High Capital Costs Research Articles

Data-driven scheduling of a grid-connected university campus battery energy storage system considering variable weather and energy pricing

BESS can provide many crucial grid services including voltage and frequency support, however, capital costs can hinder widespread installation. Thus this work develops a data-driven MILP approach for BESS dispatch to enhance consumer cost recovery through energy arbitrage and mitigate the barrier of high capital costs. The proposed algorithm uses location-relevant weather data, to forecast PV generation and load consumption, as well as market data to create a BESS dispatch schedule. The proposed BESS algorithm is validated on a Raspberry Pi 4b microcontroller using real-time HIL simulation for 72 h on a real-world-based university campus microgrid consisting of a 9MWh/3MW BESS and 1.4MW DC/1.1MW AC PV solar canopy. Economic analyses indicate the proposed algorithms ability to decrease system energy costs when using LMP pricing, translating in a 7.27% decrease in LCOE compared to a 3.12% to 3.20% decrease when using an RB scheduling method. Similarly, LCOE is reduced by 5.32% when using TOU energy pricing. Additionally, a sensitively analysis of PV and load forecasting error with error biases ranging from −10% to 10% indicate a resulting increase in LCOE of 0% to 0.674%. These key findings indicate increased economic viability when implementing the proposed dispatch approach.

Decarbonization Strategies in the U.S. Maritime Industry with a Focus on Overcoming Regulatory and Operational Challenges in Implementing Zero-Emission Vessel Technologies.

The U.S. maritime industry plays a significant role in global trade and is a substantial contributor to carbon emissions, with the sector facing increasing pressure to decarbonize in line with global climate goals. This paper discusses the challenges and strategies for decarbonizing the U.S. maritime industry, laying emphasis on the adoption of zero-emission vessel (ZEV) technologies, such as battery-electric ships, hydrogen fuel cells, wind-assisted propulsion, and alternative fuels like bio-LNG and ammonia. Despite the availability of these technologies, the transition to ZEVs faces several barriers, including high capital costs, regulatory inconsistencies, and insufficient infrastructure. Existing regulatory frameworks, including the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) emissions targets, the U.S. Clean Air Act, and the U.S. Coast Guard requirements, offer some guidance but are often fragmented and insufficiently aligned to foster widespread adoption of decarbonization technologies. Upcoming mandates, such as the IMO's 2050 target, further brings to view the urgency of this transition. However, gaps in regulations and the lack of incentives hinder technological innovation and fleet modernization. The paper also discusses the need for enhanced governmental involvement, with organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the U.S. Coast Guard playing a critical role in streamlining policies and supporting the adoption of zero-emission technologies. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing infrastructure gaps related to fueling, charging, and port readiness for ZEVs. Furthermore, it highlights operational challenges such as range, performance, and energy density concerns that must be overcome for ZEVs to become commercially viable. The paper advocates for stronger policy frameworks, including subsidies, tax incentives, carbon pricing, and investment in research and development, to drive the transition. Public-private partnerships and industry collaboration are essential to overcoming financial barriers and creating a sustainable, decarbonized maritime sector. By implementing these strategies, the U.S. maritime industry can significantly reduce its emissions, contribute to global climate goals, and set a precedent for sustainable maritime practices worldwide.

Waste-to-energy: exploring the roadmap for energy generation from commercial waste in South Africa

Purpose This study aims to investigate the adoption of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies in South Africa (SA), focusing on identifying the key drivers, barriers and potential solutions for commercial uptake. The ultimate aim is to propose an implementation framework that promotes renewable energy while reducing landfill reliance. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) of papers published between 2020 and 2023 was conducted to identify factors impacting WtE adoption in SA. The conceptual model developed from the SLR was tested using a qualitative case study approach. Data was collected through 15 semi-structured interviews with commercial entities and WtE experts from four regions of SA. Findings Anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis are identified as the most suitable waste-to-energy technologies in the South African context. Among the financial challenges of WtE in SA, the availability of cheap coal, low landfill tariffs, high capital costs, funding constraints and regressive economic incentives are critical. The lack of government support, insufficient incentives, regulatory burdens, weak policies and limited innovation capacity are considerable non-financial barriers hindering WtE technologies’ growth. The successful adoption of renewable energy also requires adequate infrastructure, increased sustainability awareness and technical expertise. Research limitations/implications Although the sample size is diverse and consists of a range of organisations, it may not capture the thoughts and experiences of other SA businesses in their entirety. It is important to note that the lack of existing research on the implementation, benefits and impacts of WtE technologies limits the authors’ ability to interpret and benchmark the findings of this study. Yet, this study contributes by developing an implementation framework to encourage WtE adoption, recommending policy actions such as regressive taxation on fossil fuels and landfills and promoting renewable energy through subsidies, awareness and energy credits. Practical implications This study provides a practical framework for businesses and policymakers to adopt WtE technologies by addressing key barriers. The research suggests that businesses could reduce waste management costs and generate new revenue streams by adopting anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis. Policymakers are encouraged to disincentivize landfills and promote WtE through financial incentives such as subsidies and energy credits. The implementation framework offers clear recommendations for integrating WtE into SA’s energy and waste management strategies, supporting both sustainability and economic goals. Social implications The main social contribution is the potential for WtE adoption to improve waste management practices and generate new job opportunities within the renewable energy and waste sectors. Originality/value This study provides a novel contribution by developing an implementation framework tailored to SA’s unique regulatory, economic and social contexts. The research highlights the importance of aligning WtE adoption with sustainability goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy. The framework serves as a practical guide for policymakers, businesses and industry leaders seeking to implement sustainable waste management solutions in SA.

Techno-Economic Analysis of BAU-STR Dryer for Rice Drying: An Approach to Accelerate Adoption

Postharvest food loss and waste offset worldwide agricultural productivity and food security. Insufficient drying and storage are the prominent drivers of food loss and waste in underdeveloped countries. Mechanical grain drying systems have distinct benefits over sun drying but are inaccessible to underserved communities due to high capital costs and energy demand. This study evaluated the techno-economic and financial performance of a half-ton-capacity BAU-STR dryer. The moisture extraction rate, drying rate, drying efficiency, and energy consumption were used as technical performance indicators. In contrast, the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit–cost ratio (BCR), and payback period were considered economic performance indicators. The technical performance analysis results revealed that the moisture content of rice was reduced from 19.5% to 13.5 ± 0.15% in 4.0 h with an average drying rate of 1.5%/h and a drying efficiency of 75.1%. The financial performance analysis resulted in a drying cost, NPV, IRR, BCR, and PBP of USD 0.96 per 100 kg of grain, USD 3018, 135%, 3.0, and 0.73 yr., respectively, when the annual use was 240 h. If the yearly use of the dryer increased from 240 to 720 h, a higher NPV, IRR, and BCR, as well as a lower payback period and drying cost, could be achieved. Adopting a BAU-STR dryer for drying grain (rice and corn) among underserved communities could play a key role in postharvest food loss and waste.

A Review on Research of Prefabricated Building Costs: Exploring Collaborations, Intellectual Basis, and Research Trends

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of current research regarding prefabricated construction costs, explained under three main categories: collaboration, intellectual basis, and research trends. The collaboration network covers country, institution, and journal distribution. Intellectual basis includes a cited journal, cited reference, and cited author, while research trends cover research category, keyword and keyword cluster analysis, and cited reference cluster. Through bibliometric analysis, we find that this field has garnered significant attention in the academic community and has developed rapidly. China dominates the field of prefabricated construction, with Curtin University, Chongqing University, and Deakin University being the leading research institutions, while Automation in Construction is the most cited journal. Although technology integration is widely regarded as a key means of cost optimization, its high implementation costs and complexity have limited its widespread application. The challenges of technology integration lie in the need to address high capital costs, complex management practices, and the demand for advanced technology integration, which have become significant barriers to the promotion of prefabricated construction. Moreover, current research also focuses on how to enhance risk control and management practices in cost management to promote sustainable development. Future research will focus on green and sustainable technologies, multidisciplinary engineering, energy and fuel, construction technologies to optimize prefabricated construction techniques, advance low-carbon building practices, and improve decision analysis and risk management. The key factors influencing costs include technological factor, policy factors, market and environmental factors, and organizational management. By systematically controlling these factors, cost pressures can be effectively alleviated, construction efficiency improved, and the sustainability of prefabricated buildings enhanced. This study not only provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and trends in research on the costs of prefabricated construction but also highlights the critical role of technological innovation, policy optimization, and interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting the sustainable development of prefabricated construction globally.

Biodiversity risk and firm efficiency

This study examines the impact of biodiversity risk exposure on firm efficiency. Analyzing 23,750 firm-year observations from 2001 to 2020, we identify a significant negative relationship between biodiversity risk and firm efficiency. Our research indicates that increased external financing needs and higher capital costs, driven by biodiversity risk, are key channels contributing to reduced firm efficiency. Firms with higher biodiversity risk exposure demonstrate lower efficiency, especially those with greater idiosyncratic volatility. These findings highlight the economic costs and operational challenges posed by biodiversity risk, offering new insights into its direct impact on firm efficiency.

Poly(aniline-2-sulfonic acid-co-aniline) modified nickel-doped carbon catalyst for power generation in microbial fuel cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are self-powered devices used for power generation. However, the advancement of the technology is hindered poor durability, sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics, and high capital costs, especially for cathode materials. In this study, we developed a nickel (Ni) chelate catalyst derived from thiourea-formaldehyde resins (Ni-TF), which incorporates sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) groups, to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics. To improve the electrical conductivity and electron transfer and to investigate the influence of N and S content, Ni-TF particles were interwoven with polyaniline and aniline-2-sulfonic acid-co-aniline, respectively. The integration of self-doped electroactive polymer with Ni-TF significantly enhanced the catalytic activity of the resulting composite (SPAN-PAN/Ni-SNC). SPAN-PAN/Ni-SNC exhibited a high oxygen reduction potential of 0.335 V (vs. RHE) at −0.018 mA, superior stability, and a low charge transfer resistance of 95.1 Ω. Furthermore, SPAN-PAN/Ni-SNC recorded a maximum power density of 2045.1 mW m−2 at a current density of 8343.8 mA m−2, compared to 873.67 mW m−2 and 5453.6 mA m−2 for Ni-SNC. This improvement is attributed to the synergy between the interwoven Ni-SNC and conducting copolymer. These findings indicate that encapsulating metal-doped catalysts within heteroatom-doped carbons can enhance long-term fuel cell performance and related applications.

Effects of the use of acetone as co-solvent on the financial viability of bio-crude production by hydrothermal liquefaction of CO2 captured by microalgae

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) is a promising technology to produce biocrude from microalgal biomass that has captured gaseous CO2. However, several problems of this technology must still be solved to make it economically and technically feasible. One of the main problems in the financial viability of the HTL process is the low yield obtained when only water is used as a solvent, with results close to or lower than 30 wt%. This, in turn, increases the production cost to over 120 USD/BBL. In recent years, some authors have focused their efforts on increasing biocrude production through the extensive use of organic solvents, without considering the effects on economic viability. The present work evaluated the financial effect of using acetone as an organic co-solvent, finding that high acetone contents increased operating costs of the process, mainly due to losses in its handling and recovery. On the contrary, very low acetone contents had very little effect on the biocrude yield. It was possible to establish that concentrations close to 5 wt% of acetone, mixed with water, resulted in a yield of about 60 wt% and a production cost of 50 USD/BBL of biocrude, with an energetic densification of 30.25 MJ/kg and 8.60∘ API, classifying it as heavy crude, which makes it necessary to include refining processes for heteroatom removal. Chemical characterization of biocrude revealed a high content of nitrogenous compounds (23.6 wt%) and oxygenated compounds (10.7 wt%), which have to be removed for the subsequent production of commercial liquid fuels. It is concluded that the use of a water-acetone mixture allows for obtaining positive operating profits, which helps to the high capital costs involved in this type of technology, making it more financially comparable with the conventional petroleum industry.

Renewable energy in sustainable cities: Challenges and opportunities by the case study of Nusantara Capital City (IKN)

Indonesia's future IKN capital might be sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient. The Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) simulates energy efficiency in various demand sectors, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation solutions. Sustainable cars, such as renewable-energy-powered electric and green hydrogen-powered vehicles, can reduce energy consumption by 43% in 2045 and 33% in 2060, respectively, compared to BAU. GHG emissions per capita will drop 70% in 2045 and 63% in 2060. In the net-zero emission (NZE) scenario, IKN can reach 100% green energy by 2045 with a 4.4 GW solar power plant, a 0.92 GWh BESS, and a full load hour capability of 4 hours. We will use 1.1 GW of hydropower and 143 MW of wind power by 2045. In 2060, hydropower will be 2.8 GW, wind power will be 184 MW, and solar power will be 8 GW with 1.6 GWh of BESS. Lack of legislation, technical expertise, high prices, inadequate grid infrastructure, and insufficient renewable electricity restrict BESS use in Indonesia. Solar energy installation requirements, subsidies, and off-grid project incentives can all help ease BESS use. Forecasts predict 0.53 GW of rooftop solar PV capacity by 2045 and 3.35 GW by 2060. Net metering and solar tariffs boost rooftop solar system profitability. One ton of green hydrogen production requires 55.7 MWh from a solar power plant. Solar power plant capacity will rise to 0.49 GW by 2045, producing 19,359 tons of green hydrogen, and almost quintuple to 89,594 tons by 2060. Hydrogen generation, storage, transit, and distribution require specific infrastructure due to high capital costs and a lack of networks, yet interest in them is growing.

Prospects of electricity generation through the use of alternative sources such as waste tires processing products

The object of this study is a hybrid energy system that integrates the processes of recycling used tires with the use of alternative energy sources to design a sustainable and environmentally safe power generation system. The problem addressed in this study is to find effective methods for recycling waste tires for electricity generation, as traditional recycling methods are energy-intensive and lead to the loss of valuable resources. Three methods of tire processing have been considered: pyrolysis, thermal degradation, and mechanical grinding. The method of electricity generation using pyrolysis has demonstrated high environmental performance due to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a high rate of renewable energy (80 %). According to the results of the study, the use of 5 MW pyrolysis furnaces in combination with 500 kW solar panels provides a reduction in dependence on fossil sources, reducing CO2 emissions to 50.0 kg/year. The method has high capital costs (NPC USD 4.2 million), but the cost of energy production (COE USD 0.18/kWh) makes this method competitive in the long run. Thermal degradation provides a balanced approach in terms of energy efficiency (75 %) and environmental performance. Although its CO2 emissions are higher than in pyrolysis, the method makes it possible to obtain additional products that could be used in other industries, thereby increasing economic efficiency. Mechanical shredding has the lowest average energy costs (USD 0.12/kWh) and the lowest CO2 emissions (30.0 kg/year), making it ideal for cost-conscious businesses. The study confirms the possibility of effective integration of renewable sources with tire recycling methods. The practical use of the research results is possible during the implementation of grant projects for the recycling of used tires, and in the work of relevant government structures for devising a policy for the disposal of used tires

Design an on-grid PV system to supply electricity to a school in Babil city using PVsyst software

The world attention is increasingly directed towards solar energy, particularly in countries of high solar radiation rates such as Iraq, due to the limitation of fossil fuel resources and the high pollution rates associated with using them. Engineers and researchers utilize different techniques in order to design the photovoltaic systems with low cost and high performance. This research aims at designing an optimal on-grid PV system to feed a school, located at Babel, Iraq using PVsyst program. The PVsyst methodology includes defining the geographical location of the project, determining the demand electrical load, selecting the type of the PV system components, and finally running the simulation. Detailed results, including the produced energy, loses diagram, economic and environmental evaluations can be obtained. The results show that a PV system comprising of 90 (450 Wp) panels and 3 (12 kWac) inverters on an area of 198 m2 can produce a net output energy at 70.23 MWh. The economic evaluation show that the project cost can be recovered within less than 10 years, and a net positive gain up to 20,000 USD can be attained during the 25 years project lifetime. A huge carbon emission equal to 1279.6 tCo2 can be saved as a result of this PV system installation. There is an obvious need to invest in solar energy for economic and environmental considerations. The main drawback of PV systems installations is the high capital cost. Using commercial packages, particularly PVsyst program, can significantly contributes toward optimizing the system design and hence reducing the project cost.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Adoption of Flexible Manufacturing Systems in Indian Manufacturing Industries

The manufacturing sector is increasingly adopting automation technologies to enhance productivity and flexibility. Among these technologies, Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) offer substantial benefits, such as reduced lead times, improved production flexibility, and lowered operational costs. Despite its advantages, FMS adoption in Indian manufacturing industries has been slow due to several barriers, including high capital costs, technological complexity, and inadequate government support. This study investigates the current status of FMS adoption in India, identifies the key barriers hindering its implementation, and proposes a decision-making model to facilitate its wider adoption. The research gap highlights the lack of a comprehensive framework to quantify the barriers and assess the performance of FMS adoption. To address this, a two-phase Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodology was used. This approach allowed for the classification and prioritization of barriers, as well as the development of a model for FMS selection based on statistical analysis. A case study was conducted using this methodology to evaluate various FMS models and provide a systematic decision-making framework for manufacturers. The results revealed that the most significant barriers to FMS adoption in India include high upfront costs, insufficient infrastructure, and the challenges posed by rapidly advancing FMS technology. By applying the AHP-TOPSIS approach, this study offers insights into overcoming these barriers and presents actionable recommendations for manufacturers and policymakers. The findings emphasize the need for increased government support and industry collaboration to accelerate FMS adoption in India. This research contributes to the development of a structured decision-making framework, which could help manufacturers implement FMS more effectively, thereby enhancing competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic global market. Keywords— Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Barriers to FMS, Indian Manufacturing, AHP-TOPSIS, Decision-Making Model

CO2-selective membrane reactor process for water-gas-shift reaction with CO2 capture in a coal-based IGCC power plant

Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants enable pre-combustion carbon capture to reduce CO2 emissions. Membrane water-gas-shift (WGS) reactors can intensify these processes by converting raw syngas to H2 with simultaneous CO2 capture in one unit. This paper reports process design and techno-economic analysis (TEA) for a membrane reactor (MR) process with a CO2 selective ceramic-carbonate dual-phase (CCDP) membrane for WGS reaction with CO2 capture for a IGCC power plant. The target performance includes CO conversion > 95 %, hydrogen purity > 90 %, CO2 purity > 95 %, and carbon capture > 90 %. Using a commercial catalyst and a CCDP membrane, the MR can achieve the performance target at 750 °C and space velocity of 250 h−1. The outcome of the process design and TEA shows that the CCDP MR has an operating cost of $24 M/year, significantly lower than that for the conventional processes (40 M$/year). However, the MR process has a higher capital cost ($1007 M) than the conventional process ($527 M) because of the higher cost of the CCDP MRs. Modeling analysis shows a MR with higher CO2 permeance can deliver the target at a higher space velocity and lower membrane surface area to catalyst volume ratio, leading to a significantly reduced MR capital costs.

Carbon dioxide injection into the Achimov formations using reinjection technology by the example of Ach3-4 formation in the Novo-Urengoy area of the Urengoy field

The prerequisites for the study are the calculation results for the cycling process, where carbon dioxide is proposed as the injection agent into the Achimov formations instead of dry gas, with the goal of increasing the condensate recovery factor. The work is focused on the efficiency assessment of carbon dioxide reinjection technology and reducing carbon footprint at a late stage of field development. The research object is the Аch3-4 formation within the Novo-Urengoy license area of the Urengoy field. The leading method to identify this problem is the results of the full-scale composite dynamic model in the ECLIPSE 300 format. The model takes into account the history of field development on depletion. The articles deals with two schemes for injecting carbon dioxide into the formation. In the first scheme, pure carbon dioxide is injected in a closed-loop system, but carbon neutrality through storage is not achieved. In the second scheme, carbon dioxide is injected using reinjection technology. Once injection begins, gas production stops. Only the condensate separated from the formation gas during low-temperature separation is sold and sent for further processing. After allocation of the condensate, the mixture of natural gas and carbon dioxide, in a specific proportion, is sent to the compressor station for reinjection into the formation in a gaseous state. Injecting pure carbon dioxide achieves a condensate recovery factor similar to that of gas injection with a 30 % carbon dioxide mixture. However, this option is less economically viable compared to the base and other scenarios due to high capital costs for upgrading the existing gas processing equipment (requiring the construction of an amine treatment unit). With carbon dioxide injection using reinjection technology, in addition to recovering extra condensate that had condensed during natural depletion, a reduction in the carbon footprint is also achieved. To maximize the condensate recovery factor, the optimal concentration of carbon dioxide in the injection mixture has been determined. The optimal timing for the start of injection was identified to maximize gas recovery. Economic efficiency is expected from the additional recovery of condensate trapped in the reservoir and from achieving carbon neutrality through the monetization and storage of carbon dioxide.

Underpinnings of reservoir and techno-economic analysis for Himalayan and Son-Narmada-Tapti geothermal sites of India

The high capital cost and risks associated with the extraction process of geothermal energy are key factors in the project economics. This paper presents a comprehensive technoeconomic study based on reservoir heat and flow simulations along with the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for two geothermal sites (Himalayan and Son-Narmada-Tapti i.e. SONATA) in India.Dual porosity reservoir simulation models were constructed and were used to obtain the cumulative and the dynamic thermal energy potentials of these sites. The simulation studies suggest that both sites are equally potent for geothermal energy extraction. Comparatively, the proven cumulative energy potentials for the Himalayan and SONATA sites are found to be 4.92–5.10 and 3.62–3.7 TW h, respectively, for the 30 years of production at a rate of 92 kg/s. This difference can be attributed mainly to higher temperatures and deeper sites at the Himalayan Province. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of various parameters, including porosity, permeability, fracture spacing, and thermal conductivity. The results suggest that porosity and permeability are the key enablers of efficient energy production. The economic feasibility study suggests that the LCOE costs are high for these sites ($148/MWh for the Himalayan and $137/MWh for the SONATA). These two sites have CO2 mitigation potential in the range of 3.12 and 11.36 Megatons from a single doublet well configuration considering the CO2 emissions from conventional coal-fired thermal power plants. Overall, SONATA can be the better prospect considering the logistics and operational challenges along with reservoir heat potential.

Multi-stage control design for oscillating water column-based ocean wave energy conversion system

Despite the enormous global potential of ocean wave energy, it has yet to achieve a level of maturity and economic competitiveness that would result in a substantial impact. Challenges include direct integration into weak or isolated microgrids, a high proportion of uncertain marine environments, nonlinear dynamics, oscillating water column (OWC) device limitations, slower response times, unplanned power outages, power fluctuations, high capital and operational costs in ocean wave energy conversion (OWEC) systems. To this end, a new independent multi-stage design approach is proposed for the performance enhancement of an OWC-based OWEC system. Firstly, an airflow and rotational speed optimal control stage enhances power capture in the Wells turbine-based OWC plant. Secondly, compared to conventional control, the proposed permanent magnet synchronous generator control incorporates an adaptive nonlinear back-stepping control algorithm based on Lyapunov stability theory. Thirdly, introducing reconfigurable control into the conventional six-leg power converter ensures the uninterrupted operation of an OWEC system. Lastly, a model-predictive control-based energy management system is integrated with a bidirectional DC-DC converter that delivers steady power from the grid-connected OWC OWEC system. Hence, MATLAB simulations ensure the overall performance enhancement and feasibility of the OWEC system application and verify that the proposed multi-stage solution is efficient, robust, and reliable.

Barcode 100K Specimens: In a Single Nanopore Run.

It is a global priority to better manage the biosphere, but action must be informed by comprehensive data on the abundance and distribution of species. The acquisition of such information is currently constrained by high costs. DNA barcoding can speed the registration of unknown animal species, the most diverse kingdom of eukaryotes, as the BIN system automates their recognition. However, inexpensive sequencing protocols are critical as the census of all animal species is likely to require the analysis of a billion or more specimens. Barcoding involves DNA extraction followed by PCR and sequencing with the last step dominating costs until 2017. By enabling the sequencing of highly multiplexed samples, the Sequel platforms from Pacific BioSciences slashed costs by 90%, but these instruments are only deployed in core facilities because of their expense. Sequencers from Oxford Nanopore Technologies provide an escape from high capital and service costs, but their low sequence fidelity has, until recently, constrained adoption. However, the improved performance of its latest flow cells (R10.4.1) erases this barrier. This study demonstrates that a MinION flow cell can characterise an amplicon pool derived from 100,000 specimens while a Flongle flow cell can process one derived from several thousand. At $0.01 per specimen, DNA sequencing is now the least expensive step in the barcode workflow.

Regulatory Barriers For Entrepreneurship and Start-Ups In Renewable Energy: Bibliometric Analysis

This article conducts a bibliometric analysis to investigate regulatory barriers faced by entrepreneurs and start-ups in the renewable energy sector. The research highlights how inconsistent and outdated regulations in many regions challenge the growth and scalability of renewable energy ventures. Key barriers include complex permitting processes, restrictive grid connection policies, and inadequate support mechanisms such as subsidies and tax incentives. The study underscores that although global investment in renewable energy technologies has grown, many emerging and developing economies lag behind due to high capital costs and regulatory hurdles. The methodology involves data collection from the Scopus database using specified keywords such as “entrepreneurship,” “start-ups,” “renewable energy,” and “regulatory barriers.” One hundred seven documents published between 2002 and 2024 were analysed through bibliometric techniques using tools like Biblioshiny and Excel. The study cleans and processes data by removing irrelevant terms and consolidating synonyms to improve the accuracy of the bibliometric analysis. Key research indicators, such as the h-index, g-index, m-index, and citation rates, are employed to evaluate the impact of publications and authors. The analysis also focuses on co-citation networks, clustering keywords, and tracking the evolution of themes over time. Results reveal that regulatory barriers to renewable energy entrepreneurship are widely studied but fragmented. Five main keyword clusters were identified: renewable energy technologies, policy and regulatory frameworks, business models, economic development, and environmental sustainability. A notable trend is the convergence of interdisciplinary research, combining economic, policy, and technological perspectives on overcoming barriers. The analysis highlights a significant publication growth in recent years, peaking in 2022 with 15 publications, which reflects an increasing academic interest in this area. The most cited papers often discuss solutions to regulatory challenges, such as streamlining administrative processes, improving grid access, and implementing supportive financial mechanisms. Case studies from leading renewable energy markets, like Germany and California, showcase successful strategies that have fostered innovation and allowed start-ups to thrive. However, the study emphasises that many emerging markets continue to struggle with outdated regulatory frameworks that hinder the commercialisation of new technologies, particularly in energy storage. The study concludes that future research should focus on detailed longitudinal studies and interdisciplinary approaches that combine legal, economic, and technological analyses. Policymakers are urged to adopt flexible, adaptive regulations to support innovation in renewable energy, ensuring that start-ups can leverage technological advancements and contribute to the global energy transition.

A bibliometric analysis of ohmic heating on food processing in the last two decades

Novel food processing technologies have been devised to cater to the specific requirements of consumer products and tackle the challenges associated with conventional food processing technologies. Ohmic heating is a contemporary thermal-process technology with advantages for time efficiency, improved sensory and functional quality, and enhanced energy efficiency. This bibliometric investigation aimed to analyze the level of scholarly research on ohmic heating within the field of food research over the past twenty years (2003–2023). The findings indicate an upward annual growth rate of 11.09 % in the subject of food-related ohmic heating research. A total of 769 publications have been published, involving 1841 authors. Brazil is recognized as the nation with the most research contributions while Sastry, S.K., is the most productive author, and Teixeira, J.A. is the most collaborative author. Review studies examining the impact of ohmic processes on the nutritional composition of fruits, vegetables, and grains have garnered the highest number of citations. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies and the Journal of Food Engineering have emerged as the most influential journals in this field. Keywords such as “ohmic heating,” “electroconductive heating,” and ”joule heating” are commonly used in academic publications on the application of ohmic heating in the food industry. Recent trends in this field focus on aspects such as extraction procedures, pasteurization, physicochemical components, and energy usage. Ohmic heating has a bright future. Rapidly growing research shows strong interest, especially recently, because of attractive advantages such as energy efficiency and sustainability. International collaborations will expand its applications in the food industry. Challenges include high capital costs, maintenance, and unclear regulations. Future research should focus on cost-effective materials, thermal stability, food safety, and broader applications. With a clear path, the food industry can adopt ohmic heating technology as affordable and ecofriendly technology more efficiently.

Hydrogen Refueling Stations: A Review of the Technology Involved from Key Energy Consumption Processes to Related Energy Management Strategies

Over the last few years, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for problems related to energy sources and pollution concerns. The integration of hydrogen in the transport sector is one of the possible various applications and involves the implementation of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs). A key obstacle for HRS deployment, in addition to the need for well-developed technologies, is the economic factor since these infrastructures require high capital investments costs and are largely dependent on annual operating costs. In this study, we review hydrogen’s application as a fuel, summarizing the principal systems involved in HRS, from production to the final refueling stage. In addition, we also analyze the main equipment involved in the production, compression and storage processes of hydrogen. The current work also highlights the main refueling processes that impact energy consumption and the methodologies presented in the literature for energy management strategies in HRSs. With the aim of reducing energy costs due to processes that require high energy consumption, most energy management strategies are based on the use of renewable energy sources, in addition to the use of the power grid.