The highway related revenues for the Commonwealth of Virginia from three major tax sources; fuel tax, registration fee, and sales and use tax are estimated under three scenarios. Each scenario assumes different economic conditions for the future. The base case expects normal or moderate situations for future economy, where the optimistic case expects lower inflation rates and the pessimistic case assumes higher inflation rates. Two modeling approaches have been used in forecasting the fuel tax revenue. One is based on travel, and the other is based on gasoline demand. The sales and use tax revenue has also been forecasted using two different approaches. One method depends on the demand for vehicle, and the other on the historical amount of revenues generated. Registration fee revenue for five types of vehicles are forecasted using number of registered vehicles and the average registration fees. A comparison of the developed model with other existing state revenue forecasting models are also presented. / Master of Science

This thesis examines the relationship between weather variables (wind speeds and temperature), fossil fuel prices (natural gas and coal), and electricity prices in Sweden's electricity market from 2013 to 2023. This research employs multiple linear regression to quantitatively analyze how weather variables and fossil fuel prices influence electricity prices across Sweden's four electricity price areas (SE1, SE2, SE3, and SE4). The study utilized electricity price data from Nord Pool, meteorological data from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, and energy commodity price data from the International Monetary Fund.  The findings reveal that wind speeds have a negative correlation with electricity prices in each electricity price area analyzed. Similarly, temperature also exhibits a negative correlation with electricity prices. In contrast, natural gas and coal prices show a positive correlation with electricity prices. The explanatory power of natural gas and coal prices is higher compared to weather variables; however, this influence diminishes in the northern electricity price areas. Addressing gaps in existing research, this thesis enhances the understanding of the energy market amid the transition towards more sustainable energy systems. The findings have implications for policy formulation and market strategy, particularly in enhancing energy security and sustainability in Sweden. Additionally, this study explores the merit order effect, emphasizing how renewable energy integration influences electricity market volatility and pricing. By providing a comprehensive analysis of these factors, this research offers valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to navigate and optimize the evolving landscape of Sweden's electricity market.

At a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant the special nuclear materials (SNM) are received as constituents of spent fuel assemblies, are converted to liquid form, and undergo a series of chemical processes. Uncertainties in measurements of SNM at each stage of reprocessing limit the accuracy of simple material balance accounting as a safeguards method. To be effective, a formal safeguards program must take into account all sources of measurement error yet detect any diversion of SNM. The objective of this study is to demonstrate an analytical method for assessing the accountability of selected constituent SNM. A combined discrete-continuous, time-dependent model using the GASP IV simulation language is developed to simulate mass flow, material accountability and measurement error at each stage of the reprocessing plant. The study demonstrates that the simulation method may be utilized to estimate the magnitude of SNM loss in an operating reprocessing plant which could reasonably be detected. Thus, the simulation method provides a level of confidence for effective loss/no-loss decisions. / Ph. D.

This thesis explores the choice of alternative fuels in Gotland from a quantitative and qualitative perspective, the complex factors that influence Gotland residents' decisions to adopt alternative motor fuels, in order to better understand how private transport on Gotland is transitioning from conventional energy fuels to sustainable energy systems. In addition, this paper explores the issue of consistency between actions and intentions to adapt and the factors that lead to inconsistency. The paper also seeks to provide meaningful insights for academics and administrators seeking to explore the opportunities and address the challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy options. in order to better understand how private transport on Gotland is transitioning from conventional energy fuels to a sustainable energy system. In this thesis, 57 people aged 18 years and older who live in Gotland for more than 6 months per year were surveyed. The survey and data collection were done in the form of a questionnaire. The data was analysed by means of visual graphs as well as thematic analysis. The results of the study show a positive intention towards sustainability among Gotland residents. However, individuals prefer petrol and diesel fuels for convenience.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

Dual-broadband and dual-pump nanosecond CARS experiments were performed to investigate the pure rotational transitions of the nitric oxide molecule. The former experiment was initially utilized to determine the pure rotational structure while the latter focused on polarization suppression of the pure rotational transitions of nitric oxide. A polarization calculation and analysis were conducted on the rotational and vibrational transitions of nitrogen, and the pure rotational transitions of nitric oxide were subjected to a similar polarization scheme. The electronic transitions that arise due to the spin-split nature of nitric oxide ground electronic energy levels were suppressed by the polarization scheme in a similar manner to the rotational S branch transitions. Results have been compared with a spectral simulation developed by Dr. Lucht, and the theory is partially presented. Comparison between simulation and experimental data yielded favorable agreement for the pure rotational transitions of nitric oxide.

Nenhuma / Neste trabalho foi realizada a modelagem geométrica computacional das Cetapas de prensagem e sinterização da pastilha e da laminação da placa de combustível nuclear contendo microesferas de (Th,25%U)O2 dispersas em matriz de aço inoxidável com o objetivo de avaliar a distribuição destas microesferas nas diversas etapas do processamento. As regras de modelagem foram desenvolvidas baseadas nos parâmetros de cada etapa da fabricação da placa combustível. Para isto foram obtidas placas através do processamento por laminação de molduras de chapas de aço inoxidável, contendo pastilha fabricadas com microesferas de (Th,25%U)O2 com carregamentos de 10, 20 e 40% em peso de combustível disperso em matriz de aço inoxidável. Os dados das placas com carregamentos de 30 e 50% foram obtidos por interpolação da curva. As microesferas, obtidas pelo processo sol-gel, foram previamente secas, reduzidas e sinterizadas a 1700oC, durante 2 horas, sob atmosferas de hidrogênio. As microesferas sinterizadas alcançaram uma densidade de cerca de 98% da densidade teórica, e possuem um diâmetro médio de cerca de 300 mm e uma elevada resistência à fratura, de aproximadamente 40 N/microesfera. As regras implementadas neste modelo foram aplicadas nas coordenadas dos centros das esferas virtuais, que simulam as microesferas combustíveis de (Th,25%U)O2, obtendo-se novas coordenadas espaciais para cada uma delas nas etapas de prensagem e sinterização da pastilha e da laminação da placa combustível. Este modelo foi projetado com o uso de técnicas de análise de sistema estruturada, implementado utilizando a linguagem de programação Delphi e os resultados visualizados através do programa AutoCAD. Os resultados do modelo foram validados comparando-se as frações volumétricas experimentais em cada um dos carregamentos estudados com as frações simuladas. Este trabalho será de grande valia para o estudo do carregamento de microesferas na placa combustível, permitindo obter um combustível de elevado desempenho mecânico, térmico e neutrônico mesmo em mais alto carregamento. / The computational geometric modeling of the pressing, sintering and lamination stages for nuclear fuel plates composed by (Th,25%U)O2, microspheres dispersed into stainless steel matrix has been done in order to investigate the microspheres distribution in the various processing stages. The modeling standards were based on the parameters related to each fuel plate manufacturing stage. Accordingly, the plates were obtained through lamination processing of stainless steel plate frames comprising (Th,25%U)O2 microspheres pellets dispersed into stainless steel powder with loading of 10, 20 and 40% of microspheres dispersed into stainless steel matrix. The data for plates with loading of 30 and 50% have been obtained by linear interpolation. The microspheres produced by the sol-gel method were previously reduced and sintered at 1700 0C during 2 hours at hydrogen atmosphere. These sintered microspheres have reached about 98% of the theoretical density, with a mean diameter of 300 mm and a high resistance to fracture, near to 40 N/microsphere. The implemented standards in this model were applied at the virtual spheres center coordinates, which simulate the (Th,25%U)O2 fuel microspheres, and generate the new spatial coordinates to each of them in the pressing, sintering and lamination stages. This model was developed using structured system analysis techniques and it has been implemented using the Delphi programming language. The results were displayed through the AutoCAD program and validated comparing the experimental volumetric fractions in each of the studied loading, with the simulated fractions. The results indicate that this work could be a powerful tool in the investigation of microspheres loading in the fuel plate, allowing the attainment of a high mechanical and neutronic performance fuel, even for higher level loading.

Esta tese traz contribuições para a formulação do problema de atendimento de necessidades por energia, relacionadas à eletricidade e combustíveis no caso brasileiro. A argumentação pela expansão crescente da oferta de energia é expressão corrente no senso comum, nas agências de notícias, nos discursos oficiais e nos vários planos apresentados à sociedade, e se apóia nas ideologias do progresso e do desenvolvimento econômico. A busca por legitimação desse processo expansivo e acelerado passa por conceitos como soberania nacional, segurança energética e pela inserção do país como protagonista econômico no cenário Latino Americano. Os empreendimentos de infraestrutura na área de energia são intensivos na utilização dos recursos naturais, provocam deslocamentos populacionais importantes e deixam consequências e registro volumoso e inequívoco de passivos sociais e ambientais na historiografia e na sociologia relacionadas à energia. Neste trabalho faz-se um retrospecto das relações entre empresas privadas, estatais e estruturas de governo nos processos de consolidação da geração, produção e distribuição de eletricidade, desde a transição do capitalismo concorrencial ao capitalismo oligopolista-financeiro que encontra, na expansão dos serviços de utilidade pública brasileiros, oportunidade econômica, desde o início do séc. XX. O retrospecto revela similaridades, ao longo do período analisado, tanto na identificação da centralização nas tomadas de decisão e formulação dos problemas relacionados à energia, quanto na relação internacional dos fluxos de capital e de produtos primários de exportação, presença das grandes empresas estrangeiras constituídas mundialmente em rede e na caracterização do repertório de vantagens comparativas que o Brasil apresenta. Há novidades contemporâneas: outra forma de legitimação aparece, a da matriz energética mais limpa, baseada na hidroeletricidade como conversão de energia limpa e renovável. As descobertas recentes de gigantescos volumes de hidrocarbonetos na camada do Pré-sal, sua provável utilização e o acúmulo dos estudos das consequências ambientais e sociais da consolidação da indústria da hidroeletricidade brasileira, no entanto, vão de encontro a essa argumentação. Utilizamos o termo fetichismo da oferta expansiva de energia, pois os processos de legitimação do discurso da necessidade energética supera o sentido ontológico e procura amparo nas estruturas sociais, tornando sua oferta crescente como algo naturalizado. Produz-se um quadro de referência sobre os problemas identificados nos processos de licenciamento ambiental em três projetos hidrelétricos (Santo Antonio, Jirau, e Belo Monte) e a partir deles são identificadas outras necessidades: a de mudanças institucionais, de leis ambientais e de proteção dos direitos de populações tradicionais e indígenas, atribuições do Ministério Público. Mudanças que aparecem para tornar célere os processos de licenciamento ambiental, particularmente os relacionados com o avanço da fronteira energética na Amazônia. As críticas e as reações ao processo expansivo, algumas oficialmente expostas nos processos de licenciamento ambiental e outras advindas dos movimentos e organizações de ameaçados, atingidos e organizações ambientalistas, são interpretadas como obstáculos. Surgem as subversões porque a formulação do problema de equacionamento da oferta é intrinsecamente expansivo e avesso a soluções fora do repertório e enredo de que o quadro futuro é expansão do quadro presente. A garantia de suprimento, sempre ameaçada pelas chamadas crises de fornecimento se torna objeto central, ora nega, ora estimula a termoeletricidade. Ora aceita, ora rejeita a moldura da legislação ambiental. O problema deixa de ser energético para ser um problema de acumulação e permanece ambiental no sentido das consequências que se ampliam. Em ambos os casos, descritos os fluxos de financiamento e comércio internacional e as mudanças institucionais em curso, se caracteriza como problema político e não necessariamente brasileiro. / This thesis reflects on the formulation of the problem of responding to the needs for energy, related to electricity and fuels in the Brazilian case. The argument for the increasing expansion of the energy supply is current expression in the common sense, in the news agencies, in the official discourse, and in the various plans presented to the society, and it rests on ideologies of progress and economic development. The search for legitimacy of this fast process of expansion encompasses concepts such as national sovereignty, energy security, as well as the increasing importance of the country as a leading economic player in the Latin America scenario. The infrastructure projects in the energy area are intensive in the use of natural resources, causing major population displacements and produce consequences and voluminous and unequivocal records of social and environmental liabilities to the historiography and sociology related to energy. This thesis presents a retrospect of the relationship between private, state and government structures in the consolidation processes of generation, production and distribution of electricity, starting on the transition from the concorrential capitalism to the financial-oligopolistic capitalism, which finds economic opportunities in the expansion of utilities in Brazil, since the beginning of the century XX. The retrospect reveals similarity to the current situation both in the identification of centralization in decision making and formulation of problems related to energy, as well as in the international relations of the flows of capital and the export of primary products, the presence of large foreign companies established worldwide in network and the characterization of the repertoire of comparative advantages that Brazil presents. There are contemporary news: another form of legitimacy appears; the cleaner sources of energy portfolio, based on the hydroelectricity as a clean and renewable form of energy conversion. The recent discoveries of huge volumes of hydrocarbons in the pre-salt layer, their likely use and the growing number of studies on environmental and social consequences of the consolidation of Brazilian hydroelectricity industry, however, go against this argument. We use the term fetishism of the expansive energy supply, because the processes of legitimacy of the discourse of energy demand exceeds the ontological sense and seeks refuge in social structures, making its permanently growing supply as something given. It produces a reference framework about the obstacle identified in the environmental licensing processes in three hydroelectric projects (Santo Antonio, Jirau and Belo Monte) and then identifies other needs: institutional changes in environmental laws and the protection of rights of traditional and indigenous populations - the roles of the Public Ministry. They appear in order to make the environmental licensing processes faster, particularly those related to the advancement of energy frontier in the Amazon. The criticisms and reactions to the expansion process, some of them officially exposed in the process of environmental licensing, and others arising from social movements and associations of the threatened, affected people and from environmental organizations, are interpreted as obstacles. The subversions arise because the formulation of the response to the energy supply is intrinsically expansive and it is contrary to solutions outside of the repertoire and plot that states the future scenario is an expansion of present scenario. The security of supply, always threatened by the so-called \"supply crises\" becomes the central object, and it sometimes denies and sometimes stimulates the thermal electricity. It sometimes accepts and sometimes rejects the framework of the environmental legislation. The problem is no longer a problem of energy, becomes a problem of accumulation, and it remains an environmental problem in the sense of the growing consequences. In both cases, described the flow of international trade and finance and the ongoing institutional changes, the problem becomes political and not necessarily Brazilian.

Thesis (Master').

This master thesis deals with the influence of installation of ecological taxes upon public budgets. The aim is to review, whether collecting of ecological taxes caused reduction of consumption of the taxed fuel and energy. The comparative method is used here to compare the budget and the real payment of the ecological taxes in 2008 and 2009 in the Czech republic. The well-arranged tables and graphs show the comparison of the consumption of the fuel and energy since 2005 to 2009. The result of the research shows, that the collecting of the ecological taxes did not reach the expected amount, so the planned budget was not filled up. The consumption of the fuel and the energy in 2008 and 2009 decreased as expected, but it is impossible to appoint safely, whether the decrease was caused by the implementation of the ecological taxes to the czech legislature.