Economic Feasibility Research Articles

Feasibility of a 40kWp Grid-Connected Solar Power Plant in Tiaret, Algeria:

This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of a 40kWp grid-connected solar power plant in Tiaret, Algeria. Utilizing comprehensive solar irradiance data and advanced PV system software, we designed and simulated the plant's performance under local conditions. Our analysis incorporates smart grid integration strategies and economic modeling. Results indicate an annual electricity generation of approximately 68,000 kWh, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.12 USD/kWh and an estimated payback period of 5 years. The plant demonstrates a performance ratio of 0.759, reflecting its efficiency under real-world conditions. These findings suggest that grid-connected solar power plants are not only technically viable but also economically attractive in Algeria. The study provides critical insights for policymakers, investors, and engineers, offering a replicable model for assessing and implementing solar projects in similar emerging markets across North Africa and beyond.

Side-by-Side Economic Process Model for the Comparison and Evaluation of Magnetic Bead-Based Processes and Legacy Process for the Manufacturing of Monoclonal Antibodies

This study models two alternative downstream processes based on magnetic separation with the objective of understanding the economic feasibility of these processes compared to the traditional mAb process. The key focus lies in the economic understanding of the cell harvest and capture steps in the models. Here, the models revealed that integrating cell removal and product capture in a single operation is the main factor driving the unified productivity between USP and the magnetic bead-based processes. This results in significant economic benefits, such as savings in both the cost of goods per gram of mAb and fixed costs, as well as increasing annual facility output. The predicted savings potential approaches 38% for COGs, 17% for capital investment, and 40% for annual facility output. For mammalian cell-based manufacturing, the magnetic separation-based DSP provides a highly valuable option due to its integration of several individual unit operations compared to the traditional process both in reducing process time and cost and accommodating higher demands.

Wood–Cement Composites: A Sustainable Approach for Mitigating Environmental Impact in Construction

The construction industry’s environmental impact has become a growing concern, largely due to the energy-intensive production of conventional building materials. This paper explores the potential of wood–cement composites as a more sustainable alternative through a comprehensive literature review, including a bibliometric and scientometric analysis of research trends. Our analysis traces the evolution of wood–cement composites from early studies focused on mechanical properties, to recent investigations into their environmental benefits and practical applications. Key findings suggest that optimal performance can be achieved by treating wood with tetraethyl orthosilicate, incorporating additives like cellulose nanocrystals or wollastonite, and using wood from species such as Pinus. While partial cement replacement with wood waste and ash offers significant environmental advantages, precise formulations are needed to maintain structural integrity. This study also acknowledges certain methodological limitations, such as the reliance on keyword-based filtering, which may have excluded some relevant studies. Future research should address long-term durability, economic feasibility, and standardized testing methodologies to facilitate the adoption of wood–cement composites in the construction industry. These materials, particularly suitable for non-structural applications and insulation, hold promise as viable, eco-friendly building solutions capable of reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint.

ANÁLISE DE RENTABILIDADE DE INVESTIMENTOS EM SISTEMAS DE REFRIGERAÇÃO COM ALTA EFICIÊNCIA ENERGÉTICA

This study analyzes the profitability of investments in high-energy-efficiency refrigeration systems, addressing the economic and environmental impacts of these systems compared to conventional technologies. Energy efficiency is essential for reducing operational costs and promoting sustainability, especially in sectors with high continuous refrigeration demand. The objective is to evaluate the economic feasibility of efficient systems, highlighting variables that influence the return on investment. A descriptive and qualitative literature review was conducted, analyzing studies on energy efficiency, environmental impact, and cost-benefit in commercial and industrial sectors. The findings indicate that, although the initial investment in high-efficiency technologies is high, these systems significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs over time. It concludes that adopting efficient refrigeration systems is economically viable across various sectors, especially those with high energy demand, and an effective strategy for meeting environmental requirements and reducing emissions.

Cold Plasma for Enhanced Water Purification

Abstract Access to clean water remains a critical global challenge, with traditional water treatment methods often failing to eliminate complex pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and antibiotics. Cold atmospheric plasma technology offers a promising solution by generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species at room temperature, effectively degrading these contaminants and inactivating pathogens. Recent advancements in cold plasma have shown significant potential in water treatment applications. Cold plasma has demonstrated efficacy in disrupting bacterial biofilms, reducing antibiotic contaminants, and degrading complex organic pollutants, making it an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods. This review examines the principles of plasma technology, evaluates its performance in water sanitation, and addresses the challenges of scalability and economic feasibility. By integrating cold plasma into existing water treatment systems and developing standardized protocols, this technology can significantly contribute to sustainable water management and public health, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From Waste to Wealth: Entrepreneurial Ventures in Chitosan Extraction for Environmental Sustainability

The degradation of water quality in the environment can be attributed to the discharge of wastewater from shrimp ponds. Conversely, solid waste in the form of shrimp shells presents an entrepreneurial opportunity through the extraction of chitosan, a substance with the potential to enhance water quality while contributing to environmental sustainability. Sampling for this study was conducted at the Vannamei Nusantara Gemilang pond, located in Tambakrejo Village, Malang Regency, East Java. The research employed an experimental methodology with a quantitative approach, supplemented by a literature review. Various doses of chitosan solutions were tested on shrimp pond wastewater. The optimal results were obtained at a dosage of 80 mg/L, significantly outperforming the untreated water. The test outcomes for the 80 mg/L dosage included: BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) at 4.62 mg/L, Nitrite concentration at 0.045 mg/L, turbidity at 3.55 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), TSS (Total Suspended Solids) at 14.6 mg/L, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) at 2974 mg/L, pH level at 6.31, and temperature at 31.40°C. Notably, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels did not meet quality standards, highlighting the need for further process optimization. These findings emphasize the potential of chitosan extraction as a sustainable solution, while also underscoring the importance of continued research into the economic feasibility of this waste-to-wealth approach. Further studies are necessary to refine the wastewater treatment process, quantify the economic benefits, and ensure the long-term viability of this entrepreneurial venture in environmental sustainability.

Comparative Analysis of Hydrogen Production and Economic Feasibility: Direct versus Indirect Coupling of Photovoltaic Systems with Electrolyzers

Hydrogen production using photovoltaics (PV) is essential for decarbonizing many sectors of the economy. The integration of PV and hydrogen electrolyzers is actively debated, with focus on direct versus indirect configurations and the option of storage. Direct configuration connects PV directly to the electrolyzer, offering simplicity and reduced installation costs but depends on the weather for efficient power transfer. Indirect configuration adds a power stage, increasing complexity and losses, but enabling maximum power tracking. Adding batteries allows storage of excess PV energy, extending hydrogen production. This study optimizes a PV generator to maximize annual hydrogen production in the direct configuration, then uses the same PV array for indirect configurations with and without batteries for a fair comparison. Results show that the indirect configuration with a battery yields 78% more hydrogen annually than without a battery and 109% more than the direct configuration. The indirect configuration with a battery uses 86.9% of PV energy for hydrogen production, yielding the highest profit at 2.53 € ⋅ W−1 (euros per watt‐peak of PV), compared to the direct and indirect configurations without a battery, which use 41.9% and 44.6% of PV energy and generate 1.49 and 1.83 € ⋅ W−1, respectively.

High-precision prediction of microalgae biofuel production efficiency: employing ELG ensemble method

Microalgae biofuels are considered a significant source of future renewable energy due to their efficient photosynthesis and rapid growth rates. However, practical applications face numerous challenges such as variations in environmental conditions, high cultivation costs, and energy losses during production. In this study, we propose an ensemble model called ELG, integrating Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), to enhance prediction accuracy. The model is tested on two primary datasets: the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration) dataset and the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) dataset, both of which provide extensive data on biofuel production and environmental conditions. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the ELG model, achieving an RMSE of 0.089 and MAPE of 2.02% on the EIA dataset, and an RMSE of 0.1 and MAPE of 2.21% on the NREL dataset. These metrics indicate that the ELG model outperforms existing models in predicting the efficiency of microalgae biofuel production. The integration of EMD for preprocessing, LSTM for capturing temporal dependencies, and GBM for optimizing prediction outputs significantly improves the model’s predictive accuracy and robustness. This research, through high-precision prediction of microalgae biofuel production efficiency, optimizes resource allocation and enhances economic feasibility. It advances technological capabilities and scientific understanding in the field of microalgae biofuels and provides a robust framework for other renewable energy applications.

Advances in Tandem Strategies for CO2 Electroreduction: from Electrocatalysts to Reaction System Design

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) offers the opportunity to store renewable energy in the form of chemicals and fuels while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions. Compared to low‐carbon products such as carbon monoxide and formic acid, multicarbon products have demonstrated greater value in terms of economic feasibility. To date, various strategies have been developed to enhance electrocatalytic performance, with tandem strategies emerging as a promising approach, particularly for the formation of multicarbon products. In this review, current tandem strategies regarding CO2RR are thoroughly discussed, covering electrocatalyst designs from atomic‐scale tandem electrocatalysts to macroscale electrode configurations as well as reaction system designs. Additionally, the internal reaction processes involving reduction product upgrades, the application of multi‐physical tandem fields, and the tandem reaction systems are further summarized. This review aims to provide more fundamental insights into tandem strategies for CO2RR applications and inspire more creative ideas in the research community of CO2RR in light of this promising approach with its wide versatility, diversity and flexibility.

Policy impact on economic and environmental sustainability of anaerobic digestion: Industrial case study Insights.

This paper thoroughly examines how policy incentives impact the economic and environmental sustainability of anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. It uses techno-economic and life cycle analyses, along with real industry data, to explore the entire AD process-from feedstock acceptance to digestate disposal. It evaluates the effects of various U.S. policy crediting programs on the economic viability of different AD pathways for treating sewage sludge and food waste. Tipping fees are identified as the primary driver of profitability, while policy credits play a crucial role in enhancing economic feasibility, particularly for renewable natural gas production. However, future regulatory changes could reshape this economic landscape. All AD pathways are found to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, though economic outcomes are highly sensitive to digestate disposal costs and feedstock tipping fees. Co-digestion with food waste is proposed as a strategy to reduce dependence on policy credits and improve long-term economic stability.

A Systematic Review of Techno-Economic, Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessments for Vibration Induced Energy Harvesting

There is a growing need to ensure the resilience of energy and water systems through digitalization, retrofit these systems for cleaner energy systems, and protect public safety in terms of water quality. This resilience requires a reliable power supply that could be provided by harnessing unexploited energy hidden in the current water infrastructure through the deployment of vortex-induced vibration energy harvesters. Therefore, being able to understand the feasibility of deploying these devices across technical, socioeconomic and environmental scales could further enhance successful deployment and integration of these devices. This paper aims to provide a systematic review investigating the development of energy harvester technologies to understand the key methods used to assess their application feasibility. This study used the PRISMA guidelines, and 139 articles were reviewed and synthesized. The trends were visualized, illustrating the current direction in energy harvesting development and application and methods used to assess the feasibility of these devices and technology. The majority of the reviewed studies focused on technical feasibility, design configuration, limitation, and identification of the most optimal application environment. The results revealed a huge opportunity for energy harvesters, especially as a power supply for monitoring sensors. Nevertheless, the results also identified a knowledge gap when it comes to assessing the overall application feasibility of energy harvesting as most studies currently neglect economic feasibility, environmental impacts, social aspects and energy resilience. Assessment tools will help fill this knowledge gap by identifying the key barriers and benefits gained from integrating this technology into existing energy systems and water systems.

Techno-Economic Feasibility: Planning an On-Grid Solar Power System for Shrimp Pond Aeration

The rapid growth of the Indonesian shrimp farming industry is accompanied by high production costs, primarily driven by the reliance on fossil fuel-based energy sources that can destabilize the ecosystem. This study investigates the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of using three energy sources, including photovoltaics (PV), grid, and generator, to supply aeration needs in shrimp ponds. A comparative analysis of three scenarios with on-grid schemes was conducted through optimization using Queen Honey Bee Migration (QHBM) and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithms, namely Net Present Cost (NPC), Renewable Fraction (RF), and Carbon Emission (ECO2). From a technical point of view, a lower electricity tariff is obtained compared to the grid, which is US$ 589,968. The optimization results on the NPC, RF, and ECO2 parameters show that scenario 1 of the QHBM algorithm is the most optimal. This condition is evidenced by the acquisition of 3 parameters that are closest to the determination of the objective function, yielding an NPC of US$ 230,390.34, RF of 26.01%, and ECO2 of 1,484KgCO2e, with 655Wp PV specifications and the number of PV as many as 578pcs. Economically, the investment in a solar power plant for the shrimp pond obtained BEP of 4.2 years with a payback period (PP) obtained in year 5, net cash-flow of US$ 63,317.31, with ROI of 19% and NPV of US$ 775,159.40 in the same year.

OTIMIZAÇÃO DE MISTURAS DE CONCRETO PARA REDUÇÃO DE CUSTOS COM USO DE POZOLANA

Concrete is the primary source for the development of civil engineering projects. In Brazil, its use reaches approximately 40 million cubic meters per year. As a result, concrete production is a central element in civil engineering, being used in a wide range of applications, from foundations to large structures. However, the costs associated with concrete production represent a significant portion of the total costs of a project. Therefore, the search for methods that can reduce these costs without compromising the quality and durability of structures is of utmost importance for the sector. The main objective of this work is to explore effective methods for optimizing concrete mixtures using additives or applying alternative materials in order to guarantee the quality of the product, with the aim of improving its physical-mechanical and economic characteristics. To achieve this goal, the following specific objectives were defined: to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of different concrete formulations, to identify the main factors that influence concrete production costs, to develop optimization models for concrete mixtures based on economic and performance criteria, and to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed solutions in case studies. During the development of the research, comprehensive literature reviews were carried out to understand the latest trends and practices related to concrete production. In addition, laboratory experiments were conducted to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of different concrete formulations, taking into account the influence of variables such as type of aggregate and the use of pozzolan as an additive to improve concrete. Based on the data researched and the tests developed, it was possible to present pozzolan as a satisfactory additive for addition to concrete, since it reduces production costs while maintaining the essential properties of concrete, such as compressive strength, durability and workability. And because it is a more sustainable material, it reduces environmental damage.

Application of Central Composite Design for Commercial Laundry Wastewater Treatment by Packed bed Electrocoagulation using sacrificial iron electrodes.

This research paper deals with a novel method utilizing packed bed electrocoagulation (PBEC) comprising of sacrificial iron electrodes and coupled with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) used as flocculent agents for the treatment of commercial laundry wastewater (LWW). The study employs stainless steel cathodes, graphite anodes, and scrap iron pieces as sacrificial electrodes, ensuring efficient treatment in dynamic batch mode operation with enhanced contact time facilitated by serpentine flow. The initial characteristics of LWW were COD 579 ± 30 mg/L, TSS of 60 ± 10 mg/L, TS of 622 ± 20 mg/L, turbidity of 110 ± 5 NTU, pH of 9 ± 0.5, NPEOs of 570 ±150 μg/L and conductivity of 494 ± 20 mS/cm. The results demonstrate effective removal of turbidity (98 ± 2%), TS (95 ± 3%), COD (89 ± 5%), and NPEOs (53 ± 2%) under optimized current intensity: 2.99A, treatment time: 58.8 minutes and enhanced EPS dose from 5.8 mg/L to 8.0 mg/L. The economic feasibility analysis reveals energy consumption as the primary expenditure, with a treatment cost of 1.20$CAN/m3. This research introduces sustainable treatment for commercial LWW, meeting Quebec's reuse standards, implying reuse potential and responsible wastewater management.

CO₂ sequestration and soil improvement in enhanced rock weathering: A review from an experimental perspective

AbstractEnhanced rock weathering (ERW) is an emerging negative emission technology (NET) with significant potential for mitigating climate change and improving soil health through the accelerated chemical weathering of silicate minerals. This study adopts a critical research approach to review existing ERW experiments, focusing on the mechanisms of soil improvement and CO₂ sequestration, as well as the economic costs and environmental risks associated with its large‐scale implementation. The results demonstrate that while ERW effectively enhances soil pH and provides essential nutrients for crops, its CO₂ sequestration capacity is highly dependent on variables such as soil type, rock type, application rate, and particle size. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of ERW is challenged by high costs related to mining, grinding, and transportation, and environmental risks posed by the release of heavy metals like Ni and Cr during the weathering process. Notably, significant discrepancies exist between laboratory experiments and field applications, highlighting the need for extensive in‐situ monitoring and adjustment of ERW practices. This study underscores the importance of optimizing ERW strategies to maximize CO₂ sequestration while minimizing environmental impacts. Future research should focus on long‐term field experiments, understanding secondary mineral formation, and refining the application techniques to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of ERW. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Water Resource Recovery Facilities Empower the Electrolytic Hydrogen Economy.

The global transition to net-zero emissions necessitates the integration of clean hydrogen as a key solution. To facilitate the required expansion of clean hydrogen production, sustainable water sources are required to support the electrolysis process. Utilizing nontraditional water sources such as water resource recovery facility (WRRF) effluents could potentially alleviate the water constraints and create cobenefits, but the real-world feasibility has not been explored in depth. Here, we investigated the geospatial interplay between WRRFs and H2 users in a clean hydrogen economy. We developed an optimization framework for contiguous U.S. that would identify H2 users-WRRF pairing through techno-economic constraint and multicriteria decision analysis, and we found that utilizing reclaimed water from WRRFs could save 66% (62-99%) of freshwater for clean hydrogen economy while accumulating $758 (275-1162) million annual national cost savings. The added benefits from H2 users to WRRFs such as pure oxygen aeration would provide a compelling new opportunity for infrastructural symbiosis but warrant a future investigation on its technical and economic feasibilities.

A Review on Various Techniques for Boron Recovery: Focusing on Efficiency, Sustainability, Scalability, and Cost-Effectiveness

Boron is a critical element extensively used across various industries—such as glass manufacturing, ceramics, agriculture, detergents, nuclear energy, and aerospace—due to its unique chemical and physical properties. However, its widespread industrial use has raised significant environmental concerns, particularly its accumulation in aquatic systems, posing risks to biodiversity, plant life, and human health. This review examines the impacts of boron pollution on aquatic organisms, plants, and humans, highlighting the necessity for effective recovery strategies. We provide a comprehensive analysis of boron recovery techniques—such as reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, nanofiltration, adsorption, membrane distillation, and leaching—focusing on their efficiency, sustainability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. The evaluation compares each method’s operational parameters, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. While methods like reverse osmosis and electrodialysis offer high removal efficiencies, they are often limited by operational costs and environmental drawbacks. Alternative methods like adsorption and nanofiltration present more sustainable and cost-effective options but may require optimization for large-scale applications. This review underscores the need for advanced, economically viable, and sustainable boron recovery technologies to mitigate environmental risks and comply with regulatory standards.

Experimental and molecular dynamic simulation studies of landfill contaminated groundwater remediation by graphene oxide coated zeolite

ABSTRACT Graphene oxide (GO) has proven effective in wastewater treatment due to its capability to adsorb heavy metals and organic contaminants. Zeolite is also widely used in contaminant remediation as a reactive material in permeable reactive barrier (PRB). Experimental column flow-through tests were applied in this study to investigate the remediation ability of composite granule-graphene oxide coated zeolite (GOZ) on FA, Pb2+ and NH4 +, from municipal landfill contaminated groundwater. Microscopic characterization and molecular dynamic simulation were carried out in sequence to understand the adsorption process. The results demonstrated that GO significantly enhanced zeolite’s adsorption capacity for Pb2+ and FA by 147.5% and 164.8%, respectively, though NH4 + removal experienced a slight decrease of 25% after GO coating. The ion exchange of Pb2+ resulted in more significant partial collapse compared to NH4 + due to different effective diameter comparing with the channel size of zeolite. However, GO coating relieved the framework deformation by engaging in functional group reactions during Pb2+ adsorption. A recommended surface area coating ratio between 47.0% and 78.4% was identified, as values outside this range may lead to significant GO deformation or inefficient FA adsorption. The GO-zeolite granules displayed significant potential in remediating various contaminants while effectively preventing GO aggregation and zeolite collapse. As technological advancements reduce GO production costs, the economic feasibility of using GOZ in groundwater remediation is increasingly promising.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Insulation Thickness with Respect to On-Site RES Generation in Residential Buildings

This paper investigates the optimization of insulation thickness with respect to the integration of renewable energy systems in residential buildings in order to improve energy efficiency, maximize the contribution of renewables and reduce life cycle costs. Using the DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus software, this study models a representative two-story residential building located in Athens, Greece. The building envelope features extruded polystyrene thermal insulation and windows with unplasticized polyvinyl chloride frames and low-e glazing. Six scenarios with hybrid renewable energy systems are analyzed, including air- and ground-source heat pumps, solar thermal systems and a biomass fired boiler, so as to assess energy consumption, economic feasibility and internal air temperature conditions. A Pareto-fronts-based optimization algorithm is applied to determine the optimal combination of insulation thicknesses for the walls, the roof and the floor, focusing on minimizing the life cycle cost and maximizing the percentage of renewable energy utilized. The results demonstrate that scenarios involving biomass boilers and solar thermal systems, both for heating and cooling, when combined with reasonable thermal protection, can effectively meet the recent European Union’s directive’s goal, with renewable energy systems contributing more than 50% of the total energy requirements, whilst maintaining acceptable internal air temperature conditions and having a life cycle cost lower than contemporary conventional buildings.

Prioritizing Energy Performance Improvement Factors for Senior Centers Based on Building Energy Simulation and Economic Feasibility

This study examined energy performance improvement factors by analyzing both energy performance and the economic impacts to reduce energy costs for senior centers. A fact-finding survey was conducted on 20 senior centers in a metropolitan area, identifying key energy improvement factors. Energy simulations of the buildings were performed using ECO2, an officially certified energy assessment program in Korea, comparing the energy requirements before and after the improvements. The energy demand, energy consumption, and floor area were analyzed, with the J, K, and S standard models selected based on the median values of these factors. To assess the impact of the improvements, blower door tests were conducted on two senior centers before and after window upgrades. Based on the ECO2 simulations and the blower door test results, improvement priorities were identified in the following order: windows, exterior walls, boilers, roofs, and doors. Finally, an economic feasibility analysis applied the construction and heating costs to the standard models. Over a 40-year period, only boiler improvements generated a net profit. Without government support, this study recommends prioritizing boiler upgrades when selecting energy performance improvements.