Net Zero Carbon Research Articles

Health-Damaging Climate Events Highlight the Need for Interdisciplinary, Engaged Research.

In 2023 human populations experienced multiple record-breaking climate events, with widespread impacts on human health and well-being. These events include extreme heat domes, drought, severe storms, flooding, and wildfires. Due to inherent lags in the climate system, we can expect such extremes to continue for multiple decades after reaching net zero carbon emissions. Unfortunately, despite these significant current and future impacts, funding for research in climate and health has lagged behind that for other geoscience and biomedical research. While some initial efforts from funding agencies are evident, there is still a significant need to increase the resources available for multidisciplinary research in the face of this issue. As a group of experts at this important intersection, we call for a more concerted effort to encourage interdisciplinary and policy-relevant investigations into the detrimental health effects of continued climate change.

Toward optimal designs of domestic air-to-water heat pumps for a net-zero carbon energy system in the UK

Toward optimal designs of domestic air-to-water heat pumps for a net-zero carbon energy system in the UK

Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon-Based Heterogeneous Catalysts for Energy Release of Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage Materials.

Molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST) systems are rapidly becoming a feasible alternative to energy storage and net-zero carbon emission heating. MOST systems involve a single photoisomerization pair that incorporates light absorption, storage, and heat release processes in one recurring cycle. Despite significant recent advancements in the field, the catalytic back-reaction from MOST systems remains relatively unexplored. A wide range of applications is possible, contingent on the energy densities of the specific photoisomers. Here, we report platinum-, copper-, and nickel-based heterogeneous catalysts screened in batch conditions for the back-conversion reaction on the cyano-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-norbornadiene/quadricyclane pair. Catalyst reactivities are investigated using structural characterization, imaging techniques, and spectroscopic analysis. Finally, the thermal stability is also explored for our best-performing catalysts.

Catalyzing net-zero carbon strategies: Enhancing CO2 flux Prediction from underground coal fires using optimized machine learning models

Underground coal fires release substantial carbon dioxide (CO2), posing significant environmental and health threats. Accurate prediction of surface CO2 emissions in these areas is crucial for understanding combustion zones and contributes to the global net zero carbon strategy. Traditional data analysis methods have been inadequate for CO2 flux prediction, highlighting the necessity for advanced machine learning (ML) techniques. This study introduces four optimized ML models—General Regression Neural Networks (GRNNs) and Radial Basis Function Neural Networks (RBFNNs) coupled with Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA)—to rapidly predict CO2 flux in areas affected by underground coal fires. Utilizing 223 field test samples, these models consider six key variables: soil temperature at 30 cm depth (ST-30), ambient pressure/temperature/humidity (AP/AT/AH), soil water content (SWC), and wind speed (A-WS). The results underscore the superior predictive accuracy of the GRNN model, with an RMSE of 0.074 and an R2 of 0.9995. Sensitivity analysis reveals A-WS and ST-30 as the most influential factors. Compared to traditional methods, these ML models demonstrate enhanced accuracy and efficiency, marking a significant advancement in the field. The study's findings have broader applications beyond underground coal fires, suggesting potential for these ML models in other environmental monitoring contexts, such as emissions tracking in urban areas or integration with satellite data for global environmental assessment. This methodology represents a pivotal step in environmental management and monitoring, offering scalable and adaptable solutions for various ecological challenges. By rapidly and accurately estimating CO2 flux from underground coal fires, this study contributes significantly to achieving the global net zero carbon target and sets a new benchmark in environmental ML applications.

Airport Carbon Emission Accreditation as a Policy Approach towards Net Zero Carbon 2050

Airport carbon emissions accreditation is a carbon management program for airports that can independently assess and recognize airport efforts to manage and reduce CO2 emissions. This proposal is an adaptation of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program launched by the Airport Council International (ACI) SINCE 2009. In this program, concrete steps can be taken starting from identification, planning, prioritization, implementation, monitoring and improvement, determination, justification and demonstration. It is important to immediately begin identifying or censusing potential carbon emitters in all areas of airport resources which are then calculated so that the value of carbon emissions can be known quantitatively and specifically. Then further efforts such as lowering or even offsetting can be done in a more measurable manner. If the airport carbon offset policy, which replaces airport carbon emissions or other greenhouse gases in order to compensate for emissions, is implemented and becomes a global mandatory, it means that Indonesia has a fairly strong footing.

Financial inclusion empowering sustainable technologies: Insights into the E-7 economies from COP28 perspectives

COP28 highlighted the essential interplay between financial inclusion and sustainable technologies in driving effective climate action. This strategy underscores the importance of aligning financial systems with technological innovations to mitigate environmental pollution and achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The limited availability of funds, however, continues to hinder growth and widespread adaptation of technological advancement, and a significant research gap pertaining to the financial inclusion still remains. In order to address this gap; this study investigates the role of financial inclusion and technological advancement in the context of environmental pollution for the E-7 countries. In this regard, the results of the cointegration analyses show evidence of long-term relationships between TA, Financial inclusion, and environmental degradation. Moreover, the results of our study also show that financial inclusion positively influences carbon emissions. However, financial inclusion is a substantive moderator that tends to intensify the negative association between TA and CO2 emissions. In addition to this, our results also show that energy productivity and technological advancement significantly reduce CO2 emissions and enhance the quality of the environment. Our study also uncovers the positive correlations between GDP, trade openness and carbon emissions, thus signaling towards their adverse effect on the environment.

Optimization model of low-carbon technology adoption timing for coal power under decarbonization and flexibility demand: Empirical study in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

Substituting renewable energy for coal power under the carbon neutrality goal is an inevitable path for power system transformation, while the high share of renewable energy leads to a rapid rise in system flexibility demand. Currently, coal-fired power is still one of the most economical and reliable large-scale flexible resources in China. Therefore, the issue of how to mitigate the conflict between cleanliness and flexibility for coal-fired power is urgent to be solved. Accordingly, this paper established an optimization framework for the retirement and technology adoption of coal-fired power units with high spatial-temporal resolution, and the regional carbon emission budget is estimated from a top-down perspective. Secondly, a dynamic carbon quota allocation method considering technological innovation and adoption is proposed. The carbon trading cost of the units is evaluated from a bottom-up perspective, to realize the interaction between the obligatory policy constraints of the top-level target and the flexible incentives of the market mechanism. Finally, the empirical analysis was conducted in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China. The optimal solution achieved by proposed method results in a substantial 27% reduction in total costs while keeping the increase in carbon emissions below 3%. By analyzing the dynamic evolution path of coal and the scale of diffusion of multi-type technologies, the differences in the roles coal power assuming at various stages of decarbonization are discussed. The robustness of the model and the validity of the proposed method were verified by comparing the dynamic/static carbon quota allocation. Overall, this study provides an effective optimization model for investigating the low-carbon technology adoption timing for coal power in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and offers valuable insights for other coal-dominated emerging economies seeking for power system transformation roadmap in the forthcoming net-zero carbon age.

Unwarranted variation and the goal of net zero for the NHS in England: exploring the link between efficiency working, patient outcomes and carbon footprint.

In 2020 the NHS in England set a target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Progress has already been made towards this goal, with substantial reductions in the use of environmentally harmful anaesthetic gases, such as desflurane, in recent years. Where an effective replacement already exists, changing practice to use low carbon alternatives is relatively easy to achieve, but much greater challenges lie ahead. The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme is a clinically-led, data-driven clinical improvement initiative with a focus on reducing unwarranted variation in clinical practice and patient outcomes. Reducing unwarranted variation can improve patient care and service efficiency, and can also support the drive to net zero. In this article we set out what the GIRFT programme is doing to support sustainable healthcare in England, why it is uniquely positioned to support this goal and what the future challenges, barriers, enablers and opportunities are likely to be in the drive to net zero.

Electrochemical and chemical cycle for high-efficiency decoupled water splitting in a near-neutral electrolyte

Green hydrogen produced by water splitting using renewable electricity is essential to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Present water electrolysis technologies are uncompetitive with low-cost grey hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, limiting their scale-up potential. Disruptive processes that decouple the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions and produce them in separate cells or different stages emerge as a prospective route to reduce system cost by enabling operation without expensive membranes and sealing components. Some of these processes divide the hydrogen or oxygen evolution reactions into electrochemical and chemical sub-reactions, enabling them to achieve high efficiency. However, high efficiency has been demonstrated only in a batch process with thermal swings that present operational challenges. This work introduces a breakthrough process that produces hydrogen and oxygen in separate cells and supports continuous operation in a membraneless system. We demonstrate high faradaic and electrolytic efficiency and high rate operation in a near-neutral electrolyte of NaBr in water, whereby bromide is electro-oxidized to bromate concurrent with hydrogen evolution in one cell, and bromate is chemically reduced to bromide in a catalytic reaction that evolves oxygen in another cell. This process may lead the way to high-efficiency membraneless water electrolysis that overcomes the limitations of century-old membrane electrolysis.

Optimization of Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Displacement in Fractured Horizontal Wells in Low Permeability Reservoirs

The increasing use of fossil fuels has raised concerns about rising greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is one of the most important technologies for achieving net zero carbon emissions. In oil reservoirs, fully understanding their geological characteristics, fluid characteristics, and pressure distribution and injecting CO2 in a reasonable scheme, some remaining oil can be recovered to improve oil recovery and even obtain certain economic benefits. In this paper, we investigate the effect of CCUS implementation in low-permeability reservoirs from both technical and economic aspects. First, based on the parameters of a low-permeability reservoir, a numerical simulation model of a reservoir with gas injection in a multi-stage fractured horizontal well at the top of the reservoir and oil recovery in a multi-stage fractured horizontal well at the bottom is established. Next, four cases of continuous CO2 injection, intermittent CO2 injection, CO2 injection after water flooding, and water alternating gas drive (WAG) are designed to evaluate their effects on CO2 storage and enhanced oil recovery. Finally, an economic evaluation model is developed to evaluate these four cases. The results show that fractured horizontal wells can improve the injection capacity, increase the swept volume of injected gas, cause CO2 to fully contact the crude oil, greatly increase the contact area between the wellbore and crude oil, and greatly improve oil recovery. The WAG injection-production method can effectively inhibit gas channeling, reduce the production gas–oil ratio, improve oil recovery, and, at the same time, bury more CO2 into the reservoir. Its economic benefit evaluation is also the best among the four cases. In addition, the remaining oil distribution and CO2 buried distribution under different injection-production schemes are also analyzed. This study provides a scientific basis for the operation scheme design of CCUS in low-permeability reservoirs.

Net-zero carbon configuration approach for direct air carbon capture based integrated energy system considering dynamic characteristics of CO2 adsorption and desorption

Direct air carbon capture (DAC) is a promising negative carbon technology to balance unavoidable carbon emissions from distributed sources. Deploying DAC into the integrated renewable energy system provides an effective way to achieve regional carbon neutrality. Developing a reasonable configuration approach for the DAC-based integrated energy system (IES) is the premise to ensure the stable, flexible, economic and net-zero carbon operation. However, DAC system captures CO2 from the air through adsorption and desorption with a much lower respond speed than other energy generation, conversion and storage equipment in the IES. Meanwhile, the CO2 adsorption/desorption rate varies significantly with time, making the energy consumption of DAC does not fully correspond to the amount of CO2 being captured. Conventional steady-state IES configuration methods fail to reflect such characteristics of the DAC, which may lead to non-optimal or even infeasible configurations. To this end, this paper develops a configuration-oriented dynamic model for the DAC process to correctly reflect the energy consumption characteristics under given internal operating conditions and the variations of the CO2 adsorption/desorption rate over time. The DAC model is embedded into the configuration framework of the DAC-based IES, formulating a novel configuration approach that optimizes the investment, operation and maintenance, carbon reduction and renewables utilization performance. The optimal capacity of DAC and the corresponding time periods for adsorption, desorption and shutdown operation in typical scenario are determined, revealing the coordinated manner of DAC system with other devices within the IES. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed configuration approach, which can meet the carbon neutral target with the lowest economic cost. Further comparisons also verify the advantages of flexible operation of the DAC system to achieve better coordination with renewable generations and more efficient CO2 capture.

A Novel Approach to Determine Multi-Tiered Nearly Zero-Energy Performance Benchmarks Using Probabilistic Reference Buildings and Risk Analysis Approaches

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) mandates European Union Member States (MS) to conduct cost-optimal studies using the national calculation methodology (NCM), typically through non-calibrated asset-rating software. Nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) levels must be derived for each chosen Reference Building (RB), which are generally defined using deterministic parameters. Previous research proposed an innovative cost-optimal method that replaces ‘non-calibrated deterministic RBs’ with ‘probabilistically Bayesian calibrated reference building (RB)’ to better handle building stock uncertainties and diversities when deriving benchmarks. This paper aims to develop a framework to address two research gaps necessary for the successful application of the innovative cost optimal method: (1) providing objective criteria for defining NZEB benchmarks and (2) propagating uncertainties and financial risk for each defined benchmark. A robust approach for defining NZEB benchmarks according to four different ambition levels (low, medium, high, and highest) was developed by objectively considering distinct points from multiple cost-optimal plots employing different financial perspectives. Risk analysis is then performed for each defined benchmark by propagating risk from the posterior calibration parameter distributions to visualize and statistically quantify the financial risk, including robust risk, that the private investor could face for reaching each derived benchmark ambition level. The innovative cost-optimal methodology that incorporates the developed framework was applied to a hotel RB case study. The results showed that the developed framework is capable of deriving distinct benchmarks and quantitatively uncovering the full financial risk levels for the four different renovation ambition levels. The current cost-optimal method was also performed for the hotel case study with the RB defined determinitically and using the non-calibrated NCM software, SBEM-mt v4.2c. It was found that the financial feasibility and energy-saving results per benchmark are significantly more realistic and transparent for the proposed innovative cost-optimal method including a better match between the simulated and metered energy consumption with a difference of less than 1% in annual performance. Thus, the performance gap between calculated and actual energy performance that is synonymous with the EPBD methodology, as reported in the literature, is bridged. The case study also showed the importance of the risk analysis. Performing the cost-optimal analysis for a Bayesian calibrated RB using the mean value of the posterior calibrated parameter distributions without propagating uncertainty produced highly optimistic results that obscured the real financial risk for achieving the higher ambition levels of the NZEB benchmarks. Consequently, the developed framework demonstrated a time-bound tightening approach to achieve higher energy performance ambitions, improve risk transparency to private investors, and facilitate more targeted policies towards a net zero-carbon status. Thus, the proposed method considering parameter uncertainty and calibrated RBs is instrumental for devising robust policy measures for the EPBD, to achieve a realistic and long-lasting sustainable energy goal for European buildings.

A data center expansion scheme considering net-zero carbon operation: Optimization of geographical location, on-site renewable utilization and green certificate purchase

Recently, more and more global attention has been paid to data centers’ energy consumption and climate impact. Serving as the backbone of the digital world, the energy and carbon-intensive data centers have to find a green expansion way to fulfill their obligations in building a carbon-neutral society. Therefore, this paper proposes a net-zero carbon operation oriented data center expansion scheme for the central government to formulate incentive policies. The economic expansion model minimizes newly established data centers’ investment and electricity consumption costs. Geographical location, on-site renewable utilization, and green certificate purchase are integrated and considered to achieve net-zero carbon operation by reducing total electricity consumption, increasing green power consumption, and offsetting inevitable carbon emissions. A case study in China is conducted, and results under different geographical location scenarios, power supply mix scenarios, and green certificates market scenarios are analyzed and compared. It is found that the zero-carbon operation of new data centers mainly relies on clean main-grid power, but a more decentralized layout and a provincial green certificate market can increase the contribution of on-site renewable energy. Lastly, four detailed policy implications for stimulating China’s data center expansion are discussed.

Towards a Sustainable Net-Zero Future: Energy and Economic Transition Amid Global Warming

As global temperatures continue to rise, there is an alarming increase in the severity and frequency of extreme climate hazards. The United Nations, responding to these dire changes, has advocated for a target of net-zero carbon emissions, a strategy aimed at pursuing efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels” (The Paris Agreement) and mitigating the devastating effects of global warming. This research delves into economic implications of these targets, leveraging comprehensive data that encompass carbon emissions, temperature, renewable energy, and vital economic indicators. Utilizing the RCP scenarios, we provide a nuanced projection of future climate under varying socio-economic and radiative conditions. The analysis of economic indicators can help predict the overall level and change trend of carbon emissions more reasonably, which can provide important decision-making support for the government to formulate environmental protection policies and enterprises to carry out carbon emission reduction work. At the same time, economic indicators can also help assess the changes in the carbon trading market, and play an important guiding role for enterprises and investors to conduct carbon emissions trading. Our findings underscore the intricate relationship between stringent carbon management practices and their potential economic ramifications, which include both the promise of increased market value for businesses and bolstered resilience against climate-induced threats. Bridging historical observations with future-orientated projections, this study serves as a beacon for policymakers and stakeholders alike. It emphasizes the critical need to advance sustainable development within a net-zero carbon framework, ensuring a comprehensive strategy for global warming adaptation and mitigation.

Assessing China's Path to Carbon Neutrality: Analyzing Historical and Projected Electricity-Related Carbon Emissions in the Context of the Dual Carbon Plan

Carbon emissions have become a hot topic in the energy sector. China has proposed the "Dual Carbon Plan," aiming to peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, whereby carbon emissions will be completely offset or absorbed, resulting in a net zero or negative carbon emission balance. However, China's heavy reliance on coal for electricity generation, coupled with issues of overcapacity and relatively backward technology, not only leads to significant carbon emissions but also poses challenges for a rapid transition to clean energy. This paper analyses historical data on China's total carbon emissions and carbon emissions from electricity generation. Additionally, it predicts future electricity-related carbon emissions based on policy and technological scenarios proposed by existing scholars, discussing the feasibility of achieving the goals set forth in the Dual Carbon Plan.

Analysing the long run relationship between CO2 emissions and Energy use of United Kingdom

In this study, the time series data of the United Kingdom from 1965 to 2021 for energy usage, total reserves, manufacturing, GDP and total carbon emission have been examined using autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) model. The results revealed that energy usage, manufacturing and GDP have a positive relation with CO2 emission both in the short run and long run raising environmental concerns on the contrary only total reserves have a negative relation in the short and long run. United Kingdom increasing energy efficiency have been a top priority in the recent era, in order to achieve the target of net zero carbon emission by 2050, government need to promote policies for energy mix which would increase the usage of other renewable energy as the challenges remain for manufacturing and transportation industry because the overall emission from these sector remains largely unchanged despite advancements in fuel efficiency because the results indicates that a percentage increase in energy usage increase the CO2 emission by 0.23% whereas 1% increase in manufacturing leads to 0.25% increase in the CO2 emission.

Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing of a Net Zero Carbon Building in UAE: A Leading Initiative in the Region

Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing of a Net Zero Carbon Building in UAE: A Leading Initiative in the Region

Revolutionising the Sustainability of Steel Manufacturing Using Computer Vision

The pressure of the global sustainability problem is growing faster than ever after the social and economic havoc wreaked by the pandemic, as well as the present time nearing to the 2050 net zero carbon goal. In 2021 the steel industry had a turnover of around €125 billion and was directly responsible for providing at least 300000 jobs. In 2022, it was responsible for roughly 5% of CO2 emissions in the EU and 7% globally, and was responsible for at least 20278 injuries and 90 deaths. Environmental solutions for mitigating negative consequences of the steel industry exist such as hydrogen-based steelmaking, carbon capture, utilisation and storage and electrolysis, whilst safety regulations and personal protective equipment have been used to improve safety. However, little has been done to combat the problem using the most powerful emerging technology of the fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence. In particular, computer vision has already shown great competence in a range of applications related to steelmaking, but without seriously considering sustainability, resulting in limited awareness of the potential benefits computer vision can bring to industry. A lack of this awareness leads to missed opportunities for sustainable development. This paper aims to address the gap in research that discusses computer vision capabilities for enhancing the sustainability of steel production by providing a literature review covering recent advances in computer vision, as well as an industry 4.0 approach for integrating computer vision systems with steelworks. Research presented here successfully exposes the untapped potential of computer vision in the steel industry and paves the way for future developments by exhibiting a blueprint for simultaneously elevating sustainability and technological advancement.

Circular economy in Singapore: waste management, food and agriculture, energy, and transportation

<abstract> <p>Singapore, as a small but advanced urban economy, has achieved a high-quality living environment and has become an example of a high-density and sustainable city. To maintain that status, Singapore has set a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by mid-century and reducing waste sent to landfills by 30% by 2030. To achieve this goal, the Government has laid out a comprehensive plan for implementing a circular economy model across all economic sectors. It includes a set of measures tailored to its unique city-state conditions that will necessarily require the joint effort of authorities, industry, companies, academia, and citizens. This article reviewed and analyzed the strategies and policies that Singapore has devised to implement such a model in four sectors identified as the highest priority by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community: waste management, food and agriculture, energy, and transportation. The analysis aimed to provide information to close the gap between aspirations and reality by identifying factors that allow progress toward planned objectives, as well as externalities and barriers that act in the opposite direction. For this endeavor, a gap analysis was carried out to look into the interconnections between the natural environment, regulatory framework and policies, governance, infrastructure, technology and innovation, and societal habits. In general, the institutional framework necessary for the transition into a resilient and resource-efficient nation is already in place, while enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to assess progress are under construction. Singapore has learned how to develop policies that are flexible and can adapt to technological, economic, and social changes, as well as threats posed by climate change, and unexpected challenges. Still, success will be determined by Singaporeans' ability to change their work-life balance paradigm for their own sake and happiness.</p> </abstract>

Focused solar annealing for block copolymer fast self-assembly

Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly has tremendous potential applications in next-generation nanolithography. It offers significant advantages, including high resolution and cost-effectiveness, effectively overcoming the limitations associated with conventional optical lithography. In this work, we demonstrate a focused solar annealing (FSA) technique that is facile, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient for fast self-assembly of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) thin films. The FSA principle involves utilizing a common biconvex lens to converge incident solar radiation into a high-temperature spot, which is directly used to drive the microphase separation of PS-b-PMMA thin films. As a result, PS-b-PMMA undergoes self-assembly, forming ordered nanostructures in a vertical orientation at seconds timescales on silicon substrates with a neutral layer. In addition, the FSA technique can be employed for grafting neutral polymer brushes onto the silicon substrate. Furthermore, the FSA's compatibility with graphoepitaxy-directed self-assembly (DSA) of BCP is also demonstrated in the patterning of contact holes. The results of contact hole shrinking show that contact hole prepatterns of ∼60.4 nm could be uniformly shrunk to ∼20.5 nm DSA hole patterns with a hole open yield (HOY) of 100 %. For contact hole multiplication, doublet DSA holes were successfully generated on elliptical templates, revealing an average DSA hole size of ∼21.3 nm. Most importantly, due to the direct use of solar energy, the FSA technique provides many significant advantages such as simplicity, environmental friendliness, solvent-free, low cost, and net-zero carbon emissions, and will open up a new direction for BCP lithography that is sustainable, pollution-free, and carbon-neutral.