• Energy Research

Abstract Energy indices provide a clear summary to measure the energy performance of the country which is a prerequisite for policy making. Increasing rate of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions are causing dangerous climate changes which seem irreversible. Therefore, it is vital to rank countries with the highest GHGs and carbon emissions in order to develop low carbon economies. This requires a comprehensive statistical analysis. In this study, we develop an aggregated composite index (ACI) of energy security and environmental sustainability for each of the world’s highest GHGs and CO2 emitting countries. Our index is based on a comprehensive set of indicators including carbon emission and energy metrics. Composite indicator has been used to combine all the indicators in a holistic way. Higher values show a better efficiency and vice versa. The analysis reveals that there are considerable differences in performances of top and low ranked countries, Canada and Brazil respectively. We ranked the countries based on their efficiency score from top-down. Analysis also provides a roadmap and guidelines for the future policymakers.

Greenhouse gasses have adverse effects on global warming and air pollution and need to be optimized by minimizing the contributing factors. This work analyzes the effects of economic growth and energy resources (renewable and nonrenewable) on the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG). A 2000-2016 panel data from 25 developing Asian countries is analyzed through a robust Random Effect (RE) approach and Hausman Taylor Regression (HTR). Findings show a positive correlation between economic growth and energy consumption, while a 1% increase in renewable energy consumption results in a 0.193% decrease in carbon emissions. Economic growth and renewable energy are positively correlated in both the short and long term, which implies a valid feedback hypothesis. The findings indicate the significant contribution of nonrenewable energy resources to greenhouse gas emissions and the positive impact of renewable resources on greenhouse gas emissions' control. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of developing Asian economies to preserve the environment through more robust regional environmental policies and renewable energy resources. In light of this study's findings, policymakers in Asian developing economies should develop policies on Renewable Energy infrastructure (RE) to improve GDP and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract Energy security assessment provides a benchmark for policy analysis and identifies the challenges for ensuring energy supplies as well. This paper develops a composite index for assessing the oil supply risk of South Asian countries. The index is based on a comprehensive set of indicators including the ratio of imported oil over GDP, geopolitical risk, market liquidity, GDP per capita, ratio of oil imports over consumption, diversification, oil price volatility, US$ volatility and transportation risk. Results reveal that India is the least oil vulnerable country while Afghanistan and Bangladesh are the most oil vulnerable countries. India's leading score reflects a higher potential to change the oil suppliers while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal have the least score confirming them as the highest supply risk associated countries. Policies such as adopting renewable energy technologies, generating nuclear power, diversifying export sources and cutting down oil subsidies can help reduce the impact of oil supply risk.

Solar power is a promising alternative energy source for a sustainable environment for developing countries in the Asian continent. The assessment of its sustainability particularly in the South Asian countries necessitates a complete and rigorous statistical investigation. In the current study, we investigate solar energy profile and potential in Pakistan’s Sindh province as a case study. Although the electrification of Sindh Province using off-grid solar PV systems is relatively easy and also most convenient, the challenge is to measure the province’s capacity of solar power and its economic viability. Results show that the rural areas of Pakistan have sufficient solar irradiance in order to produce power. The suitable inclination angles of solar power modules contain the significant capacity of solar power for electricity production. Finding regarding economic viability shows that an off-grid solar photovoltaic system ensures the electricity at price of PKR 6.87/kWh while this is cheap source of energy as compared to traditional energy source (about 20.79 PKR /kWh). Furthermore, the system of off-grid solar photovoltaic could reduce, 119,000 metric tons of CO2 per year simultaneously it ensure the all remote rural areas implement the off-grid solar energy system. The study provides a useful renewable roadmap for energy in South Asian countries and those presently captivating distant and off-grid regions.

Domestic trade plays a key role in China's rapid economic progress. However, the increased domestic trade causes significant variations in carbon emission transfer among provinces. This study adopted the multi-region input-output (MRIO) model and social network analysis (SNA) to estimate the carbon emission transfer. Furthermore, the carbon emission transfer network characteristics among 30 provinces and 27 sectors were analyzed by using interprovincial input-output tables for 2007, 2010, and 2012. The results showed that (1) Large differences exist in carbon emission transfer flow and its network characteristics between provinces. (2) The three industrial sectors of metal smelting and pressing sector, power, heat production, and supply sector, petroleum processing, coking, and nuclear fuel processing sector have high carbon emission transfer and pose a strong influence on the carbon emission transfer network. (3) Provinces of the eastern region have a "bidirectional spillover" role, while those of the western region have a mediating role as an "agent." Provinces of the central region have a "main inflow" role. Finally, useful policy implications and suggestions of this study are summarized.

In this study, we developed a new hybrid mathematical model that combines wind-speed range with the log law to derive the wind energy potential for wind-generated hydrogen production in Pakistan. In addition, we electrolyzed wind-generated power in order to assess the generation capacity of wind-generated renewable hydrogen. The advantage of the Weibull model is that it more accurately reflects power generation potential (i.e., the capacity factor). When applied to selected sites, we have found commercially viable hydrogen production capacity in all locations. All sites considered had the potential to produce an excess amount of wind-generated renewable hydrogen. If the total national capacity of wind-generated was used, Pakistan could conceivably produce 51,917,000.39 kg per day of renewable hydrogen. Based on our results, we suggest that cars and other forms of transport could be fueled with hydrogen to conserve oil and gas resources, which can reduce the energy shortfall and contribute to the fight against climate change and global warming. Also, hydrogen could be used to supplement urban energy needs (e.g., for Sindh province Pakistan), again reducing energy shortage effects and supporting green city programs.

The adaptability of ISO 14001 is considered as one of the most useful tools for environmental sustainability and worldwide competitive advantage; however, the future of ISO 14001 certification faces some uncertainties because of its uneven acceptance in various countries. These uncertainties, if not properly managed, can hinder the implementation of business management systems in these countries. In order to guide policymakers in better management of ISO 14001 in future with certainty, this study aims to forecast the ISO 14001 certifications for 10 years for China, India, the USA, Italy, Japan, and Germany, the top six certified countries, through advanced mathematical modeling, namely grey models, even GM (1,1), discrete GM (1,1), and non-homogenous discrete grey model (NDGM). The benefits of mentioned models are ensured accuracy in assessment using small samples and poor information. Moreover, current research is a pioneer in the certifications growth analysis using the Synthetic Relative Growth Rate and Synthetic Doubling Time models. Finally, the empirical analysis indicated that China is constantly leading in terms of its ISO 14001 certifications till 2026 and the performance of developing countries was spectacular. Furthermore, the article has proposed some suggestions for the policymakers to make the environment more sustainable.

Energy consumption and its efficiency are significant factors for economic growth and environmental stress. This study postulates the occurrence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis (EKC) by using the Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. Furthermore, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is used to measure energy efficiency, energy intensity, and environment to view the trajectory of EKC for the underline economies. For this purpose, a panel dataset from 1990–2013 of 15 developing countries is analyzed to verify the objectives mentioned above. The results of the panel ARDL support EKC’s theory for underline economies, as GDP positively impacts carbon emissions, while the square of GDP is negatively related. The DEA-based results found relatively low environmental conditions in these emerging economies due to high energy intensity and low energy efficiency. This outcome suggests that renewable energy sources must be treated as an essential factor for achieving sustainable economic goals without environmental degradation.