Electricity Generation Potential Research Articles

Prioritizing sustainability of renewable energy projects in Morocco

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the electricity generation potential of different renewable energy sources in Morocco, as well as to propose a novel decision support model to prioritize renewable energy alternatives. The aim is to provide recommendations that support Morocco’s energy transition strategy and assist policymakers in devising future sustainable energy policies. Design/methodology/approach The paper integrates the analytic hierarchy process with expert feedback to prioritize five renewable energy alternatives – solar photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar panels (CSP), wind, hydro and biomass – specific to the Moroccan context. The model uses 14 sub-criteria clustered into four main categories: economic, technological, socio-political and environmental. The criteria were weighted based on inputs from local energy sector experts to capture the distinct priorities and contextual specificities of Morocco’s renewable energy landscape. Findings The study’s findings emphasize the dominance of economic criteria among Moroccan experts. Solar PV emerged as the most suitable option due to its cost-effectiveness and alignment with Morocco’s policies to support solar energy, followed by hydropower and wind. CSP and biomass ranked lowest due to high costs and limited viability. Research limitations/implications This study highlighted the need for quality data to support informed decision-making, as well as for a centralized database to facilitate access to consistent information on renewable energy projects. Practical implications It is recommended that policymakers prioritize mature and cost-effective technologies by establishing supportive regulatory frameworks and expanding investments in hybrid renewable energy infrastructures. Originality/value In addition to introducing the Analytic Hierarchy Process model for the first time within the Moroccan context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research draws recommendations to assist Moroccan policymakers in devising future sustainable policies for the energy sector.

Energy recovery from landfill gas in Egypt

AbstractIn developing countries, the transition from dumpsites to landfills is particularly important for addressing the challenges of waste management and promoting sustainable development. The goal of this study is to determine the quantity of gas emissions from landfills in Egypt using LandGEM, Afvalzorg, and Mexico models, as well as analyze the financial benefits and greenhouse gas reductions of producing electricity from municipal solid waste, considering seven different landfills across Egypt. A financial assessment was conducted using the entire lifecycle cost, levelized cost of energy, net present value, internal rate of return, and payback period. While the environmental assessment adopted a methodology to determine greenhouse gas production and reductions due to landfill gas valorization, in a span of 30 years, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced by 81% following landfill gas utilization based on a 75% gas collection efficiency. Furthermore, the potential electricity generation reaches 358 gigawatt-hours, with plant capacities ranging between 3 and 40 megawatts. The positive net present values obtained demonstrate that landfill gas for electricity generation in Egypt is financially feasible for big landfills. This aims to provide first-hand technical knowledge to waste management stakeholders, including policymakers, planners, decision-makers, and investors, to guide waste management planning and promote financially feasible investment in landfill gas to energy in Egypt. Graphical Abstract

Boosting electricity generation associated with Saudi Arabi buildings using PCM and PV cells on walls and roof leading to a sustainable building

In Saudi Arabia, where the majority of regions receive a minimum incident shortwave solar energy exceeding 4 kWh/(m2.year), there is a high potential for electricity generation and simultaneously, a challenge in building cooling. In this study, by adding photovoltaic (PV) on the roof and wall, as well as using phase change material (PCM) inside the walls, electricity production and energy consumption of Saudi residential buildings were investigated. Taking into account the effects of radiation on vertical and horizontal envelopes as well as phase change in PCM, the energy equation was solved using DesignBuilder to specify hourly energy consumption and electricity generation. When installing PV cells at the optimal tilt, incoming radiation to the cells increases. However, creating shadows on subsequent rows of cells diminishes the effective PV surface area. Surprisingly, calculations revealed that if PV cells are installed at zero angle, owing to installing more PV cells, up to 31% extra electricity is produced than when installed at the optimal tilt. As a side effect, the cooling load decreases by 5.1% due to reduced radiation intensity on the roof. The orientation of the walls significantly impacts both phase change material (PCM) and PV-associated electricity generation. Placing PCM on the east wall optimizes its performance, while walls containing PV panels perform best when facing south. To further enhance cooling and reduce electricity demand, phase change material was incorporated into both the roof and wall, resulting in a 2% reduction in overall electricity demand. Notably, in eight major populated areas across Saudi Arabia, under the constraint of the constant PV cell area, installing PV cells on the roof proves three times more advantageous than placing them on the walls.

Cheese whey generation, management and potential for biogas production in Mexico and the State of Jalisco

ABSTRACT Pollution of water bodies and process upset in treatment plants in Mexico by cheese whey discharges is a matter of concern where scant inspection and law enforcement may aggravate the situation. This study analyzes the current state of environmental regulatory compliance and the impacts of whey discharges with particular emphasis on the country’s leading dairy-producing state, Jalisco. Subsequently, cheese whey characteristics and current valorisation volume and uses are discussed in detail. From there, anaerobic digestion is presented as a key technology for cheese whey treatment mainly to comply with wastewater regulations, with recovery of biogas as bonus. From there, the volume of cheese whey discharged to the environment and potential equivalence in biogas and electricity production is calculated considering both the technologies commonly used in industrial applications and for farms and small producers. Also, the potential electricity generation and prevented atmospheric impact are calculated and framed against the current Mexican energy and emissions inventory. Finally, a review of past efforts to disseminate the use of anaerobic digesters to produce biogas from organic waste in Mexico is undertaken, followed by a discussion of the basic requirements for a strategy to sustainably manage and treat whey discharges.

Evaluation of the potential power generation resources in SAARC region for sustainable energy trade

AbstractThis article presents a comprehensive review on the contemporary condition of electrical energy in the SAARC countries with particular focus on conventional as well as renewable resources. The region lies at the center of the Asia with a dense population where demand and supply gap has always been a challenging factor for the governments. In addition, the region has observed enormous industrial growth during past two and half decades whose sustainability is totally dependent upon the continuous supply of energy. A bulk of valuable literature has been published in recent years that addresses the challenges, infrastructure improvements margins and several schemes to mitigate the energy deficiency in the region but most of it focuses upon either generation or transmission. This article covers this gap and presents to‐the‐point data that can be used for future forecasting, cross‐border trade possibilities and indigenous energy generation for remote and islanded regions within and across the SAARC mainland. A detailed review on electrical power generation potential by exploiting the renewable energy resources (RERs), generation capacity, installed capacity, energy short fall and transmission and distribution (T&D) losses is presented for each SAARC country and the results are presented in forms of tables and graphs. It can be inferred from the data presented in this paper that the energy crisis of the SAARC region can be overcome by mutual trade among the land‐connected countries by transporting the electrical energy, generated through RERs, across the borders. The paper concludes that the region has enormous potential for renewable energy available in form of hydal, solar, wind and biomass that, if maturely harnessed, can only not fulfil the local demands of the region but also be exported to establish the framework of cross‐border energy trade in future for sustainability of industrial and domestic utilization.

LiDAR-Based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Offshore Wind Blade Inspection and Modeling

The deployment of offshore wind turbines (WTs) has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the transition to renewable energy, offering significant potential for clean electricity generation. However, these structures’ operation and maintenance (O&M) present unique challenges due to their remote locations and harsh marine environments. For these reasons, it is fundamental to promote the development of autonomous solutions to monitor the health condition of the construction parts, preventing structural damage and accidents. This paper explores the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the inspection and maintenance of offshore wind turbines, introducing a new strategy for autonomous wind turbine inspection and a simulation environment for testing and training autonomous inspection techniques under a more realistic offshore scenario. Instead of relying on visual information to detect the WT parts during the inspection, this method proposes a three-dimensional (3D) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) method that estimates the wind turbine pose (position, orientation, and blade configuration) and autonomously controls the UAV for a close inspection maneuver. The first tests were carried out mainly in a simulation framework, combining different WT poses, including different orientations, blade positions, and wind turbine movements, and finally, a mixed reality test, where a real vehicle performed a full inspection of a virtual wind turbine.

Strategic approach to accelerating regional bioenergy development: Bioelectricity for emission reduction and sustainability

The western Himalayas hold significant potential for generating bioelectricity from dry pine needle biomass. This approach provides multiple benefits, including forest fire prevention, electricity generation, and emission reduction. However, despite these advantages, the growth of this sector has fallen short of expectations. The projected electricity generation potential from pine needle biomass in this region could lead to a significant annual emission reduction of 1.7 MtCO2e through forest fire prevention and an additional 0.49 MtCO2e by displacing carbon-intensive grid electricity. Regional bioenergy development plays a crucial role in the global energy transition and aligns with SDG 13, "Climate Action," and SDG 7, "Affordable and Clean Energy." By focusing on bioenergy as a renewable and accessible energy source, local and regional communities can contribute to climate action while simultaneously ensuring affordable and clean energy for their communities. Therefore, this paper employs a hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis as a strategic planning tool to achieve emission reduction targets by stimulating regional bioenergy growth. Twenty-nine SWOT factors were identified under four variables, and then the AHP technique was employed to assign priority weights to both SWOT variables and factors. Combining SWOT with AHP analysis provides quantitatively determined priorities for the factors, enabling their objective comparison. Eventually, this study offers a comprehensive perspective that leads to policy recommendations and serves as a valuable resource for relevant stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers seeking to achieve emission reduction goals through bioelectricity generation.

Energy, environmental and economic performance of bi-facial photovoltaic noise barrier applied in city scale

Solar energy in transportation reduces fossil fuel consumption and supports carbon neutrality. Photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNB) are used globally to harness renewable energy along roads. This study's novelty lies in the detailed consideration of road orientation and the application of bifacial photovoltaic technology when assessing the potential for large-scale deployment of PVNB. Bifacial PV technology captures solar radiation from both sides, enhancing energy efficiency. A mathematical model was established and validated to predict PVNB power output at 5° azimuth intervals. Geographic information system (GIS) technology was used to quantify trunk roads, motorways, and RNB in Shenzhen, China. Accordingly, the electricity generation potentials of PVNB, as well as the economic and environmental benefits were calculated. The installed capacity and power generation of PVNB in Shenzhen are 432.29 MW and 313.37 GWh, respectively. The levelized cost of electricity is 0.4781 CNY/kWh. Compared to a 600 MW coal-fired unit, 9119.09 tce of fossil fuel can be saved, with lifecycle carbon reduction of 3.80 Tg and net carbon reduction of 3.05 Tg.

Deciphering cleaner and sustainable frontiers in scientific cow waste valorization: a review.

The forecasted global population growthis poised to create a greater exigency for livestock-derived food production,leading to a significant wastegeneration from the industrial-scalelivestockoperations, which necessitates to develop sustainable waste management solutions. The heightened demand for livestock and dairy products has driven a surge in cow waste (CW) production. While CW is typically used as organic fertilizer or solid fuel, improper disposal poses potential environmental hazards. Anaerobic digestion and composting transform CW into valuable products, such as biofuels and organic fertilizers, with the potential for electricity and heat generation, biochar production, and advanced friction materials. The CW contains essential inorganic and organic compounds vital for plant functions, including lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, nitrogen, and minerals such as potassium, sulfur, iron, magnesium, copper, cobalt, and manganese. Additionally, the rich microbial diversity in cow dung drives the production of bioenergy carriers like biomethane and biohydrogen, promoting cost-effective energy generation and environmental sustainability. This review employs bibliometric analysis to explore the latest trends in CW applications, with a particular focus on innovative applications such as cellulose extraction, biochar production, microbial fuel cells, and nanoparticle synthesis. Itfurther evaluates the environmental impacts of these technologies and assesses their potential to advance sustainable and cleaner frontiers in the valorizationof CW.

Optimizing solar photovoltaic farm-based cogeneration systems with artificial intelligence (AI) and Cascade compressed air energy storage for stable power generation and peak shaving: A Japan-focused case study

This study proposes a novel solar cogeneration system that integrates compressed air energy storage units (CAES) and gas turbines (GT) with a solar farm consisting of photovoltaic panels. The primary objective of this research is to address the instability of solar energy production and help during peak energy consumption by utilizing CAES. The proposed system is modeled using EES software, and its performance is optimized using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods, including artificial neural networks and intelligent algorithms. The analysis identifies five critical decision variables that significantly impact system performance: the number of photovoltaic panels, CAES pressure ratio, CAES inlet pressure, gas turbine efficiency, and compressor efficiency. The results demonstrate that the optimized solar cogeneration system can achieve exergy efficiency of 36.44 % and a cost rate of 13.76 $/hour. The exergy analysis of the system indicates that the most significant destruction is related to the solar farm, gas turbine, and compressors. Furthermore, this study investigates the effect of weather in eight Japanese cities on system performance, considering two operating modes: with and without using system electricity (PV mode). The results show that the proposed solar cogeneration system has significant potential for clean electricity generation and CAES applications to overcome the instability of the solar system and help during peak energy consumption throughout the year. The study's findings highlight the attractive potential of integrating CAES and AI technologies in solar photovoltaic systems for stable and efficient power generation in Japan.

Energy harvesting using rooftops in urban areas: Estimating the electricity generation potential of PV and wind turbines considering the surrounding environment

Building rooftops, rich in sunlight and with high wind speeds, are among the most ideal locations for installing renewable energy systems (RES) in urban areas. However, not all rooftops are suitable for RES installation. Therefore, this study aimed to maximize energy harvesting using limited rooftop space. To this end, four scenarios were established based on a district in Seoul, South Korea, and the annual electricity generation of the RES was then estimated. This process was refined further into seven scenarios to assess economic feasibility. The principal findings of this research are as follows. First, depending on the type of RES installed on rooftops, it is possible to generate between 755,124 kWh and 3,236,918.3 kWh of electricity annually. Second, in terms of economic feasibility, scenarios predominantly featuring photovoltaic (PV) installations proved economically viable, whereas those mainly involving vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) did not guarantee economic feasibility. Third, for VAWTs scenarios with lower economic viability, adjusting the Renewable Energy Certificate weight and providing government subsidies up to USD1,131/kW could improve the profitability. These results provide a foundation for RES operators to design appropriate projects based on economic evaluations, and for policymakers to formulate effective policies to better promote the diffusion of RES.

Low-emissions hydrogen from MCH dehydrogenation: Integration with LNG regasification

Methylcyclohexane (MCH) is a promising organic hydride carrier for hydrogen transport and storage. Recovering hydrogen from MCH is an energy intensive process. An innovative idea of integrating this process with liquified natural gas (LNG) regasification is proposed in this study and demonstrated via modelling and simulation to substantially reduce external energy use. The synergistic benefits are twofold. In addition to providing a cold energy source for an effective high recovery cryogenic flash separation, the organic Rankine cycle based electrical power generation potential from LNG cold energy is fully exploited to reduce/eliminate external electricity demand for hydrogen compression to the high (end use) pressure. The results is a major reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The proposed design for an integrated LNG-H2terminal can supply (1) 99.99 mol% pure hydrogen to a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant and (2) commercial-grade natural gas to a gas-grid, both at the desired pressures and temperatures. Subsequently, rigorous simulation-based optimization was performed to minimize external energy inputs.A case study with 100 tph MCH and 100 tph LNG showed that integrating regasification with dehydrogenation produced 6.2 tph of hydrogen while gasifying LNG with a net power generation of 310 kW and a hydrogen recovery cost of 0.282 $/kg H2. Up to 7.3 tonnes of hydrogen can be produced per 100 tonnes of LNG without the use of external power. On the other hand, using external power, up to 11.3 tonnes of hydrogen can be produced per 100 tonnes of LNG without any external refrigeration. Overall, the superstructure proposed in this manuscript provides a generic initial approach for future MCH hydrogen supply chain projects, when considering integrations with LNG regasification plants.

Evaluating energy generation potential from municipal solid waste in an open dumping site of Khulna

The expanding global population, waste output, land scarcity, and environmental deterioration make waste-to-energy (WtE) technology a feasible option for managing MSW. This study explores the economic benefits of WtE in the Rajbandh open dumpsite in Khulna and the potential of generating energy from MSW. The electricity generation potential under alternative scenarios namely scenario 2 (landfill gas to electricity (LFGTE)), scenario 3 (mass-burn incineration), scenario 4 (hybrid LFGTE, mechanical–biological treated (MBT) anaerobic digestion (AD) and incineration), and scenario 5 (hybrid AD and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) incineration) is based on projected waste generation over the next 20 years, taking population growth into account. These four options are compared to Business as Usual (BAU). Scenario 3 has the highest electricity generation capacity at 207799.73 MWh/year, followed by hybrid RDF-incineration/MBT-AD (scenario 5), LFGTE, however, lowest generation at 30683.07 MWh/year. Net Present Value (NPV), Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), and Payback Period define each scenario’s economic feasibility. Due to its greatest NPV of approximately 41.378 million USD, Scenario 3 is the most economically beneficial. Sensitivity analysis has been done selecting some sensitive parameters to evaluate the robustness of the output. Waste reduction model (WARM) estimates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use for each scenario. However, scenario 3 has the lowest GHG emissions and energy use. In addition to reducing GHG emissions and energy usage, recycling waste increased NPV and economic benefits. This analysis reveals that scenario 3 is the best way to generate power, provide economic benefits, and reduce energy consumption for ecologically friendly waste management in Khulna City.

Penstock pipe’s hydraulic design for the mini hydropower plant at Besai Kemu, Bukit Kemuning, Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract Hydropower, as a renewable energy source, holds significant potential for electricity generation. However, optimizing the design of hydropower penstocks to ensure efficient energy conversion remains a complex challenge. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the optimal hydraulic calculations for designing a penstock system in Lampung, Indonesia, thereby contributing to the understanding of micro hydropower engineering. The research adopts an explanatory methodology, utilizing a case study approach in Bukit Kemuning, Lampung, Indonesia. Design data collection at the research site and relevant hydraulic design indicators from literature serve as the foundation for conducting comprehensive hydraulic calculations. The study focuses on key parameters such as penstock dimensions, power generation capacity, and energy loss assessments to inform the design process. The analysis reveals a flow rate of 11 m3/s and a flow velocity of 2.43 m/s, resulting in a targeted power output of 3234 Kilowatts. The findings underscore the critical role of key elevation parameters and design considerations in optimizing the penstock system for efficient electricity generation. Detailed calculations elucidate the determination of penstock dimensions, the evaluation of energy losses, and the consideration of surge pressure velocity to ensure system resilience. To withstand high water pressure, the research advocates for penstock pipes with specific dimensions: two pipes, each 116 m in length, with a diameter of 2.4 m and a cross-sectional area of 4.52 m2 requiring a thickness of 10 mm. The study identifies pressure reduction factors, including head loss due to penstock friction (0.169 m), friction losses (0.1635 m), and water hammer reaching 2 bar with an acceleration of 88.03 m/s2. The net head after turbulent and friction losses is determined to be 30 m. This study highlights the importance of tailored design strategies in effectively harnessing hydropower resources, offering valuable insights for micro hydropower projects globally.

Potential Utilization of Tamblang Dam for Micro Hydro Power Plant to Increase Renewable Energy Mix for Indonesia

Abstract Bali, a prominent tourist destination in Indonesia, faces an increasing demand for electricity, primarily supplied by non-renewable sources. With a target to increase renewable energy mix, Bali focuses on leveraging its water resources, notably Tamblang Dam, for hydroelectric power generation. This research aims to determine the potential utilization of Tamblang Dam as a micro hydro power plant, highlighting its capacity to significantly contribute to renewable energy mix in Indonesia generally and Bali particularly. Analysis reveals a potential electricity generation of 0.52 MW, with an annual hydro power production estimate of 4.57 GWh. Considering discharge availability, height of falling water and efficiency of hydro power system. The research also underscores the project’s economic viability and profitability, emphasizing its role in fostering sustainable energy practices in the region.

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System for Generating Energy to Dairy Farm Activities

Minas Gerais is the leading milk-producing state in Brazil, and many dairy activities are supplied with electricity by the cable aerial network of the electrical energy state company. Given that the Brazilian energy matrix relies primarily on hydroelectric power, studies on the potential of other renewable energy sources in the context of dairy farms are innovative. Additionally, frequent disturbances and interruptions have motivated the installation of solar energy systems on dairy farms. However, the scarcity of technical and scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of electricity generated from photovoltaic panels in Minas Gerais has caused dairy farmers to fear potential financial losses. In this study, grid-connected photovoltaic systems in dairy farms were evaluated, considering three fixed tilt angles for the panels (latitude - 10°, latitude, and latitude + 10°) and electrical energy demands of dairy activities associated with two herd sizes (100 and 150 cows). Meteorological databases and mathematical models were used to predict daily global radiation on tilted panels in dairy farms of two Brazilian municipalities of Minas Gerais State (Lavras and Paracatu). Energy consumption related to dairy activities was monitored for 12 months. For both municipalities, the best results were verified with the tilt angle of panels equal to the local latitude - 10°. The municipality with the lowest latitude (Paracatu) showed higher electricity generation potential. In all simulated scenarios, a greater energy surplus was found from late spring to early autumn (Southern Hemisphere), when the higher electricity generation by the photovoltaic panels met the elevated electrical energy demand of the dairy farms. A high energy surplus was also verified during midwinter, where lower energy consumption by the dairy farms compensated for the reduced availability of solar radiation. The proposed methodology can be adapted to other dairy farms, agricultural and urban buildings.

Utilizing molecular states of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) to efficiently harvest outdoor and indoor energy via luminescent solar concentrator

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) offer a huge potential for electricity generation due to their ability to harvest direct and diffused light. Among numerous fluorophores for LSCs, carbon quantum dots (C-QDs) are promising candidates due to their non-toxic nature, tunable optical features, and cost-effective synthesis. State-of-the-art LSCs utilizing C-QDs focus on solar energy harvesting, while their potential to harness indoor light for electricity generation is yet to be explored. In this study, we rationally fabricated C-QDs based LSC for efficient energy harvesting under both outdoor and indoor illuminations. Through a facile solvothermal pyrolysis technique, we synthesized the molecular states assisted C-QDs exhibiting a strong absorbance in the visible region that matched well with the outdoor and indoor light spectra. Laminated LSCs were fabricated by coating C-QDs/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film (photoluminescence quantum yield 71 %) on two glass substrates and joining them with an interlayer of refractive index matching polymer. Given geometry not only protects C-QDs/PVA film from external damage but also prevents light scattering losses that were prominent in an open C-QDs/PVA layer. External efficiency (ηext) of the small-to-large area LSCs under different illuminations were estimated using an analytical approach. The results showed that under outdoor (air mass 1.5 global spectrum) illumination and without scattering background, a large-area (10 × 10 × 0.6 cm3) LSC at an optimized concentration of C-QDs exhibited ηext of 3.1 %. When connected with the silicon PV cell, the same LSC yielded a power conversion efficiency (ηPCE) of 0.34 %. Among various indoor illuminations (light-emitting diode (LED)-daylight, LED-warm white, and fluorescent-daylight (CFL)), the best performance was shown under LED-daylight with the ηext and ηPCE of 7.4 % and 0.30 %, respectively. This study offers enormous potential for the adoption of C-QDs based LSC not only in building exteriors (such as windows and facades) but also in the places where artificial lights are used.

Green energy and rooftop innovation: Unlocking the carbon reduction potential of photovoltaic-green roofs

As urbanization progresses rapidly, cities encounter significant environmental and energy challenges. Photovoltaic-Green Roof (PV-GR) technology offers an innovative strategy with the potential to alleviate urban carbon emissions and resource scarcity issues. However, the carbon reduction potential of PV-GR technology remains unclear. Hence, this study aims to comprehensively assess the carbon reduction potential of PV-GR. This is achieved by integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), lifecycle assessment, the Denitrification-Decomposition Model (DNDC), and solar simulation. Using Fuzhou City as a case study, the research indicates: (1) Fuzhou has approximately 72.9 km2 of rooftops suitable for PV-GR development, with an annual biomass production from herbaceous plants estimated at around 2.958 × 107 kg. The annual electricity production under the baseline scenario reaches 9,678 GWh, satisfying about 17 % of Fuzhou’s annual electricity demand. Moreover, in an optimistic scenario, electricity generation rises to 10,176 GWh, and even in a pessimistic scenario, it could achieve 9,471 GWh. (2) In the baseline scenario, Fuzhou’s PV-GR annual carbon reduction is estimated at 6.678 × 106 t CO2, potentially offsetting about 11.14 % of the city’s annual carbon emissions. In an optimistic scenario, this reduction increases to 7.022 × 106 t CO2, and even in a pessimistic scenario, the reduction remains significant at 6.535 × 106 t CO2. (3) Over a 30-year lifecycle, the carbon emissions from PV-GR are projected to total 3.092 × 107 t CO2, accounting for 51.34 % of Fuzhou’s annual emissions. In an ideal baseline scenario, the net carbon reduction over the lifecycle of PV-GR could total 1.703×108 t CO2, effectively offsetting 282.76 % of Fuzhou’s annual carbon emissions. Additionally, scenario simulations suggest that by 2030, potential electricity generation from PV-GR could increase to between 10,463 GWh and 10,901 GWh, due to changes in power structure and urban expansion. Overall, this study demonstrates that PV-GR holds considerable potential for carbon reduction.

Machine learning-based predictive approach for pitting and uniform corrosion in geothermal energy systems

Geothermal energy is a sustainable source from Earth's crust, and holds great potential for electricity generation, but corrosion poses a significant challenge. In this study, we employed a range of machine learning models, including linear regression, decision tree, k-nearest neighbors, random forest, and support vector regression to predict uniform and pitting corrosion. Despite limited data performance issues, virtual samples from a synthetic data generator improved results when combined with actual data. Fine-tuning with various hyperparameters enhanced model performance, with the decision tree proving the most effective. Exhaustive feature selection identifies key factors influencing uniform and pitting corrosion, validated by the models.

Assessment of PV excess generation savings in Ghana considering peer-to-peer energy trading

ABSTRACT Solar is one of the Renewable (RE) sources with a high electricity generation potential. However, the challenge with using individual stand-alone Photovoltaic (PV) systems is the mismatch between load demands and electricity generated such that surplus and insufficient energy are experienced by prosumers. This study used the Net Present Value (NPV), and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) economic models to assess the impact of modern (peer-to-peer, P2P) trading and applicable PV system cost reduction strategy in Ghana, considering a cluster of stand-alone systems. The energy demand and generations of a total of 7 prosumer and consumer buildings in the Don Bosco Technical Institute, Ashaiman, were used. The results, considering a mini-grid connection between the buildings, showed an LCOE of GH₵ 1.358 over 10 years and NPV of about GH₵ 5 million for 25 years when excess generation is traded as compared to GH₵ 2.423 for LCOE and about GH₵ 180,000 NPV when excess generation is disregarded. A proposed shared investment community-owned system design showed further LCOE reduction to GH₵ 1.122 because the capital cost decreased. This shows that P2P energy trading can make PV generation attractive amidst other benefits like job creation, revenue generation and emissions reduction if RE is used. Lastly, a suitable energy trading market mechanism was proposed for implementing P2P in the context of Ghana. Though the research revealed that more benefits can be obtained from PV systems in Ghana, future technical analysis regarding transmission losses, the Internet of Things (IoTs), and blockchain need to be done.