Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102052
Muhammad Imran , Huiji Xu , Ayesha Naz , Misbah Aslam , Abad Alzuman , Xuebing Zhang , Na Wei
It is widely acknowledged that a sustainable environment is a crucial element in achieving sustainable development. At the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), it was acknowledged that climate change is a worldwide concern, which calls for a global strategy to solve this issue. To align with the objectives of COP28 and SDG13, this study examines the factors that influence environmental sustainability from both supply-side and demand-side perspectives. The current study explores the relationship between renewable power production, digitalization, financial modernization, natural resource rent, and the effectiveness of government on carbon dioxide emissions in selected South Asian economies spanning 1998 to 2023. Using the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), our findings indicate that dependence on natural resources, digitalization, and financial modernization are substantial factors in carbon dioxide emissions. However, the effectiveness of the government and the production of renewable electricity emerge as mitigating factors, thereby reducing environmental degradation. To reduce carbon emissions in South Asian economies, Policymakers should implement regulations and incentives to ensure that financial development and digitalization support environmental sustainability. They must increase investment in renewable energy and diversify their economies to reduce dependence on non-renewables, while directing natural resource revenues toward green technology R&D.
{"title":"Renewable energy, digitalization, and governance effectiveness: Pathways to environmental sustainability in South Asia","authors":"Muhammad Imran , Huiji Xu , Ayesha Naz , Misbah Aslam , Abad Alzuman , Xuebing Zhang , Na Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102052","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102052","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is widely acknowledged that a sustainable environment is a crucial element in achieving sustainable development. At the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), it was acknowledged that climate change is a worldwide concern, which calls for a global strategy to solve this issue. To align with the objectives of COP28 and SDG13, this study examines the factors that influence environmental sustainability from both supply-side and demand-side perspectives. The current study explores the relationship between renewable power production, digitalization, financial modernization, natural resource rent, and the effectiveness of government on carbon dioxide emissions in selected South Asian economies spanning 1998 to 2023. Using the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), our findings indicate that dependence on natural resources, digitalization, and financial modernization are substantial factors in carbon dioxide emissions. However, the effectiveness of the government and the production of renewable electricity emerge as mitigating factors, thereby reducing environmental degradation. To reduce carbon emissions in South Asian economies, Policymakers should implement regulations and incentives to ensure that financial development and digitalization support environmental sustainability. They must increase investment in renewable energy and diversify their economies to reduce dependence on non-renewables, while directing natural resource revenues toward green technology R&D.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102052"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102073
Yun Dong , Xianming Ye , Dong Lin , Lijun Zhang , Xiaohua Xia
Greenhouses are essential for enhancing crop yields and enabling year-round production, but their high energy intensity and climate-sensitive demand challenge sustainability. To address the lack of climate-stratified evidence, we conduct a systematic review of climate-adaptive energy approaches for greenhouse systems structured by the Köppen climate classification (KCC). We searched the Web of Science (2019–2024) using Topic “greenhouse”, limiting to articles and refining by the “Citation Topic Micro: Greenhouse” filter; 276 records were identified and 268 articles were retained after title and abstract screening. The evidence is organized into four domains: (1) microclimate modeling and decision-support tools, (2) passive design and device-assisted enhancements, (3) active operational optimization, and (4) renewable energy integration. Results reveal climate-specific patterns: cold and arid regions most consistently benefit from insulation, thermal screens, phase-change storage, and solar–thermal-assisted heating; temperate and tropical climates increasingly adopt advanced control, including model predictive control and data-driven/learning-based controllers, to coordinate multi-variable microclimate-energy trade-offs. Renewable integration is expanding across zones, yet harmonized techno-economic and life-cycle assessments remain limited. This KCC-based synthesis supports region-specific design and operation decisions and highlights priorities for future research and deployment.
温室对于提高作物产量和实现全年生产至关重要,但其高能源强度和对气候敏感的需求对可持续性构成挑战。为了解决缺乏气候分层证据的问题,我们对由Köppen气候分类(KCC)构建的温室系统的气候适应能源方法进行了系统回顾。我们使用主题“温室”搜索Web of Science(2019-2024),限制为文章,并通过“引文主题微温室”过滤器进行细化;经标题和摘要筛选,共发现276篇文献,保留268篇文献。证据分为四个领域:(1)小气候建模和决策支持工具,(2)被动设计和设备辅助增强,(3)主动操作优化,(4)可再生能源整合。研究结果揭示了气候特有的模式:寒冷和干旱地区最一致地受益于隔热、热屏、相变储存和太阳能热辅助加热;温带和热带气候越来越多地采用先进的控制,包括模型预测控制和数据驱动/基于学习的控制器,以协调多变量微气候-能量权衡。可再生能源整合正在跨区域扩展,但统一的技术经济和生命周期评估仍然有限。这种基于kcc的综合支持特定区域的设计和操作决策,并突出了未来研究和部署的优先事项。
{"title":"Climate-adaptive energy strategies for sustainable greenhouse systems: A Köppen-based systematic review","authors":"Yun Dong , Xianming Ye , Dong Lin , Lijun Zhang , Xiaohua Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Greenhouses are essential for enhancing crop yields and enabling year-round production, but their high energy intensity and climate-sensitive demand challenge sustainability. To address the lack of climate-stratified evidence, we conduct a systematic review of climate-adaptive energy approaches for greenhouse systems structured by the Köppen climate classification (KCC). We searched the Web of Science (2019–2024) using Topic “greenhouse”, limiting to articles and refining by the “Citation Topic Micro: Greenhouse” filter; 276 records were identified and 268 articles were retained after title and abstract screening. The evidence is organized into four domains: (1) microclimate modeling and decision-support tools, (2) passive design and device-assisted enhancements, (3) active operational optimization, and (4) renewable energy integration. Results reveal climate-specific patterns: cold and arid regions most consistently benefit from insulation, thermal screens, phase-change storage, and solar–thermal-assisted heating; temperate and tropical climates increasingly adopt advanced control, including model predictive control and data-driven/learning-based controllers, to coordinate multi-variable microclimate-energy trade-offs. Renewable integration is expanding across zones, yet harmonized techno-economic and life-cycle assessments remain limited. This KCC-based synthesis supports region-specific design and operation decisions and highlights priorities for future research and deployment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102073"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102067
Yonas Tesema
In recent years, many cities across Europe have sought to promote the development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) to tackle pressing climate challenges, transition to low-carbon urban environments, foster environmentally sustainable economies, and plan for a sustainable urban future. Despite the increasing implementation of PEDs, local social and economic challenges continue to pose substantial hurdles for city planners and vulnerable groups. This article explores the socio-economic impacts of transforming a city neighbourhood into a carbon-neutral district in Stavanger, Norway, focusing on how business owners, political party leaders, leaders of civil society organizations, and custodians of history and heritage perceive the development of PEDs. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders in Stavanger, this paper argues that while economic resources, capabilities, infrastructure, and technology are essential for driving energy transition efforts, it is equally important to integrate bottom-up community perspectives into PED planning. This integration is crucial for successfully implementing PED initiatives and ensuring a just energy transition.
{"title":"Between progress and preservation: the socio-economic challenges of positive energy district in Stavanger, Norway","authors":"Yonas Tesema","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, many cities across Europe have sought to promote the development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) to tackle pressing climate challenges, transition to low-carbon urban environments, foster environmentally sustainable economies, and plan for a sustainable urban future. Despite the increasing implementation of PEDs, local social and economic challenges continue to pose substantial hurdles for city planners and vulnerable groups. This article explores the socio-economic impacts of transforming a city neighbourhood into a carbon-neutral district in Stavanger, Norway, focusing on how business owners, political party leaders, leaders of civil society organizations, and custodians of history and heritage perceive the development of PEDs. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders in Stavanger, this paper argues that while economic resources, capabilities, infrastructure, and technology are essential for driving energy transition efforts, it is equally important to integrate bottom-up community perspectives into PED planning. This integration is crucial for successfully implementing PED initiatives and ensuring a just energy transition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102067"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-18DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102101
Qianqian Fu , Zongke Bao , Chengfang Wang , Waing Sen
China's transition from selective to functional industrial policies in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector offers critical insights into how governments can facilitate green technology transitions while maintaining market efficiency. This study examines the mechanisms, effectiveness, and stakeholder responses characterizing this policy evolution through a focused empirical analysis grounded in industrial policy theory and directed technical change literature. Employing a case study methodology, we analyze 127 policy documents (2015-2024) and conduct semi-structured interviews with 23 stakeholders across government agencies, industry organizations, and research institutions in Jilin Province. Thematic analysis reveals a systematic three-phase transition: selective phase (2009-2016) characterized by direct subsidies and technology picking; transition phase (2017-2020) introducing market-based mechanisms; and functional phase (2021-present) emphasizing infrastructure development and competitive R&D funding. Market outcomes demonstrate functional policy effectiveness: NEV sales increased from 1.37 million units (2020) to 9.5 million units (2024), market competition intensified with manufacturers rising from 15 to over 300, patent applications increased 125%, and exports grew 2125%. However, stakeholder interviews reveal implementation challenges including regional coordination difficulties and institutional capacity constraints. The findings contribute to industrial policy theory by demonstrating that functional approaches can address market coordination failures in emerging green technology sectors while avoiding distortions associated with selective interventions, though effectiveness depends critically on institutional capacity and gradual transition management. Unlike previous studies that focus on aggregate outcomes or specific instruments, this research systematically connects policy transition mechanisms to stakeholder responses and market outcomes, advancing understanding of how government intervention can enhance rather than replace market forces in green technology development. The study provides evidence-based guidance for policymakers designing market-oriented industrial policies for sustainability transitions.
{"title":"From selective to functional industrial policy: China's market-driven transition in the new energy vehicle sector","authors":"Qianqian Fu , Zongke Bao , Chengfang Wang , Waing Sen","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>China's transition from selective to functional industrial policies in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector offers critical insights into how governments can facilitate green technology transitions while maintaining market efficiency. This study examines the mechanisms, effectiveness, and stakeholder responses characterizing this policy evolution through a focused empirical analysis grounded in industrial policy theory and directed technical change literature. Employing a case study methodology, we analyze 127 policy documents (2015-2024) and conduct semi-structured interviews with 23 stakeholders across government agencies, industry organizations, and research institutions in Jilin Province. Thematic analysis reveals a systematic three-phase transition: selective phase (2009-2016) characterized by direct subsidies and technology picking; transition phase (2017-2020) introducing market-based mechanisms; and functional phase (2021-present) emphasizing infrastructure development and competitive R&D funding. Market outcomes demonstrate functional policy effectiveness: NEV sales increased from 1.37 million units (2020) to 9.5 million units (2024), market competition intensified with manufacturers rising from 15 to over 300, patent applications increased 125%, and exports grew 2125%. However, stakeholder interviews reveal implementation challenges including regional coordination difficulties and institutional capacity constraints. The findings contribute to industrial policy theory by demonstrating that functional approaches can address market coordination failures in emerging green technology sectors while avoiding distortions associated with selective interventions, though effectiveness depends critically on institutional capacity and gradual transition management. Unlike previous studies that focus on aggregate outcomes or specific instruments, this research systematically connects policy transition mechanisms to stakeholder responses and market outcomes, advancing understanding of how government intervention can enhance rather than replace market forces in green technology development. The study provides evidence-based guidance for policymakers designing market-oriented industrial policies for sustainability transitions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102101"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147399050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102078
Shaowei Ju , Meng Cai , Zibeyda Shakaraliyeva , Nilufar Umarova , Fang Li
China's dual carbon goals and rural energy poverty in western provinces necessitate cost-effective autonomous energy solutions where grid extension remains economically unfeasible. This study addresses the economic optimization challenge of off-grid hydrogen energy systems serving remote communities in Qinghai, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang, where diesel generation costs exceed $0.30/kWh including transportation. We develop an economic-centered energy management framework integrating solar photovoltaics with hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell generation to minimize total system costs while ensuring reliable energy supply.The research presents a techno-economic optimization model analyzing capital expenditure, operational costs, component replacement schedules, and system degradation economics across 20-year project lifetimes. A predictive energy management strategy employing machine learning forecasting and dynamic control algorithms optimizes production-consumption patterns to reduce equipment cycling costs and maximize revenue from energy sales. Economic feasibility analysis under Chinese market conditions reveals levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.19–0.24/kWh for hydrogen-integrated systems, achieving cost parity with diesel alternatives while eliminating fuel supply chain vulnerabilities.Cost-benefit analysis demonstrates: (1) optimized energy management reduces annual equipment replacement costs by $4800 through extended component lifespans, (2) thermal energy recovery decreases hydrogen production costs by 13.2%, saving $6400 annually in operational expenditures, (3) integrated system efficiency improvements lower total energy costs by 18.7% compared to conventional control strategies, and (4) net present value reaches $58,000 over project lifetime with internal rate of return of 11.3% under current subsidy frameworks. This study suggests establishing hydrogen equipment subsidies at 35–45% of capital costs for remote installations, implementing differentiated feed-in tariffs ($0.10–0.15/kWh) for off-grid renewable hydrogen systems, creating low-interest financing mechanisms (2–3% annual rate) for rural energy cooperatives, and developing technical certification standards for economic energy management systems. These interventions can accelerate deployment of 500–800 MW hydrogen capacity in underserved regions by 2030, benefiting 2.3 million rural residents while reducing diesel consumption by 180,000 tons annually.
{"title":"Energy management and efficiency evaluation of an integrated off-grid hydrogen energy use system","authors":"Shaowei Ju , Meng Cai , Zibeyda Shakaraliyeva , Nilufar Umarova , Fang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102078","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102078","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>China's dual carbon goals and rural energy poverty in western provinces necessitate cost-effective autonomous energy solutions where grid extension remains economically unfeasible. This study addresses the economic optimization challenge of off-grid hydrogen energy systems serving remote communities in Qinghai, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang, where diesel generation costs exceed $0.30/kWh including transportation. We develop an economic-centered energy management framework integrating solar photovoltaics with hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell generation to minimize total system costs while ensuring reliable energy supply.The research presents a techno-economic optimization model analyzing capital expenditure, operational costs, component replacement schedules, and system degradation economics across 20-year project lifetimes. A predictive energy management strategy employing machine learning forecasting and dynamic control algorithms optimizes production-consumption patterns to reduce equipment cycling costs and maximize revenue from energy sales. Economic feasibility analysis under Chinese market conditions reveals levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.19–0.24/kWh for hydrogen-integrated systems, achieving cost parity with diesel alternatives while eliminating fuel supply chain vulnerabilities.Cost-benefit analysis demonstrates: (1) optimized energy management reduces annual equipment replacement costs by $4800 through extended component lifespans, (2) thermal energy recovery decreases hydrogen production costs by 13.2%, saving $6400 annually in operational expenditures, (3) integrated system efficiency improvements lower total energy costs by 18.7% compared to conventional control strategies, and (4) net present value reaches $58,000 over project lifetime with internal rate of return of 11.3% under current subsidy frameworks. This study suggests establishing hydrogen equipment subsidies at 35–45% of capital costs for remote installations, implementing differentiated feed-in tariffs ($0.10–0.15/kWh) for off-grid renewable hydrogen systems, creating low-interest financing mechanisms (2–3% annual rate) for rural energy cooperatives, and developing technical certification standards for economic energy management systems. These interventions can accelerate deployment of 500–800 MW hydrogen capacity in underserved regions by 2030, benefiting 2.3 million rural residents while reducing diesel consumption by 180,000 tons annually.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102078"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147399245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-03-11DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102179
Sergio Leo Vargas Aranda , Erica Ramirez , Bertrand Charmaison , Maxence Cordiez , Emma Moulan
The European power system plays a strategic role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels while contributing to reaching Europe’s CO2 emissions targets. The energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war against Ukraine has revived interest in the role of nuclear energy in the European power system. We examine how postponing nuclear phase-out affects optimal dispatch and environmental performance of the interconnected European power system. We use ESMOD, a unit commitment model of the European electric system at the 2030 horizon, built with Antares Simulator, to assess the impact of nuclear phase-out policies in Germany and Belgium. The model accounts for 36 European countries and focuses on cross-border effects and country-level impacts. The model shows that not decommissioning 4 GW of nuclear capacity in these two countries would have reduced European CO2 emissions by 16 million tons in 2030. Strikingly, about 45% of such reductions would have occurred in other European countries and keeping nuclear power plants in operation would have increased the total European surplus by 3 billion euros heterogeneously affecting across countries. To interpret these heterogeneous effects, we analysed the load size, power mix, trader status and interconnections to explain cross-border sensitivities. Finally, we assessed the countries' sensitivity to weather variation across 34 climate years by classifying them using the K-means clustering method. The results underscore the central role of European energy policy coordination in shaping future energy strategies that prioritize climate goals and efficient system integration while challenging the economic efficiency and environmental effectiveness of solely national plans.
{"title":"Cross-border impacts of nuclear phase-out policies on the European power system: Economic and environmental insights for strategic energy planning","authors":"Sergio Leo Vargas Aranda , Erica Ramirez , Bertrand Charmaison , Maxence Cordiez , Emma Moulan","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102179","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102179","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The European power system plays a strategic role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels while contributing to reaching Europe’s CO2 emissions targets. The energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war against Ukraine has revived interest in the role of nuclear energy in the European power system. We examine how postponing nuclear phase-out affects optimal dispatch and environmental performance of the interconnected European power system. We use ESMOD, a unit commitment model of the European electric system at the 2030 horizon, built with Antares Simulator, to assess the impact of nuclear phase-out policies in Germany and Belgium. The model accounts for 36 European countries and focuses on cross-border effects and country-level impacts. The model shows that not decommissioning 4 GW of nuclear capacity in these two countries would have reduced European CO2 emissions by 16 million tons in 2030. Strikingly, about 45% of such reductions would have occurred in other European countries and keeping nuclear power plants in operation would have increased the total European surplus by 3 billion euros heterogeneously affecting across countries. To interpret these heterogeneous effects, we analysed the load size, power mix, trader status and interconnections to explain cross-border sensitivities. Finally, we assessed the countries' sensitivity to weather variation across 34 climate years by classifying them using the K-means clustering method. The results underscore the central role of European energy policy coordination in shaping future energy strategies that prioritize climate goals and efficient system integration while challenging the economic efficiency and environmental effectiveness of solely national plans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102179"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147399246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-03-10DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102175
Mahmood Abdoos , Hossein Yousefi
District heating serves as an effective solution for enhancing energy efficiency, mitigating seasonal imbalances, and facilitating the transition from fossil fuels particularly natural gas used for space heating in Iranian buildings thereby playing a pivotal role in achieving climate objectives and promoting urban resilience. This study employs spatial modeling within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework to analyze existing energy sources in Iran, including steam, gas, combined-cycle, solar, and biomass power plants. The analysis considers factors such as proximity to heat demand centers, generation capacity, and heat transfer infrastructure. Steam power plants in Iran are predominantly located near major urban centers, with Isfahan, Gilan, Razavi Khorasan, Qazvin, and Hamadan identified as key provinces. Gas power plants exhibit significant potential in Mazandaran, Tehran, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Razavi Khorasan, while Khuzestan, Isfahan, and Hormozgan are notable due to their industrial roles. Combined-cycle power plants demonstrate optimal spatial distribution across Alborz, Gilan, Qom, Razavi Khorasan, Kerman, Tehran, Kurdistan, Khuzestan, and Isfahan, rendering them highly suitable for integration into district heating systems. Overall, Razavi Khorasan, Tehran, and Isfahan consistently emerge as the most favorable provinces across all power plant types, owing to their combination of population density, industrial activity, and energy infrastructure. These regions hold substantial potential for supporting zero-energy urban neighborhoods through connectivity to district heating networks. For the first time in Iran a developing country context allowable connection distances were classified based on technical, environmental, and regulatory criteria. By addressing the existing research gap concerning spatial linkages between energy supply and demand, this study proposes a strategic pathway for developing low-carbon thermal infrastructure, including the establishment of zero-energy urban districts in Iranian cities. The proposed framework evaluates Iran's energy imbalances and offers a strategic direction for the expansion of low-carbon heating infrastructure.
{"title":"Integrated spatial assessment of energy infrastructure for enabling net-zero energy urban neighborhoods","authors":"Mahmood Abdoos , Hossein Yousefi","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102175","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102175","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>District heating serves as an effective solution for enhancing energy efficiency, mitigating seasonal imbalances, and facilitating the transition from fossil fuels particularly natural gas used for space heating in Iranian buildings thereby playing a pivotal role in achieving climate objectives and promoting urban resilience. This study employs spatial modeling within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework to analyze existing energy sources in Iran, including steam, gas, combined-cycle, solar, and biomass power plants. The analysis considers factors such as proximity to heat demand centers, generation capacity, and heat transfer infrastructure. Steam power plants in Iran are predominantly located near major urban centers, with Isfahan, Gilan, Razavi Khorasan, Qazvin, and Hamadan identified as key provinces. Gas power plants exhibit significant potential in Mazandaran, Tehran, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Razavi Khorasan, while Khuzestan, Isfahan, and Hormozgan are notable due to their industrial roles. Combined-cycle power plants demonstrate optimal spatial distribution across Alborz, Gilan, Qom, Razavi Khorasan, Kerman, Tehran, Kurdistan, Khuzestan, and Isfahan, rendering them highly suitable for integration into district heating systems. Overall, Razavi Khorasan, Tehran, and Isfahan consistently emerge as the most favorable provinces across all power plant types, owing to their combination of population density, industrial activity, and energy infrastructure. These regions hold substantial potential for supporting zero-energy urban neighborhoods through connectivity to district heating networks. For the first time in Iran a developing country context allowable connection distances were classified based on technical, environmental, and regulatory criteria. By addressing the existing research gap concerning spatial linkages between energy supply and demand, this study proposes a strategic pathway for developing low-carbon thermal infrastructure, including the establishment of zero-energy urban districts in Iranian cities. The proposed framework evaluates Iran's energy imbalances and offers a strategic direction for the expansion of low-carbon heating infrastructure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102175"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147399252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102094
Vinaya Kumar Hebsale Mallappa , Rachana Bansal
The study explores the viability of Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps (SPIPs) as a sustainable solution to water scarcity and unreliable energy in the agricultural sector. Given the challenges posed by climate change and the inefficiencies of traditional energy sources, the research aims to evaluate the potential benefits and barriers of SPIPs in agriculture. Despite the promising prospects of SPIPs, there is a considerable research gap concerning their practical adoption constraints and economic feasibility. Employing an ex-post-facto research design, the study utilized a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 300 farmers for data collection through a pre-tested interview schedule. The analysis encompassed economic feasibility metrics such as payback period, net present worth, and benefit-cost ratio, while also evaluating farmers' willingness based on their perceptions and awareness. Results reveal that while 86.67 % of farmers have heard of SPIPs, only 59.65 % are willing to adopt. The disparity between awareness and practical experience, coupled with limited technical knowledge, contributes to uncertainty in adoption. Economic feasibility analyses indicate that SPIPs offer significant long-term cost savings, improved energy efficiency, and environmental benefits. However, barriers such as high initial costs and limited technical know-how hinder widespread adoption. A notable 42.33 % of farmers view SPIPs favorably, yet financial constraints and technical challenges persist. Policy implications include enhancing financial support mechanisms and technical assistance to facilitate broader adoption. Overall, addressing these barriers is crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and achieving energy self-reliance in India and other developing countries.
{"title":"Economic feasibility and farmers’ willingness to adopt solar-powered irrigation pumps (SPIPs) for self-reliance","authors":"Vinaya Kumar Hebsale Mallappa , Rachana Bansal","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102094","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102094","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study explores the viability of Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps (SPIPs) as a sustainable solution to water scarcity and unreliable energy in the agricultural sector. Given the challenges posed by climate change and the inefficiencies of traditional energy sources, the research aims to evaluate the potential benefits and barriers of SPIPs in agriculture. Despite the promising prospects of SPIPs, there is a considerable research gap concerning their practical adoption constraints and economic feasibility. Employing an ex-post-facto research design, the study utilized a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 300 farmers for data collection through a pre-tested interview schedule. The analysis encompassed economic feasibility metrics such as payback period, net present worth, and benefit-cost ratio, while also evaluating farmers' willingness based on their perceptions and awareness. Results reveal that while 86.67 % of farmers have heard of SPIPs, only 59.65 % are willing to adopt. The disparity between awareness and practical experience, coupled with limited technical knowledge, contributes to uncertainty in adoption. Economic feasibility analyses indicate that SPIPs offer significant long-term cost savings, improved energy efficiency, and environmental benefits. However, barriers such as high initial costs and limited technical know-how hinder widespread adoption. A notable 42.33 % of farmers view SPIPs favorably, yet financial constraints and technical challenges persist. Policy implications include enhancing financial support mechanisms and technical assistance to facilitate broader adoption. Overall, addressing these barriers is crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and achieving energy self-reliance in India and other developing countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102094"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147399416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102076
Magdalena Radulescu , Mohammad Sharif Karimi , Said Khalfa Brika , Kamel Si Mohammed , Luigi Popescu
Artificial intelligence (AI) and green technological innovation have become central to improving the efficiency of renewable and nuclear energy systems, particularly following the rapid acceleration of AI deployment since 2022. This study investigates the dynamic and heterogeneous effects of AI and green technological innovation, proxied by green patents, on the efficiency of renewable and nuclear energy across advanced and developing countries over the period 2000–2024. Employing a Time-Varying Interactive Fixed Effects (TV-IFE) model alongside Bootstrap Quantile Regression (BSQR), the analysis captures structural changes, cross-country heterogeneity, and distribution-specific responses that are not observable using conventional static panel approaches. The results reveal a pronounced strengthening of AI's contribution to energy efficiency in the post-2022 period, reflecting the maturation of AI-driven optimization, automation, and intelligent energy management systems. While green technological innovation initially exhibits a weak or negative effect, its impact becomes significantly positive as AI adoption deepens, indicating a strong complementary relationship between digital intelligence and green innovation. Importantly, the findings uncover substantial heterogeneity across development levels: advanced economies experience immediate and persistent efficiency gains from AI, whereas developing economies display delayed but accelerating benefits once technological and institutional thresholds are reached. The findings offer a forward-looking framework for future research, encouraging scholars to adopt time-varying methodologies, post-AI-boom datasets, and development-specific analyses when assessing the role of emerging digital technologies in energy transitions.
{"title":"The role of artificial intelligence and green technological innovation in shaping greener and nuclear energy efficiency: Evidence from developed and developing countries using a panel time-varying approach","authors":"Magdalena Radulescu , Mohammad Sharif Karimi , Said Khalfa Brika , Kamel Si Mohammed , Luigi Popescu","doi":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esr.2026.102076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial intelligence (AI) and green technological innovation have become central to improving the efficiency of renewable and nuclear energy systems, particularly following the rapid acceleration of AI deployment since 2022. This study investigates the dynamic and heterogeneous effects of AI and green technological innovation, proxied by green patents, on the efficiency of renewable and nuclear energy across advanced and developing countries over the period 2000–2024. Employing a Time-Varying Interactive Fixed Effects (TV-IFE) model alongside Bootstrap Quantile Regression (BSQR), the analysis captures structural changes, cross-country heterogeneity, and distribution-specific responses that are not observable using conventional static panel approaches. The results reveal a pronounced strengthening of AI's contribution to energy efficiency in the post-2022 period, reflecting the maturation of AI-driven optimization, automation, and intelligent energy management systems. While green technological innovation initially exhibits a weak or negative effect, its impact becomes significantly positive as AI adoption deepens, indicating a strong complementary relationship between digital intelligence and green innovation. Importantly, the findings uncover substantial heterogeneity across development levels: advanced economies experience immediate and persistent efficiency gains from AI, whereas developing economies display delayed but accelerating benefits once technological and institutional thresholds are reached. The findings offer a forward-looking framework for future research, encouraging scholars to adopt time-varying methodologies, post-AI-boom datasets, and development-specific analyses when assessing the role of emerging digital technologies in energy transitions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11546,"journal":{"name":"Energy Strategy Reviews","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102076"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147399388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}