Digital Postal Operator as an Important Element of the National Energy Security System

This article presents a solution that strengthens information security in critical infrastructure entities. Critical infrastructure plays a key role in the functioning of the state and the life of its citizens. Therefore, the protection of critical infrastructure is one of priorities in Poland. The aim of this article is to show that designated postal operators may become an important link in the process of information flow and cybersecurity. Based on their multiple-year experience and expended competences, the operators may provide digital services for entities responsible for the energy security infrastructure. Verification of this goal is necessary, since critical infrastructure is exposed to growing threats, both in the area of energy and other sensitive sectors of the economy. Research results presented in the article were obtained by conducting a CATI survey. The study used the purposeful selection method, which allows to influence the structure of a sample in the context of goals set by the authors. The method solicited key information from experts on postal and energy markets. The results constitute a new approach to the role of the designated postal operator. The authors analysed possibilities to support entities that secure critical infrastructure, including those from the energy sector. It shows that the role of the designated postal operator may significantly change. Taking into account the security of information and cybersecurity, the postal operator could expand its competences, secure infrastructure-related information flow, and thus become a key pillar of the state.

Problems of Prioritization National Security interest of Energy import-dependent States (Case studies: Georgia and Lithuania)

This paper focuses on studying the prioritization process of national interests of energy import-dependent states. In particular, considering the energy strategy formation processes of Georgia and Lithuania, it explores the interrelation among the objectives of supply security and national security challenges. The reason behind the choice of the given countries was that energy security policies of both countries were formed based on identical characteristics after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Analysis of the mentioned cases offers a good opportunity to explain how foreign policy threats affect national energy security decisions. The study also examines the major factors affecting prioritization of national security interests, providing a possibility to answer the main research question of the paper - what prompts states to pursue less rational policies in terms of energy security, justified by maintaining state sovereignty? Using the securitization concept, the paper also explains what leads to taking steps aimed at solving national security challenges, which may, in turn, lead to the emergence of new types of security challenges. Analysis of the mentioned cases offers a good opportunity to explain how foreign policy threats affect national energy security decisions, whether such threats cause new energy challenges to be subject to political interests and whether it is appropriate for states to pursue such energy policy with the motive of maintaining state sovereignty. The paper indicates that energy policies purely formed based on political interests, may not face the main energy security challenges of the country.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF GREEN PETROLEUM COKE AS A COAL BLEND IN STEEL INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT NATIONAL ENERGY SECURITY

Green Petroleum Coke (GPC), produced by Pertamina RU II Dumai, is the product of refined petroleum, which still has good quality but has not been utilized to its full potential. Such as Sulfur 0.5%; FC 86.03%; Ash 0.10%; VM 13.82%; Moist 10, 52%; and the calorific value of 7500 kcal/kg. Therefore, one effort that can do is diversification, namely the use of GPC as a mixture of other fuels (fossil) to increase the selling value of GPC. This diversification is also in line with the national energy policy in PP. 79/2014 that the program aims to increase the availability of national energy sources. This study aims to determine the feasibility of using GPC as a coal mixture in Industry (Krakatau Steel) with an overview of economic aspects. Data obtained by qualitative methods consisting of interviews, observation, and documentation. Based on the research results from 2 scenarios, both scenario 1 (GPC 4%) and scenario 2 (GPC 18%), it is found that the NPV is positive, IRR is above the discount rate, and BCR> 1. Thus, the use of GPC as a coal mixture is considered feasible to run and can support national energy security.Keywords: Diversification, Feasibility, Petroleum Coke, Investment DecisionJEL: G11, G32

An Optimization Grey Bernoulli Model and Its Application in Forecasting Oil Consumption

Energy consumption in the world is mainly dependent on fossil energy, and oil is one of the main energy sources. Accurate prediction of oil consumption can provide an important basis for national energy security, which can provide reference and early warning for the implementation of the environmental strategy developed by the government. According to the nonlinearity of the energy system, this paper uses the principle of the grey nonlinear prediction model NGBM(1,1) to improve the background value of the model, and by the simulated annealing algorithm, we put forward the optimized grey nonlinear model ONGBM(1,1). At the same time, the model is applied to the oil consumption of China, Chile, Mexico, and Japan. Based on the validity analysis of the existing data of the four countries, the model ONGBM(1,1) is basically superior to the other six grey forecast models. Finally, ONGBM(1,1) is used to predict the oil consumption of the four countries in the next five years, which can provide effective information for energy economic policy.

Dinamika dan Karakter Produk Hasil Dekarboksilasi Sabun Hidroksi Pelargonat

Pengembangan bahan bakar nabati akan memberi berbagai manfaat bagi pembangunan nasional, antara lain pengurangan impor bahan bakar minyak dan peningkatan ketahanan energi nasional. Oleh karena itu, teknologi untuk pembuatan bahan bakar nabati pensubstitusi bahan bakar minyak, terutama bensin, merupakan kebutuhan yang mendesak. Salah satu teknologi untuk menghasilkan bahan bakar nabati pensubstitusi bensin adalah dekarboksilasi sabun hidroksi pelargonat. Magnesium hidroksi pelargonat [Mg(OH)(OOCC8H17)] dapat didekarboksilasi menghasilkan n-oktana [C8H18] dan magnesium karbonat [MgCO3] yang pada temperatur mendekati 500oC akan terurai menjadi MgO dan CO2. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan pemahaman tentang dinamika dan karakter produk cair hasil reaksi dekarboksilasi sabun hidroksi pelargonat [Mg(OH)OOCC8H17] pada rentang suhu 250-350oC.The development of biofuel have a lot of advantages for national growth, such as, imports reduction of fuel and increasing national energy security and sustainability. Therefore, biofuel production technology for substitution of fuel oil especially gasoline, is very important. One of technology method to produce biogasoline is decarboxylation of pelargonic hydroxy metal soap. Magnesium hydroxy pelargonate [Mg(OH)(OOCC8H17)] can be decarboxylated to produce n-octane [C8H18] and magnesium carbonate [MgCO3] which at temperatures close to 500oC decompose into MgO and CO2. The objectives of this research is to investigate comprehensively the dynamics and character liquid products from decarboxylation of pelargonic hydroxy soap [Mg(OH)OOCC8H17] reaction at temperature range of 250-350oC.

Novel Renewable Energy as Resources for Environmentally Friendly National Energy Security: The Existence and the Readiness of the Regulatory Framework

Carbon gas emissions that come from the use of non-renewable energy have a bad impact on the environment. So, comes the idea of ​​transforming Novel Renewable Energy as the main energy source because it is more environmentally friendly. This is a challenge for Indonesian. Because Indonesia has the potential for Novel Renewable Energy which can be utilized as the main source of national energy security. For the proposal to be successful, it must be accompanied by qualified regulations. However, the problem today that Indonesia does not have specific independent rules regulating Novel Renewable Energy. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potentials of Indonesian’s Novel Renewable Energy as an alternative to the main source of national energy security. Besides, it is also to analyze legal support so that the environmentally friendly Novel Renewable Energy optimization program has the right legal basis. The research method in this paper uses normative research methods. The research approach of this paper uses a conceptual approach related to Novel Renewable Energy. The results show that Indonesia has big potential for Novel Renewable Energy as the main source of national energy security. So the environment-friendly Novel Renewable Energy will be realized as a source of national energy security.

How Many Wells? Exploring the Scope of Shale Gas Production for Achieving Gas Self-Sufficiency in Poland

Poland has been estimated to possess large volumes of technically recoverable shale gas resources, which has raised national hopes for increasing energy security and building export capacity. In this paper, we aim to examine political claims and hopes that Poland could achieve natural gas self-sufficiency and even become a gas exporter by harnessing domestic shale potential. We do so by relying on well-by-well production experience from the Barnett Shale in the USA to explore what scope of shale gas extraction, in terms of the number of wells, would likely be required to achieve such national expectations. With average well productivity equal to the Barnett Shale, at least 420 wells per year would be necessary to meet the domestic demand of 20 Bcm in 2030. Adding Poland’s potential export capacity of five Bcm of gas per year would necessitate at least 540 wells per year. Such a significant amount of drilling and hydraulic fracturing would require reconsideration and verification of national energy security plans and expectations surrounding shale gas production. A more informed public debate on technical aspects of extraction would be required, as extensive fracking operations could potentially have implications in terms of environmental risks and local land-use conflicts.

Securitized Referent Objects in Brazilian Defence Documents: Natural Resources, Critical Infrastructure and Energy Security

How do Brazil’s defence documents incorporate natural resources and critical infrastructure as political and strategic components of the national energy security framework? After presenting the contemporary international landscape on the subject, which is marked by rising powers and geopolitics, the paper explains the theory and the conceptual foundations that support the claim of a securitization movement on natural resources and critical infrastructure that relates to energy security in response to the absence of existential threats to Brazil. Following this effort, the text reflects upon and analyses how the matter has developed from 2005 to 2016 in Brazilian defence policies and in national defence strategies. By applying securitization theory to the case study, the final remarks imply the need for a reflection on the importance of incorporating the geopolitics of natural resources and critical infrastructure related to energy security in defence thinking.