Abundant Renewable Energy Resources Research Articles

Harnessing Solar and Hydropower in Pakistan: A Strategic Approach to Climate Change Mitigation

This study aims to conduct a thorough examination of Pakistan’s energy sector, with a specific focus on renewable energy (RE) and nonrenewable energy (non-RE) sources. It intends to delve into the potential of solar and hydropower resources within Pakistan and their capacity to mitigate the effects of climate change, thus centering the discussion on RE, particularly solar and hydropower. Adopting secondary data sources, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Pakistan’s energy sector and the challenges that it faces. One of the key findings highlighted in the analysis is the serious problem within Pakistan’s energy sector: existing institutions struggle to cope with the increasing demand for energy owing to insufficient growth in power generation capacity. This inadequacy has led to an increase in CO2 emissions, primarily driven by the country’s growing reliance on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. Despite this challenge, Pakistan possesses substantial potential for Resources, particularly solar energy and hydropower. Following an evaluation of renewable energy resources, this study proposes recommendations to support the adoption and utilization of renewable energy as a critical component of sustainable growth. These suggestions are geared toward accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, thus positioning Pakistan for a more sustainable and resilient energy future. This research paper underscores the urgency of addressing the shortcomings in Pakistan’s energy sector and emphasizes the pivotal role of renewable energy, especially solar and hydropower, in mitigating climate change and fostering sustainable development. By leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and implementing strategic measures, Pakistan can chart a path toward a more environmentally friendly and economically viable energy landscape.

Green Hydrogen and Formula 1 (F1): Advancing Sustainable Comprehensive Approaches for F1 Events in the MENA Region

Formula 1 (F1) has embarked on sustainability initiatives, notably the 'Countdown to Zero' campaign aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. This article delves into F1's sustainability efforts, focusing on the integration of green hydrogen as a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions, particularly within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Despite the novelty of green hydrogen in F1, its potential applications in powering vehicles and supporting event logistics are explored. Additionally, the article examines MENA's significance in F1's sustainability agenda, given its abundant renewable energy resources and strategic position in hosting Grand Prix races. The feasibility of transitioning F1 cars to sustainable alternatives, including electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered cars, and e-fuels, is scrutinized, highlighting challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, the article discusses sustainable practices that can make F1 events more sustainable. It refers to sustainable practices previously implemented in past F1 Grand Prix races, assesses their applicability to the MENA region, and suggests innovative practices that the MENA can implement; these include the installation of solar canopies in F1 circuit parking lots and the use of bio-fuelled trucks for event logistics. Investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) emerges as another avenue for F1 to mitigate its carbon footprint, potentially through partnerships with airlines present in the MENA region, such as Emirates. Ultimately, this article underscores the imperative for F1 to embrace sustainable practices, not only to align with societal trends but also to lead the charge in environmental stewardship within the realm of motorsport.

Renewable energy: A way out for South Sudan’s electricity crisis

South Sudan is one of the least electrified countries in the world, despite having abundant renewable energy resources that could be exploited to generate electricity. The country relies on imported diesel for electricity generation, besides having limited focus on renewable energy development. This policy brief sheds light on the potential of renewable energy as a solution to South Sudan’s ongoing electricity crisis. It examines the key factors hindering the development of renewable energy resources for electricity generation in the country. The brief also provides recommendations to the Government of South Sudan, policymakers, experts, and funding institutions on how to improve electricity access in the country. It is stressing on the importance of prioritising the development of diverse renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and small hydropower, as an immediate solution to the electricity access challenges in the country.

From Potential to Power: Advancing Nigeria’s Energy Sector through Renewable Integration and Policy Reform

Nigeria is a nation endowed with both abundant renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Despite its vast potential, Nigeria struggles with a consistent power supply due to various systemic issues, such as inadequate funding, infrastructural decay, corruption, technical skill shortages, and macroeconomic instability. These challenges hinder the effective harnessing and distribution of energy resources, particularly renewable ones like wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower. This study assesses the existing energy policies and their efficacy in promoting sustainable energy development towards achieving universal electricity access by 2030. It highlights the necessity for a just energy transition that integrates a substantial proportion of renewable energy into the national grid, aiming to meet up to 60% of the country’s energy demands with clean sources by 2050. This transition is critical not only for energy security and reducing the environmental impact but also for fostering socioeconomic equity. Recommendations include overhauling the legal and regulatory frameworks to support renewable energy growth, particularly in off-grid areas, to ensure clean, affordable, and secure energy access. Strategic investments, enhanced infrastructure, and robust public–private partnerships are essential to overcome the current barriers and realize Nigeria’s energy potential. This paper calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the technical and socioeconomic dimensions of the energy crisis, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous energy future for Nigeria.

Deep learning analysis of green ammonia synthesis: Evaluating techno-economic feasibility for sustainable production

This research presents a comprehensive optimization of green ammonia synthesis in Morocco by leveraging advanced deep learning techniques to maximize the utilization of the country's abundant renewable energy resources. By employing deep learning models such as LSTM and LSTM_adv, we forecast ammonia production over the next decade, improving strategies for production and energy storage. Our findings confirmed the viability of sustainable ammonia production in Dakhla and highlighted its transformative potential for global sustainability goals. Under the optimal scenario of 20 % photovoltaic and 80 % wind energy, the production cost was US$575 per tNH3, delivering an energy output of 8916.64 GWh and a daily ammonia production of 2503.36 tNH3. Shifting to 100 % wind energy further enhances the potential, increasing daily ammonia production to a maximum of 3090 tNH3 while reducing the production cost to US$376 per tNH3. These results demonstrate the significant economic and environmental benefits of using renewable energy sources for ammonia production in Morocco. By leveraging a country's abundant wind and solar resources, we can contribute to a sustainable and energy-independent future.

Harnessing solar energy for sustainable green hydrogen production in Türkiye: Opportunities, and economic viability

Hydrogen emerges as a promising solution for Türkiye, offering opportunities to enhance renewable energy production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Türkiye has significant potential for green hydrogen production, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and lower installation costs for renewable energy-based power plants.This study assesses the impact of capital expenditure (CAPEX) on the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) in Türkiye, focusing on both current and projected costs. The LCOH ranges from $3.79/kgH2 to $5.11/kgH2 for low and high CAPEX scenarios, given Türkiye's solar electricity cost of $40.32/MWh in 2024. Looking ahead to 2035, achieving Türkiye's hydrogen cost target of $2.4/kgH2 will require reducing electricity costs to $31/MWh for low CAPEX and $15.3/MWh for high CAPEX. The current electricity cost of $40.3/MWh is significantly above these targets, highlighting the need for substantial technological advancements and cost-reduction strategies to meet future economic objectives for sustainable hydrogen production.

Navigating Climate Change and Sustainability Solutions: Nigeria's Role in International Environmental Law

Over the past three decades, the world has witnessed multidimensional impacts of climate change, thus emphasizing the critical urgency for climate action, and promoting sustainability. Africa is reported to disproportionately suffer the consequences of climate change. These consequences such as flooding; droughts and rising temperatures require the adoption of an environmental foreign policy to foster environmental sustainability and cross-sectoral climate resilience. As Africa’s most populous nation and second-largest oil producer significant to global oil supply, Nigeria occupies a unique and distinct position in the global climate discourse. However, despite credibly being a signatory to international bodies such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Nigeria needs an effective environmental foreign policy to attain the globally desired sustainability and climate resilience. Therefore, this paper delves into Nigeria’s commitment to international environmental law of key international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, in response to the threatening climate change crisis. The paper recognizes Nigeria as a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Africa, driving it to develop some national environmental policies that support renewable energy production and sustainability. However, most of the policies seem ineffective. This is because the country needs help with challenges ranging from political interference, corruption, unrealistic emission targets, overreliance on fossil fuels, and other socioeconomic factors. The study highlights the potential of Nigeria, the giant of Africa, in leading regional climate negotiations by localizing international environmental foreign policy and developing a strengthened legal framework to guide the African continent to sustainable development. The perspective of this paper is to encourage Nigeria to meet its sustainability objectives while fulfilling its international environmental obligations by exploring its abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and hydropower

Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria's Renewable Energy Policy and Legislation

Endowed with abundant renewable energy resources, Nigeria stands at a pivotal point in its energy development journey. This study explores the landscape of renewable energy policy and legislation in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that shape the sector. The research begins with an overview of Nigeria's current energy framework, emphasizing the critical role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development. It examines existing policies and legislative frameworks, identifying the key government agencies responsible and outlining their respective functions. Despite the country's vast potential, numerous barriers impede the growth of renewable energy. These include legal and regulatory inconsistencies, institutional inefficiencies, financial constraints, and technical challenges. The study delves into these issues, providing a comprehensive analysis of how they hinder progress in renewable energy adoption. Conversely, the research identifies significant opportunities to enhance renewable energy policy and legislation including potential legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, financial incentives, and the promotion of technological innovation and infrastructure development. By leveraging these opportunities, Nigeria can create a more robust and conducive environment for renewable energy growth. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to bridge the existing gaps and foster a sustainable energy future for Nigeria. It also outlines future research directions aimed at optimizing renewable energy policies and practices. Through this comprehensive analysis, the study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on renewable energy in Nigeria, providing insights to guide effective policy-making and legislative action.

Predictive modelling of drag, lift and torque coefficients of cylindrical biomass particles under artificial intelligence

The escalating threats of climate change and fossil fuel depletion have greatly spurred the widespread utilization of renewable energy sources. Biomass energy stands out as the most abundant renewable energy resource. Among all biomass conversion technologies, direct combustion of biomass for heating and power generation represents the most common and cost-effective approach. Suspended combustion technology is widely employed in existing biomass combustion power plants worldwide. However, conventional modeling procedures often fail to adequately address the differences between coal and biomass combustion, particularly the significant impact of large-sized and highly non-spherical cylindrical straw biomass particles on their trajectories. This study utilizes OpenFOAM-body-fitted mesh direct numerical simulation (DNS) to generate a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) dataset consisting of 300 data points for cylindrical particles, aimed at constructing a prediction model based on machine learning (N+1) for key aerodynamic parameters (drag coefficient, lift coefficient, and torque coefficient). The proposed model enables precise prediction of aerodynamic parameters for a wider range of different cylindrical particles and flow conditions, thus extending the existing Euler-Lagrangian model for non-spherical biomass multiphase flow.

Achieving carbon neutrality in an emerging oil-producing country: Renewable energy transition and international trade flows in Ghana

Over the past decade, climate variabilities have emerged as shaping the dynamics of international trade. The adverse externalities posed by climate change require a corresponding improvement in the production of food, trade and the adoption of abundant renewable energy resources. Our study focused on evaluating the impact of renewable energy transition on international trade flows in Ghana. We employed the dynamics ARDL simulation model to analyse our results using data from various institutions. We found that energy transition using both low carbon energy and renewable energy in electricity generation by 1% and 5% significantly increases the balance of trade to the 4th year after which energy transition decreases the balance of trade to the 9th year. After the 9th year, energy transition by both percentages increases the trade balance of Ghana. We observe that the energy transition by 5% has a higher impact than the energy transition by 1%. Additionally, it is observed that using the share of renewable energy in electricity generation has a decreasing rate relative to the first four years. Drafting renewable energy plans such as allocation of funds, supportive policy frameworks and incentives such as green financing, subsidies, and tax incentives can enhance and develop renewable energy infrastructure to increase renewable energy efficiency and reliability for international trade.

Renewable Energy Source Utilization Progress in South Africa: A Review

Renewable energy has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of climate change, energy security, and socio-economic development. South Africa, with its abundant renewable energy resources, has made significant strides in the utilization of renewable energy over the past decade. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the progress of renewable energy advancement in South Africa, examining the policies, initiatives, and achievements in various renewable energy sectors. This study explores the country’s transition from a heavily coal-dependent energy system to a diversified and sustainable energy mix. It analyses the growth of renewable energy technologies, such as wind power and solar photovoltaic (PV), highlighting the key milestones, challenges, and opportunities. Furthermore, this paper discusses the role of government support, regulatory frameworks, and private sector investments in driving renewable energy deployment in South Africa. Finally, it identifies the prospects and potential areas for further advancement in the renewable energy sector. This review aims to contribute to the understanding of South Africa’s renewable energy journey and provides valuable insights for policy-makers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in the sustainable energy transition.

Research on coupling coordination and spatial-temporal evolution of hydrogen energy industry in hebei province based on R-P-D chain

In order to promote the sustainable development of the hydrogen energy industry in Hebei Province, this paper investigates the coordinated industrial coupling and spatio-temporal evolution of the "resource conditions-project layout-user demand (R-P-D)" chain within the hydrogen energy industry in Hebei Province. First, a fitness model for the hydrogen energy industry is formulated based on the "(R-P-D)" chain perspective, and a comprehensive evaluation is performed using the AHP entropy weighting method.Subsequently, coupling coordination model of resource condition-project layout (R–P), resource condition-user demand (R-D), project layout-user demand (P-D), and R-P-D chain are constructed. The coupling coordination degree data of the system are then linked with the spatial unit for spatiotemporal evolution and analysis using ArcGIS software. The findings indicate that cities with high levels of economic development, advanced industrialization, abundant renewable energy resources, and well-developed clean energy industries tend to exhibit more harmonious development in the hydrogen energy industry.

Artificial intelligence-driven transformations in low-carbon energy structure: Evidence from China

The widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the realms of energy and the environment has emerged as a catalyst for transformative shifts toward low-carbon energy structures. However, existing literature and practical applications have yet to delve into the intricate ways in which intelligent technology influences energy structures. Consequently, this study addresses this gap by constructing a comprehensive theoretical model that encompasses robots and differentiated energy inputs. By drawing on the Chinese case, this research investigates the impact of AI on low-carbon energy structure transformation, both theoretically and empirically. The study's results reveal that AI technology significantly advances the cause of low-carbon energy transformation. Notably, this effect is manifested in the post-Industry 4.0 era and regions endowed with abundant renewable energy resources and strong governmental support for innovation. Rigorous robustness tests substantiate the existence of this relationship. Furthermore, adopting smart technology fosters energy structure transformation through industrial restructuring, and introduces the energy rebound effect, thereby partially offsetting its positive impact. Importantly, the study underscores that the efficacy of AI is further heightened when the influx of innovation factors surpasses a certain threshold. These findings furnish crucial evidence and policy insights for China and other developing nations, offering guidance on accelerating energy transitions and attaining carbon neutrality.

The spillover effect of mandatory renewable portfolio standards

Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPSs) are one of the most prevalent and impactful clean energy policies implemented by states in the United States. This paper investigates the regional spillover effect of RPS policies using a directed dyad panel dataset of renewable electricity generation in US states from 1991 to 2021. Regional spillover effect is measured in two ways: by considering the influence of an RPS enacted in neighboring states and in states in the same regional transmission organization or independent system operator region. We use dyadic fixed effects estimation and conclude that the neighboring state’s RPS stringency score is a strong determinant of a state’s total renewable electricity generation. For states without an RPS, the positive influence of an RPS in a neighboring state is larger when the non-RPS state has more abundant renewable energy resources than the neighboring RPS state. Our findings suggest that past RPS policy evaluation research using a confined within-state focus may have underestimated the holistic impact of an RPS, as the impacts of an RPS policy can extend beyond the enacting state’s borders. Overall, this study contributes to an improved understanding of the holistic impact of state RPS policies.

Rural electrification in Nigeria: A review of impacts and effects of frugal energy generation based on some of e-waste components

Nigeria is the seventh most populous country in world being the highest in Africa. The country is blessed with vast natural resources and is one of the highest producers of oil in the world. However, the inadequate supply of electrical energy is a major setback in the nation's economic development. Thus, there is need for an urgent and immediate solution to address the electricity access situation in Nigeria. It is in view of this that we first present an overview of the electrical energy situation of Nigeria (especially in the rural areas). The benefits of rural electrification and it impacts are discussed to buttress the need for electrifying rural areas and an overview of the abundant renewable energy resources in Nigeria is presented. As a proposed solution to improve the electricity situation, the concept of a reuse solar photovoltaic system based on e-waste components and old materials is presented. The system comprises repurposed Power Supply Unit (PSU) from old desktop computers, old thermal car Lead-acid batteries, old solar panels and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units. The possibility of adopting this solution in Nigeria depends on the amount of e-wastes generated annually thus necessitating the need for an analysis to see the annual impact of this system on electricity access based on the amount of available e-waste. Using the huge amount of e-waste generated/received annually in Nigeria, the feasibility of our solution is assessed by estimating the possible number of households that could be electrified by the second life renewable energy systems we propose. Due to the lack of official data in this field, certain constraints and assumptions were defined for the purpose of this analysis which resulted in obtaining a range of results that showed the possible impacts of adopting the reuse system. The analysis showed the minimum and maximum impacts the reuse solution could have on electricity access in Nigeria, based on best and worst case scenario respectively. The results further showed that an average of 287,000 households can be electrified annually if this solution is adopted, causing 2.2 % increment in population with electricity access in a year (between 620 thousand and 4.1 million individuals). Thus, the result is an indication that it is possible to achieve immediate growth in electricity access based on renewable energy integration, frugal innovation and reuse/repurposing of e-waste materials. In addition, this extension of their lifespan reduces their ecological footprint. It is expected that the energy demands of the continuously growing population can be met by strict adherence to set targets including adoption of smart-grids, generation diversification and focusing on rural electrification.

E-VAHAN CHARGING STATION

In a technological world where both pollution and population increase every day, electric vehicles play a key role in saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions and harmful greenhouse gasses in transportation. Rapid changes are occurring in the electrical industry. Rising energy prices, mass electrification of everyday life, and global warming are the main factors determining the speed with which such changes occur. In response to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions and the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the concept of the E-Vahan Charging Station emerged as a pioneering initiative. This innovative project seeks to harness the abundant renewable energy resources of solar and wind power to revolutionize the way electric vehicles (EVs) are charged. As the world transitions towards a greener future, this charging station represents a crucial step in promoting clean and Eco-conscious mobility. Index Terms: Electrification, Harness, Pioneering, Initiative, Crucial, Eco-conscious, E-Vahan Charging Station, etc.

International EV policies: A comparative review of strategies in the United States and Nigeria for promoting electric vehicles

This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the strategies employed by the United States and Nigeria in promoting electric vehicles (EVs) within their respective national contexts. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, EVs have emerged as a pivotal component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Drawing upon a range of scholarly literature, governmental reports, and policy documents, this study examines the policy frameworks, incentives, and challenges faced by both countries in fostering the adoption of EVs. In the United States, a diverse array of federal, state, and local initiatives have been implemented to incentivize EV adoption, including tax credits, rebates, infrastructure investments, and regulatory mandates. Moreover, collaborations between the government, industry stakeholders, and research institutions have facilitated technological advancements and market growth in the EV sector. However, challenges such as range anxiety, high upfront costs, and inadequate charging infrastructure continue to impede widespread adoption. Conversely, Nigeria, while grappling with its own set of socio-economic and infrastructural challenges, has exhibited a nascent interest in promoting EVs as part of its broader sustainable development agenda. Despite lacking a comprehensive national policy framework, various initiatives such as tax exemptions, import duty waivers, and pilot projects have been introduced to stimulate EV uptake. Moreover, Nigeria's abundant renewable energy resources offer a promising opportunity for leveraging EVs to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nevertheless, significant barriers such as limited infrastructure, affordability constraints, and institutional capacity gaps pose formidable obstacles to scaling up EV adoption in the country. By juxtaposing the experiences of the United States and Nigeria, this study contributes valuable insights into the diverse approaches and lessons learned in crafting effective international EV policies amidst varying socio-economic contexts. Through a nuanced understanding of the policy landscape, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers can identify strategies for overcoming barriers and accelerating the transition towards a sustainable transportation paradigm.

Turkey’s Municipal Solid Waste and Urban Waste Water Treatment Sludge Electrical Energy Potential

The role of indigenous and renewable energy resources is crucial for countries that want to be less dependent on foreign countries. Renewable energy resource power plants have many advantages when compared with other resources. They make countries less energy dependent and they also have environmentally friendly technologies when compared with other resources. Turkey is a country that has an abundance of renewable energy resources and biomass is one of the most promising energy resources in renewables. The goal of this paper is to determine Turkey’s electricity potential based on industrial wastes i.e. municipal solid waste (MSW) and urban wastewater treatment sludge potential, using applicable electricity generation methods. In this attempt, electrical energy potential of these resources has been found by using applicable waste to energy methods, technical and economical parameters. Electrical energy potential of Biogas (Landfill gas included) based on these resources is an amount of 6.73 billion kWh/year. Municipal solid waste (MSW) and dried municipal wastewater treatment sludge electrical energy potential is an amount of 23.81 billion kWh/year. Based on the resources stated; using the biogas and biomass energy values, calculations resulting in primary energy potentials; the installed capacity for gas-motor systems, gas turbine systems (Simple cycle), gas & steam turbine systems (combined) and boiler – steam turbine systems have been determined.

Furfural production from lignocellulosic biomass: one-step and two-step strategies and techno-economic evaluation

The conversion of lignocellulose biomass to furfural can be performed using one-step and two-step strategies. A techno-economic analysis plays a crucial role in evaluating the overall economic feasibility of industrial-scale furfural production.

Nearly-zero carbon optimal operation model of hybrid renewable power stations comprising multiple energy storage systems using the improved CSO algorithm

In light of the abundant renewable energy resources in Northwestern China, this study introduces a novel hybrid power plant structure known as the (Renewable energy-concentrating solar power-combined heat and power) RCC system. The RCC system integrates various energy sources, including the photovoltaic, the wind power plant, the concentrating solar power (CSP) plant, and the combined heat and power (CHP) plant. It also incorporates power-to-gas (P2G) technology to convert wind and solar power surpluses into methane. Moreover, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is applied to capture carbon dioxide emissions from the CHP plants, which serves as a raw material for the P2G process. To address the energy trilemma, we develop a nearly-zero carbon emission optimization model for the RCC system, considering different renewable energy source (RES) endowments. The fuzzy membership function method is employed to identify the optimum satisfaction target across multiple attributes. An enhanced CSO algorithm is introduced and validated using a simulation study on a CSP plant in Dunhuang. The results show that compared with traditional power stations, the proposed RCC system can reduce the investment cost by 34.45 %, increase the operating income by 17.7 %, and reduce carbon emission by 3.2 %. At the same time, the methane stock in the system increased by 53.7 % compared with the traditional power station containing P2G equipment, which helps the hybrid power station to participate in the methane market and obtain more profits. In addition, the direct energy supply ratio of RES decreased by 83.16 %, reducing the risk of the system caused by the uncertainty of RES. To sum up, the proposed RCC system has a good development prospect.