Energy Technologies Research Articles

Advances in Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Coupled with Alcohol and Aldehyde Oxidation: Mechanistic Insights and Economic Feasibility.

Electrocatalytic H2 generation via conventional water splitting is gaining attention, but challenges such as high overpotentials, energy demands, and slow kinetics limit its scalability. Here, a novel approach: coupling hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) with alcohol and aldehyde oxidation reactions (AAORs) is explored. This strategy decreases energy requirements, improves HER efficiency, and enables dual H2 generation. Additionally, it facilitates the cogeneration of valuable chemicals such as formate, acetate, and 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), enhancing economic feasibility. A detailed analysis of alcohol and aldehyde oxidation mechanisms and their integration into electrocatalytic systems are provided here. Furthermore, it examines the technoeconomic advantages of HER coupled with AAORs, emphasizing cost efficiency and industrial scalability. It is aimed here to advance renewable energy technologies and optimize processes for large-scale H2 generation, contributing to a sustainable energy future by addressing these aspects.

Feasibility Study of Five Solar Thermal Power Plants in Arequipa, Peru, and Their Comparison with Seto Targets

Knowing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) allows for evaluating the profitability of different energy generation technologies, identifying the options with the lowest costs, and, in turn, promoting the transition to more sustainable energy sources for governments and private companies. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the competitiveness of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in La Joya, Arequipa, Peru, in comparison with the local electricity provider (SEAL) tariff and the LCOE target set for 2030 by the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). This study focuses on assessing the feasibility of five CSP plant configurations with different capacities (19.9 MWe,50 MWe, 100 MWe, 150 MWe, and 200 MWe) in Arequipa by calculating the LCOE with varying durations of thermal energy storage (TES) from 0 to 18 hours. Additionally, the LCOE of the Gemasolar plant (19.9 MWe) in Seville, Spain, is analyzed and projected in Arequipa using economies of scale. The projected LCOEs of the CSP plants are compared with SETO’s target (5 ¢/kWh) and SEAL’s tariff (20 ¢/kWh). Finally, the LCOE is broken down into its main components to identify the most significant costs. The methodology was developed in three stages: (1) collection of technical, economic, and geographical parameters of Gemasolar along with climate and radiation data from Arequipa; (2) simulations in the System Advisor Model (SAM) software to optimize CSP plant design, considering the number and arrangement of heliostats, as well as the dimensions of the tower and receiver; and (3) processing of results in Excel to calculate the LCOE for each CSP configuration and the generation of contour maps in MATLAB to compare LCOE, TES, design power, and relative percentages against SETO targets, SEAL tariffs, and the Gemasolar plant. A total of 152 simulations were conducted in SAM to optimize the design. The results show that the LCOE of the analyzed CSP plants is between 120% and 260% above the SETO target, with values ranging from 11 to 18 ¢/kWh. However, the projected CSP LCOE is between 10% and 61% lower than SEAL’s rate, with values between 12.2 and 18 ¢/kWh. The four main components account for 78.6% of the total LCOE, with thermal storage being the most significant (37.5%), followed by heliostats (21.89%), the receiver (11.54%), and the power block (8.23%). The average annual LCOE reduction for CSP technology is approximately 1.69%. In conclusion, none of the projected CSP configurations achieve the SETO target, and even with a reduction in the main components, the LCOE would remain between 86.28% and 226.28% above this target. Thermal storage is the component with the greatest cost reduction potential, potentially lowering the LCOE by 20%. Nevertheless, all the projected CSP configurations are attractive for public or private investment, as they offer electricity at a lower cost than the local SEAL provider. Although Peru has photovoltaic plants that harness solar radiation, the LCOE of the analyzed CSPs is 219.2% higher. However, CSPs offer a significant advantage in terms of capacity factors, reaching up to 65% compared to 33% for photovoltaic plants.

Applications of membrane technology in the resource recovery of power lithium-ion battery precursor wastewater: A review.

Applications of membrane technology in the resource recovery of power lithium-ion battery precursor wastewater: A review.

Spatiotemporal impacts of scientific and technological innovation and industry chain resilience on ecological Efficiency: Evidence from 284 Chinese cities.

Spatiotemporal impacts of scientific and technological innovation and industry chain resilience on ecological Efficiency: Evidence from 284 Chinese cities.

Spatially informed multi-objective decision-making tool for retrofitting municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Spatially informed multi-objective decision-making tool for retrofitting municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Self-supporting highly branched urchin-like NiCoP/NiFeP heterostructures as efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.

Self-supporting highly branched urchin-like NiCoP/NiFeP heterostructures as efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.

Regulating band alignment in terrace-like tungsten trioxide via Prussian blue analogues deposition for efficient photoelectrocatalytic water splitting.

Regulating band alignment in terrace-like tungsten trioxide via Prussian blue analogues deposition for efficient photoelectrocatalytic water splitting.

Raw material risk in clean energy technologies and the power supply system: For which materials should price fluctuations be prioritised?

Raw material risk in clean energy technologies and the power supply system: For which materials should price fluctuations be prioritised?

How harmful are fossil fuel subsidies to the diffusion of low-carbon energy technologies?

How harmful are fossil fuel subsidies to the diffusion of low-carbon energy technologies?

Financial innovation and clean energy technology development: Policy vs. geopolitics

Financial innovation and clean energy technology development: Policy vs. geopolitics

Policy-driven innovation: Does the renewable energy development initiative foster corporate innovation in renewable energy technologies?

Policy-driven innovation: Does the renewable energy development initiative foster corporate innovation in renewable energy technologies?

Profitability analysis of renewable energy technologies for electrification and cooking in rural areas

Profitability analysis of renewable energy technologies for electrification and cooking in rural areas

Artificial intelligence-driven energy technology innovation: Dynamic impact and mechanism exploration

Artificial intelligence-driven energy technology innovation: Dynamic impact and mechanism exploration

Towards clean energy technologies: Assessing the supply potential of critical rare earth elements in China

Towards clean energy technologies: Assessing the supply potential of critical rare earth elements in China

Wave energy technology development in Ireland: Employing the triple helix model of innovation for pragmatic policy interventions

Wave energy technology development in Ireland: Employing the triple helix model of innovation for pragmatic policy interventions

Efficient and durable capacitive recovery of heavy metal ions over the atomically dispersed nickel- and nitrogen-doped carbon-coupled titanium nitride

Efficient and durable capacitive recovery of heavy metal ions over the atomically dispersed nickel- and nitrogen-doped carbon-coupled titanium nitride

Forecasting phase stability, optoelectronic behavior, and transport mechanisms of double perovskites Cs2AuMX6 (M = As, Bi and X = Cl, Br) for applications in renewable energy technologies

Forecasting phase stability, optoelectronic behavior, and transport mechanisms of double perovskites Cs2AuMX6 (M = As, Bi and X = Cl, Br) for applications in renewable energy technologies

A global shift: How modern technologies are powering the energy transition in the face of climate change.

A global shift: How modern technologies are powering the energy transition in the face of climate change.

South Africa clean energy transition: The future of green hydrogen energy technology

South Africa clean energy transition: The future of green hydrogen energy technology

Transitioning to Sustainable Energy: The Promise of Solar Power – A Review

Over time, the global energy landscape has shifted from localized, experimental systems to complex, interconnected power grids. Understanding the historical trajectory of these developments provides crucial insights into shaping a sustainable energy future. In light of escalating energy demand, environmental degradation and fossil fuel depletion, there is an urgent need to transit toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of electricity. While renewable energy technologies offer promising alternatives, countries like Nigeria face unique challenges in identifying the most viable options for large-scale deployment. This study employs a structured literature review to examine both the historical evolution and current landscape of power generation technologies. The review encompassed conventional systems (e.g., fossil fuels, nuclear) and renewable sources (e.g., hydro, wind, geothermal, solar). Findings show that past power transitions were driven by more than just technological superiority—they were shaped by economic, institutional, and societal factors. Drawing from this, the study identifies solar power as the most promising renewable option for Nigeria, due to its abundant sunlight, declining costs, and ease of deployment across diverse locations. Compared to wind, tidal, and geothermal energy, solar presents a more practical and scalable solution for off-grid and rural electrification. This insight is reinforced by historical parallels, such as the role of complementary innovations and institutional support in the dominance of alternating current power systems. Solar power stands out as Nigeria’s most feasible pathway toward sustainable and resilient energy development. Lessons from historical power transitions highlight the importance of aligning technological innovation with supportive policy, infrastructure, and public engagement. As the country navigates its energy future, prioritizing solar investment and integration will be vital for achieving environmental sustainability, economic growth, and long-term energy security.