Electricity Generation Technologies Research Articles

Towards a Standardized LCOE Calculation for Informed Decision-Making in Energy Policy and Investment: Application to the Colombian Context

The Levelized cost of electricity - LCOE represents a constant cost per unit of generated electrical energy, resulting from the analysis of the total costs throughout the life cycle of a generation plant. Its widespread use, thanks to its simplicity of calculation and potential of standardization, has made it one of the primary criteria for comparing electricity generation technologies. However, in the pursuit of simplification and generalization, certain aspects associated with the socioeconomic context of the region, as well as accounting and financial concepts, are excluded due to externalities or incentives related to regulatory and fiscal policies. These exclusions affect the accuracy of LCOE and introduce uncertainty when using it as a criterion for investment decision-making or allocation of public resources for the development of renewable sources. This article proposes a clear and standardized methodology for calculating LCOE, which allows for a fair and precise comparison of renewable energy generation options in rural areas. It contributes to informed and transparent decision-making in the fields of energy policy and public investment for expanding electricity service coverage. The proposed methodology is based on the financial cash flow matrix to address variability sources in the calculation, considering the local context of the generation project.

Water-Triboelectrification-Complemented Moisture Electric Generator.

Energy harvesting from ubiquitous natural water vapor based on moisture electric generator (MEG) technology holds great potential to power portable electronics, the Internet of Things, and wireless transmission. However, most devices still encounter challenges of low output, and a single MEG complemented with another form of energy harvesting for achieving high power has seldom been demonstrated. Herein, we report a flexible and efficient hybrid generator capable of harvesting moisture and tribo energies simultaneously, both from the source of water droplets. The moisture electric and triboelectric layers are based on a water-absorbent citric acid (CA)-mediated polyglutamic acid (PGA) hydrogel and porous electret expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE), respectively. Such a waterproof E-PTFE film not only enables efficient triboelectrification with water droplets' contact but also facilitates water vapor to be transferred into the hydrogel layer for moisture electricity generation. A single hybrid generator under water droplets' impact delivers a DC voltage of 0.55 V and a peak current density of 120 μA cm-2 from the MEG, together with a simultaneous AC output voltage of 300 V and a current of 400 μA from the complementary water-based triboelectric generator (TEG) side. Such a hybrid generator can work even under harsh wild environments with 5 °C cold and saltwater impacts. Significantly, an optical alarm and wireless communication system for wild, complex, and emergency scenarios is demonstrated with power from the hybrid generators. This work expands the applications of water-based electricity generation technologies and provides insight into harvesting multiple potential energies in the natural environment with high output.

Phosphomolybdic acid functionalized nano silica for enhanced anti-biofouling effect in polymer electrolyte membranes for microbial fuel cell application

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising technology for simultaneous electricity generation and wastewater treatment. In this study, a single-chambered MFC was fabricated utilizing a novel polymer electrolyte membrane synthesized from sulfonated polyether ether ketone grafted with styrene sulfonic acid (SPEEK/SSA) as the base polymer, and silica decorated with phosphomolybdic acid (SPMA) as a functionalized nanofiller. Various concentrations of SPMA (2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, and 10 %) were incorporated into the SPEEK/SSA membranes and characterized physicochemically. The SPEEK/SSA membrane with 5 wt% SPMA demonstrated the highest proton conductivity (3.75×10−2 S cm−1) and ion exchange capacity (1.68 meq g−1). This PEM also exhibited superior tensile strength (20 MPa) and excellent chemical durability, as evidenced by Fenton's reagent test. Performance evaluation revealed that this membrane achieved a maximum power density of 196.6 mW m−2 at a maximum of 180 mA m−2 current density. Additionally, antibiofouling tests indicated that the 5 % SPMA-incorporated membrane possessed significant antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and exhibited high biofilm inhibition. The wastewater treatment efficacy of the MFC with the 5 % SPMA membrane was confirmed by a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 81.49 %, indicating its potential for effective wastewater treatment. Phylogenetic analysis through 16S rRNA sequencing identified major bacterial phyla including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes, with predominant genera such as Pseudomonas and Acidovorax. This study emphasises the potential of nanocomposite membranes to enhance the performance and durability of MFCs while mitigating biofouling, thereby paving the way for future research and development in this field.

Improving the Economic Feasibility of Small-Scale Biogas-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Energy Systems through a Local Ugandan Biochar Production Method

A small-scale (up to 5 kWe) biogas-solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) energy system is an envisioned system, which can be used to meet both electrical and thermal energy demand of off-grid settlements. SOFC systems are reported to be more efficient than alternatives like internal combustion engines (ICE). In addition to energy recovery, implementation of biogas-SOFC systems can enhance sanitation among these settlements. However, the capital investment costs and the operation and maintenance costs of a biogas-SOFC energy system are currently higher than the existing alternatives. From previous works, H2S removal by biochar was proposed as a potential local cost-effective alternative. This research demonstrates the techno-economic potential of locally produced biochars made from cow manure, jackfruit leaves, and jack fruit branches in rural Uganda for purifying the biogas prior to SOFC use. Results revealed that the use of biochar from cow manure and jack fruit leaves can reduce H2S to below the desired 1 ppm and substitute alternative biogas treatments like activated carbon. These experimental results were then translated to demonstrate how this biochar would improve the economic feasibility for the implementation of biogas-SOFC systems. It is likely that the operation and maintenance cost of a biogas-SOFC energy system can in the long run be reduced by over 80%. Also, the use of internal reforming as opposed to external reforming can greatly reduce the system capital cost by over 25% and hence further increase the chances of system economic feasibility. By applying the proposed cost reduction strategies coupled with subsidies such as tax reduction or exemption, the biogas-SOFC energy system could become economically competitive with the already existing technologies for off-grid electricity generation, like solar photovoltaic systems.

A synergistic bioelectrochemical-photocatalytic system for efficient uranium removal and recovery

Bioelectrochemical system (BES) is a promising technology for uranium recovery, which also enables simultaneous electricity generation. However, the bioelectrochemical recovery of uranium is hindered by its slow process due to the low reduction potential provided by microorganisms. Herein, we developed an innovative bioelectrochemical-photocatalytic system (BEPS) that combines the advantages of BES and photocatalysis, achieving enhanced uranium removal and recovery. The photogenerated electrons in BEPS possess a more negative reduction potential and stronger reduction capability than microbial electrons in BES, significantly accelerating uranium reduction and deposition on the electrode surface. Moreover, the electrons from the bioanode combine with photogenerated holes through the external circuit, effectively inhibiting the recombination of charge carriers. The BEPS significantly enhances uranium removal efficiency, kinetic, and electricity generation through a synergistic coupling mechanism between the bioanode and photocathode. Notably, the UO2 deposited on the electrode surface exhibited a recovery efficiency of 98.21 ± 1.37%, and the regenerated electrode sustained its photoelectric response and uranium removal capabilities. Our findings highlight the potential of the BEPS as an effective technology for uranium recovery and electricity generation.

Fervo Showed Fractured Geothermal Works, Now Must Do It Bigger, Cheaper, and Soon

Earlier this year, one of the founders of Fervo Energy announced that the geothermal innovator had reached its “Mitchell moment.” Jack Norbeck, chief technology officer for Fervo, likened a test where it used a pair of fractured wells to create water hot enough to generate electricity to the time when Mitchell Energy adopted slickwater fracturing to economically extract large amounts of gas from the ultratight rock in the Barnett Formation. “We have derisked all those core challenges, we reached the Mitchell Energy moment for geothermal,” Norbeck said. By doing all that and supplying 3.5 MW of electricity to the local grid that powers Google facilities, he announced that the firm’s enhanced geothermal system (EGS), had reached the highest level of technical readiness. Now comes the hard part—proving that technical triumph can be turned into something really big. The Mitchell moment in 1997 is remembered because it led to a series of innovations that allowed hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling to add enough oil and gas production to move global markets. What has been learned about fracturing in the decades since allowed oil industry veterans at Fervo to effectively use those tools to do what others had failed to accomplish—create high-volume EGS capable of generating power. One big difference between the moments is that Houston-based Fervo’s next step looks like a leap compared to Mitchell’s. After Mitchell’s moment, no innovation was required to sell shale gas from the Barnett or find the oilfield services needed to develop and produce it. Plus, it could learn from the many other companies working in tight rock plays. Its moment was the culmination of years of innovations by oil and service companies who continued finding ways to build on that advance. The endless arguments over who can claim credit for the innovations behind the Mitchell moment are evidence of the size of that support network. Today, Fervo’s efforts are also supported by the oil industry’s service sector and supply chain. Oil company Devon Energy, drilling contractor Helmerich & Payne, and pressure-pumping specialist Liberty Energy are among its early backers. And Fervo is benefiting from the government-funded research and site-evaluation work at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) site, which is the key site for geothermal testing funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE). But unlike Mitchell, the path to commercial success will require Fervo and others to show they can create large operations to convert the heat they harvest into a cost-competitive commodity in a fast-changing, highly competitive industry. Sage Geosystems recently was added to the short list of geothermal startups with big projects, signing a deal with Meta to build a 150-MW plant somewhere east of the Rockies. Also high on the list is Eavor whose first commercial project will use its closed-loop heating technology for home heating and electric generation in Germany.

Educational Station for the Generation and Use of Green Hydrogen

Globally, electrical energy predominantly derives from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which significantly emit greenhouse gases, thereby accelerating ecosystem degradation and climate change. In response, recent decades have witnessed a surge in the development of clean, sustainable electricity generation technologies such as wind and solar photovoltaic systems. These renewable sources are expected to replace fossil fuel-based methods but are limited by their dependency on variable weather conditions, which cannot align with electricity demand. Periods when energy production exceeds demand highlight the critical role of innovative storage solutions. Notably, surplus energy can be utilized for hydrogen production via water electrolysis, producing “Green Hydrogen”, which generates no polluting emissions. This shift towards sustainable technologies necessitates novel educational approaches. It is essential to revise curricula to include these technologies, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving energy sector. This article discusses the design and construction of a green hydrogen educational station built with commercial materials for laboratory use, embodying the integration of renewable energy technologies into academic programs and promoting hands-on learning experiences in energy management and sustainability.

Microbial nutrient recovery cell as an efficient and sustainable nutrient recovery option in sewage treatment

Globally, nutrient pollution is a serious and challenging concern. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designed to prevent the discharge of contaminants resulting from anthropogenic sources to the receiving water bodies. In this study, seasonal nutrient pollution load, and biological nutrient removal efficiency of an anoxic aerobic unit based WWTP were investigated. Seasonal assessment revealed that the average total nitrogen removal efficiency and total phosphorus removal efficiency of the WWTP do not meet the discharge standard of 10 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the WWTP does not utilize the energy contained in the wastewater. In this regard, dual chamber MFC (D-MFC) has emerged as a promising solution that can not only treat wastewater but can also convert chemical energy present in the wastewater into electrical energy. However, higher N O3− (57 ± 4 mg/L) and P–P O43− (6 ± 0.52 mg/L) concentration in cathodic effluent is a major drawback in D-MFC. Therefore, to solve this issue, D-MFC was transformed into a microbial nutrient recovery cell (MNRC) which demonstrated a final N H4+-N and P–P O43− concentration of nearly 1 mg/L with N H4+-N and P–P O43− recovery up to 74 % and 69 %, respectively in the recovery chamber. Besides, MNRC attained a maximum power density of 307 mW/m3 and a current density of 1614 mA/m3, thus indicating MNRC is an eco-friendly, energy-neutral, and promising technology for electricity generation and recovering nutrients.

Enhancing PV solar panel efficiency through integration with a passive Multi-layered PCMs cooling system: A numerical study

Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are at the forefront of sustainable electricity generation technologies, yet they exhibit relatively low efficiency. Typically, less than 20 % of the solar energy absorbed is converted into electrical energy, with the remainder converts into heat. This heat increases the PV panel's operating temperature, negatively impacting its efficiency and life expectancy. To mitigate this, a novel approach using multi-layered phase change materials (PCMs) has been examined in this study. The approach involves integrating organic PCMs (OPCMs) with metallic PCMs (MPCMs), enhancing PV panel cooling efficiency by attaching the multi-layer PCM to the panel's rear. This study, employing ANSYS FLUENT software's solidification and melting model, explores the impact of multi PCM layers thickness and total multi layers thickness on PV cell temperature and electrical efficiency. The analysis reveals that a multi-layered PCMs configuration with a thickness ratio of 15:85 between MPCM (CERROLOW-117® alloy) and OPCM (RT44) significantly decreases temperature rise in PV cells, resulting in a temperature drop of 59.6 °C. This improvement boosts PV panel performance by an average of 35.8 % compared to panels lacking cooling systems during peak sun hours under hot climate conditions characterized by ambient temperatures of 40 °C and high solar radiation exceeding 1000 W/m². This suggests that a carefully optimized PCM layering approach could markedly improve PV system efficiency, offering a practical solution to the overheating problem and extending the operational life of PV installations.

Techno-economic analysis of an islanded energy system based on geothermal/biogas/wind/PV utilizing battery technologies: A case study of Woulde, Adamawa's region, Cameroon

The present paper performs a techno-economic and an environmental analysis of an islanded energy system based on Geothermal/Biogas/Wind/PV hybrid energy system using two battery technologies for electricity generation in the city of Woulde in Cameroon. The innovation of the present paper is threefold: (i) a geothermal plant was modeled, and coupled to various power sources and battery technologies; (ii) an environmental analysis of the hybrid system was performed; and (iii) a solar dual-axis tracker (DAT) was incorporated in the system. The study findings suggested that the integration of a DAT reduced the battery requirements. The results demonstrated that integrating the DAT in the architecture minimized the levelized cost of energy, i.e. from US$ 0.271/kWh to US$ 0.260/kWh for lead-acid (LA) batteries, and from US$ 0.269/kWh to US$ 0.256/kWh for lithium-ion (LI) batteries. It was revealed that the net present cost varied from US$ 61.3 million to US$ 58.9 million for LA batteries, and from US$ 61.0 million to US$ 58.0 million for LI batteries. For both energy storage technologies, the use of a DAT improved the photovoltaic electricity production (about 32.0 % more power). The solutions also revealed that the monthly electricity production of the biogas generator increased with the use of a DAT (about 227.74 % and 7.16 % more power with LA and LI batteries respectively). Concerning the monthly electricity production of the geothermal generator, it decreased with the use of a DAT (about 15.30 % and 7.96 % less power with LA and LI batteries respectively). In addition, the integration of a DAT in the hybrid system increased the emissions of Carbon dioxide and Carbon monoxide. The computation of the excess of electricity revealed a variation from 6,439.0 kWh/year (for fixed system) to 1,676.0 kWh/year (for the system incorporating a DAT) when the LA storage technology was used. For LI technology, it was shown that the excess of electricity increased from 657.0 kWh/year (for fixed system) to 2,420.0 kWh/year (for the system incorporating a DAT). It was also found no unmet load in the different architectures implemented, which simply indicated that the energy produced by the scenarios covered the electricity needs. It was also demonstrated that the electricity production was largely dominated by the geothermal plant for all the scenarios, followed by the PV panels, biogas, and wind turbine generators. It was also found that the wind turbine electricity generation was mainly recorded during the months of January, February, March, and December.

Integrating Renewable Energy Solutions in Small-Scale Industrial Facilities

The purpose of this study was to analyze the economical suitability of numerous on-site renewable electricity generation technologies which were intended to be used in a recently built industrial facility designed and utilized as a warehouse. The facility was located in the vicinity of Riga, Latvia. Data were collected and calculations were performed within the scope of the project “Mitigating Energy Poverty through Innovative Solutions” as part of several planned activities to address the broad spectrum of energy poverty and self-reliance issues in both the residential sector and small-scale industrial facilities. During the project, evaluations of various renewable energy technologies, including PV installations, wind energy installations, battery storage solutions, and hybrid technologies, were carried out. The aim of these evaluations was to develop an electricity production–consumption model for efficient and cost-effective energy use and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the test facility. A model was created and subsequent research scenarios were developed based on a payback period instead of the net present value criterion. The project was carried out over several steps to develop a calculation methodology. The open access databases of energy resource providers were used to evaluate statistical data and make forecasts for the analysis of the electricity consumption of companies. MATLAB/Simulink 23/2 was used for the data analysis, and the H-TEC method was employed. This made it possible to modulate the required production capacity as the model allowed for the addition of new modules to modules already installed. The project results proved that despite high initial investment costs, renewable energy sources and efficient storage systems can provide cost-effective solutions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the long term.

Sustainable All-Day Thermoelectric Power Generation From the Hot Sun and Cold Universe.

Energy conversion from the environment into electricity is the most direct and effective electricity source to sustainably power off-grid electronics, once the electricity requirement exceeds the capability of traditional centralized power supply systems. Normally photovoltaic cells have enabled distributed power generation during the day, but do not work at night. Thus, efficient electricity generation technologies for a sustainable all-day power supply with no necessity for energy storage remain a challenge. Herein, an innovative all-day power generation strategy is reported, which self-adaptively integrates the diurnal photothermal and nocturnal radiative cooling processes into the thermoelectric generator (TEG) via the spectrally dynamic modulated coating, to continuously harvest the energy from the hot sun and the cold universe for power generation. Synergistic with the optimized latent heat phase change material, the electricity generation performance of the TEG is dramatically enhanced, with a maximum power density exceeding 1000mWm-2 during the daytime and up to 25mWm-2 during the nighttime, corresponding to an improvement of 123.1% and 249.1%, compared with the conventional strategy. This work maximizes the utilization of ambient energy resources to provide an environmentally friendly and uninterrupted power generation strategy. This opens up new possibilities for sustained power generation both daytime and nighttime.

Low-humidity sensor and biomimetic power supply based on mesoporous silica/polymerizable deep eutectic solvent ionogels

Although technologies related to humidity detection and utilization, such as humidity sensors, atmospheric water harvesting, energy collection, and moisture-enabled electrical generation technologies, have been widely reported, there is still an urgent need for effective monitoring and utilization of humidity in low-humidity places. An ideal low-humidity sensor requires a high response, fast response time and low humidity hysteresis. Soft ion power supplies inspired by electric eels convert the chemical potential energy of ion gradients into electrical energy by utilizing humidity, but their production is challenging. This paper reports a new strategy for developing functionalized ionogels based on mesoporous silica and a polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (SiO2@PDES). Due to their strong hydrophilicity, high ionic conductivity, excellent adhesion, flexibility and mechanical strength, SiO2@PDES ionogels can not only detect low humidity but also generate electric power through a reasonably designed device structure. In the 5–30% RH range, the response of the SiO2@PDES humidity sensor reaches 1600%, with negligible humidity hysteresis (0.8% RH). As a biomimetic soft ion power supply, SiO2@PDES ionogels generate a high open-circuit voltage of ∼600 mV at 33% RH, which expands the environmental adaptability of moisture-enabled electrical generation equipment. In addition, the excellent moisture-enabled electrical generation performance endows portable wearable power supplies with high potential for applications such as charging capacitors and lighting LEDs.

Correction: Das et al. Comparative Life-Cycle Assessment of Electricity-Generation Technologies: West Texas Case Study. Energies 2024, 17, 992

We discovered a minor mistake in our modeling of the lithium component of the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) that was used in this manuscript [...]

Ökologischer Umbau von Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft: Kosten und Nutzen

Abstract This article weighs up the costs and benefits of the expansion of renewable energy technologies for electricity generation in Germany. According to calculations of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs, this expansion has cost electricity consumers almost 300 billion euros since the introduction of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) in 2000. Moreover, payment obligations of a similar magnitude are already in place for the next two decades. However, with the accelerated expansion of renewables following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, politicians are accepting costs well in excess of this approximately 600 billion. Given the costs already incurred, a cost-benefit analysis is imperative, not least because further costs in the three-digit billion range are not included in the 600 billion figure, such as the costs for grid expansion, which would not be necessary to the same extent without the expansion of renewables. Against this backdrop, strict attention should be paid to cost discipline in the further expansion of renewables by ensuring that the Federal Network Agency only issues technology-neutral rather than technology-specific tenders for the expansion of renewables in future. This means that only the most cost-efficient renewable technologies will be installed. Consequently, there will be budgetary scope for future investments that could boost the growth potential of the German economy more than the expansion of renewable energies. Contrasting with the high costs, the benefits of expanding renewable energies are modest. For example, the share of renewables in primary energy consumption in 2022 was only around 17 %. With such a low share, achieving greenhouse gas neutrality in 2045 with renewables alone appears to be a tremendous challenge.

Investigating the effectiveness of a mobile wind turbine generating electricity from vehicle air movement

This study presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of a portable wind generator designed to harness wind flow generated by moving vehicles for electricity production. With a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources and the need for sustainable power solutions, innovative approaches such as utilizing vehicle-induced wind currents have gained attention. The portable wind generator under examination is engineered to capture airflow from passing vehicles and convert it into electrical energy. Through a combination of field experiments and theoretical analysis, the performance and efficiency of the device were assessed under various environmental and traffic conditions. Factors such as wind speed, direction, and vehicle velocity were considered in the evaluation process. The results indicate promising potential for the portable wind generator as a supplementary power source, particularly in environments with high vehicular traffic. However, challenges such as variability in wind patterns and optimal positioning of the generator remain areas for further investigation and refinement. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of utilizing unconventional wind resources and provides insights into the practical implementation of mobile wind energy technology for sustainable electricity generation.

Microalgae Film-Derived Water Evaporation-Induced Electricity Generator with Negative Carbon Emission.

Water evaporation-induced electricity generators (WEGs) are regarded as one of the most promising solutions for addressing the increasingly severe environmental pollution and energy crisis. Owing to the potential carbon emission in the preparation process of WEGs, whether WEG represents a clean electricity generation technology is open to question. Here, a brand-new strategy is proposed for manufacturing negative carbon emission WEG (CWEG). In this strategy, the microalgae film is used as the electricity generation interface of WEG, which achieves a stable open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.25V and a short-circuit current (Isc) of 3.3µA. Since microalgae can capture carbon dioxide during its growing process, CWEG holds great promise to generate electricity without carbon emissions in the full life cycle compared with other WEGs. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first work using microalgae films to fabricate WEG. Therefore, it is believed that this work not only provides a new direction for designing high-efficiency and eco-friendly WEG but also offers an innovative approach to the resource utilization of microalgae.

Rack and Pinion Based Electricity Generation through a Speed Breaker: A Feasibility Study

Electricity is an essential power source for the economic performance of a developing country like Bangladesh. Due to significant system losses, delays in the installation of new plants, low plant efficiency, and lack of incentives for power plant maintenance, the country's energy-producing facilities have been unable to fulfill the present demand. To meet up this enormous demand, a very simple electricity generation technology was designed. The objectives of the study were to design and fabricate a considerable electricity generation system from a speed breaker and finally determine the technical performance of the system. The production plant was set up using a rack and pinion system. The Damper system comprised of a spring that pushed the speed breaker upwards when it was pushed upon by the weight of the vehicle downwards during trafficking of any vehicles over the speed breakers. As a result, the Rack moved downward, transmitting power to the pinion as motion. The production unit was able to produce 4.2 watts, 6.72 watts, and 0.84 watts, respectively, using a motorcycle, a car, and an easy bike. Our fabricated plant has a total power output of 2683 kW. The unit's entire annual cost, including starting costs and total running costs, is projected to be around $269.65. The capital recovery factor and capital consumption were 0.395 and $44.87 respectively. The proposed design will be helpful to reduce the energy crisis problem in Bangladesh because nowadays in our country the number of vehicles is in increasing trend.

Assessing and enhancing the regional sustainability of electricity generation technologies in an energy-importing megaregion in China

Decision-makers are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of power generation technologies to achieve a secure and sustainable electricity supply in the future. This study aims to assess the sustainability of the eight key electricity generation technologies in the energy-importing Yangtze River Delta region of China and further enhance the regional sustainability of the electricity generation mix. We employed the multi-criteria decision-making process to rank the sustainability of the eight electricity generation technologiesfrom the perspective of various decision-makers. First, the results revealed that no technology is absolutely most sustainable. Second, the subjective findings show that hydropower is the most sustainable technology among the assessed ones, followed by nuclear and onshore wind power. Third, policymakers regard fossil fuel energy as more sustainable than investors and experts. Furthermore, local renewable diffusion and substantial electricity imports from renewable-rich areas can enhance the sustainability of the localelectricity system. In addition,an interregional electricity transmission grid with the neighbor Anhui province as the primary backup power supplier can sufficiently enhance the sustainability of the electricity system in the Yangtze River Delta region.

Role of electricity generation technology in the long-term energy sustainability of India

Electricity distribution has become one of the most essential components of our society since the beginning of human civilization, relying on an abundant, reliable, and affordable power supply. Fossil fuels dominate the production of electricity (89.57 %), emitting 68.7 % of greenhouse gases, polluting water and soil, and depleting fossil fuels. Future energy needs are faced with growing demand for coal (772 million tonnes by 2040) and fluctuating fuel prices. The Indian power sector withdraws over 20 billion m3 of water, whereby coal power plants use around 35 % of freshwater. Among the seventeen sustainable development goals, Goal 7 emphasizes meeting the demand for electricity, the availability of clean fuels, and mitigating air pollution. In 2021, about 747 TWh of energy consumption was met by coal, oil (92 TWh), and solar energy (25 TWh). Renewable power would meet the world’s growing energy needs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost the economy, and strengthen the society. Therefore, renewable energy has gained global attention as a sustainable electricity source. For this, a thorough examination of the economic and social implications of electricity generation technologies must be carried out. This study discusses how fossil fuel-based electricity generation affects global health and the environment and helps achieve Goal 7 of the sustainable development goals. All sectors must work together to stop global warming and water war and make electricity available worldwide for integrated development.