Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115055
C. Sanz-Cuadrado , P. Rahdan , Z. Zhang , M. Victoria , A.B. Cristóbal
This paper introduces an innovative system for quantifying and enhancing individual engagement in sustainable energy consumption behaviours that support the energy transition goals set by the European energy policy. Focusing on residential energy use and transportation, the study proposes an innovative labelling system that monitors and evaluates personal energy habits, linking them to CO2 emissions and energy demand reductions. The algorithm, developed using publicly available data from reputable sources, is tailored for application across the 27 EU member states and the UK, facilitating meaningful regional comparisons. The paper outlines the design methodology, algorithm development, and insights from a peer review involving 12 international experts, along with feedback from over 1800 users across Europe. By providing an accessible, data-driven framework, this research fosters citizen engagement in the energy transition, contributing to sustainable development goals and advancing global sustainability initiatives.
{"title":"A new approach to assess individual contributions to energy transition goals","authors":"C. Sanz-Cuadrado , P. Rahdan , Z. Zhang , M. Victoria , A.B. Cristóbal","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115055","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115055","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper introduces an innovative system for quantifying and enhancing individual engagement in sustainable energy consumption behaviours that support the energy transition goals set by the European energy policy. Focusing on residential energy use and transportation, the study proposes an innovative labelling system that monitors and evaluates personal energy habits, linking them to CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and energy demand reductions. The algorithm, developed using publicly available data from reputable sources, is tailored for application across the 27 EU member states and the UK, facilitating meaningful regional comparisons. The paper outlines the design methodology, algorithm development, and insights from a peer review involving 12 international experts, along with feedback from over 1800 users across Europe. By providing an accessible, data-driven framework, this research fosters citizen engagement in the energy transition, contributing to sustainable development goals and advancing global sustainability initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115055"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115069
Carolina Hiller , Hanna Björner Brauer , Magdalena Kania-Lundholm , Erik Lundberg , Therese Olsson
This study explores the social potential for flexibility and coordination of energy-intensive technologies, specifically electric vehicles and heat pumps – an increasingly common combination in Swedish single-family homes with diverse needs and motivations. As electrification rises and power peaks grow more concerning, the research examines flexibility in everyday EV charging and heating practices, focusing on enabling and hindering conditions. Drawing on 21 household interviews and social practice theory, the study found that flexibility potential was influenced by temporal, geographical, and material conditions, along with values, expectations, and experiences. Alternative charging strategies and frugal heating practices demonstrated flexibility, especially among households valuing environmental care. Foreseeability supported flexibility, while rigid schedules and high comfort expectations posed challenges. Practices centred around care were important but could reduce flexibility, and unfavourable combinations of geographical and material conditions further constrained it, but instead shaped fragility and awareness. Coordinating EV charging with heat pump use and adapting to new power tariffs proved complex. The study highlights the importance of understanding the social dimensions of energy flexibility and offers insights for policymakers and energy providers to support households in managing and coordinating practices related to multiple energy-intensive technologies in response to price signals and power demands.
{"title":"Don't charge while you heat! The social potential for flexibility and coordination of energy-intensive technologies in single-family houses","authors":"Carolina Hiller , Hanna Björner Brauer , Magdalena Kania-Lundholm , Erik Lundberg , Therese Olsson","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the social potential for flexibility and coordination of energy-intensive technologies, specifically electric vehicles and heat pumps – an increasingly common combination in Swedish single-family homes with diverse needs and motivations. As electrification rises and power peaks grow more concerning, the research examines flexibility in everyday EV charging and heating practices, focusing on enabling and hindering conditions. Drawing on 21 household interviews and social practice theory, the study found that flexibility potential was influenced by temporal, geographical, and material conditions, along with values, expectations, and experiences. Alternative charging strategies and frugal heating practices demonstrated flexibility, especially among households valuing environmental care. Foreseeability supported flexibility, while rigid schedules and high comfort expectations posed challenges. Practices centred around care were important but could reduce flexibility, and unfavourable combinations of geographical and material conditions further constrained it, but instead shaped fragility and awareness. Coordinating EV charging with heat pump use and adapting to new power tariffs proved complex. The study highlights the importance of understanding the social dimensions of energy flexibility and offers insights for policymakers and energy providers to support households in managing and coordinating practices related to multiple energy-intensive technologies in response to price signals and power demands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115069"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115080
Jonathan Davis Smith , Martha Hesty Susilowati , Samsul Maarif , Eko Cahyono
This article contributes to research on social acceptance of energy transitions by analyzing environmental polarization between proponents and opponents of geothermal energy developments in Indonesia. It is based on data from a 2024–2025 study which used community-based participatory research in 14 locations with geothermal developments. Due to its location on the ring of fire, Indonesia offers a wealth of untapped resources for geothermal energy; full utilization of this energy source could reduce the nation's reliance on coal-fired power plants. Yet the rapid increase of geothermal developments since 2021 has led to public opposition. The study found evidence of actual polarization between elites and local communities in 1) contrasting narratives about green energy, and 2) contrasting mitigation strategies to address community polarization. These findings explain how social acceptance of energy transitions can be a barrier or an asset depending on 1) how socio-cultural values align between environmental policymakers and local communities, and 2) how methods for obtaining community acceptance align with principles of mitigating environmental polarization: open communication, deliberation, and collective action. The article recommends that 1) community resistance to geothermal developments should be viewed as a sign that environmental policies are increasing harmful polarization, 2) local communities and local knowledges should be viewed as socio-cultural assets to develop just green energy policies that improve local and national economic outputs alongside reducing carbon emissions and promoting healthy ecosystems, and 3) spaces for open deliberation about renewable energy transitions are needed to inform environmental policies.
{"title":"When energy transitions drive polarization: Narratives of green energy and mitigation strategies by proponents and opponents of geothermal energy developments in Indonesia","authors":"Jonathan Davis Smith , Martha Hesty Susilowati , Samsul Maarif , Eko Cahyono","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article contributes to research on social acceptance of energy transitions by analyzing environmental polarization between proponents and opponents of geothermal energy developments in Indonesia. It is based on data from a 2024–2025 study which used community-based participatory research in 14 locations with geothermal developments. Due to its location on the ring of fire, Indonesia offers a wealth of untapped resources for geothermal energy; full utilization of this energy source could reduce the nation's reliance on coal-fired power plants. Yet the rapid increase of geothermal developments since 2021 has led to public opposition. The study found evidence of actual polarization between elites and local communities in 1) contrasting narratives about green energy, and 2) contrasting mitigation strategies to address community polarization. These findings explain how social acceptance of energy transitions can be a barrier or an asset depending on 1) how socio-cultural values align between environmental policymakers and local communities, and 2) how methods for obtaining community acceptance align with principles of mitigating environmental polarization: open communication, deliberation, and collective action. The article recommends that 1) community resistance to geothermal developments should be viewed as a sign that environmental policies are increasing harmful polarization, 2) local communities and local knowledges should be viewed as socio-cultural assets to develop just green energy policies that improve local and national economic outputs alongside reducing carbon emissions and promoting healthy ecosystems, and 3) spaces for open deliberation about renewable energy transitions are needed to inform environmental policies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115080"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115082
Hui Xu , Xinpu Wang , Dawei Zhang
Solid fuel reliance impedes health improvements and health equity in rural China. Against the backdrop of “Internet + Healthcare”, this study examines how internet access shapes the adoption of cleaner cooking fuels and thereby affects population health. Using longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS, 2014–2022), we quantify the impact of household internet use on clean cooking adoption, uncover the underlying mechanisms, and estimate associated health gains. Key findings indicate that: (i) Internet use significantly promotes rural households' transition to cleaner cooking fuels. (ii) This transition is primarily driven by two pathways: increased household income and enhanced health literacy. (iii) The effect varies significantly across regions and demographic groups. (iv) Crucially, Internet use improves physical health, mediated by cleaner cooking adoption. This research provides valuable insights for promoting synergistic energy-health policies to accelerate clean cooking transitions and enhance population health in rural China.
{"title":"Internet use propels cleaner cooking adoption and health gains in rural China","authors":"Hui Xu , Xinpu Wang , Dawei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115082","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115082","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solid fuel reliance impedes health improvements and health equity in rural China. Against the backdrop of “Internet + Healthcare”, this study examines how internet access shapes the adoption of cleaner cooking fuels and thereby affects population health. Using longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS, 2014–2022), we quantify the impact of household internet use on clean cooking adoption, uncover the underlying mechanisms, and estimate associated health gains. Key findings indicate that: (i) Internet use significantly promotes rural households' transition to cleaner cooking fuels. (ii) This transition is primarily driven by two pathways: increased household income and enhanced health literacy. (iii) The effect varies significantly across regions and demographic groups. (iv) Crucially, Internet use improves physical health, mediated by cleaner cooking adoption. This research provides valuable insights for promoting synergistic energy-health policies to accelerate clean cooking transitions and enhance population health in rural China.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115082"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115070
Khalid Ahmed , Abdul Khalique , Bareerah Khan
Despite Pakistan's long-enduring chronic energy crisis, a recent surge in solar generation supplied nearly 25 % of the national electricity grid in the first quarter of 2025, broadening access and easing cost pressures. Conversely, IMF conditionality under IMF financing programs, such as tariff rebasing and a 10 % sales tax on solar imports, risk undermining these distributive gains. This study examines the interaction between solar adoption, IMF credit, and household electricity prices in shaping energy justice, using annual data from 2007 to 2024. We capture direct, mediated, and dynamic effects using time-series analysis and causal mediation models, respectively. Results show that a 1 % increase in solar generation reduces injustice by 0.142 points (p < 0.01), with benefits most substantial in rural areas. Mediation analysis demonstrates that IMF credit alleviates injustice only when channeled through solar adoption (β = 0.251 → SE; Sobel z = −2.47), while tariff hikes directly worsen inequality (β = −0.399, p < 0.05) but partially induce adoption. VAR evidence reveals that price shocks immediately intensify injustice, whereas solar shocks reduce disparities gradually. Results conclude that solar energy holds great promise, but cannot single-handedly drive a just transition. Achieving equitable outcomes requires addressing policy barriers by removing regressive fiscal measures, safeguarding net-metering, dedicating IMF resources to decentralized solar projects in marginalized communities, and broadening targeted subsidies for low-income populations. A failure to implement such measures could render Pakistan's solar expansion exclusive, thereby widening inequality.
尽管巴基斯坦长期存在慢性能源危机，但最近太阳能发电的激增为2025年第一季度提供了近25%的国家电网，扩大了接入范围并缓解了成本压力。相反，国际货币基金组织在其融资计划下的条件，如关税调整和对太阳能进口征收10%的销售税，有可能破坏这些分配收益。本研究使用2007年至2024年的年度数据，考察了太阳能采用、国际货币基金组织信贷和家庭电价在形成能源公平方面的相互作用。我们分别使用时间序列分析和因果中介模型捕捉直接、中介和动态效应。结果表明，太阳能发电量每增加1%，不公现象就会减少0.142点（p < 0.01），其中农村地区的收益最为显著。中介分析表明，国际货币基金组织的信贷只有通过采用太阳能才能缓解不公平（β = 0.251→SE; Sobel z = - 2.47），而关税上调直接加剧了不平等（β = - 0.399, p < 0.05），但部分诱导了采用。VAR证据显示，价格冲击会立即加剧不公平现象，而太阳能冲击则会逐渐缩小差距。研究结果表明，太阳能具有巨大的前景，但不能单凭一己之力推动公正的过渡。实现公平成果需要消除政策障碍，包括取消累退性财政措施，保障净计量，将基金组织资源用于边缘化社区的分散式太阳能项目，以及扩大对低收入人群的定向补贴。如果不能实施这些措施，巴基斯坦的太阳能扩张可能会被排斥，从而扩大不平等。
{"title":"Solar energy transition under IMF conditionality: Distributive justice and energy policy imperative in Pakistan","authors":"Khalid Ahmed , Abdul Khalique , Bareerah Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115070","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115070","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite Pakistan's long-enduring chronic energy crisis, a recent surge in solar generation supplied nearly 25 % of the national electricity grid in the first quarter of 2025, broadening access and easing cost pressures. Conversely, IMF conditionality under IMF financing programs, such as tariff rebasing and a 10 % sales tax on solar imports, risk undermining these distributive gains. This study examines the interaction between solar adoption, IMF credit, and household electricity prices in shaping energy justice, using annual data from 2007 to 2024. We capture direct, mediated, and dynamic effects using time-series analysis and causal mediation models, respectively. Results show that a 1 % increase in solar generation reduces injustice by 0.142 points (<em>p</em> < 0.01), with benefits most substantial in rural areas. Mediation analysis demonstrates that IMF credit alleviates injustice only when channeled through solar adoption (<em>β</em> = 0.251 → SE; Sobel <em>z</em> = −2.47), while tariff hikes directly worsen inequality (<em>β</em> = −0.399, <em>p</em> < 0.05) but partially induce adoption. VAR evidence reveals that price shocks immediately intensify injustice, whereas solar shocks reduce disparities gradually. Results conclude that solar energy holds great promise, but cannot single-handedly drive a just transition. Achieving equitable outcomes requires addressing policy barriers by removing regressive fiscal measures, safeguarding net-metering, dedicating IMF resources to decentralized solar projects in marginalized communities, and broadening targeted subsidies for low-income populations. A failure to implement such measures could render Pakistan's solar expansion exclusive, thereby widening inequality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115070"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115076
Valentina Galvani , Noha A. Razek
The stated goal of the U.S. Energy Dominance Council is to support the U.S. energy sector by leveraging private-sector investments and bolstering U.S. energy independence, while also reducing energy prices. This study empirically examines economic and financial drivers, both domestic and global, of shale energy companies’ equity returns to provide sector-specific policy recommendations. Since the oil market is internationally connected, the shale energy sector is not insulated from the impact of geopolitical tensions. Hence, we also explore the impact of a variety of geopolitical risk measures in determining U.S. shale energy equity returns. We employ the Threshold Autoregressive (TAR) methodology to accommodate relationships that vary across different oil-price regimes. We conclude that support for the shale energy sector aimed at alleviating the impact of leverage costs (e.g., subsidies or reforms to the reserve-based lending framework) should be mostly limited to periods of low oil prices. Most oil-dependent economies establish stabilization funds to save oil proceeds during periods of high oil prices, with the savings intended to maintain aggregate consumption and government investment levels on rainy days, when oil prices are low. We propose that the U.S. government could consider this approach to smooth shale energy investments across regimes. In recent history, Saudi Arabia has been the ultimate winner of geopolitical events impacting its competitors in the global oil market. The novelty brought about by the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict is that geopolitical risk boosted the valuations of U.S. shale energy companies.
美国能源主导委员会（U.S. Energy Dominance Council）的既定目标是，在降低能源价格的同时，利用私营部门的投资，支持美国的能源部门，增强美国的能源独立性。本研究实证分析了页岩能源公司股票回报的国内和全球经济和金融驱动因素，以提供针对特定行业的政策建议。由于石油市场与国际接轨，页岩能源行业也无法免受地缘政治紧张局势的影响。因此，我们还探讨了各种地缘政治风险指标在确定美国页岩能源股票回报方面的影响。我们采用阈值自回归（TAR）方法来适应不同油价制度之间的关系。我们的结论是，旨在减轻杠杆成本影响的页岩能源行业支持（例如，补贴或对基于储备的贷款框架进行改革）应主要限于低油价时期。大多数依赖石油的经济体都建立了稳定基金，以在高油价时期储存石油收益，这些储蓄旨在在油价低迷时维持总消费和政府投资水平。我们建议，美国政府可以考虑采用这种方法，使页岩能源投资在各个政权之间更加顺利。在最近的历史中，沙特阿拉伯一直是影响其全球石油市场竞争对手的地缘政治事件的最终赢家。2022年俄乌冲突带来的新奇之处在于，地缘政治风险推高了美国页岩能源公司的估值。
{"title":"The U.S. shale energy sector navigating domestic policies in a fragmenting global economy","authors":"Valentina Galvani , Noha A. Razek","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The stated goal of the U.S. Energy Dominance Council is to support the U.S. energy sector by leveraging private-sector investments and bolstering U.S. energy independence, while also reducing energy prices. This study empirically examines economic and financial drivers, both domestic and global, of shale energy companies’ equity returns to provide sector-specific policy recommendations. Since the oil market is internationally connected, the shale energy sector is not insulated from the impact of geopolitical tensions. Hence, we also explore the impact of a variety of geopolitical risk measures in determining U.S. shale energy equity returns. We employ the Threshold Autoregressive (TAR) methodology to accommodate relationships that vary across different oil-price regimes. We conclude that support for the shale energy sector aimed at alleviating the impact of leverage costs (e.g., subsidies or reforms to the reserve-based lending framework) should be mostly limited to periods of low oil prices. Most oil-dependent economies establish stabilization funds to save oil proceeds during periods of high oil prices, with the savings intended to maintain aggregate consumption and government investment levels on rainy days, when oil prices are low. We propose that the U.S. government could consider this approach to smooth shale energy investments across regimes. In recent history, Saudi Arabia has been the ultimate winner of geopolitical events impacting its competitors in the global oil market. The novelty brought about by the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict is that geopolitical risk boosted the valuations of U.S. shale energy companies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115076"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115081
Maham Furqan, Hilary Boudet
Growing attention on grid decarbonization, decentralization, energy equity, and resilience against extreme weather events have propelled microgrids to the policy forefront as a potential solution. However, despite growing popularity, clear governance and regulatory frameworks them are still lacking, hindering their growth in the US. This study explores how policymaking and regulatory structures are evolving to accommodate microgrids. Utilizing a qualitative analysis of 250 policy documents and 48 semi-structured interviews with relevant policy actors, an early (California) and a later (Oregon) adopter of microgrid policies are explored by leveraging the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF). Findings show that California has more instruments at play to support microgrids than Oregon due to more urgent issues including higher power prices, frequent extreme weather events, voluntary grid shutoffs (e.g., Public Safety Power Shutoffs), decarbonization goals, utility distrust, and community push towards energy justice and equity. Conversely, Oregon started out later and is mostly focused on identifying local needs, decarbonizing, and indirectly supporting microgrids. While both states have several similarities, the policy instruments they have employed to support microgrids are distinct. California is initiating multiple policy changes including debating standby charges, working on multi-property microgrid tariffs, resilience valuation, and designing a standardized microgrid tariff structure. Oregon, on the other hand, is focusing more on supporting renewable projects while exploring other policy instruments including resilience planning through microgrids.
{"title":"Microgrid policy regulation in California and Oregon – A comparative state review","authors":"Maham Furqan, Hilary Boudet","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Growing attention on grid decarbonization, decentralization, energy equity, and resilience against extreme weather events have propelled microgrids to the policy forefront as a potential solution. However, despite growing popularity, clear governance and regulatory frameworks them are still lacking, hindering their growth in the US. This study explores how policymaking and regulatory structures are evolving to accommodate microgrids. Utilizing a qualitative analysis of 250 policy documents and 48 semi-structured interviews with relevant policy actors, an early (California) and a later (Oregon) adopter of microgrid policies are explored by leveraging the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF). Findings show that California has more instruments at play to support microgrids than Oregon due to more urgent issues including higher power prices, frequent extreme weather events, voluntary grid shutoffs (e.g., Public Safety Power Shutoffs), decarbonization goals, utility distrust, and community push towards energy justice and equity. Conversely, Oregon started out later and is mostly focused on identifying local needs, decarbonizing, and indirectly supporting microgrids. While both states have several similarities, the policy instruments they have employed to support microgrids are distinct. California is initiating multiple policy changes including debating standby charges, working on multi-property microgrid tariffs, resilience valuation, and designing a standardized microgrid tariff structure. Oregon, on the other hand, is focusing more on supporting renewable projects while exploring other policy instruments including resilience planning through microgrids.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115081"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145972759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115066
Jennifer D. Morash, Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman
Agrivoltaics is touted as a win-win practice that combines agricultural production with solar energy production on the same land. Despite a promising list of associated benefits, previous research documents significant adoption barriers. Prior national-scale studies leave space to identify local or regional factors influencing agrivoltaics practice. Adoption of a novel technology ultimately requires behavioral changes that are shaped by knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). We conducted a series of focus groups to assess the KAP factors of different sectors that shape agrivoltaics in Montgomery County, Maryland. Participants completed a visual survey to assess their interpretation of agrivoltaics. Through these measures, we provide a local and regional understanding of agrivoltaic interpretations, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Our results indicate a lack of a consensus definition of agrivoltatics, but highlight a strong preference for systems involving crops or grazing livestock over pollinator habitats. Benefits identified by participants reflect key environmental concerns around climate and greenhouse gases, but also extend to economic stability and resilience, and land tenure security. Focus groups revealed skepticism about the applicability of global agrivoltaic research to local contexts. Participant skepticism also reflected the complex socio-enviro-technical aspects of renewable energy transitions. Our results underscore the need for region-specific strategies and educational initiatives (in this case, the mid-Atlantic, USA) to address stakeholder perceptions and facilitate implementation. The social factors identified using an engaged KAP approach is critical for reaching renewable energy goals with the needs and desires of local stakeholders, practitioners, and communities.
{"title":"Regional dynamics of agrivoltaics adoption: Stakeholder perceptions and barriers in Maryland, USA","authors":"Jennifer D. Morash, Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agrivoltaics is touted as a win-win practice that combines agricultural production with solar energy production on the same land. Despite a promising list of associated benefits, previous research documents significant adoption barriers. Prior national-scale studies leave space to identify local or regional factors influencing agrivoltaics practice. Adoption of a novel technology ultimately requires behavioral changes that are shaped by knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). We conducted a series of focus groups to assess the KAP factors of different sectors that shape agrivoltaics in Montgomery County, Maryland. Participants completed a visual survey to assess their interpretation of agrivoltaics. Through these measures, we provide a local and regional understanding of agrivoltaic interpretations, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Our results indicate a lack of a consensus definition of agrivoltatics, but highlight a strong preference for systems involving crops or grazing livestock over pollinator habitats. Benefits identified by participants reflect key environmental concerns around climate and greenhouse gases, but also extend to economic stability and resilience, and land tenure security. Focus groups revealed skepticism about the applicability of global agrivoltaic research to local contexts. Participant skepticism also reflected the complex socio-enviro-technical aspects of renewable energy transitions. Our results underscore the need for region-specific strategies and educational initiatives (in this case, the mid-Atlantic, USA) to address stakeholder perceptions and facilitate implementation. The social factors identified using an engaged KAP approach is critical for reaching renewable energy goals with the needs and desires of local stakeholders, practitioners, and communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115066"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115075
Ping Shi , Xiaofang Lin , Lu Xiao , Song Shi
The cap-and-trade (CAT) mechanism is a key policy tool to regulate corporate carbon emissions, yet its aggregate effect remains unclear when upstream and downstream enterprises are subject to different carbon quota allocation rules. This study examines a two-echelon supply chain comprising one supplier and one manufacturer. The government may implement either benchmark-based allocation rule (B) or grandfather-based allocation rule (G) for the supplier and manufacturer, leading to four possible allocation rule combinations: BB, BG, GB, and GG. We explore how these rules affect consumer surplus, social welfare, and the environment. The key findings are as follows: The BB rule achieves optimal market demand and consumer surplus, though it does not necessarily maximize supply chain profits. Under the BB rule, while the supplier and manufacturer can achieve maximum individual emission reduction levels, this does not guarantee optimal total carbon emissions for the supply chain. The BB rule optimizes total carbon emissions only when there is a significant disparity in carbon abatement costs between upstream and downstream firms. In contrast, when carbon abatement costs are homogeneous, the BB rule results in peak total carbon emissions, while the GG rule yields superior overall emission reductions. The BG and GB rules result in intermediate outcomes of emission reduction levels, market demand, consumer surplus, and total carbon emissions. Moreover, the BG/GB rules become the firms’ preferred choice when total carbon quotas are abundant. This research reveals the differentiated regulatory impacts of combined allocation rules on supply chain decarbonization, providing a theoretical foundation for policy design.
{"title":"Impacts of various combinations of carbon quota allocation rules on supply chains","authors":"Ping Shi , Xiaofang Lin , Lu Xiao , Song Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115075","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115075","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cap-and-trade (CAT) mechanism is a key policy tool to regulate corporate carbon emissions, yet its aggregate effect remains unclear when upstream and downstream enterprises are subject to different carbon quota allocation rules. This study examines a two-echelon supply chain comprising one supplier and one manufacturer. The government may implement either benchmark-based allocation rule (B) or grandfather-based allocation rule (G) for the supplier and manufacturer, leading to four possible allocation rule combinations: BB, BG, GB, and GG. We explore how these rules affect consumer surplus, social welfare, and the environment. The key findings are as follows: The BB rule achieves optimal market demand and consumer surplus, though it does not necessarily maximize supply chain profits. Under the BB rule, while the supplier and manufacturer can achieve maximum individual emission reduction levels, this does not guarantee optimal total carbon emissions for the supply chain. The BB rule optimizes total carbon emissions only when there is a significant disparity in carbon abatement costs between upstream and downstream firms. In contrast, when carbon abatement costs are homogeneous, the BB rule results in peak total carbon emissions, while the GG rule yields superior overall emission reductions. The BG and GB rules result in intermediate outcomes of emission reduction levels, market demand, consumer surplus, and total carbon emissions. Moreover, the BG/GB rules become the firms’ preferred choice when total carbon quotas are abundant. This research reveals the differentiated regulatory impacts of combined allocation rules on supply chain decarbonization, providing a theoretical foundation for policy design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115075"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115058
Milky Ali Gelchu , Jimmy Ehnberg , Dereje Shiferaw , Erik O. Ahlgren
Renewables-based mini-grids can significantly increase electricity access in rural, non-electrified areas. Despite their potential, mini-grid deployment has been slower than expected due to low profitability in areas with initially low demand. Tariff settings that would improve profitability are challenging due to uncertainty of future demand. While previous studies have explored how tariff settings affect demand and how productive use increases profitability, the impact of load compositions on cost-reflective tariffs and users' bills remains unexplored. This study determines the impact of future load compositions on cost-reflective tariffs and monthly electricity bills in a rural solar PV mini-grid. By combining a case with an already installed solar PV-based mini-grid with spare capacity for future demand evolution and three future load composition scenarios, the study calculates cost-reflective tariffs under five different tariff structures (fixed energy, fixed and variable, time-of-use, power, and hybrid) and users monthly bills using the calculated cost-reflective tariffs. The results show that future load compositions significantly impact cost-reflective tariffs and monthly bills, with the effect depending on the tariff structure. Power-based tariffs show a higher reduction compared to energy-based tariffs for load compositions dominated by daily productive uses. The impact on bills for lower-usage households is significant.
{"title":"Determining the impact of future load compositions on cost-reflective tariffs and monthly electricity bills in a rural solar PV mini-grid","authors":"Milky Ali Gelchu , Jimmy Ehnberg , Dereje Shiferaw , Erik O. Ahlgren","doi":"10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enpol.2025.115058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Renewables-based mini-grids can significantly increase electricity access in rural, non-electrified areas. Despite their potential, mini-grid deployment has been slower than expected due to low profitability in areas with initially low demand. Tariff settings that would improve profitability are challenging due to uncertainty of future demand. While previous studies have explored how tariff settings affect demand and how productive use increases profitability, the impact of load compositions on cost-reflective tariffs and users' bills remains unexplored. This study determines the impact of future load compositions on cost-reflective tariffs and monthly electricity bills in a rural solar PV mini-grid. By combining a case with an already installed solar PV-based mini-grid with spare capacity for future demand evolution and three future load composition scenarios, the study calculates cost-reflective tariffs under five different tariff structures (fixed energy, fixed and variable, time-of-use, power, and hybrid) and users monthly bills using the calculated cost-reflective tariffs. The results show that future load compositions significantly impact cost-reflective tariffs and monthly bills, with the effect depending on the tariff structure. Power-based tariffs show a higher reduction compared to energy-based tariffs for load compositions dominated by daily productive uses. The impact on bills for lower-usage households is significant.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11672,"journal":{"name":"Energy Policy","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 115058"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145972760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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