Diese Arbeit ist ein empirischer Versuch zu verstehen, warum und wie Energieunternehmen Nachhaltigkeit durch Sustainability Accounting and Reporting institutionalisieren und wie sie von zahlreichen institutionellen Mechanismen im Rahmen der Institutionentheorie und der Stakeholder sowie aus deren Ansprüchen im Rahmen der Stakeholder Theorie beeinflusst werden, Theorien, die sich gegenseitig bedingen. Diese Arbeit möchte sich anhand normativer und deskriptiver Literatur über die Praktikabilität des Konzeptes und der Systeme informieren und durch die Entwicklung einer Fallstudie ein praktisches Beispiel vorstellen. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung eines unternehmerischen Nachhaltigkeitssystems des Fallbeispielunternehmens, das pragmatisch zielgetrieben und – basierend auf den strategischen Schwerpunkten des Managements – auf die Einflüsse und Ansprüche der Stakeholder abgestimmt ist. Dafür wird die Fallstudie das Konzept des Sustainability Accounting and Re-porting anhand des regionalen Energieversorgungsunternehmens ReVU untersuchen und die Institutionalisierung prüfen. Im Rahmen der Stakeholderanalyse werden auch die Branche und der Wettbewerb auf ihre Nachhaltigkeit untersucht. Somit ist zu überprüfen, ob auch für ReVU Nachhaltigkeit ein Thema ist, in welcher Form und Ausprägung es zu implementieren wäre und welchen Nutzen es überhaupt bringen könnte. Im Ergebnis ist zu sehen, dass verschiedene institutionelle Mechanismen und das Stakeholdermanagement auf das nachhaltige Handeln des Unternehmens einwirken. Besonders ist im Moment der normative Druck der gesellschaftlichen Erwartungen aufgrund aktueller Ereignisse zu spüren, der auf die regulative Gesetzgebung der Energie- und Klimapolitik wirkt und die Energiewende beschleunigt. Diese nachhaltige Entwicklung ist auch kulturell-kognitiv in der Branche und bei den Wettbewerbern zu sehen. Dadurch ist ein deutlicher Wettbewerbsdruck zu bemerken, der auf dem Zusammenspiel von normativen, regulativen und kulturell-kognitiven Mechanismen beruht und durch das mimetische Verhalten zu einem Isomorphismus von nachhaltigen Strategien und Maßnahmen sowie Managementsystemen mit dem besonderen Bezug zur Ökologie führt.

This degree project undertakes a detailed examination of various algorithms used in Very Short-Term Load Forecasting (VSTLF) within network control systems, prioritizing forecasting accuracy and computational efficiency as critical evaluation criteria. The research comprehensively assesses a range of forecasting methods, including statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and advanced deep learning techniques, aiming to highlight their respective advantages, limitations, and suitability for different operational contexts. The study conducts a detailed analysis by comparing essential performance metrics such as Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and execution time, before and after implementing adjustments to the formulations. This approach highlights how optimization strategies enhance the effectiveness of the models. Notably, the study identifies Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Multiple Linear Regression as frontrunners in terms of balancing accuracy with computational demand, making them particularly suitable for real-time forecasting needs. Meanwhile, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks demonstrate a commendable ability to capture complex, non-linear data patterns, albeit at a higher computational cost. The degree project further explores the sensitivity of these forecasting models to parameter adjustments, revealing a nuanced landscape where strategic modifications can significantly enhance model performance. This degree project not only contributes to the ongoing discourse on optimizing VSTLF algorithms but also provides actionable insights for stakeholders in the energy sector, aiming to facilitate the development of more reliable, efficient, and sustainable power system operations.

The thesis deals with the question about necessary conditions to achieve the objective of a high level of consumer protection in the context of the ongoing internal electricity market taking into account the grid-bound electricity supply, which is characterized by the natural monopoly of regulated networks as well as by competition for the homogeneous product electricity. It evaluates the relationship between effective competition and energy sector-specific consumer protection taking into account the energy-specific regulatory law and examines in detail the regulations of the Directive 2009/72/EC concerning consumer protection under the perspective of enabling the responsible and informed consumer to operate as a self-determined market participant and so shape the market actively towards its completion. After art. 114 TFEU as the existing central norm concerning the alignment of the internal energy market is distinguished from other possible competence rules like the new energy sector-specific competence title of art. 194 TFEU the requirements developed by the ECJ case law concerning art. 114 TFEU from the point of view of the energy sector-specific consumer protection are presented. The thesis clarifies both to what extent in Directive 2009/72/EC codified consumer rights are suitable to achieve...

The main objective of this study is to evaluate climate change mitigation strategies in the forestry and energy sectors in the SADC with emphasis on the DRC and the RSA. This study is evaluative and cross-sectional. Its results were got through interviews of 56 key informants using the interview guide, and four focus group discussions in the DRC based on the focus group guide. The non-probability sample, mainly the purposive sample and the snowballing sampling were used. After the data analysis, the following results were found: In terms of the strategies for fighting drivers of deforestation both in the DRC and in RSA, it was revealed that the DRC focuses more on the REDD+ projects and NGO activities while the RSA protects its small existing natural forests through Acts, laws, advanced research and establishment of commercial plantations. The results which are related to the contribution of REDD programmes and NGOs to climate change mitigation in the RSA and the DRC have revealed that there are no REDD programmes in the RSA for carbon stock. In the DRC, the NOVACEL REDD+ pilot project has a carbon stock of 60 000 tons which continues to grow with 8 tons of CO2 /ha/year; 210 tons/ha/year on the left side of the Congo River, and on the right side 195 tons/ha/year is generated by the Isangi Geographically Integrated REDD+ pilot project. The WCS Mambasa Forestry REDD+ pilot project has 230 tons/ha/year, while 16 000 tons of CO2/year are stocked under the Luki REDD+ pilot project. The Eco-Makala and Equatorial REDD+ pilot projects have not yet estimated their carbon stocks. Regarding the involvement of the civil society in activities of climate change mitigation in the DRC, people are more involved in REDD’s alternative activities which are funded by the projects. However, in the RSA, people are used as labour in commercial plantations. The RSA derives its major energy from coal (94%) but the DRC has a high potential in hydropower that can generate up to 100 000 MGW. On the use of remote sensing, both the DRC and the RSA employ remote sensing but the RSA has a Spatial Agency while the DRC does not / College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences / D. Litt. et Phil. (Environmental Science)

Submitted by Tiago Martinez Giorgetto (tigiorgetto@uol.com.br) on 2012-05-28T13:35:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TMG_Dissertacao_Mestrado_Maio2012_Final.pdf: 972089 bytes, checksum: 2f6039567098db514bfb12b4ddf0896f (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Gisele Isaura Hannickel (gisele.hannickel@fgv.br) on 2012-05-28T15:30:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TMG_Dissertacao_Mestrado_Maio2012_Final.pdf: 972089 bytes, checksum: 2f6039567098db514bfb12b4ddf0896f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-05-28T16:44:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TMG_Dissertacao_Mestrado_Maio2012_Final.pdf: 972089 bytes, checksum: 2f6039567098db514bfb12b4ddf0896f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-05-03 / A Teoria das opções reais tem se mostrado um instrumental relevante na fundamentação das decisões de investimento de diversos agentes na economia, especialmente no que tange a projetos de infraestrutura, pesquisa e desenvolvimento. Dado que o setor energético brasileiro possui um arcabouço institucional que possibilita que diversos agentes privados atuem no setor, a avaliação de empreendimentos de geração de energia ganha destaque, fazendo com que a aplicação desse campo de pesquisa torne-se promissor. Assim sendo, o objetivo desse estudo é avaliar a tomada de decisão em investimentos no setor elétrico brasileiro tendo como base a aplicação da Teoria das opções reais. Para esse estudo foram selecionados, como objeto de análise, as usinas eólicas e as pequenas centrais hidrelétricas. Por meio da Teoria das opções reais conclui-se que a opção de adiar a construção de um desses empreendimentos pode gerar valor para o empreendedor. Além disso, verifica-se que as pequenas centrais hidrelétricas 'dominam' a maioria dos cenários de investimento estudados quando os preços de energia estão em alta, mas caso haja perspectiva de queda de preços no mercado de energia, porém, a decisão torna-se favorável às usinas eólicas. Por fim, é possível verificar que a análise conjunta de empreendimentos de geração de energia através, por exemplo, da abordagem quadrinomial, pode trazer ganhos na avaliação de projetos de investimento no setor elétrico. / Real Options Theory has been an important instrument for investment decisions for several agents in economy, especially for infrastructure projects, research and development. Since Brazilian energy sector has an institutional framework that enables several private agents to act in this sector, the valuation of energy generation projects is highlighted. As consequence, the application of Real Options Theory becomes promising. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the decision making on investments in the Brazilian electricity sector based on the application of Real Options Theory. For this study were selected for analysis the Wind Farms and the Small Hydro Power Plants. Through Real Options Theory we concluded that the option to defer the construction of these projects can generate value for the entrepreneur. Furthermore, it appears that the Small Hydro Power Plant "dominates" the majority of investment scenarios studied when energy prices are higher but, if there is perspective for prices reduction in the energy market, however, the decision becomes favorable for Wind Farms. Finally, it is possible to verify that the “joint analysis” for projects in energy generation through, for example, quadrinomial approach can bring gains for investors in energy sector

This work deals mainly with electrical energy. In the first part is focused on alternative energy sources, and describes structure of consumption and production of electricity over the past few years, during which is focuses on renewable energy sources. In this context, assesses the conditions for alternative energy sources in the Czech Republic from the perspective of the legislative, as well as current status and potential of alternative energy sources and tries to predict the development of these issues. The next section describes the Smart Grids as a means to achieve these goals. There are presented the basic features of this system, its goals and challenges, a description of the integration of Smart Grids with other sources of electricity and the benefits of using Smart Grids both from the perspective of user and from the perspective of system. Other parts are focused on distributed control systems in the energy sector, its development and principle. The last part is devoted to consideration of the role of alternative energy sources and distributed generation in Smart Grids.

No description available.

Les mécanismes de soft law ont joué un rôle central dans le développement de la notion actuelle de la responsabilité des entreprises transnationales en droits de l’homme telle qu’elle est définie dans les Principes directeurs relatifs aux entreprises et aux droits de l’homme, une initiative approuvé par le Conseil des droits de l’homme des Nations unies en juin 2011. La responsabilité des entreprises de respecter les droits de l’homme, telle qu’elle a été conçue par le Représentant spécial, repose sur les attentes de la société plutôt que sur une obligation juridique. Cela signifie que les entreprises « devraient éviter de porter atteinte aux droits de l’homme d’autrui et remédier aux incidences négatives sur les droits de l’homme dans lesquelles elles ont une part ». Les limites de cette approche sont importantes à moyen et à long terme. Même si l’approche pragmatique adopté par le Représentant spécial a permis de surmonter le débat au sein de la communauté internationale autour du Projet de normes sur la responsabilité en matière de droits de l’homme des sociétés transnationales et autres entreprises, elle a aussi éloigné la possibilité d’élaborer un instrument international imposant aux entreprises transnationales des obligations contraignantes en droits de l’homme. Construire la notion de la responsabilité des entreprises transnationales en matière de droits de l’homme uniquement sur les attentes de la société semble insuffisant et dangereux face aux victimes des abus de ces acteurs économiques. La responsabilité de respecter les droits de l’homme, telle que définie aujourd’hui, renforce l’acceptation d’un système international où les entreprises transnationales sont encouragées mais pas obligées à respecter les droits de l’homme, une solution qui laisse les victimes des abus dépourvues de toute action en justice et de réparation. L’objet de cette thèse est de présenter de manière succincte l’évolution de la problématique complexe de la responsabilité des entreprises transnationales du secteur énergétique en matière de droit international des droits de l’homme et de droit international humanitaire depuis son origine jusqu’à nos jours, ainsi que de comprendre les principales limites de l’approche actuelle à la question, afin d’envisager des potentielles solutions. / Soft law mechanisms have played a central role in developing the current notion of the responsibility of transnational corporations in human rights as defined in the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, an initiative approved by the United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2011. Corporate responsibility to respect human rights, as defined by the Special Representative, is based on social expectations rather than on legal obligations. It means that companies should “avoid prejudice to the rights of others and to address adverse impacts on human rights in which they are involved”. The limitations of this approach are important in medium and long term. Although the pragmatic approach adopted by the Special Representative has closed the international community debate on the Draft Norms on the responsibility for human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, it also ends the chances of developing an international instrument requiring binding obligations in human rights for transnational corporations. Setting the notion of the responsibility of transnational corporations in human rights exclusively on social expectations seems unsatisfactory and dangerous towards victims of violations committed by these economic actors. Responsibility to respect human rights as defined today reinforces the acceptance of a system where transnational corporations are encouraged but are not compelled to respect human rights, a solution that leaves victims of abuse devoid of any legal action and redress. The purpose of this PhD thesis is to present briefly the evolution of the responsibility of transnational corporations in the energy sector in human rights and international humanitarian law from its origins to our days, as well as to understand the main limitations of the current concept in order to explore potential solutions.

Innovation intermediaries provide a range of services to assist firms during the process of innovation. How SMEs perceive innovation intermediaries is an area of investigation that would provide important information on how innovation intermediaries’ assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study focuses on the cleantech industry and explores SMEs’ expectations and perceptions of an established community-based intermediary (CBI) moving into their sector. A qualitative research methodology was adopted to collect data from 15 sample SMEs. In regards to SMEs, the findings show that cleantech companies face financing, partnerships, marketing, sales, regulatory and bureaucratic challenges. In regards to innovation intermediaries, the findings showcase how CBI, a regional intermediary, is not effective in supporting cleantech SMEs with their sector specific needs or challenges.

Innovation intermediaries provide a range of services to assist firms during the process of innovation. How SMEs perceive innovation intermediaries is an area of investigation that would provide important information on how innovation intermediaries’ assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study focuses on the cleantech industry and explores SMEs’ expectations and perceptions of an established community-based intermediary (CBI) moving into their sector. A qualitative research methodology was adopted to collect data from 15 sample SMEs. In regards to SMEs, the findings show that cleantech companies face financing, partnerships, marketing, sales, regulatory and bureaucratic challenges. In regards to innovation intermediaries, the findings showcase how CBI, a regional intermediary, is not effective in supporting cleantech SMEs with their sector specific needs or challenges.