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\"Why is it hard to solve the climate crisis, and what can we do? This book answers these questions, which are of interest to the public, academics, and businesspeople. Using stories from the front lines of the energy transition, we show how to unlock the climate impasse\"-- Provided by publisher.

The purpose of this study article is to provide a detailed examination of the performance of exergy electric panels, exergy efficiency panels and exergy solar panels under the climatic circumstances of the Utrecht region in the Netherlands. The study explores the performance of these solar panels in terms of both their energy efficiency and their exergy efficiency. Additionally, the study investigates critical factors such as solar radiation, module internal temperature, air temperature, maximum power, and solar energy efficiency. Environmental factors have a considerable impact on panel performance; temperature has a negative impact on efficiency, whereas an increase in solar radiation leads to an increase in energy and exergy output. These findings offer significant insights that can be used to increase the utilization of solar energy in locations that have a temperate oceanic climate, particularly in the context of the climatic conditions of the Utrecht region. The usefulness of the linear regression model in machine learning was validated by performance measures such as R2, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE. Furthermore, an R2 value of 0.94889 was found for the parameters that were utilized. Policy makers, researchers, and industry stakeholders who seek to successfully utilize solar energy in the face of changing climatic conditions may find this research to be an important reference.

According to the Second Law of thermodynamics the total amount of energy remains the same in its transfer and conversion, but its ‘quality’ will degrade. Physical quantities characterizing the quality of energy, energy quality and energy grade have been applied in engineering thermophysics for a long time. However, their concepts and calculation are still not fully clear. This paper provides in-depth thinking on the energy quality and energy grade and clarifies their physical meanings and calculations. Abstract A more comprehensive view on the energy properties could contribute to the deepening of thermodynamic theories and efficient utilization of energy, which has both theoretical and practical significance. As derivative concepts of exergy, energy quality and energy grade, which characterize the quality of energy, have been fully applied in the field of engineering thermophysics during the past four decades. However, their concepts and calculations have not been fully clarified, and summaries of related applications are very rare in the literature. This has led to a considerable degree of ambiguity and confusion in the utilization of these concepts, which is not conducive to the application and promotion of the concepts, and would also hinder the process of the cognition for energy properties. Based on literature research, this paper explains the history of the energy quality and energy grade concepts and expands the calculations and related benchmark issues (environmental reference states) in detail. Moreover, in order to better understand the functions of energy quality and energy grade, analysis methods derived from the concepts and their applications are reviewed. Through summarizing existing research, future research needs on energy quality and energy grade is elaborated. This paper will help to clarify the physical meanings and calculations of energy quality and energy grade, as well as contribute to in-depth thinking on the energy quality and energy grade and other potential energy properties. The second law of thermodynamics states that although the total amount of energy in the transfer and conversion remained the same, its ‘quality’ would degrade. As physical quantities characterizing the quality of energy, energy quality and energy grade have been fully applied in the field of engineering thermophysics during the past four decades. However, their concepts and calculations have not been fully clarified, which has led to a considerable degree of ambiguity and confusion in the utilization of these concepts. Based on literature research, this paper explains the history of the energy quality and energy grade concepts and expands the calculations and corresponding environmental reference states in detail. Moreover, analysis methods derived from the concepts and their applications are reviewed to better understand the functions of energy quality and energy grade. Through summarizing existing research, future research needs on energy quality and energy grade is elaborated. This paper will help to clarify the physical meanings and calculations of energy quality and energy grade, as well as contribute to in-depth thinking on the energy quality and energy grade and other potential energy properties. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract

Blockchain Technology (BCT) is expanding day by day and is used in all pillars of life and projects. In this research, we survey applicable BCT in project management for the first time. We presented a Resource-Constrained Time–Cost-Quality-Energy-Environment Tradeoff Problem by considering BCT, Risk and Robustness (RCTCQEETPBCTRR) in project scheduling. We utilize hybrid robust stochastic programming, worst case, and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) to cope with uncertainty and risks. This type of robustification and risk-averse is presented in this research. A real case study is presented in a healthcare project. We utilize GAMS-CPLEX to solve the model. Finally, we analyze finish time, conservative coefficient, the confidence level of CVaR, and the number of scenarios. The most important research result is that applying BCT decreases cost, energy, and pollution and increases quality. Moreover, the total gap between RCTCQEETPBCTRR and without BCT is approximately 2.6%. When compacting finish time happens or if the conservative coefficient increases to 100%, costs, energy, and pollution environment increase, but quality decreases. If the confidence level of CVaR increases, the cost, energy, and environment function functions grow up, and quality is approximately not changed.

China’s dual-carbon targets necessitate a transition toward a greener, safer, and more efficient energy system; however, substantial disparities persist across provinces. This study evaluates high-quality energy development across 30 Chinese provinces (2011–2022) under the dual-carbon agenda and identifies differentiated transition pathways. Using a PCA-TOPSIS framework with regional pattern classification, we find an “east-high, west-low, central-dip” spatial structure and a nationwide improvement trend over time. Beijing and Guangdong remain persistent leaders, whereas the central region is the primary weak link. Green energy and energy innovation are the strongest contributors to provincial performance, highlighting the importance of clean supply and technological capability. Policy implications emphasize differentiated approaches: strengthen innovation leadership in the east, accelerate structural upgrading and clean substitution in central and resource-dependent provinces, and improve infrastructure and market integration to unlock renewable advantages in the west.

Poorly implemented energy subsidies are economically costly to taxpayers and damage the environment. This report aims at providing the emerging lessons form a representative sample of case studies in 20 developing countries that could help policy makers to address implementation challenges, including overcoming political economy and affordability constraints. The sample has selected on the basis of a number of criteria, including the country’s level of development (and consumption), developing country region, energy security and the fuel it subsidies (petroleum fuel, electricity, natural gas). The case studies were supported by data collection related to direct budgetary subsidies, fuel and electricity tariffs, and household survey data.The analysis provides strong evidence of the success of reforms in reducing the associated fiscal burden. For the sample of countries, the average energy subsidy recorded in the budget was reduced from 1.8% in 2004 to 1.3%GDP in 2010. The reduction of subsidies is particularly remarkable for net energy importers. Pass-through of international fuel prices was also notable in the case of electricity generated by fossil fuel. For the sample of countries, the average end-user electricity tariff increased by 50%, from USD 6 cents in 2002 to USD 9 cents per kWh in 2010.In spite of the relatively price inelastic demand for gasoline and diesel, fossil fuel consumption in the road sector (per unit of GDP) declined in the 20 countries examined from 53 (44) in 2002 to about 23 kt oil equivalent per million of GDP in 2008 in the case of gasoline (Diesel). The most notable decline in consumption was recorded in the low and lower middle income countries. This reflects the much higher rate of growth in GDP in this group of countries and underlines the opportunities to influence future consumption behavior rather than modifying the existing consumption patterns, overcoming inertia and vested interests. Similar trends are recorded for power consumption.While there is no one-size-fits-all model for subsidy reform, implementation of compensatory social policies and an effective communication strategy, before the changes are introduced, reduces helped with the implementation of reforms.

Against the backdrop of China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy, transitioning to high-quality energy development (HQED) is imperative for balancing decarbonization with economic resilience. This study explores the transformative role of the digital economy as a primary driver of this transition. Using provincial panel data from 2013 to 2023, we employ a two-way fixed effects model to quantify the impact of digital economy on high-quality energy development. Our empirical results demonstrate that the digital economy significantly bolsters high-quality energy development, a finding that holds across rigorous robustness and endogeneity checks. Mechanism analysis reveals three critical transmission pathways: fostering technological innovation, accelerating industrial structure upgrading, and promoting industrial sophistication. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis indicates a pronounced positive effect in the Eastern and Central regions, whereas the impact in the Western region remains limited, highlighting a “digital divide” in energy transition. These findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize digital infrastructure in lagging regions and leverage digital tools to bridge the gap between industrial upgrading and energy efficiency.

Modern power and transportation systems are subject to high requirements for reliability and performance in performing their specified functions. At the same time, these requirements are constantly increasing with the increasing complexity of technology and the introduction of electronics and computer technology into its structure. This is fully applicable to energy and transportation infrastructure, including electric vehicles. The complexity of the systems and increasing requirements for them have led to the fact that the problem of increasing their operational reliability has acquired great importance. The article presents a review of methods and justification of ensuring a high level of reliability and serviceability of technical systems as one of the most important tasks in the creation and operation of complex systems, such as modern energy and transportation systems. It is shown that a significant reserve in solving the problem of increasing the reliability and performance of technical systems is the information on failures and malfunctions of these systems obtained from the field of operation. The methodology of collection and processing of statistical information on failures of vehicles described by different distribution laws is outlined.

•Exergy was considered to reflect energy quality differences in carbon emission analysis.•Energy-exergy-carbon flow coupling analysis was conducted to reveal dynamic carbon emission traits.•An optimized scheduling method was proposed to reduce system carbon emissions. Buildings on campus generally consume a large amount of energy, of which heating energy accounts for a large proportion. Under the background of carbon reduction, it is of great importance to apply renewable energy system for heating purpose on campus. In order to achieve the desired carbon reduction effect, optimal system scheduling, of which energy flow analysis is the basis, should be paid special attention to. However, carbon and exergy flow were seldom considered with energy flow in previous studies, resulting in inaccurate and infeasible scheduling results. Thus, based on energy-exergy-carbon flow coupling analysis, a solar-air source heat pump heating system on campus in Xi’an, China was optimally scheduled in this study, under scenarios of considering time-of-use electricity pricing (Scenario 1), node carbon intensity (Scenario 2), and both (Scenario 3). The results indicate: 1) The outdoor temperature, efficiency of solar collector, and COP of heat pump all exhibited significant negative correlation with the node carbon intensity. 2) Compared to Scenario 1, the system carbon emissions decreased by 6.13% and renewable energy consumption increased by 2.56% in Scenario 2, but the system operation cost increased by 1.05% simultaneously. 3) Compared to Scenario 1, Scenario 3 reduced carbon emissions by 5.11% but increased system operating cost by 0.6%, while compared to Scenario 2, Scenario 3 reduced system operating cost by 1.29% and increased carbon emissions by 1.09%. [Display omitted]

Energy auditing is crucial for both emerging and developed nations, focusing on aspects such as energy efficiency, quality and intensity. This becomes especially significant in the industrial sector, where major operating costs involve materials, machinery, personnel and energy. A key objective is identifying energy consumption in the Continuous Miner Machine, boasting a 1050 KW connected load, to explore opportunities for energy savings and improved quality. The execution of an energy audit promises increased efficiency, enhanced power quality, reduced costs and prevention of energy wastage. This research study has meticulously examined the electrical equipment supplying power to Continuous Miner Machines, proposing modifications to boost production through energy-efficient methods. Comprehensive assessments of primary substations, including Incomers, Transformers, Feeders, etc., involve tests for voltage, current, power factor, harmonics and AC waveform. Thermal imaging is employed to analyze the operational temperature of the electrical equipment. The graphical representations of test outcomes have highlighted a significant recommendation: installing an Automatic Power Factor Controller on the inductive load side of transformers could lead to a notable 3.85% reduction in energy costs.