IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i3p1224-d1330894.html

Exploring Energy Security and Independence for Small Energy Users: A Latvian Case Study on Unleashing Stirling Engine Potential

Author

Listed:
  • Janis Kramens

    (Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Āzenes Street 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Oskars Svedovs

    (Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Āzenes Street 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Amanda Sturmane

    (Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Āzenes Street 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Edgars Vigants

    (Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Āzenes Street 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Vladimirs Kirsanovs

    (Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Āzenes Street 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Dagnija Blumberga

    (Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Āzenes Street 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

Abstract

Nowadays, energy systems are continuously impacted by external and internal conditions. The worldwide events of recent years have led to the need to consider not only the requirements for moving towards climate neutrality but also the security and independence of energy supply when creating new or transforming existing energy systems. The aim of this study was to answer the question of whether there is a possibility of transforming the energy supply process by promoting increased energy security and independence while not reducing energy demand, as well as creating high economic and environmental indicators. The research focuses on developing alternative scenarios for further decision-making studies by introducing modern energy technologies. Scenarios are analysed using the complex method developed, which includes three main steps: assessing the current situation, identifying available technologies, and assessing alternatives. The results suggest that Stirling’s technology can provide 100% energy independence for individual energy consumers. At the same time, thanks to the combination of Stirling technology and solar technologies, there is an opportunity to reduce emissions and energy production costs, but capital investment is increasing.

Suggested Citation

  • Janis Kramens & Oskars Svedovs & Amanda Sturmane & Edgars Vigants & Vladimirs Kirsanovs & Dagnija Blumberga, 2024. "Exploring Energy Security and Independence for Small Energy Users: A Latvian Case Study on Unleashing Stirling Engine Potential," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:3:p:1224-:d:1330894
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/3/1224/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/3/1224/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lund, Henrik & Hvelplund, Frede & Kass, Ilmars & Dukalskis, Edgars & Blumberga, Dagnija, 1999. "District heating and market economy in Latvia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 24(7), pages 549-559.
    2. Szilárd Karda & Tamás Nagy-György & Iosif Boros, 2023. "Evolution of the Payback Period for Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Romania in the Last Decade," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-19, June.
    3. Gurgel, Angelo & Mignone, Bryan K. & Morris, Jennifer & Kheshgi, Haroon & Mowers, Matthew & Steinberg, Daniel & Herzog, Howard & Paltsev, Sergey, 2023. "Variable renewable energy deployment in low-emission scenarios: The role of technology cost and value," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 344(C).
    4. Sudhir Kumar Pathak & Tagamud Tazmeen & K. Chopra & V. V. Tyagi & Sanjeev Anand & Ammar M. Abdulateef & A. K. Pandey, 2023. "Sustainable Energy Progress via Integration of Thermal Energy Storage and Other Performance Enhancement Strategies in FPCs: A Synergistic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-37, September.
    5. Al-Nimr, Moh'd & Khashan, Saud A. & Al-Oqla, Hashem, 2023. "Novel techniques to enhance the performance of Stirling engines integrated with solar systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 894-906.
    6. Jacek Strojny & Anna Krakowiak-Bal & Jarosław Knaga & Piotr Kacorzyk, 2023. "Energy Security: A Conceptual Overview," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-35, June.
    7. Liu, Yang & Xie, Xiaoqing & Wang, Mei, 2023. "Energy structure and carbon emission: Analysis against the background of the current energy crisis in the EU," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    8. Lauma Balode & Beate Zlaugotne & Armands Gravelsins & Oskars Svedovs & Ieva Pakere & Vladimirs Kirsanovs & Dagnija Blumberga, 2023. "Carbon Neutrality in Municipalities: Balancing Individual and District Heating Renewable Energy Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, May.
    9. Eva M. Urbano & Konstantinos Kampouropoulos & Luis Romeral, 2023. "Energy Crisis in Europe: The European Union’s Objectives and Countries’ Policy Trends—New Transition Paths?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-23, August.
    10. Le Zhang & Huixing Zhai & Jiayuan He & Fan Yang & Suilin Wang, 2022. "Application of Exergy Analysis in Flue Gas Condensation Waste Heat Recovery System Evaluation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-12, October.
    11. Hepbasli, Arif & Kalinci, Yildiz, 2009. "A review of heat pump water heating systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(6-7), pages 1211-1229, August.
    12. Carfora, Alfonso & Pansini, Rosaria Vega & Scandurra, Giuseppe, 2022. "Energy dependence, renewable energy generation and import demand: Are EU countries resilient?," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 1262-1274.
    13. Lidia Luty & Monika Zioło & Wioletta Knapik & Iwona Bąk & Karol Kukuła, 2023. "Energy Security in Light of Sustainable Development Goals," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-18, January.
    14. Carroll, P. & Chesser, M. & Lyons, P., 2020. "Air Source Heat Pumps field studies: A systematic literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    15. Muhammad Abid & Neil Hewitt & Ming-Jun Huang & Christopher Wilson & Donal Cotter, 2021. "Performance Analysis of the Developed Air Source Heat Pump System at Low-to-Medium and High Supply Temperatures for Irish Housing Stock Heat Load Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-31, October.
    16. Kijo-Kleczkowska, Agnieszka & Bruś, Paweł & Więciorkowski, Grzegorz, 2023. "Economic analysis of heat pump exploitation – A case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    17. repec:hal:journl:hal-03725694 is not listed on IDEAS
    18. Zhu, Shunmin & Yu, Guoyao & Liang, Kun & Dai, Wei & Luo, Ercang, 2021. "A review of Stirling-engine-based combined heat and power technology," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
    19. Fabra, Natalia, 2023. "Reforming European electricity markets: Lessons from the energy crisis," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    20. İncili, Veysel & Karaca Dolgun, Gülşah & Georgiev, Aleksandar & Keçebaş, Ali & Çetin, Numan Sabit, 2022. "Performance evaluation of novel photovoltaic and Stirling assisted hybrid micro combined heat and power system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 129-138.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Aleksandra Kuzior & Yevhen Kovalenko & Inna Tiutiunyk & Larysa Hrytsenko, 2025. "Assessment of the Energy Security of EU Countries in Light of the Expansion of Renewable Energy Sources," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-24, April.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Zhan, Chenxuan & Xu, Yi & Fan, Jianhua & Gao, Meng & Kong, Weiqiang & Wu, Jiani & Wang, Dengjia & Tian, Zhiyong, 2025. "Validation and optimization of a solar heating plant with a large-scale heat pump," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 319(C).
    2. Iwona Bąk & Katarzyna Wawrzyniak & Beata Szczecińska & Emilia Barej-Kaczmarek & Maciej Oesterreich, 2025. "Spatial Differentiation of EU Countries in Terms of Energy Security," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-22, August.
    3. Valentin Marian Antohi & Costinela Fortea & Monica Laura Zlati & Laurentiu Nicolae Pricope & Alina Meca, 2025. "Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Factors in the Context of the Transition to Renewable Energy," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 1, pages 13-23.
    4. Jarosław Brodny & Magdalena Tutak & Wieslaw Wes Grebski, 2025. "Multi-Barrier Framework for Assessing Energy Security in European Union Member States (MBEES Approach)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-41, September.
    5. Adriana Veronica Litră & Eliza Nichifor & Ioana Bianca Chiţu & Alexandra Zamfirache & Gabriel Brătucu, 2023. "The Dilemma of the European Integration Principle—Ensuring Energy Independence of the European Union," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-19, November.
    6. Peacock, Malcolm & Fragaki, Aikaterini & Matuszewski, Bogdan J, 2023. "The impact of heat electrification on the seasonal and interannual electricity demand of Great Britain," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    7. Lv, Xiaolong & Yan, Gang & Yu, Jianlin, 2015. "Solar-assisted auto-cascade heat pump cycle with zeotropic mixture R32/R290 for small water heaters," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 167-172.
    8. Szczygielski, Jan Jakub & Charteris, Ailie & Obojska, Lidia & Brzeszczyński, Janusz, 2025. "Energy in turmoil: Industry resilience to uncertainty during the global energy crisis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 389(C).
    9. Chen, Yang & Wu, Ye & Liu, Xing & Ma, Jiliang & Liu, Daoyin & Chen, Xiaoping & Liu, Dong, 2024. "Energy, exergy and economic (3E) analysis of a novel integration process based on coal-fired power plant with CO2 capture & storage, CO2 refrigeration, and waste heat recovery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    10. Huntington, Hillard, 2025. "Do high power prices slow electrification? Some panel data evidence," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    11. Cardinale, Roberto & Cardinale, Ivano & Zupic, Ivan, 2024. "The EU's vulnerability to gas price and supply shocks: The role of mismatches between policy beliefs and changing international gas markets," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    12. Marković, Filip & Kovačević, Ana, 2026. "Cyber threats and energy security: Development and analysis of an incident dataset for the period 2022–2024," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    13. Ramesh Chitharaj & Hariprasad Perumal & Mohammed Almeshaal & P. Manoj Kumar, 2025. "Optimizing Performance of a Solar Flat Plate Collector for Sustainable Operation Using Box–Behnken Design (BBD)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-23, January.
    14. Beata Piotrowska & Daniel Słyś, 2023. "Analysis of the Life Cycle Cost of a Heat Recovery System from Greywater Using a Vertical “Tube-in-Tube” Heat Exchanger: Case Study of Poland," Resources, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-17, August.
    15. Vicente Ferreira & Joao Pedro Ferreira & Dario Guarascio & Francesco Zezza, 2024. "Shockflation in the EU: sectoral shocks, cost-push inflation and structural asymmetries in core and periphery countries," LEM Papers Series 2024/31, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
    16. Mel T. Devine & Muireann Á. Lynch, 2025. "Integer constraints in a Cournot model - an application to electricity market modelling," OR Spectrum: Quantitative Approaches in Management, Springer;Gesellschaft für Operations Research e.V., vol. 47(4), pages 1337-1377, December.
    17. Yu, Minjie & Xu, Lei & Cui, Haichuan & Liu, Zhichun & Liu, Wei, 2024. "Characteristics and potential of a novel inclined-flow stirling regenerator constructed by sinusoidal corrugated channels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    18. Hwang, Young Kyu & Sánchez Díez, Ángeles, 2024. "Renewable energy transition and green growth nexus in Latin America," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    19. Carrelhas, A.A.D. & Gato, L.M.C. & Morais, F.J.F., 2024. "Aerodynamic performance and noise emission of different geometries of Wells turbines under design and off-design conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    20. Giovanni Murano & Francesca Caffari & Nicolandrea Calabrese, 2024. "Energy Potential of Existing Reversible Air-to-Air Heat Pumps for Residential Heating," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-23, July.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:3:p:1224-:d:1330894. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.