Environmental Considerations Research Articles

Assessing the nexus between natural resources and government effectiveness: Role of green innovation in shaping environmental sustainability of BRICS nations

The discussion surrounding natural resources and government effectiveness in mitigating carbon emissions has garnered significant attention. However, the existing evidence on this matter remains limited. This research delves into this issue within the BRICS nations, shedding light on pivotal factors influencing the ecological landscape. Spanning the years 1995–2021, this study identifies government effectiveness, green innovation, natural resources, and economic growth as crucial determinants that significantly shape the environmental sustainability of BRICS nations. For this purpose, we employ the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), Canay (2011) quantile regression, and AMG. Study results reveal a positive correlation between nuclear energy and CO2 emissions, signaling environmental challenges. Conversely, government effectiveness consistently correlates with reduced CO2 emissions, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16. The positive relationship between green technology innovation and natural resource utilization with CO2 emissions underscores the imperative for environmental considerations. On the flip side, economic growth negatively impacts CO2 emissions, suggesting potential avenues for sustainable development. These findings highlight the urgency of targeted policies, especially resource-related ones, to enhance environmental sustainability in BRICS nations. Recognizing their global impact, strategic interventions are crucial for addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable development.

Reducing reflex first-line prescriptions in a surgical pathology laboratory: toward sustainable practice with positive economic and clinical effects.

In surgical pathology departments, reflex first-line techniques (RFLTs) are aimed at reducing workloads and addressing recent shortages of medical personnel. However, the impacts thereof on economic and diagnostic factors have been poorly addressed. Also, in the era of global warming, environmental considerations are crucial. This study assessed the economic and diagnostic efficacies of routine pathological RFLT and the quality of care and sustainability. Ten RFLTs of the Bordeaux University Hospital pathology department (six special stains, one cytology technique, and three immunohistochemical tests) were studied. First, a retrospective economic analysis evaluated the average cost of these RFLTs per slide and per year. Second, diagnostic relevance was prospectively surveyed. Third, the effects of changes made were analyzed over 2years. The ten RFLTs were associated with average annual costs of €46,708. Diagnostic relevance analysis indicated that most stains were unnecessary; only 17% were requested as second-line techniques. Elimination of 7/10 tests afforded annual cost savings of €22,522 and reduced the workload by 5568 tests/year, without compromising the workflow or diagnostic quality. Seven of ten RFLTs could be eliminated without compromising diagnostic quality or the workflow. This afforded not only financial benefits but also positive social and environmental impacts. We offer valuable insights into appropriate practices in surgical pathology laboratories. Collaboration between the medical and technical teams was crucial; other healthcare sectors would also benefit from our approach.

Assessing ecopreneurship impact on composite sustainability in the food and beverage industry: A holistic AHP approach integrating economic and environmental dimensions.

The implementation of ecopreneurship is evolving to address environmental sustainability challenges posed by industrial pollution. Scholars are exploring ways to enhance ecopreneurship implementation globally. However, there's a gap in understanding how ecopreneurship affects sustainability across economic and environmental dimensions. This study aims to explore the impact of ecopreneurship on sustainability, considering both economic and environmental indicators. The investigation was conducted through Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) methodology covering 102 ecopreneurs operating in the Tanzania food and beverage industry. The results of the study showed that implementation of ecopreneurship results in the attainment of sustainability through composite scores of 79.5%. In conclusion, this study underscores the significant impact of ecopreneurship implementation on composite sustainability, as evidenced by notable reductions in environmental emissions and improvements in economic performance within the studied industries. The findings highlight the importance of integrating environmental considerations into entrepreneurial endeavors for achieving sustainability goals. It is recommended that stakeholders actively promote and incentivize the adoption of ecopreneurship practices, invest in eco-friendly technologies, foster collaboration, implement effective monitoring mechanisms, and integrate sustainability into business strategies. The study recommends stakeholders' efforts directed towards enhancing the implementation of ecopreneurship practices in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2015–2030), specifically goal nine (9) on pollution prevention through the implementation of Eco practices-based solutions to foster innovations and sustainable industrialization. Thus, strategizing the implementation of ecopreneurship practices is considered to have an essential contribution to addressing the challenges of sustainability and therefore enriching the realization of the global sustainable development agenda.

Rainfall Potential and Consequences on Structural Soil Degradation of the Most Important Agricultural Region of Mexico

This study investigates the historical variability in annual average precipitation in the northwest region of Mexico, aiming to evaluate the cumulative impact of precipitation on soil degradation and associated risks posed by rainfall. Despite being known as “The Agricultural Heart of Mexico”, the region’s soil has experienced significant damage to its granulometric structure due to unpredictable rainfall patterns attributed to climate change. Sixteen historical series of average annual rainfall were analyzed as stationary stochastic processes for spectral analysis. The results revealed exponential decay curves in each radial spectrum, indicating a linear relationship between frequency and amplitude. These curves identified initial impulses correlated with moments of severity for structural damages caused by rainfall-induced degradation. The degradation process, exacerbated by water stress, accelerates, as evidenced by maps illustrating approximately 75% soil damage. In the context of climate change and the uncertainty surrounding soil responses to extreme meteorological events, understanding this phenomenon becomes crucial. Recognizing the dynamic nature of soil responses to environmental stressors is essential for effective soil management. Emphasizing the need to employ numerical processes tailored to new environmental considerations related to observed soil damages is crucial for sustainable soil management practices in any region.

Sustainable Workforce in a Green Era: Indonesia’s Energy Sector Transition

The purpose of this study is to determine and analyze the effect of renewable energy transition variables and economic viability in the Indonesian employment industry on the balance of business sustainability through social and environmental development as an intervening variable. The subjects of this study are small, medium, and large industry owners in Indonesia, totaling 5,993,566 business units. The variables in this study are independent variables, namely the variables of renewable energy transition and economic viability in the Indonesian labor industry, while the dependent variable is the balance of business sustainability, and the intervening variable is the variable of social and environmental considerations. The results of the data analysis are made through SEM analysis through SMART PLS 4.0 software. From the results of existing research, it is concluded that partially renewable energy transition variables and viability variables in the Indonesian labor industry have a direct effect on the balance of business sustainability and social and environmental consideration variables. Simultaneously, the renewable energy transition variable and the viability variable in the Indonesian labor industry indirectly affect the business sustainability balance variable through social and environmental considerations as intervening variables. With the renewable energy transition process, it will have an impact on people's good social lives because there is no threat of environmental damage or natural disasters, so the environment is safe, the industry creates a technology transfer process, and it increases economic viability in the labor industry in Indonesia in order to create quality human resources. With this transition process, trained human resources are needed and are also able to adapt well to the transition process and technology transfer in order to balance the sustainability of industrial businesses.

Food Environment in Burkina Faso: Review of Public Policies and Government Actions Using the Food-EPI Tool.

Governments have a central role to play in creating a food environment that will enable people to have and maintain healthy eating practices. This study analyzes public policies and government actions related to creating healthy food environments in Burkina Faso. The Healthy Food Environment Policy Index tool used for this study has 2 components, 13 domains, and 56 indicators of good practice adapted to the Burkina Faso context. Official policy documents collected from data sources such as government and nongovernment websites, and through interviews with government and nongovernment resource persons, provided evidence of considerations of food environment in public policy documents in Burkina Faso. Policies documents show a lack of revision of old texts and administrative processes for new policies and government practices are very slow. Added to this is the absence of a regulatory document for some implemented actions. The analysis of the documents collected in relation to the indicators of Food-Epi tool shows that there is no evidence of consideration of food environments for the indicators concerning the regulation of nutrition and health claims, labeling, taxes on healthy and unhealthy foods, support systems for training for private structures on healthy diets, implementation of food guidelines, and food trade and investment. This study permits a review of public policies that take into account food environments through the various indicators and constitutes a starting point from which improvements can be made by the government.

Comparative Life-Cycle Assessment of Steel and GFRP Rebars for Procurement Sustainability in the Construction Industry

This research examines the potential impact on the procurement sustainability of replacing steel rebars with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars in the construction industry, focusing on screed pre-cast hollow core topping in a project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted using One Click LCA (Version 0.26.0) software for cradle-to-grave analysis. The assessment covers various stages, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, usage, and recycling. The comprehensive LCA highlights GFRP rebars as a more sustainable alternative to steel, emitting 17% less CO2 equivalent (2e) per kilogram throughout its life cycle. Additionally, GFRP requires substantially less mass compared to steel, resulting in a dramatic reduction in CO2e emissions ranging from 77.89% to 85.26% across different spacing configurations in real-world construction scenarios, as presented in this research case study. These findings suggest that GFRP rebars offer a promising solution for reducing the environmental impact of construction activities while potentially yielding significant cost savings over the project’s life cycle. Integrating environmental considerations into material selection processes can prioritize sustainability without compromising performance or safety, contributing to a more sustainable future for the construction industry globally.

Unveiling the Professional Identity of University Educators: A Qualitative Study

The formation of a university professor's identity is a complex process, which begins with academic training and evolves through professional practice. This study explores the experiences that shape the identity of university teachers, focusing on personal, social and professional perspectives. Through the qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews with 10 participants with an average age of 50 years, the research revealed significant factors. It found a correlation between female gender and preference for teaching careers, as well as the substantial influence of parental guidance on career choice, driven by considerations of economic stability and familiar work environments. In terms of personal identity, the testimonies underscored the influential role of parental expectations in career decision making. Social identity was strongly influenced by family prestige and the broader social context. On the professional level, the research revealed that years of positive teaching experience contribute to the reinforcement of one's professional identity. However, it also highlighted the fluid nature of a university professor's teaching identity, subject to the fluctuations of positive and negative experiences encountered in daily practice. While these experiences can reinforce a sense of vocation and professional development, the lack of a cohesive teaching identity poses risks to the quality of educational services provided to students.   Received: 7 September 2023 / Accepted: 23 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

38 Pig survival: Current state of the US swine industry

Abstract Pig survivability stands as a formidable challenge for the United States Swine Industry, constituting both the foremost economic hurdle and a prominent sustainability concern. The economic dimension of this challenge has been accentuated by escalating production costs driven by the surge in feed inputs, labor expenses, and other variable cost increments. Current estimations of birth-to-market survivability, ranging from 60% to 85%, underscore the urgency of addressing this multifaceted issue, with sow livability varying from 70% to 90%, contingent upon the data source and housing system (e.g., Prop-12, Open Pen Gestation; Ross et al., 2019). This presentation delves into the intricate web of factors contributing to the decline in survivability, encompassing genetic influences, heightened disease pressures, biosecurity concerns linked to pig density, evolving management practices, and the aging infrastructure of facilities. While extensive research has been dedicated to each of these facets, advancements in swine survivability remain constrained, with some indicators suggesting a troubling increase in challenges. The presentation seeks to offer a comprehensive review of the current state of swine industry survivability, elucidating the persistent challenges and, crucially, identifying untapped areas of opportunity. By navigating through the complex landscape of economic constraints, environmental considerations, and technological interventions, the symposium aims to provide insights that can guide the industry towards innovative solutions, fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for the United States Swine Industry.

From traditional to innovation: A comprehensive Analysis of Tourism's Evolution and its Global influence on New Era Dynamics

Tourism is a multifaceted phenomenon that has undergone significant evolution over time, transitioning from traditional mass tourism models to more diversified and sustainable approaches. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of tourism's evolution and its global influence on new era dynamics, drawing on a diverse range of literature and research findings. The study examines key drivers, trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the contemporary tourism landscape, with a focus on the transition from conventional to innovative practices. The analysis reveals a gradual shift towards innovative tourism models that prioritize authenticity, sustainability, and personalized experiences, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global socio-economic trends. This evolution has profound implications for new era dynamics at the global level, including increased connectivity, cross-cultural exchange, and economic growth, but also challenges such as over tourism, environmental degradation, and socio-cultural tensions. To address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities, stakeholders in the tourism industry are urged to embrace innovation, sustainability, and collaboration as guiding principles for future development. Recommendations include promoting sustainable tourism practices, addressing over tourism through destination management, fostering collaboration and stakeholder engagement, and investing in capacity building and education. By adopting a holistic approach to tourism development that balances economic, environmental, and social considerations, stakeholders can navigate the complexities of the tourism landscape and chart a course towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping the tourism industry and provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders seeking to harness the transformative power of tourism for positive impacts on people, planet, and prosperity.

Comprehensive Review on Technical Developments of Methanol-Fuel-Based Spark Ignition Engines to Improve the Performance, Combustion, and Emissions

Abstract Methanol (CH3OH) is emerging as a viable alternative to fossil-based fuels, addressing the increasing global energy demand while promoting sustainability. The spark ignition (SI) engines are widely used to run the automobile sector. Methanol as a widely available and cheap source of energy can be strongly replaced with expensive and limited fossil-based fuels to power the SI engines. The prime objective of this study is to evaluate the advancements made in improving the fuel blends, performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of methanol-fueled SI engines. The investigation commences by examining the various technical improvements implemented in methanol-fueled SI engines to optimize their overall performance. These developments include advancements in fuel blends, engine design, combustion strategies, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, engine load, etc. The impacts of these developments on the performance parameters including brake thermal efficiency, power output, torque, fuel efficiency, thermal efficiency, etc., combustion parameters including ignition delay, combustion duration, heat release rate, in-cylinder pressure and temperature, etc., emission parameters including hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, unburned methanol, etc., is reviewed comprehensively. The effectiveness of emission control techniques and the potential for meeting stringent environmental regulations are explored. The review paper then considers the wider implications of methanol-fueled SI engines by examining their technical, environmental, economic, and renewable applications. The technical aspects cover the compatibility of methanol-fueled SI engines with existing infrastructure and the associated challenges and opportunities. The environmental considerations delve into the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the overall sustainability of methanol as a renewable fuel. Finally, the research direction of methanol SI engines is discussed, highlighting the emerging trends and prospects in this field. The review paper concludes with recommendations for further research and development, addressing the key areas that require attention to unlock the full potential of methanol as an efficient and sustainable fuel for SI engines.

Linking stakeholders need and sustainable business performance: Unleashing the power of shared value creation for competitive advantage—Study on selected banks in Ethiopia

AbstractIntegrating social and environmental considerations into business strategies has become imperative for companies seeking competitive advantage in today's dynamic and complex business environment. This study explored the effect of Shared Value Creation Practices on Competitive Advantage within banks. The study focused on how banks can achieve competitive advantage by creating shared value that addresses business goals and social needs. Data were collected from 463 customers of selected commercial banks in Ethiopia. The self‐administrative questionnaire was given to the customers selected by convenience sampling method. The study used the Structural Equation Model to test relationship between variables. The Study findings reveal that Shared Value Creation Practices significantly enhance banks' competitive advantage. The study suggests that banks can strategically leverage Shared Value Creation practices to gain a sustained advantage in a competitive market. Banks should continuously innovate and adapt strategies to address evolving stakeholders' needs. The banks should consider shared value creation integral to their strategic planning.

Challenges and Responses to ESG Risk Management

As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations gradually gain global prominence, the demand for ESG risk management by corporations is rapidly increasing. This is not only a manifestation of social responsibility, but also a prerequisite for sustainable corporate development. ESG risk management is not only crucial for the long-term interests of corporations themselves, but also influences investment decisions and public perceptions of corporations. However, in the implementation process, challenges such as uncertainty in data quality, regulatory compliance, the diversification of stakeholder needs, and the complexity of strategic integration have been encountered. To effectively address these issues, corporations need to establish and enhance ESG data quality management systems, adapt to and proactively respond to regulatory changes, strengthen communication with investors and other stakeholders, and promote deep integration of ESG strategies across various departments and levels within the corporation. This article will explore the challenges faced by ESG risk management and propose corresponding strategies and recommendations.

Addressing Environmental Factors for SDG 3-Health and Wellbeing: Perceived Stress, Sleep Quality, and Coping among Medical Students in Pakistan

The objective of this study was to investigate the interplay between perceived stress, sleep quality, and coping mechanisms among medical students, with a view to understand their implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) - "Good Health and Well-being," and considering environmental factors. Conducted as a cross-sectional study and 300 medical university students (152 men, 148 women), aged 18 to 25 years (mean age = 22.73, SD = 1.78), were selected using stratified random sampling based on their academic year. The study employed the Perceived Stress Scale, General Sleep Scale, and Brief COPE to assess the study variables. The results revealed gender differences in coping strategies, with female students exhibiting higher scores in avoidant and emotion-focused coping, while male students leaned towards problem-focused coping. Notably, perceived stress and avoidant coping emerged as significant predictors of poor sleep quality (p<.05) among the participants. This study found significant relationship among use of green spaces, stress, sleep quality, and coping strategies among medical students, aligning with SDG 3's objective of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. Furthermore, while the study did not directly address environmental factors, it indirectly emphasizes the importance of creating conducive environments for health and well-being. Environmental considerations such as access to green spaces and a healthy physical environment can influence individuals' stress levels and sleep quality, contributing to holistic health outcomes. Given these findings, the study recommends that counseling centers in universities develop strategies for managing students' stress and sleep quality, while promoting healthy coping skills. By addressing these factors comprehensively, universities can contribute to enhancing students' psychological well-being and advancing progress towards SDG 3 and create sustainable and healthy environments, as outlined in SDG 13 (Climate Action), to complement initiatives focused on fostering sustainable environments conducive to health and well-being.

Green Consumer Profiling and Online Shopping of Imperfect Foods: Extending UTAUT with Web-Based Label Quality for Misshapen Organic Produce.

Misshapen organic vegetables in the food supply chain can easily be discarded in the market if they do not meet aesthetic standards. E-commerce technology enables the distribution of imperfect organic produce from farmers to potential customers, mitigating agri-food waste issues. Green consumers are prospective customers of imperfect produce because their purchasing decisions are made based on sustainability and environmental considerations. However, each individual's degree of green consumption differs, impacting their preferences and behaviors toward green buying activity. Considering the gap between the varying levels of green consumers and their intention to purchase imperfect organic produce through e-commerce, this study aimed to profile three distinct green consumers and explore factors affecting their Online Green Purchase Intention (OGPI) for imperfect organic vegetables. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was applied in this study, and Web-Based Label Quality (WLQ) was introduced as an extended construct to describe green consumers' perceptions of the credibility and reliability of labels or product-related information displayed on e-commerce platforms. This study involved 668 internet users from environmental platforms and online communities of organic food enthusiasts. First, the consumers were classified into dark-green, semi/light green, and non-green using a cluster analysis approach. Then, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) were employed to determine the factors affecting OGPI among green consumer groups. This research found that Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), and WLQ positively influenced dark-green consumers' online green purchase intention. Only Performance Expectancy (PE) positively affected semi/light-green consumers' OGPI. Meanwhile, the Facilitating Condition (FC) positively affected non-green consumers' online green purchase intentions. This research revealed dark-green consumers as the target segment, broadening customers' perspectives on accepting imperfect organic products, including e-commerce technology. Moreover, the research results can be utilized for marketing and business purposes and contribute to food policy.

Replacement of soy by mealworms for livestock feed - A comparative review between soy and mealworms considering environmental aspects

AbstractThe urgent need for sustainable alternatives to conventional livestock feed has prompted research into novel protein sources. This review paper systematically evaluates the prospect of replacing soy with mealworms in livestock feed, focusing on comprehensive comparisons of nutritional content and environmental considerations. The nutritional profiles of soy and mealworms are analyzed in terms of amino acid composition and digestibility. The total essential amino acids in mealworms are 26.02 g/100 g while in mealworms total EAA is 31.49 g/100 g. The protein content in mealworm is high (51.93 g/100 g) in comparison to soy meal (44.51 g/100 g). Environmental aspects, including deforestation, pesticide use, water consumption, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions, are scrutinized for both soy cultivation and mealworm farming.One kg of mealworm meal yields 141.3 MJ energy use, 3.8 kg CO2 equivalent for climate change, 25.6 g SO2 equivalent for acidification, 15.0 g PO4 equivalent for eutrophication, and 4.1 m2 land use. It's more potent per kg of protein than soybean or fish meal. Feasibility, scalability, and economic considerations are explored to understand the practical implications for livestock farmers. Consumer perception and regulatory frameworks are also addressed, highlighting potential challenges and strategies for acceptance. The paper concludes by synthesizing key findings and offering recommendations for stakeholders interested in the sustainable integration of mealworms into mainstream livestock agriculture. This comparative review provides a holistic understanding of the potential environmental benefits and challenges associated with replacing soy with mealworms in livestock feed. Graphical abstract

Strategic environmental assessment and SDG integration: enhancing sustainable development in Egypt

AbstractThis research delves into the integration and alignment between strategic environmental assessment (SEA) practices and Egypt's united nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), with a focus on incorporating environmental, social, and economic considerations into policies, plans, and programs. The study assesses Egypt's strategic environmental assessment framework, identifying its strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and gaps in sustainable development. It critically analyzes institutional coordination, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation (MRE) frameworks, and policy coherence. The key findings underscore the commendable emphasis on environmental integrity in SEA practices, while also highlighting significant deficiencies in integrating broader sustainability criteria and aligning with the SDGs. The research concludes with policy implications, practice recommendations, and future research directions that aim to bolster the effectiveness of strategic environmental assessment in contributing to sustainable development in Egypt.

A comparative study of environmental and economic assessment of vegetation-based slope stabilization with conventional methods

The heavy rainfall induced by global warming has increased the risk of landslides. Eco-friendly approaches, such as employing vegetation, prove effective in satisfying the requirements of both engineering and environmental considerations in slope engineering. The research aims to comprehensively assess and compare the environmental, economic, and slope stability of new stabilization methods, including vegetation cover, in comparison to conventional approaches such as anchorage and nailing. The research initially explored the stability of slopes in various geometries, identifying areas prone to slope failure. Subsequently, slope stabilization designs were implemented using three methods: vegetation, nailing, and anchoring. To enable a comprehensive comparison from environmental and economic perspectives, both life cycle assessment and life cost assessment were conducted. According to the results, employing vegetation proves effective in stabilizing slopes at lower heights, particularly up to 8 m, leading to a negative carbon emission attributed to photosynthesis, reaching up to −249 kg CO2. In the mid-angle range (30°≤ θ ≤ 60°), anchoring emits less carbon dioxide than nailing due to fewer elements. As the slope angle is increased, the nailing method becomes preferable to the anchoring method due to its use of materials and equipment with lower carbon emissions. During slope stabilization through nailing and anchoring, cement and steel emerge as the primary contributors to carbon emissions. Vegetation stands out as the most cost-effective slope stabilization option, with costs potentially reduced by 250% compared to conventional methods. Based on this research, vegetation emerges as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative for slope stabilization in particular conditions where plants effectively ensure stability. Decisions regarding the use of anchoring or nailing can be made based on environmental and economic aspects, considering the slope geometry.

An efficient solver for large-scale onshore wind farm siting including cable routing

Existing planning approaches for onshore wind farm siting and grid integration often do not meet minimum cost solutions or social and environmental considerations. In this paper, we develop an exact approach for the integrated layout and cable routing problem of onshore wind farm planning using the Quota Steiner tree problem. Applying a novel transformation on a known directed cut formulation, reduction techniques, and heuristics, we design an exact solver that makes large problem instances solvable and outperforms generic MIP solvers. In selected regions of Germany, the trade-offs between minimizing costs and landscape impact of onshore wind farm siting are investigated. Although our case studies show large trade-offs between the objective criteria of cost and landscape impact, small burdens on one criterion can significantly improve the other criteria. In addition, we demonstrate that contrary to many approaches for exclusive turbine siting, grid integration must be simultaneously optimized to avoid excessive costs or landscape impacts in the course of a wind farm project. Our novel problem formulation and the developed solver can assist planners in decision-making and help optimize wind farms in large regions in the future.

Enhancing green hydrogen production via improvement of an integrated double flash geothermal cycle; Multi-criteria optimization and exergo-environmental evaluation

The environmental advantages of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier are more prominent when it is produced utilizing renewable resources. In this regard, a novel geothermal energy driven electricity generation system integrated to hydrogen production plant is developed and investigated in this research. In the developed plant, a PEM electrolyzer is employed for hydrogen generation such that its required electricity is provided by an improved double-flash geothermal cycle. A self-superheater is applied for superheating the vapor at the steam turbine inlet using the geothermal resource to enhance the hydrogen production capacity. To evaluate feasibility of such superheating process and to examine its effects on hydrogen production, thermodynamic models are developed based on first and second laws. Also, environmental considerations are considered in evaluation of the proposed plant performance based on exergo-environmental indices. The influences of first and second flashing pressure, geothermal source temperature and current density of water electrolyzer on energy and exergy efficiency, hydrogen production rate, and environmental damage index are investigated. After carrying out a parametric study, the optimum operation point of the plant is determined via a two-objective optimization based on the hydrogen rate and environmental damage index . It is found that, under optimum operation, the system can produce 25.48 kg/h of hydrogen, while its environmental damage index is calculated to be as 0.00645.