Cost Of Electricity Research Articles

Electrodialysis Using Zero-Gap Electrodes Producing Concentrated Product Without Significant Solution Resistance Losses

Electrochemical separations use an ionic current to drive the flow of ions across an ion exchange membrane to produce dilute and concentrated streams. The economics of these systems is challenging because passing an ionic current through a dilute solution often requires a small cell gap to lower the ionic resistance and the use of a low current density to minimize the voltage drop across the dilute product stream. Lower salt concentration in the product stream improves the fraction of the salt recovered but increases the electricity cost due to high ohmic losses. The electricity cost is managed by lowering the current density which greatly increases the balance of the plant. The cell configuration demonstrated in this study eliminates the need to pass an ionic current through the diluted product stream. Ionic current passes only through the concentrated product stream, which allows use of high current density and smaller balance of the plant. The cell has three chambers with an anion and cation membrane separating the cathode and anode, respectively, from the concentrated product solution. The device uses zero-gap membrane electrode assemblies to improve the cell voltage and system performance. As ions concentrate in the center compartment, the solution resistance decreases, and the product is recovered with a lower voltage penalty compared to traditional electrodialysis. This lower voltage drop allows for faster feed flow rates and higher current density. Additionally, the larger cell gap for the product provides opportunities for systems with solids suspended in solution. It was found that the ion collection efficiency increased with current due to enhanced convective mass transfer in the feed streams.

Modeling and Simulation of Hydro Power Plant by Using MATLAB

The demand of electricity increases day by day. The hydropower plant becomes the best source of electricity on the earth. It is produced due to the energy provided by moving or falling water. The cost of electricity remains constant over the year. Because water is a natural source of energy present on the earth. About 71% area of earth is surrounded by the water. So producing electricity with water is the best way to keep environment – ecofriendly. The hydropower plant model was developed using MATLAB/Simulink software. The plant consist of hydro turbine connected to synchronous generator, which is connected to public grid. The dynamic response of the system to the disturbances on the system network was studied. A three phase to ground fault was introduced in the model at 0.2 sec and cleared at 0.4 sec. The simulated result shows that the generated voltage quickly regained its stability on the removal of fault the stator current went into transient after the fault was cleared and become stable at 0.6 sec. The excitation voltage also regain its stability but it was slower and the speed of the rotor was out of stable after the occurrence of the disturbance on the system. The result shows that perfect generation of energy to resist the fault. Key Words —Hydraulic Turbine, Penstock, Governor, Synchronous Generator, System Simulation

Barrio-Level Assessment of Solar Rooftop Energy and Initial Insights into Energy Inequalities in Puerto Rico

The transition to renewable energy is critical to enhance Puerto Rico’s energy resilience and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems provide a scalable opportunity to meet these objectives. This study evaluates the potential of rooftop PV systems across Puerto Rico using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) PV Rooftop Database, processing detailed roof surface data to estimate installed capacity, energy generation, Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), and solar resource potential at municipal and barrio levels. Findings reveal high solar rooftop capacity in urban neighborhoods, with areas like Sabana Abajo and Hato Tejas each exceeding 450 GWh/year in potential generation. Solar rooftop resource values peak at 3.67 kWh/kW in coastal areas, with LCOE values (0.071–0.215 USD/kWh) below current electricity rates. All municipalities demonstrate technical potential to meet their electricity demand with rooftop PV system alone. This research contributes through (1) developing Puerto Rico’s first comprehensive solar rooftop potential map; (2) providing unprecedented barrio-level analysis; (3) introducing a methodology for estimating missing post-disaster consumption data; and (4) integrating technical, economic, and equity indicators to inform energy policy. These findings demonstrate the importance of rooftop solar in achieving renewable energy goals and provide an understanding of spatial energy inequalities.

Optimization of Electricity Consumption-Associated Costs in a Medium-Sized Logistics Company

The purpose of this research is to investigate the possibilities of electricity consumption-associated cost reduction in buildings owned by a medium-sized logistics company in Latvia (A_LV), which is a part of the larger international business ecosystem (A). The company is not using all of its facilities for its own business needs, some of them are rented out, and therefore the possibility of impacting electricity consumption in rented out buildings is limited. During the research, mixed-type approaches combining qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis were employed, where the quantitative methods helped to analyze the company’s electricity consumption and cost changes in different time periods, while the qualitative methods were used in a literature review. As primary data sources, A_LV’s internal electricity consumption reports and invoices for electricity payments were used, along with publicly available data on electricity consumption in Latvia and wholesale market price fluctuations. Although A_LV has numerous areas of electricity consumption optimization, this research is limited to few of them—lighting system optimization, energy management and automation applications, forklift charging regime adjustments, and choice of electricity retailer and tariff plan.

Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning for Scheduling of Energy Storage System in Microgrids

Efficient scheduling of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) within microgrids has emerged as a critical issue to ensure energy cost reduction, peak shaving, and battery health management. For ESS scheduling, both single-agent and multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approaches have been explored. However, the former has suffered from scalability to include multiple objectives while the latter lacks comprehensive consideration of diverse user objectives. To defeat the above issues, in this paper, we propose a new DRL-based scheduling algorithm using a multi-agent proximal policy optimization (MAPPO) framework that is combined with Pareto optimization. The proposed model employs two independent agents: one is to minimize electricity costs and the other does charge/discharge switching frequency to account for battery degradation. The candidate actions generated by the agents are evaluated through Pareto dominance, and the final action is selected via scalarization-reflecting operator-defined preferences. The simulation experiments were conducted using real industrial building load and photovoltaic (PV) generation data under realistic South Korean electricity tariff structures. The comparative evaluations against baseline DRL algorithms (TD3, SAC, PPO) demonstrate that the proposed MAPPO method significantly reduces electricity costs while minimizing battery-switching events. Furthermore, the results highlight that the proposed method achieves a balanced improvement in both economic efficiency and battery longevity, making it highly applicable to real-world dynamic microgrid environments. Specifically, the proposed MAPPO-based scheduling achieved a total electricity cost reduction of 14.68% compared to the No-ESS case and achieved 3.56% greater cost savings than other baseline reinforcement learning algorithms.

Steel-Based Gravity Energy Storage: A Two-Stage Planning Approach for Industrial Parks with Renewable Energy Integration

Although the integration of large-scale energy storage with renewable energy can significantly reduce electricity costs for steel enterprises, existing energy storage technologies face challenges such as deployment constraints and high costs, limiting their widespread adoption. This study proposes a gravity energy storage system and its capacity configuration scheme, which utilizes idle steel blocks from industry overcapacity as the energy storage medium to enhance renewable energy integration and lower corporate electricity costs. First, a stackable steel-based gravity energy storage (SGES) structure utilizing idle blocks is designed to reduce investment costs. Second, a gravity energy storage capacity planning model is developed, incorporating economic and structural collaborative optimization to maximize profitability and minimize construction costs. Finally, a Rime and particle swarm optimization (RI-PSO) fusion algorithm is proposed to efficiently solve the optimization problem. The results demonstrate that under equivalent power and capacity conditions, the SGES structure achieves 90.11% lower costs than compressed air energy storage and 59.7% lower costs than electrochemical storage. The proposed algorithm improves convergence accuracy by 21.19% compared to Rime and 4.21% compared to PSO and increases convergence speed by 72.34% compared to Rime. This study provides an effective solution for steel enterprises to reduce costs.

ТЕХНИКО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЙ АСПЕКТ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНЫХ СИСТЕМ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ РЕЖИМАМИ ЭЛЕКТРОПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ СЕЛЬСКИХ ЖИЛЫХ ДОМОВ

In connection with the mass construction of rural residential buildings in Russia, which have a larger area than in previous years (100–200 m2 and more) and equipping them with modern energy-saturated systems of heating, hot water supply, food preparation and household electrical appliances, the problems of power supply to the settlements of the SZD are becoming urgent, which are primarily reduced to an increase in the design capacity by two or more times and a significant asymmetry of the load on three-phase inputs to houses. which leads to emergency modes of operation of the power supply systems of the SZD settlements, especially during the hours of abnormally low winter outdoor temperatures. An example is the winter of 2023, when there were large power outages in a number of rural settlements in Siberia, including the Krasnoyarsk Region. Intelligent systems for managing the modes of power consumption of the SZD on a priority principle based on «Smart House» technologies are designed to solve issues related to load balancing at inputs to the SZD, reducing peaks in the daily load schedules of consumers, and equalizing load schedules at transformer substations (TS). The immediate economic effect for consumers will be the transition from single-rate electricity tariffs to multi-rate ones, which, ultimately, will lead to a faster return on investment and, importantly, to a significant increase in the comfort of residents living in the house. The economic effect from the introduction of intelligent control systems for «Smart House» electric receivers is achieved by: changing the power supply scheme of the SZD village with a reduction in the amount of one-time costs; saving electricity costs through the use of automatic control of Smart Home power receivers on a priority basis and differentiated tariffs by time of day; alignment of the load schedule and other factors. Calculations showed that the net present value (NPV) for three years would be 109 thousand. Rubles, which indicates the economic efficiency of the Smart Home project. The economic effect is provided by saving electricity costs when using the intelligent control system and differentiated tariffs by time of day. According to the criterion of the given discounted costs, their value is 12466.7 thousand rubles and 6979 thousand rubles, respectively, in the project scenario they are 50% lower, the option is cost-effective and can be implemented.

Some Technological Aspects of Hydrogen Production and Storage

Provides a brief analysis of the current state of research in the field of hydrogen production and storage for hydrogen energy applications. The conducted analysis shows that the primary industrial method for hydrogen production at the current stage of hydrogen technology development is the classical method of water electrolysis. In this regard, the study examines various types of electrolyzers, comparing them based on operating temperature, stack voltage efficiency, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. It is shown that the reduction in the cost of renewable electricity increases interest in water electrolysis, as this method allows for hydrogen production without emitting carbon dioxide (CO₂). Hydrogen storage mainly relies on traditional technologies such as compressed gas and cryogenic liquid, while for large-scale applications, underground storage is the preferred method. In recent years, there has been rapid development in solid-phase hydrogen storage, which is considered the safest storage method. To store larger amounts of hydrogen in a smaller volume, one solution is to compress it to high pressure. The most common method of hydrogen storage is compression in steel gas cylinders at pressures of up to 700 bar. When hydrogen gas is compressed to 700 bar, its volumetric density reaches 36 kg/m³. This can be achieved using modern lightweight composite steel high-pressure cylinders.

Localized Electrochemical Deposition 3D Copper–Nickel Core‐Shell Structures at Meso‐Scale

Localized electrochemical deposition (LECD) is a novel technique for the fabrication of metal microstructures, which enables the precise deposition of metal structures at designated locations. Currently, copper constitutes the majority of deposited metal microstructures owing to its high electrical conductivity, low cost, and favorable fatigue resistance. However, copper exhibits several drawbacks such as susceptibility to oxidation, poor corrosion resistance, low hardness, and inadequate mechanical strength. To overcome these limitations, a copper–nickel core‐shell reinforcement structure is developed, resulting in a significant enhancement of the mechanical properties of the original metal structure. Copper core structures are fabricated using the LECD method, and the effects of deposition potential and electrolyte concentration on the deposition rate are examined. The influence of deposition potential and deposition time on the formation of the nickel shell layer is determined, and the deposited nickel shell layer significantly reduces the defects generated during the deposition of the copper core structure. After conformal deposition, the Cu–Ni core‐shell structure significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the copper. Compared with the pure copper structure, the mechanical properties are improved by 124%, indicating a significant strengthening effect, while the adaptability to actual environments has also been enhanced. This enhancement broadens the potential applications in areas such as electronics, energy, environmental science, and catalysis.

Defect Analysis with Remedial Quality Controls in Manufacturing/Transport and Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Panels: A Case Study Driven Review

Abstract The economic viability of large‑scale photovoltaic (PV) deployment depends on the long‑term reliability of solar modules. Field surveys continue to reveal systematic defects introduced at the factory, during logistics, and on the construction site. This paper synthesises peer‑reviewed literature, international failure databases, and six recent case studies to (i) categorise dominant defect modes across the life‑cycle, (ii) quantify their impact on energy yield and levelised cost of electricity (LCOE), and (iii) propose a tiered quality‑control (QC) framework that integrates in‑line monitoring, shipment surveillance, and post‑installation acceptance testing. Results show that implementing the recommended remedial controls could avert up to 2.4 % annual revenue loss for utility‑scale assets. Keywords: Solar PV reliability, microcracks, potential‑induced degradation, quality management, electroluminescence, field failure, supply‑chain risk

АНАЛІТИЧНЕ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ВПЛИВУ ВІДКЛАДЕНЬ НА ТЕПЛООБМІННИХ ПОВЕРХНЯХ НА ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ТЕПЛООБМІНУ

Energy conservation is one of the priority directions of Ukraine's state policy in the energy sector. This course encompasses not only the implementation of innovative energy-efficient technologies but also the profound modernization of existing production capacities by replacing outdated technological schemes and equipment with the latest, highly efficient solutions. Particular attention is paid to the use of new generation plate heat exchangers (PHEs), which are distinguished by high thermotechnical, technological, and operational characteristics. The high efficiency of these heat exchangers contributes to the optimization of energy consumption and the increase in the overall economic profitability of enterprises. The calculations of their thermal and hydraulic performance are based on the fundamental principles of hydrodynamics and heat transfer and are well-developed. This allows engineers to accurately select heat exchange surfaces according to the specified flow rates and temperatures of the heat transfer fluid. At the same time, operational experience shows that the theoretically calculated heat transfer area may require an increase of 20–200% due to the need to account for additional thermal resistance caused by the formation of fouling layers. However, to date, the data on the thermal resistance of deposits are mainly of a recommendatory and fragmented nature, which complicates their practical application. They often do not take into account the specifics of heat exchanger designs and their operating conditions, and sometimes even contradict each other. This applies to both industrial heat transfer fluids and water – the most common one. Fouling of heat exchange surfaces significantly reduces the efficiency of PHEs in various industries, including transport, energy, technological processes, and the municipal sector. The formation of deposits on the heat exchange surface leads to an increase in electricity costs for pumping the heat transfer fluid, changes in the temperature regime, and, as a result, an increase in both capital and operating expenses. In critical cases, this can lead to the failure of the heat exchanger due to channel blockage. Given the above, scientific research aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation of the design heat transfer characteristics is becoming particularly relevant. Their goal is to develop sound theoretical foundations and practical recommendations that will minimize the negative impact of fouling on the operation of heat exchangers, thereby contributing to increasing their reliability and efficiency.

A Real Options Model for CCUS Investment: CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol in a Chinese Integrated Refining–Chemical Plant

The scaling up of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) deployment is constrained by multiple factors, including technological immaturity, high capital expenditures, and extended investment return periods. The existing research on CCUS investment decisions predominantly centers on coal-fired power plants, with the utilization pathways placing a primary emphasis on storage or enhanced oil recovery (EOR). There is limited research available regarding the chemical utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2). This study develops an options-based analytical model, employing geometric Brownian motion to characterize carbon and oil price uncertainties while incorporating the learning curve effect in carbon capture infrastructure costs. Additionally, revenues from chemical utilization and EOR are integrated into the return model. A case study is conducted on a process producing 100,000 tons of methanol annually via CO2 hydrogenation. Based on numerical simulations, we determine the optimal investment conditions for the “CO2-to-methanol + EOR” collaborative scheme. Parameter sensitivity analyses further evaluate how key variables—carbon pricing, oil market dynamics, targeted subsidies, and the cost of renewable electricity—influence investment timing and feasibility. The results reveal that the following: (1) Carbon pricing plays a pivotal role in influencing investment decisions related to CCUS. A stable and sufficiently high carbon price improves the economic feasibility of CCUS projects. When the initial carbon price reaches 125 CNY/t or higher, refining–chemical integrated plants are incentivized to make immediate investments. (2) Increases in oil prices also encourage CCUS investment decisions by refining–chemical integrated plants, but the effect is weaker than that of carbon prices. The model reveals that when oil prices exceed USD 134 per barrel, the investment trigger is activated, leading to earlier project implementation. (3) EOR subsidy and the initial equipment investment subsidy can promote investment and bring forward the expected exercise time of the option. Immediate investment conditions will be triggered when EOR subsidy reaches CNY 75 per barrel or more, or the subsidy coefficient reaches 0.2 or higher. (4) The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from photovoltaic sources is identified as a key determinant of hydrogen production economics. A sustained decline in LCOE—from CNY 0.30/kWh to 0.22/kWh, and further to 0.12/kWh or below—significantly advances the optimal investment window. When LCOE reaches CNY 0.12/kWh, the project achieves economic viability, enabling investment potentially as early as 2025. This study provides guidance and reference cases for CCUS investment decisions integrating EOR and chemical utilization in China’s refining–chemical integrated plants.

The effect of device geometry on the performance of a wave energy converter

Wave energy presents an excellent opportunity to add much-needed diversification to the global renewable energy portfolio. However, a competitive levelised cost of electricity for wave energy conversion devices is yet to be proven. Here, we optimise the geometry of a wave energy device to maximise power while also minimising the power take-off reaction moments. Using theory, numerical modelling and optimisation techniques, we show that by including minimisation of reaction moments in the optimisation, instead of only maximisation of power, it is possible to substantially lower the design loads while maintaining high efficiency. Using the underlying physics of how geometry affects the wave-structure interaction, we explain the resulting performance of these new designs for wave energy converters. We examine the resulting geometries for practicality, including performance over a wide range of sea states, motion requirements, and performance in a real sea-state off the coast of Scotland, United Kingdom. Comparing against the single shape which extracts the theoretical maximum power, the optimal shapes found in our study extract almost as much power (12% less) with substantially less moment (reduced by up to 35%), revealing a promising direction for wave energy development.

Energy Sharing in the Commercial Sector With a Focus on SMEs in Germany

This thesis analyses the technical potential of energy sharing with the inclusion of flexible consumers in the commercial sector, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The aim of the study is to use energy sharing to utilise electricity distribution grids efficiently and to reduce the electricity costs of the connected SMEs. The considerations are based on the cellular approach. The study area comprises a real rural distribution grid and the SMEs within it (brownfield planning). Ten companies from different economic sectors were analysed within this area with regard to their load profiles and flexible consumers. The load profiles of the study objects were recorded both for the company as a whole and for individual relevant consumers and producers. The results show that SMEs have relevant flexibility potential, particularly through controllable consumers such as heating systems, industrial trucks and air conditioning units as well as sector-specific systems. Based on the data collected, the analysis revealed a monthly energy sharing potential of 84 MWh for the ten companies in question - without optimising the use of flexibility. An extrapolation to the 117 SMEs in the grid area results in a total potential of 982 MWh per month. In addition to calculating the energy sharing potential, a simulation option is presented using the oemof.solph toolbox, which enables the economic and technical optimisation of flexibility deployment.

The Economic-Energy-Environmental Benefits of Hydrogen Production Technologies in China

Energy from hydrogen is a significant means of energy conversion in China. This paper assesses and compares the economic, energy, and environmental benefits of different hydrogen production technologies in China to promote the growth of the hydrogen production sector. The findings of economic benefits reveal that (1) fossil energy hydrogen production technologies have an absolute advantage in China, and the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of coal-to-hydrogen (CTH) technology is 6.86 RMB/kg, which is more competitive. (2) The cost of electricity and the categories of electrolyzer affect the economic benefit of water electrolysis hydrogen production (WEHP). The cost of hydrogen produced from using nuclear power (NP) is the lowest (28.45 RMB/kg), while that from photovoltaic (PV) is the highest (69.1 RMB/kg). When the power sources are NP, coal power, hydropower, wind power, and PV, respectively, compared with proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolytic hydrogen technology, the LCOH of alkaline (ALK) has decreased by 11%, 8%, 21%, 15%, and 18%, respectively, so ALK electrolytic method is more competitive than PEM. (3) Raw material cost accounts for the largest percentage, ranging from 32.3% to 79%. The findings of energy benefits show that CTH technology has the highest energy consumption among gray hydrogen technologies, which is 7.61 × 105̂ tce. The total energy consumption of WEHP varies with different types of electrolytic cells. The findings of the environmental benefits suggest that WEHP has the largest total carbon emissions of 4.2789 × 106̂ tCO2 when the power source is coal power. Hydrogen from coal and natural gas follows. The carbon emissions of new hydrogen production technologies are generally low. Under the same power supply, the carbon emission of PEM is larger. Received: 28 October 2024 | Revised: 7 February 2025 | Accepted: 29 April 2025 Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work. Data Availability Statement Data are available on request from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Author Contribution Statement Jiamei Pei: Methodology, Software, Validation, Writing – original draft. Qianqian Ding: Formal analysis. Lijuan Zhang: Visualization. Yan Xu: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing, Supervision, Project administration, Funding acquisition.

Cost Analysis of Perovskite‐Organic Tandem Solar Cell

The photovoltaic technology is witnessing rapid advancements, with perovskite‐organic tandem solar cells (PO‐TSCs) emerging as a highly promising option among perovskite‐based solar cells. However, its cost analysis is still very much lacking. This study undertakes a comprehensive cost and economic analysis of PO‐TSCs, aiming to identify the gap with different device configurations and evaluate their commercialization potential. By employing a bottom‐up cost analysis model, various cost components such as materials, equipment, and maintenance are evaluated. The analysis reveals a manufacturing cost of 97.91 USD/m2, with the PBDTT − 2F material in the organic solar cell being the dominant cost factor, accounting for 79.20%. Under the simulated assumptions, the module cost is 0.49 USD/W and the levelized cost of electricity is 4.8 cents/kW h. To assess the economic impact of different solar cell parameters on their performance, a sensitivity analysis is conducted, with particular emphasis on the rate of efficiency loss over time. The findings indicate that achieving a module efficiency of 25% and an operating time of 25 years, along with minimal loss rates, are crucial for economic viability. Although PO‐TSCs have higher initial material and module costs compared to planar single‐ junction perovskite cells, their superior photoelectric conversion efficiency and potential for cost reduction endow them with a competitive edge in the market. This study not only highlights the technical and economic feasibility of PO‐TSCs but also provides valuable insights for future technological progress and market strategies for PO‐TSCs.

TechnoeconomicAnalysis of Microwave-Assisted DryReforming Integrated with Chemical Looping for Production of Methanol

Methanol is a key component in producing formaldehyde,acetic acid,and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and supports awide array of industries, including plastics, textiles, and automotive.It also plays a growing role in renewable energy solutions. However,the conventional production of methanol involves steam reforming ofmethane, which is very energy-intensive and produces significant quantitiesof the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. In this research, a chemicallooping scheme is combined with dry reforming of natural gas in anovel microwave reactor to produce an industrial quantity of methanol.A heat exchanger network is developed to substantially reduce hotand cold utility usage. The effect of the cost of purchasing carbondioxide from an external source for dry reforming, the capital costof the microwave reactor, and the cost of electricity on the net presentvalue is analyzed. Technoeconomic comparison with the conventionalindustrial process that produces methanol via steam reforming of methaneindicates that the chemical looping generates a significant positivenet present value along with a substantial reduction in carbon dioxideemissions while producing methanol significantly below the U.S. Departmentof Energy’s goal of $800/ton.

Expectation vs Reality: Energy Production Through Solar Panels

Abstract: In recent years, the global demand for clean and renewable energy has accelerated, positioning solar energy as one of the most promising and accessible sources. Governments and environmental organizations have promoted solar panel installation as a sustainable solution to climate change, energy insecurity, and rising electricity costs. In response, individuals and institutions have rapidly adopted solar technology, motivated by expectations of high energy output, financial savings, and independence from traditional power grids. However, a significant gap exists between these optimistic expectations and the practical, real-world outcomes of solar panel performance. This research paper explores this expectation-reality divide using secondary data drawn from scholarly articles, government reports, industry publications, and case studies. It examines key factors shaping public perception, such as advertising, word-of-mouth communication, and simplified marketing messages that often overstate the capabilities of solar technology. On the other hand, it evaluates real-world limitations—geographical location, weather variability, system design, panel orientation, and maintenance requirements—that significantly impact the actual performance and output of solar photovoltaic systems. The paper also investigates the role of national policies like India’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides subsidies and support for rooftop solar installations. While such initiatives increase accessibility, there remains a lack of public awareness regarding system limitations, financial payback periods, and ongoing maintenance needs. Through comparative analysis, this paper presents a realistic understanding of daily energy output (typically 3.5–4.5 kWh for a 1kW system), expected lifespan (20–25 years with degradation), and the actual cost-benefit ratio experienced by users. The findings emphasize the need for transparent communication from manufacturers, better consumer education, and policy measures aimed at narrowing the information gap. Bridging this gap is essential not only for improving user satisfaction but also for promoting long-term adoption and trust in solar energy solutions. By aligning public expectations with technological and environmental realities, stakeholders can ensure that solar energy continues to be a reliable and sustainable alternative to conventional power sources.

A New Approach to Expanding Interior Green Areas in Urban Buildings

Countries worldwide have implemented regulations on the green coverage ratio of new buildings to address the urban heat island effect. For example, Taipei City mandates that the green coverage rate of new buildings must be between 40% and 70%, while Singapore requires a green coverage rate of 100% or higher. Consequently, building greening is now a regulatory requirement rather than a preference. This study focuses on developing an indoor light-emitting-diode (LED) hydroponic inverted planting system to utilize ceiling space for expanding green areas in buildings. The light source of this system is suitable for both plant growth and daily lighting, thereby reducing electricity costs. The watertight planting unit does not require replenishment of the nutrient solution during a planting cycle for small plants, which can reduce water consumption and prevent indoor humidity. The modular structure allows various combinations, enabling interior designers to create interior ceiling scapes. Additionally, it is possible to grow aromatic plants and edible vegetables, facilitating the creation of indoor farms. Consequently, this system is suitable for high-rise residential buildings, office buildings, underground shopping malls, and indoor areas with limited or no natural light. It is also applicable to hospitals, clinics, wards, and care centers, where indoor plants alleviate psychological stress and enhance mental and physical health.

Estimating the Timeline for Green Hydrogen's Viability for Captive Power Generation Compared to Grid Power for the Indian Industrial Sector

The transition to sustainable energy is vital for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. This study provides a quantitative analysis to forecast the viability timeline of green hydrogen as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels for captive industrial power generation in India, aiming to reduce Scope 1 emissions and support net-zero targets. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, offers a zero-emission substitute to natural gas. However, high production costs, infrastructure limitations, and technological challenges hinder widespread adoption. This research applies Value Web and techno-economic analyses to evaluate current and projected costs of green hydrogen, technological advancements, and infrastructure scalability. Using data from industry reports, policy documents, and academic studies, the paper models cost-reduction scenarios in green hydrogen production and electrolysis efficiency. It determines the Levelised Cost of Green Hydrogen (LCOH) and assesses transport costs to industrial sites. Further, it examines onsite captive power generation to calculate the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) from green hydrogen, comparing it to grid electricity over time. Sensitivity analyses explore the effects of carbon tax and discount rate changes on green hydrogen’s competitiveness. Findings indicate that green hydrogen could reach cost parity with grid power for industrial use by 2032 without policy incentives. With favourable government policies and sustained technological progress, this parity could be achieved earlier. The study highlights the strategic role of green hydrogen in India’s energy transition, emphasizing the importance of investment in renewable energy infrastructure and supportive policies. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers into the challenges and opportunities of adopting green hydrogen for industrial power, contributing to national and global climate goals. Major Findings: Green hydrogen for 24x7 captive power generation in India could become viable by 2032, particularly in coastal states, like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, that are rich in renewable energy. A carbon tax of $100/ton CO₂ could accelerate adoption by another couple of years, with financing and discount rates playing a crucial role in cost competitiveness. Government incentives like import duty waivers and Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) can further boost market adoption of Green Hydrogen. While Green Hydrogen competes with natural gas, advancements in carbon capture technologies could enable carbon-neutral power generation from natural gas. The choice between Green Hydrogen and carbon capture investments will depend on market dynamics and natural gas availability.