala geothermal waters deposit exploitation allowed to make prognosis of temperature changes, to provide recommendations on injection-production wells location and distance between down holes and to explore possible further exploitation scenarios such as periodic use of different layers by doublet systems.The development of geothermal waters use has undoubted advantages – environmental friendliness and renewability. In order to develop this domain in the Chechen Republic the state support is needed. Issues are the lack of a special legislative framework and special insurance systems. Use of geothermal waters of the 14 explored deposits in Chechen Republic can be a significant contribution to local energy production and economic stability of the region while bringing the environmental benefits of traditional fuels partial replacement.The present work was a contribution to the Khankala geothermal station project, which was successfully launched in the beginning of the 2016. The Khankala geothermal station represents a new stage in use of geothermal waters in the Northern Caucasus as it is the only Russian example of geothermal station with closed loop of production and injection wells ("doublet") with 100% reinjection of used fluid back into reservoir. ; Récemment, une attention considérable a été accordée dans le monde à l'utilisation des sources d'énergie renouvelables. Parmi celles-ci, les eaux géothermales sont d'une grande importance en raison de la sécurité écologique et de l'efficacité économique de leur utilisation. La Russie possède un fort potentiel de ressources confirmées en eau géothermale, mais aujourd'hui, seule une faible proportion est utilisée. L'un des territoires les plus prometteurs pour les eaux géothermales est la République Tchétchène, qui se trouve à la 3ème place parmi les régions russes pour les réserves opérationnelles approuvées de gisements d'eaux géothermales, parmi lesquelles la plus importante est le gisement de Khankala.Le développement durable des ressources en eaux géothermales exige une approche intégrée. L'analyse géostatistique et l'estimation, ainsi que la modélisation mathématique, peuvent jouer un rôle important dans la résolution des problèmes d'exploitation des eaux géothermales. La carte structurale estimée de la couche la plus productive (la couche XIII) et une carte 3-D de la distribution de la température dans le gisement de Khankala ont été créées en utilisant le krigeage universel. Les résultats ont montré l'importance du facteur structuraltectonique et du mouvement des eaux souterraines dans la formation du régime de température du territoire. La modélisation de l'exploitation des gisements géothermiques de Khankala a permis de prévoirl'évolution de la température, de fournir des recommandations sur l'emplacement des puits d'injection et la distance entre les impacts à la couche productive, et d'explorer d'autres scénarios d'exploitation comme l'utilisation périodique de couches par doublets.Le développement de l'utilisation des eaux géothermales présente des avantages incontestables: respect de l'environnement et renouvelabilité. Afin de développer ce domaine en République Tchétchène, le soutien de l'Etat est nécessaire. L'absence d'un cadre législatif adapté et de systèmes spéciaux d'assurance pose des problèmes. L'utilisation des eaux géothermales des quatorze gisements explorés en République Tchétchène peut constituer une contribution significative à la production locale d'énergie et à la stabilité économique de la région, tout en apportant des avantages environnementaux par le remplacement partiel des combustibles traditionnels.Le travail présenté ici est une contribution au projet de station géothermique de Khankala qui a été lancé avec succès au début de 2016. La station géothermique de Khankala représente une nouvelle étape dans l'utilisation des eaux géothermales dans le Caucase du Nord car il s'agit du seul exemple russe de station géothermique avec une boucle fermée de puits de production et d'injection ("doublet") et 100% de réinjection du fluide utilisé dans le réservoir.

Along the journey to achieve the net-zero target by 2050, emissions reductions from all sectors are essential. While the power sector has benefitted from renewables' expansion due to declining costs of these technologies over the past decade, governments are considering measures to foster decarbonisation in the other sectors as well. In this regard, the industry sector – especially energy-intensive industries (EIIs)[1] – is particularly relevant given its environmental footprint and socioeconomic relevance. Therefore, several member states must design and provide a policy framework to accelerate the sector's decarbonisation while preserving its competitiveness that is deeply undermined by the energy crisis. Cooperation among large manufacturing countries like Italy and Germany is key to achieving these targets, which will define economic and climate trajectories at the national and European levels.Energy-intensive industries between decarbonisation and competitiveness
At the European level, the industrial sector accounted for 21 per cent of EU-27 carbon dioxide emissions in 2022[2] while representing 25 per cent of total employment;[3] its share of total gross value added was around 17 per cent. Within the industry sector, energy-intensive industries alone are responsible for around 70 per cent of its total emissions. These industries are now facing two existential challenges: a loss of competitiveness and the urgency to adapt to the net-zero scenario. For EU countries, it is essential to address these challenges in a cooperative matter; otherwise, they could face higher competition not only from abroad but also from within the Union, leading to fragmentation and the risk of missing climate objectives with limited economic benefit.
Regarding the economic challenge, EIIs have particularly suffered from the rise of energy prices since mid-2021. As energy costs constitute a large proportion of their total production costs, these industries are increasingly seeing their competitiveness eroding compared to international producers, such as China and India. Although the European Emission Trading System (ETS) contributed to the emissions reduction in the European countries, it also entails higher costs for European EIIs. The additional increase in energy prices in the last three years has put an extra layer of complexity. Even though European countries have extensively addressed this threat by introducing measures to shield consumers and firms from rising energy prices[4] and by providing state aid to companies, industrial production has not recovered.[5] Furthermore, these emergency measures cannot be pursued in the long term due to economic challenges. While Italy lacks a significant budgetary space, the ruling decision of the German Constitutional Court limits the space of manoeuvre to invest in the energy transition at the national level.[6]
Therefore, there are a number of reasons for cooperation between Germany and Italy in finding new ways to finance the adjustment and protection of their industries. Coordination in terms of industrial policy and funds is needed at the European level and the new European institutional cycle provides an opportunity to deliver in these areas also by allocating and streamlining existing funds. Otherwise, the extensive use of state aid will lead to the fragmentation of the single market due to different fiscal capabilities among member states. In parallel, to further reduce energy costs, European countries will need to bring as much energy as possible into the market in the foreseeable future. This means that European countries will need to ensure enough energy imports, while accelerating (ideally the domestic production of) low-carbon solutions.
Linked to this element, the other major challenge for EIIs is represented by the need to adjust their production routes and processes in order to comply with and contribute to EU and national climate objectives. In order to decarbonise the sector, stakeholders can pursue different technological solutions, namely electrification, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS), depending on political preferences and technological opportunities. Italy and Germany could cooperate in designing the regulatory and financial framework to develop these solutions at the European and national levels.[7] National best practices and lessons learnt could be mutually shared and replicated. At the same time, companies' transformation is hindered not only by higher capital expenditure (CAPEX) in order to invest in cleaner technological solutions, but also, for many technologies, higher operational expenditure (OPEX) compared the existing fossil fuels-based production routes.[8] This dual challenge urges governments to find schemes to address it also through the use of EU ETS revenues. Additionally, Italy and Germany could enhance cooperation in the construction and expansion of energy interconnections to integrate solar generation in the Mediterranean and wind generation in the North Sea.[9]The case of green steel
Among EIIs, the steel industry is one of the most crucial and promising areas for cooperation between Italy and Germany. Steel, which is an ever-present element of our modern life, accounts for 7 per cent of world's greenhouse gas emissions.[10] The two countries are some of the largest steel producers in Europe and in the world. In 2022, Germany produced 36.8 million tonnes (Mt) of crude steel, being the world's seventh-largest producer and corresponding to 27 per cent of EU crude steel production.[11] Italy produced 21.6 Mt being the world's eleventh largest producer and accounting for 16 per cent of the EU's steel production in the same year.[12] The sector accounts for around 4.5 per cent of Italy's GHG emissions and for 7 per cent of Germany's total emissions.
However, the two countries differ significantly regarding the production routes: Germany relies mainly on primary steelmaking (almost 70 per cent of national crude steel production in 2022), while Italy on secondary steelmaking (84 per cent of national steel production).[13] These two different production routes entail different technological solutions, energy requirements and hence emissions.
Primary steelmaking uses blast furnaces, which are fuelled by coal or coke, and basic oxygen furnaces (BF-BOF) to turn iron ore into steel, while secondary steelmaking uses electric arc furnaces (EAF) to produce steel, thanks to steel scrap. Based on this difference, Italy's steel sector has a below-average carbon intensity (the lowest among the G7 countries), and in general, is in a good starting position for implementing decarbonisation strategies. Italian companies can share expertise and know-how on lower carbon-intense steel production. Although Italy's steel production relies more on electricity, the country will need to speed up renewable installation to further decarbonise its power and steel sectors, reduce its overdependence on natural gas and provide clean electricity at competitive costs. To accelerate renewable deployment, Italy (as well as Germany) will need to continue to accelerate authorisation procedures for projects and investment as already envisaged by the REPowerEU.
For steel decarbonisation, hydrogen is a promising area for both countries. For Germany, hydrogen could be used in direct iron reduction (DRI) plants in order to replace the current fleets of BF-BOF plants. For Italy, hydrogen would be instrumental in decarbonising its downstream sector where electrification is much more difficult. As of today, a major obstacle to the development and use of (green) hydrogen in the steel sector is economic as its cost is higher than conventional sources. Therefore, the two countries should continue to work on establishing the right incentives for the development of hydrogen and production of 'green' steel. In this sense, Germany announced the use of carbon contracts for difference (CCfDs)[14] that are expected to facilitate investment in low-carbon technologies. Italy should develop a similar measure for its industry.
Although the two countries are working to ramp up renewable generation aimed also at producing green hydrogen domestically, they will need to rely on imports. In this area, the joint commitment to the SoutH2 Corridor project is particularly relevant, which will transport cheap hydrogen from North Africa to Germany via Italy and Austria. They will need to collaborate on regulatory and market frameworks along the infrastructural developments.[15] Moreover, the two countries could enhance cooperation on another technological solution to reduce emissions from the steel industry: CCS. Despite some technological and economic challenges, Italy and Germany are increasingly looking into this solution to preserve their industrial capacity. They will need to collaborate to facilitate a regulatory framework at the European level and invest in joint projects to ramp up the development of CCS.
The two countries could also collaborate on further research and development for green steel production given their large producer status by working on joint research projects and existing network of companies and academia.[16] This network would also be crucial to help reskill the workforce in the industry in line with technological and production developments. While great attention has been devoted to the supply side, it is equally crucial for the two countries to cooperate in encouraging the demand for clean products. To pull demand upward, governments could revise and promote the use of public procurement requirements. Moreover, the two countries could work – both bilaterally and at the European level – towards promoting green lead market[17] by setting standards and regulations. Only through incentives on both the supply and demand side, the two countries' steel sector could remain competitive vis-à-vis their international competitor and lead the transformation of the sector.Looking ahead
Today, European countries and industries are facing multiple challenges, spanning from the energy and climate crisis to a loss of industrial competitiveness and growing geopolitical and industrial competition from international players. To overcome these challenges countries like Italy and Germany need to find common solutions to adapt their existing industries to the new international and climate scenario. Without a common strategy and convergence in terms of policy, regulations, infrastructure and investments, European industries may lose ground vis-à-vis external competitors. The relevance of the industrial sector both in Italy and Germany provides a unique opportunity for further bilateral cooperation that could shape the important decision of the upcoming Commission.
The steel sector represents a perfect case study as it will imply great coordination in a variety of domains, such as technological solutions, standards, infrastructure and regulatory aspects. As the European integration process started with the steel industry and the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community in the aftermath of World War II, the steel industry can prove once again its crucial role in bringing together European countries amid the multiple transformations and challenges at the global level.Pier Paolo Raimondi is a Researcher in the Energy, Climate and Resources Programme at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and PhD Candidate at the Catholic University of Milan.
This commentary presents some of the key issues discussed during two workshops organised by IAI, which brought together industrial and steel sector representatives from both Germany and Italy. The events are part of a broader IAI project, "An Italian-German Dialogue on Energy Security and Transition amid Russia's War on Ukraine", supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.[1] EIIs covers iron & steel, non-ferrous metals, chemicals, non-metallic minerals, paper & pulp.[2] Statista, Distribution of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions in the European Union (EU-27) in 2022, by Sector, April 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1240108.[3] World Bank Data, Employment in Industry (% of total employment) – European Union, 7 February 2024, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.IND.EMPL.ZS?locations=EU.[4] Giovanni Sgaravatti et al., "National Fiscal Policy Responses to the Energy Crisis", in Bruegel Datasets, 26 June 2023, https://www.bruegel.org/node/7844.[5] Akos Losz and Anne-Sophie Corbeau, "Anatomy of the European Industrial Gas Demand Drop", in SIPA CGEP Commentaries, 18 March 2024, https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/?p=19758; Patricia Nilsson and Sam Jones, "German Emissions Fall by a Fifth amid Stagnant Industrial Output", in Financial Times, 4 January 2024, https://www.ft.com/content/c9aa5a8e-cd6d-4583-b0af-131c8c448913.[6] Max Münchmeyer and Pier Paolo Raimondi, "Between Security and Transition: Prospects for German-Italian Energy Cooperation", in IAI Commentaries, No. 23|66 (December 2023), p. 2, https://www.iai.it/en/node/17912.[7] Pier Paolo Raimondi and Max Münchmeyer, "From Interconnection to Integration: German-Italian Energy Relations and the SoutH2 Corridor", in IAI Commentaries, No. 24|03 (January 2024), p. 5, https://www.iai.it/en/node/17992.[8] Sander de Bruyn et al., "Energy-intensive Industries. Challenges and Opportunities in Energy Transition", in European Parliament Studies, July 2020, p. 50, https://doi.org/10.2861/427814.[9] Max Münchmeyer and Pier Paolo Raimondi, "Between Security and Transition", cit., p. 4.[10] Holger Stamm and Nils Naujok, "Why Steel Can Be an Unexpected Leader in Decarbonization", in World Economic Forum Agenda, 29 August 2023, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/08/why-steel-can-be-an-unexpected-leader-in-decarbonization.[11] Eurofer, European Steel in Figures 2023, May 2023, p. 13, https://www.eurofer.eu/publications/brochures-booklets-and-factsheets/european-steel-in-figures-2023; and World Steel Association, World Steel in Figures 2023, November 2023, https://worldsteel.org/?p=47823.[12] Ibid.[13] World Steel Association, World Steel in Figures 2023, cit.[14] CCfDs are contracts for difference "on the CO2 price between the operator of an innovative project and the government, linked dynamically to the actually achieved emissions reductions. As a result, when the CO2 market price is below the strike price, the CCfD pays out the difference to the CO2 market price to the project, whereas in case of high CO2 market prices, the project owner needs to pay back the difference to the agreed-upon price to the government. As a result of the CCfD, the project is incentivised by a constant CO2 price at the contract price level." See Oliver Lösch et al., "Carbon Contracts for Difference as Essential Instrument to Decarbonize Basic Materials Industries", in ECEEE Summer Study Proceedings, 6-11 June 2022, p. 1399-1408 at p. 1400, https://doi.org/10.24406/publica-596.[15] Pier Paolo Raimondi and Max Münchmeyer, "From Interconnection to Integration", cit.[16] Alessio Sangiorgio, "Civil Society and the Energy Transition: Fostering Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in Germany and Italy", in IAI Commentaries, No. 24|20 (May 2024), https://www.iai.it/en/node/18443.[17] Lead markets generally denote a geographically distinct submarket that pioneers the successful adoption of an innovative design and/or product. In green lead markets, this innovation refers to products being more sustainable and low-carbon. See Bellona, Lead Markets 101, 20 January 2023, https://bellona.org/?p=33496.

Um den globalen Temperaturanstieg auf deutlich unter zwei Grad Celsius zu begrenzen, haben sich viele Länder zu Dekarbonisierung verpflichtet. Dies hat erhebliche Konsequenzen für alle Sektoren, insbesondere aber für den Energiesektor, der für mindestens ein Drittel aller globalen Treibhausgasemissionen verantwortlich ist. Die vorliegende Dissertation befasst sich mit Fragen zu dieser kohlenstoffarmen Transformation, wobei ein besonderer Schwerpunkt auf dem Energiesektor liegt. Ausgehend von einer globalen Perspektive werden ethisch vertretbare Ansätze zur Verteilung eines verbleibenden globalen Kohlenstoffbudgets bewertet. Unter Beibehaltung einer globalen Sichtweise, aber mit Fokus auf die Stromerzeugung, wird ein Modell des interhemisphärischen Stromhandels vorgestellt, das die potenzielle Zahlungsbereitschaft für ein Verbundnetz der Photovoltaik (PV) Stromerzeugung skizziert und ein hohes Potenzial für eine PV-dominierte Stromversorgung bei entsprechender Vernetzung feststellt. Da ein solcher Übergang zu einem riesigen Bestand an "stranded assets" in Form von nicht verbrennbarem Kohlenstoff führen könnte, wird mit Hilfe eines ökonometrischen Ansatzes nach Belegen dafür gesucht, ob und wie dieses Risiko auf den Aktienmärkten anerkannt wird. Unter Verwendung eines Ereignisstudienansatzes werden alternative und konventionelle Energieunternehmen verglichen, um festzustellen, ob Investitionen aufgrund der Klimapolitik oder aufgrund von Nachrichten von der einen zur anderen Seite wandern. Um die Kosten und Nutzen einer solchen Umstellung besser einschätzen zu können, wird abschließend eine Bewertung der Möglichkeit zukünftiger, durch Waldbrände verursachter Stromausfälle vorgenommen, die einen wahrscheinlichen Zusatznutzen von Klimaschutzmaßnahmen in Bezug auf die Vermeidung makroökonomischer Auswirkungen großflächiger Stromausfälle aufzeigt. Diese Dissertation leistet einen Beitrag zur wissenschaftlichen Literatur und liefert politisch relevante Ergebnisse. ; To limit global temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius, countries have committed to deep decarbonization. Doing so requires a global transformation to a low carbon society, and will have major consequences for all sectors, but particularly the energy sector, which is the origin point of at least one third of all global greenhouse gas emissions. This cumulative dissertation addresses issues pertaining to this radical low-carbon transformation, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Beginning with a global perspective, ethically-sound approaches to distributing a remaining global carbon budget are assessed. Maintaining a global view, but with a focus on electricity generation, a model of inter-hemispheric electricity trade is introduced, which outlines the potential willingness to pay for an interconnected grid of photovoltaics (PV) electricity generation, finding there exists high potential for a PV-dominated electricity supply, given adequate interconnection. As such a transition to renewables-based energy generation will lead to a huge stock of stranded assets in the form of unburnable carbon, an econometric approach is used to search for evidence of this risk being acknowledged in equity markets. Using an event study and modeling abnormal stock returns, alternative and conventional energy firms are compared to determine if investment is migrating from one to the other due to climate policy or news. Finally, to better gauge the costs and benefits of such a transition, an assessment of the possibility of future wildfire-driven blackouts highlights yet another likely co-benefit of mitigation in terms of avoiding macroeconomic impacts of large-scale electricity loss. As a whole, this dissertation makes contributions to both scientific literature, in the form of novel theoretical models of trade, robustness of econometric results, and quantification of an emerging risk, as well as produces potentially policy-relevant results. ; Keith Williges ; Zusammenfassungen auf Deutsch und Englisch ; Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Dissertation, 2021 ; (VLID)6134339

Last few years' governments are tightening the carbon emission regulations. Moreover, the availability of different financial assistances is available to cut the market share of the fossil fuel vehicles. Conversely, to fill up the gap of the required demand, higher penetration of electrical vehicles is foreseen. The future battery manufacturers strive to meet the ever growing requirement of consumer's demand using the battery as a primary power source of these cars. So naturally, the growing popularity of battery electric and hybrid vehicles have catapulted the car industry in the recent years. The products include for instance: hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery and fuel-cell-battery electric vehicles (EV) and so forth. Undeniably, the battery is one of the most significant parts in all of those. Furthermore, stationary storage is another aspect of an emerging field. It represents next generation smart grids, for instance, photovoltaic (PV) with battery users. Additionally, the stakeholders in the energy sector are anticipating higher market share of the battery system as different battery powered system is penetrating into the consumer market. Currently, there is a revolution going on the power-system domain. The dumb grids are turning into a smart grid that contains computer intelligence and networking abilities to accommodate dispersed renewable generations (e.g. solar, wind power, geothermal, wave energy and so forth). The battery takes a primary role both as stationary and transportable source of energy in these cases. The phenomenon demonstrates economic and environmental benefits. It changes the fundamental structure of the paradigm of the status quo of the energy system with battery. So battery driven applications have been taken onto the centre stage in the current world. However, while the expanding battery market is alluring, the performance, safety, and security of the EV more specifically battery related thermal management – particularly is a barrier to mass deployment. This represents a non-trivial challenge for the battery suppliers, EV manufacturers, and smart grid developers. The industry is under intense pressure to enhance the performance of the battery. The industry is seeking for a suitable indicator to select the optimum battery showing the accurate efficiency level. It helps to bring products with an optimum efficiency. Furthermore, it assists them to produce tailored product with appropriate efficiency to meet the consumer demand. Moreover, the battery system users can benefit from the better pricing of the system that can provide the desired amount of efficiency. So there may be successful battery product with a higher level of adoption.Ultimately, it helps industrial battery users for example automakers to achieve a higher level of profitability.

Problems which humanity encountered with due to the unethical scientific and technological progress, irrational energy consumption, merciless resource pumping and inefficient management were at the level of passive debates for quite a long time. However, the destruction of the Earth's ecosystem and noticeable modification of its climate background require radical changes in the political, economic and cultural courses, humanity transition to the usage of sustainable energy resources and environmentalisation of the individual consciousness.On April 22nd 2016 was signed the Paris Agreement within United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which deals with the decrease of level of greenhouse gases emissions into the atmosphere starting in 2020. The meeting was intended to demonstrate that although the amount of energy and financial expenditures of the states today is high, but it cannot be compared to those the governments will face in the case of irreversible climate change and necessity of adaptation. The imposition of these issues at the level of interstate discussions, global concerns about the planet ecology, individual initiative and voluntary steps in order to save life on the planet, without a doubt, deserve respect and must be supported. Nevertheless, at the present stage, for the effective implementation of announced decisions strict accountability and sanctions for evading the stated arrangement should be provided.In addition, actions of the states at the global level need to be supplemented by human individual contribution to the process of environment preservation. Among the effective methods for achieving environmentalisation of the mass consciousness there are social advertising, transformation of eco-consumerism in the fashion trend, and cinematography (an advantage of the one in comparison to the cumbrous scientific researches is that its products are understandable for the mass consumers). In terms of environmentalisation of human consciousness the encouraging of young people to create innovative projects in waste recycling sphere is quite promising. Actually, there are many examples that recycling can be not just useful but interesting as well: bins that "thanking" to the passersby for the rubbish (theUnited Arab Emirates) and broadcast the latest news and weather forecasts (theUK), containers in the form of bottles and newspapers (Singapore), machines that feed stray animals (Turkey) etc. Thus, installation of the smart garbage recycling systems in public places and educational institutions will help to form individual sense of responsibility for the environment and other living species on the planet, encourage thoughtful consumption and recycling, and eliminate the policy of mindless consumerism.Among the countries that have already achieved noticeable results in the economy transition to the sustainable energy consumption there are China, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, particularly, the Utrecht city, and the Canary island El Hierro. Even though these implementations of effective energy saving technologies in everyday life of ordinary people are local and territorially limited, it appears that with the increase in the number of citizens who are aware of the benefits of eco-friendly energy consumption, stronger will be their demands to rethink public policy in this area.Meanwhile, it is important to promote among masses the principles of green consumerism that base on the consumption of organic products, energy production from the renewable resources, environmentally friendly activities etc. This type of food and energy production also has potential to stabilize the world market: the price will not vary depending on the richness of fossil fuels deposits or their availability as such. Thus, if the consumers are supplied with energy from the sustainable resources, it will decrease the final product price and allow redirecting of saved funds to the other areas. Furthermore, expanding the boundaries of human knowledge, technological development, moral and physical perfection of the person, cleansing and supporting of ecosystems, production of high-quality organic products instead of distribution of cheap counterfeits, improving of the healthcare industry are able to ensure the formation of the modern ethics of responsibility and humanity transition to the next stage of its development. Finally, attention should be paid to the designing projects of future ecopolis – city, which produces and consumes energy in the most effective and harmless to humans and the environment ways. ; В статье проанализированы проблемы перехода общества к использованию устойчивых источников энергии, внедрения экоэффективных технологий в быт рядовых индивидов и связанные с этим процессы инвайронментализации сознания человека. Исследовано перспективы трансформации потребительского мировоззрения масс в направлении к зеленому консюмеризму. ; У статті проаналізовано проблеми переходу суспільства до використання сталих джерел енергії, впровадження екоефективних технологій у побут пересічних індивідів та пов'язані із цим процеси інвайронменталізації свідомості людини. Досліджено перспективи трансформації споживацького світогляду мас у напрямку до зеленого консюмеризму.

Ressourcennutzungssysteme auf Basis fossiler und nuklearer Quellen tragen zu einer Destabilisierung natürlicher Kreisläufe bei, was sich besonders am Klimawandel bemerkbar macht. Überproportional hohe Konzentrationsänderungen von Emissionen in Menge und Zeit überlasten die natürliche Tragfähigkeit.Um künftigen Generationen nachhaltig Ressourcen bereitstellen zu können, muss sich die Gesellschaft an natürliche Grenzen anpassen, die von der solaren Einstrahlung und der Integrität ökologischer Systeme abhängig sind. Dies erfordert angemessene Ansätze um die Planung nachhaltiger Ressourcennutzungssysteme zu unterstützen. Diese Dissertation trägt zum Diskurs mit einer integrierten Ressourcen- und Technologieplanung und -optimierung in städtischen, ländlichen und gemischten Gebieten bei, und basiert auf einer Queranalyse von 6 Beiträgen.Die Anwendung der Methoden Prozess Netzwerk Synthese (PNS) und Sustainable Process Index (SPI) wurde in verschiedenen Fallstudien im Zusammenhang mit den Herausforderungen der Nutzung erneuerbarer Ressourcen diskutiert. PNS und SPI basieren auf strukturierten Prozessen, die eine Anwendung beider Methoden in Abfolge oder als Einzelanwendung ermöglichen.Die Organisation eines optimalen Ressourcennutzungssystems braucht eine Differenzierung zwischen verschiedenen Planungsaspekten. Auf der Basis von Ressourcen- und Technologieoptimierung wurde ein Vergleich von ländlichen und städtischen Gebieten durchgeführt. Die Herausforderungen, die damit verbunden sind, sind vielfältig, aber es besteht ein inhärentes Synergiepotenzial. Spezifische Merkmale für jede Anwendung wurden durch eine Analyse von Fallstudien identifiziert.Die Nutzung von erneuerbaren Ressourcen ist stark kontextabhängig. Die Dissertation trägt zu einem besseren Verständnis der Eigenschaften von erneuerbaren Energien bei und übersetzt diese in Know-how in Form von Leitlinien für die systematische Planung von integrierten ländlichen und städtischen Ressourcennutzungssystemen. ; Resource utilisation systems based on fossil and nuclear sources contribute to a destabilisation of natural cycles which is prominently evident in the debate about climate change. Disproportionate concentration changes of emissions in amount and time overstress the natural carrying capacity. Consequently, for a resilient material and energy use for future generations, society must adapt to natural boundaries dependent on solar income and the integrity of ecological systems. Such an adaption requires adequate planning approaches to support the organisation of sustainable resource utilisation systems. This thesis contributes to the discourse with an integrated resource and technology planning and optimisation in rural and urban areas based on a cross-analysis of six publications. The application of the methods Process Network Synthesis (PNS) and Sustainable Process Index (SPI) was discussed in various case studies together with challenges of renewable resource use. PNS and SPI are based on structured processes, which enabled an application of both methods in sequence or the use of each as a single application.The organisation of an optimal resource utilisation system needs a differentiation between various planning aspects. On the basis of resource and technology optimisation a comparison of rural and urban areas was made. The challenges associated with these areas are diverse but there is an inherent potential for synergy. Specific characteristics for each application were identified by an analysis of case studies. The thesis cross-analyses case studies from urban, rural and mixed spatial contexts. One of the major findings from this cross-analysis is that the utilisation of renewable resources is strongly context-dependent. The thesis contributes to a better understanding of the characteristics of renewables and translates that into know-how in the form of guidelines to support the systematic planning of integrated rural and urban resource utilisation systems. ; by Mag. Stephan Maier ; Abweichender Titel laut Übersetzung des Verfassers/der Verfasserin ; Zusammenfassungen in Deutsch und Englisch ; Kumulative Dissertation aus sechs Artikeln ; Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Dissertation, 2017 ; OeBB ; (VLID)2384177

The shipping industry, responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, urgently needs decarbonization to combat climate change. Traditional approaches to reducing emissions have yet to achieve significant, sustainable results. Maritime businesses and naval engineers need innovative solutions to meet ambitious emissions reduction targets and regulatory requirements. State-of-the-Art Digital Twin Applications for Shipping Sector Decarbonization offers a groundbreaking solution to the challenges of shipping decarbonization. By focusing on integrating digital twin technologies, this book presents a new paradigm for enhancing operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and meeting regulatory compliance. Through digital twins, maritime businesses can gain valuable insights into their operations, optimize energy consumption, and develop sustainable practices. State-of-the-Art Digital Twin Applications for Shipping Sector Decarbonization provides a state-of-the-art review of digital twin technologies and their applications in the shipping industry. The book covers various topics, from conceptual frameworks to practical implementations, including digital twin model representation, management, and applications in ship operations and design. It also explores the use of digital twins in the development of renewable technologies and installation onboard ships. By offering insights from EU-funded research and real-world case studies, this book is invaluable for researchers, naval engineers, and maritime professionals seeking to drive sustainability and innovation in the shipping industry.

Coal Information provides a comprehensive review of historical and current market trends in the world coal sector. This reference document brings together essential statistics on coal. It therefore provides a strong foundation for policy and market analysis, which in turn can better inform the policy decision process toward selecting policy instruments best suited to meet domestic and international objectives.An Introduction, notes, definitions and auxiliary information are provided in Part I. Part II of the publication provides a review of the world coal market in 2009, while Part III provides a statistical overview of developments, which covers world coal production and coal reserves, coal demand by type (hard, steam, coking), hard coal trade and hard coal prices. Part IV provides, in tabular and graphic form, a more detailed and comprehensive statistical picture of historical and current coal developments in OECD member countries, by region and individually. Part V provides for selected non-OECD countries summary statistics on hard coal supply and end-use statistics for about 40 countries and regions worldwide. Complete coal balances and coal trade data for selected years are presented on 16 major non-OECD coal-producing and -consuming countries.Coal Information is one of a series of annual IEA statistical publications on major energy sources, other reports are Electricity Information, Natural Gas Information, Oil Informationand Renewables Information.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine contributions to sustained situational assessment over an extended period in the context of electricity transmission control. Background The electricity industry is engaged in a period of unprecedented change in the transition to renewable sources of energy. Changes in the nature and function of electricity transmission risks a reduction in situational assessment as network controllers place increased reliance on advanced technology to identify and diagnose changes in the system state. Method Transmission network controllers from three organisations completed an assessment of their situational assessment on two occasions, one year apart. Results Multiple regression revealed a statistically significant model in which the variance in Year 2 was predicted by a combination of performance in Year 1, the recency of formal training, and the extent to which controllers perceived their job as exciting. No relationship was evident for years of experience as a network controller. Conclusion The results suggest that a combination of recent formal training and perceptions of job excitement may have implications in maintaining the capacity for situational assessment over an extended period in the context of electricity network control. Application The outcomes of the present study suggest that changes in situational assessment can be monitored and that strategies, including formal training and job design, may sustain situational assessment over an extended period in advanced technology settings.

Alberta's electricity system is in transition. From a system dominated by coal generation less than a decade ago, Alberta's electricity is now largely supplied by natural gas generation with an increasing share of variable wind and solar energy. Falling clean technology costs, federal clean electricity regulations and a rising carbon price will further shift Alberta's supply mix away from unabated fossil fuels into one more reliant on a mix of renewables and new technologies, such as carbon-captured natural gas, small modular nuclear reactors and hydrogen generation.
In this report, we consider future market designs fit for purpose for this changing electricity mix. We assess market design options based on the criteria of reliability, affordability, investor confidence and complexity. At the heart of the matter is the question of which approach is best able to deliver reliable and low emission supply at low cost to Alberta consumers.
Importantly, we consider market designs suitable for the changing nature of 21st century grids with more variability on the supply side and more flexibility on the demand side. If the grid of the past involved forecasting demand and dispatching supply, increasingly grids of the future will flip this upside down by forecasting supply and dispatching demand. Alberta's market design needs to both reflect and enable this new reality.

Among major international research and practice issues, the issue of the circular economy has emerged recently as "an alternative economic paradigm" to address the current needs of the present and to search for innovative solutions for the future. The objective of this paper is to explore the initiatives and practices of the circular economy that could be actuated by tourism firms with the aim of understanding the value that could be created and its contribution to sustainable development based on decarbonization, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable sources. To achieve this objective, an in-depth, qualitative case study of a tourism resort is presented and analyzed to identify the key CE practices activated, with the aim of creating greater value and contributing to sustainable production and consumption. The results show that the main CE practices implemented focus primarily on enhancing resource efficiency, reducing emissions, and minimizing environmental impacts. This research also emphasizes the benefits that the CE provides in terms of economic, environmental, and social efficiency. The study enriches the relevance of CE and the sustainability approach for the tourism sector by highlighting the main value opportunities that tourism firms could grasp from the application of CE. Also, the paper contributes to providing practical suggestions regarding possible initiatives and practices that tourism managers could adopt for deploying CE practices.

Based in the current growth rate of metropolitan areas, providing infrastructures and services to allow the safe, quick and sustainable mobility of people and goods, is increasingly challenging. The European Union has been promoting diverse initiatives towards sustainable transport development and environment protection by setting targets for changes in the sector, as those proposed in the 2011 White Paper on transport. Under this context, this study aims at evaluating the environmental performance of the transport sector in the 28 European Union countries, from 2015 to 2017, towards the policy agenda established in strategic documents. The assessment of the transport environmental performance was made through the aggregation of seven sub-indicators into a composite indicator using a Data Envelopment Analysis approach. The model used to determine the weights to aggregate the sub-indicators is based on a variant of the Bene t of the Doubt model with virtual proportional weights restrictions. The results indicate that, overall, the European Union countries had almost no variation on its transport environmental performance during the time span under analysis. The ine cient countries can improve the transport sustainability mainly by drastically reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels combustion, increasing the share of freight transport that uses rail and waterways and also the share of transport energy from renewable sources. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the preservation, protection and sustainable use of natural resources. Water resources, being one of the most important natural resources, face major threats due to contamination by pollutants of various types and origins. Maintaining the quality of water resources requires more robust, reliable and more frequent monitoring than traditional techniques of data collection based on sporadic, discontinuous and manual processes. The management of large geographical areas, the insufficient spatiotemporal discretization of the values of samples collected by traditional processes and the unpredictability of natural phenomena, require a new approach to data collection procedures. This article, which is the result of ongoing research, defines the technical requirements and technologies used in a continuous and regular monitoring of surface water quality in freshwater systems, whose data acquisition system helps to identify the sources of pollution and the contaminants flow along the waterways. The design of a versatile real-time water quality monitoring system, which, due to its environmental constraints should be based on renewable energies and wireless transfer of energy, will contribute to improve the management and effective protection of water resources. ; This work was supported by Centro2020, Portugal 2020 and European Union (EU) under the grants, CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-024052E – Libélula: Mobile robotic surface water quality monitoring system. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion