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Tsani T, Pelser T, Ioannidis R, Maier R, Chen R, Risch S, Kullmann F, McKenna R, Stolten D, Weinand JM. Quantifying the trade-offs between renewable energy visibility and system costs. Nat Commun 2025; 16:3853. [PMID: 40274772 PMCID: PMC12022082 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Visual landscape impacts on scenic and populated places are among significant factors affecting local acceptance of large-scale renewable energy projects. Through the combination of large-scale reverse viewshed and techno-economic energy system analyses, we assess their potential impacts for nationwide energy systems. In our case study of Germany, moderate consideration of visual impact by placing renewables out of sight of the most scenic and densely populated areas does not have a significant impact on future energy system costs and design. In contrast, in scenarios assuming high sensitivity to visual impacts, annual energy system costs would increase by up to 38% in 2045. The energy system's resilience would also be compromised due to the increasing reliance on green hydrogen imports and the uncertain mass adoption of rooftop photovoltaics. Our analytical framework facilitates careful planning that considers the visual impact of renewable energy infrastructure, thus enabling socially acceptable deployment while understanding the implications for system costs and transformation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsamara Tsani
- Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany.
- Chair for Fuel Cells, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52062, Germany.
| | - Tristan Pelser
- Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Chair for Fuel Cells, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52062, Germany
| | - Romanos Ioannidis
- Department of Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Rachel Maier
- Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Chair for Fuel Cells, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52062, Germany
| | - Ruihong Chen
- Chair of Energy Systems Analysis, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Stanley Risch
- Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Chair for Fuel Cells, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52062, Germany
| | - Felix Kullmann
- Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany
| | - Russell McKenna
- Chair of Energy Systems Analysis, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis, Centers for Nuclear Engineering and Sciences & Energy and Environment, PSI, Villigen, 5253, Switzerland
| | - Detlef Stolten
- Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Chair for Fuel Cells, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52062, Germany
| | - Jann Michael Weinand
- Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany
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Ajmi AN, Bekun FV, Gyamfi BA, Meo MS. A bibliometric review analysis into environmental kuznets curve phenomenon: A retrospect and future direction. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21552. [PMID: 38034735 PMCID: PMC10682523 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study presents a retrospect into environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis (EKC). The EKC debate is dated over four decade long and worthy of empirical scrutiny. To this end, the present study leverages on over 200 previous studies curated from SCOPUS and Web of science (WOS) core collection database respectively. The present study also presented both literature schematic on the evolution, trends, gaps, and future directions on the EKC debate. This paper endeavors to enhance our comprehension of the inherent paradoxes present in sustainability discourses by delving into the fundamental assumptions underlying the Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). By conducting a bibliometric analysis, we aim to shed light on the factors contributing to the prominence of thematic keywords within sustainability discourses. This study seeks to provide valuable insights into these dynamics and implications on sustainability debates. Key empirical findings outlines predominant and influential studies and journal outlets on the theme under consideration. The present study bibliometric analysis displays that Ozturk i. with 13 published papers 3153 citations and a link strength of 2, Dogan e. Had 7 papers with 2190 citations with no link strength, Shahbaz. B 7 papers 1347 citations and 1 link strength, Saboori b.7 papers 677 citations 1 strength link and Liu y. 6 papers 582 citations with no link strength. From a policy dimension, the present bibliometric study presents valuable depth on the evolution and development of the EKC phenomenon by identifying's the extant literature leaders, action-step for future studies on environmental sustainability without compromise on economic growth as the EKC theme express the tradeoff between economic growth and environmental degradation. Further insights are rendered in the concluding section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahdi Noomen Ajmi
- Department of Business Administration, College of Science and Humanities in Slayel, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
- ESC de Tunis, Manouba University, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Festus Victor Bekun
- Faculty of Economics Administrative and Social Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Adnan Kassar School of Business, Department of Economics, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Muhammad Saeed Meo
- Department of Economics and Finance, Sunway Business School, Sunway University Malaysia, Malaysia
- University of Economics and Human Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Dimnwobi SK, Ikechukwu Okere K, Azolibe CB, Onyenwife KC. Towards a green future for Sub-Saharan Africa: do electricity access and public debt drive environmental progress? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:94960-94975. [PMID: 37542691 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The combination of rising debt levels, poor electricity access, and environmental deterioration could threaten the attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Hence, this inquiry examined the implications of public borrowing and access to electricity on environmental sustainability (proxied by ecological footprint (ECOL) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), largely overlooked in the literature. In addition to pre-estimation, diagnostic, and robustness checks utilized in the study, the instrumental variable generalized method of moment (IV-GMM) approach is employed to examine annual data from 39 SSA economies between 2005 and 2018. The key findings indicate that public debt negatively influences environmental sustainability in the region at a certain level of threshold, while access to electricity has the potential to trigger environmental sustainability but remain below the expected threshold to mitigate environmental damage in SSA. The study provides recommendations for SSA policymakers to significantly reduce pollution and protect the environment which is vital for sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Kelechi Dimnwobi
- Department of Economics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
- Strategy, Execution and Evaluation (SEE) Office, Awka, Nigeria.
| | - Kingsley Ikechukwu Okere
- Department of Banking and Finance, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Imo State, Nigeria
- Department of Economics, Banking and Finance, Gregory University, Uturu, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuebuka Bernard Azolibe
- Department of Economics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Banking and Finance, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
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Okolo VO, Ohanagorom MI, Okocha ER, Muoneke OB, Okere KI. Does financing SMEs guarantee inclusive growth and environmental sustainability in the European union? Heliyon 2023; 9:e15095. [PMID: 37101634 PMCID: PMC10123187 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
At the heart of the EU cohesion policy and the European Green deal lies the underlying sub-goals not limited to; financing the transition, promoting economic well-being of regions, take everyone along, achieving climate neutrality and a zero pollution Europe which the small and medium enterprises positions as the perfect conduit to achieve the aforementioned sub-goals in the case of Europe. Our study seeks to investigate if credit flowing from private sector units and government-owned enterprises to SMEs guarantees inclusive growth and environmental sustainability in EU-27 member states using data collected from OECD Stat. Database and the World Bank database from 2006 to 2019. Findings from the econometric analysis shows that SMEs activities is a significant and positive predictor of environmental pollution in the EU. In the case of inclusive growth countries cohort in the EU, both credit flowing from private sector funding institutions and government-owned enterprises to SMEs enhances a positive SME growth impact on environmental sustainability. In the case of non-inclusive growth countries cohort in the EU, credit flowing from private sector to SMEs enhances the positive impact of SME growth on environmental sustainability while credit flowing from government-owned enterprises to SMEs intensify the negative impact of SME growth on environmental sustainability.
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Sarpong KA, Xu W, Gyamfi BA, Ofori EK. Can environmental taxes and green-energy offer carbon-free E7 economies? An empirical analysis in the framework of COP-26. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:51726-51739. [PMID: 36820978 PMCID: PMC9947892 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25904-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The main cause of environmental degradation is carbon emissions, which puts environmental sustainability in jeopardy. This ecological worry, the obligation for which falls on all economic actors, has not gone undetected, and so in 2021, the Glasgow Climate Pact (COP: 26) was organized, with the primary aim of decreasing global carbon emissions. Because the Post-Glasgow Agreement goals represent a significant challenge to achieving ecological responsibility, pressure is applied to the participating nations. However, earlier literature lacked sufficient investigation of factors useful for the mitigation of carbon emissions in E7 (China, Turkey, India, Russia, Brazil, Indonesia, and Mexico) economies. Hence, we aim to fill this research vacuum by predicting the impact of clean fuels and cooking technology availability, renewable energy, and environmental taxes on E7 economies' carbon emissions from 2000 to 2020, while taking urbanization and population expansion into account. Evaluation is done using four different cross-sectional dependence (CSD) methods, as well as unit root tests (CIPS and CADF), cointegration analysis (Westerlund and Kao), and the Driscoll-Kraay and quantile-on-quantile long-run factor estimate methods. The long-run analysis revealed from our findings that environmental tax, renewable energy, and access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking decrease carbon emission for the E7 economies. On the other hand, urbanization and population growth enhance emissions for the E7 economies. Finally, our results hold up under a variety of policy interpretations that would aid in reducing carbon emissions and their negative effects on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwabena Agyarko Sarpong
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Wanzhen Xu
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301, Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Bright Akwasi Gyamfi
- School of Management, Sir Padampat Singhania University, Bhatewar, Udaipur, Rajasthan India
| | - Elvis Kwame Ofori
- School of Management Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Management Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou, Henan China
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Abou Houran M, Mehmood U. Defining the roles of socio-economic factors and bureaucratic quality to minimize the impacts of fossil fuels consumption on CO2 emissions in G-20 countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:51440-51449. [PMID: 36809620 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25964-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
G-20 nations are committed to reducing CO2 emissions considering their commitments to the United Nations. Therefore, this work investigates the associations between bureaucratic quality, socio-economic factors, fossil fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions from 1990 to 2020. To counter the problem of cross-sectional dependence, this work applies to cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL). The valid second-generation methodologies are applied, and the results cannot be found in the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). Fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil) exert a negative impact on environmental quality. The direct impact of bureaucratic quality and socio-economic factors are suitable to lower CO2 emissions. A 1% increase in bureaucratic quality and socio-economic factors will lower CO2 emissions by 0.174% and 0.078% respectively in the long run. The indirect effect of bureaucratic quality and socio-economic factors is significant in reducing the CO2 emissions created by fossil fuels. The wavelet plots also validate these findings that bureaucratic quality is important to lower environmental pollution in 18 G-20 member countries. Considering the findings, this research presents important policy instruments that there is a need to bring clean energy sources into the total energy mix. For this purpose, it is important to improve bureaucratic quality to speed up the decision-making process for clean energy infrastructural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Abou Houran
- School of Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, Xi'an, China
| | - Usman Mehmood
- University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab (RSGCRL), National Center of GIS and Space Applications, Centre for Remote Sensing, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Okere KI, Ibe GI, Muoneke OB, Nwaeze NC. Environmental sustainability, small and medium enterprises, and finance in Africa: a triplicate relationship. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:41359-41378. [PMID: 36627430 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The age-long debate between SME-growth nexus has ignored environmental sustainability, as evident by many previous empirical studies. However, the pivotal role of SMEs and their undeniable dominance in the business landscape of Africa presents itself as a potential instrument for leading sustainability advocacy on the African continent. The study investigates whether credit flows from the private sector and government-owned enterprises to small and medium enterprises guarantee growth and environmental sustainability using data from World Bank Databases for 35 African countries from 2006 to 2019. Results from the econometric analysis show that domestic credit flowing from the private sector and government-owned enterprises to SMEs leads to significant growth with greater impact at lower quantiles in the case of Africa. On the issue of environmental sanctity, credit flowing from the private sector to SMEs counteract the adverse effect of SMEs activities on the environment, while credit flowing from government enterprises intensify the negative effect of SMEs activities on the environment in the case of Africa. Furthermore, renewable energy significantly reduces environmental decay more efficiently in upper quantiles while natural resource rents aggravate environmental decay only for African countries in the lower quantiles. Policy recommendations are proffered in the manuscript within the ambit of the study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe
- Department of Business Administration, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria
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