Energy Development Research Articles

Investigating the feasibility of agro-waste briquettes as a sustainable energy source in Borno state Nigeria as pathways for post-conflict and instability recovery

The growing energy demand and lack of access to clean energy sources call for the development of more energy for cooking in households, briquettes produced using agricultural materials and related biomass have the capacity for utilization as an energy source. This study aims to introduce briquettes as an alternative energy source for cooking within conflict-affected communities in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, where factors relating to the high cost of charcoal, security constraints, and the environmental impact of tree cutting have sparked apprehension and raised concerns. The study demonstrates the likelihood of adopting briquettes as a cooking fuel alternative in communities recovering from insurgency. Using assessment tools such as household surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), involving a total of 536 questionnaires administered to respondents; KII was administered to 37 respondents and 9 FGDs with cooperatives and dealers in traditional fuel were conducted. From the results 73% of the community relies on charcoal as their primary fuel source, since the majority (68.7%) appeared to be low-income households, 24.1% reported that the high cost of charcoal is a major hindrance to continued usage. However, despite the communities showing potential in briquettes, only 3.7% are aware of briquettes as an alternative option for cooking energy indicating the adoption of briquettes being low in the region. A situational assessment was carried and sensitization strategies were recommended as means to enhance livelihoods and build resilience within the community.

Retraction Note: Biomass energy and rural development: economic benefits and sustainability pathways

Retraction Note: Biomass energy and rural development: economic benefits and sustainability pathways

Highly Efficient and Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Guaiacol Using Ni-Supported Honeycomb-Structured Biochar and Phosphomolybdic Acid.

The sustainable development of energy has always been a concern. Upgrading biomass catalysis into hydrocarbon liquid fuels is one of the effective methods. In order to upgrade biomass derivative guaiacol by Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalysis, this article report a three-dimensional honeycomb structure biochar loaded with Ni nanoparticles and phosphomolybdic acid demonstrating excellent catalytic performance in a short period of time. This is due to the porous structure of biochar, which allows Ni metal nanoparticles to be highly uniformly dispersed on the support, which enhances the catalytic hydrogenation of guaiacol in terms of both rate and efficiency. Furthermore, it was observed that the added phosphomolybdic acid dissolved within the temperature range of 78-90°C, functioning as a homogeneous catalyst in the process. This proves advantageous, as the phosphomolybdic acid becomes accessible at any location within the porous Ni/C catalyst. The detailed characterization data revealed that the carbon support prepared in this study has a high specific surface area of up to 1375.61 m2/g. Additionally, the phosphomolybdic acid exhibited rich acidity, with Brønsted and Lewis acid contents of 2.55 μmol/g and 21.45 μmol/g, respectively. Reaction data demonstrated that at 240°C for 180 minutes, 100% conversion and 97.9% cyclohexane selectivity were achieved.

Can Renewable Energy Be a Driving Factor for Economic Stability? An In-depth Study of Sector Expansion and Economic Dynamics

India has emerged as one of the world's most appealing locations for renewable energy development. It has set lofty renewable energy goals to reach 450 gigawatts (GW) capacity by 2030. These aims indicate India's determination to move to greener and more sustainable energy sources. India has been investing in R&D to promote technological innovation in renewable energy. This includes improvements to solar photovoltaic technology, wind energy, energy storage technologies, and smart grid systems. Innovation is critical for improving efficiency, lowering prices, and increasing the reliability of renewable energy sources. This paper aims to analyse the linkages between economic growth and renewable energy usage in India. For this, the Granger Causality technique is adopted, and it is found that no short-run causality exists among the economic growth and RE installed capacity. However, Industrial Production Granger Causes both GDP and Renewable Energy Capacity. When the stock price data of the last five years of top renewable energy companies was also collected, it was found that all the companies are showing an upward trend. While renewable energy is growing rapidly, especially solar and wind power, it is insufficient to meet the bulk of India's energy demands. Renewables contribute to reducing carbon emissions and diversifying the energy mix, but they still account for a smaller percentage compared to thermal power.

Fine regulation of self-supporting metal phosphonates for improved overall water splitting

The exploration of high-performance water electrolysis catalysts is crucial for the development of hydrogen energy and the alleviation of increasingly serious environmental problems. Transition metal phosphonates are very promising electrocatalysts. In this work, a new nickel phosphonate has been synthesized and successfully developed into high-performance electrocatalyst through in-situ growth on nickel foam (NF), introduction of iron, and adjustment of Ni:Fe mole ratio. It is revealed that NiFe12 and NIFe13 exhibit the best OER (η10: 268 mV vs. RHE; Tafel slope: 54 mV dec−1) and HER (η10: 172 mV vs. RHE; Tafel slope: 77 mV dec−1) catalytic activity under optimized conditions, respectively, with fast reaction kinetics and long-term durability. The water electrolysis device assembled with them can drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at low voltage (1.68 V) with long-term durability, demonstrating promising application prospects. This work has important reference significance for the development of transition metal-based water electrolysis catalysts.

International legal mechanisms of liability for nuclear damage

Based on the analysis of accidents in the nuclear sphere, many states have come to the conclusion of the need to develop international legal principles for the settlement of disputes related to accidents and the formation of a regime of responsibility for damage caused to the life and health of people and the environment. The unification of the efforts of many states to develop joint approaches to ensure the safe development of atomic energy allowed the creation of a complex international legal regime – “international nuclear law”. The aim of the work is determination of the international legal bases of responsibility for causing nuclear damage. The methodological basis of the study. The following methods of cognition were used in the research process: analysis and synthesis, generalization, dialectical, system-structural methods, formal-legal, legal-technical method. Results. Various international organizations play an important role in the formation of nuclear law: the IAEA, the Atomic Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (NEA OECD), WNA and others. The documents issued by the IAEA serve as guidelines for the development and approval of laws and other regulatory acts related to the safe use of atomic energy in the countries of the world. Conventions on liability for nuclear damage were drafted in such a way that most of their provisions (especially the basic principles) were self-executing. Therefore, in principle, each participating state has the right to independently decide, on the basis of its constitutional or legal system, which approach it will use to bring its legislation in accordance with this or that convention: direct application of the provisions of the convention or preparation based on the text of the convention of the national law on nuclear liability. Conclusions. Currently, in the issue of liability for nuclear damage, countries can be divided into two groups: one group – those that have adopted a special regime in the field of nuclear liability either by joining international conventions or by adopting national legislation; another group – countries that do not have such a special regime.

Comprehensive evaluation of rockburst risk by multiparameter characteristics based on microseismic signals: A case study

AbstractNowadays, the seismological monitoring system in China is a valuable tool in the rockburst risk evaluation for deep coal mines. In the past, only parameters, like source location and energy, are widely used to estimate the risk level of rockburst. Sometimes, it is effective; however, some other important physical parameters, such as apparent stress drop, static stress drop, P‐wave velocity, and moment tensor, should also be included in order to improve the accuracy of risk assessment. In this study, these parameters are calculated using mine tremor signals recorded in the LW35001 workface of Liangbaosi Coal Mine. These calculations provide an overall identification of periodical stress distribution and rock mass energy‐releasing type under high concentrated stress. Via linear moment tensor inversion procedure, the source mechanism of mine tremors and stress state of the rock mass is determined whether it is risk or not to underground roadway. This comprehensive analysis provides a specific guidance for rockburst prevention for coal mine management, that is, knowing when and where measures must be taken to decrease the risk level or induce the occurrence of rockburst under control.

How beliefs about tampering with nature influence support for enhanced geothermal systems: A cross-national study.

Many believe that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) can greatly increase the extraction of geothermal energy worldwide, helping to decarbonize heat and electricity production. Effective communication is key to realizing the potential of EGS, yet we currently know little about how the public perceives this emerging technology. This exploratory study contributes to the literature with a cross-national survey in the United States (n=1003) and Switzerland (n=1028), two countries with active EGS projects. Specifically, we explore how EGS support relates to beliefs about the deep underground and perceptions of EGS as tampering with nature. The results show that respondents tend to perceive the deep underground as part of nature, dangerous, and unpredictable. The majority are positive about using the deep underground as a resource, although there were variations regarding specific underground activities. In both countries, EGS support is greater for respondents who perceive the underground as something for human use, perceive more benefits than risks from EGS, and support their country's transition to renewable energy. In Switzerland, EGS support is positively related to trust in industry developers and negatively related to perceptions that EGS is tampering with nature. The results offer novel theoretical insights into perceptions of the deep underground in relation to energy development. From a practical standpoint, the results suggest that those seeking to develop EGS may want to consider how to familiarize individuals with current subsurface energy activities, including efforts to protect the underground from unwanted consequences of "tampering," alongside engaging in discussions about the risks and benefits of EGS.

Empirical study on the relationship between economic growth and implied carbon emissions in Western China's undertaking of international industrial transfer.

In the macro context of global climate change, given the profound challenges that the intensifying greenhouse effect poses to global ecological balance and sustainable economic and social development, the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) is increasingly acknowledged, particularly regarding its dual impact on the environment: while serving as a catalyst for economic growth, it might also exacerbate carbon emissions in host countries. This paper focuses on the panel data of 11 provinces and cities in the western region (excluding Xizang) from 2006 to 2021, calculates the implied carbon of foreign-invested enterprises in the western region, and explores the relationship between the implied carbon of foreign-invested enterprises in the western region and the economic development of the western region. The results indicate that from 2006 to 2021, the implied net carbon value of import and export trade of foreign-invested enterprises in the western region was greater than zero and roughly exhibited an upward trend year by year. FDI has an environmental deficit in terms of carbon emissions in the western region; FDI in the western region has a significant positive effect on the implied carbon emissions in import and export trade; The GDP of the western region has a significant positive effect on the implied carbon emissions of import and export trade. Therefore, this article puts forward corresponding suggestions from five aspects: policy incentives and regulatory constraints, technology research and innovation drive, clean energy development and resource recycling, international cooperation and regional linkage, and public awareness enhancement and cultural advocacy.

A subchannel analysis code for advanced liquid metal fast reactor cores and study on heat transfer characteristics of core geometry parameters

The liquid metal fast reactor represents an important reactor type for the future development of nuclear energy. Accurately modeling and predicting the subchannel flow and heat transfer phenomenon in the rod bundles plays a key role in ensuring core safety. Consequently, a subchannel code suitable for the liquid metal fast reactor is analyzed based on the subchannel analysis code of the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The modified code incorporates various types of liquid metals, such as lead, lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE), and sodium, along with their constitutive models, enhancing the applicability of the liquid metal reactor systems. This code has been verified and validated at several levels, including comparing the code simulation results with other similar subchannel codes results, high-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and experiment data. The sensitivity analysis of core geometric parameters and turbulent mixing coefficients is performed based on the modified version code. The influence of the core geometry, including the rod Pitch to Diameter ratio (P/D), Rod to Wall gap (RTW) and the wire wrap pitch (H) on the sensitivity of outlet temperature has been investigated. The results show that the new subchannel analysis code suitable for liquid metal cooled reactor shows reasonable agreement with the verified and validated results. The geometric parameters, such as P/D, RTW and H have noticeable effects on the outlet temperature difference of the subchannels. Additionally, the outlet temperature distribution in the subchannel is significantly affected by different turbulent mixing coefficients and the distribution of the turbulent mixing coefficient also influenced by the reactor core sizes. Overall, this study could support the rod bundles design and safety analysis in the liquid metal reactors.

Boosting selective Cs+ uptake through the modulation of stacking modes in layered niobate-based perovskites

Selective separation of 137Cs is significant for the sustainable development of nuclear energy and environmental protection, due to its strong radioactivity and long half-life. However, selective capture of 137Cs+ from radioactive liquid waste is challenging due to strong coulomb interactions between the adsorbents and high-valency metal ions. Herein, we propose a strategy to resolve this issue and achieve specific Cs+ ion recognition and separation by modulating the stacking modes of layered perovskites. We demonstrate that among niobate-based perovskites, ALaNb2O7 (A = Cs, H, K, and Li), HLaNb2O7 shows an outstanding selectivity for Cs+ even in the presence of a large amount of competing Mn+ ions (Mn+ = K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, Eu3+, and Zr4+) owing to its suitable void fraction and space shape, brought by the stacking mode of layers. The Cs+ capture mechanism is directly elucidated at molecular level by single-crystal structural analyses and density functional theory calculations. This work not only provides key insights in the design and property optimization of perovskite-type materials for radiocesium separation, but also paves the way for the development of efficient inorganic materials for radionuclides remediation.

ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНИЙ РИНОК УКРАЇНИ : СТВОРЕННЯ УМОВ ДЛЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОГО ЕНЕРГОЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ

The article analyzes the theoretical foundations of the formation of energy security on the energy market of Ukraine in the context of European integration processes, and states that energy security is a component of the state's national security. The main advantages of long-term contracts for all energy market participants are indicated. Features of the functioning of consumer companies in the competitive market are highlighted. The main risks for large consumers when working on the day-ahead market are presented. Factors of the expediency of functioning on the balancing segment are given. Current trends in the development of world energy and their impact on energy security are analyzed. The necessity of diversification of energy supply sources for Ukraine is substantiated. The influence of the European integration processes on the reform of the energy sector of Ukraine is studied. The current state of the energy market was analyzed, and the analysis of factors affecting development trends and ensuring protection in the energy market was carried out. The influence of the European integration processes on the reform of the energy sector of Ukraine is studied. The conjuncture of the energy market of Ukraine is determined, in which it is necessary to analyze not only the peculiarities of the domestic sphere, but also the influence of international relations, international trade and the world market. The PEST analysis of the energy industry of Ukraine is presented, which allowed to identify the level of influence and the neighborhood of the group of influencing factors on the formation of the strategic potential of the energy market of Ukraine. Directions for increasing the level of energy security through modernization of the energy infrastructure, development of renewable energy sources, and integration into the European energy space are proposed. It is noted that the creation of conditions for the effective use of internal resources and the development of appropriate technologies are of strategic importance. The country's government is working on integration into the European energy community, which requires compliance with European standards and the implementation of effective management models of the energy market of Ukraine. According to the results of the strategic potential of the energy industry of Ukraine, economic factors exert the greatest influence - 1.147, which just emphasizes the important role of the energy industry in the country's economy. In second place in terms of influence are political factors - 0.847. The analysis of the market just showed the rather important role of the political component in the functioning of the energy market of Ukraine, namely in the aspect of its joining the European energy market and the transformation of Ukraine into the European Union with the rights of an equal state. In third place are technological factors - 0.553, which confirm Ukraine's determination to decarbonize the energy market. And the fourth place is occupied by socio-cultural factors - 0.537, which are only marginally inferior to technological factors. This indicates a strong influence of consumer preferences when choosing interaction models in the market.

Resolving land use conflicts in developing photovoltaic

China is implementing ambitious solar energy development plans, with the goal of exceeding 2200–2800 GW by 2030. However, the development of solar energy necessitates substantial land use. An estimated 64,900 km2 of land would be required, posing significant challenges, particularly in balancing energy production with environmental and agricultural priorities. Without a commitment to sustainable land management, the broader goal of sustainable development in renewable energy cannot be achieved. Our findings highlight the need for policies that ensure photovoltaic developments are compatible with environmental conservation and land preservation.

Enhancing Energy Systems and Rural Communities through a System of Systems Approach: A Comprehensive Review

Today’s increasingly complex energy systems require innovative approaches to integrate and optimize different energy sources and technologies. In this paper, we explore the system of systems (SoS) approach, which provides a comprehensive framework for improving energy systems’ interoperability, efficiency, and resilience. By examining recent advances in various sectors, including photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, energy storage, renewable energy, smart cities, and rural communities, this study highlights the essential role of SoSs in addressing the challenges of the energy transition. The principal areas of interest include the integration of advanced control algorithms and machine learning techniques and the development of robust communication networks to manage interactions between interconnected subsystems. This study also identifies significant challenges associated with large-scale SoS implementation, such as real-time data processing, decision-making complexity, and the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks. This study outlines future directions for improving the intelligence and autonomy of energy subsystems, which are essential for achieving a sustainable, resilient, and adaptive energy infrastructure.

Renewable Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Prescriptive Analysis of Ghana

This study assesses the state of play of renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa through the lens of the Ghana renewable energy sub-sector. Adopting a sector diagnostic approach, the study assesses the legal framework, institutional arrangements, emerging developments, and challenges of renewable energy development in Ghana. The study further prescribes key renewable policy instruments necessary to propel Ghana to achieve its 10% renewable energy target by 2030. Recommended amendments for the Renewable Energy Act are also proffered in this paper. The study provides innovative directions for policymakers and regulators while revealing new perspectives to the renewable energy puzzle in Africa.

Impact of City-Wide Diesel Generator Use on Air Quality in Quito, Ecuador, during a Nationwide Electricity Crisis

As climate change intensifies and 2023 sets the record for the hottest year, the Amazonian region faces severe drought, leading to a hydroelectricity crisis. This study examines the effects of using environmentally harmful backup power solutions, which are all too common in developing countries—specifically, diesel-powered generators—on urban air quality in Quito, Ecuador, during the hydroelectric crisis of 2023/2024. The impact of the blackouts on air pollution is assessed by comparing it to a reference period before the crisis and to an earlier year with similar weather conditions. The findings indicate that extended blackouts (up to 8 h per day) considerably increased concentrations of SO2 (180%), CO (43%), NO2 (39%), and PM2.5 (20%) compared to ‘normal’ conditions. Conversely, O3 pollution levels decreased (−6%). Our findings suggest potential respiratory and cardiovascular health risks for the urban population, highlighting the urgent need for improved energy infrastructure and cleaner backup power solutions in the developing world. Addressing these challenges is critical for ensuring a healthier and more sustainable urban future amidst climate change projections.

Experimental study on physico-mechanical responses and energy characteristics of granite under high temperature and hydro-mechanical coupling

Thermal and hydro-mechanical coupling effects on granite's physico-mechanical responses and energy characteristics can influence its carrying capacity, hydraulic and heat transfer performance. The evolution of these properties is crucial for geothermal reservoir stability assessment and the optimization of deep geothermal energy development techniques. Hence, a variety of physical tests and rock mechanics experiments were conducted. Key findings include: (1) As temperature rises, granite undergoes thermal expansion and structural integrity degradation. The peak strength σp, elastic modulus E, total energy density U, and elastic energy density Ue initially rise at 25 °C–150 °C and subsequently decrease above 150 °C, while the proportion of dissipated energy ηd is opposite. Granite also initially experiences hardening, then turns to brittle-ductile transition. (2) The crystallinities of quartz, albite, and orthoclase demonstrate substantial deterioration beyond 450 °C. (3) 150 °C and 450 °C are regarded as the temperature thresholds for mechanical properties. (4) As confining pressure rises, granite experiences hardening, with σp, E, U, and Ue increasing, and ηd decreasing. (5) Pore water pressure increases ηd and decreases σp, E, U, and Ue, and its effect on the mechanical responses is pronounced when it reaches 80 % of confining pressure or exceeds 450 °C.

Spatial national multi-period long-term energy and carbon planning scenarios in Ecuador’s electric system

The Republic of Ecuador is developing a comprehensive plan to meet the increasing residential, industrial, and commercial energy demands. With a population of 17.08 million in 2018, the country is experiencing an annual average energy growth of approximately 7.13% until 2027. This research aims to model the incorporation of new and proposed power plants strategically planned to cater to the expanding demand needs. Ensuring that our existing energy infrastructure can adequately meet the current and growing needs of the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors should be made possible. In this paper, we present several hypotheses that need to be made to identify the potential demands for residential, industrial, and commercial requirements, making it more accessible to build new facilities that use renewable energy. Traditional and unconventional renewable energy sources, such as hydro-power, wind, and solar power, are being explored to generate electricity. The research employs quantitative methodology, beginning with gathering information and a detailed data analysis. Subsequently, a scenario-based model will examine the impact on energy demand and supply from 2020 to 2035. The results show that the Santiago hydroelectric project is becoming essential for the country’s energy development and that the current national power system will only be able to supply the electricity demand when the industrial city of Posorja is being developed. We suggest that to maintain Ecuador’s electricity trade balance as an electricity exporter, we continue with the energy investment plans currently issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This study is relevant for establishing global financing arrangements involving the public and private sectors. In doing so, we can meet our hypothetical scenarios, ensuring that all energy needs are met by 2035. This will involve developing a robust national grid system with sufficient reserve capacity, meeting residential and projected commercial and industrial demand.

Optimisation of underwater acoustic sensor networks

The oceans are the scene of intense economical and industrial activities. It is becoming even more competitive with recent military activities and the upcoming development of marine renewable energies. All of these activities have a significant impact on marine ecosystems and must be carefully evaluated for any maritime planning. The marine environment is also a very effective medium for the propagation of acoustic waves over long distances, depending on the frequency, the source level, the static (bathymetry) and the dynamic (hydrology) oceanographic conditions. Such conditions make acoustic sensors primary candidates for underwater investigations and the distribution of mixed sensors with various sensitivities, frequency bandwidths or positioning can be optimized for detection, localization or monitoring purposes. This contribution aims to present a methodology based on evolutionary algorithms which considers the overall physical state of the marine environment and determines the optimal configurations of mixed underwater acoustic networks. The relevance of various objectives, or metrics, can be discussed, as well as specific search operators for crossover and mutation based on preliminary results.

Technical specification IEC/TS 61400-11-2: measurement of wind turbine noise characteristics in receptor position - an overview

To facilitate the development of wind energy, a Technical Specification has been developed by the IEC project team PT61400-11-2, giving guidance on how to assess the noise characteristics from a wind farm in the surroundings through measurements and assessment at the receptor position. This includes physical characteristics like sound pressure levels, wind speed, amplitude modulation, tonality, amongst others. In writing the Technical Specification, the expert group intended to collect experience and knowledge from existing methods and standards. The TS is written as an operational guideline for conducting measurements for authorities and measurement institutes, tailored to the specific intentions of the measurements. It will be of particular interest in countries where no guidance on wind farm noise measurements is available but also in countries where guidance and legislation of environmental noise measurements may not be sufficiently adapted for wind turbine noise specifics. An overview of the content of the document will be presented along with the considerations and choices made during extensive discussions by the international expert group stemming from acoustic measurement institutes, wind turbine manufacturers, wind farm developer, site operators and academia.