Energy Intensity Research Articles

Evaluation of an alternative process for the production of hydrocarbons from CO2: Techno-economic and environmental analysis

This study aims to evaluate and compare two integrated processes (Plant A and B) for hydrocarbon production from CO2. They involve proton exchange membrane water electrolysis for H2 production, reverse water-gas shift reaction for syngas production, pressure swing adsorption for syngas purification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for diesel-range hydrocarbons from CO2, and atmospheric distillation for product separation. Plant B additionally integrates a hydrocracking-based upgrading section. The simulations were performed using Aspen Plus® v10, Aspen Adsorption® v10, and Aspen Custom Modeler® v10. The evaluation covers technical, economic, environmental, and multi-criteria assessment (GREENSCOPE). The proposed processes demonstrate the potential to convert CO2 to hydrocarbons, with carbon conversion rates of 75% and 71% for Plants A and B, respectively. Process energy intensity is 155 and 170 MJ/kgLP for Plants A and B, respectively. Environmental assessment reveals CO2 reduction, resulting in negative global warming potentials of −2.20 and −0.84 kgCO2-eq/kgLP for Plants A and B, respectively. The sustainability degree indices for Plants A and B are 1.00 and 0.06, respectively, indicating Plant A as the more sustainable process alternative based on both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Economic analysis shows project unviability in the Brazilian context due to reliance on H2 production and prevailing pricing conditions. Economic viability requires a price increase of liquid products by 266% and 302% or CO2-eq abatement costs ranging from 2.05 to 3.43 US$/kgCO2-eq for Plants A and B, respectively. GREENSCOPE methodology indicates better performance for Plant A across all scores, highlighting a clear connection between the hydrocracking unit and performance indicators. The findings show that these processes align with sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets for climate action (SDG 13), clean energy (SDG 7), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Overall, the research moves forward SDGs by offering solutions to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable industrial practices.

Preparation of a self-matting, anti-fingerprint and skin-tactile wood coating via biomimetic self-wrinkling patterns

Inspired by natural wrinkled surfaces, artificial surfaces with biomimetic wrinkled structures have been widely used to improve optical properties, wettability, and antibacterial properties. However, the preparation of wrinkled structures has the disadvantages of long-time consumption and complex processes. Herein, we prepared a self-wrinkling polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) wood coating via biomimetic self-wrinkling patterns by using a light-emitting diode (LED)/excimer/mercury lamp curing system, which was capable of self-matting, anti-fingerprint and skin-tactile performance. By adjusting the irradiation intensity in the curing system, the wavelength (λ) and amplitude (A) of wrinkles on the coating surface were controlled to enhance the coating performance. After curing by the LED, excimer, and mercury lamps at energy intensities of 500, 30, and 300 mW/cm2 respectively, the self-wrinkling coating showed excellent surface performance. The self-wrinkling coating represented low gloss of 4.1 GU at 85°, high hardness of 4H. Interestingly, the coating surface had a high hydrophobicity (104.5°) and low surface energy (29–30 mN/m) and low coefficient (COF) of friction (0.1–0.2), which were consistent with those of the human skin surface. Besides, the wrinkled structure also improved the thermal stability of the coating samples. This study provided a promising technique for the mass production of self-wrinkling coatings that could be used in wood-based panels, furniture, and leather.

How to achieve differentiated urban mitigation? Evidence from the spatial differences in aggregate embodied carbon intensity

A better understanding of the spatial differences in aggregate carbon intensity (ACI) among cities is useful in achieving differentiated urban mitigation. In this study, we investigated the aggregate embodied carbon intensities and spatial differences in the four municipalities in China during 2007–2017 using an input-output (I–O) model at both the aggregate and final demand category levels. The results indicated that the spatial differences were distinct and gradually increased at both levels. In addition, a spatial structural decomposition analysis was utilized to examine the main factors that contributed to these differences. The energy intensity effect was confirmed as the dominant factor, while the structural effects played an increasingly significant role, particularly the Leontief production structure effect. Finally, policy implications associated with the differentiated CO2 peaking paths were proposed.

Tracking China’s CO2 emissions using Kaya-LMDI for the period 1991–2022

The main aim of this study is to investigate how the different drivers regulating incremental CO2 emissions have evolved in China over seven five-year plans (1991–2022). The study also examines how these different drivers’ (including population, economic development, energy intensity, share of renewable energy and its productivity, and carbon intensity) regulating of CO2 emissions have changed. The results are obtained by employing Kaya identity and logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) methodology. Additionally, the Tapio method is utilized to study the decoupling elasticity history of carbon emissions from China’s economy. The decoupling of carbon emissions from the economy due to different drivers is further investigated, and the results may inform and assist policymakers in determining environmentally sustainable policies. The results reveal that the value added of CO2 emissions reached its highest point in the 10th five-year plan (FYP) and has decreased every year thereafter. Economic factor and renewable energy share factor are the main reasons for the increase in carbon emissions. Those emissions peaked in the 11th and 12th FYPs, respectively, and have been gradually declining in subsequent years. Meanwhile, the energy intensity factor, the renewable energy utilization factor, and the carbon emission intensity factor, as the key contributors to carbon emission reduction, have made monumental contributions to carbon emission reduction. These factors reached their highest levels in the 12th and 13th FYPs, respectively. China was still in a stage of weak decoupling at this stage, but the decoupling elasticity is gradually converging to zero. On an individual basis, energy intensity, carbon intensity, renewable energy productivity, and population factor have a much greater ability to decouple than economic factor and renewable energy share factor. Some implications are offered, including the improvement of population quality, the promotion of a green and low-carbon economy, and the innovation of energy efficiency.

Energy Poverty and Democratic Values: A European Perspective

This paper explores the complex relationship between energy poverty and the maintenance of democratic values within the European Union (EU), suggesting that energy poverty not only impacts economic stability and health outcomes but also poses significant challenges to democratic engagement and equity. To measure energy poverty, a composite index is developed using the entropy method, which surpasses traditional measures focused solely on access to energy or its developmental implications. To assess the level of democratic governance in EU countries, the voice and accountability index (VEA), which is part of the World Governance Indicators compiled by the World Bank, is utilized. By analyzing EU data from 2006 to 2022, the findings suggest that a 1% improvement in VEA quality, represented by a coefficient of 0.122, is correlated with a notable improvement in the energy poverty index. This suggests that the EU should focus on enhancing transparency and public participation in energy decision-making, along with ensuring accountability in policy implementation. The research also differentiates between full and flawed democracies, noting that tailored approaches are needed. In full democracies, leveraging economic prosperity and trade is crucial due to their significant positive impacts on the energy poverty index. In contrast, in flawed democracies, enhancing governance and accountability is more impactful, as evidenced by a higher coefficient of 0.193. Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, improving regulatory quality, and ensuring public engagement in governance could substantially mitigate energy poverty in these contexts. In addition, this paper demonstrates that this relationship is influenced by factors such as income inequality, energy intensity, and trade openness.

Influence of Parameters of Mechanochemical Processing on the Efficacy of Complex Solid Dispersion of Anthelmintics

Background: Due to the fact that animal parasitic diseases often occur in the form of mixed infections, it is necessary to use complex drugs with a combination of active substances that act against different classes of helminths. Fenbendazole has a wide spectrum of nematocidal action and is less effective against cestodes. Considering that sheep are often infected with both gastro-intestinal nematodes and cestodes, a complex drug based on fenbendazole, niclosamide with polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer, was developed using mechanochemical technology in order to increase its solubility and bioavailability and reduce the dosages and side effects. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of mechanochemical technology on the efficacy of complex solid dispersions of anthelmintics against cestodoses and nematodoses. Methods: The influence of different types of mills (roller and planetary mills), levels of energy intensity (20, 40, 60 g), and component ratio (2:20:78; 3:30:67; 4:40:56) during mechanochemical processing was studied on the anthelmintic efficacy of complex solid dispersions of fenbendazole, niclosamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone in laboratory models of trichinellosis and hymenolepiosis of white mice, and on sheep naturally infected with helminths. Results: The efficacy of complex solid dispersions obtained in the planetary mill was higher than the activity of dispersions obtained in a roller mill. It showed 87.5, 96.36, 83.77, and 99.39% efficacy, respectively, against experimental trichinellosis, hymenolepiosis of white mice, gastrointestinal nematode infection and monieziosis of sheep at a ratio of 2:20:78. The basic drug – fenbendazole demonstrated 31.37 and 22.77% activity against experimental trichinellosis and gastro-intestinal nematode infection of sheep. The basic drug, niclosamide, showed 36.37% efficacy against hymenolepiosis in mice and 28.31% against monieziosis in sheep. It was established that with an increase in the energy intensity level of the planetary mill (20, 40, and 60 g), the decrease in the efficacy of solid dispersion occurred from 73.90 to 59.12% against T. spiralis and from 92.73% to 79.81% against H. nana. Conclusion: The use of mechanochemical technology for the production of solid dispersions of fenbendazole and niclosamide with polyvinylpyrrolidone makes it possible to increase the anthelmintic efficacy by 2.7–3 times compared to the activity of basic substances. It was noted that the complex solid dispersions of anthelmintics obtained in a planetary mill had 7.51–10.17% greater activity in comparison with the samples obtained in a roller mill. The most optimal ratio of active substances was 2:20:78 at a 20 g level of energy intensity of the planetary mill.

Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Drivers of Carbon Emission Efficiency in China’s Iron and Steel Industry

Improving the carbon emission efficiency (CEE) of the iron and steel industry (ISI) is crucial for China to achieve the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. This study employed the undesirable SBM and Dagum Gini coefficient to measure the ISI’s CEE and analyzed the spatial heterogeneity among three regions of China. This study also used the Tobit model to clarify the influencing factors. The conclusions show that (1) the CEE in eastern provinces is the highest, the central ones rank second, while the western ones rank the worst; the promoting effect of Technical Change is greater than that of Efficiency Change. (2) ISI’s CEE shows a positive spatial correlation and an apparent spatial heterogeneity. The CEE gap between the regions contributes most to the CEE difference among provinces. The regional CEE gap within the western region is the largest, with a maximum difference of 0.520 in the Dagum Gini coefficient. Furthermore, the total CEE gap shows a narrowing trend from 2009 to 2020, with the Dagum Gini coefficient decreasing from 0.414 in 2009 to 0.357 in 2020. (3) Industrial structure, enterprise scale, foreign direct investment, and technology level positively correlate with ISI’s CEE; the marginal impacts are 0.6711, 0.1203, 0.0572, and 3.5191, respectively. While energy intensity, environmental regulation, and product structure negatively correlate with it, the marginal impacts are 0.0178, 1.4673, and 0.2452, respectively.

Economic sanctions, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions in Iran: a system dynamics model

ABSTRACT Economic sanctions have the potential to affect environmental factors through various channels, including income reduction and constraints on accessing finance and environmentally friendly technologies. This study aims to simulate the energy and environmental consequences resulting from international sanctions in Iran. To achieve this, we develop a System Dynamics model integrating a spectrum of variables spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions, for the period from 2008 to 2028. Our simulation outcomes indicate that by 2028, sanctions are anticipated to precipitate a notable upsurge in CO2 emissions, ranging from 12.5% to 30% compared to the baseline scenario. The magnitude of this escalation hinges on a variety of factors, including energy intensity and scenarios related to economic growth. According to our findings, prolonging international sanctions could be a major barrier to improving energy intensity and lowering CO2 emissions. Given the potential environmental consequences of sanctions, international communities, particularly sanctioning countries, should consider the environmental impacts of sanctions in their policy-making decisions in order to reduce emissions damage.

Evolution and driving factors of inequality in CO2 emissions from agricultural energy consumption in China

The inequality in CO2 emissions from agricultural energy consumption is a major challenge for coordinating low-carbon agricultural development across regions in China. However, the evolutionary characteristics and driving factors of inequality in China’s agricultural energy-related CO2 emissions are poorly understood. In response, the Kaya–Theil model was adopted to examine the three potential factors influencing CO2 emission inequality in China’s agricultural energy consumption. The results revealed that, from 1997 to 2021, agricultural energy-related CO2 emissions per capita showed a significant upward trend, with prominent polarization and right-tailing phenomena. Overall, the inequality was on a downward trend, with the Theil index falling from 0.4109 in 1997 to 0.1957 in 2021. Meanwhile, the decomposition of the national inequality revealed that the within-group inequality declined from 0.3991 to 0.1634, which was greater than between-group inequality, based on zoning the 28 provinces into three grain production functional areas. As for the three kaya factors, the energy intensity contributed the most to the overall inequality, followed by the agricultural economic development and CO2 emission intensity. Based on these results, this study provided some potential strategies to reduce agricultural-related CO2 emissions.

Analysis and Optimization of Operating Modes of Mini-CHP on Local Fuels in Conditions of Surplus Electric Power Capacities in the Unified Energy System of Belarus. Part 1

The paper presents the results of a study to determine the rational structure of mini-CHP (Cogeneration Heat and Power Plant) using local fuels types (LFT) for operation as part of the United Energy System (UES) of Belarus with a surplus of electricity generating capacity and dominance of imported types of energy resources (natural gas and nuclear fuel) in the fuel balance. When optimizing the operating modes of mini-CHPs using LFT and operating in parallel with the UES, which has a significant surplus of electricity generating capacity, it is necessary to separate options for existing stations and options for newly built ones. In the first case, due to the fact that the power of the equipment is known, it is advisable to consider two extreme options, i.e., the operation of the heating unit according to an electrical or thermal load schedule. In this case, in order to maintain the daily consumption traffic it is necessary to provide for the accumulation of thermal or electrical energy, respectively. In the case of new construction, the optimized parameter is the power of the generating equipment, so it is advisable to give preference to the option with the maximum number of hours of use of the rated power. In order to increase the economic attractiveness of mini-CHP, options for developing the structure of mini-CHP using LFT with the transition to multi-generation technologies and adaptation to the existing operating conditions of the UES of Belarus have been considered. The results of an analysis of commercially available technologies for storing excess electrical energy are presented in accordance with current and projected (until 2030) cost and operational indicators. For adapting mini-CHP to operate in the UES in conditions of a surplus of electrical power capacity, an electrical energy storage system using hydrogen as an intermediate energy carrier is of greatest interest. To utilize the excess electrical energy consumption from a mini-CHP with a heating ORC unit during the daily dips, a structural diagram configuration using an alkaline electrolysis module for hydrogen production is proposed. The efficiency of energy storage and use technology is considered depending on the specific energy intensity for various electrical energy storage technologies. The use of the two most energy-intensive energy storage technologies is proposed: accumulation based on electrochemical batte-ries and the “electricity-hydrogen” type. During the study, an analysis of the functioning of the ORC-installation Turboden 14 CHP ORC-installation operating as part of a mini-CHP using LFT was carried out. It was revealed that today the installation operates in a wide range of load changes (from 17 to 87 % of the rated electrical power), while the generation of electrical energy from thermal consumption varied in the range from 0.20 to 0.026 MW/MW. Due to the fact that the ORC installation under study is a component of the energy source with a high installed peak thermal power, in the current state there is no direct correlation between the outside air temperature and the generation power of the ORC installation. This circumstance indicates the need to continue the study of heat load trends to build functional models for short- and medium-term forecasting of heat load depending on the time of day and average hourly outside air temperature, which was implemented in the second part of the work.

Quantifying tissue temperature changes induced by infrared neural stimulation: numerical simulation and MR thermometry.

Infrared neural stimulation (INS) delivered via short pulse trains is an innovative tool that has potential for us use for studying brain function and circuitry, brain machine interface, and clinical use. The prevailing mechanism for INS involves the conversion of light energy into thermal transients, leading to neuronal membrane depolarization. Due to the potential risks of thermal damage, it is crucial to ensure that the resulting local temperature increases are within non-damaging limits for brain tissues. Previous studies have estimated damage thresholds using histological methods and have modeled thermal effects based on peripheral nerves. However, additional quantitative measurements and modeling studies are needed for the central nervous system. Here, we performed 7 T MRI thermometry on ex vivo rat brains following the delivery of infrared pulse trains at five different intensities from 0.1-1.0 J/cm2 (each pulse train 1,875 nm, 25 us/pulse, 200 Hz, 0.5 s duration, delivered through 200 µm fiber). Additionally, we utilized the General BioHeat Transfer Model (GBHTM) to simulate local temperature changes in perfused brain tissues while delivering these laser energies to tissue (with optical parameters of human skin) via three different sizes of optical fibers at five energy intensities. The simulation results clearly demonstrate that a 0.5 second INS pulse train induces an increase followed by an immediate drop in temperature at stimulation offset. The delivery of multiple pulse trains with 2.5 s interstimulus interval (ISI) leads to rising temperatures that plateau. Both thermometry and modeling results show that, using parameters that are commonly used in biological applications (200 µm diameter fiber, 0.1-1.0 J/cm2), the final temperature increase at the end of the 60 sec stimuli duration does not exceed 1°C with stimulation values of 0.1-0.5 J/cm2 and does not exceed 2°C with stimulation values of up to 1.0 J/cm2. Thus, the maximum temperature rise is consistent with the thermal damage threshold reported in previous studies. This study provides a quantitative evaluation of the temperature changes induced by INS, suggesting that existing practices pose minimal major safety concerns for biological tissues.

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices on Productivity and Bioenergetics of Rice

Background: SRI and aerobic rice are one of the techniques of growing rice under water scarcity areas where meeting water requirement is becoming a global threat. Weeds are another threat to yield of rice irrespective of different establishment methods. Until checked, it can decline rice yield and quality up to more than 70%. SRI and aerobic rice have different densities of weeds and integrated weed management can be applied to suppress the weeds. Considering the current scenario, research was conducted to investigate growth, yield and bioenergetics of rice under different establishment methods and weed management. Methods: The experiment entitled “Effect of crop establishment methods and weed management practices on productivity and bioenergetics of rice” was carried out in split plot design with main plots, viz., M1- aerobic rice (AR) and M2- system of rice intensification (SRI) and five subplots W1- pre-emergence (pendimethalin @1 kg a.i ha-1) fb post-emergence (bispyribac-sodium @20g a.i ha-1) (PE+POE), W2- pre-emergence (pendimethalin @1 kg a.i ha-1) fb cono weeding at 15, 30, and 45 DAT/ DAS (PE+CW), W3- weed free (WF), W4- weedy check (WC), W5- stale seedbed followed by post-emergence herbicide (bispyribac-sodium 10% SC 20 g a.i ha-1) (SSB+POE) in split plot design with three replications taking the variety ‘Pusa Basmati-1121’ as a test crop. Result: Among the establishment methods, SRI recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height and dry matter production and yield attributes like number of panicles per hill, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Among the weed management treatments, WF recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height, number of tillers per hill, dry matter production and yield attributes like number of panicles per hill, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index that was followed by treatment PE+CW. Maximum net return and B:C ratio was observed in the treatment combinations M2W2- SRI + (PE+CW). The maximum total energy input was found in the treatment combination M1W1- AR+ (PE+POE) and the maximum total energy output was found in the treatment combination M2W3- SRI + WF. The energy intensiveness was observed to be maximum in the treatment combination M1W4- AR + WC and the maximum energy efficiency index was observed in the treatment combination M2W3- SRI+WF.

Power Sector Under Climate Scenario: A Study of Climate Policy Impact on Indonesia Electricity System

In the sixth assessment report, the IPCC indicates that global temperature increased by 1.11 (±0.13) degrees Celsius in 2019 due to 6.5 gigatons of CO2eq of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The power sector is a major global greenhouse gas emitter, particularly in Indonesia. Indonesia’s electricity sector emitted 149.90 million tons of CO2eq greenhouse gas in 2020, which is expected to increase to 158.30 million tons of CO2eq in 2021. Indonesia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions according to the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement has been ratified into national law, accommodating Indonesia’s roadmap to net zero by 2060. The emissions reduction target was published in 2022 through the enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This study aims to analyze the impact of climate policy in Indonesia’s electricity sector to meet the net zero emissions target by 2060. Projection and calculation in this study were conducted using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP). Data from 2020, including electricity demand, existing capacity, energy production, energy intensity, lifetime, and capacity factor, were used to support LEAP analysis. The data were obtained from the PLN statistical book, PLN sustainability report, Indonesia’s statistical book, and climate change mitigation and adaptation reports in Indonesia. This study developed three climate scenarios, including business as usual (BAU), sustainable development (SD), and low-carbon development (LCD). These scenarios draw upon current climate policies that have various impacts on electricity generation in Indonesia. Based on LEAP analysis, by 2060, energy demand is expected to increase to 300.36 MTOE (BAU), 200.93 MTOE (SD), and 76.97 MTOE (LCD). Consequently, each climate scenario requires an increase in installed capacity to 821.82 GW (BAU), 727.06 GW (SD), and 334.58 GW (LCD). The renewable energy mix is projected to be 21% (BAU), 69% (SD), and 100% (LCD). Each scenario requires investment to develop capacity to meet energy demand. The investment cost is estimated to be 1,671.58 million USD (BAU), 1,537.64 million USD (SD), and 816.51 million USD (LCD). GHG emissions are projected to rise to 1,746.31 million tons of CO2eq (BAU) and 264.39 million tons of CO2eq (SD). However, the LCD scenario expects to achieve net zero emissions by 2060.

Comparison of Greenhouse Gas Emission Assessments of Solar and Energy Efficiency Improvements at Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities

Small water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) account for the majority of centralized systems in the world and have higher energy intensities than large facilities. This study compares potential greenhouse gas emission reductions based on on-site solar energy and energy efficiency (E2) improvements made at small WRRFs. Case study data from 31 existing small WRRFs in Nebraska were collected and included 35 site-specific energy efficiency (E2) recommendations and on-site solar renewable energy systems integrated at three facilities, and the data were used to compare the benefits of on-site solar energy and E2 improvements made at small WRRFs. Improvements in E2 (e.g., improved aeration control) presented the largest reduction in emissions per dollar invested. They often exhibited shorter paybacks, with operational changes in aeration strategies showing the highest impact (up to 0.2 kg CO2eq/m3 treated water). On-site solar systems showed the largest net potential for reducing environmental footprint (0.35 kg CO2eq/m3) but often showed the smallest emissions reduction per cost. While the use of both E2 improvements and the integration of on-site solar renewable energy can significantly improve the sustainability of small WRRFs, on-site solar has advantages for small facilities in that it often requires less operational involvement, allows for greater facility resiliency, and presents less uncertainty in terms of environmental benefit.

The increasing energy intensity of drinking water supply

Supplying water to cities is an energy-intensive activity, but few longitudinal studies exist of water utilities’ energy intensity (energy use per unit water volume). Using t-tests and regression on public records from the state of Wisconsin, USA, we analyze over 500 drinking water utilities’ performance from 2001 to 2020. This is the first long-term panel analysis of its kind. The annual data show energy intensity has increased by 12 % in large, 8 % in medium, and 28 % in small water utilities. The large utilities remain the least energy intensive (0.49 kWh/m³ as of 2020, compared to 0.53 kWh/m³ and 0.67 kWh/m³ for medium and small utilities), and the small ones have diverged the most from the other two. At the same trajectory, energy intensity will increase by another 27 % for small water systems by 2040. Our analysis demonstrates economies of scale, highlights disadvantages of small utilities, and confirms predictions that water services would become more energy intensive. It motivates sustainability of coupled energy and water infrastructure and emphasizes responsible use of natural resources.

Determinants of Carbon Emission- A Study in South Asian Countries

The rapid economic growth of South Asian countries, coupled with rising populations, has led to an increasing demand for energy, thereby posing significant challenges for sustainable development. This paper explores the importance of sustainable energy development in South Asia, highlighting its critical role in ensuring economic stability, environmental protection, and social equity. The United Nations has underscored this through its UNFCCC 2016 targets, transitioning from the Millennium Development Goals to the broader Sustainable Development Goals, with a heightened focus on mitigating climate change. In this context sustainable energy development is very important. This study focuses on the sustainable energy development status of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Utilizing 23 years of data (2000-2022), we employed Panel Data Analysis to investigate the determinants influencing carbon intensity in these nations. Our findings reveal that energy intensity, per capita renewable energy consumption and access to electricity significantly increase carbon intensity. Conversely, higher per capita income, a greater share of renewable energy in total consumption and increased per capita energy generation from fossil fuels correlate with a significant reduction in carbon intensity. The results suggest that enhanced collective efforts among SAARC countries are imperative for advancing sustainable renewable energy development.

Evaluation of Functional Outcome in Surgically Managed Tibial Pilon Fractures.

Background Pilon fractures are infrequent and among the most challenging to manage. One reason is the extensive soft tissue injurysurroundingthe distal tibia. Second, the articular surface of the distal tibiawitha complex fracture pattern needs anatomic reduction. These fractures occur due to high energy impaction of the talusinto the distal tibia. The fracture patterns and extent of soft tissue involvement vary based on the intensity of the impact's energy. The management needs to be patient-specific to prevent complications. Proper pre-operative planning with the help of computer tomography scans aids in choosing the approach and proper reduction. Either single-stage early definitive fixation or two-staged protocols involvingtheapplication of spanning external fixation to maintain length and allow soft tissue healing followed by definitive open reduction and internal fixationis done. However, complicationsstill remaininevitable in a significant subset of patients. Objective To evaluate the functional outcome in surgically managed tibial pilon fractures using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system. Methods This prospective observational study included 20 patients who underwent surgery for pilon fractures of the tibia atNizam's Institute of Medical Sciences betweenNovember 2020 and September 2022. The patients were between 18 and 65 yearsold and consented to participate in the study group. After undergoing patient-specific surgical management, all patientsare followedfor a minimum of six months. Their functional outcome is evaluated after fracture union and scheduled physiotherapy sessions every four weeks using the AOFAS scoring system. Ankle range of motion (ROM)is also evaluated. Results The average age of the patients was 40 years, and male predominance was present. Most of the patients (60%) underwent internal fixation. According to the AOFAS scoring system, six patients had an excellent outcome, 11 had a good outcome, and three had a fair outcome.Most of the patients (11patients) had excellent to goodankle ROM.Complicationswere encounteredin two patients with ankle stiffness and one with wound dehiscence. Conclusion Pilon fractures aremore commonin young adults due to road traffic accidents. The most common type of pilon fracture is a closed fracture, which can be treated with definitive internal fixation after the soft tissue has healed. Definitive internal fixation has shown excellent and good functional outcomes (according to the AOFAS score) with improved ankle ROM and no complications when compared to external fixation, which can result in ankle stiffness and delayed union.

ОЦЕНКА ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИОННЫХ СВОЙСТВ ВЕЗДЕХОДНОГО ТРАНСПОРТНОГО СРЕДСТВА, РАБОТАЮЩЕГО НА ВОДОРОДЕ

The paper considers the reasons for the creation of an all-terrain vehicle powered by hydrogen, using a fuel cell electric power generator as a power unit. The design of the RUSAK K-8 FCEV all-terrain vehicle, characteristics of traction electric motors, traction batteries and inverters are presented. The features of calculating the indicators of traction and speed properties of vehicles running on hydrogen are considered. The introduction of overload coefficients for current and voltage is proposed. The results of calculations of acceleration time and path indicators, indicators of the maximum 30-minute driving speed with and without the entered coefficients are presented. A comparative analysis of the obtained results is carried out. It is proposed to use the parameter of the 30-minute maximum speed as a criterion for choosing the energy intensity of traction batteries or the volumes of hydrogen cylinders.

Development of a robust welding process for electron beam welding of thick plates for construction of offshore wind turbines

AbstractDue to its high energy intensity and the associated high welding depth, electron beam welding is particularly suitable for welding steel plates with high wall thicknesses. These are used, for example, in offshore wind power systems. However, due to the cooling conditions, the required cold toughness for offshore applications is often not achieved. The aim is to develop S355 ML steels – within the EN10025 4 standard – for welding monopiles for wind turbines. For this purpose, three parameters with different energy input are developed on three steels. The tests are carried out on plates with a wall thickness of 80 mm, whereby a full penetration weld must be achieved. The resulting top and bottom bead of the welds meet the standard DIN EN ISO 13919‐1. The parameters have an energy per unit length of 9.5 kJ mm−1 to 15.5 kJ mm−1. The resulting weld seams have an average width of 5.5 mm to 7.5 mm, and burn‐off of the manganese alloy element is observed, particularly on the top side of the seam. In addition, T8/5 times close to the weld seam of 11 s to 27 s are estimated using a simulation.

НАИЛУЧШИЕ ДОСТУПНЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ КАК ИНСТРУМЕНТ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ И ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ЧЕРЕЗ ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКОЙ И РЕСУРСНОЙ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ

At the macro level, sustainable development, environmental issues, resource efficiency, energy security and decarbonisation are interrelated concepts and often interrelated policies and sets of measures. At the micro level, there is a direct link between resource consumption, energy intensity of products (technologies, processes) and negative environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, energy transition and decarbonization may in some cases conflict with energy security, and specific policies are needed to reconcile them. The Best Available Techniques (BAT) system can be seen as a comprehensive tool that combines environmental and industrial policy. The BAT mechanism goes beyond environmental regulation and promotes technological upgrading for competitiveness and sustainability. BAT is in line with the climate doctrine and the socio-economic development strategy of low greenhouse gas emissions. BAT indicators can serve as a metric for evaluating green projects, providing transparency and a common language for regulators and businesses. It could also involve extending the use of BAT for these purposes to second-tier and small and medium-sized enterprises, and generally positioning BAT as a key element of Russia's environmental, social and governance (ESG) infrastructure. In general, it is a universal and effective tool for solving pressing environmental and economic problems at both micro and macro levels.