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28 pages, 2909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic, Energy and Environmental Efficiency of Road Freight Transportation Sector in the EU

by Joanna Domagała and Marta Kadłubek

Energies 2023, 16(1), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010461 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4281

Abstract

The proper development of transportation constitutes the basis for an effectively functioning economy at the national and global levels. On the other hand, transportation significantly impacts the environment and climate. Sustainable transportation management should therefore include both economic, social and environmental aspects. The [...] Read more.

The proper development of transportation constitutes the basis for an effectively functioning economy at the national and global levels. On the other hand, transportation significantly impacts the environment and climate. Sustainable transportation management should therefore include both economic, social and environmental aspects. The article aims to comprehensively assess the economic–energy–environmental efficiency of the 27-road freight transport sector in EU countries in 2019. The research was conducted using the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. The Slacks-Based Measure–Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) model was used, taking into account unwanted (undesirable) effects. As non-energy inputs in the DEA model used the labor in the road freight transport sector, stock of registered goods vehicles, and the length of the road network. Moreover, the energy consumption by the road freight transport sector was used as energy inputs in the DEA model. Desirable outputs were taken as road freight transport sector revenues and freight work performed by the sector. GHG emissions expressed in CO₂ equivalent were treated as undesirable outputs. The research also adopts energy productivity and GHG emission efficiency indicators. The eco-efficiency of the road freight transport sector in EU countries varies. Ten countries have efficient road freight transport sectors. The efficient road freight transport group included Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Bulgaria. They efficiently transformed the inputs into outputs. Five countries were recognized as eco-efficiency followers, including Italy, Finland, Slovakia, Sweden and Romania, and 12 countries were characterized by an inefficient road freight transport sector. Based on benchmarking principles for inefficient road freight transport sectors, the changes in input and output levels were proposed to improve efficiency. The relationship between the economic development of EU countries and the eco-efficiency of the road freight transport sector was also analyzed, indicating a positive relationship between the variables but with weak strength. The main contributions of this article are an extension of previous DEA works that assesses the efficiency of the road freight transport sector, also considering undesirable variables. Research conclusions are particularly important for policymakers in the context of management sustainable transportation development in the EU. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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32 pages, 3502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Energy Crisis on CSR Policy in Transport Industry in Poland

by Marta Stanislawska

Energies 2022, 15(23), 8892; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238892 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2965

Abstract

The main objective of this research, directly related to the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic, is to answer the question: has the epidemiological situation and energy crisis affected the CSR policy of transport industry companies and the forms of its implementation? This research [...] Read more.

The main objective of this research, directly related to the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic, is to answer the question: has the epidemiological situation and energy crisis affected the CSR policy of transport industry companies and the forms of its implementation? This research aims to answer whether the social objective set out in the CRS policy, implemented by the studied entities, conflicts with commercial purposes, whether the implementation of CRS is profitable for these entities, and in which areas of activity it manifests itself. The aim is to investigate why the studied entities engage in CSR? The following research methods were applied: an economic and legal analysis of CRS principles and activity reports. The study focused on the activities of enterprises pursuing their business objectives and, at the same time, their socio-cultural mission. The CSR policies for 2019–2021, which surveyed transport industry companies operating in Poland, are analyzed. Empirical findings show that companies are responsive to the CSR concept and those considering international standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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17 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

E-Government Development in European Countries: Socio-Economic and Environmental Aspects

by Magdalena Zioło, Piotr Niedzielski, Ewa Kuzionko-Ochrymiuk, Jacek Marcinkiewicz, Katarzyna Łobacz, Krzysztof Dyl and Renata Szanter

Energies 2022, 15(23), 8870; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238870 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2790

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the relationship between digitalisation of public services (e-government) and ESG factors (environmental, social and economic factors). As public administration is a major stakeholder influencing sustainable development and state governments are aiming to digitise their services, [...] Read more.

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the relationship between digitalisation of public services (e-government) and ESG factors (environmental, social and economic factors). As public administration is a major stakeholder influencing sustainable development and state governments are aiming to digitise their services, there is a need to better understand the effect of the digital revolution on ESG. This article aims to study the relationship between the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) and ESG factors in 26 European countries. The linear ordering method TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) was used for the study, followed by the Perkal index and the method of optimal predictors’ selection—the Hellwig method. The study is based on the Eurostat data (in the period 2003–2020), and the analysis includes ten variables: Share of environmental taxes in GDP; Exposure to dust air pollution; Greenhouse gas emissions by source sector—carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc. (energy, industry, agriculture, forestry, waste management) (thousands of tonnes); Passenger transport volume in relation to GDP; At risk of poverty or social exclusion; Percentage of people satisfied with their financial situation among people aged 16+; Share of the ICT sector in GDP; Unemployment rate of people aged 20–64; Research and development expenditure in all sectors; GDP per capita. The in-depth analysis offers a matrix that represents the relationships between environmental taxes and the development of e-government. The main finding reveals statistically significant relationships between the EGDI and aggregate variables representing the environmental, social and economic spheres. It indicates a genuine, positive impact of digitalised administrative processes on sustainable development. It also seems to confirm that investments in digital infrastructure and government e-services bring multiple long-term benefits and contribute directly to all three domains relevant to the sustainability of modern development. The results of the analysis can be found useful by governments and governmental institutions as informing digitalisation strategies aimed at balancing the development of e-services and their support infrastructure. Nowadays, when planning strategic actions, one should take into account the social, economic and environmental impact of the digitalisation processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

23 pages, 1367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Financial Sector Analysis of Companies in the Energy Industry Listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange

by Katarzyna Goldmann and Aleksander Zawadzki

Energies 2022, 15(22), 8770; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15228770 - 21 Nov 2022

Viewed by 3983

Abstract

In times of the pandemic and the beginning of the energy crisis, the financial situation of enterprises operating in the energy generation sector may be a problem. This sector includes companies that generate energy in different ways and from different sources. The aim [...] Read more.

In times of the pandemic and the beginning of the energy crisis, the financial situation of enterprises operating in the energy generation sector may be a problem. This sector includes companies that generate energy in different ways and from different sources. The aim of this study is to determine the general financial situation of enterprises in the energy sector listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The subject of the paper are the annual financial reports of these entities for the years 2015–2021. Tree hypotheses were formulated regarding various aspects of the financial situation of the entities under study. The following research methods were used in this paper: analysis of the literature on the subject and financial statements, and methods of descriptive statistics. The indicators of liquidity, profitability, debt and activity were calculated. The values of the maximum, minimum, median, upper and lower quartiles, the arithmetic mean, kurtosis and skewness were then calculated for each indicator. The increase in energy prices was influenced by the high rate of economic growth and the so-called post-epidemic inflation. This, in turn, was reflected in the performance of companies in the energy sector, resulting in increased profitability. The research carried out by the authors confirmed that the sector financial indicators of energy enterprises with a dominant share of private capital are concentrated closer to the average value than enterprises with a dominant share of the State Treasury. The financial situation of coal power engineering companies is more stable than that of renewable energy companies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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16 pages, 1566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thriving or Surviving in the Energy Industry: Lessons on Energy Production from the European Economies

by Larissa M. Batrancea and Horia Tulai

Energies 2022, 15(22), 8532; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15228532 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1405

Abstract

The energy industry has a major impact on the sustainability level of global economies, from job creation to resource efficiency and environmental impact. The aim of our study was to examine the phenomenon of energy production and its main determinants in 37 European [...] Read more.

The energy industry has a major impact on the sustainability level of global economies, from job creation to resource efficiency and environmental impact. The aim of our study was to examine the phenomenon of energy production and its main determinants in 37 European economies during the period of 2011–2021. The methodological approach entailed the use of the panel first-difference generalized method of moments (GMM). The empirical results show that the relationship between energy production and predictors such as imports, energy prices, energy productivity, and energy efficiency was monotonic. At the same time, our results indicate a relationship between energy supply and energy production, imports, productivity, and prices. Moreover, energy production depends significantly on the energy productivity, primary energy consumption, and energy imports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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17 pages, 707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Consumption under Circular Economy Conditions in the EU Countries

by Atif Maqbool Khan and Magdalena Osińska

Energies 2022, 15(21), 7839; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15217839 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1896

Abstract

Due to industrialization, urbanization, and rapid population increases, the worldwide energy demand is increasing daily. The need for energy meets limitations, and searching for new energy sources is crucial, particularly for European countries. Energy crises occur temporarily due to different circumstances and cause [...] Read more.

Due to industrialization, urbanization, and rapid population increases, the worldwide energy demand is increasing daily. The need for energy meets limitations, and searching for new energy sources is crucial, particularly for European countries. Energy crises occur temporarily due to different circumstances and cause oil price fluctuations. The present study aims to identify circular economy (CE) determinants that conditionally increase/decrease energy use to remain sustainable. It focuses on the linkage between energy consumption and circular economy in the European Union (EU) member states. In the econometric panel model specifications, two alternative endogenous variables are considered, i.e., total energy consumption and energy consumption from renewable sources. The results demonstrate that the selected CE indicators decreased the former and increased the latter. The data covered the period from 2010–2019. The significance of this study relies upon identifying the current level of CE implementation in the EU countries in the context of reducing total energy consumption and increasing the share of energy from renewable sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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14 pages, 907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implications of Increasing Fuel Costs for Supply Chain Strategy

by Beata Milewska and Dariusz Milewski

Energies 2022, 15(19), 6934; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15196934 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4063

Abstract

The supply chain strategy has a significant impact on energy consumption. This strategy determines the location of individual links in the chain (suppliers, producers, distributors), which affects the costs of logistics processes, including, in particular, transport processes. Currently, due to the rapid increase [...] Read more.

The supply chain strategy has a significant impact on energy consumption. This strategy determines the location of individual links in the chain (suppliers, producers, distributors), which affects the costs of logistics processes, including, in particular, transport processes. Currently, due to the rapid increase in fuel prices, the issue of energy consumption in the supply chains is becoming increasingly important. The aim of the article is to present the impact of the increase in fuel and energy costs on the costs of logistics processes and, as a result, on the profitability of different supply chain strategies. The profitability of changing from global to local sources of supply as a result of rising energy prices was especially taken into account. The article presents the results of interviews from enterprises carried out by the authors and the results of simulations carried out using a model developed by the authors. The need to conduct such research resulted from the existing research gap and the need to take into account contemporary changes and conditions. The research was conducted in a period of rapid increase in fuel and energy costs. Both the research conducted by the method of interviews, as well as the calculations and simulations indicated that despite a very large increase in rates for transport services, especially in maritime transport, it is still not profitable to relocate production from the Far East to Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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21 pages, 1101 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Jobs in the EU Renewable Energy Sector: Quantile Regression Approach

by Łukasz Jarosław Kozar, Robert Matusiak, Marta Paduszyńska and Adam Sulich

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6578; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186578 - 8 Sep 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2829

Abstract

This article explores the ongoing green transition in the energy sector in EU countries. The greening process is brought about by the growth of the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sector and Green Jobs (GJ). The goal of this paper is to find out [...] Read more.

This article explores the ongoing green transition in the energy sector in EU countries. The greening process is brought about by the growth of the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sector and Green Jobs (GJ). The goal of this paper is to find out how certain factors in the RES sector affect the creation of GJ. This study uses Quantile Regression for Panel Data (QRPD), a method that addresses fixed effects. Based on secondary data from Eurostat and EurObserv’ER reports, the model was made for the EU27 countries for the years 2013–2020. The impact of the adopted variables on GJ generation is heterogeneous. Significantly, the volume of turnover in the RES, across the entire studied cross-section, influences the increase in GJ number. It is also observed that, in the case of economy-wide R&D expenditure, a negative impact on GJ creation is observed. In contrast, interestingly, in the case of R&D expenditure in the business sector, a positive effect on GJ formation is noted. A possible direction for research into the topic of GJ in the RES should be qualitative research, which could provide additional information regarding, for example, the degree of the greening of such jobs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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19 pages, 3957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Determining the Development of Prosumer Photovoltaic Installations in Poland

by Ludwik Wicki, Robert Pietrzykowski and Dariusz Kusz

Energies 2022, 15(16), 5897; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15165897 - 14 Aug 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2323

Abstract

The development of energy production from renewable sources includes the production of energy from photovoltaic installations by prosumers. In Europe, RES development is driven by political goals and requires subsidies during the deployment period, at least as long as the cost of renewable [...] Read more.

The development of energy production from renewable sources includes the production of energy from photovoltaic installations by prosumers. In Europe, RES development is driven by political goals and requires subsidies during the deployment period, at least as long as the cost of renewable electricity does not reaches grid parity. The study attempts to determine the importance of factors in the development of energy production by prosumers from PV installations in Polish regions. In 2019, the ‘Moj Prad’ program was introduced, applying subsidies to investment costs and the settlement of energy production in the net-metering system. Almost 900 thousand prosumer PV installations were built by the end of 2021, with a total capacity of 5.9 GW. Solar energy share grew from 0.1 to 2.1%. Spatial econometrics models were use in research to determine factors of prosumer PV systems development in Poland (at NUTS-2). Spatial regimes were found in the studied regions, as indicated by a positive autocorrelation (0.75). Considering the pseudo-R-square co-efficient, we can conclude that the spatial error, i.e., factors not included in the GNS model, constitutes approximately 10%. The economic variables included in the Mansky model, i.e., level of salaries and GDP, explain 90% of the variability of installed PV capacity (Nagelkerke pseudo-R-squared value is 0.906). The level of development of prosumer photovoltaic installations (in W per capita) in regions depends primarily on economic factors represented by the level of salaries in a given region. With the increase in salaries by one unit, we also have an increase in installed power capacity in watts per person by 3.52. Surprisingly, the region’s overall wealth did not matter, as the relative number of installations in regions with lower GDP was higher than in others. One can explain that the individual income of households is more important for increasing the number of prosumer installations than the income of the regional economy. The increase in the number of installations in one region contributed to the subsequent increase in their number in neighboring regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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20 pages, 2070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electricity Production and Consumption Perspectives in the Opinion of the Youth of South-Eastern Poland

by Marian Woźniak, Krzysztof Kud, Aleksandra Badora and Leszek Woźniak

Energies 2022, 15(13), 4776; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134776 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1665

Abstract

In Poland, in 2021, an increase in demand for electricity was recorded, and hard coal and lignite power plants still had a dominant share in its production. Another source of electricity was renewable energy sources (RES), mainly wind farms. Young people in Poland [...] Read more.

In Poland, in 2021, an increase in demand for electricity was recorded, and hard coal and lignite power plants still had a dominant share in its production. Another source of electricity was renewable energy sources (RES), mainly wind farms. Young people in Poland are aware that electricity is not only its production, but also consumption in households. Therefore, it is also essential to properly educate young people, aiming at a cost-effective, sustainable lifestyle, in relation to electricity consumption. The article presents the current state of the electricity generation sector in Poland along with the proposed changes in this respect, in particular in terms of the development prospects for the use of renewable energy sources and the influence of government administration on the production and consumption of electricity. The aim of this research was to broaden the knowledge of young people’s opinions on energy production and consumption. The research results can be used to create long-term directions of energy policy and to build a social attitude of sustainable energy consumption in Poland. The research was non-probabilistic, based on questionnaires, using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) technique. The questionnaire was conducted in 2021, and the analysis was made on the basis of 741 correctly completed research questionnaires. The results of the research confirmed the research hypotheses—that the surveyed youth see the need to reduce consumption as a way to counteract climate change and excessive energy consumption. They also expect government support in the energy transformation in Poland, based on a diversified scenario, using both renewable energy sources (RES) and nuclear energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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15 pages, 1536 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Analysis of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Value of CO₂ Emissions from Electricity Generation

by Agata Jaroń, Anna Borucka and Rafał Parczewski

Energies 2022, 15(13), 4514; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134514 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1989

Abstract

The study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation. Additionally, monthly seasonality was taken into account. It was assumed (research hypothesis) that both the COVID-19 pandemic (expressed in individual waves of infection cases) and the [...] Read more.

The study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation. Additionally, monthly seasonality was taken into account. It was assumed (research hypothesis) that both the COVID-19 pandemic (expressed in individual waves of infection cases) and the month have a significant impact on CO₂ emissions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to evaluate the significance of the influence of individual explanatory variables on the CO₂ emission. The identification of the studied series (CO₂ emission) was first made by means of a linear regression model with binary variables and then by the ARMAX model. The analysis shows that in the consecutive months and periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, CO₂ emissions differ significantly. The highest increase in emissions was recorded for the second wave of the pandemic, as well as in January and February. This is due to the overlapping of both the increase in infections (favoring stays at home) and the winter season. It can be concluded that working plants, schools and factories had the same demand for electricity, but sources of increased consumption were people staying at home and in hospitals as a result of deteriorated health, isolation or quarantine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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11 pages, 3296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Hydrothermal Carbonization and Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Surface Modification of Brewer’s Spent Grain and Activated Carbon

by Krystian Krochmalny, Halina Pawlak-Kruczek, Norbert Skoczylas, Mateusz Kudasik, Aleksandra Gajda, Renata Gnatowska, Monika Serafin-Tkaczuk, Tomasz Czapka, Amit K. Jaiswal, Vishwajeet, Amit Arora, Tomasz Hardy, Mateusz Jackowski, Michał Ostrycharczyk and Łukasz Niedźwiecki

Energies 2022, 15(12), 4396; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15124396 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2177

Abstract

This paper presents results that show the effect of hydrothermal carbonization and subsequent cold plasma jet treatment with helium and argon on the structure and sorption properties of a material—spent brewery grain. Treatment of activated carbon, with a cold atmospheric plasma jet, was [...] Read more.

This paper presents results that show the effect of hydrothermal carbonization and subsequent cold plasma jet treatment with helium and argon on the structure and sorption properties of a material—spent brewery grain. Treatment of activated carbon, with a cold atmospheric plasma jet, was used comparatively. The effect of activation on the pore structure of the materials was carried out by the volumetric method at low pressure (N₂, 77 K). The specific surface area as well as the total pore volume, average pore size, and pore size distribution were determined using different theoretical models. A high improvement in the sorption capacity parameter was obtained for hydrochars after cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment with an increase of 7.5 times (using He) and 11.6 times (using Ar) compared with hydrochars before cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment. The increase in specific surface area was five-fold (He) and fifteen-fold (Ar). For activated carbon, such a large change was not obtained after plasma activation. Regardless of the gas used, the increase in structural parameter values was 1.1–1.3. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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21 pages, 5080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geometric Aspects of Assessing the Anticipated Energy Demand of a Designed Single-Family House

by Edwin Koźniewski, Beata Sadowska and Karolina Banaszak

Energies 2022, 15(9), 3308; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093308 - 1 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

Many factors affect energy demand, and knowing their impact is very important for being able to design a low-energy building. In this group of factors, there are those that cannot be changed and improved after the building is constructed, so taking them into [...] Read more.

Many factors affect energy demand, and knowing their impact is very important for being able to design a low-energy building. In this group of factors, there are those that cannot be changed and improved after the building is constructed, so taking them into account when choosing a project is important for energy savings. This group includes geometric parameters. We propose a geometric method of assessing the energy demand of a single-family house. The idea is to predict the level of energy demand by calculating the values of simple geometric parameters in the first stage of design. Based on the analysis of 30 realistically designed single-family houses, we show that the geometric indicators expressed by the base area A_f, and perimeter P at a fixed building wall height h, perfectly characterize the amount of energy, both usable and final. Moreover, we show linear relationships between the nominated A/V and non-nominated EWA/FA, RC_cd compactness ratios. This relationship allows one indicator to be measured with another. As a result, we show how a designer can use a simple calculated index RC_cd to find out the level of energy demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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20 pages, 2053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Renewable Energy Sources in the European Union in the Context of Sustainable Development Policy

by Piotr Bórawski, Rafał Wyszomierski, Aneta Bełdycka-Bórawska, Bartosz Mickiewicz, Beata Kalinowska, James W. Dunn and Tomasz Rokicki

Energies 2022, 15(4), 1545; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041545 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4149

Abstract

Renewable energy sources play a key role in decarbonizing the economy of the European Union (EU) and the world. The aim of this research is to present the development of the renewable energy sources (RES) sector in the European Union (EU), with particular [...] Read more.

Renewable energy sources play a key role in decarbonizing the economy of the European Union (EU) and the world. The aim of this research is to present the development of the renewable energy sources (RES) sector in the European Union (EU), with particular emphasis on sustainable development. The EU guidelines, requirements, and directives were analyzed in order to meet the provisions of the energy policy to ensure energy and climate security. The potential of the RES was studied in the EU countries, and the possibility of its use in cogeneration with the use of local renewable resources. The results are presented in tabular, graphic, and descriptive forms. The results are presented based on the extensive literature on the subject and data from Eurostat. The data covered 2004–2019. We used different methods to evaluate the changes in the RES in the EU countries. First, we compiled descriptive statistics; second, we used the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test (ADF test); and, finally, we used the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity model (GARCH model). Our analysis found that the EU increased the share of RES. The biggest share of energy from renewable energy sources was found in 2019 in Iceland (78%), Norway (74%), and Sweden (56%). The biggest increase in the share of RES in 2004–19 was found in Malta (8322%), Great Britain (1126%), and Luxemburg (784%). The results demonstrate the development of RES in the EU countries. However, not all countries achieved the planned goal in 2019. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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22 pages, 1482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Area under Rapeseed Cultivation as a Factor Differentiating the Economic Performance of Biodiesel Producers

by Aneta Bełdycka-Bórawska, Krzysztof Józef Jankowski, Tomasz Rokicki and Michał Gostkowski

Energies 2021, 14(24), 8568; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248568 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2352

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the area under rapeseed cultivation on the economic performance and organization of farms. The study was conducted in 164 rapeseed farms in different Polish voivodeships. A targeted sampling procedure was used to [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the area under rapeseed cultivation on the economic performance and organization of farms. The study was conducted in 164 rapeseed farms in different Polish voivodeships. A targeted sampling procedure was used to select farms for the study. The studied population was divided into four groups depending on area under rapeseed cultivation rates. The selected farms were located in voivodeships with the highest rapeseed acreage rates of the total cropped area. The economic performance of the examined farms improved with increases in rapeseed area. Farms with larger rapeseed areas were characterized by higher production values and better economic performance. On average, the total production value per farm was highest in the group of farms with rapeseed areas of 20.1–30 ha. Similar results were noted when total production values were expressed per ha of arable land, per full-time employee and per man-hour. Total production value was lowest in farms with the smallest rapeseed areas. Farms with the largest areas under rapeseed cultivation achieved the highest farm household income. The farm household income values per full-time employee and per man-hour were highest in farms with the largest areas under rapeseed cultivation. The values of fixed assets and current assets increased with increases in rapeseed area. Most farms were run by owners with secondary school education. The highest percentages of farmers with university education were noted in farms with rapeseed areas of 10–20.1 ha (37.5%) and above 30 ha (30.4%). The vast majority of farms from all groups were run by male farmers. The research results could be useful for policy makers, because they indicate that rapeseed production can not only be profitable but can also be used for biofuel production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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29 pages, 11019 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading with Standard Terminology Proposal and a Techno-Economic Characterisation Matrix

by Meritxell Domènech Monfort, César De Jesús, Natapon Wanapinit and Niklas Hartmann

Energies 2022, 15(23), 9070; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15239070 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2370

Abstract

Nowadays decarbonisation of the energy system is one of the main concerns for most governments. Renewable energy technologies, such as rooftop photovoltaic systems and home battery storage systems, are changing the energy system to be more decentralised. As a consequence, new ways of [...] Read more.

Nowadays decarbonisation of the energy system is one of the main concerns for most governments. Renewable energy technologies, such as rooftop photovoltaic systems and home battery storage systems, are changing the energy system to be more decentralised. As a consequence, new ways of energy business models are emerging, e.g., peer-to-peer energy trading. This new concept provides an online marketplace where direct energy exchange can occur between its participants. The purpose of this study is to conduct a content analysis of the existing literature, ongoing research projects, and companies related to peer-to-peer energy trading. From this review, a summary of the most important aspects and journal papers is assessed, discussed, and classified. It was found that the different energy market types were named in various ways and a proposal for standard language for the several peer-to-peer market types and the different actors involved is suggested. Additionally, by grouping the most important attributes from peer-to-peer energy trading projects, an assessment of the entry barrier and scalability potential is performed by using a characterisation matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in EU Countries)

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