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Advances in Scientific, Economic and Policy Analysis for Sustainable Development

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "C: Energy Economics and Policy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 January 2023) | Viewed by 22749

Special Issue Editors

Department of Rural Economics, Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-330 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: standard of living; poverty; rural areas; job insecurity and income; precarization of rural areas; social economy; welfare economics; smart villages; sustainable development
Faculty of Economics, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Interests: local and regional development; multifunctional development of rural areas; sustainable development; strategic planning; methods for diagnosing and modelling of rural development; multi-criteria quantitative methods; statistical methods

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In research on agricultural and rural development, the problems related to the complexity of those issues and large-scale changes in the socio-economic conditions of development frequently arise. They involve many different problems that are often difficult to identify and quantify. This means that the data on socio-economic factors affecting agricultural and rural development has always two dimensions: quantitative and qualitative one. For these reasons, it can be concluded that the development cannot be measured but it can only be attempted to assess it based on various criteria. Multidimensional character of agricultural and rural development leads to various analyses and actions to point it in the right direction according to the local and central authorities’ expectations. Such actions involve development planning which means designing the most beneficial and necessary conditions and processes of agricultural and rural development in terms of future situation. Development planning requires establishing long-term plans that set development objectives, tasks, guidelines and priorities. Strategy and planning documents, i.e. plans, strategies or development programs are helpful in the process of obtaining additional, external sources of financing and are the foundation for obtaining financial aid resources from international organizations.

For these reasons, the purpose of this Special Issue is to provoke a scientific discussion and encourage scientists to give some thought to and modify paradigms of agricultural and rural development. What is more, this Special Issue also focuses on the methodological approaches to the study of conditions, changes and development possibilities in agriculture and rural areas. All kinds of scientific articles presenting results of original theoretical, empirical and methodical research as well as opinions and reviews are welcome.

Researchers are welcome to submit studies on the following key topics:

  • contemporary concepts and strategies of agricultural and rural development,
  • new prospects for agricultural and rural development,
  • multifunctional and sustainable rural development,
  • sustainable consuption,
  • opportunities and risks for the inhabitants of rural areas,
  • level, quality and living conditions of the rural inhabitants,
  • programming of agricultural and rural development on a local and regional scale,
  • new concepts of agriculture and rural development,
  • technical and social infrastructure in rural areas,
  • state and determinants of agricultural development,
  • poverty and social exclusion in rural areas,
  • concept of smart villages as a factor in rural development,
  • economic, social and spatial aspects of modern agriculture,
  • second home phenomenon,
  • gentrification of rural areas,
  • public finances and and their impact on rural development,

Other topics concerning social and economic aspects of agricultural and rural development are also welcome.

Dr. Sławomir Kalinowski
Dr. Aleksandra Łuczak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable development
  • multifunctional rural development
  • rural infrastructure
  • determinants of sustainable development
  • socio-economic factors and indices of rural development
  • standard of living of rural inhabitants
  • rural poverty and livelihoods
  • rural–urban migration
  • agricultural development planning
  • rural development planning
  • rural management
  • development models of agriculture and rural areas
  • smart villages
  • sustainable consumption
  • special branches of agriculture
  • socioeconomics problems of rural areas

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4193 KiB  
Article
Calibration of Grid Models for Analyzing Energy Policies
by Jon Duan, G. Cornelis van Kooten and A. T. M. Hasibul Islam
Energies 2023, 16(3), 1234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16031234 - 23 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1063
Abstract
Intermittent forms of renewable energy destabilize electricity grids unless adequate reliable generating capacity and storage are available, while instability of hybrid electricity grids and cost fluctuations in fossil fuel prices pose further challenges for policymakers. We examine the interaction between renewable and traditional [...] Read more.
Intermittent forms of renewable energy destabilize electricity grids unless adequate reliable generating capacity and storage are available, while instability of hybrid electricity grids and cost fluctuations in fossil fuel prices pose further challenges for policymakers. We examine the interaction between renewable and traditional fossil-fuel energy sources in the context of the Alberta electricity grid, where policymakers seek to eliminate coal and reduce reliance on natural gas. We develop a policy model of the Alberta grid and, unlike earlier models, calibrate the cost functions of thermal generation using positive mathematical programming. Rather than employing constant average and marginal costs, calibration determines upward sloping supply (marginal cost) functions. The calibrated model is then used to determine an optimal generation mix under different assumptions regarding carbon prices and policies to eliminate coal-fired capacity. Results indicate that significant wind capacity can enter the Alberta grid if carbon prices are high, but that it remains difficult to eliminate reliable baseload capacity. Adequate baseload coal and/or natural gas capacity is required, which is the case even if battery storage is allowed into the system. Further, significant peak-load gas capacity will also be required to backstop intermittent renewables. Full article
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14 pages, 441 KiB  
Article
Interdependence between Energy Cost and Financial Situation of the EU Agricultural Farms—Towards the Implementation of the Bioeconomy
by Roma Ryś-Jurek
Energies 2022, 15(23), 8853; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15238853 - 23 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1254
Abstract
The concept of a bioeconomy can be an opportunity for agricultural and rural development. The objective of this research is to identify groups of family farms which are able to implement the principles of this new development model based on a bioeconomy and [...] Read more.
The concept of a bioeconomy can be an opportunity for agricultural and rural development. The objective of this research is to identify groups of family farms which are able to implement the principles of this new development model based on a bioeconomy and to reduce operating costs, especially energy. The time scope of this study covers the period 2004–2020. The data source is the Farm Accountancy Data Network. On the basis of the values of output, family farm income, cash flow, net investment and total inputs (including energy costs), the classes of family farms are indicated. The ranking is based on geographical criteria and the results of panel data models with fixed effects which measure the relationship between energy costs and production, income, cash flow and net investment according to the economic size of the family farm. The results obtained are discussed within the framework of recommendations of the European Commission. Full article
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24 pages, 2024 KiB  
Article
Rural Specificity as a Factor Influencing Energy Poverty in European Union Countries
by Magdalena Cyrek and Piotr Cyrek
Energies 2022, 15(15), 5463; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15155463 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1285
Abstract
This study focuses on the empirical verification of the influence of rural specificity on energy poverty across European Union countries, in the period 2010–2020. The research aimed at specifying the role of the agricultural character of a country, as well as economic disparities [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the empirical verification of the influence of rural specificity on energy poverty across European Union countries, in the period 2010–2020. The research aimed at specifying the role of the agricultural character of a country, as well as economic disparities between rural and urban areas, in inducing problems of energy affordability. Based on the literature consensus about the most important determinants of energy poverty, namely income, energy prices, energy productivity, quality of dwellings, and climate conditions, a standard model was constructed concerning the role of the rural character of an economy, with its traditional features such as agricultural employment, and indices of rural–urban divide, in terms of median income and material poverty. Models for panel data with fixed effects were estimated. The results indicate agricultural employment as a factor increasing the subjective energy poverty of households. However, the scale of rural settlement cannot be specified as a factor determining energy poverty, neither concerning energy consumption nor self-reported difficulties. This suggests that only the traditional agricultural character of rural areas negatively influences energy poverty. The processes of gentrification of rural areas observable in many EU countries changes the typical pattern of the identification of villagers with the most excluded group. Full article
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24 pages, 1059 KiB  
Article
Financial Situation of Local Government Units as a Determinant of the Standards of Living for the Polish Population
by Mariusz Malinowski
Energies 2022, 15(15), 5448; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15155448 - 27 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1272
Abstract
In this paper, the author intends to show the interaction between the living standards of the population and the financial situation of Polish local government units at the commune level. The first (theoretical) part of the paper provides a synthetic description of topics [...] Read more.
In this paper, the author intends to show the interaction between the living standards of the population and the financial situation of Polish local government units at the commune level. The first (theoretical) part of the paper provides a synthetic description of topics related to defining the economic terms and to the local government’s ability to impact the standards of living of the local population. In view of the multifaceted nature of terms covered by this analysis, the second part uses a canonical analysis (which means multiple linear regressions are generalized for two sets of variables) in order to identify the relationships between them. The analysis resulted in identifying a number of indicators, including canonical correlations, total redundancy and variances extracted, as well as six statistically significant canonical variates, which enabled the identification of multidimensional relationships between the categories considered. The greatest and the most statistically significant canonical correlation coefficient was over 0.93; for the last statistically significant canonical variate, it was over 0.57. The analysis provides grounds for concluding that when the values of variables representing the financial capacity of Polish rural communes are known, they can be used to explain over 32% of the variance in the set of variables relating to the population’s standards of living. The statistical data originated from the author’s own surveys carried out with presidents and vice-presidents of commune councils. Full article
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19 pages, 1277 KiB  
Article
The Idea of Sustainable Development and the Possibilities of Its Interpretation and Implementation
by Aleksandra Płonka, Mariusz Dacko, Łukasz Satoła and Aneta Dacko
Energies 2022, 15(15), 5394; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15155394 - 26 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1286
Abstract
In the publication, the authors put forward a thesis about the low social understanding of the essence of the idea of sustainable development (SD), its assumptions, and difficulties with its implementation. This thesis became the starting point for research on contemporary problems related [...] Read more.
In the publication, the authors put forward a thesis about the low social understanding of the essence of the idea of sustainable development (SD), its assumptions, and difficulties with its implementation. This thesis became the starting point for research on contemporary problems related to the understanding and implementation of the idea of SD in Poland and an inspiration to look at Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The aim of the study was to get to know the opinions of experts on the statutory definition of SD and social awareness of this idea, and then to relate these opinions to the state of knowledge of students, as well as their opinions and attitudes towards SD. Primary data obtained in the course of surveys among 105 Polish experts (employees of universities, research institutes, government and local government units) and 844 students from several Polish university centres were used. The obtained results indicated gaps in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the related very diverse and often misinterpreted concept of SD, which seems to be one of the key barriers to the implementation of SD in local life. Full article
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15 pages, 1702 KiB  
Article
Information Model for Sustainable Rural Development
by Alena Harbiankova and Lora Gertsberg
Energies 2022, 15(11), 4009; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15114009 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1695
Abstract
Currently, the sustainable development of rural areas is relevant for various countries, both developed and developing. The improvement of existing approaches for the assessment and management of rural settlement systems is particularly relevant for Belarus, as a country with agricultural resources. Currently, there [...] Read more.
Currently, the sustainable development of rural areas is relevant for various countries, both developed and developing. The improvement of existing approaches for the assessment and management of rural settlement systems is particularly relevant for Belarus, as a country with agricultural resources. Currently, there is no eligible information model for a rural settlement system in Belarus. The main research aim of this study was to develop the information model for formulation and assessment of the settlement scenarios for solving the issue of sustainable rural development in Belarus. The research methods were based on the complex and interdisciplinary approaches, including the systems approach, factor analysis, comparative analysis, spatial and mathematical modelling, SWOT analysis, and the hierarchy method. The paper proposes the development of the informational model of a rural settlement system at a local planning level, including five main determinants of sustainability, namely social, technological, economic, environmental, and political. The model was approved by the assessment of development scenarios for the Zavalocycy local council as the first-level unit of a planning system. We obtained the development indexes for 14 rural settlements within the obtained assessment criteria. The research results showed the relevance of the informational model for the monitoring of sustainable development at a local planning level. Full article
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25 pages, 3308 KiB  
Article
Energy Prices Impact on Inflationary Spiral
by Ondřej Bednář, Andrea Čečrdlová, Božena Kadeřábková and Pavel Řežábek
Energies 2022, 15(9), 3443; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15093443 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3597
Abstract
Energy constitutes an essential share of costs across any economy. The percentage of electricity in the overall energy consumption is steadily increasing. This increase, however, is not reflected correctly in the consumption basket relevant for measuring inflation and, therefore, for monetary policy formulation. [...] Read more.
Energy constitutes an essential share of costs across any economy. The percentage of electricity in the overall energy consumption is steadily increasing. This increase, however, is not reflected correctly in the consumption basket relevant for measuring inflation and, therefore, for monetary policy formulation. We argue that the energy mix reflected in inflation should be revised in favour of electricity. We present an analysis of inflationary pressures across Europe and decompose the impact of energy categories on headline inflation. Building on the inflation expectations framework, this study examines the characteristics and magnitude of the current energy price dynamics and quantifies its share in the countries’ effective inflation. Our research also confirms a compelling insight into the country’s energy structure and inflationary pressures when a larger share of renewable electricity sources proves to be associated with lower inflation. Finally, we argue that the energy price shock cannot be viewed as a one-shot event as in the case of oil price shocks in the past. We draw recommendations for monetary policy formulation. The implication of renewable sources on inflation should be of interest to policymakers, especially in times of high, almost galloping inflation rates in some European countries, unstable fossil energy sources supply due to geopolitical instability, and climate crisis. Full article
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19 pages, 2140 KiB  
Article
Intensity and Biodiversity: The ‘Green’ Potential of Agriculture and Rural Territories in Poland in the Context of Sustainable Development
by Paweł Chmieliński, Wioletta Wrzaszcz, Marek Zieliński and Marek Wigier
Energies 2022, 15(7), 2388; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15072388 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1663
Abstract
In the paper we provide an analysis of the potential of agricultural holdings for biomass production, an assessment of the level of farm sustainability and a description of the farming conditions of agricultural holdings depending on the degree of natural valuation of a [...] Read more.
In the paper we provide an analysis of the potential of agricultural holdings for biomass production, an assessment of the level of farm sustainability and a description of the farming conditions of agricultural holdings depending on the degree of natural valuation of a given area. The approach makes it possible to assess the level of sustainability of farms, also in the context of their potential and taking into account the quality of the production space and its importance for increasing biodiversity. We use public and unpublished data of Statistics Poland (2005, 2007, 2016) as well as data on farms keeping accounts for the Polish FADN in 2016–2018. The paper shows that although concentration processes are progressing, farm productivity is increasing, but this is linked to specialisation, leading to efficient management of labour and land resources. Nevertheless, the decreasing number of farms with proper winter vegetation cover and optimal balances was confirmed. The farming conditions of the farms should take into account the share and degree of natural value of the production space of the areas (municipalities) in which they are located. The study found that farms in municipalities with a high share of high natural value farmland (HNVf) areas, compared to the other municipalities, characterized by lower livestock density per ha UAA, which indicates their less intensive organisation of agricultural production. Moreover, in these municipalities, as their natural value increased, the share of forests and waters in the total area increased and the share of permanent grassland in the total area decreased slightly. Full article
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18 pages, 1400 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Agriculture on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Visegrad Group Countries after the World Economic Crisis of 2008. Comparative Study of the Researched Countries
by Andrzej Czyżewski and Mariola Michałowska
Energies 2022, 15(6), 2268; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15062268 - 21 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1547
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify the correlation between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, added value from agriculture and economic growth in the Visegrad Group countries. Four countries of Central Europe were studied the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to identify the correlation between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, added value from agriculture and economic growth in the Visegrad Group countries. Four countries of Central Europe were studied the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia in 2008–2019. Due to the objectives of the article, it was decided to use the panel model. The temporal scope of the research covers the years 2008–2019, i.e., two economic periods: 2008–2014 (a downward trend, including agriculture), and 2015–2019 (an upward trend). Greenhouse gas emissions are positively correlated with value added from agriculture and economic growth. The increase in the level of these variables stimulates of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the countries of the Visegrad Group. The analysis of the eco-efficiency of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, in relation to the gross added value produced, shows that the country with the least pollution of this value was Hungary, followed by Slovakia. The Czech Republic was third, and Poland was the last. The results of the research can be treated as a premise for a strategy for the development of agriculture, limiting the negative effects of its industrial development for more sustainable development. Full article
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18 pages, 1273 KiB  
Article
Change in the Affordability of Owner-Occupied Housing in the Context of Rising Energy Prices
by Klára Čermáková and Eduard Hromada
Energies 2022, 15(4), 1281; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15041281 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2682
Abstract
Household energy constitutes an important share of affordable housing. Unaffordable housing and inadequate household energy represent a new dimension of poverty. Connections between energy, housing affordability and well-being are still under-researched. Building on housing affordability framework, this study explores the magnitude in changes [...] Read more.
Household energy constitutes an important share of affordable housing. Unaffordable housing and inadequate household energy represent a new dimension of poverty. Connections between energy, housing affordability and well-being are still under-researched. Building on housing affordability framework, this study explores the magnitude in changes in affordability of acquisition and use of an apartment between January 2018 and January 2022. Over the last four years, the real estate market in Europe has changed significantly. This paper deals with primary data for the Czech Republic, where acquisition prices of residential real estate increased depending on the region in the range of 50 to 120%. Since January 2022, there has been a sharp rise in energy prices and a tightening of conditions for the acquisition of mortgage loans. All these factors affect the standard of living in the Czech Republic. The article quantifies the magnitude of this change by calculating shares of total housing costs to total average net household income for the period January 2018 and January 2022. It is found that the affordability of owner-occupied housing in the Czech Republic has deteriorated and part of the middle class will be forced to move to the rental housing sector, multifamily housing and sharing. Finally, we argue that energy poverty needs to be considered in addressing the government housing policies. The aim of the article is to analyze the changes that have taken place in the real estate market over the last four years in relation to the growth of total housing costs and energy costs associated with housing. Full article
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Other

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15 pages, 1544 KiB  
Perspective
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Sustainable Rural Development: Perspectives and Challenges in Energy Systems Modeling
by Lauren E. Natividad and Pablo Benalcazar
Energies 2023, 16(3), 1328; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16031328 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2525
Abstract
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) have proven to be viable solutions for rural electrification. They not only electrify rural locations but also provide environmentally sustainable, secure, and affordable energy if optimized. These systems can best be described as generators of electricity from multiple [...] Read more.
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) have proven to be viable solutions for rural electrification. They not only electrify rural locations but also provide environmentally sustainable, secure, and affordable energy if optimized. These systems can best be described as generators of electricity from multiple energy sources that complement each other. Optimized HRESs often generate affordable electricity by minimizing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and carbon emissions. The investigation of social benefit factors within energy poverty is a relatively new discussion in the study of modeling off-grid energy systems. In this perspective article, we examine the importance of computational tools for the energy transition of rural and remote communities. We show that classical and heuristic models possess the capability of optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems considering social parameters including health, education, and income. This is followed by a discussion about the potential changes these computational tools would need to go through to integrate interdisciplinary factors and address societal transformations. The essence of this paper showcases the influx of literature about this topic; additionally, we look beyond the traditional optimization approaches to disclose that new contributions are evolving based on both current and potential needs within society. Full article
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