1. |
- de Almeida, Constanca Martins Leite, et al.
(author)
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Using the Sustainable Development Goals to Evaluate Possible Transport Policies for the City of Curitiba
- 2021
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 13:21
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cities across the world are becoming more engaged in tackling climate change and contributing to the achievement of international agreements. The city of Curitiba in Brazil is no exception. In December 2020, the city published PlanClima (Plano Municipal de Mitigacao e Adaptacao as Mudancas Climaticas), a climate plan developed with local and international organizations. PlanClima aims to guide policies and actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This study focuses on selecting and qualitatively evaluating transport policies that contribute to the city's 2030 climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With PlanClima's analysis for the transport sector in mind, nine targets for 2030 are identified and connected to different transport policies. To evaluate the possible interactions between the policies and the different dimensions of the SDGs, four types of linkages were designed: essential, uncertain, limited, and opposite. These categories were developed to evaluate the several dimensions in which a policy can have a positive or negative impact. The results show that the implementation of zero emission zones/low emission zones, green public procurement, subsidy schemes for the uptake of clean vehicle technology, and the digitalization of the transport system through smarter public transport and digital platforms that couple bike sharing, taxis, and public transport are some of the measures that can contribute to the achievement of Curitiba's targets and ensure a positive impact on the sustainable development of the city. The study highlights how different policy instruments can contribute to achieve the city's targets, thus providing guidance to policymakers.
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2. |
- Dreier, Dennis, 1990-
(author)
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Transition Technologies for Electrification and Optimisation of Bus Transport Systems
- 2020
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The topical issue of climate change has increasingly become important as scenarios indicate an increase of 2.5–7.8°C in the global mean temperature by the end of this century, if no greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. The transport sector depends strongly on fossil fuels and has been therefore considered as one key sector concerning climate change mitigation. In this regard, a key role is played by cities, since progressing urbanisation will presumably lead to a higher demand for urban transport.This doctoral thesis addresses the transition phase of public bus transport systems by exploring electrification as a vector for decarbonisation. The C40-city of Curitiba in Southern Brazil is used as a case study. The research is of explorative and empirical nature. Quantitative research methods are applied to compare bus technologies as well as new optimisation models and planning tools are developed to support data analytics and research in the areas of simulation, optimisation and (long-term) planning of energy and transport systems at different levels of consideration.The results from the comparison of different buses show large potentials to save energy and reduce emissions during the operation phase, for example, when using hybrid-electric or plug-in hybrid-electric buses instead of conventional buses. Moreover, energy savings in the operation phase also imply avoidance of fuel production and supply. Additionally, electrified buses can also reduce operational uncertainty caused by varying driving cycles and fluctuating fuel prices concerning an absolute variation of both energy use and fuel cost in the operation phase.A real-time optimisation model was developed, and its concept tested to estimate potentials for energy savings and all-electric operation from the operational optimisation of a plug-in hybrid-electric bus fleet. Different management strategies were simulated concerning the charging schedule and all-electric operation of the bus fleet. While energy savings can be significantly increased through a structural change towards more electrified buses, a large potential to increase the total all-electric operation of the bus fleet was estimated through operational optimisation. Consequently, both a structural change and operational optimisation should be jointly applied to maximise the benefits gained from electrification in a bus transport system.The software system OSeMOSYS-PuLP was developed for empirical deterministic-stochastic modelling based on the OSeMOSYS modelling framework, which enables the use of a Monte Carlo simulation. The open source design of the tool shall enhance transparency and trustworthiness in studies. It is transferable to many cases and makes it possible for analysts and researchers to generate new sets of conclusions together with associated probability distributions considering the use of real-world datasets, e.g. from open data initiatives as the one in Curitiba.In summary, the research findings, applied methods and developed tools can be used to support and inform analysts and decision-makers in the area of transport and energy systems planning in data-driven decision-making processes to develop and assess different technological options and strategies at different levels while considering associated uncertainties.
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3. |
- Gil Ribeiro, Carolina, et al.
(author)
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The impact of financial incentives on the total cost of ownership of electric light commercial vehicles in EU countries
- 2024
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In: Transportation Research Part A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0965-8564 .- 1879-2375. ; 179
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Many EU countries have used financial incentives to promote electric light commercial vehicles and decarbonise urban freight transport. However, the high costs of electric light commercial vehicles still pose a significant adoption barrier. This paper evaluates the impact of financial incentives on the total cost of ownership of electric light commercial vehicles in the European Union and their role in achieving the cost-competitiveness of electric vehicles. A pairwise comparison is performed for three weight categories of electric and diesel vehicles in twelve countries. Our analysis shows that financial incentives have a high impact on the total cost of ownership and have proven necessary to achieve electric vehicles' cost-competitiveness in most cases. However, in specific cases, financial incentives may no longer be needed as the cost of electric vehicles' ownership would have been lower than diesel vehicles even without them. This paper demonstrates the importance of adjusting government incentives to avoid unnecessary funding allocations while promoting the decarbonisation of light commercial vehicles, particularly as the number of incentives does not directly correlate with electric vehicles penetration.
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4. |
- Golzar, Farzin, et al.
(author)
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Impact of wastewater heat recovery in buildings on the performance of centralized energy recovery – a case study of Stockholm
- 2021
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In: Applied Energy. - : Elsevier. - 0306-2619 .- 1872-9118. ; 297
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- New concepts and technologies are needed to upgrade conventional energy systems and cope with environmental challenges. However, while emerging new technologies may serve to improve energy efficiency at the local level, they might also have disruptive effects at the system level. This paper investigates the potentially disruptive impacts of upscaling local wastewater heat recovery at the building level on the performance of the wastewater treatment and district heating systems in Stockholm. A hybrid model based on data-driven and process-driven mathematical models was developed to simulate the performance of the wastewater system and interlinkages among different actors. Two types of technologies (heat exchanger and heat pump) and different technology penetration scenarios (10%, 20%, and 40%) are considered for heat recovery in buildings. If 20% of the buildings install heat exchangers, the amount of heat demand in buildings decreases by 3% and total heat losses in the sewerage network decreases by 2%. In the case of local heat recovery using heat pumps in 20% of the buildings, there is a 4% reduction in the heat demand in buildings and 3% decrease in total heat losses in the network. Meanwhile, the heat demand in the wastewater treatment plant increases by 2% (with heat exchangers) or 4% (with heat pumps). Moreover, the district heating company recovers 5% and 9% less heat from the wastewater treatment plant, respectively, as compared to current conditions. These findings indicate that enhanced heat recovery in buildings could have disruptive impacts on currently centralized energy and water service provision over time. This justifies closer consideration of the balance between local and system-level solutions as policymakers define goals for energy efficiency, and evaluate potential societal and economic implications of different alternatives.
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5. |
- Golzar, Farzin, et al.
(author)
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Implications of improved heat recovery in builidngs - a case study of Stockholm
- 2020
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In: Applied energy symposium MIT A+B. - Boston, USA.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A transition to new energy systems is required at global level to cope with the challenges of climate change. It is widely accepted that new technologies will play an important role in achieving this transition. Yet, the promises and threats of new technologies are prevalent issues in politics and social debates. For example, the choice of energy conversion technologies will have direct impact on greenhouse emissions or the number of jobs that may be created in a given context, and thus be subject of political discussions and preferences.Policymakers often look for guidance to identify and characterize the risks associated with new and emerging technologies. However, while concerns often focus direct negative impacts of specific technologies, some impacts may rather be at system level, leading to disruptive societal effects. At city level, disruptions could affect critical functions such as energy provision, water supply or transport. Such disruptions are more difficult to analyze and communicate, but improved understanding of the implications of system transformation is required to make sure policies are designed to forward optimal solutions and sustainable development. We explore a case in which technological innovation at local level may have implications at system level, leaving the overall societal and environmental benefits unclear.This paper explores the changing context of technological systems options for heat and water recovery in the city of Stockholm, Sweden. We aim at (i) casting light on the overall implications that system reconfiguration may have for resource efficiency, and (ii) guiding policy makers towards next steps in legislation for promoting energy efficiency in buildings.An assessment is carried out on the potential disruptive effects of new technological solutions for heat recovery. We use the system of wastewater heat recovery in Stockholm as a case study. Wastewater heat recovery can be performed locally or at system level. In the former, the heat is recovered where the wastewater is generated, or before the waste water is dispatched from the building. In the latter, the heat is transported with the wastewater, and recovered at the water treatment plant. Although local heat recovery could be beneficial, a broad use of new technologies to recover wastewater heat at the building site might result in disruptive impacts on prevailing centralized systems for water treatment and heat distribution at city level. Potential disruptions include technical adjustments requiring compensation for the reduced heat recovered, change in cost structure of service providers, and security of service supply, among others.Currently, a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the Stockholm region receives wastewater and treats it with combined mechanical, biological and chemical processes. Biogas is produced from digested sludge. The biogas is upgraded for use as bus fuel. The heat content of treated water is recovered by a heat pump (660 MW) and delivered to the district heating company. The district heating company uses various heat sources, including the recovered heat from WWTP, while the water utility company treats the sewage, and provides clean water for buildings.Stricter building regulations together with emerging technological solutions may result in property owners choosing to recover heat locally before discharging the wastewater to the municipal wastewater treatment facilities. At system level, this may reduce energy losses in the sewage network. However, from the point of view of the water treatment utility, the reduced input temperature will lead to higher heat demand for digesters. It means more costs for WWTP and higher prices for the drinking water. As a result, although property owners would pay less for heat due to local heat recovery, they would probably need to pay more for drinking water. There are also consequences for the district heating company, since less heat will be obtained from wastewater, while the heat demand of WWTP is increased. Therefore, the district heating company may need to look for new sources of heat. At present, incineration provides a significant part of the heat used in Stockholm, but development is going in the direction of more recycling and less incineration.In addition to heat recovery from wastewater, also water could be locally recovered. Again, property owners may be tempted to adopt combined systems for water and heat recovery on site, if they have space for it, and if cost-efficient technology options are commercially available. This would result in lower demand for treated water, with direct impact for the water utility. In this case, there are disruptions for both district heating companies and water utilities, reducing their interest to invest in new facilities. Stockholm is a rapidly growing city and this could have impact on energy and water supply security over time.Thus, if local recovery of energy and water is up-scaled, centralized service provision as organized today is likely to be affected in the long run, changing the configuration of water and energy provision in buildings. Since market driven competition is allowed in Sweden when it comes to technological solutions, there is a clear opportunity for new players when it comes to guaranteeing the delivery of energy and clean water in buildings. In this context, there is need for insights into the potential disruptive consequences that decentralized solutions for heat and water recovery may have on established centralized urban energy and water systems. What consequences could present policies for improved energy efficiency in buildings have on energy and water security at city level? Our analysis aims at contributing science-based information that can guide and support policies for improved resource efficiency and reduced climate impact.
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6. |
- Gorosabel, Oier Lopez de Briñas, et al.
(author)
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A framework for the assessment of electric bus charging station construction : A case study for Stockholm's inner city
- 2022
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In: Sustainable cities and society. - : Elsevier BV. - 2210-6707. ; 78
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Electromobility has gained momentum in the last years following the efforts to reduce transportation-related emissions. In this context, efficient charging infrastructure is vital to foster the expansion of electric vehicles. This paper presents a standardized framework for micro-scale analysis of potential charging locations for electric buses aiming at easing the analysis process and promoting the expansion of electric buses. The framework is tailor-made for the Municipality of Stockholm and tested in two city-centre public transport hubs, namely Odenplan and Slussen. However, the framework can be used in other locations by implementing minimum changes. Connecting charging stations to the power grid is identified as the main drawback in city-centre locations due to their high impact on the grid. Lack of available capacity at nearby connection points results in long distance connections, reaching up to 1 km in some cases. Such connections impact the overall cost of electrification directly, as they may account for up to 63% of the total cost. Although other issues regarding space availability and operational efficiency also need to be addressed, such as the lack of enough dwell time to charge the batteries, the framework proves the suitability of these inner-city locations as charging points.
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7. |
- Harahap, Fumi, 1983-
(author)
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Exploring synergies between the palm oil industry and bioenergy production in Indonesia
- 2020
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Climate change along with increasing demand for food and fuel call for sustainable use of natural resources. One way to address these concerns is through efficient use of resources, which is also vital for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. In this context, the sustainable and efficient use of resources in the palm oil industry is an interesting case to scrutinise. This is particularly important for Indonesia, the leading palm oil producer in the world. Large quantities of oils and biomass are generated from oil palm plantations and processing, presenting the potential for the development of bio-based production systems. However, at present, sustainability is a matter of great concern in this industry, including land use issues and the fact that large portions of the residues generated are untreated, releasing greenhouse gas emissions, and imposing environmental threats.This doctoral thesis aims at exploring how resource efficiency can be enhanced in the palm oil industry. Three research questions are posed to address the objective. The first question examines the sectoral policy goals of biofuel, agriculture, climate, and forestry and their requirements for land. The second question is focused on new industrial configurations for efficient use of palm oil biomass for bioenergy production. The final question summarises the role of enhancing resource efficiency in the palm oil industry with regards to meeting the national bioenergy targets, which include 5.5 GWe installed capacity and biofuel blending with fossil fuels (30% biodiesel blending with diesel and 20% ethanol blending with gasoline) in the transport, industry, and power sectors. The research questions are explored using three main methods: policy coherence analysis, techno-economic analysis, and a spatio-temporal optimisation model (BeWhere Indonesia).The thesis identifies areas in which policy formulation, in terms of sectoral land allocation, can be improved. Adjustments and improvements in policy formulation and implementation are crucial for land allocation. The inconsistencies in the use of recognised land classifications in the policy documents, the unclear definition of specific land categories, and the multiple allocation of areas, should be addressed immediately to ensure coherent sectoral policies on land allocation. This can lead to more effective policy implementation, reduce pressure on land, enhance synergies, and resolve conflicts between policy goals.The transition towards a more sustainable palm oil industry requires a shift from current traditional practices. Such transition involves efficient use of palm oil biomass resources through improved biomass conversion technologies and integration of palm oil mills with energy production in biorefinery systems. The upgrading of the conventional production systems can serve multiple purposes including clean energy access and production of clean fuels for the transport, industry, and power sectors, ultimately helping the country meet its renewable energy and sustainable development targets, along with reduced emissions. More specifically, the efficient use of biomass and co-production of bioenergy carriers in biorefineries can enable Indonesia to reach its targets for bioenergy installed capacity and bio-based blending.At present, many government policies in Indonesia are working in the right direction. Nevertheless, various barriers still need to be overcome so that resource efficiency can be improved. This includes harnessing the full potential of bioenergy in the palm oil industry. There is room for enhancing the sustainability of the palm oil industry in Indonesia with adjustments to existing policies and practices, as shown in this thesis. First, guidance across sectoral policies can help to coordinate the use of basic resources. Second, the shift from traditional practices requires a strategy that includes improvement in agricultural practices (i.e., higher yields), infrastructure for biomass conversion technologies together with improved grid connectivity, and adoption of a biorefinery system. Strengthening policy support is needed to promote such a comprehensive shift. Third, various programmes can forge partnerships between oil palm plantations, the palm oil mills, and energy producers to ensure the development of sustainable industrial practices. A sustainable palm oil industry will improve resource and cost efficiency, and help open international markets for Indonesian products. This could pave the way for an enhanced role for the Indonesian palm oil industry in global sustainability efforts.
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8. |
- Harahap, Fumi, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Meeting the bioenergy targets from palm oil based biorefineries : An optimal configuration in Indonesia
- 2020
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In: Applied Energy. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0306-2619 .- 1872-9118. ; 278
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biorefineries provide opportunities to improve the economic, environmental, and social performance of bio-based production systems. Prudent planning of plant configuration and localization is however of great merit to obtain maximum benefits from biorefineries. This study investigates optimal deployment of palm oil-based biorefineries on the two major islands of Indonesia, Sumatra and Kalimantan. In addition, the results of the optimal bioenergy (bioelectricity, biodiesel, ethanol) production are used to calculate the potential contribution of the palm oil industry according to the national bioenergy targets from 2020 to 2030. This work also offers a new perspective of analyzing the role of bioenergy in the palm oil industry in relation to meeting the bioenergy targets through the development of spatially explicit optimization model, BeWhere Indonesia. Results show that the palm oil-based biorefineries in Sumatra and Kalimantan can produce 1–1.25 GW of electricity, 4.6–12.5 bL of biodiesel, and 2.8–4.8 bL of ethanol in 2030. Significant efforts in terms of mobilization of resources and economic instruments are required to harness the full potential offered by the palm oil-based biorefineries. This study provides an important insight on how palm oil biorefineries can be developed for their enhanced roles in meeting global sustainability efforts.
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9. |
- Higa, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Coalitions towards the Carbon Tax in the Swedish Heating Sector
- 2020
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In: Sustainability. - Switzerland : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 12:20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The carbon tax is a cornerstone of the climate policy in Sweden. Historically, it has played a central role in the replacement of fossil fuels in the heating sector. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the policy-making process that led to the formulation and adoption of the carbon tax in the Swedish heating sector, from 1980 to 1991. We used the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), according to which policy actors form coalitions based on shared beliefs. Drawing from both literature and empirical experiences gathered through in-depth interviews, we identified supporting and opposing coalitions that diverged in their views concerning bioenergy development and the potential impact of the carbon tax. This study illustrates the complex conditions for introduction of environmental taxes and expansion of new industries, particularly when established businesses perceive the new activities as a threat. The Swedish experience shows that countries can progress by exploring internal synergies and innovative policy designs, despite potential resistance of established constituencies. The successful adoption of the carbon tax in the Swedish heating sector serves as inspiration for policymakers in other sectors and countries, as they contemplate policies to promote the decarbonization of the energy system.
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10. |
- Karpouzoglou, Timos, et al.
(author)
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Winners and losers during transition: the case of urban water and energy systems in Sweden
- 2020
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Globally, there is an increasing consensus around the need to realise deep transformations invital sectors of society such as those related to urban water supply and energy, particularly in cities where the largest share of the global population is living. Taking the example of recent changes in energy requirements for buildings in Sweden, the government has proposed that, by 2021, all new houses shall have” near zero” energy demand, which for a multifamily house in Stockholm translates into a primary energy demand of 85 kWh /m2 per year. This has generated a new kind of niche experimentation in the building sector that cuts across traditionally disconnected domains of innovation around water and energy. For example, technologies around greywater re-use and heat recovery from wastewater have become associated with reduction in water use and important energy gains. These innovations propel private users and organisations - notably in the real estate sector - towards new investments as part of realising ambitious energy and water targets. As end-users of networked water and energy services, actors make technology-decisions that save energy, water and reduce their dependence on centralised network providers. But this also causes negative commercial and physical effects on the established networked configurations of water and energy, in the form of reduced economic revenue, less heat circulation, and colder wastewater causing problems in the treatment plants. In our study we focus on the winnersand losers of energy and water transition in Sweden, to learn about how transition in energy and water is evolving and why it is being negotiated along particular trajectories by a range of relevant actors.
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