Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of the Alternative Energy: Case of Reducing GHG Emissions of Estonian Pilot Fleet

The FuelEU Maritime Regulation, part of the European Union’s (EU’s) Fit for 55 initiative, aims to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the maritime sector. This study assesses the feasibility of alternative fuels for the Estonian pilot fleet using a Well-to-Wake (WtW) life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Operational data from 18 vessels, sourced from the Estonian State Fleet’s records, were analyzed, including technical specifications, fuel consumption patterns, and operational scenarios. The study focused on marine diesel oil (MDO), biomethane, hydrogen, biodiesel, ammonia, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), each presenting distinct trade-offs. Biomethane achieved a 59% GHG emissions reduction but required a volumetric storage capacity up to 353% higher compared to MDO. Biodiesel reduced GHG emissions by 41.2%, offering moderate compatibility with existing systems while requiring up to 23% larger storage volumes. HVO demonstrated a 43.6% emissions reduction with seamless integration into existing marine engines. Ammonia showed strong potential for long-term decarbonization, but its adoption is hindered by low energy density and complex storage requirements. This research underscores the importance of a holistic evaluation of alternative fuels, taking into account technical, economic, and environmental factors specific to regional and operational contexts. The findings offer a quantitative basis for policymakers and maritime stakeholders to develop effective decarbonization strategies for the Baltic Sea region.

Evaluating GHG Emissions and Renewable Energy Use in the Italian Energy Sector: Monitoring, Reporting, and Objectives

This study investigates the greenhouse gas (GHG) and renewable energy use reporting practices among thermal power plants (TPPs), waste incinerators (WIs), and hydropower plants (HPPs) in Italy, as reflected in their EMAS environmental statements. The analysis focuses on GHG emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and renewable energy utilization reporting, and on the objectives set by the companies for reducing emissions and fossil fuels use. TPPs and WIs reported positive Scope 1 emissions extensively but reporting on Scope 2 and Scope 3 resulted inconsistent for all facilities. Negative emissions reporting was generally lacking, except for HPPs. Renewable energy use reporting was also limited, especially in TPPs and WIs, despite some facilities producing energy from renewable sources. The study also evaluated the objectives set by the companies on GHG reduction and renewable energy use increase, finding that GHG reduction was prioritized over renewable energy use. However, both were often a secondary goal integrated into planned operational improvements. The findings highlight that, to ensure transparency of sustainability data and the possibility of performances benchmarking in the energy production sector, there is the need for defining stronger reporting guidelines on GHG emissions, especially regarding Scope 3 emissions, and to prioritize increasing the share of renewable energy among strategic objectives. Future research should investigate factors affecting reporting behavior and the barriers to renewable energy adoption in fossil fuel-reliant sectors.

Enhancing Environmental Sustainability in the Coffee Processing Industry via Energy Recovery and Optimization: A Life Cycle Assessment Case Study

The coffee processing industry is amongst the most energy-intensive industrial sectors, with the roasting process requiring substantial quantities of energy. To enhance sustainability, various energy optimization and recovery methods have been proposed. This study evaluates the environmental benefits of integrating energy recovery techniques in a typical coffee processing industry using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. Specifically, two alternative scenarios were compared to a baseline processing line; (i) Scenario A, which involves recycling hot air streams to reduce natural gas consumption, and (ii) Scenario B, which utilizes an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) to convert waste heat to electricity. The LCA analysis indicated that Scenario A achieved a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 18% decrease in fossil fuel use. Scenario B demonstrated even greater environmental benefits, with a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 36% decrease in fossil fuel depletion. These findings underline the potential of integrating energy recovery technologies to enhance the sustainability of coffee production, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders and researchers focused on sustainable manufacturing practices.

From COVID-19 Pandemic Pivot to Progress: Blended Work as a Pathway to Greener African Cities

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, disrupted work and life patterns worldwide, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Africa faces disproportionate vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. This commentary explores the benefits of blended work models (remote and in-office work) and the readiness of African cities to adopt them. Notably, the shift to working from home (WFH) during the pandemic improved individual well-being and reduced office energy consumption and commuting-related emissions. Robust digital infrastructure and organizational and sustainable policies are essential to fully leverage blended work for urban sustainability. The unexpected opportunities that arose during the pandemic could help African cities address climate change through careful planning and investment.

The Future of Wind Power Plants in Indonesia: Potential, Challenges, and Policies

Energy is one of the essential human needs that plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development. Indonesia is among the countries that are highly focused on developing renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions. In addition, the government has launched various policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy, such as increased investment in biomass, geothermal, and solar power generation. Wind energy stands out as a sufficient, widely available, and an environmentally friendly alternative in renewable energy. In 2021, the Indonesian Energy Outlook highlights that Indonesia has an energy potential of 154.9 gigawatts (GWs). It is associated with minimal emissions of greenhouse gases during its operation and does not demand vast tracts of land. However, the actual installed capacity of wind power plants is at a modest 157.41 megawatts (MWs). Meanwhile, the targeted capacity is 255 MWs for 2025. One significant factor contributing to this lower-than-expected capacity is a lack of in-depth research into the potential of wind energy. Consequently, the primary aim of this paper is to conduct a thorough examination of the wind energy potential in Indonesia. This includes an analysis of the current state of both existing and upcoming power plants, as well as a review of recent studies conducted by Indonesian researchers on wind turbines. Furthermore, this paper explores the government program to encourage the sustainable development of wind power plants. It also explains various aspects including the untapped wind energy potential, the interference in developing wind power plants, and the strategy to harness the full potential of abundant renewable resources in Indonesia. Through an in-depth investigation of the potential of wind energy, this review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the current conditions and prospects of wind power plants in Indonesia as well as contribute to a more accurate mapping of wind energy potential and more targeted development, specifically in remote areas, outer islands, and borders. The results obtained are expected to support Indonesia’s energy transition toward more environmentally friendly and sustainable renewable energy sources, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Civil society as a quasi‐regulator: Coordination in financial regulation on climate change

AbstractAs early as 2015, financial regulators were developing disclosure frameworks aimed at enabling capital markets to price climate risks. Yet the literature on sustainability disclosure offers little insight into how regulatory agendas change, instead focusing on how nongovernmental organizations drive voluntary disclosure. To address this deficiency, this paper charts how financial regulators came to embrace climate risk, analyzing how an array of non‐state initiatives became coordinated in highlighting climate‐related impairment risks. This coordination is conceptualized via scholarship on decentered regulation, allowing a first, theoretical, contribution by constructing and demonstrating one analytical approach to studying substantive change on sustainability. This paper draws on a 25‐month participant observation of a United Nations standard‐setting project, supported by semi‐structured interviews. This allows a second, empirical, contribution by mapping how an accounting device, the so‐called “carbon budget” (the maximum amount of cumulative greenhouse gas emissions that limits the probability of exceeding 2°C of warming to 20%), coordinated this array of non‐state action toward resolving a core trade‐off: if we burn our current fossil fuel reserves, we will exceed our warming targets. The paper then shows how these coordinated efforts pressured regulatory authorities to intervene on how finance affects and is affected by climate change.

Decarbonising Maritime Transport: The Role of Green Shipping Corridors in Making Sustainable Port‐City Ecosystems

Maritime transport plays a crucial role in global trade and tourism, yet it significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, posing environmental challenges that demand urgent solutions. This article explores the innovative concept of maritime green shipping corridors, an emerging strategy aimed at decarbonising the shipping industry. By analysing the origins of green corridors from urban and transportation perspectives, the article outlines their evolution towards multimodal, zero‐emission shipping solutions. It highlights the role of international frameworks, such as the International Maritime Organization Clydebank Declaration, in facilitating the transition to green shipping routes and the proliferation of zero‐carbon fuels. The article also assesses the integration of renewable energy technologies, alternative fuels, and electrification in port operations, as well as the broader spatial and economic impacts on port‐city ecosystems. With the potential to enhance urban sustainability, promote green logistics, and drive global decarbonisation efforts, maritime green shipping corridors represent a crucial framework for future research and policy development. However, the article highlights the need for further studies to evaluate the socio‐economic and environmental impacts on local communities and regional planning.

A Sustainable Microstructure Modification‐Based Design of Al‐Si Alloys for Energy Efficient Electric Power Transmission and Distribution

Power transmission and distribution systems need to be more efficient and sustainable to meet the growing electricity demand. The high conductivity of aluminum alloys is advantageous for power transmission. The present work demonstrates how the size, shape, and distribution of phases influence the electrical and thermal conductivity of a hypoeutectic Al‐Si alloy power connector. The addition of Al‐10 wt% Sr to Al‐10.5 wt% Si reduces the size of eutectic Si from 15 ± 8 μm to 0.75 ± 0.2 μm and β‐(Al‐Fe‐Si) phases from 52.85 ± 7 μm to 35.79 ± 3 μm, while slightly increasing the secondary dendrite arm spacing from 40.5 ± 3 μm to 55.2 ± 5 μm. These modifications increase the thermal conductivity from 111 to 127 W mK−1, which enhances the current density of the power connector assembly from 1.7 × 107 to 2.1 × 107 A m−2, improving its ampacity. Additionally, the Sr‐modified alloy exhibits superior corrosion resistance, with the corrosion rate decreases from 0.0416 to 0.012 mm year−1. These results are supported by finite element simulations and experimental validation, which show that microstructure optimization enhances electrical and thermal conductivity while reducing energy losses. This approach lowers the electricity demand, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizes the environmental impact of frequent replacements.

Fostering sustainable consumption: the interplay of pro-social behavior and social norms in reducing food waste in India

PurposeFood waste constitutes a critical global dilemma, presenting substantial environmental, economic and social challenges, with around one-third of all food intended for human use being discarded annually. This waste depletes essential resources, increases greenhouse gas emissions and intensifies food poverty. Comprehending the factors contributing to food waste is crucial for formulating effective methods to alleviate this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe responses have been collected from Indian households using longitudinal techniques. In Study 1, 481 respondents responded to the questions, and in Study 2, finally, 453 respondents responded.FindingsThis study examines the relationship between attitudes about food waste, intents to mitigate waste and several influencing factors like price sensitivity, altruistic behavior, awareness of food waste and societal norms.Originality/valueThe study seeks to elucidate consumer behavior by analyzing these relationships and identify practical interventions that can encourage a more sustainable food consumption approach, thereby aiding in the reduction of food waste and the promotion of responsible consumption practices.

Brazilian beef production and GHG emission - social cost of carbon and perspectives for climate change mitigation.

The livestock sector holds a prominent position among Brazilian economic sectors; however, beef production is linked to noteworthy environmental impacts, including deforestation and greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. In alignment with the Paris Agreement, Brazil aims to reduce GHG emissions by 43% by 2030 as part of its NDC commitment. This study aims to elucidate the nexus between beef production and emissions from beef cattle, providing an assessment of predictive GHG emission scenarios for 2030, and an economic valuation of these emissions utilizing the social cost of carbon (SCC). Under a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, GHG emissions from beef production are estimated to range between 0.42-0.63 GtCO2e in 2030. Conversely, meeting the Brazilian Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target requires limiting emissions to 0.26 GtCO2e. The SCC analysis unveils a potential cost reductions ranging from US $18.8 to $42.6 billion in 2030, contingent upon achieving the NDC. Furthermore, a strategic assessment considering climate targets and prioritizing beef exports envisions a domestic market availability of 2-10kg of beef per capita in 2030. This study highlight the critical need for transformative adjustments in livestock production methods to reduce GHG emissions per unit of beef yield, with a focus on the economic advantages of emission mitigation.

Evaluation of material and environmental price through material recycling of waste collected at the University of Seoul

In this study, we evaluated the material and environmental benefits of recycling materials collected at the University of Seoul. The waste composition was analyzed by sampling using the coning and quartering methods at the campus recycling center. The material cost was determined by comparing the prices of raw materials and recycled materials, while the environmental cost was calculated by estimating potential greenhouse gas emissions by incineration and multiplying this by the carbon price. It was analyzed that recycling rather than incineration can reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 2.8 tCO2eq per tonne of waste. As a result, approximately 250 t of household waste is generated annually at the University of Seoul, with approximately 16% consisting of recyclable materials such as plastic and paper. Based on the carbon price of the Republic of Korea, the potential savings were around 608,000 USD/year. Using the current EU carbon price, the savings increased to 647,000 USD/year, and based on the 2030 target carbon price, the savings amounted to 677,000 USD/year. It represents that recycling not only minimizes natural resource depletion but also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and results in significant economic cost savings. This research investigates specific methods for calculating monetary values to incentivize recycling and presents practical applications.

CHARACTERISTICS AND STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION OF LOW-CARBON INITIATIVES IN SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA: INSIGHTS FROM KEY STAKEHOLDERS

This study highlights the critical challenges faced by Shah Alam, such as rapid population growth driven by urbanization and economic development. This surge has intensified traffic congestion, reflecting the city’s burgeoning economic prominence through the expansion of its industrial areas. Addressing these issues necessitates sustainable urban planning strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure the well-being of residents amid continued growth. The study aims to (i) determine the characteristics of a Low Carbon City in Shah Alam and (ii) explore the strategic initiatives required to achieve impactful low-carbon urban development. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, focusing on expert interviews to investigate characteristics and initiatives related to low-carbon cities. Six key informants, chosen for their expertise in low-carbon city projects, participated in both face-to-face and online interviews to address the study objectives effectively. Thematic analysis of the interviews provided detailed insights into the characteristics and initiatives of Shah Alam's Low Carbon City. Findings reveal that the characteristics of low-carbon cities are based on five main elements: energy, water, waste, mobility, and greenery. These elements were measured to determine whether an area has achieved carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The Low Carbon City (LCC) initiative in Section 14, Section 1, and Section 5 of Shah Alam has led to a reduction in GHG emissions since the baseline years of 2015 and 2017. Additionally, community cooperation was found to be crucial in advancing low-carbon city efforts. The research concludes that Shah Alam continues to make efforts to reduce carbon emissions, evidenced by the reductions achieved during the implementation of the LCC initiative.

Climate Sustainability as a Catalyst for Quality and Excellence in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Narrative Review.

The significant contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to global warming and the resultant negative impact on health is well established. Within the hospital setting, the endoscopy center has been ranked third-after the operating theater complex and intensive care unit-in terms of the volume of hazardous medical waste generated. Such regulated medical waste cannot be recycled, and the disposal process results in higher costs and a larger carbon footprint. There have been clarion calls to reduce the number of endoscopic procedures as a means of reducing GHG emissions. Previous studies have demonstrated the carbon footprint of inappropriate endoscopic procedures. However, endoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool that has been shown to be cost-effective. A focus simply on reduction in procedural case volume alone raises the unintended consequences of inequitable access to endoscopy for those in need. A more nuanced approach that is aligned with the innate sense of healthcare professional aspirations and pride, in terms of seeking quality and clinical excellence, should be considered. An evidence-based approach, with a focus on quality and efficiency, as well as appropriate and timely use of new technology, will serve as a catalyst for positive behavioral change toward quality procedures and excellence. This will improve patient satisfaction, increase professional expertise and pride, and reduce carbon footprint through minimization of inappropriate and avoidable repeat procedures.

Achieving sustainable carbon neutrality of food processing: Toward a net‐zero margarine production facility

AbstractDecarbonization and ultimately net‐zero production are rapidly becoming top priorities in today's corporate environment. The food processing industry is recognized as one of the key industries in the process of decarbonizing the entire industrial sector. Therefore, this article presents a methodology for achieving sustainable net‐zero production within the food industry. The approach involves a series of strategically planned steps that enable decision‐makers to accomplish the desired outcome effectively. These steps include determining the baseline carbon footprint, identifying, prioritizing, and implementing carbon footprint reduction opportunities, and implementing carbon offsetting. Additionally, the methodology incorporates an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in relation to predicted production volumes, as production levels directly influence the emissions from a production facility. The proposed methodology was applied to a margarine production plant case study. The results indicate that implementing the suggested carbon footprint reduction opportunities reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22%, assuming constant production volume. Achieving carbon neutrality, however, would require the purchase of carbon offsets. The most cost‐effective carbon offsetting scenarios result in an additional cost of 3.33%–6.52% on purchased energy, which presents a manageable financial impact for the company.

Monitoring Eco-Efficiency and Its Convergence Towards Sustainability in the European Rubber and Plastics Industry Through Circular Economy Transition

Eco-efficiency is crucial for the European rubber and plastics industry to minimize production costs through effective resource management (e.g., energy management) and reduce environmental impacts like greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. Circular economy (CE) solutions can support the industry’s competitiveness while aligning with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. In the present research, we employ a hybrid window data envelopment analysis (WDEA) methodology to measure panel data eco-efficiency via the application of the moving average principle. The examination of 27 European countries as decision-making units (DMUs), in the period 2014–2022, led to the conclusion that the average eco-efficiency is 70.33%, showing that most of the DMUs can ameliorate their performance regarding pollution control. The highest eco-efficiency in 2014 can be monitored in Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, and Poland, but in 2022, only Ireland and Switzerland kept their positions, whereas Norway dropped to the 16th position and Poland plummeted to the 24th hierarchical position. Geographical disparities can be spotted, as Northern and Western Europe have greater eco-efficiency than Eastern and Southern Europe. At a second level of analysis, the convergence between the 27 European countries in the period under consideration is examined using the log t regression test and club clustering. The analysis leads to three final clubs where conditional convergence dominates.

Advancing Sustainable Energy: Environmental and Economic Assessment of Plastic Waste Gasification for Syngas and Electricity Generation Using Life Cycle Modeling

The explosion of plastic waste generation, approaching 400 million tons per year, has created a worldwide environmental crisis that conventional waste management systems cannot handle. This problem can be solved through gasification, which converts nonrecyclable plastics to syngas with potential applications in electricity generation and synthetic fuel production. This study investigates whether syngas production from plastic waste by gasification is environmentally and economically feasible. Environmental impacts were assessed through a life cycle assessment framework using a life cycle impact assessment approach, ReCiPe 2016, with 10 midpoint/endpoint categories. Midpoint results of the baseline scenario with grid-mix electricity revealed climate change (GWP) of 775 kg CO2 equivalent and fossil depletion potential (FDP) of 311 kg oil equivalent per ton of plastic waste. Meanwhile, a solar scenario showed GWP as 435 kg CO2 equivalent and FDP as 166 kg oil equivalent per ton of plastic waste. Switching to solar energy cut GWP 44% and FDP 47%, respectively. However, the tradeoffs were higher human toxicity potential (HTP) and marine ecotoxicity potential (METP) due to upstream material extraction of renewable systems, respectively. Among environmental performance drivers, electricity inputs and operating materials were identified through sensitivity and uncertainty analyses. Syngas production from a plant of 50 tons per day can yield electricity sales revenue of USD 4.79 million, excluding USD 4.05 million in operational expenditures. Financial indicators like a 2.06-year payback period, USD 5.32 million net present value over a 20-year project life, and 38.2% internal rate of return indicate the profitability of the system. An external cost analysis showed emissions-related costs of USD 26.43 per ton of plastic waste processed, dominated by CO2 and NOx emissions. Despite these costs, the avoided impacts of less landfilling/incineration and electricity generation support gasification. Gasification should be promoted as a subsidy and incentive by policymakers for wider adoption and integration into municipal waste management systems. Findings show it can be adapted to global sustainability goals and circular economy principles while delivering strong economic returns. The study findings also contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for instance, SDG 7 by promoting clean energy technologies, SDG 12 by implementing circular economy, and SDG 13 by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Effects of Ammonia Energy Ratio and Injection Strategy on Combustion and Emissions of Ammonia/Diesel Dual-Fuel Engine

ABSTRACT Ammonia (NH3) is gaining significant attention as a hydrogen transporter and carbon-free fuel for its potential to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The ammonia/diesel dual-fuel mode is a viable solution to address the ignition challenges associated with ammonia in engines, and it serves as an effective method to enhance ammonia combustion. Therefore, this study investigates the combustion characteristics of an ammonia/diesel dual-fuel engine through experimental validation combined with numerical simulation to find a better combustion strategy. The combustion and emission parameters were analyzed at various ammonia energy ratios (AER) ranging from 10% to 70%. As a result, a new injection method was implemented to improve the engine’s combustion characteristics and address the issue of incomplete ammonia combustion after combustion. The technique employs the pre-injection and main injection of diesel fuel to enhance combustion efficiency in the engine cylinder by modifying the pre-injection ratio (PER). The results indicate that combustion properties are improved when the ammonia replacement rate is lower than 60%. Increasing the AER from 0% to 70% resulted in a 36.34% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to using diesel alone. The pre-injection technique is highly effective in minimizing the emission of unburned NH3, with reductions of up to a minimum of 1703 ppm. Furthermore, the indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) can reach a maximum of 43% when the pre-injection ratio is set at 30%, resulting in an enhanced combustion effect within the cylinder.

Technical and Economic Analysis of a Novel Integrated Energy System with Waste Tire Pyrolysis and Biogas

To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cope with the growing energy demand, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this paper innovatively designs a novel integrated energy system integrating anaerobic digestion of animal manure, fuel cell technology, gas turbine, and tire pyrolysis. The system maximizes the energy potential of biogas while synergistically treating waste tires, improving waste management’s flexibility, efficiency, and economic viability through multiple outputs such as electricity and by-products, subsystem synergies, equipment sharing, and economies of scale. Thermodynamic performance and economic feasibility are analyzed using Aspen Plus V14 simulation modeling, ensuring the system’s technical and economic viability. In this study, the simulation model of the system is established, and the techno-economic benefits of the system are analyzed. The simulation results show that the net electric power output of the system is 444.79 kW. Combined with the contribution of pyrolysis products, the system’s total efficiency reaches 70.88%. In only 4.79 years, the initial investment can be recovered, and in its 25-year service life, the system has realized a profit of 2,939,130 USD. The system realizes the energy and quality matching between different thermal processes through indirect collaborative treatment of different solid wastes, improves the conversion efficiency of biogas energy, co-treats waste tires, and reduces environmental pollution.

Evaluating the Potential for Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in Lithuania: A Review of Geological Viability and Storage Integrity

The aim of this study is to review and identify H2 storage suitability in geological reservoirs of the Republic of Lithuania. Notably, Lithuania can store clean H2 effectively and competitively because of its wealth of resources and well-established infrastructure. The storage viability in Lithuanian geological contexts is highlighted in this study. In addition, when it comes to injectivity and storage capacity, salt caverns and saline aquifers present less of a challenge than other kinds of storage medium. Lithuania possesses sizable subterranean reservoirs (Cambrian rocks) that can be utilized to store H2. For preliminary assessment, the cyclic H2 injection, and production simulation is performed. A 10-year simulation of hydrogen injection and recovery in the Syderiai saline aquifer demonstrated the feasibility of UHS, though efficiency was reduced by nearly 50% when using a single well for both injection and production. The study suggests using separate wells to improve efficiency. However, to guarantee economic injectivity and containment security, a detailed assessment of the geological structures is required specifically at the pore scale level. The volumetric approach estimated a combined storage capacity of approximately 898.5 Gg H2 (~11 TWh) for the Syderiai and Vaskai saline aquifers, significantly exceeding previous estimates. The findings underscore the importance of detailed geological data and further research on hydrogen-specific factors to optimize UHS in Lithuania. Addressing technical, geological, and environmental challenges through multidisciplinary research is essential for advancing UHS implementation and supporting Lithuania’s transition to a sustainable energy system. UHS makes it possible to maximize the use of clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a more sustainable and resilient energy system. Hence, intensive research and advancements are needed to optimize H2 energy for broader applications in Lithuania.

Attribution and projection of regional winter wind energy drought in Europe

Abstract The decline of surface wind speed in many regions of the world is an important phenomenon as it is potentially expected to decrease wind power production. It is not clear, however, whether this decline takes the form of a gradual wind speed decrease or an increase in “wind energy droughts”, long periods with weak wind speeds. Both types of wind speed reductions contribute to a decline in wind power production. Prolonged and more frequent wind energy droughts, in particular, may reduce revenue and jeopardize wind farm projects. Past and future changes in wind energy droughts, as well as their underlying drivers, remain poorly understood. Here we show that winter wind energy droughts will become more probable in Europe and the return period of 10.3-year events during 1971-2000 have been shortened to about 10 years in the whole Europe, and it would be shortened to about 6.6 years during 2041-2070, under uncurbed greenhouse gases emission (scenario RCP8.5). In the current period, low wind energy winter has become more probable in most European countries, especially in the northern countries, showing a higher probability ratio of wind droughts. In the future, for some southern countries, the frequency of wind energy winter droughts is projected to decrease compared with the current period, which is helpful for the development of wind power generation in these countries. In addition, the changes in wind energy droughts are sensitive to the global warming level. With global warming at 1.5, 2, 3, 4 ℃ levels, low wind energy winter in Europe will occur more frequently as the probability is more than 1.13, 1.46, 1.53, 1.60 times as much as that in the current climate, respectively. The regional difference of attribution is meaningful for the optimization of wind energy transmission networks in Europe, which may be considered by large-scale wind energy producers.