Polityka Energetyczna - Energy Policy Journal

The relevance of the subject stated in the framework of this research is the significant importance of the issues of attracting investment funds for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kazakhstan in the context of the need to find optimal opportunities for the development of “green” and defense energy using alternative energy sources. The main purpose of this research is to explore methods of SME financing and project analysis of enterprises’ activities in the field of alternative energy applications. The methodological approach of this research work is based on the applied research of general principles of attracting financing and investment in SMEs in the context of “green” and defence economy and alternative energy. The results of this research illustrate the need for a qualitative financial analysis of SMEs to attract finance and investment. The financial performance of the enterprise during the accounting period is expressed by compiling a count of the movement of its fixed assets and assets. The classification of financial flows by type of activity makes it possible to determine the main receipts and expenditures during the accounting period. It was established that the efficiency of economic activity within the framework of an individual enterprise should be calculated before the start of the business and after the completion of the project, to develop the most reliable picture of the movement of financial investment funds. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of their use in establishing models of business projects that meet the modern requirements of “green” and defense energy using renewable energy sources.

Energy storage is an increasingly vital aspect of the energy sector in Poland due to the growing prevalence of renewable energy sources. Its primary goal is to support the uptake of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. The article presented here analyzes the economic potential of buying and selling electricity on the Intra-Day Market and the Day-Ahead Market of Towarowa Giełda Energii SA (Polish Energy Market: TGE) in terms of energy storage. In four scenarios, energy was either bought and sold on the DAM/IDM or bought on one market and sold on the other to identify the most favorable case. Two four-month periods in 2021 and 2023 were examined. An analysis was carried out on a lithium-ion storage facility that has a two-hour charging cycle for energy storage. A methodology was proposed to identify the two highest and two lowest energy prices for imposing constraints on the purchase and sale times. The time of day when these prices occurred was also analyzed. The annual and periodic profits that can be obtained by purchasing and selling stored energy were calculated. The calculations and analyses facilitated inter-market comparison. Energy storage payback time was computed, and investment profitability was examined. The final section presents conclusions, opportunities, and suggestions for further research in this area.
As calculated, the most profitable case after taking efficiency into account was the case of purchase at IDM and sale at DAM in part of 2023: 18,751.61 [EUR/MWh capacity]. In comparison, the highest value for 2021 was obtained for the case of sale and purchase on IDM, with a profit of 7531.23 [EUR/MWh capacity].

The presented study describes the research carried out on the selection of cells for the “Perła” solar car. The study aimed to select optimal cells in terms of car efficiency and related costs. In particular, we focused on an innovative approach, utilizing pouch-type cells. The research included cell discharge tests and an analysis of the results obtained from the numerical model. During the discharge tests, the cells were subjected to a constant current value to measure their efficiency and capacity. Based on the collected data, a numerical model was developed that included battery prices and car performance depending on the type of cell. Particular attention was paid to the cost-performance analysis. The research presented in the article provides valuable information for electric car battery system designers, helping them to make informed decisions regarding the selection of cells. The article is an important contribution to the development of solar car technology and can contribute to improving their efficiency and competitiveness in the market. The analysis results showed that different types of cells significantly impacted both the cost and performance of a solar car. It was found that battery price and performance varied depending on the cell type. Batteries utilizing pouch-type cells had an impressive 82% cost reduction, providing substantial savings for potential users. Additionally, these batteries had the potential to achieve a 2% greater range than batteries using commonly used 18650 cells, which are widely used in the automotive industry. The novelty lies in the presentation that introducing pouch-type cells as an innovative element of the battery system can improve efficiency and competitiveness in the market.

Study examines the potential for post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, emphasizing the role of contemporary “green” technologies and the involvement of Ukrainian political entities. With Ukraine’s partial integration into the European sphere, effective reconstruction post-military operations is seen as mutually beneficial for Ukraine and the EU. The study argues for a commitment from Ukrainian politicians to uphold high standards of professionalism and ethics. Methodologies include an analysis of existing publications on post-war reconstructions and a SWOT analysis focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of the current governance policy in Ukraine. Secondary information, such as survey results on public and business concerns about the ability of pro-government politicians to carry out “green” post-war reconstruction, is also considered. Findings suggest that the post-war reconstruction plan advocates for the integration of “green” technologies like renewable energy equipment production and biofuels. However, successful implementation requires addressing issues such as high corruption levels, potential misuse of funds, a lack of professionals, and political lobbying for traditional energy sectors. To address these problems, the study proposes criteria for evaluating the qualifications of candidates for positions in the Verkhovna Rada, aiming to establish an ideal standard for politicians with the necessary skills to guide Ukraine’s economy reconstruction. The achievement of eco-energy optimization is one of the most important tasks in the conditions of the post-war reconstruction of the economy. A model of “green” reconstruction of Ukraine is constructed based on systematic changes in government structures and reforms in climate and environmental policy.

The complex nature of the combustion process, which simultaneously obeys the laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, aerodynamics and the chemical kinetics of oxidation reactions, makes numerical modelling very difficult and the experimental approach is currently playing a crucial role in their investigation. The modern highly developed theory of experimental design combines various analytical procedures that allow, with a minimum number of experiments, the obtaining of maximum information about the physical or technological processes under investigation, the properties of materials and phenomena. The ability to determine the influence of the main mode and design parameters on the geometrical characteristics of the flare is a prerequisite for effectively influencing the combustion process in order to intensify it. The present work is an introduction to the methods of planning and knowledge of multifactorial experiments, including: the preparation, conduct and processing of experimental results; mastering the methodology of experimental research; using the methods of mathematical statistics and regression analysis to plan experiments; developing the ability to analyze the object of study; correctly selecting the optimization parameter and the essential factors of the object of study; building an experiment planning matrix to obtain an adequate mathematical model of the object. The objective of this work is to propose an approach to study the effect of mode and design parameters, on the basic dimensions and shape of the gas flare, based on regression analysis of experimental data in the study of the performance of a flat flame burner.

Vehicle emissions and performance fueled with waste cooking oil biodiesel is the main topic of this research. Biodiesel was produced through transesterification with physical and chemical characteristics comparable to diesel. B20 is a methyl ester of 20% blended with diesel. A diesel vehicle was modified and equipped with all measuring instruments needed to perform all experiments. The variable speed and load tests were conducted on the vehicle to measure the performance and emissions at different loads (0–30 kW) and different speeds (0–33 km/h). The vehicle speed was the maximum attained for each gear with a constant fuel flow rate without external fuel control at a steady state. At a vehicle speed of 33 km/h, the greatest increases in fuel consumption and exhaust gas temperature for biodiesel B20 were 17 and 6%, respectively, as related to pure diesel. At a vehicle speed of 33 km/h, B20 reduced the distance traveled, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon concentrations compared to diesel by 22, 9 and 10%, respectively. At a vehicle speed of 33 km/h, the increases in nitrogen oxides and oxygen concentrations of B20 were 4 and 3% higher, respectively, than crude diesel over the whole tested load range. The biggest increases in distance, fuel consumption, and exhaust gas temperature for B20 over diesel were 13, 3, and 2%, respectively, at a vehicle load of 30 kW. The B20 blend decreased CO and hydrocarbon emissions related to diesel by 17 and 32%, respectively, at a vehicle load of 30 kW. The increases in nitrogen oxides and oxygen concentrations of B20 across the whole load range were 11 and 3% higher than pure diesel at a vehicle load of 30 kW, respectively. Biodiesel blend B20 is suggested for application in vehicles providing that the vehicle is moderately loaded.

Cogeneration is one of the leading technologies. Over time, it has been activated by almost all developed and actively developing countries in the world. However, achieving high energy efficiency when investing in such production is not an absolute rule but a matter of a thorough technical and economic assessment of the existing conditions. The management teams of textile enterprises usually focus on improving the economic and operational results, but despite the benefits of cogeneration, they do not want to take risks in its implementation because it is related to large strategic investments in the sector. Conducting research to identify and analyze the specific operating conditions of the textile enterprise in question will allow for the analysis of the possibility of introducing cogeneration. Looking at the structure of the energy consumption of the two types of energy (heat and electricity), the dynamics of prices and the geographical location are a prerequisites for studying the possibilities of introducing joint production of heat and electricity at a large textile enterprise. In the publication, an analysis of primary energy consumption was performed, a heat balance of the considered enterprise was drawn up, and objective economic and technical parameters based on the characteristics of the technology were derived. Based on the analysis of the obtained results, conclusions have been drawn regarding the possibilities of implementing joint extraction of heat and electricity in textile enterprises. The scientific novelty has been demonstrated by applying a new approach for a complete solution, aiming to achieve cleaner production and increase the energy efficiency of the considered textile enterprise.

Kazakhstan possesses significant natural resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium, and also has substantial potential for utilizing renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass. However, the country currently relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation. Coal-fired power plants account for 75% of the total electricity production, raising concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and their detrimental impact on human health and the environment. In December 2020, at the Climate Ambition Summit, the President of Kazakhstan announced a new goal for the country to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To attain this objective, the government faces the ambitious task of developing a strategy for the development of hydrogen energy in Kazakhstan. This review extensively discusses Kazakhstan’s main energy resources, the potential for low-carbon and green hydrogen production, existing and prospective pilot projects in the field of hydrogen, as well as the challenges and barriers hindering the development of hydrogen energy in Kazakhstan. Authors consider existing research, national reports, energy strategies, and plans to discuss the prospects for hydrogen energy development in Kazakhstan. The transition to hydrogen energy in Kazakhstan requires the development of a comprehensive roadmap that takes into account various aspects such as production, infrastructure development, policy support, and international cooperation. Currently, the country lacks a roadmap for hydrogen energy development that considers these crucial aspects. Therefore, as a result of this review, we have developed a new roadmap for hydrogen production by 2040 in Kazakhstan, incorporating various technologies. Authors believe this roadmap will be valuable information for the government to develop a national strategy for the active development of hydrogen energy in Kazakhstan.

The necessity of developing the production of biogas and digestate at Ukrainian sugar factories focused on the further sale of biomethane in the energy market and for its own needs is substantiated, which will partially ensure the energy security of the state under martial law. The volumes of sugar beet cultivation are determined, and the potential volumes of biogas production from the waste of Ukrainian agro-industrial complexes are investigated. A model of the functioning of a production bioenergy cluster based on a sugar factory has been developed and proposed. As a result of the study, it was found that a tangible way to increase the level of energy autonomy of the processing industry of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine is the production of biogas by anaerobic digestion and its subsequent purification to the state of biomethane. To produce this type of biofuel, the use by-products of agriculture, agro-industrial processing enterprises, and organic waste from territorial communities where sugar factories are located is advisable. At the same time, as the analysis of resource potential shows, modern methane generation technologies allow using a wide range of biomass as a raw material base, which can be obtained both from production activities (non-core (non-target) products) and from household waste in general, which is one of the methods of solving the problems of their utilization. It has been determined that the use of advanced technologies for the transportation of liquid digestate and its injection will reduce the cost of application, increase the absorption in the soil, and the use of biodiesel will reduce transportation costs.

The article presents the latest forecasts for global coal demand and supply in the short and long term. According to IEA analyzes, there was to be a peak in global coal production and consumption in 2023 (amounting to 8.7 and 8.5 billion tons, respectively), with a successive decline in the following three years. At the 2026 horizon, global coal production will be 8.5 billion tons, declining by 4% from 2023. Coal demand will fall by 2% to 8.3 billion tons. In the 2050 outlook, according to the State Policies Scenario, coal production compared to 2022 will decrease by 43% to 3.5 billion tce. By contrast, according to the Announced Pledges Scenario, the decline will be 75%, with production expected to fall to 1.5bn tce. Coal production and demand will decline due to the decarbonization of many global economies. The article also presents forecasts of global coal production and demand by region. In Poland, coal is an important energy carrier based on indigenous production, supplemented by imports. Poland is one of the important producers and users of coal in Europe and the EU27. Between 2016 and 2022, Poland’s coal production decreased from 36 to 28 million tce. Coal production in Poland accounts for 14–15% of coal production in Europe and 20–22% of production in the EU27. Poland’s share is relatively small at 0.5–0.7% relative to global production. In terms of coal consumption, Poland’s share is relatively stable (32–38 million tce in 2016–2022). It accounted for 8–10% of European consumption, 11–16% of EU27 consumption and 0.6–0.7% of global coal consumption. The latest Polish forecasting document, a draft update of the National Plan Energy and Climate Plan to 2030, assumes in the 2030 horizon, relative to 2020, a 32% decrease in coal production to 30 million tce, and a 23% decrease in coal consumption to 19 million tce. Similarly to global trends, Poland is also pursuing a decarbonization policy for many branches of the economy.