This paper explores the allocation process of Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) in the Italian electricity market. FTRs are financial instruments allowing market participants to hedge against transmission congestion, also playing a critical role in ensuring the efficient use of the transmission system. We present a linear programming (LP) model that simulates the FTRs allocation process, taking into account the transmission capacity limits of the electric network when the total revenue is considered as the utility function. Obtained results highlight that our solution allows us to develop better investment and bidding strategies for optimal transmission management dynamics. In particular, numerical simulations show good results, with an overall MAPE of approximately 7%, indicating that the model accurately predicts the allocation of transmission rights across the network. Overall, the paper provides insights into the inner workings of the FTR allocation process in Italy, also providing improved market efficiency while increasing revenue for market participants. Full article

The paper intends to discuss the use of cavity wall insulation in existing buildings for energy improvement. Cavity walls are widely spread throughout the EU, typically in buildings from the 20th century, which are recognized as the subject of urgent and deep energy renovation interventions. Their main characteristic is an empty air cavity between two layers of building materials (typically brick, stone, or concrete). Filling the empty air cavity with insulating materials reduces energy loss by transmission through opaque envelope surfaces, and therefore, it represents a cheap solution to obtain a significant reduction in building energy consumption. Various aspects should be carefully evaluated for the effectiveness of this type of intervention: The first step is knowing the materials’ behavior depending on their thermal and hygrometric parameters (conductivity and transmittance, thermal bridge transmittance, vapor permeability, and resistance to vapor diffusion). Some indications on limits or reference/target values are usually given by national/regional laws and EU Directives. The filling insulation could lead to collateral problems (thermal bridges, risk of vapor condensation inside walls, etc.). To help understand the relevance and the impact of this insulation technique, an example of the assessments of a common cavity wall type is presented. The analyses highlight the usefulness of an organized and systematic database on building envelope features to set targeted energy-saving actions. Public administrations could base their strategies on this information to promote the reduction of energy consumption on a large scale with efficient and economically sustainable interventions. In the absence of more specific databases, the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) data consulting could help develop thermal insulation strategies at a regional/national level. In particular, the diffusion of cavity walls can be obtained as a function of wall surface and cavity thickness for estimating the energy saving potential, economic impact, and general feasibility of systematic insulation-filling actions. An example of this kind of database analysis is discussed and carried out on a regional scale to explain how it could represent a useful approach to evaluate potential energy-saving interventions. The sample building stock provides suggestions on the possibility to extend the considerations on a larger scale to help set systematic energy-saving strategies. Full article

The global changes which are affecting countries at the moment act as a ‘censor’ of modern energy relations and energy market development strategies in general. The development of the energy market is no longer considered in terms of its efficiency but more in terms of its survivability under the influence of external environmental factors and its ability to maintain an acceptable level of energy safety. In order to fully balance a country’s internal interests and increase its competitiveness in the global energy market, the importance of the problem of choosing a development strategy—following the path of energy independence or cooperative development—is becoming evident. The purpose of this paper is to identify an effective energy strategy for a country under the influence of contemporary challenges. The object of the study is the Russian energy market and the energy companies as its key players. In this context, it examines the situations where Russia and other energy market players are unequally affected by external environmental factors. Particular emphasis is placed on the possibility of overcoming the negative impact of environmental factors during the implementation of measures aimed at ensuring energy safety, achieving a better environmental situation in the country by reducing CO₂ emissions, and strengthening the country’s position in the global energy market by changing its own energy development strategy. The dependence of the financial outcome of the energy complex companies of the Russian Federation on the factors of the external and internal environment was determined as the main direction of the study. The financial outcome of the Russian energy complex companies in this article serves as a landmark indicator of energy market development. The working hypothesis of the research is the authors’ claim that it is necessary for modern energy companies in Russia, as important participants in the energy market of the country, to transform their strategy in the direction of deepening cooperation under the influence of external and internal environmental factors. The methodological and theoretical framework of this study consists of classical and modern economic science, covering the analysis of energy market dynamics and structure, as well as the theories aimed at selecting the most effective strategies under the influence of external and internal environmental factors. The study is based on the works of domestic and foreign scientists devoted to the issues of competitiveness, strategic planning, and sustainable development in the context of total digitalization. Within the framework of the conducted research, we used methods of system and factor analysis; statistical research methods, in particular the analysis of dynamic changes, as well as correlation and regression analysis; and methods of comparison, analogy, and generalization. An important source of data on the financial result of companies in the Russian energy sector was the materials of the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation. As a result of this paper, a notable influence of external and internal environmental factors is determined. Among the most significant factors, digitalization is identified as a development trend. It also represents a driver of improvement in Russia’s energy market, both in terms of improving its competitiveness and environmental safety and in terms of strengthening the country’s leadership position in the global energy market. In addition to the findings, this article provides a theoretical contribution and recommendations for the development of theoretical ideas concerning the choice of an effective strategy for the development of Russia’s energy market. Future research directions are also considered, and the implications of the presented analysis for further research are discussed. Full article

The article considers the problems arising in the implementation of energy-saving technologies in the housing and communal services sector of Kazakhstan, including the example of specific situations. Despite the global trend of energy saving and increasing the energy efficiency of production and service provision, there is almost no introduction of energy-saving technologies by utility companies in Kazakhstan. After reviewing the experience of the previous 10 years and the unsuccessful attempts of Western manufacturers to enter this market, we identified the reasons for this situation, namely, the need to identify the exact institutional need for implementation with reference to the Kazakhstan regulatory framework, the need to consider the financial effect of the projects, not according to the prices of the producing countries (which are usually Western countries, where utility bills are much higher) but the Kazakhstan energy prices and/or tariffs for the necessary resources, as well as the necessity to calculate the economic and/or social effectiveness of the project. The authors present the results of the analysis of public utilities of Kazakhstan as DMUs (decision-making units). Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was chosen as the method of analysis, which allows for a nonparametric evaluation of economic agents by several input and output parameters. The authors also propose aspects of technical policy aimed at the development of energy conservation in Kazakhstan. Full article

The article discusses alternatives to the development of the common electricity market of the Eurasian Economic Union countries. In the study, the authors identified three tasks: to analyze the process of forming a unified energy market for the EAEU countries; to assess the achievability of indicators of “greening” the economy of the EAEU countries according to the adopted Millennium Goals by 2025 and 2030; and to consider the impact of various factors on the development of the common electricity market of the Eurasian Economic Union countries in the conditions of the current economic crisis. The research hypothesis suggests that the energy unification of the countries will not lead to the abandonment of the use of traditional energy resources, but the need to increase the efficiency and environmental friendliness of their use will come into focus, and the active inclusion of the electric power industry in modern global “green” trends based on the development of renewable energy generation sectors will make it possible to solve the problems of energy security of countries more effectively in the long-term participants of the CEM. The authors believe that it is not a deficit but on the contrary an excess of traditional energy resources that provides a trend of progressive movement towards a “green” economy, and the manifestations of the “Dutch disease” with a properly structured state energy policy and effectively selected incentive measures cannot serve as a significant brake on this movement. At the same time, the formation of a common electricity market of the EAEU countries should prioritize not just the idea of integration but also the idea of creating an alternative electricity market based on the introduction of modern electricity generation technologies and the creation of conditions that stimulate the development of alternative energy. Full article

This article examines the costs for families raising disabled children, who, in world social policy, belong to socially vulnerable groups of the population. The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of energy consumption on the ability of a family to provide rehabilitation for a disabled child in the present and the possibility of his independent life in the future. A sociological survey was administered to respondents in five regions of Kazakhstan, with subsequent processing of the results obtained by statistical methods. The survey was based on a methodological approach in accordance with the identification of four types of restrictions: direct childcare costs; indirect family costs, i.e., losses (household energy consumption aspect); assessment of the opportunity to work; and assessment of the parents’ ability to stay healthy. The PLS–PM model-based structural modeling was carried out. In the model, four types of constraints as dependent variables were accepted. In the course of the model application, three hypotheses regarding energy costs were confirmed. The significance of energy costs in the system of restrictions for families with disabled children was determined. In conclusion, the qualitative characteristics of the relationships allowed identification of the problems in the current support system for families with disabled children in Kazakhstan, which is focused on the partial compensation of direct costs. Energy consumption was determined to be sufficiently important. This results in the misuse of benefits for the rehabilitation of a child because parents, especially from incomplete and low-income families, are forced to choose between paying utility bills and rehabilitating a child. Energy costs also limit the family’s ability to meet the direct costs of the child and long-term savings related to the child’s future. We propose the subsidization of energy utilities for families with disabled children, partially replacing targeted social assistance with vouchers for the purchase of household electrical appliances and rehabilitation equipment with energy-saving characteristics. In further studies, issues regarding the use of tax deductions and tax credits as an alternative support measure, which is currently not used in Kazakhstan, will be investigated. Full article

In the 21st century the importance of global value chains continues to grow. There is a scientific gap in the research on the relationship between countries’ energy indicators and the GVC participation indices. Based on the analysis of the APEC member economies’ GVC participation, the presence of quantifiable links between the countries’ energy indicators and GVC participation indices was identified. APEC member countries have a higher index of forward GVC participation compared to a rather low index of backward participation. We have confirmed the following hypotheses. Countries with higher energy consumption and countries exporting fuel have higher forward GVC participation. Energy importing countries and countries with higher energy intensity have higher backward GVC participation. Countries with higher energy intensity have lower forward GVC participation than countries with lower energy intensity. It was concluded that concerted efforts of APEC member economies are needed to increase GVC sustainability and develop unified energy policy standards. Managerial implications of energy efficient and sustainable GVCs will include competitive advantages growth for all the countries and suppliers participating in a particular GVC. Full article

Changes in modern technologies have led to a decrease in the role of oil and threaten the well-being of oil-exporting countries. The oil and gas industry is the leading one in the economy of Kazakhstan, and the future of the country depends on its development. The purpose of the presented research is to determine the long-term image of the future oil and gas industry and develop a strategy for the government and national companies in different spheres for actions in conditions of increasing uncertainty. The article presents the materials of an expert survey using the Delphi method (211 industry experts) and a group discussion during a foresight session (75 participants), in which the authors provided methodological support and practical participation. The top nine development trends have been identified, the majority of experts (about 90%) see the future of the industry as the development of unmanned production based on digital management and an increase in environmental requirements (85%). The author’s methodology is based on a pragmatic approach to conducting an industry technological foresight in the medium term. The visionary image of the development of the oil and gas industry is built on the basis of the possibilities of technological breakthroughs. The refined image was formed as a response to the challenges of the external environment on the principle of the “Most Advanced, Yet Acceptable”. The main characteristic of the future of the oil and gas industry in Kazakhstan is a deserted production, where the production process is fully automated and robotic. Risks of oil and gas industry development are critical for the entire economy of Kazakhstan, so plans based on industry foresight projections to prevent them are a national priority. Full article