Climate change mitigation: an analysis of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative domestic energy source to charcoal in Zambia

This study analyses the possibility of introducing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative domestic energy source to charcoal in Zambia to mitigate climate change. The study, conducted in Lusaka, used questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews and literature study to collect data. The study revealed that the introduction of LPG is possible. However, some challenges need to be addressed in order to actualise the change. Lack of knowledge about LPG; non-availability of LPG in most parts of the country; perceived danger of LPG; high prices of LPG and accessories; changing people‟s mind-sets about charcoal; social inequity and lack of government initiative, were the main challenges identified. Social-Ecology and sustainable livelihoods were used as theoretical frameworks to ground the study and analyse the results. The study recommends that government takes the lead to make the change possible and that further research be done on sustainable livelihoods for charcoal producers and traders.Development StudiesM. A. (Development Studies

The Impact of University Culture on Academic Performance: Knowledge Management as a Mediating Variable

This study aims to determine the extent of the impact of the university culture on academic performance. and to measure the impact of the mediator Knowledge management in the relationship between them. The hypothetical scheme was developed based on a set of literature that contributed to building the four research hypotheses, the research was applied at the Southern Technical University using the questionnaire tool that was randomly distributed to a group of teachers numbering (121) teachers, (SPSS. V.22, AMOS. V.22) for the purpose of analyzing data in a statistical way and reaching reliable results, after adequate analysis of the data, the results showed that there is a positive impact of the university culture on the development of academic performance. In addition, the study also found a significant impact of the intermediate variable knowledge management on the relationship between university culture and academic performance, and based on the results reached, a set of recommendations have developed

Perspectives on Cyber Security for Offshore Oil and Gas Assets

In an ever-evolving technological industry, the oil and gas sector is already moving forward through the adaptation of Industry 4.0 and the adaptation of advanced cyber technologies through Oil and Gas 4.0. As IT/OT (information technology/operational technology) systems are evolving technologically, so are the cyber security threats faced by the offshore oil and gas assets. This paper aims to raise the awareness of cyber security threats and the organizational and technical measures that need to be adopted by the oil and gas industry for remote and complex assets in the upstream sector. A comprehensive literature review covering the areas of new IT/OT systems integration and cyber security risk analysis and management is presented. The results of a survey on the subject of cyber security for offshore oil and gas assets are also presented, and they provide valuable insight into the current industry culture and the perception of cyber security concepts. The importance of organizational culture, personnel training and involvement, as well as corporate engagement and support in the subject of cyber security is highlighted

Identifying Qatar's Potential for Carbon Sequestration

The following research collects data on the current dissemination of carbon sequestration and storage and utility (CCSU) globally, analyses the challenges of CO2 management in the long-term, as well as locates the opportunities of such technologies for the context of specific countries, in this case being Qatar. The author first defines different types of CO2 sequestration technology, measures their global advancement and other key characteristics. The study primarily utilises a systematic review methodology to identify the latest trends in CCSU, as well as analysing current technological, socio-economic, and political conditions using publicly available sources. Then, highlight findings from the literature review are compiled into a survey, aimed at specifically targeted specialist professionals in the CCSU industry who can provide input about the applicability of said CCSU solutions to Qatar. This triangulated methodology is taken forward to a deeper analysis chapter which combines desktop and survey information for a pragmatic unionisation of the study topics. This analysis includes specific suitability analysis of technologies for Qatar, current initiatives, as well as providing insight on how identified systems can be integrated for an infrastructure level carbon sequestration system. In the fifth Discussion chapter, analysis findings are critically examined for feasibility in relation to their economic feasibility in comparison to current environmental socioeconomic drivers, i.e., the vital economic output of the country’s dependence on the oil and gas sector, political threats from international relations and global climate change, as well as the lack of sustainable food and water sources in Qatar

Renewable energy challenges and opportunities. The prospect of adopting a new policy and legal paradigm in Ghana

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonGlobal consumption of fossil fuels has wreaked havoc on the environment through anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Meeting the ever-increasing demand for energy and limiting its impact on the environment are the two intertwined issues that confront the world. Against this backdrop, national and international stakeholders have been called to transition to renewable energy (RE) to provide energy security and stem climate change. As such, governments around the world have been formulating legal and policy frameworks to encourage the deployment of RE along with technological innovations. However, poor legal frameworks and policies, insufficient financial support, and incentives have rendered the adoption of RE technologies, especially in developing countries, woefully inadequate and Ghana is no exception. In Ghana, various legal and policy frameworks have been deployed for the development of hydro and non-hydro RE. However, the contribution of non-hydro RE (solar and wind) to the country's electricity generation mix is paltry due to various challenges. The research uses desktop analysis, empirical research, and comparative analysis to critically examine the existing Renewable Energy Act, 2011 (Act 832) and policies on RE in Ghana to ascertain the extent to which they effectively address energy security challenges. The results reveal many challenges as follows: a general poor implementation of the provisions of the Act, poor funding, obsolete grid network, transmission and distribution losses, and bureaucratic processes in licence acquisition to be responsible for the paltry diffusion of non-hydro RE in Ghana whose share was 0.3% in 2020. The research recommends that the government of Ghana (GoG) reviews the existing Renewable Energy Act, policies, and regulatory frameworks currently in operation to address deployment constraints. The thesis concludes by calling on the GoG to focus on specific legal and policy frameworks that would promote solar photovoltaic deployment as the country is endowed with abundant solar energy