Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Development

Optimal control and differential game approaches in environmental and resource economics

2025-05-01T19:36:41+00:00

This paper presents, in brief, the fundamentals of optimal control theory together with some notes for differential games, which is the game theoretic analogue of the optimal control. As it is recommended by literature references the main tool of analysis in open loop information structure for environmental models is the Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle, while the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation is the tool of analysis for any closed loop informational structure. As applications of the above theoretic considerations we present some environmental economic models which are solved both as optimal control problems and as differential games as well.

Keywords. Optimal control; Differential games; Renewable resources; Environnemental and Resource Economies.

JEL. C61; C62; D43; Q0; Q2; Q20; Q50; Q52; Q53.

SDG: SDG13, SDG17.

Energy and emissions on the African Continent: Can and will the COP21 treaty be implemented?

2025-05-01T19:39:47+00:00

African nations share a common situation in that they pollute little in terms of CO2s globally speaking, but at the same time global warming may have terrible consequences for the continent, set to face a sharp population increase. They have now access to few energy resources, which is conducive to their poverty. New renewables belong to the future (solar, wind, geo-thermal), whereas old renewables – wood coal – are a thing of the past. The coal or oil and gas dependent giants must start energy transformation, as must the many countries relying upon traditional biomass. The use of wood coal is simply too large for the survival of the African forest. Under the COP21, African countries have right to financial assistance, especially for more electricity to connect its rural and also many urban people to heating, air-conditioning and the electronic high ways. Without the COP21 promises, decarbonisation will be impossible in Africa, and thus its large need for more energy will lead to more CO2:s.

Keywords. COP21 Agreement, African energy diversity, New and old renewables, Coal or oil and gas dependency, Super Fund.

JEL. A10; A22; A23; B10; E10.

SDG. SDG13, SDG17.

Institutional determinants of successful public–private partnerships in electricity generation: Evidence from Tanzania

2025-05-01T19:45:57+00:00

Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs) have become a popular global strategy for addressing energy infrastructure challenges. However, the question on which PPPs model works best for a particular project in the range of more than a dozen different models, remains unsettled by different governments of the world. This study examined the necessary conditions for enhancing Public- Private Partnership (PPPs) models for improving electricity generation in Tanzania. Overall, the study findings revealed that, performance of PPPs in electricity generation projects was being hindered by elements such as unpredictable payments guarantee, skewed contracts for PPAs, lack of transparency and fair competition and high costs of electricity. Findings suggests that, the quality of political, economic and social institutions, both formal and informal are important for influencing the functioning of PPPs projects and its economic outcomes. Also, robust and inclusive institutions, the quality of governance structures, laws, rules, regulations, and policies as well as the accepted norms and customs, predict the best outcomes. The reverse is equally true. In addition, rent seeking activities decrease appreciably as institutional competence improves accordingly as well as the capacity of the state to regulate activities of private investors.

Keywords. Public – Private –Partnerships, Independent Power Producers, Electricity generation projects, Tanzania.

JEL. L32, Q48, O43.

SDG. SDG7, SDG16.

The Circular Economy and the Global South: Sustainable Industrial Development D. Zilberman, J.M. Perloff, & C.S. Berck Springer 2023

2025-05-01T19:48:35+00:00

This book review critically examines "The Circular Economy and the Global South: Sustainable Industrial Development" edited by Patrick Schröder, Kartika Anggraeni, Uwe Weber, and Ali Ahmad. The volume brings together leading scholars and practitioners to explore how the Global South can adopt and adapt circular economy (CE) models to achieve sustainable industrialization and development. Emphasizing regional diversity, the book delves into case studies from Africa, Latin America, and Asia, revealing the opportunities and challenges faced by countries with differing levels of infrastructure and governance capacity. It discusses how CE can contribute to inclusive growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, while cautioning against models that merely replicate Northern experiences without contextual adaptation. The book’s interdisciplinary approach, combining economics, development studies, environmental science, and policy analysis, makes it a vital contribution to contemporary debates on green growth. Although the work could have benefited from a stronger engagement with the political economy of global trade systems, its empirical richness and policy relevance stand out. This review assesses the book’s contributions, critiques its limitations, and discusses its implications for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in sustainable development pathways in emerging economies.

Keywords. Circular Economy, Global South, Sustainable Industrial Development, Green Growth, Development Policy.

JEL. O14, Q56, O44.

SDGs. SDG9, SDG12.

Insights into the New Hydrogen Economy W.J. Nuttall, J.B. Powell, K.L. Anaya-Stucchi, A.T. Bakenne, & A. Wilson Springer 2025

2025-05-01T19:51:12+00:00

Insights into the New Hydrogen Economy" provides a timely and comprehensive exploration of hydrogen's growing role in global energy systems. Authored by leading experts and published in 2025, the book presents a multidisciplinary analysis that bridges technical, economic, and policy perspectives. It covers the fundamentals of hydrogen production, storage, and utilization, while emphasizing the critical importance of innovation, policy support, and international cooperation. Through clear writing and an accessible structure, the book appeals to a broad audience, offering insights into near-term applications and regional strategies across Europe, Asia, and North America. Particularly notable is its focus on emerging technologies and the dynamic developments within the sector. While the book succeeds in offering a broad and updated overview, areas such as detailed economic modeling, environmental impacts, and infrastructure challenges could be expanded. Nonetheless, it stands as an essential resource for understanding the complex opportunities and challenges of the hydrogen economy. By blending current developments with future perspectives, "Insights into the New Hydrogen Economy" effectively positions hydrogen as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition. It is an indispensable guide for policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and anyone committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Keywords. Hydrogen Economy, Energy Transition, Clean Energy Innovation, Sustainable Infrastructure, Decarbonization Strategies.

JEL. Q42, O33, Q48.

SDGs. SDG7, SDG13.

Front Matter

2025-05-02T15:50:43+00:00

Front Matter

From the Editor

2025-05-02T15:51:49+00:00

From the Editor