Energy Development Research Articles

Does environmental regulation promote energy market integration? Evidence from China’s carbon emission trading pilot

ABSTRACT Establishing a unified energy market is an important way to achieve the security of the energy supply, improve energy efficiency, and reach carbon neutrality. This paper examines the impact of environmental regulation, represented by the carbon market, on the integration of the energy market. Using panel data from 30 provinces and municipalities in China from 2003-2021, we identify the impact of the carbon emission trading pilot policy on the level of energy market integration (EMI) through the staggered DID model. On this basis, the mechanism was further analysed, with heterogeneous effects from multiple perspectives. The results show that (1) the carbon emission trading pilot policy improved the regional EMI; (2) the carbon emission trading pilot policy intensified the level of competition in the energy market, reduced the government’s intervention, and promoted the development of innovation in clean energy technology, thus positively contributing to the EMI; and (3) the contribution of the carbon emission trading pilot policy to the EMI was heterogeneous. The carbon emission trading pilot policy has stronger marginal effects in regions with lower levels of development, and the policy effects are more pronounced in regions with more abundant clean energy resources. The enforcement of stricter environmental standards and improved information disclosure can help carbon markets exert a positive effect on EMI. Better levels of environmental infrastructure and the development of renewable energy infrastructure are necessary elements to ensure that the carbon market promotes EMI. This study provides key insights and policy implications to better promoting EMI and implement dual-carbon goals.

Water-Induced Integrated Regeneration of Cathode Materials from Spent Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The increasingly accumulated end-of-life batteries require high-efficiency regeneration technology for sustainable development. However, the existing recycling methods are highly restricted in a direct additive process due to the inconsistent content of alkaline ions within various spent materials and then failure to recover them together. Here, a subtractive process is introduced for the integrated regeneration of spent cathode materials, which successfully transforms the cathode materials with an unknown Na+ content to the desodiation phase together via water only. Because water and Na salt in NaOH solution are reused together after enough CO2 is absorbed, the regeneration process exhibits net zero emission and ∼100% recovery efficiency. Meanwhile, the regenerated materials display a similar cyclability to the pristine ones, while the former reserves 50.2% of production costs and half of the production time compared to the coprecipitation method. Furthermore, the integrated regeneration of single and polycrystals at various states as well as their mixtures is also verified following the same route. Accordingly, the water-induced subtractive process achieves the integrated recycling of end-of-life sodium-ion batteries and promotes the scale-up application and sustainable development of green energies.

Integrating circular economy policies in urban policy making: Strategies for green energy and environmental management to reinforce city image in China.

The implementation of circular economy (CE) policies in the management of urban policies have become essential for improving overall quality of life, development of green energy, and environmental management hence improving the image of cities. This research focuses on uncovering the core concepts of CE within urban environments, emphasizing actions that can improve green energy and environmental management. The CE aims to create a closed-loop system by prioritizing practices like remanufacturing, reusing, and recycling, which collectively help decrease resource usage and limit environmental damage. Therefore, in the study, the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) are used to assess the identified several key factors and strategies for integrating CE activities for sustainable urban policy making and reinforce city image in China. The results of fuzzy AHP indicated that economic viability, policy and governance, and technological innovation are the key factors. While the cost effectiveness, policy flexibility and adaptability, and resource efficiency are identified as most crucial sub-factors. The fuzzy VIKOR presented that green building and sustainable development policies, green infrastructure development, and policy alignment and institutional support are the key strategies in handling and mitigating environmental issues as well as supporting economic growth, thus CE policies holds the key in creating a better perception of cities as innovative and sustainable. The contributions to this research are significant as it provides a structure for policymakers by offering a framework to integrate CE principles into urban policies. It also shows how CE can solve environmental challenges, promote growth in economy, and contribute to sustainable urban transformation. The implications of this study extend to policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders dealing with greener and more adaptable cities consistent with global sustainability goals.

Evaluating challenges and policy innovations for renewable energy development in a circular economy: A path to environmental resilience in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, has begun taking proactive steps to address climate change under Vision 2030. The initiative aims to reduce the country's GHG emissions. As part of this effort, the government is transitioning to renewable energy (RE) to decrease its dependency on oil and support sustainable environmental development. Additionally, the circular economy (CE) model, which promotes resource efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling, aligns with the core principles of RE, further enhancing the country's shift toward sustainability. Saudi Arabia has great potential for RE development but faces some challenges that call for the attention of major policy innovations. Therefore, this study used the fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to assess the twelve key challenges. The fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to prioritize the seven policy actions for RE development within a CE framework in Saudi Arabia. The fuzzy DEMATEL findings indicate that the lack of regulatory support, high investment costs, and lack of skilled workforce are the most critical challenges. While the fuzzy TOPSIS shows that community engagement, diversifying funding sources, and educational partnerships are the top-ranked policy actions. These proposed policy actions are useful for maximizing RE potential, facilitating CE practices, and advancing environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia. This study present that the policy innovations should be useful for governments and policymakers in adapting challenges and opportunities to achieve the aims of Saudi Vision (2030).

A new polymer with rich carbonyl delocalized π-conjugated structure for high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries.

The development of sustainable and clean energy has become a top priority, driven by global carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets. Organics are widely used in aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their environmental friendliness, high structural designability, and safety. However, organic materials often face some challenges, including high solubility, low specific capacity, and unclear mechanism, which hinder its further applications. In this paper, two new conjugated organic polymers were synthesized as cathodes for AZIBs by molecular structure design. Notably, the introduction of new actives (C=O) in (poly-(tetraamino-p-benzoquinone-alt-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone, DHTA) along with the extension of the π-π conjugated structure to form polymers is conducive to the improvement of the specific capacity and reversibility of AZIBs compared to (poly-(1,2,4,5-tetraaminobenzene-alt-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone, DHPH). The DHTA cathode delivers high initial specific capacity of 282.5mAh/g at a current of 0.05A/g and excellent rate performance (56.8mAh/g at 5A/g). The excellent rate performance and long cycle life of the as synthesized DHTA can be attributed to the low solubility, extended π-conjugated structure and enhanced electronic conductivity, which result from the polymerization with the introduction of carbonyl groups into organic skeleton. Moreover, the mechanism of Zn2+ storage in DHTA is also explored by various ex-situ characterization techniques and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. In each repeating unit, DHTA can store two Zn2+ while transferring four electrons to form a stable O⋯Zn⋯N coordination. This work provides a molecular engineering strategy for organic materials, revealing their potential application in zinc ion batteries.

Smart Electronics, Energy, and IoT Infrastructures for Smart Cities

Smart Electronics, Energy, and IoT Infrastructures for Smart Cities

Dual active site and metal-substrate interface effect endow platinum-ruthenium/molybdenum carbide efficient pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction.

Exploring suitable dual active site and metal-substrate interface effect is essential for designing efficient and robust electrocatalysts across a wide pH range for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, alloyed platinum-ruthenium clusters supported on nanosheet-assembled molybdenum carbide microflowers (PtRu/Mo2C) are reported as efficient pH-universal electrocatalysts for HER. Due to dual active site and metal-substrate interface effect, the optimized Pt0.83Ru0.17/Mo2C electrocatalyst exhibits extremely low overpotentials (η10) of 9, 19, and 33mV to deliver 10mAcm-2 in 0.5M H2SO4, 1.0M KOH, and 1.0M phosphate buffered electrolytes (PBS), outperforming the benchmark Pt electrocatalyst. In addition, Pt0.83Ru0.17/Mo2C achieves excellent stability of 200h at a big current density of 500mAcm-2 in the anionic exchange membrane water electrolyzer. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and in situ Raman spectra reveal that the interaction of PtRu clusters with Mo2C substrate, while Ru modulates the electron cloud density of Pt, thus accelerating H2O dissociation and H* desorption on the surface of Pt0.83Ru0.17/Mo2C and thus synergistically enhancing the HER kinetics. The research opens up an efficient strategy to exploit cost-effective, high-performance, and pH-universal HER electrocatalyst while facilitating green hydrogen energy development.

Green growth dynamics: unraveling the complex role of financial development and natural resources in shaping renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study examines the complex interplay between financial development, natural resources, and renewable energy consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2020, highlighting the pivotal role of financial strategies in enhancing sustainable energy practices. Employing an array of analytical techniques, including panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE), fixed effects, random effects models, and panel-fixed quantile regression, we delve into the nuanced relationships among these critical variables. The findings reveal that while natural resources and financial development generally exert negative impacts on renewable energy consumption when considered in isolation, a significant transformation occurs when these factors interact. Specifically, the detrimental effects of natural resources on renewable energy usage are substantially mitigated by robust financial development, which not only offsets the negative impacts but also promotes renewable energy adoption. This interaction points to a synergistic relationship where strategic financial development can leverage natural resources for progressive energy outcomes. Such insights underscore the necessity of well-coordinated financial policies and resource management to foster green growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating the urgent need for integrated approaches to achieve sustainability in the region. This research not only clarifies the dynamics of financial and natural resource interdependencies but also motivates significant policy implications for enhancing renewable energy landscapes in developing economies.

Bifunctional lignin-based hydrogel membrane with enhanced structural stability for synergistic uranium uptake.

Developing biomass-based adsorbents with superior uranium uptake performance is imperative yet challenging for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. Herein, we constructed a novel lignin-based adsorbent (DLP@PAO) with dual functional groups and enhanced structural stability via ingenious integration of lignin and polyamidoxime. The two-step modification strategy was innovatively employed to phosphorylate lignin, significantly enhancing the phosphorylation efficiency and achieving an over eight-fold increase in the U(VI) uptake capacity of lignin. Benefiting from its double-crosslinked network and the strong electrostatic repulsion of phosphate groups, the DLP@PAO membrane, featuring a porous honeycomb structure, exhibits favorable shrinkage resistance even in acidic aqueous environments, facilitating the diffusion and mass transfer of U(VI) ions within the adsorbent. Notably, the synergistic effect of DLP and PAO components on U(VI) uptake was comprehensively verified through experimental data combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculation, which endows DLP@PAO with exceptional uptake capacity (701.02mg g-1) and selectivity (Kd=1.45×105 mL g-1) towards U(VI) ion. Moreover, DLP@PAO achieved a high U(VI) uptake efficiency of over 91.07% in a dynamic column device with 10 L of simulated wastewater, indicating its immense potential for practical wastewater treatment. Mechanistic studies revealed that the synergistic coordination between UO22+ ions and O as well as N atoms in the phosphate and amidoxime groups is primarily responsible for the U(VI) uptake by DLP@PAO. This work opens a new direction for the value-added utilization of lignin and advances the development of lignin-based adsorbents for U(VI) uptake.

New Architecture Design of Magnetic Field Monitoring System Based on HIAF

The High-Intensity Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) is one of China's major scientific and technological infrastructure projects, aimed at providing an internationally leading research platform for nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear energy development, nuclear safety, and materials science. During the operation of HIAF, the high-precision measurement and control of magnetic fields are crucial for the stable operation of core equipment. To meet the high demands of HIAF for precision, real-time performance, and system autonomy in magnetic field measurement, this research designs and implements a high-precision magnetic field measurement system based on the LACCS (Large-scale Accelerator Cluster Control System) architecture. The system integrates advanced hardware and software designs, enabling it to efficiently and accurately complete distributed magnetic field measurement tasks, thus providing technical support for the smooth operation of HIAF.

Regulation of Extra Li Inventory in Anode-Free Lithium Metal Batteries by Li-Rich Layered Oxide Cathode Materials.

Li-rich layered oxide (LRO) cathode material is utilized in anode-free Li metal batteries to provide extra Li inventory, compensating for the constant Li loss during cycling. The Li compensation mechanism of LRO in the anode-free system is elucidated by exploring the reversible/irreversible Li consumption behaviors. Moreover, the relationship between cathode areal capacity, Li inventory, and the cycling performance of the Cu||LRO cell is quantitatively analyzed. The well-designed Cu||LRO anode-free cell demonstrates 51% capacity retention after 60 cycles at a practical areal capacity of 5.0 mAh cm-2, overwhelming the 0.6% capacity retention for Cu||NCM523. Further optimization with an artificial anode protection layer and a fully fluorinated electrolyte enhances the capacity retention of Cu||LRO to 61.4% and 71.5% after 60 cycles, respectively. Combining its low initial Coulombic efficiency and high specific energy, the LRO cathode shows great prospects in the future development of high energy and long lifespan anode-free Li metal batteries.

The Multiple Effects of RE Element Addition in Non-Oriented Silicon Steel.

High-grade non-oriented silicon steel with high magnetic induction and low iron loss produced with low carbon emissions is crucial for the development of new energy and energy-saving motors. In this paper, the trace mixed rare earth (RE) elements exhibit a great potential to enhance magnetic properties in a lower carbon emission process by multiple effects on microstructure, texture, and inclusion in non-oriented silicon steel. With the trace-doped RE elements (0.004-0.030%), RE-rich precipitates preferentially form and subsequently adsorb fine inclusions below 1 μm to transform into spherical or ellipsoidal shape, which results in a significant increase in final recrystallization grain size. Moreover, the favorable λ texture (<001>//ND) is promoted while the detrimental γ texture (<111>//ND) is reduced, owing to the advantages in size and quantity of λ grains during the nucleation process. The improved magnetic properties of higher B50 and lower P15/50 are achieved with 0.004% RE at lower annealing temperature ranges. The increased λ texture is attributed to the heterogeneity in microstructure and texture as well as the grain boundary segregation of RE elements. However, a higher RE content (0.072%) leads to a deterioration in magnetic performance due to the formation of more stable RE-rich precipitates, smaller grains, and stronger γ texture. An iron loss calculation model was also proposed to guide the design of high-grade non-oriented silicon steel by incorporating the multiple effects of RE elements on grain size, recrystallization texture, and inclusion.

Integrated Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings: An Assessment of the Environmental and Socio-Economic Sustainability

Developing a green energy strategy for municipalities requires creating a framework to support the local production, storage, and use of renewable energy and green hydrogen. This framework should cover essential components for small-scale applications, including energy sources, infrastructure, potential uses, policy backing, and collaborative partnerships. It is deployed as a small-scale renewable and green hydrogen unit in a municipality or building demands meticulous planning and considering multiple elements. Municipality can promote renewable energy and green hydrogen by adopting policies such as providing financial incentives like property tax reductions, grants, and subsidies for solar, wind, and hydrogen initiatives. They can also streamline approval processes for renewable energy installations, invest in hydrogen refueling stations and community energy projects, and collaborate with provinces and neighboring municipalities to develop hydrogen corridors and large-scale renewable projects. Renewable energy and clean hydrogen have significant potential to enhance sustainability in the transportation, building, and mining sectors by replacing fossil fuels. In Canada, where heating accounts for 80% of building energy use, blending hydrogen with LPG can reduce emissions. This study proposes a comprehensive approach integrating renewable energy and green hydrogen to support small-scale applications. The study examines many scenarios in a building as a case study, focusing on economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts. The optimum scenario uses a hybrid renewable energy system to meet two distinct electrical needs, with 53% designated for lighting and 10% for equipment with annual saving CAD$ 87,026.33. The second scenario explores utilizing a hydrogen-LPG blend as fuel for thermal loads, covering 40% and 60% of the total demand, respectively. This approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions from 540 to 324 tCO2/year, resulting in an annual savings of CAD$ 251,406. This innovative approach demonstrates the transformative potential of renewable energy and green hydrogen in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability across sectors, including transportation, buildings, and mining.

Financing the future: insights into sustainable energy investments through scientific mapping and meta-analysis

This study presents a detailed literature review on financing for renewable and sustainable energy through bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping, utilizing the Scopus database from 2000 to 2023. Using network analysis techniques, it identifies eight main clusters, each focusing on different aspects of financing renewable energy and their geographic and technical contexts. The study highlights the most frequently cited articles, notable authors, key institutions, affiliations, and journals in sustainable energy finance. A random effects model meta-analysis was also conducted to assess the overall effect size of each research stream. Findings indicate that the literature on renewable energy finance has expanded since 2000 and exhibits considerable diversity. The study pinpoints five major themes suitable for discussion and exploration of new research questions: (i) the role of Fintech in renewable energy finance, (ii) the regulatory framework governing renewable energy finance, (iii) the economic feasibility of renewable energy in emerging markets, (iv) the influence of private and public finance on renewable energy development, and (v) the relationship between renewable energy finance and sustainable development goals. The insights from this study aim to inspire and equip readers as they embark on their inquiries into the connections between energy investment, policy, finance, and behavioral sciences. Following identifying research gaps, this paper outlines potential future research directions. It serves as a thorough resource on current trends in sustainable energy investments and recommends viable research topics, thus benefiting researchers, professionals, and policymakers alike.

Strategising Greenfield Energy Development Gap to Align with Global Carbon Reduction and Climate Goals

Strategising Greenfield Energy Development Gap to Align with Global Carbon Reduction and Climate Goals

SWOT Analysis of Wind, Hydro, and Solar Energy Power Generation: Applications and Future Development in China

China is currently undergoing a transition in its energy structure, gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the proportion of clean energy sources. The government actively promotes the development of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, while encouraging technological innovation to enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, China is exploring and promoting new energy technologies like nuclear and hydrogen power to establish a greener and low-carbon energy system in line with sustainable development goals. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the current status of wind, solar, and hydro energy in China using a SWOT analysis approach. It examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with each energy source, focusing particularly on their environmental impacts, technological hurdles, and resource distribution. Wind power stands out as an essential element within China's renewable energy mix due to its substantial potential for power generation capacity - ranking second globally. However, it confronts concerns regarding its environmental implications as well as output variability. Solar energy has advantages in directing solar power conversion and easy recycling; it exhibits promising prospects. But encounters conflicts related to land use and efficiency issues. Hydropower continues to be a major contributor; nevertheless, it poses ecological and social challenges. Furthermore, this paper scrutinizes China's leadership in renewable energy while offering recommendations for sustainable development and policy improvements that can facilitate its ongoing transition towards cleaner sources of power.

Numerical Simulation Study on Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Offshore Floating Photovoltaics

With the development of renewable energy and the utilization of marine resources, large-scale offshore floating photovoltaics have gradually attracted widespread attention. In order to develop offshore floating photovoltaics and promote sustainable development, it has become necessary to explore the hydrodynamic characteristics of floating photovoltaic units and floating arrays. In this work, based on the viscous flow theory, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM) methods are used to analyze the hydrodynamics of the floating body unit of offshore floating photovoltaics. The influencing factors include mooring length, mooring radius, and floating unit length. In addition, the hydrodynamic performance of the floating body unit and the floating body array under different wave heights and periods is also discussed to explore the influence of environmental loads on the floating body unit and the floating body array. The results indicate that the mooring tension exhibits an opposite trend with the surge and heave motions when the mooring line length and radius are varied. The motion is found to be more pronounced when the floating body unit length is 0.4 times the wavelength. The heave motion of the floating body unit exhibits a strong linear relationship with wave height, increasing by 0.01 m for every 0.015 m increase in wave height. The motion of the floating body units on both sides connected to the mooring lines decreases as the array length increases.

Multi-dimensional Analysis and Strategy of the Development of New Energy Vehicles

With the global emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, new energy vehicles have become crucial in addressing issues such as the over-exploitation of non-renewable resources, climate change, and reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels. Currently, new energy vehicle technologies are being innovated and the market scale is expanding. However, there are also problems such as limited driving range, insufficient charging facilities, and the lack of unified standards for vehicle performance and safety. This paper focuses on the current situation of the development of new energy vehicles and puts forward suggestions for future development. This research is structured around three key areas: new energy technologies, infrastructure, and market promotion. Using a combination of qualitative analysis, case analysis, and comparative analysis, this paper explores technological breakthroughs, with a focus on improving battery performance and developing new battery technologies; infrastructure development, emphasizing the layout and expansion of charging facilities; and market promotion, which addresses consumer demands and marketing strategies.

Building Inclusive Growth Frameworks through Strategic Community Engagement in Energy Infrastructure Development Projects

Energy infrastructure development is pivotal in driving economic growth and improving societal well-being. However, the benefits of such projects often fail to reach marginalized communities, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. This paper explores the concept of inclusive growth as a framework for equitable development in the energy sector, emphasizing the role of strategic community engagement in fostering participation, mitigating risks, and ensuring sustainable outcomes. The discussion outlines the principles and challenges of inclusivity, identifies key socio-economic and environmental considerations, and proposes actionable frameworks for policy alignment, stakeholder collaboration, and technological integration. By addressing potential risks and highlighting governance structures that facilitate equitable decision-making, the paper underscores the importance of inclusivity as a cornerstone of sustainable energy development. Practical recommendations for policymakers, developers, and community leaders are provided to create energy projects that prioritize shared progress and environmental stewardship.

Clean energy development and low-carbon transition in China’s power industry

IntroductionChina is the largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the world, with its power industry being the primary source of these emissions. The high emission levels are primarily attributed to the extensive consumption of fossil resources during thermal power generation. Developing clean energy power generation to replace thermal power generation is one of the main strategies to mitigate the high level of carbon emissions in the power industry and thus promoting its low-carbon transition.MethodTo explore the relationship between China’s development level of clean electricity and carbon emissions from thermal power, this paper conducts an empirical study using provincial data from 2008 to 2021, while employing fixed-effects models, mediation effect tests, and heterogeneity tests.Results and discussionThe results indicate that an increase in the level of clean electricity development reduces CO2 emissions from thermal power, and this effect exhibits a trend of diminishing from the eastern economic zone to the western economic zone in China. In the eastern regions with higher levels of urbanization, the development of clean electricity has a more significant effect on mitigating CO2 emissions from thermal power, whereas upgrading industrial structure in central and western regions contributes more in decreasing CO2 emissions from thermal power. Research and development (R&amp;amp;D) investment plays a significant mediating role and thus helps to improve the level of clean electricity development and reduce carbon emissions. Finally, the policy implications are proposed to intensify R&amp;amp;D investment, promote crossregional cooperation in sharing of clean energy, implement differentiated clean energy development policies, and establish a sustainable monitoring and evaluation system.