Performance of a nipa-based fuel on a multi-blend capable engine test motorcycle towards renewable biofuel solutions

Achieving sustainable development goals depends on governance effectiveness within the penetration of digital technologies in all spheres and levels. Furthermore, the energy sector is a crucial inhibitor of sustainable development that depends on the efficacy of digital public services. In this case, the paper aims at analyzing the impact of e-governance on achieving sustainable development goals, particularly on affordable and clean energy. The object of research is EU countries in the period 2013–2019. The data are compiled from the databases of Eurostat, the World Data Bank, and the Sustainable Development Report. The study applies the following methods: the taxonomy method to measure the e-governance index, the fixed effect, the random effect, and a pooled OLS regression model to check the impact of e-governance on affordable and clean energy. The results outlined the leaders (Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Malta) and the outsiders (Romania, Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Poland) in e-governance in 2019. The findings confirm the statistically positive impact of e-governance on extending affordable and clean energy. Thus, improving e-governance by 1 point causes the growth of renewable energy on average by 4.4 points. Furthermore, the industrial structures’ improvement allows increasing renewable energy on average by 0.4 and the trade activization (economic openness) contributes to an increase of renewable energy on average by 0.1. The democracy level does not have a statistically significant impact on achieving sustainable development goals for EU countries. The empirical results show that the countries with high values of e-governance (Sweden, Latvia, Finland, Denmark, and Austria) achieve the highest values of the SDG7 Index Score. Thus, within EU countries, governance digitalization is the strategic inhibitor of SDG achievement.

The success of the SDGs has been a major challenge for governments around the world in recent years. This research focuses specifically on progress toward SDG 7, which aims to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and clean energy. The primary goal of this paper was to assess progress toward SDG 7 objectives in India and Indian states and UTs. Using SDG Index reports for 2018, 2019 and 2020, we assess the progress made in terms of SDG 7. The findings revealed that for SDG 7, the SDG Index Score ranges between 50 and 100 for States and 71 to 100 for UTs. There are fifteen states and five UTs in the class of Achievers (with an Index score of 100) and twelve states and three UTs in the class of Front Runners (with an Index score ranges between 65 and 99). The paper raises various policy issues, including drafting of regulations that benefit the poor and marginalized sections of the society, as well as states and areas that lack access. The importance of formal education, especially for rural women, cannot be overstated, which impacts their decisions about the type of fuel used for cooking. Through strong collaboration between non-state organizations and the government in rural communities within the country, the SDG 7 goals can be achieved through effective planning and delivery of reforms, thereby reducing the harmful effects of the lack of access to clean and affordable energy. It will be crucial in the long run for effective participation of local institutions (PRIs) to carry out reforms in the energy sectors to have adequate budgetary allocations for providing access to affordable energy services.

Renewable Feedstocks Present New and Complex Opportunities

The essential requirements of our everyday lives are fresh air, pure water, nourishing food, and clean energy in a most sustainable manner. The present review article concisely discusses recent innovations in solar energy education, research, and development toward providing clean and affordable energy and clean water to some extent. This article primarily addresses the Sustainable Development Goal 7 of the United Nations (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy). Over the past few decades, many research activities have been carried out on solar energy conversion and utilization. The deployment of solar energy technologies has been witnessed to combat global warming and the betterment of the planet. Drivers and barriers to implementing solar energy systems from school to master's level through real-time deployments are discussed for further development and innovations. Mainly, expedited solar energy education and research are essential to improve solar energy utilization. The advancements in solar energy education and research towards sustainable energy development and circular economy are highlighted along with further directions required.

Abstract: This chapter explores the role of microgrid solutions in providing affordable and sustainable energy to remote and off-grid areas, where energy poverty remains a significant challenge. Microgrids, particularly those powered by solar technology, offer a viable alternative to traditional centralized energy systems by delivering reliable and clean energy to underserved communities. The chapter examines the technical architecture of microgrids, recent innovations in solar energy and energy storage, and successful case studies of microgrid implementations in developing regions. It highlights the economic viability of microgrids, innovative financing models, and the importance of community engagement and gender inclusion in ensuring the success of these projects. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the scalability, replicability, and future prospects of microgrids in expanding energy access and supporting sustainable development goals. Keywords: microgrid solutions, affordable energy, sustainable energy, remote areas, solar technology, energy poverty, off-grid energy access, energy storage, economic viability, community engagement, gender inclusion, scalability, renewable energy, sustainable development

The offshore oil and gas sector faces significant challenges in reducing its carbon footprint while meeting global energy demand. Offshore structures consume up to 500 MW of energy per day. Despite the potential for 30-40% energy savings with efficiency technologies, only 25% of global platforms implement integrated energy management systems. This study aims to optimize energy efficiency in offshore structures to support SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy. The study uses a multi-method approach, analyzing data from 10 offshore platforms, conducting energy modeling, and cost-benefit analysis. The results show variability in daily energy consumption (423.7 ± 32.5 MW) with key factors such as hydrocarbon production and environmental conditions. Energy efficiency technologies such as hybrid power generation systems and Integrated Energy Management Systems (SMET) show significant potential for savings. The optimization model shows a total potential energy savings of 37.2 ± 2.1%. Economic analysis using Monte Carlo simulations confirms the feasibility of investment with positive NPV for all evaluated technologies. SMET has the most favorable risk-return profile with a mean NPV of 5.8 ± 0.7 million USD. These findings provide important insights for operators and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to energy management in offshore structures. Implementation of the proposed energy efficiency strategies can contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and the achievement of SDG 7.

The world now is facing two energy related threats which are lack of sustainable, secure and affordable energy supplies and the environmental damage acquired in producing and consuming ever-increasing amount of energy. In the first decade of the twenty-first century, increasing energy prices reminds us that an affordable energy plays an important role in economic growth and human development. To overcome the abovementioned problem, we cannot continue much longer to consume finite reserves of fossil fuels, the use of which contributes to global warming. Preferably, the world should move towards more sustainable energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy and biomass. However, the abovementioned challenges may not be met solely by introduction of sustainable energy forms. We also need to use energy more efficiently. Developing and introducing more efficient energy conversion technologies is therefore important, for fossil fuels as well as renewable fuels. This assignment addresses the question how biomass may be used more efficiently and economically than it is being used today. Wider use of biomass, a clean and renewable feedstock may extend the lifetime of our fossil fuels resources and alleviate global warming problems. Another advantage of using of biomass as a source of energy is to make developed countries less interdependent on oil-exporting countries, and thereby reduce political tension. Furthermore, the economies of agricultural regions growing energy crops benefit as new jobs are created. Keywords: energy, gasification, sustainable, wet biomass

Residential energy demands in Rwanda: Evidence from Robust models

INTRODUCTION: Energy is the foundation of all human endeavors and is intertwined with human progress. The access to sustainable energy services is a fundamental requirement for sustainable development, encompassing poverty eradication, food security, health, well-being, and education quality. Affordable and clean energy is explicitly recognized as one of the 17 sustainable development goals.OBJECTIVE: to analyse research trends and the knowledge structure in the field of affordable and clean energy.METHODS: This study was based on a descriptive bibliometric analysis of SDGs 7 "Affordable and Clean Energy". The Scopus database was used as a source of information, between 2012 and 2021.RESULTS: The trend of documents on Affordable and Clean Energy reveals a steady increase in the number of published papers related to this topic, indicating a growing interest and activity in researching and disseminating information about sustainable energy. It is observed that international collaboration accounts for 21.8% of the analyzed documents, indicating a significant involvement of researchers from different countries. Engineering emerges as the leading subject area with 591,146 scholarly outputs, indicating a strong focus on technological advancements and innovation.CONCLUSIONS: Scientific production in the field of affordable and clean energy has experienced steady growth, reflecting an increasing interest in research and development of sustainable energy solutions. However, it is important to recognize that this increase in the number of published papers has not translated into greater impact and recognition in the scientific community. Although more knowledge is being generated, its influence seems to be diminishing. Countries that participate in joint research obtain a higher number of citations, indicating the importance of establishing international linkages to maximize the visibility and impact of research.

The topic related to affordable and clean energy is currently highly actual. It is essential to realize that affordable and clean energy is energy without negative effects on the environment. Its advantage is that a lot of clean energy is renewable. Therefore, this type of energy contributes positively to the development of several spheres in the economy, such as agriculture, trade, communications, education, health and transport. The aim of the study is to analyze changes in the development of sustainable indicators set of affordable and clean energy in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 7 in the European Union, using cluster analysis to identify the differences and compare changes in the grouping of countries into clusters in the two years studied (2010, 2020). In addition to categorizing countries and confirming differences among member states of the European Union, the results allow us to evaluate the contribution of selected indicators to achieving affordable and clean energy. Our findings indicate that primary energy consumption per capita, final energy consumption in households per capita, energy productivity, share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption and population unable to keep their home adequately warm shows a positive trend and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 7.the energy import dependency is a problematic area in several countries. The results of cluster analysis showed that the largest shifts within the clusters were recorded in Italy, Estonia, and Luxembourg. The most positive shift occurred in Italy due to a significant improvement in four indicators. Luxembourg as a solo country cluster showed in 2020 some of the worst results due to the highest primary energy consumption per capita and the lowest share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption. The dynamics of Estonia within the clusters was marked by the lowest value of the indicator of dependence on energy imports, as well as an increase in the share of renewable energy and insufficient energy productivity. The results of our study also confirm, that Sweden and Finland are leader countries, which despite high energy consumption are applying renewable energy sources to a greater extent by which they make a positive movement toward affordable and clean energy.

Access to clean and affordable energy has become a persistent problem faced by countries worldwide. The peak increase in oil prices experienced in a few decades has made it difficult for the low incomes to access clean energy. At present, many people in rural areas still use wood as fuel for cooking. Indoor wood-burning activities might cause air pollution and triggers respiratory problems. Employing a conceptual approach, this article examines the debate on the concept of moral and legal right of the right to clean and affordable energy under international law. Moreover, it analyses the correlation and the importance of such right for the fulfilment of the right to adequate housing and how states adhere to it. The research finds that there is yet any legal instruments directly recognising the right to clean and affordable energy. Nevertheless, there is plenty recognition of the importance of energy as vital element for fulfilling other human rights, such as the right to adequate housing. It is found that states have recognised the utmost influence of energy on achieving economic and social goals. However, current state practices heavily depend on soft law and show their commitment to facilitate and fulfil the moral right to clean and affordable energy. Integrating human rights principles, norms, and standards into legal rights and policies on energy development plan are indeed crucial. Such integration will enable the recognition of energy as an entitlement, which will place energy as a precondition that must be provided as essential services to enable adequate life of inhabitants.

Trusting clean energy: novel perspectives on transition pathways for coal phaseouts and clean electrification phase-ins

The problems related to the process of industrialisation such as biodiversity depletion, climate change and a worsening of health and living conditions, especially but not only in developing countries, intensify. Therefore, there is an increasing need to search for integrated solutions to make development more sustainable. The United Nations has acknowledged the problem and approved the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. On 1st January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Agenda officially came into force. These goals cover the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection(Salvia, Azul, Brandli, Wall, Filho, 2021). Energy is at the forefront of the development agenda. Recognizing energy's vital role in development and prosperity, the world has committed to Sustainable Development Goal 7 to Affordable and Clean Energy (Banerjee, Moreno, Primiani, Seong, Sinton, 2017). This presented study discusses problems related to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, based on the example of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries. The introduction addresses the general characteristics of the V4 and attempts to define the concept of sustainable development, with particular emphasis on its complex nature and importance for future generations. The purpose of the research is to assess the diversity within the Visegrad Group countries in terms of affordable and Clean Energy. The study conducted in the article shows in that between 2009 and 2020, the Visegrad Group countries differed significantly due to all aspects of sustainable energy adopted by the European Union for monitoring sustainable development in the area of Affordable and Clean Energy.

The global Sustainable Development Goals highlight the necessity for affordable and clean energy, designated as SDG7. A sustainable and feasible biorefinery concept is proposed for the carbon-negative utilization of biomass waste for affordable H2 and battery anode material production. Specifically, an innovative tandem biocarbon + NiAlO + biocarbon catalyst strategy is constructed to realize a complete reforming of biomass pyro-vapors into H2+CO (as a mixture). The solid residues from pyrolysis are upgraded into high-quality hard carbon (HCs), demonstrating potential as sodium ion battery (SIBs) anodes. The product, HC-1600-6h, exhibited great electrochemical performance when employed as (SIBs) anodes (full cell: 263 Wh/kg with ICE of 89%). Ultimately, a comprehensive process is designed, simulated, and evaluated. The process yields 75 kg H2, 169 kg HCs, and 891 kg captured CO2 per ton of biomass achieving approx. 100% carbon and hydrogen utilization efficiencies. A life cycle assessment estimates a biomass valorization process with negative-emissions (−0.81 kg CO2/kg-biomass, reliant on Sweden wind electricity). A techno-economic assessment forecasts a notably profitable process capable of co-producing affordable H2 and hard carbon battery anodes. The payback period of the process is projected to fall within two years, assuming reference prices of 13.7 €/kg for HCs and 5 €/kg for H2. The process contributes to a novel business paradigm for sustainable and commercially viable biorefinery process, achieving carbon-negative valorization of biomass waste into affordable energy and materials.

Policymakers and academics are focusing on energy transition to provide affordable, sustainable, and green energy for everyone. This is being driven by a combination of the lack of electricity access to millions of people particularly in the African continent and the requirement for the reduction of environmental impact through the use of greener energy resources and systems. This paper summarizes an interdisciplinary research program investigating community energy systems in Ethiopia and Mozambique to facilitate energy transitions. Specifically, it compares community energy landscapes, progress made, and existing challenges and opportunities. To determine the status of community energy development in the two countries, recent publications and official policies were reviewed, and community energy managers were interviewed. The review showed that renewable energy sources are the dominant focus for community energy developments, which is key to achieving a cleaner energy future. However, progress in community energy development has been slow in these countries. There are several reasons that hinder community energy systems from driving the necessary energy transition to a cleaner, modern, and affordable energy. Some of these reasons are the absence of favorable regulatory frameworks, incentive package, knowledge on business models, weak commitments from stakeholders, and insufficient community involvement. These issues vary in degree between the two countries.