Energy Industry Research Articles

Energising the Future: A Dynamic Capabilities Approach to Vietnam’s Renewable Energy Industry From the Supply and Demand Side

Incorporating the underpinnings of the dynamic capabilities framework and an inductive approach, the sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring elements of renewable energy usage are examined through interviews with 24 representatives of the supply and consumer sides. The data analysis reveals 18 dimensions providing conceptual and empirical guidance. Among these dimensions, the performance-seeking aims and high-order burdens intricately uncover the nuances of sensing opportunities and challenges. Simultaneously, the knowledge-enrichment mindset and technical continuity path shed light on pivotal aspects of seizing and reconfiguring. The analysis and dimensional exploration culminate in a refined framework, fortifying the theoretical and practical underpinnings of renewable energy’s utilisation within an emerging economy. Moreover, the study establishes meaningful connections with the dynamic capabilities framework, offering implications for the research community, stakeholders in the renewable energy sector and governmental representatives alike.

Two targets, one strike: Efficient recovery of lithium and simultaneous removal of impurities from spent LFP batteries via ferric ions assisted air oxidation method

Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has become urgently imperative to address global environmental issues and achieve sustainable development of new energy industries. Prioritizing lithium and aluminum leaching is an ideal path for recovering lithium efficiently from spent LFP and preparing high-purity battery-grade FePO4. Here, a novel ferric ions-assisted air oxidation method was proposed for the simultaneous leaching of Li and Al. Fe3+ was ingeniously introduced playing two roles: acting as a catalyst for air oxidation and leaching aluminum. 98.8% Li and 95.2% Al are selectively leached under optimal conditions. The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the displacement reaction between Al and Fe3+ dominates the leaching of Al. Furthermore, Cl− can promote the leaching of Al by forming a stable complex [AlCl4]− with Al3+. The reaction course and mechanism were clarified by various characterizations, which indicate that the successful selective leaching of lithium does not destroy the original structure of LFP and the presence of carbon coatings. A cycling process was proposed for enriching the Li+ concentration and reusing Fe3+, and then Li2CO3 with a purity of 99wt.% was successfully prepared. This method demonstrates excellent economic efficiency and environmental friendliness, thus providing a sustainable and low-carbon recycling route for the spent LFP industry.

TorqTwin—An open-source reference multibody modeling framework for wind turbine structural dynamics

This paper presents an open-source multibody modeling framework for wind turbine structural dynamics, namely TorqTwin (Torque Towards wind). The multibody formulation includes both rigid and flexible bodies. For flexible bodies, such as towers and blades, the floating frame of reference formulation and modal reduction approaches are applied. The TorqTwin tool relies on Kane’s method and the symbolic Python library SymPy. The multibody formulation in TorqTwin is validated using the OpenFAST-ElastoDyn module and the commercial software Bladed. For both the fixed-bottom and floating IEA 15MW reference wind turbines, the rigid motions and flexible deflections calculated by TorqTwin are compared to those by ElastoDyn. Also, blade deflections predicted by TorqTwin are compared to those of the commercial software Bladed. The overall very good agreement between TorqTwin and other software validates the multibody formulation in TorqTwin. The strength of TorqTwin is that it contains the full functionality of the state-of-the-art open-source ElastoDyn module and includes other modeling capabilities of commercial software, such as the bend-twist coupling effect of blades and more flexible modes. TorqTwin is designed to benefit both the wind energy research community and industry, as it helps understand and verify the theory behind the ElastoDyn module, provides a reference for formulating more complicated configurations, such as multi-rotor turbines, and helps to develop aeroelastic simulation tools.

Testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis within the Context of Industrial Development through NARDL Model: The Case of France

Energy is one of the necessary and vital factors for the economic development of countries and the increase in living standards. The limited availability of conventional energy resources, in parallel with the rapid increase in energy consumption due to industrialization activities and technological developments, has encouraged countries to change their energy production policies and use alternative energy sources. For this purpose, in the study, the relationship and direction of the relationship between industrial production, CO2 emissions, energy use and economic growth in France are examined with the carrying out of the ADF, PP, KPSS unit root and the NARDL test for the period 1990–2023. The analysis findings reveal that the variables are cointegrated in the long-run and a 1% unit raise in energy consumption would trigger CO2 emissions by 0.46%. The increase in energy consumption in the long term affects both negatively and positively in the long term. While a 1% increase in energy consumption reduces carbon emissions by 0.48%, a 1% decrease causes a 0.35 decrease in carbon emissions. The positive increase in economic growth and the negative increase in energy consumption trigger environmental pollution by causing an increase in carbon dioxide emissions. There is interdependence between economic activities and environmental pollution. Policy makers need to adopt a strategic approach in solving the rapid industrialization phenomenon and the accompanying magnitude of energy consumption, the pressure on natural resources and the environmental pollution problems resulting from them. In this respect, it is an inevitable necessity for countries to continue multilateral negotiations in which the public sector, business world, academia and non-governmental organizations will take part in solving environmental problems.

Pioneering Sustainability: The Development and Policy Framework of Ammonia Fuel Technology in China

This article investigates the complex dynamics of ammonia as an alternative fuel within the ambit of China's strategic initiatives aimed at attaining carbon neutrality. Given ammonia's distinctive characteristics as a fuel, this analysis delves into the nascent development status and the multifaceted challenges confronting this sector within China. Through a comprehensive examination of the plethora of new energy policies promulgated by the Chinese government, this article underscores the initial phase of accelerated growth in the ammonia fuel domain. The imposition of carbon emission restrictions, coupled with the momentum generated by technological innovations, positions green ammonia as an efficacious solution for hydrogen storage and utilization, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship with the hydrogen energy industry chain. The proactive policy framework adopted by China significantly enhances the pivotal role of ammonia fuel technology, making it one of the principal technological pathways for China to realize its carbon neutrality ambitions in the future.

Evaluation Method for Voltage Regulation Range of Medium-Voltage Substations Based on OLTC Pre-Dispatch

A new energy industry represented by photovoltaic and wind power has been developing rapidly in recent years, and its randomness and volatility will impact the stable operation of the power system. At present, it is proposed to enrich the regulation of the power grid by tapping the regulation potential of load-side resources. This paper evaluates the overall voltage regulation capability of substations under the premise of considering the impact on network voltage security and providing a theoretical basis for the participation of load-side resources of distribution networks in the regulation of the power grid. This paper proposes a Zbus linear power flow model based on Fixed-Point Power Iteration (FFPI) to enhance power flow analysis efficiency and resolve voltage sensitivity expression. Establishing the linear relationship between the voltages of PQ nodes, the voltage of the reference node, and the load power, this paper clarifies the impact of reactive power compensation devices and OLTC (on-load tap changer) tap changes on the voltages of various nodes along the feeder. It provides theoretical support for evaluating the voltage regulation range for substations. The day-ahead focus is on minimizing network losses by pre-optimizing OLTC tap positions, calculating the substation voltage regulation boundaries within the day, and simultaneously optimizing the total reactive power compensation across the entire network. By analyzing the calculated examples, it was found that a pre-scheduled OLTC (on-load tap changer) can effectively reduce network losses in the distribution grid. Compared with traditional methods, the voltage regulation range assessment method proposed in this paper can optimize the adjustment of reactive power compensation devices while ensuring the voltage safety of all nodes in the network.

Mechanical Properties of P91 Steel (X10CrMoVNb9-1) during Simulated Operation in a Hydrogen-Containing Environment.

P91 steel (X10CrMoVNb9-1) is widely used in the energy industry. It is characterized by good mechanical properties, creep resistance, corrosion resistance, impact toughness, and resistance to thermal fatigue. Due to their operating conditions and martensitic structure, components made from P91 steel are often subject to damage related to the presence of hydrogen. This article compares the results of the mechanical properties evaluation for P91 steel in an aggressive solution charged under load and without load. Based on the research, it was found that the hydrogen environment significantly affects the mechanical properties of P91 steel, reducing strength and yield strength, and decreasing ductility. It was revealed that in samples tested after 72 h without preloading, the tensile strength decreased by 1.5%, and the elongation decreased by about 29% for the sample, compared to the delivered condition sample. Under loaded conditions, the difference in tensile strength increased by approximately 8%, while elongation increased by nearly 50.

Intrinsic interlayer shear strength of graphite

Graphite holds significant values in the energy and electronics industries due to its unique properties. As a quintessential example of highly anisotropic materials, the shear strength measures one of its most fundamental mechanical properties. However, the lack of ideal materials and testing methods has led to a wide dispersion in the reported values. To address this issue, we utilized epitaxially grown single-crystal graphite and developed a high-throughput sample preparation method, along with a novel loading technique in this work. The intrinsic shear strength of AB-stacked graphite was determined to be τs = 62 MPa, by excluding the size effect in measurements. The results are further compared to highly oriented pyrolytic graphite specimens processed down to nanoscale thickness, highlighting the adverse impact of twisted single-crystalline interfaces between the graphitic layers. Additionally, we observed a distinctive failure mechanism with continuous and uniform cascade plastic slips across the thickness of graphite samples, which corresponds to an interlayer shear strength approaching τs. The intrinsic shear strength characterized in our work sets an upper limit for the interlayer shear resistance of graphite. The experimental procedure for measuring shear strength can be applied to other van der Waals materials.

Educational paradigm shift: assessing the prospects of a master's course in green energy transition

This study examines the integration of emerging engineering technologies into STEM education with a focus on the green energy transition. Using a mixed-methods approach, including an international student survey conducted via Google Forms, the research identifies key factors influencing the demand for an innovative Master's program in Green Energy. Quantitative analysis through JASP software reveals a significant positive correlation between student interest in renewable energy related MSc courses and the perception of improved job opportunities in the green energy sector. Furthermore, the survey results indicate that students prioritize the inclusion of Mechanical, Electrical, and IT skills in the curriculum. Qualitative feedback highlights the critical need for practical skills in new research areas such as nanotechnology, quantum chemistry, Carbon capture, and Solar/Wind-based energy sources to meet the evolving demands of the green energy industry. These findings suggest that academic programs must be restructured to align more closely with the skills required for sustainable energy systems, thereby bridging the gap between academic preparation and market readiness.

A country’s culture and reporting of sustainability practices in energy industries: does a corporate sustainability committee matter?

This study investigates the impact of the national culture on the reporting of sustainability practices. Likewise, it explores the moderating effect of sustainability committees within firms on the nexus between a country’s cultural and sustainability reporting. The study uses a sample over a decade (2010–2019) from 18 countries. It employs six well-established cultural dimensions: power distance, Individualism, Masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and Indulgence. These dimensions are aggregated to create a composite cultural index score for each country, reflecting the nuanced interplay of cultural attributes. The sustainability reporting score is based on a firm Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. The results reveal that reporting sustainability practices is a positive function of our country’s cultural index score. This indicates that a firm dissimilates higher levels of sustainability information when it operates in a country with a higher power distance, lower Individualism, higher Masculinity, higher uncertainty avoidance, higher long-term orientation, and lower Indulgence and vice versa. Likewise, a sustainability committee moderates the relationship between the national culture and sustainability reporting, suggesting that a corporate sustainability committee can act as a mechanism for aligning and adapting sustainability reporting practices to the specific cultural context in which a firm operates. The results provide essential implications for firms and policymakers. Firms should be aware of how cultural values shape their sustainability reporting. Also, a specialized sustainability committee navigates cultural complexities and aligns initiatives with expectations. Moreover, Policymakers should consider cultural influences and develop guidelines that accommodate variations, leading to more effective sustainability reporting. This study contributes by examining environmentally sensitive industries (i.e., the energy industries), providing industry-specific analysis that deepens our understanding of how a country’s culture shapes the reporting of sustainability practices. Likewise, the study uses a holistic approach, exploring the multifaceted dimensions of the country’s culture and its consequences for reporting sustainability practices.

Conceptual Scenarios of Architectural Adaptation of Novosibirsk Power Plant

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the First Large Power Plant in Novosibirsk, a significant industrial building. Today, Novosibirsk is facing the problem of losing its integral cultural and historical environment due to the large number of unused dilapidated historical and architectural monuments. In order to prevent this trend and save the architectural heritage, it is necessary to develop modern strategies for reuse of these buildings.In this study, conceptual scenarios of architectural adaptation of M. I. Kalinin power plant, the object of cultural heritage of regional significance, are put forward through the methods of contextual, retrospective, ideographic analysis. These design solutions are classified by the original image of the building, focused on the transformation of the former industrial building in order to reveal the socio-historical side of the power plant as a symbol of the dynamic rise of the economy and energy industry in Novosibirsk.As a result, among the scenarios developed for the main building of the city's first major power plant, the most appropriate one is chosen in the context of the historical development of Novosibirsk.The conceptual principle of Nuanced combination with the historical context is the most effective among the described scenarios, assuming preservation of the general architectural image of the historical monument with reversible changes in the architectural solutions of the building.

A new positive output DC–DC buck–boost converter based on modified boost and ZETA converters

A new DC–DC buck–boost converter with a wide conversion ratio is presented in this paper. The proposed buck–boost converter consists of a combination of modified boost converter and ZETA converter, which has the advantages of both converters such as continuous input/output current and positive polarity of the output voltage. The combination of these two converters achieves semi-quadratic voltage gain and makes the proposed converter suitable for industrial and renewable energy applications. With a voltage gain higher than that of the ZETA converter and modified boost converter, the proposed converter also reduces input current stress due to its continuity. Two operating states are available for this converter in continuous conduction mode. This converter has two switches that operate simultaneously and can be easily controlled. The converter's output voltage ripple and output capacitor current stress are reduced as a result of continuous output current. Computational analysis and the introduced structure efficiency considering the influence of parasitic elements are presented in this paper. The small signal modelling and closed-loop control, as well as simulation and experimental results are also presented. This converter has also been compared with other similar and recently presented topologies. Finally, a 40–60 W, 20–76 V for boost mode and 10 V for buck mode prototype was implemented to verify the accuracy of the computational analysis.

An Evolutionary Game Model of Market Participants and Government in Carbon Trading Markets with Virtual Power Plant Strategies

The utilization of conventional energy sources commonly leads to heightened energy consumption and the generation of specific forms of environmental pollution. As an innovative power management and dispatch system, virtual power plants (VPPs) have the potential to significantly enhance the flexibility and stability of power systems, while supporting carbon reduction targets by integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), energy management systems (EMSs), and energy storage systems (ESSs), which have attracted much attention in the power industry in recent years. Consequently, it can effectively address the variability and management challenges introduced by renewable energy. Furthermore, optimizing power market dispatch and user-side power management plays a pivotal role in promoting the transition of the energy industry towards sustainable development. The current study highlights the unresolved issue of strategic decision-making among market participants, such as energy companies, generation companies, and power distribution companies, despite the potentially significant benefits of VPPs. These entities must carefully evaluate the costs and benefits associated with adopting a VPP. Additionally, governments face the complex task of assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of providing subsidies to incentivize VPP adoption. Previous research has not adequately explored the long-term evolution of these decisions in a dynamic market environment, leading to a lack of adequate understanding of optimal strategies for market participants and regulators. This paper addresses this critical research gap by introducing an innovative bilateral evolutionary game model that integrates VPP and carbon trading markets. By utilizing the model, simulation experiments are carried out to compare different strategic decisions and analyze the stability and long-term evolution of these strategies. Research findings indicate that the adoption of VPP technology by market participants, in conjunction with government policies, results in an average 90% increase in market participants’ earnings, while government revenues see a 35% rise. This approach provides an alternative method for understanding the dynamic interactions between market participants and government policy, offering both theoretical and practical insights. The findings significantly contribute to the literature by proposing a robust framework for integrating VPPs into electricity markets, while offering valuable guidance to policymakers and market participants in developing effective strategies to support the sustainable energy transition. The application of this model has not only enhanced the understanding of market dynamics in theory, but also provided quantitative support for strategic decisions under different market conditions in practice.

Intelligent crude oil price probability forecasting: Deep learning models and industry applications

The crude oil price has been subject to periodic fluctuations because of seasonal changes in industrial demand and supply, weather, natural disasters and global political unrest. An accurate forecast of crude oil prices is of utmost importance for decision makers and industry players in the energy sector. Despite this, the volatility of crude oil prices contributes to the uncertainty of the energy industry, which was particularly challenging following the recent global spread of the COVID-19 epidemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict. This paper proposes a hybrid deep learning (DL) modelling framework to deal with the volatility of crude oil prices, applying ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), convolutional neural network (CNN) and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) integrated with quantile regression (QR); named EEMD-CNN-BiLSTM-QR. Two real-world datasets on crude oil prices from the West Texas Intermediate and Brent Crude Oil markets were employed to validate the EEMD-CNN-BiLSTM-QR hybrid modelling framework. Given that the probability density forecast can capture uncertainty, an in-depth analysis was carried out and prediction accuracy calculated. The findings of this study demonstrate that the proposed EEMD-CNN-BiLSTM-QR DL modelling framework, which uses the probability density forecast method, is superior to other tested models in terms of its ability to forecast crude oil prices. The novelty of this study stems mainly from its use of QR, which allows for the description of the conditional distribution of predicted variables and the extraction of more uncertain information for probability density forecasts.

Tools for development of the Russian electric power industry in the current realities

Electric power industry is one of the most important sectors of Russian economy that satisfies the needs of the country’s population, companies of various areas of economy in electric and thermal energy and supplies it for the CIS and Non-CIS countries. Due to this, it is significant to study the tools for development of Russian electric energy industry in the current realities, and this is the basis of the article. The purpose of the article is to study the modern tools for development of electric energy industry and work out the recommendations on their improvement. The following aspects are considered as the main tools for development of electric energy industry: interconnection of electric grid resources, carbon neutrality, legislative acts, digital technologies, financial instruments aimed at attracting investment, accumulation systems (portable sources of electricity), electric transport, and green energy. The methodological basis of the research is the analysis of scientific publications and Internet resources, synthesis and generalization of the data acquired. The authors of the study have analyzed the most significant tools that can be used to develop the electric energy industry in the current situation, and worked out the recommendations on improving the effectiveness of their implementation. To provide a full-fledged solution of the tasks set in the article the authors have analyzed the dynamics of the electric energy industry, identified the basic principles of its development, the peculiar features of their implementation, worked out the opportunities and recommendations for their improvement. According to the results of the study it has been suggested to establish a new institute – a specialized international innovation centre of electric energy industry which will ensure attraction of investment, formation of effective cooperation with friendly countries and development of green energy industry. The authors have identified the tools providing for the development of electric energy industry in Russia, worked out recommendations on their improvement, suggested a new institute of financing and development of electric energy industry. The results of the study in hand can be used in the activity of the companies involved in electric energy industry and further research on the topic.

INOVASI TEKNOLOGI UNTUK KONSERVASI SUMBERDAYA MINERAL: TANTANGAN DAN PELUANG

Technological innovation has become the key to improving mineral resource conservation worldwide. In this paper, we discuss the challenges and opportunities faced in developing technology for mineral resource conservation. One of the main challenges is the ever-increasing demand for mineral resources, which requires extraction technologies that are not environmentally friendly and can generate waste and pollution. However, efficient processing technology, mineral recovery and recycling technology, as well as the use of renewable energy in the mining industry, digital sensors and monitoring, and geographic information technology (GIS) have shown great benefits in reducing environmental impact and increasing resource use efficiency. In addition, appropriate policies and regulations, human resource skills enhancement, community awareness and acceptance, as well as mineral resource diversification and local community empowerment are also important factors in mineral resource conservation.

Social life cycle assessment of green hydrogen production: Evaluating a projected Portuguese industrial production plant

The increase in industrial production and energy consumption has led to excessive exploitation of non-renewable resources, resulting in serious environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emissions. In response, there's a growing investment in renewable energies such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. However, these sources are unable to fully meet demand, leading to imbalances between consumption and production. An emerging solution to this challenge is green hydrogen, produced from clean sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The S-LCA methodology presented in the UNEP/SETAC Guidelines for the Social Life Cycle Assessment is applied to the production of green hydrogen via the electrolytic separation of water using a proton exchange electrolyser. The process involves the extraction and processing of raw materials from the electrolyser, BOP and reverse osmosis system, the manufacture of the systems and the production of green hydrogen. The data from each stage is inventoried and entered into the PSILCA v.3.1 and SHDB 2022FV5 databases, integrated into the SimaPro software version 9.3.0.2, enabling a complete analysis of the social impacts associated with the production of green hydrogen. The data was evaluated considering 4 stakeholder categories: workers, value chain actors, society and local community. The results indicate that the extraction and processing of raw materials for the electrolyser was the primary stage responsible for the social impacts in both databases. However, the electrolyser manufacturing stage was the main contributor to the indicators “weekly working hours per employee” and “union density” in the PSILCA database. Nafion® and Iridium were identified as the major contributors among components in both databases. The study highlights the significant role played by countries like China and South Africa in social impacts, particularly in the extraction and processing of raw materials. Despite this, Portugal emerged as the largest contributor to five out of fourteen indicators in the PSILCA database, while its contributions in the SHDB database were less than 7 %. Moreover, a comparison between the two databases revealed that PSILCA exhibited a greater distribution of results across various stages, components, and countries assessed, whereas SHDB showed more centralized results. The observed discrepancies between the results obtained from different databases can be attributed to three main factors: the input-output database utilized in each S-LCA tool, the assumed risk levels for each indicator, and the equivalence between indicators and subcategories. This exploratory study offers valuable insights for guiding strategic decisions regarding the social component of sustainability, providing a detailed understanding of the social impacts associated with the specific case of green hydrogen production in a planned hub in Portugal.

Understanding the Motives behind Promotional Activities of SWH Sellers: A Comprehensive Review

This paper examines the many reasons behind the promotional activities conducted by sellers of solar water heaters (SWH), offering a thorough examination of the strategic factors that influence these efforts. This text examines the influence of economic incentives, such as the opportunity for higher sales and market share, and competitive positioning within the renewable energy industry, on the development of promotional techniques. In addition, the analysis examines the influence of regulatory frameworks and government policies that promote the use of SWH systems, which in turn push vendors to pursue more assertive marketing strategies. In addition to the primary objective of increasing sales, the article emphasises that these promotional efforts are also motivated by a commitment to establish lasting brand loyalty, improve the company's reputation through corporate social responsibility initiatives, and educate consumers about the environmental and financial advantages of SWH systems. The study emphasises the need of comprehending these intricate reasons in order to formulate more efficient marketing tactics that not only enhance adoption rates but also contribute to overarching sustainability objectives.

Evaluating Environmental Sustainability: The Role of Agriculture and Renewable Energy in South Korea

This study investigates the impacts of agriculture and renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions in South Korea from 1980 to 2023, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for environmental sustainability. Utilizing bootstrap ARDL, FMOLS, and CCR methodologies, the analysis reveals that traditional agricultural practices significantly increase CO2 emissions, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable agricultural reforms. Conversely, renewable energy consumption effectively reduces CO2 emissions, thereby supporting the nation’s transition towards sustainable energy sources. Additionally, control variables such as industrial activity, urbanization, energy prices, and government environmental policies exhibit significant effects on CO2 emissions. Specifically, industrial activity and urbanization contribute to increased emissions, whereas higher energy prices and stringent environmental policies are associated with reduced emissions. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted agricultural and energy sector reforms to achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. Robustness tests confirm the stability of these relationships, providing a reliable foundation for policymakers to develop effective strategies for a sustainable future in South Korea.

Research on the Optimal Portfolio of New Energy Industry Based on Markowitz Model

Based on Markowitz's portfolio theory, the risks and returns of stocks can be obtained from calculating the historical data, ensuring effective returns with low risk by decentralized investment, which has a considerable degree of practical significance to China's public investment under the current situation. In recent years, the total market capitalization of the new energy industry and the attainable gains from it are growing rapidly, in which case investors need to analyze and evaluate the volatility to determine how to invest. This paper extracts the historical closing price of new energy automobile related industry 7 stocks from June 2018 to March 2024 through the SuperMind database and establishes the mean-variance model, showing the optimal portfolio of new energy industry in the market with short-selling and the market without short-selling and giving a practical investment proposal on weights allocation.