| 1. |
- Broberg, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Information policies and biased cost perceptions : The case of Swedish residential energy consumption
- 2021
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 149
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Households typically receive utility bills where all electricity use during a fixed period is lumped together. The lack of direct feedback in the form of marginal costs of using specific electric appliances potentially leads to mistakes in households' decision-making because of biased cost perceptions. In this paper, we test the commonly held notion that lack of relevant energy-related knowledge results in cost underestimation of using electric appliances that may lead to over-consumption of energy. Contrary to this notion, our results show that less knowledgeable energy consumers tend to have higher cost perceptions than others. This finding implies that less knowledgeable energy consumers may consume too little of energy. We also find that a substantial share of the sampled households, in particular less knowledgeable energy consumers, are less willing to receive relevant cost-free information about their energy use and costs. This finding suggests that poor energy-related knowledge may not only be a matter of high information search and processing costs, but also a matter of consumers’ limited attention capacity.
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| 2. |
- Bögel, Paula M., et al.
(författare)
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What is needed for citizen-centered urban energy transitions : Insights on attitudes towards decentralized energy storage
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 149
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper aims to fill a research gap in the area of consumer-citizen attitudes to business models for decentralized energy storage, at the level of households and buildings. The study focuses on the interaction of such attitudes and their underlying motivation factors with socio-cultural, contextual factors. Self-determination theory (SDT) is used as a theoretical framework, to connect interpersonal and contextual factors, addressing the question of how contexts influence the motivation to support energy storage. Drawing on SDT, this study examines the role of autarky (independence from the energy system), autonomy (control over energy management) and relatedness (degree of sharing required) in this regard, embedded and interpreted in the socio-cultural local context of two demonstration sites in Sweden and Portugal. A mixed method approach is used. Quantitative survey data provides information on local social and cultural dimensions, followed by stakeholder consultation workshops that elicit participants’ views on different models of decentralized energy storage. The findings raise questions of how to improve autarky and autonomy for prosumers, while keeping the need for time investment low and provide flexibility regarding the required degree of interaction between prosumers. Implications for business models and policy support for citizen-centered sustainable urban energy systems are derived.
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| 3. |
- Coria, Jessica, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Ownership structure and prices: A case study of the Swedish tradable green certificate market
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 183
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper studies the ownership structure among participants in the Swedish tradable green certificate (TGC) system and its implications for TGC prices. First, we investigate cross-ownership - a situation when a firm is active on both the demand and supply sides of the TGC market - by linking suppliers and obliged parties to their parent firms. Next, we calculate indexes of market concentration that account for cross-ownership. Finally, we use detailed TGC transaction-level data to analyze differences in the prices of the TGCs traded by cross-ownership versus non-cross-ownership firms. Our results show considerable cross-ownership, with many firms active on both TGC supply and demand sides. However, even after accounting for cross-ownership, the market concen-tration of the entire TGC market is low and has decreased over time. Despite the absence of market concen-tration, our analysis of TGC prices indicates that cross-ownership firms have the ability to differentiate TGC prices from non-cross-ownership firms. Such behavior is consistent with the behavioral assumption that the ultimate owner's objective is to maximize the total profit of the portfolio of shares, and that, therefore, the pricing behavior would differ from that of a perfectly competitive firm without ownership links to other firms in the industry.
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| 4. |
- Danielsson, Erna, 1954-, et al.
(författare)
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Strategic planning for power shortages
- 2020
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - Kidlington, Oxford, UK : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 137
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Electricity is critical to almost all other critical infrastructure. Disturbance in the power supply would likely have devastating effects on all areas in society. Assurance of electricity to vital societal functions requires policies to manage power shortages. Such policies exist in only a handful of countries. This study focuses on one of those countries. In Sweden, the policy for power shortages, Styrel, includes all levels of society, all responsible institutions, and expert organisations. The policy is governed from the top down. We are primarily interested in how Styrel affects municipalities in their planning processes and supports decision making at the local level. The study is an interview study with key informants at the municipal level. The results show that the policy is supportive under certain conditions, depending on how the actors carried out previous processes. Lack of knowledge and support, and time pressure, characterise the process, although participants also have a sufficiently positive attitude to allow a more relaxed method of handling the process. The study provides insights on challenges that municipalities must manage in their work with policies for critical infrastructure protection.
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| 5. |
- Dehkordi, Rashid, et al.
(författare)
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Business model design for Electric Commercial Vehicles (ECVs) : An ecosystemic perspective
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - London : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 186, s. 1-17
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Transport electrification has been identified as a key factor in reducing CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, integrating electric commercial vehicles (ECVs) in commercial fleets is far below its potential due to many related challenges. Such challenges can be interpreted as opportunities for new business models (BMs). This study aims to explore how freight transport companies who are considering electrifying their fleets can adopt an ecosystemic approach when designing novel BMs. It applies a holistic framework to the ECV ecosystem to identify a wide range of BM solutions that can potentially contribute to designing novel BMs. This paper employs a qualitative empirical case study supported by 26 semi-structured interviews with freight transportation experts in Finland and Sweden. It proposes several BM solutions using two sets of BM design themes and elements. Further, it highlights the complex interplay between design themes by investigating their different combinations. This study also suggests that policymakers should consider the ecosystemic perspective to better understand complex interdependencies between actors in the ECV ecosystem to help them identify barriers, opportunities, and collaborative approaches to facilitate ECV integration. © 2024 The Authors
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| 6. |
- Dimitriou, Ioannis, et al.
(författare)
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From preferences to concerted policy on mandated share for renewable energy in transport
- 2021
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 155
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Environmental, energy, transport and agriculture policies are intersecting when deciding on renewable energy in transport (RES-T) implementation strategies. The uncertainty related to the advanced biofuels, limitations and underperformance of readily available technologies for decarbonization of transport sector challenges RES-T policy making. This paper employs partitioning as a choice architecture tool to create a concerted RES-T policy. The approach collects the preferred attributes of an alternative fuel rather than the preferred fuel by guiding stakeholders through RES-T policy, ensuring that all aspects of concerted policy are covered. Fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (fAHP) has been superimposed on the partitioning related to the biofuels to mathematically weight the alternatives. fAHP ranks the weighted preferences on biofuels to build a consensus among stakeholder groups, later translated to the actual RES-T mix, quantities and investments needed to meet the mandated share. Applied on Croatia, the preferences of three stakeholder groups were weighted and ranked; whereas some discrepancies were identified, the consensus outlined the national transport decarbonization policy with related investments. When the consensual RES-T mix contrasted with the least-cost alternative, the investment needed was reduced to a quarter. The collaborative management process proved to be a time-effective participatory approach for a silo-based policy structure.
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| 7. |
- Faber, Hugo, 1989-
(författare)
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How does falling incumbent profitability affect energy policy discourse? : The discursive construction of nuclear phaseouts and insufficient capacity as a threat in Sweden
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 174
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- What happens to energy policy discourse when falling profitability makes it difficult to frame incumbent technologies as necessary for providing affordable energy? And how does this affect energy policy? This article investigates how Swedish energy policy discourse responded to a profitability crisis that struck its incumbent nuclear regime in 2016, and how a political decision to support nuclear power was legitimized. It uses Carol Bacchi’s Foucault-inspired policy analysis to analyse 13 interviews and 31 policy documents, and shows how the crisis was met with the framing of nuclear power as a “plannable” energy source (in contrast with intermittent renewables) that was necessary for ensuring capacity adequacy, and with the construction of an ultimatum: to remove a tax on nuclear power or to see nuclear power phased out so abruptly that the power system would be jeopardized. It explores the discursive and institutional conditions that enabled this framing, argues that similar discourses are likely to be constructed in other contexts where capacity adequacy is a more pressing impediment to energy transitions than in Sweden, and points out that energy research risks reproducing dominant discourses by overstating the merits of incumbent baseload technologies.
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| 8. |
- Fernqvist, Niklas, 1973, et al.
(författare)
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District heating as a flexibility service: Challenges in sector coupling for increased solar and wind power production in Sweden
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 172
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- With expanding solar and wind power production, the topic of flexibility services attracts increased attention in the Swedish energy system. In this context, the potentials in using thermal storage capacities in district heating (DH) systems have been brought forward, primarily by academic scholars. Using a ‘grounded’ approach, this study investigates if professionals assigned to Swedish DH companies and electricity distribution system operators utilise, or plan to utilise, DH systems as flexibility services for the electricity grid. Original data was collected through semi-structured interviews, held with fourteen individuals affiliated to different actors in the Swedish energy system. These individuals were identified as being experts, or practically engaged, in using DH utilities as flexibility services for the electricity grid. The findings show that although technologies for coupling between DH systems and the electricity grid are already in place, initiatives for using DH systems as flexibility services for the electricity system are rare in Sweden. Coupling challenges stem from ownership and operation legislation frameworks, marginal incentives and a widespread focus on firm benefits rather than energy systems benefits. Identified initiatives for using DH systems for flexibility services are primarily run on a local scale, designed and propelled by small groups of engaged individuals.
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| 9. |
- Ganhammar, Kajsa
(författare)
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The effect of regulatory uncertainty in green certificate markets: Evidence from the Swedish-Norwegian market
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-6777 .- 0301-4215. ; 158
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- European Commission favours market-based support policies, such as markets for tradable green certificates, to promote renewable energy. Meanwhile, these instruments have received critique for exposing investors to large price risk as the level of support is determined by the market price of certificates. Using a two-step procedure, this study builds upon the work of Fagiani and Hakvoort (2014) by firstly examining how regulatory interventions in the Swedish-Norwegian certificate market affect price volatility, focusing particularly on the period after Norway joined in 2012. The results show that interventions in the market exacerbate price risk by resulting in regimes of increased volatility. They indicate that, contrary to policymakers expectation, prices did not stabilise after the market integration with Norway. Employing a real options approach, the study further proceeds to demonstrate that price risk increases the threshold for immediate development of Swedish wind power projects; a one standard deviation increase in certificate price volatility is estimated to reduce the probability of project development by 12%. These findings illustrate that regulatory uncertainty in terms of high price volatility disrupts the investment climate in certificate markets, ultimately affecting cost-effectiveness of such policy.
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| 10. |
- García Ochoa, Rigoberto, et al.
(författare)
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Energy services' access deprivation in Mexico : A geographic, climatic and social perspective
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 164
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Energy services (ES) are essential domains to understand energy deprivation in households. However, the literature exploring ES measures that focuses on access vulnerability is small, particularly in connection with socio-economic and geographical conditions. This fact has a profound effect on national and local energy policy and multilateral frameworks, such as the UN SDGs, which traditionally favour electrification as a measure of energy vulnerability over ES access. In this article, we create an overall energy services (ES) access measure and establish its relationship with spatial, economic and social conditions, taking Mexican municipalities as a case study. Using multiple correspondence analysis and other quantitative methods, we determine the access to nine ES domains in four levels (very poor, poor, fair and high) on a nationally representative sample. The study demonstrates the existence of a pattern of inequality in the ES access and a strong link between the overall access level and the levels of urbanisation and economic/food vulnerability of a specific locality. In addition, we outline a new energy policy using these results, which feature social inclusiveness, spatial differentiation, active roles of sub-national governments, and technological stimuli. The study concludes discussing the role of ES access in the context of a future post-SDGs framework.
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| 11. |
- Gebru, Bahre, et al.
(författare)
-
The role of forest status in households’ fuel choice in Uganda
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 173
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study, we investigate how households' choice of energy source is influenced by the status of the local forest resource. We assume that households choose between clean fuels (e.g., kerosene, LPG, solar, and electricity), dirty biobased fuels (e.g., firewood, animal dung, crop residues, and charcoal), and mixed fuels. We integrate socioeconomic data with high-resolution satellite data on forest conditions from the Uganda National Panel Survey. The findings from a random-effects multinomial logit model indicate that households in vegetated areas are 6–7% less likely to rely solely on dirty biobased fuels, and 6–8% more likely to use mixed fuels, compared to those in non-vegetated areas. A larger forest stock is more strongly associated with lower use of firewood than charcoal. A possible explanation for the findings is the presence of policies for forest conservation and enhanced forest property rights, which improve forest conditions and limit opportunities to collect firewood. Given households' dependence on forest-based fuels, such policies could need to be modified to secure households’ access to these fuels.
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| 12. |
- Grafström, Jonas, et al.
(författare)
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No evidence of counteracting policy effects on European solar power invention and diffusion
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 172
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, the questions of how support policies affect invention and diffusion of solar PV technology and whether the effect is heterogeneous and counteracting are investigated in order to help policy makers produce a better policy mix. The policies (and policy proxies) investigated are Feed-in-tariffs (FITs), Public R&D stock and flow, Environmental tax, and Environmental Policy Stringency Index. The policies are within the control of national government and no EU level policies are investigated. Evaluating policies on several dimensions is highly important since there is a risk that policies can promote one aspect of technological progress such as invention but derail diffusion. A Schumpeterian technological development approach is utilised on a panel dataset covering 23 European countries between 2000 and 2019. Two econometric approaches are employed, a negative binomial regression model is used to assess inventions and a panel data fixed effect regression is used for the diffusion model. The empirical findings suggest that no counteracting policy effects were present.
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| 13. |
- Gransaull, Gareth, et al.
(författare)
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Institutions for effective climate policymaking : Lessons from the case of the United Kingdom
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 175
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The United Kingdom (UK) is home to one of the most ambitious climate policy regimes in the world, centred around the 2008 Climate Change Act (CCA), the first strategic climate legislation of its kind. Building on prior studies of the CCA while highlighting Germany as a counterfactual case study, we demonstrate the significant positive role that strategic framework legislation can play in improving climate policy integration and coherence. We further show that important new institutions can be established under the right historical conditions. Specifically, we argue that the political weakening of the UK coal sector was a necessary precursor to the adoption of strong climate policy and the emergence of a structural consensus towards accelerating climate ambition, as compared with Germany where consolidation of the coal regime has been a major factor in the country's failure to meet its emissions targets. We show how business associations and labour groups in the UK were a key supportive coalition for early climate action, while in Germany industry and organized labour have been key actors obstructing and delaying the passage of pro-climate reforms. Our study raises questions about the prospects for energy transitions that are both just and rapid, particularly by discussing the trade-offs between cost-effectiveness, speed, and distributional concerns.
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| 14. |
- Gutting, Alicia, 1986-, et al.
(författare)
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Atomic Rivers : The (Un)sustainability of Nuclear Power in an Age of Climate Change
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The sustainability of nuclear energy amidst climate change and environmental regulations poses critical challenges, particularly in European contexts where major rivers like the Rhine, the Danube, and the Rhône are experiencing declining water levels and rising temperatures. We scrutinise the operational difficulties nuclear power plants encounter, arising from insufficient cooling water and environmental mandates that prevent the discharge of overly warm cooling water into rivers. These conditions have led to partial or full shutdowns of nuclear facilities across France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Romania, and other countries, emphasising the tension between nuclear energy as a low-carbon solution and its environmental impacts. We explore the concept of sustainability in the context of riverine nuclear energy from three angles: technical challenges posed by water scarcity, regulatory constraints on cooling water temperatures, and the ecological impacts of thermal discharges on riverine ecosystems. In our analysis we reveal an emerging contradiction between ensuring electricity supply and adhering to environmental protections, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of nuclear energy's role in a future sustainable energy landscape.
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| 15. |
- Hileman, Jacob D., et al.
(författare)
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Recycled text and risk communication in natural gas pipeline environmental impact assessments
- 2021
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 156
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Under the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), energy infrastructure projects that are permitted by federal agencies require preparation and publication of an environmental impact assessment. However, fifty years after the passage of NEPA, agencies’ compliance behaviors, and how these behaviors might shape the risks associated with energy infrastructure, remain largely unexplored. Here, we consider how assessment documents from forty-six of the largest U.S. natural gas pipeline mega-projects address landslide risks. Using a series of text mining and content analysis methods, we evaluate the prevalence of recycled text across assessments. We find that text similarity does not correspond closely to reported risk levels – in many cases, common verbiage is used and only project-specific details (e.g., locations, numeric figures) are substituted. While such approaches likely expedite preparation of assessments and facilitate knowledge transfer between projects, we argue that common text potentially hinders clear communication of differential risks to decision-makers and the public, who may lack the technical expertise to contextualize the magnitude and severity of reported figures. In light of ongoing policy efforts to streamline lengthy and costly energy infrastructure permitting processes under NEPA, it is vital that such efforts do not undermine the risk communication requirements of the review process.
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| 16. |
- Isaksson, Zeth, et al.
(författare)
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Political expectations and electoral responses to wind farm development in Sweden
- 2024
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 186
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Wind energy expansion has influenced electoral behavior by decreasing support for incumbents, primarily explained by not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) arguments. However, how does the establishment of wind farms shape electoral behavior when municipal politicians can veto such establishments? Analyzing Sweden, this study shows that voters respond not only by retrospectively evaluating past constructions but also by evaluating parties differently based on their expectations. Our results indicate that parties more likely to approve turbine constructions are punished more than those less expected to do so. Additionally, we find no evidence that the construction of wind turbines influences support for either Green or radical right-wing parties. In conclusion, this study show that the political repercussions of wind farm expansion are multifaceted, influenced by a combination of past actions, future expectations, and the ideological stances of political parties.
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| 17. |
- Karimu, A., et al.
(författare)
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Implication of electricity taxes and levies on sustainable development goals in the European Union
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 177
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The current high electricity prices in the European Union (EU) are in part due to the high electricity taxes. United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda with its global vision of attaining sustainable development especially seeks “to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services” (SDG 7). We investigate the synergy and trade-off effects of electricity taxes on sustainable development goals (SDGs) for the EU. Using panel data and panel vector autoregressive estimation approach, we find that higher household electricity taxes reduce both carbon emission and unemployment. Higher levels of industry electricity taxes, increase responsible production and consumption (SDG12) and reduces unemployment (SDG8). Furthermore, there is evidence for a strong synergy effect between electricity taxes, unemployment and carbon emission but a trade-off between tax and SDG9 (innovation and sustainable infrastructure). The taxes contribute more to the future variation of unemployment and responsible production and consumption in the EU, but these contributions are much larger for the industry as compared to the household sector. Our results confirm the double-dividend hypothesis, which implies that the policymakers can achieve environmental goals with higher electricity taxes, especially on household electricity. In the industrial sector, our findings suggest that there is a need for tax reform, to encourage innovation and adopt production processes that are less polluting to the environment.
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| 18. |
- Lefvert, Adrian, et al.
(författare)
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Lost in the scenarios of negative emissions : The role of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 184
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) can be a useful and cost-effective climate change mitigation tool but it is reliant on economic incentives. With this policy perspective article we question the ongoing discussion about the use of biomass for BECCS with basis in three points: (1) under the enhanced transparency framework under the Paris agreement, all parties to the agreement will use the same guidelines to estimate emissions by sources and removals by sinks, in which the emissions and removals in connection to cultivation of biomass are accounted for in the land-use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector, (2) adding carbon capture to existing processes may lead to a shift in products from that process rather than an increase in biomass use, and (3) BECCS requires substantial financial incentives. With basis in these points, we argue that a certification framework for BECCS that contradicts the guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) risks unnecessarily hindering deployment of a potentially cost-effective climate change mitigation tool.
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| 19. |
- Lindvall, Daniel, Dr, 1974-
(författare)
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Why municipalities reject wind power : A study on municipal acceptance and rejection of wind power instalments in Sweden
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 180
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This article explores municipal acceptance of wind power in Sweden and draws conclusions on the basis of semi-structured interviews with municipal decision-makers, together with analysis of documents and statistical data. In line with previous research, it demonstrates that wind power opposition is more complex than just a NIMBY effect. The attitudes of local residents influence municipal decision-makers, but may also act to augment and mobilize opposition. Perceptions of distributional injustice, generated by the lack of local economic benefits and the geographically uneven deployment of wind and hydropower, are also relevant in explaining community and municipal acceptance. Moreover, municipal acceptance depends on national political discourses, economic aspects, institutional settings, regulations and sociopolitical factors. To overcome acceptance barriers, the article argues for the need of some kind of formal compensation schemes, directed to both local communities and the municipality. The authority of the municipality to levy taxes on wind power could potentially rectify perceptions of energy injustice between different geographic regions, stimulate higher approval rates, and motivate municipalities to assume a role as an intermediary, accommodating different, and sometimes conflicting, local, national, and global interests.
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| 20. |
- Lundberg, Liv, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of blending mandates on biofuel consumption, production, emission reductions and fuel prices
- 2023
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 183
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The transport sector accounts for about 20% of EU’s GHG-emissions. Progress in emission reductions has been slow and primarily driven by biofuels promoted through national blending mandates. The mandates differ in whether they are measured in volume, energy, or emission reduction and in how gasoline and diesel are targeted. Due to this, national mandates and their effects have not previously been quantitatively compared on an EU level. In this article we convert the mandates for all EU member states between 2009 and 2020 to a common unit and study their impact on biofuel consumption, production, emission reductions and fuel prices. We find that mandates are driving biofuel consumption in the EU and correlates with emission reductions. Increased mandates have however often been fulfilled by blending biofuels eligible for double counting. We also find that reduction mandates have been effective in encouraging high-performance biofuels. For historical fuel prices, we do not see a clear correlation between countries’ shares of biofuel and consumer fuel prices while the global oil price has a considerable impact. For biofuel production, increased demand drive investments in the EU, but when it comes to localisation of new plants factors such as local infrastructure are more important than national mandates.
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| 21. |
- Malakhatka, Elena, 1989-, et al.
(författare)
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Identification of everyday food-related activities with potential for direct and indirect energy savings : KTH Live–in–Lab explorative case study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 163, s. 112792-112792
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This exploratory study analyses the daily activities of the end-user in terms of assessing the potential for conserving direct and indirect energy. In the course of the study, a socio-technological system approach was applied, which made it possible to combine the methods of analysis and interaction of the social group (students) and technical infrastructure (living laboratory). The method of creating personas was also applied to segregate a large group of the population within one segment. This approach allowed us to consider in more detail the different types of behavior in the same segment. As a result, we got more personalized strategies for changing a behavior tailored for each individual persona. In conclusion, a recommendation was given on which policies implications and to which organizations to address.
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| 22. |
- Martinez Cruz, Adan
(författare)
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Preferences for configurations of Positive Energy Districts – Insights from a discrete choice experiment on Swiss households
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 163
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- By 2025, the EU aims to develop 100 Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) - communities that promote renewables for energy generation and an environment that enables sustainable lifestyles on the part of the resident. Despite rising interest in the topic, prospective residents' preferences for PED configurations have yet to be documented. This paper addresses this gap by implementing a discrete choice experiment (DCE) on Swiss residents to explore preferences for configurations of PEDs according to three attributes: ownership and expected citizen engagement, mobility options, and availability of shared spaces. We document that residents' preferences for PED configurations vary depending on respondents' car and home ownership, age, household size, and values. Findings suggest a variety of preferences for PEDs that policy-makers may want to consider when developing these communities. One key recommendation is that policymakers should pay attention to existing mobility patterns when designing mobility alternatives around PEDs. Helping citizens envision their energy system and recognize an alternative energy future may also be important to building familiarity and propensity for change.
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| 23. |
- Martinez Cruz, Adan
(författare)
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Tension in Mexico's energy transition: Are urban residential consumers in Aguascalientes willing to pay for renewable energy and green jobs?
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 150
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Via a discrete choice experiment (DCE), a sample of urban residents that contribute to their household electricity bill in Aguascalientes, Mexico, has been asked to choose from among four electricity contracts —a status quo alternative, and three alternatives described in terms of type of renewable energy source (RES), % of RES in current electricity mix, new jobs in RE sector, and % increase in self-reported bimonthly electricity bill. Respondents report a positive willingness to pay (WTP) for both RES and new jobs in RE sector, and a higher WTP for solar energy in comparison to biomass energy. These results are timely as there is a tension in Mexico due to the energy strategy pursued by the current federal administration —which in practice has slowed down the energy transition initiated in 2015. This paper's findings suggest that respondents to our DCE would support a just energy transition aiming to boost both RES and the creation of green jobs.
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| 24. |
- Millot, Ariane, et al.
(författare)
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Guiding the future energy transition to net-zero emissions : Lessons from exploring the differences between France and Sweden
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 139
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Despite similarities in their current energy mixes, France and Sweden's pathways have been very different since the 1970s, when both systems were highly dependent on fossil fuels. After the oil crisis, both countries chose to reduce their oil consumption by developing nuclear power. However, Sweden pursued a more diversified energy policy that has subsequently allowed it to reduce its CO2 emissions. Today, both countries have committed to a carbon neutrality goal: by 2045 for Sweden and 2050 for France. In order to understand the key factors that can drive energy transition toward a carbon neutrality goal, we propose to compare the past energy transitions in France and Sweden, two countries that have significantly reduced their CO2 emissions and fossil fuel dependency. To assess the impacts of the current energy system and its regulations on the feasibility of meeting carbon neutrality, we use TIMES bottom-up energy system optimization models. The results show that France faces more challenges in transforming its energy system than Sweden i.e. an increase in power production, a decrease in gas consumption, the replacement of heating systems in buildings, and the electrification of industry, thus confirming that its energy policy has to be driven with a long-run perspective.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Natalini, Davide, et al.
(författare)
-
Fuel riots: definition, evidence and policy implications for a new type of energy-related conflict
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 147
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ‘Fuel riots’ are a distinct type of energy-related conflict. We provide the first fuel riots database and explore their social, economic and environmental drivers. The analysis demonstrates links between fuel riots and high international crude oil prices in countries characterised by weak state capacity, deficient governance, fuel scarcity and poor economic performance. We suggest a potential causal pathway for fuel riots: when international fuel prices spike, net fuel-importing countries bear higher costs. If these countries are politically unstable and their government inefficient, the likelihood of fuel riots is high. Wealthier countries can absorb price increases and maintain subsidies, as opposed to poorer societies where fuel riots are more likely. Our findings demonstrate the role of state capacity and socio-economic conditions in enabling conflict, and will inform policy by identifying fertile ground for fuel riots, i.e. societies likely to be affected by increases in fuel prices due to scarcity and climate action (such as carbon taxes). We propose that policies which better control international prices and action designed to reduce political instability in vulnerable countries are key to preventing fuel riots. Fuel subsidy reform must anticipate popular opposition and mitigate the impact upon vulnerable populations in order to reduce the likelihood of instability and minimise hardship.
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| 27. |
- Nilsson, David, 1968-, et al.
(författare)
-
Is on-property heat and greywater recovery a sustainable option? : A quantitative and qualitative assessment up to 2050
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 182
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This article deals with ongoing attempts to recover heat and greywater at property level, based on an in-depth study of Stockholm, Sweden. We explore different socio-technical development paths from now up until 2050 using a novel combination of on-property technology case-studies, actor studies and system-level scenario evaluation, based on Artificial Neural Networks modelling. Our results show that the more conservative scenarios work in favour of large-scale actors while the more radical scenarios benefit the property owners. However, in the radical scenarios we identify disruptive effects on a system level due to disturbance on wastewater treatment plants, where incoming wastewater can be critically low for up to 120 days per year. At the same time, net energy savings are relatively modest (7.5% of heat demand) and economic gains for property owners small or uncertain. Current policies at EU and national level around energy-efficient buildings risk being counter-productive in cases when they push property owners to install wastewater heat recovery technology which, in places like Stockholm, can create suboptimal outcomes at the system level.
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| 28. |
- Nyström, Sofie, et al.
(författare)
-
Households as part of the solution - Examining Swedish policy expectations on demand response in households
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 189
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The smart grid is expected to encompass the overall electrification of society, while simultaneously managing increasing amounts of renewable energy. This could significantly impact how everyday life will be organized. However, previous research has shown that the envisioned role of households in the future energy system remains obscure and even contradictory. In this article we further examine and critically analyse how households as a demand response resource are imagined in the Swedish future smart grid. We focus on policy documents from the Swedish energy sector. To guide our analysis, we use the critical policy analysis framework of “What's the problem represented to be?” (WPR) for inspiration. Aligning with prior research, our results show that households tend to be framed as an untapped flexibility resource where heating and smart home technologies are to be controlled automatically or through remote control, which households allow for, motivated by consumption feedback, price signals or other incentives. Topics silenced in the problem representation include: The paradox in transitioning into a sustainable energy system while simultaneously sustaining unsustainable norms; a lack of diversity and acknowledgement of non-technical households; how trust and control need renegotiation and alternative ways for citizen participation in the energy transition.
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| 29. |
- Owusu Sekyere, Enoch
(författare)
-
Impact of solar energy subscription on the market performance of micro, small & medium enterprises in Nigeria
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 188
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Access to clean, affordable and reliable energy is a major developmental challenge in Africa. The present study investigates the determinants and impact of adopting solar energy on Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) market performance in Lagos, Kano and Ondo states in Nigeria using survey data from 700 MSMEs. We estimated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) and average treatment effect (ATE) of adopting solar energy on MSMEs' income. The findings indicate that adoption of solar energy is associated with an increment in MSMEs' monthly earnings by 27% (nearest neighbor matching), 24% (Kernel matching) and 23% (radius matching). The study points out that powering MSMEs through solar energy decreases their energy expenditure. By adopting solar energy, MSMEs using the national grid and standby generators can cut down their average monthly energy expenditure by 36.64%. MSMEs' decision to adopt solar energy is influenced by trade-offs between the possible production, economic and environmental effects as well as business owners, business, and product characteristics. To the extent that governments, non -governmental organizations and policymakers are committed to providing reliable, cheaper and cleaner energy systems, they must raise broader awareness of the potential benefits of adopting solar energy.
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| 30. |
- Panos, Evangelos, et al.
(författare)
-
Deep decarbonisation pathways of the energy system in times of unprecedented uncertainty in the energy sector
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 180:September
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Unprecedented investments in clean energy technology are required for a net-zero carbon energy system before temperatures breach the Paris Agreement goals. By performing a Monte-Carlo Analysis with the detailed ETSAP-TIAM Integrated Assessment Model and by generating 4000 scenarios of the world's energy system, climate and economy, we find that the uncertainty surrounding technology costs, resource potentials, climate sensitivity and the level of decoupling between energy demands and economic growth influence the efficiency of climate policies and accentuate investment risks in clean energy technologies. Contrary to other studies relying on exploring the uncertainty space via model intercomparison, we find that the CO2 emissions and CO2 prices vary convexly and nonlinearly with the discount rate and climate sensitivity over time. Accounting for this uncertainty is important for designing climate policies and carbon prices to accelerate the transition. In 70% of the scenarios, a 1.5 °C temperature overshoot was within this decade, calling for immediate policy action. Delaying this action by ten years may result in 2 °C mitigation costs being similar to those required to reach the 1.5 °C target if started today, with an immediate peak in emissions, a larger uncertainty in the medium-term horizon and a higher effort for net-zero emissions.
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| 31. |
- Paramonova, Svetlana, et al.
(författare)
-
Technological change or process innovation - An empirical study of implemented energy efficiency measures from a Swedish industrial voluntary agreements program
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 156
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The implementation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) is the primary means of improving industrial energy efficiency (IEE). Almost 69% of industrial electricity use emanates from motor systems. IEE has traditionally been explained with technology-diffusion models. According to these models, increased diffusion of more effective motors and drives onto the market leads to improved efficiency. Electric motor systems are represented by three levels: electric motor, core motor system, and total motor system. The first and second levels are related to standalone technology measures while the third has a more operational character. Based on a unique dataset of implemented energy-efficiency motor system measures from the 100 most electricity-intensive industrial companies in Sweden, the aim of this paper is to study whether technology diffusion is a valid model for understanding improved energy efficiency in electricity-intensive industries. Results show that 59% of the implemented EEMs from the dataset go beyond technology diffusion models, implying a need for revised models to understand how energy efficiency and technology diffusion occur in energy-intensive industry.
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| 32. |
- Pardalis, Georgios, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
-
To be or not to be : The organizational conditions for launching one-stop-shops for energy-related renovations
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 159
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Residential energy-related renovations have a high potential to reduce emissions. However, organizing such renovation is riddled with high transaction costs. In response, scholars and policymakers (e.g., European Commission) have advocated the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) concept to simplify house owners’ access to complex renovation solutions, but adoption of the concept remains slow. So far, research has focused on the positive impact of OSS at the end customer interface, paying less attention to the governance challenges among supply-side actors. We perform abductive research that combines insights from 45 supply-side actor interviews with transaction cost economics and resource-based theory toward developing a conceptual framework that outlines 15 organizational conditions for supply-side actors’ uptake of the OSS model. Empirically, we find that supply-side organizations are, at this point, reluctant to take up governance of the OSS model. The reported reasons for this vary between different classes of organizations but overall align well with the organizational conditions outlined in transaction cost economics and resource-based theory. We propose policy interventions to tackle these shortcomings and to structurally support the supply-side of the renovation market in developing the relevant conditions for OSS uptake.
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| 33. |
- Rossi, Joni, et al.
(författare)
-
Pathways for the development of future intelligent distribution grids
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 169
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The next decade will bring several technical and organisational challenges to the electrical distribution grids, which are becoming an important pillar of the energy transition. Distribution system operators will play a crucial role and thus need to find innovative solutions that will prepare them for these changes. Acknowledging large differences between European distribution grids, this paper presents pathways for distribution system operators developed within the scope of the UNITED-GRID project, in close cooperation with distribution grids in the Netherlands, France and Sweden. Investment decision tools based on future scenarios and future-readiness assessment form the first step to steer the distribution system operators towards the necessary technical and digital innovations that increase the observability and controllability of the grid. Secondly, new types of business models are introduced that can be integrated into the operators’ portfolios. Thirdly, a workshop methodology is proposed to define the new internal requirements that make distribution system operators more agile to face the fast impacts of the energy transition. Case studies from the demonstration sites in the three countries are used as examples in the paper. © 2022 The Authors
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| 34. |
- Sahlberg, Anna, et al.
(författare)
-
Don't extinguish my fire – Understanding public resistance to a Swedish policy aimed at reducing particle emissions by phasing out old wood stoves
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 167
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Wood stoves emit particulate matter when used for domestic heating. Consequently, the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning in Sweden enforced a prohibition of new installations of old wood stoves in 2017 to protect the public health. The prohibition caused a public backlash that organized itself as a “wood stove rising”, eventually leading to a cancellation of the new legislation in 2019. We performed comprehensive interviews with 11 signatories of the original appeal to analyze the underlying motives for combating the implementation of this pro-environmental energy policy. We find that domestic heating through fire-making is an age-old human behavior that is deeply connected to several social and emotional human needs, but also to survival in remote areas with cold climate. The likelihood of policy observance and acceptance is higher if the policy is not perceived as being in direct conflict with these needs: basic emotion regulation, sensations of tradition and connection to other people, and means of crisis management for the individual. We also find that the protesters acted out of a sustainability perspective, albeit one where the continued use of functional devices was valued more than the perceived wear-and-tear of replacing outdated technology. © 2022 The Authors
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| 35. |
- Sanderink, Lisa, et al.
(författare)
-
How institutional interactions can strengthen effectiveness : The case of multi-stakeholder partnerships for renewable energy
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 141
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the Paris Agreement reiterate the importance of a worldwide uptake of renewable energy. However, the present growth rate of renewables in the global energy mix is too slow to meet international targets. There exists at present a wide range of institutions with different characteristics that work internationally to promote a steeper increase. Whereas previous studies have examined the institutional landscape for renewable energy and the considerable interactions occurring across institutions, it remains unclear what the implications of these institutional interactions are for effectiveness. This paper assesses how institutional interactions can strengthen effectiveness, by focusing on three multi-stakeholder partnerships for renewable energy. Based on an expert survey and semi-structured interviews, the study provides both theoretical and empirical contributions to understanding institutional interactions in relation to effectiveness. Moreover, it provides insights on how to strengthen the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder partnerships for renewable energy. Results show that different levels and types of institutional interactions may influence effectiveness differently, with the sharing of procedural information and coordination mechanisms being considered most fruitful to increase effectiveness. Importantly, however, such interactions should not harm the autonomy, nor the efficiency of multi-stakeholder partnerships.
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| 36. |
- Smirnova, Olga, et al.
(författare)
-
Do federal regulations beget innovation? Legislative policy and the role of executive orders
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 158
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our research note focuses on whether policy changes in the transportation sector contribute to green innovations, measured as patents. We explore federal policies, specifically energy policies such as Energy Policy Act of 1992 or 2005, that provide incentives for the development of environmentally friendly technologies in transportation. Drawing on a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, we construct and test several novel policy measures while controlling for other factors that may influence green transportation innovations. We develop a unique legislative timeline with the use of key-informant interviews, literature searches, and legislative updates reviews. Only one policy variable (executive orders) appears to have a positive effect on the number of patents in green transportation innovation sphere. High capital expenditures for pollution abatement decrease innovation activity, while high operating expenditures increase innovation activity. The federal policies over the time period analyzed seem to create uncertainty rather than provide a clear incentive for innovation. The executive orders may affect innovation levels; further tests are needed with the changes in political leadership. The results of our research note signal that stronger and more consistent incentives at federal level may be necessary to realize desired policy outcomes.
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| 37. |
- Sommerfeldt, Nelson, PhD, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
-
Hide and seek : The supply and demand of information for household solar photovoltaic investment
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 161, s. 112726-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Buildings provide an ideal platform for solar photovoltaics (PV) towards sustainable development goals, and the decision to invest in PV lies predominantly with building owners. Information delivery is critical for the diffusion of innovations, and this study aims to improve the quality of information for household PV investors in Sweden. A User Journey Mapping approach is applied with a combination of semi-structured interviews and a review of online solar calculators. The results show that despite a rapid growth in the quantity of information there is still a gap between demand and supply due to the lack of clarity and trustworthiness of information. This is clearly demonstrated in the review of online calculators, which show a high variance in results. Payback time, for example, ranged from 7 to 18 years for a single test case. The information gap can be closed by creating neutral, non-commercial online information sources that focus on transparency and education where household investors can validate supplier offers and analyses. The PV industry risks eroding trust in the market, which will likely slow adoption by the early majority and hinder sustainability goals.
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| 38. |
- Stikvoort, Britt, et al.
(författare)
-
Serving two masters : How dual price signals can undermine demand flexibility
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 185
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Demand-side flexibility is often encouraged via demand response programs, where users are incentivized to adjust their electricity consumption based on price signals in tariffs. The design and implementation of these signals are vital, as they link conditions of the energy system with user behaviour. As a result of energy system separation into stages of generation, many users are required to simultaneously respond to two price signals. While existing research has mainly examined responses to a single signal, this study highlights the complexities when users must react to two signals simultaneously. It presents a case study using two distinct price signals: real-time pricing (RTP) and a demand charge, analysing the implications such dual price signals could have on users. The study reveals the empirical incompatibility of these signals, leading to conflicting user goals. Such interference complicates decision-making for demand flexibility, potentially eroding user trust in retailers and system operators. The study ends with proposing an alternative tariff, resolving the dual price situation, which facilitates user comprehension and decision-making, and thus enhances the potential for demand flexibility.
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| 39. |
- Tang, Ou, et al.
(författare)
-
Hydrogen production in the Swedish power sector: Considering operational volatilities and long-term uncertainties
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 148
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- With more renewables on the Swedish electricity market, while decommissioning nuclear power plants, electricity supply increasingly fluctuates and electricity prices are more volatile. There is, hence, a need for securing the electricity supply before energy storage solutions become widespread. Electricity price fluctuations, moreover, affect operating income of nuclear power plants due to their inherent operational inflexibility. Since the anticipated new applications of hydrogen in fuel cell vehicles and steel production, producing hydrogen has become a potential source of income, particularly when there is a surplus supply of electricity at low prices. The feasibility of investing in hydrogen production was investigated in a nuclear power plant, applying Swedish energy policy as background. The analysis applies a system dynamics approach incorporating the stochastic feature of electricity supply and prices. The study revealed that hydrogen production brings alternative opportunities for large-scale electricity production facilities in Sweden. Factors such as hydrogen price will be influential and require in-depth investigation. This study provides guidelines for power sector policymakers and managers who plan to engage in hydrogen production for industrial applications. Although this study was focused upon nuclear power sources, it can be extended to hydrogen production from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
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| 40. |
- Tirkaso, Wondmagegn Tafesse, et al.
(författare)
-
Road fuel demand and regional effects of carbon taxes in Sweden
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 144
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study estimated national and regional-level gasoline and diesel demand elasticities in Sweden using county level panel data from 2001 to 2018. The estimated elasticities were used to calculate county cost effect of the Swedish CO2 emission reduction policy in the transport sector. The national-level elasticities were estimated by employing general method of moments (GMM) estimators, while county-level elasticities were calculated by considering the weight of each fuel type share at county and national levels. Own prices, per capita income, and per capita vehicle stocks were statistically significant at national level in determining gasoline and diesel demand. The calculated regional price elasticities showed variation between counties, with the highest being almost 4 times higher than the lowest in absolute terms. A simulation of fuel taxes to achieve the Swedish 2030 emission target for the transport sector under the national and regional price elasticities indicated minor differences at the national level with respect to CO2 taxes, costs and regressivity in the taxes. The results showed considerable differences at the regional level where costs and carbon tax payments can be considerably higher for some counties with the use of national price elasticities and the opposite is the case for other counties.
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| 41. |
- von der Fehr, Nils-Henrik M., et al.
(författare)
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Recommendations for a future-proof electricity market design in Europe in light of the 2021-23 energy crisis
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 1873-6777 .- 0301-4215. ; 188
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, we discuss electricity market design in Europe in light of the 2021-23 energy crisis, drawing on several of our Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE) reports. We outline the relevant theoretical background with respect to wholesale electricity markets, retail electricity markets, excess profits regulation, renewables support schemes and emergency interventions. We next outline the responses of the European Union, France, Norway, the Netherlands and Great Britain to the crisis. This allows us to make a number of recommendations about the future design of the electricity market in the light of theory and recent experience. These include a role for long-term contracts, the extension of the single market, the place for increased price granularity, appropriate energy taxation and the necessity of better monitoring of National Energy and Climate Plans to ensure adequate aggregate investment. •We review lessons from the EU and the reactions of four European countries to the 2021-23 energy crisis.•We summarise the theory relevant to the policy responses to the electricity crisis.•We make recommendations for future policy around electricity markets in Europe.•We find that wholesale markets performed well in the crisis, but retail markets less so.
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| 42. |
- von Malmborg, Fredrik, 1971-
(författare)
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Theorising member state lobbying on European Union policy on energy efficiency
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 167
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper explores and explains Member State (MS) lobbying on European Union (EU) policy on energy efficiency, with particular focus on legislation on individual metering and billing of heating, cooling and domestic hot water (IMB) in multi-apartment buildings. This legislation has been heavily debated and was amended in 2018 following successful lobbying by the opponents of IMB. The lobbying strategy of Sweden, a small MS of the EU, and its allies in the lobbying coalition opposing IMB is examined, as are different factors explaining the success of their lobbying. A pro-active approach was taken and a broad normative coalition for lobbying was formed, including MSs and interest groups representing building owners and tenants at national and EU level. Lobbying was successful and the IMB provisions were amended. The success of the lobbying was influenced by several factors, i.a. favourable resources, high salience and high complexity of the issue.
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| 43. |
- Wen, Jun, et al.
(författare)
-
Research on influencing factors of renewable energy, energy efficiency, on technological innovation. Does trade, investment and human capital development matter?
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4215 .- 1873-6777. ; 160
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Studies on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability appear to have accelerated worldwide in response to the need for alternate energy sources against conventional fossil-based sources. This work contributes to the current body of information by estimating the effects of renewable energy and energy efficiency on technological innovation using panel data from 1995 to 2017 and employing the instrumental variable fixed effect technique. The results indicate that renewable energy and energy efficiency promote innovation performance at the aggregate and disaggregate levels. A one percent increase in renewable energy will lead to about 0.437% increases in trademark and 0.114% increase in the patent application, respectively. Increasing energy efficiency promotes trademark by 0.029% and patent by 0.054%, respectively. Another important finding illustrates the moderating impact of investment, trade and human development on the aforementioned relationship. A series of robustness checks support our essential findings. The research supports Porter's hypothesis and directs key policy suggestions regarding environmental policies and promotes policy measures for the use of cleaner energies; Décentralisation of the energy industry to give more room for private sector participation; financial incentives to energy consumers for using renewable energy; issuance of green certificates and intensification of feed-in-tariffs; introduction of the polluter-pay principles for accountable.
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| 44. |
- Ali, Muez, et al.
(författare)
-
Bridging the divide in energy policy research: Empirical evidence from global collaborative networks
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215. ; 173
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Energy research seeking to influence policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is often funded by – and conceptualised by authors in – institutions from higher income countries (HICs). Research agendas and policy recommendations determined in HICs potentially yield the most influence on policymaking in LMICs. This risks leaving a multidimensional gap in how LMICs frame, evidence and enact policies. This paper is the first to provide quantitative evidence to geographical imbalances in energy policy research, and to shed light into the fact that research proposing energy policy coupled with development objectives to LMICs is dominated by HICs researchers. We find that the latter not only publish more articles proposing energy policy to LMICs, but also are more cited when doing so. We reach these findings by analysing the spatial dynamics of energy research on LMICs through a multi-method approach using bibliometric, network science and regression-based techniques. We established a framework using a sample of 6,636 papers from the Web of Science database, journal impact data from Scimago Journal Ranking and country economic data from the World Bank. Results show the existence of a cycle of imbalances across research practices. Most scientific articles recommending energy policy for LMICs have a primary author based in a HIC, funded by a HIC institution. The number of citations articles receive increases with the GDP of the country of primary author. Funders support authors based in countries of the same income band or higher. We recommend revising research practices and funding policies to place local actors and knowledge at the heart of energy policy research, enabling high-impact policymaking in LMICs.
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| 45. |
- Bankel, Amanda, 1992, et al.
(författare)
-
Solar business models from a firm perspective – an empirical study of the Swedish market
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215. ; 166
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A worldwide transition towards sustainable energy systems requires the diffusion of renewable electricity technologies. To achieve this, recent research has put emphasis on the role of business models as catalysts for sustainability transitions, particularly in the case of solar photovoltaics. Authors have identified a variety of solar business models that can be characterized based on roles, activities, and applications. In contrast, on the market, solar firms use business models to communicate their offer to clients, focusing on customers’ needs, how they organize their resources and activities to meet these needs and, in return, create value for themselves. The aim of this paper is to bridge the gap between the way the energy policy literature describes solar business models, and the way solar firms use them to communicate with their clients. The business models of 241 solar firms in Sweden were mapped and analyzed using a framework developed by Richardson (2008) as well as the roles, activities, and applications highlighted in solar business model literature. This led us to identify six types of solar business models. We found that there are some gaps and overlaps between theoretical and empirical solar business models which, in turn, have implications for theory and policy.
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| 46. |
- Bauer, Fredric, et al.
(författare)
-
Plastic dinosaurs : Digging deep into the accelerating carbon lock-in of plastics
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215. ; 156
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The continued expansion of plastics production all over the world entrenches modern societies and life styles deeper in the dependence on fossil resources. This research note develops the main aspects of the carbon lock-in in the plastics industry and how it extends into many aspects of contemporary life. With data collected from trade press and reports, we present insights of the investment trends in the plastics industry from the past decade. We show that among the twelve largest companies 88 new projects for production capacity increase and infrastructure expansion were announced between 2012 and 2019. We connect this increasing infrastructural lock-in to actions and strategies enacted by the industry to restrict regulations on the use of plastics and support specific consumer behaviour to uphold also an institutional and behavioural lock-in. The paper outlines the need for more extensive research on the plastics and petrochemical sectors, especially regarding data from Asian companies and activities in China in particular. We also point to areas of grave concern for new policy, aiming to reduce the high growth rate for the volumes of oil and gas that feed the industry as the current focus on plastic waste collection and recycling is insufficient.
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| 47. |
- Brown, Stephen, et al.
(författare)
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The continuing evolution of Energy Policy
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215. ; 139
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- As the world confronts the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope that all of you are doing well. We know that many lives have been greatly disrupted, and that world economic activity is slowing and maybe declining in some places. We have read reports that energy consumption has been greatly affected by the slowdown in world economic activity—likely contributing to the sharp plunge in oil prices earlier this year. We do not know how long this pandemic may last. As we look forward to the end of the pandemic and a recovering world economy, however, we wonder if and how energy systems may have to be transformed, and whether new energy policy needs and approaches will emerge. Will we see any change in the trajectory of adopting sustainable energy systems and reducing carbon emissions? In the academic world, many of us are now teleworking and teaching our courses online. This transition has proved time consuming—so we want to thank our many reviewers who are staying on or close to schedule. So far, Energy Policy has been mostly unaffected by the pandemic, but we must recognize that the Elsevier employees who are responsible for the operations side of the journal may at some time be affected by Covid-19. In the meantime, we want to keep you informed about some recent developments regarding Energy Policy, including a little about its history and our editorial priorities.
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| 48. |
- Guevara, Zeus, et al.
(författare)
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Driving factors of differences in primary energy intensities of 14 European countries
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215. ; 149
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The EU is committed to become climate-neutral by 2050 while keeping its prosperity intact. To align the bloc towards this goal, it is fundamental to understand the spatial differences in energy performance among its members. The present study aims to identify the main drivers of primary energy intensity differences among fourteen European countries (i.e., the EU15 without Luxemburg) during the period 2000–2010. To do so, we apply for the first time the multi-factor energy input-output model to spatial structural decomposition analysis.The results show that differences in the industrial direct energy intensity and in the mix of final energy demandwere the driving factors of primary energy intensity differences among countries, while, remarkably, structural differences in both the energy sector and in the rest of the economy were not as relevant. This implies that deepening industrial and residential efficiency policies should be a key objective in addition to the current policy efforts to deploy renewables in the energy sector. In addition, we show that the proposed approach helps overcome the main shortcomings of conventional spatial decomposition approaches, e.g., the inconsistent accountingof energy conversion processes in the economy; and its detailed results can be translated into more effective policy making.
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| 49. |
- Hellsmark, Hans, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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A new dawn for (oil) incumbents within the bioeconomy? Trade-offs and lessons for policy
- 2020
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215. ; 145
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper develops a more detailed understanding of when incumbent actors may become the main locomotive driving energy transitions. It also illustrates the trade-offs between policy approaches that actively seek to involve the incumbents in transitions, and policy approaches that pursue transitions without their active involvement. The paper examines state support for the bioeconomy in Sweden and concludes that public investments have been geared towards large-scale, complex and integrated biorefineries that are dependent on the active participation of the forest industry. Incumbents in the forest industry have, however, both lacked motivation and the abilities required to take the necessary steps for commercialisation of the demonstrated concepts. Instead, a rather small investment in a joint venture between actors from the forestry and oil refinery industry in Sweden has spurred learning and revenues; and it has placed an oil refinery at the centre of the future development of what we here term distributed biorefining. The main trade-off is that while this shift has opened up for cross-industrial collaborations and the production of advanced biofuels and materials, it has also paved the way for further investments in existing fossil-fuel infrastructure.
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| 50. |
- Johansen, Katinka
(författare)
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Blowing in the wind : A brief history of wind energy and wind power technologies in Denmark
- 2021
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Ingår i: Energy Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0301-4215. ; 152
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper explores the history of wind power technologies and the integration of wind energy in the Danish energy system. It does so focusing particularly on historical events, socio-cultural and socio-political changes and priorities that were important on this technological journey. From the first primitive wind turbines in the late 1800s, to the world wars, through the energy- crisis in the 70s, and into the decades of growing environmental awareness and concern, this historical account describes how policy priorities in Denmark gradually translated from the focus on energy diversification, energy efficiency and energy independence to the focus on sustainability and renewable energy resources, with wind energy and wind power technologies at the top of the priority list. Historically, wind power has been - and it still is - popular in Denmark. However, as the modern wind power turbines gradually grew to industrial scale heights, unchallenged support for specific local wind farms could no longer be taken for granted. This paper also touches upon the frequently tacit dilemmas of renewable energy technology planning and deployment, for example issues of environmental justice, wind farm ownership structures, and the role of social psychology for low-carbon energy transition processes. Notably, attention is drawn to the representation biases that may result in the emphasis of wind farm opposition / grievances in the wider wind farm related debates, where resistance to local wind farm projects might derive from minority opposition groups. Insights and lessons learnt from this Danish history of wind power may prove valuable and inspirational for other countries engaging in low-carbon energy transitions.
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