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Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance
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Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 25764

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francesco Petracchini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Atmospheric Pollution IIA, Italian National Research Council, 00118 Rome, Italy
Interests: environment; urban planning; environmental analysis; environmental management; sustainability; climate change; sustainable development; energy; environmental impact assessment
Dr. Valerio Paolini

E-Mail Website
Assistant Guest Editor
Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IIA), 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
Interests: biofuels; circular economy; air pollution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Patrizio Tratzi

E-Mail Website
Assistant Guest Editor
Institute for Atmospheric Pollution IIA, Italian National Research Council, 00118 Rome, Italy
Interests: sustainability; biodiversity; bioenergies; phytoremediation; emission reduction
Dr. Valeria Rizza

E-Mail Website
Assistant Guest Editor
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
Interests: air quality monitoting; atmospheric dispersion modeling; health effect
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As climate change and resource scarcity are acknowledged as two of the most pressing subjects for the scientific community, policy makers and the general populace alike, the topic of renewable energy sources is increasing in importance. In 2018 18.9% of gross energy consumption in Europe was from renewable sources, and the key target for renewable energy in Europe in 2030 is a 32% share with a probable upward revision in 2023, while for example China is expected by 2024 to increase its share of renewable energy by 40% (IEA, 2019). Moreover, the European Commission with its Green Deal plans to focus on rural communities and the outermost regions of the European Union to exploit their strength in biodiversity and renewable energy sources.

Despite this need and the push from legislative bodies, social acceptance of renewable energy sources is still hampered by lack of knowledge in the general public and NIMBY dynamics, in particular for landscape altering plants (i.e. wind power, solar farms) or from plants that resemble chemical reactors (i.e. biogas plants, microalgae farms). Moreover, several of these technologies can yet see their environmental impact lowered, for example in the case of methane slip for the upgrading of biogas to biomethane or for the disposal of solar panels. Solving these problems will be crucial in the next years to safely meet renewable energy targets.

This Special issue is open to the subject area of social acceptance and environmental impact of renewable energies. The keywords listed below provide an outline of some of the possible areas of interest. 

Dr. Francesco Petracchini
Dr. Valerio Paolini
Dr. Patrizio Tratzi
Dr. Valeria Rizza
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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2500 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

  • NIMBY
  • biogas, biomethane
  • methane slip
  • solar panels
  • wind power
  • energy crops
  • sustainability
  • renewable energy targets

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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34 pages, 2726 KiB  
Article
A Free-Market Environmentalist Enquiry on Spain’s Energy Transition along with Its Recent Increasing Electricity Prices
by William Hongsong Wang, Victor I. Espinosa and Jesús Huerta de Soto
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9493; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159493 - 02 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2259
Abstract
This paper analyzes the Spanish energy transition’s general situation and its increasing electricity prices in recent years from a free-market environmentalist (FME) approach. We hypothesize and argue that high taxes, high government subsidies, and government industrial access restrictions breach private property rights, hindering [...] Read more.
This paper analyzes the Spanish energy transition’s general situation and its increasing electricity prices in recent years from a free-market environmentalist (FME) approach. We hypothesize and argue that high taxes, high government subsidies, and government industrial access restrictions breach private property rights, hindering Spain’s renewable energy (RE) development. Our paper discovers that Spain’s state-interventionist policies have increased the cost of the energy and power industries, leading to electricity prices remaining relatively high before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. After reviewing the literature on the FME approach and Spain’s case, a Box–Jenkins (ARIMA) model is used to clarify the economic performance of the Spanish electricity industry with a proposal for forecasting electricity prices. It is observed that Spain fails the EU and its national goal of providing an affordable energy price as a part of the green energy transition. Finally, free-market environmental solutions and policy reforms are proposed to facilitate Spain’s energy transition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance)
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10 pages, 344 KiB  
Article
Socio-Economic Drivers of Renewable Energy: Empirical Evidence from BRICS
by Usman Mehmood, Ephraim Bonah Agyekum, Salman Tariq, Zia Ul Haq, Solomon Eghosa Uhunamure, Joshua Nosa Edokpayi and Ayesha Azhar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4614; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19084614 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2365
Abstract
There is a need to implement efficient strategies to mitigate the challenges of climate change and income inequalities in developing countries. Several studies have been conducted to address the relationship among different econometric and environmental indicators of renewable energy (RE) but overlooked the [...] Read more.
There is a need to implement efficient strategies to mitigate the challenges of climate change and income inequalities in developing countries. Several studies have been conducted to address the relationship among different econometric and environmental indicators of renewable energy (RE) but overlooked the relationship between RE and income inequalities. This study investigates the influence of the distribution of income on the RE in Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa (BRICS) between 1988 and 2017. The econometric (economic growth and trade), environmental, and institutional parameters are also integrated into the model. The outcomes reveal that reduced inequality in income distribution increases the consumption of RE. In contrast, CO2 emissions have a positive correlation with RE. The governments should implement environmentally friendly policies and increase the consumption of renewable energy in the future with regards to reducing environmental pollution. Furthermore, findings from the study indicate a positive effect on the reduction of corruption in renewable energy. This shows that institutional quality can affect the uptake of renewable energy. The study further identified that growth in a country’s economy decreases RE consumption, suggesting that these countries prefer fossil fuels to gain economic growth. The Granger causality results show that a bidirectional causality exists between income inequality and RE consumption. Bidirectional causality is observed between income distribution and CO2 emissions. The results from this study are important for policymakers to achieve sustainable development because fair income distribution and environmental quality are considered as two key factors for sustainable development. Strong institutions and control on corruption can bring sound social and economic gains. Therefore, fair distribution of income and strong institutional policies can increase RE consumption to achieve a clean environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance)
19 pages, 410 KiB  
Article
Rule of Law, Corruption Control, Governance, and Economic Growth in Managing Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Consumption in South Asia
by Haider Mahmood, Muhammad Tanveer and Maham Furqan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10637; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182010637 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3191
Abstract
Strong governance is vital for developing environmental policies to promote renewable energy consumption and discourage nonrenewable energy sources. The present research explores the effect of economic growth and different governance indicators on renewable and nonrenewable energy consumption in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri [...] Read more.
Strong governance is vital for developing environmental policies to promote renewable energy consumption and discourage nonrenewable energy sources. The present research explores the effect of economic growth and different governance indicators on renewable and nonrenewable energy consumption in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka using data from 1996 to 2019. For this purpose, the study uses different econometric techniques to find the long-term effects of the rule of law, regulatory quality, corruption control, government effectiveness, political stability, voice and accountability, and economic growth on oil, natural gas, coal, hydroelectricity, and renewable energy consumption. The results show that economic growth has a positive impact on all investigated renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Additionally, regulatory quality measures also increase all types of renewable and nonrenewable energy consumption. Except for natural gas, the impact of the rule of law is negative, and government effectiveness positively affects all energy sources. Control of corruption has a positive effect on natural gas consumption. Political stability has a negative effect on nonrenewable energy sources and a positive impact on renewable energy sources. The magnitudes of the effects of economic growth and most governance indicators are found to be larger on nonrenewable sources than renewable sources. The testing of the energy consumption and governance nexus is scant in global literature and is missing in South Asian literature. Hence, the study results contribute to how South Asian economies can be more sustainable in energy use by enhancing governance indicators in the economies. Particularly, the results imply that these countries should focus on improving the rule of law, corruption control, governance, regulatory quality, political stability, and economic growth to help maintain a sustainable balance of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Moreover, this issue needs further attention in developing countries, as governance indicators would play an effective role in promoting sustainable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance)
12 pages, 1863 KiB  
Article
High Performance of Biohydrogen Production in Packed-Filter Bioreactor via Optimizing Packed-Filter Position
by Chen-Yeon Chu, Jin-Long Zheng, Tsung-Hsien Chen and Prakash Bhuyar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7462; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18147462 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1922
Abstract
In this present investigation, a packed-filter bioreactor was employed to produce hydrogen utilizing an expired soft drink as a substrate. The effects of feeding substrate concentrations ranging from 19.51, 10.19, 5.34, 3.48, to 2.51 g total sugar/L were examined, and the position of [...] Read more.
In this present investigation, a packed-filter bioreactor was employed to produce hydrogen utilizing an expired soft drink as a substrate. The effects of feeding substrate concentrations ranging from 19.51, 10.19, 5.34, 3.48, to 2.51 g total sugar/L were examined, and the position of the packed filter installed in the bioreactor at dimensionless heights (h/H) of 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 was studied. The results revealed that with a substrate concentration of 20 g total sugar/L and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1 h, a packed filter placed at the half-height position of the bioreactor (h/H 2/4) has the optimal hydrogen production rate, hydrogen yield, and average biomass concentration in the bioreactor, resulting in 55.70 ± 2.42 L/L/d, 0.90 ± 0.06 mol H2/mol hexose, and 17.86 ± 1.09 g VSS/L. When feeding substrate concentrations varied from 20, 10, to 5 g total sugar/L with the packed-filter position at h/H 2/4, Clostridium sp., Clostridium tyrobutyricum, and Bifidobacterium crudilactis were the predominant bacteria community. Finally, it was discovered that the packed-filter bioreactor can produce stable hydrogen in high-strength organic effluent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance)
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20 pages, 560 KiB  
Article
Key Indicators and Social Acceptance for Bioenergy Production Potential as Part of the Green Economy Transition Process in Local Areas of Lapland
by Karetta Timonen, Anu Reinikainen, Sirpa Kurppa and Inkeri Riipi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 527; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18020527 - 10 Jan 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2424
Abstract
The aim of this article was to create key indicators for measuring the implementation potential of the green economy transition at a local level in a northernmost, natural biomass-rich environment. The case area to test the set of indicators was the village of [...] Read more.
The aim of this article was to create key indicators for measuring the implementation potential of the green economy transition at a local level in a northernmost, natural biomass-rich environment. The case area to test the set of indicators was the village of Saija in Lapland. The work presented in this article is based on a communicative cooperative research and development project. The selection process for the appropriate indicators is based on a conceptual framework for developing local sustainability indicators and the thematic framework follows the key dimensions of the green economy (ecosystem resilience, resource efficiency and social equity). When selecting the local-level indicators, a strong emphasis was placed on the special characteristics of the local area and the availability and validity of the data. Layman villagers and data policy relevance (in this case green economy) were also taken into consideration. The key indicators developed as a result included: the increment of growing forest stock in relation to the drain on growing forest stock, the village population, the bioenergy consumption share, the utilization share of side streams, the bioenergy production potential, capital outflow, demographic dependency ratio, the ratio between employed and working age residents and the number of forest owners in relation to area households. The key indicators are targeted for use in supporting local decision-making and monitoring and assessing development activities and their effectiveness in the process of the green economy transition. The indicators measure the most critical factors for green economy transition in a local area and identify the most optimal development opportunities when moving towards green growth. In the measurement of the transition potential of the green economy, it was found that the case area’s imported fossil energy consumption could be substituted with self-sufficient bioenergy production utilizing the area’s own raw materials. There is extensive potential for the utilization of manure (an agricultural side stream) and forest resources (forestry side streams) at the local level, especially since forests account for 98% of Lapland’s land area. In support of the change from fossil-based energy consumption towards bioenergy production, plans for a biogas plant were examined for self-sufficient bioenergy production and this appeared to be the initial key process in the path of the green economy transformation in the case village of Saija. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance)
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Review

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20 pages, 1203 KiB  
Review
Saccharides as Particulate Matter Tracers of Biomass Burning: A Review
by Beatrice Vincenti, Enrico Paris, Monica Carnevale, Adriano Palma, Ettore Guerriero, Domenico Borello, Valerio Paolini and Francesco Gallucci
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4387; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19074387 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2337
Abstract
The adverse effects of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) on health and ecosystems, as well as on meteorology and climate change, are well known to the scientific community. It is therefore undeniable that a good understanding of the sources of PM is crucial for [...] Read more.
The adverse effects of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) on health and ecosystems, as well as on meteorology and climate change, are well known to the scientific community. It is therefore undeniable that a good understanding of the sources of PM is crucial for effective control of emissions and to protect public health. One of the major contributions to atmospheric PM is biomass burning, a practice used both in agriculture and home heating, which can be traced and identified by analyzing sugars emitted from the combustion of cellulose and hemicellulose that make up biomass. In this review comparing almost 200 selected articles, we highlight the most recent studies that broaden such category of tracers, covering research publications on residential wood combustions, open-fire or combustion chamber burnings and ambient PM in different regions of Asia, America and Europe. The purpose of the present work is to collect data in the literature that indicate a direct correspondence between biomass burning and saccharides emitted into the atmosphere with regard to distinguishing common sugars attributed to biomass burning from those that have co-causes of issue. In this paper, we provide a list of 24 compounds, including those most commonly recognized as biomass burning tracers (i.e., levoglucosan, mannosan and galactosan), from which it emerges that monosaccharide anhydrides, sugar alcohols and primary sugars have been widely reported as organic tracers for biomass combustion, although it has also been shown that emissions of these compounds depend not only on combustion characteristics and equipment but also on fuel type, combustion quality and weather conditions. Although it appears that it is currently not possible to define a single compound as a universal indicator of biomass combustion, this review provides a valuable tool for the collection of information in the literature and identifies analytes that can lead to the determination of patterns for the distribution between PM generated by biomass combustion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance)
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19 pages, 325 KiB  
Review
Trends in Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Across Europe—A Literature Review
by Marco Segreto, Lucas Principe, Alexandra Desormeaux, Marco Torre, Laura Tomassetti, Patrizio Tratzi, Valerio Paolini and Francesco Petracchini
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9161; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17249161 - 08 Dec 2020
Cited by 86 | Viewed by 9821
Abstract
Social acceptance has proven to be a significant barrier in the implementation of renewable energy systems (hereinafter “RES”). While a general acceptance of RES is high, low local acceptance has hindered the development of renewable energy projects (hereinafter “REP”). This study assesses the [...] Read more.
Social acceptance has proven to be a significant barrier in the implementation of renewable energy systems (hereinafter “RES”). While a general acceptance of RES is high, low local acceptance has hindered the development of renewable energy projects (hereinafter “REP”). This study assesses the determinants of local and general social acceptance of REP across Europe through a qualitative analysis from 25 case studies of the most significant social drivers and barriers that include all European countries. These case studies contain qualitative and quantitative analyses of the main factors for social acceptance of many representative groups including residents, stakeholders, and experts. Understanding the influences of social acceptance enables us to create strategies that will promote the development of REP by mitigating any public opposition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energies: Environmental Impact and Social Acceptance)
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