Pages: 202 - 220 Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 202-220, June 2018. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the developments in final electricity consumption, estimate the portions of changes that can be attributed to national, sectoral or regional factors, and to investigate determinants of the regional component (RC) in Croatia at the subnational level in the period 2001-2013. Design/methodology/approach In the first stage, the dynamic shift-share method is used to decompose final electricity consumption, and then, in the second stage, the panel population-averaged logit model is conducted to find the main determinants of the extracted RC. Findings The results show that both the sectoral factor and the regional factor are responsible for an increase in electricity consumption over the period considered, whereby the regional specificities had a larger impact in general. Thereby, the most developed regions, including the tourism-oriented ones, exhibited the largest average increase in electricity consumption mainly due to positive effects of the regional-specific factors, while the negative effects of these factors were mainly responsible for low average rates of changes in electricity consumption in less developed regions. Practical implications The results suggest that regional-specific energy conservation programs might be more effective in improving energy efficiency than the sector-oriented ones, as well as that socio-economic and contextual determinants matter when it comes to the probability of having a positive regional effect on the electricity consumption rate. Originality/value The paper investigated the determinants of the extracted RC which has not yet been addressed in the energy economics literature. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-01-26T02:50:25Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-10-2017-0011
Pages: 221 - 243 Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 221-243, June 2018. Purpose This paper aims to measure Chinese regional thermal industries’ evolution. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) and global Malmquist–Luenberger productivity (GMLP) index. Findings The results reveal that the development of Chinese thermal power industry varies significantly in different regions, and it is highly correlated with the level of local economic development. Although the change of technical efficiency and scale efficiency had different impacts on different regions from year to year, the overall GMLP index change shows a close relationship with the contemporaneous frontier shift. Practical implications The results indicate that the Chinese Government should make efforts to promote its policy implementations and regulations in thermal industries so that the contemporaneous frontier will shift toward the global technology frontier with more desirable outputs and less undesirable outputs. Originality/value As an application, this study uses DEA and GMLP index to measure the productivity of Chinese thermal industries in 30 Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2013. The results have the meaningful policy implications for decision makers in charge of Chinese thermal industries. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-04-16T08:22:17Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-11-2017-0007
Pages: 244 - 264 Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 244-264, June 2018. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze a set of smart meters implementation projects and provide insights and recommendations to facilitate smart metering deployment strategies. Design/methodology/approach Several significant projects are analyzed on different fronts: scale, technology, economics and regulation, using a common methodology to unfold patterns that constitute key components of successful smart meters diffusion. Findings Key elements and controllable enabling patterns from Europe-wide SM implementation projects are identified together with drivers and barriers for patterns replication. Research limitations/implications The authors provide a framework considering different stakeholders that will help distribution system operators to accelerate and extend smart meters’ penetration. Originality/value Based on the Meter-ON project (supported by the 7th Framework Program of the European Commission), we provide valuable information aimed at facilitating the large-scale deployment of smart meters. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-04-04T12:59:58Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-08-2017-0009
Pages: 265 - 283 Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 265-283, June 2018. Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to assess the factors that influence households’ choice of cooking fuel in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach In total, 750 samples were selected using multistage area cluster sampling, of which 539 responses were analysed. Multinomial logit model was used to estimate the factors that determine a household’s main cooking fuel choice in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Findings The result has shown that income, location, price of firewood, hours of electricity supply and home ownership are among the factors that have a significant impact on influencing the type of cooking fuel to be adopted by households. Research limitations/implications The study cannot offer any explanation about the influence of time dimension on the pattern of household cooking fuel choice in the study area. Practical implications Implementation of policies to increase the income of households, ensuring the availability of clean cooking fuel source and the increase in the price of firewood will encourage households to switch from using firewood to using cleaner fuel sources such as kerosene, electricity and gas. Originality/value This study has contributed to the existing literature on household energy choice by conducting a micro-level analysis of households’ cooking fuel choice in Bauchi State where a similar study has not been conducted. The study developed approximately 13 hypotheses (out of which two were found to be irrelevant) and added one new variable to test the impact of the neighbourhood’s source of cooking fuel on households’ cooking fuel choice. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-01-16T02:14:24Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-05-2016-0007
Pages: 284 - 296 Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 284-296, June 2018. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the level of natural gas consumption that can be adjudged as capable of improving the growth of the Nigerian economy, to investigate whether natural gas consumption is at optimal level in Nigeria and to examine the nature and rate to which natural gas consumption affects economic growth in Nigeria at low and high regimes. Design/methodology/approach The tool used to achieve the objectives of the paper is the smooth transition regression (STR) model. Findings The findings of the paper are that the relationship between natural gas consumption and economic growth in Nigeria is asymmetric, where the natural gas consumption threshold value in the country is 9085.36 standard cubic meters, whereas the level of its consumption in the country is below the optimal level. Further, in both low and high regimes, natural gas consumption has been found to have a positive and significant impact on economic growth in Nigeria. Practical implications The policy implication of the paper is that natural gas consumption in Nigeria should not be less than 9085.36 standard cubic meters and the country should intensify efforts to increase the level of natural gas consumption, as it is below the optimal level and its consumption bolsters the growth of Nigerian economy. Originality/value What is new in this paper is its ability to use the STR model. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such methodology has not been adopted before in such a relation. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-04-17T02:49:06Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-12-2017-0009
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose This study aims to improve the performance of geothermal energy. Therefore, this research requires a deep examination of the determinant factors that affect the performance of geothermal energy; the results of this study are expected to increase the outcomes that can be enjoyed by the people of Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This research uses quantitative approach. Data are obtained via questionnaires. The population in this study is all stakeholders of the national geothermal energy policy throughout the region. The stakeholders in question are the Community Care for Energy and the Environment (MPEL), using a sample of 400 respondents. The variables used were human resource capacity (X1), political resource capacity (X2), economic resource capacity (X3), social resource capacity (X4), performance of geothermal energy policy (Y1) and geothermal energy policy outcomes (Y2). Data analysis used to solve hypothetical model built in this research is partial least square. Findings While human resource, political resource, economic resource and social resource capacities affect the performance of geothermal energy policy, those capacities directly affect the performance of geothermal energy policies. On the other hand, the results of the indirect effect test show that with the mediation of good geothermal energy policy, it will be seen that the effect of human resource capacity, political resource capacity, capacity of economic resources and the capacity of social resources to the utilization of geothermal energy. The utilization of geothermal energy cannot be directly felt by the community without the support of the formulation of geothermal energy policy or unless it is supported by high human resources, political resources, economic resource and social resource capacities. Originality/value No previous research has comprehensively examined the effect of human resource, political resource, economic resource and social resource capacities on geothermal energy policy and its implications for the outcomes of geothermal energy policy. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-07-12T02:36:33Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-11-2017-0011
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose The development of the Marcellus Shale Play has altered the geography of production in the USA, particularly in the Northeast natural gas market. The purpose of this paper is to examine its impact on an already integrated industry. Design/methodology/approach The authors utilize the methodology of co-integration and focus on the geographic reach of the Marcellus region to examine movements of prices across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the industry. Findings The results of this paper indicate that prices across segments remain strongly co-integrated with the boom in production. The short-run dynamics, however, reveal a slower adjustment to the long-run equilibrium following the boom, particularly for wellhead to city-gate and wellhead to residential prices. Originality/value The growth in delivery infrastructure has not kept up with the boom in production creating bottlenecks. The supply shock brought about by the boom in production has not altered previously established co-integrating relationships but has altered the speeds of adjustment towards the long-run equilibrium. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-07-10T02:46:38Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-08-2017-0006
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose This study aims to investigate the cross-sectional and time-series dynamics of realized Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits issued and the role of investments for a seminal sample of China’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects specializing in the wind sector. Design/methodology/approach The study investigates the dynamics of realized CER credits issued and the role of investments using traditional cross-sectional and time-series regression analysis. Findings The study results find that the level of investment per megawatt (MW) of power generation is an important predictor for the expected number of realized CER credits issued in the cross-section of China’s wind CDM projects. Additionally, the study finds evidence of time trends and seasonality when examining the time series of realized monthly CER credits: CER credits issued are lower in the summer and higher in the winter. Originality/value The study results highlight the importance of financing CDM projects and suggest guidelines in which investors are able to better assess how much to invest based on the anticipated CER credits in the Project Design Document. Additionally, the results suggest opportunities for the CDM Executive Board surrounding the Project Design Document and the anticipated CER credits contained therein. The present study contributes to the literature on strategic tools for addressing climate change and offer insights that narrow the gap between empirical finance and sustainable business practice in the context of CDM projects. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-06-05T09:24:59Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-06-2017-0005
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose A growing amount of German and Austrian utilities create own Facebook accounts to communicate with their stakeholders. Whereas existing studies describe how utility companies are currently using Facebook, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there exists no study which focuses on the actual expectations of Facebook users. Nevertheless, as the occurrence of social media redefined stakeholders’ expectations, research on the expectations of Facebook users become crucial. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing social media literature by investigating the expectations of Facebook users towards a virtual stakeholder dialogue with their public utility companies on Facebook. Design/methodology/approach Eight German and six Austrian public utilities supported the empirical study by posting a link to an online survey on their Facebook account. In total, 258 Facebook users followed that link and completed the survey. Findings The broad majority of participants expect public utility companies to use Facebook as a communication channel. They request to regularly receive a variety of information on different topics. In addition, participants want to have the opportunity to post general queries, complaints or criticism, suggestions for improvement, positive feedback or queries in a crisis situation. Moreover, the empirical data reveal that user-specific characteristics such as gender, age, country of residence, length of Facebook membership or number of Facebook friends impact the expectations towards a Facebook conversation. Originality/value The findings enable scholars and practitioners to gain in-depth insights into Facebook conversations from the actual user perspective. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-05-30T09:09:05Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-11-2017-0013
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze wind characteristics and their effects on wind turbine components and energy generation at the candidate site. Design/methodology/approach The methodology covered the detailed investigation of wind characteristics using Weibull k and c parameters and standard deviation at 30 m above the ground level (AGL). The wind shear coefficient and air density were also studied. The weight model was developed to determine the effects on wind turbine components and energy generation. At last, an economic assessment was carried out to determine the pre- and post-effects of the weight model on the cost of energy per kilowatt-hour. Findings The mean standard deviation, Weibull k parameter and Weibull c parameter were found to be 2.157, 2.617 and 6.087 m/s, respectively, at 30 m for a period of a year. The mean wind shear coefficient was found to be 0.176 for a year. The calculated results showed that site-specific midrange and amplitude force were 40.95 per cent and 37.75 per cent on wind turbine mechanical components, respectively. The average rise in force and drop in energy was found to be 35.50 per cent and 47.55 per cent, respectively. The lift coefficient, drag coefficient and pitching moment considering values (a, 0.1 and 0.2) showed an increase in force on wind turbine components that resulted in a drop in energy. The cost assessment results showed that the cost of energy was increased from US$0.032/kWh to 0.0466/kWh for wind turbine A. Practical implications An accurate determination of the weight factor is necessary for near-reality assessment of wind energy yield and rise of force on the wind turbine. The results paved the way for site-specific design optimization of wind turbines. Originality/value The study contributes to the site-specific wind characteristic-based weight model to determine the effects of wind loads on wind turbine components and energy generation and compared with the specified design standard. The lift coefficient, drag coefficient and pitching moment coefficient show a rise in the force while considering the weight factor values. The results show that the site has the potential to generate energy at the lowest cost per kilowatt-hour, but it needs wind turbine design adjustments according to site-specific wind characteristics. If site-specific wind characteristics are considered, it would lead to maximum energy generation and high reliability of wind turbine components. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-05-04T02:27:05Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-10-2017-0007
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose This paper aims to investigate the optimum energy consumption of building atriums in hot, cold and dry climate zones in Iran. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses simulation software to analyze atrium design for energy saving in buildings and the effects of the energy saving process on the use of atrium in hot summer and cold winter zones in Iran. The buildings exhibit brick cavity concrete block plaster for wall, double-glazed alum frame for glaze, concrete slab on ground for flour and plaster insulation suspend for ceiling. This process is analyzed by choosing a suitable atrium for building energy efficiency in warmest session for warm weather conditions and the coldest session for cold weather conditions in Iran. Findings According to the analysis done using simulation software, with respect to the hot need prevention of direct and indirect solar energy and cold need absorption of direct and indirect solar energy, four-side atrium with total radiation incident of 2,506,027 and 69,613 W, radiation absorption of 902,795 and 29,057 W and radiation transmission of 297,118 and 4,201 W in hot summer and in cold winter are the best optimum selections. Originality/value The results of this research are useful for both building energy efficiency and producing a comfortable living environment in the future and will support new observations of how residential building developers can accept sustainable strategies to grow their overtaking in the Iranian construction market. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-05-02T08:30:36Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-05-2016-0003
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to estimate the locational marginal price (LMP) at each distributed generation (DG) bus based on DG unit contribution in loss reduction. This LMP value can be used by distribution company (DISCO) to control private DG owners and operate network optimally in terms of active power loss. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes proportional nucleolus game theory (PNGT)-based iterative method to compute LMP at each DG unit. In this algorithm, PNGT has been used to identify the share of each DG unit in loss reduction. New mathematical modeling has been incorporated in the proposed algorithm to compute incentives being given to each DG owner. Findings The findings of this paper are that the LMP and reactive power price values for each DG unit were computed by the proposed method for the first time. Network can be operated with less loss and zero DISCO’s extra benefit, which is essential in deregulated environment. Fair competition has been maintained among private DG owners using the proposed method. Originality/value PNGT has been used for the first time for computation of LMP in distribution system based on loss reduction. Incentives to each DG unit has have been computed based on financial savings of DISCO due to loss reduction. Share of active and reactive power generation of each DG unit on change in active power loss of network due to that DG unit has been computed with new mathematical modeling. The proposed method provides LMP value to each DG unit in such a way that the network will be operated with less loss. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-05-02T07:44:44Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-03-2017-0002
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose This paper aims to study the oscillation phenomenon before chaos as well as its mechanism of occurrence in the energy-saving and emission-reduction system. Design/methodology/approach The system dynamics analysis, phase portrait analyses, equilibrium point analysis and bifurcation curve were applied to this paper. Findings First, the authors find an oscillation phenomenon previous to chaos. Second, on the one hand, the existence of two unstable saddles is the reason for the occurrence of oscillation phenomenon. On the other hand, the increasing of carbon emissions can arouse oscillation phenomenon. Originality/value This paper finds an oscillation phenomenon previous to chaos in the energy-saving and emission-reduction system. The mechanism of occurrence of oscillation phenomenon is studied. The existence of two unstable saddles is the reason for the occurrence of such oscillation phenomenon. The oscillation is related with fold bifurcation. The study also provides a theoretical basis for the further study of chaos control. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-05-02T02:14:31Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-06-2017-0007
Abstract: International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose The purpose of this study is to test citizens’ attitudes on political involvement in energy policy-making that has generally seen to be dominated by experts and business interests and been relatively closed to citizen involvement. The study asks whether citizens are willing to participate politically more through political consumerism (i.e., consumption choices) or through representative democracy and if citizens are willing to assign decision-making to the experts representing public administration and business, as stealth democracy asserts. Design/methodology/approach Methodologically, the study is based on postal surveys conducted in 2007 and 2016 among a random sample representing Finns who were 18-75 years of age. Findings Political consumerism and stealth democracy were not considered as alternative and detached modes for electoral participation but rather as complementary. However, adherence to stealth democracy was a reaction of people who feel powerlessness in the face of the regime, while the supporters of political consumerism had a higher trust in their ability to influence. Originality/value The study is the first one which empirically compares citizens’ support for these three modes of involvement, and it generates new knowledge for the scholars and decision-makers when planning citizen role in (energy) policy-making. Citation: International Journal of Energy Sector Management PubDate: 2018-04-23T12:59:59Z DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-12-2017-0005
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