Akademik Məlumat İdarəetmə Sistemi
Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, vol.44, no.6, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study examines geothermal and biomass energy as cleaner alternatives in seven renewable-focused countries in the context of sustainable development and global carbon-neutrality objectives. Geothermal power provides significant emission reductions, with facilities around 99% less CO2 and 97% less SO2 compared to equivalent fossil-fuel plants. Biomass energy is regarded as carbon-neutral in CO2 assessments; however, it still emits SO2 and NOx. We utilize a Fourier-augmented bootstrap ARDL model to examine long-term energy-emissions relationships, a Fourier-augmented Toda-Yamamoto causality test, and wavelet coherence for time-frequency co-movements. Research indicates validation of the Environmental Kuznets Curve in certain economies (USA, Italy), but not in others (France, Portugal, New Zealand, Turkey, Australia). France has no Environmental Kuznets Curve impact. Data from the EEA for Italy indicate the possible advantages; geothermal expansion from 2005 to 2018 averted approximately 2 Mt of CO2 and reduced around 0.9 kt of NOx and 0.7 kt of SO2. Current business-as-usual predictions significantly exceed net-zero objectives, with existing commitments anticipated to result in around 22 Gt CO2 emissions by 2050. Conversely, IEA models anticipate over 90% renewable electricity by 2050, emphasizing the benefits of geothermal and biomass optimization. Essential policy recommendations for parallel economies encompass tripling clean energy investments by 2030, implementing robust carbon pricing and renewable mandates, and enhancing international collaboration on technology and finance. These actions would capitalize on geothermal and biomass potential to reduce emissions by the middle of the century. Renewable energy sources help reduce pollutant emissions, enhancing air quality and providing public health benefits.