Non-renewable Energy Sources Research Articles

A Study on the Feasibility and Strategy of Developing Photovoltaic Integrated Shading Devices in Street Canyons

The measurement and analysis of the spatial attributes of the street canyon hold significant importance in the advancement of photovoltaic integrated shading devices (PVSDs). This study offers the space aspect ratio index AR(h) as a more efficient method for determining the optimal location for installing PVSDs on building facades in various street canyons. The AR(h) index addresses the limitations of the current quantitative index. This study examined the evolving regulations of indoor thermal conditions, natural lighting, and the performance of PVSDs in various street canyons. It assessed the viability of implementing PVSDs in different canyons and suggested development plans based on the variation law. The findings demonstrated that AR(h) is capable of effectively assessing and directing the implementation of PVSDs. When AR(h) is below 0.6, the shade of surrounding buildings has the least impact on the photovoltaic power output and building energy consumption in various street canyons. In this scenario, the building has the largest yearly energy-saving rate, making it highly ideal for implementing PVSDs on the building façade. In summary, the suitability of the AR(h) index in various street sceneries was assessed, offering valuable insights for the widespread implementation of PVSDs and street planning, thereby optimizing the utilization of solar energy. The findings of this study will be advantageous in diminishing the utilization of non-renewable energy sources in urban areas and mitigating carbon emissions to safeguard the environment.

Using genetic algorithm for optimal sizing of stand-alone hybrid energy system

When planning a hybrid energy system (HES) that incorporates both renewable and non-renewable energy sources—those that rely on fossil fuels—the primary considerations are the total cost of the system and the CO? emissions. In this paper, we will investigate the typical hybrid energy system (HES) that incorporates both renewable and non-renewable energy sources involving a detailed simulation process that may require specific inputs, models, and data. Then, we employed dual optimization methods: genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The consequences of GA and PSO execution in the bus timetabling problem depict that the GA algorithm is better at finding the optimal solution in terms of accuracy and iteration. Additionally, the GA algorithm is also superior to the straightforwardness of the techniques used. So, in this work, we employed a Genetic Algorithm Optimization (GA)–-based optimal sizing technique for HES configurations that include sustainability wind turbines (WTs), battery storage (BS), and diesel generators (DGs). HES improved power delivery to a rural community in the Wasit Province, Iraq, situated at 46° - 36° and 32° - 31° in the country's southeastern central region. Throughout the project's 25-year lifespan, the optimization primarily aims to minimize the total cost (CT) and total CO? emissions (ECO2T). The outcomes demonstrate that the GA algorithm may, with continuous electricity supply, minimize the objectives while meeting the load demand.

Fabrication and Development of Solar Powered Cart

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and low operational costs. However, the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity to charge these EVs undermines their sustainability goals. Combining solar energy with EV charging can create a sustainable and clean transportation system, which can reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources. The overall objective of the project is to develop and fabricate an optimized, efficient solar powered electric cart charging with bi-directional smart inverter control that can be used on campus in transporting and carrying Stationery loads. Subsystems such as the frame, drive train, power, suspension, Brakes and Steering that are modeled and analyzed through quantitative methods are purchased and fabricated. The cart is fabricated as per its design for 250kg load carrying capacity, acceleration of 1.2 m/s2 and maximum achievable speed of 15km/h with a power rating of about 1.5kW. Secondary support software such as Excel, and solar analyzing software were used to assist in the planning of the various subsystems as well as data collection and assortment. The proposed model provides the IOT-based smart solar energy consumption analysis and control model by using solar photovoltaic micro grid. The proposed IOT design must meet product and process requirements. Key Words: Power optimization, golf cart, solar transport, Photovoltaic, Solar-powered, Emission Analysis, Environmental. Solar power.

IoT-enabled Smart Weather Stations: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

The evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in innovative approaches facilitated by breakthrough technologies. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in smart weather stations, focusing on IoT-enabled solutions. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has revolutionized traditional weather monitoring systems, enabling seamless data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Commercially available automated weather stations offer cost-effective solutions for comprehensive meteorological data collection. However, challenges such as limited local deployment and reliance on expensive options persist, hindering comprehensive monitoring efforts. The critical need for improved data collection methods is underscored to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts and address evolving climatic conditions. Climate change impacts, including shifts in weather patterns and rising temperatures, highlight the importance of effective weather monitoring for agriculture, infrastructure, and national security. Additionally, the dependence on non-renewable energy sources for electricity generation emphasizes the environmental and economic implications of energy production. In response to these challenges, numerous IoT based smart weather station systems have been proposed by earlier researchers. The introduction of IoT-enabled smart weather stations represents a significant advancement in weather monitoring technology. These stations leverage IoT technologies to collect, analyse, and visualize meteorological data in real time. In order to identify the challenges and prospects in this area of technology, the purpose of this study is to present a thorough analysis of the suggested designs as well as to compare, evaluate, and assess the outcomes, contributing to the development of robust and efficient weather monitoring systems.

Heat transfer performance study of Cu-ethanol/ethylene glycol/propylene glycol-water nanofluids in a wavy-walled tube heat exchanger

With the rapid consumption of nonrenewable energy sources, improving the heat transfer efficiency of conventional fixed tube plate heat exchangers, optimizing their structure, and finding more efficient coolants have become popular topics. In this paper, the cooling effect of ethanol/ethylene glycol/propylene glycol-water solution with a mass fraction of 50 % in a wavy-walled tube heat exchanger was investigated, while Cu nanoparticles with volume fractions of 1.5 % and 3.0 % were added to the cold working mass to form three different nanofluids. The effects of the three nanofluids at different volume fractions on the heat transfer performance of the wavy-walled tube heat exchanger were analyzed with numerical simulations, while the microscopic mechanism of the enhanced thermal conductivity of the nanofluids was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that the thermal conductivity of the nanofluids was greatly enhanced due to the formation of adsorption layers with different properties on the nanoparticle surfaces, and the Cu–ethylene glycol-water nanofluid showed the largest increase in thermal conductivity among the three nanofluids. It was also found that the shell-side pressure drop, convective heat transfer coefficient, and heat exchange quantity of the nanofluid in the wavy-walled tube heat exchanger significantly increased with an increase of volume fraction. The comprehensive heat transfer performance of the three nanofluids was found to be better compared to the base fluid. Cu-ethanol/EG/PG-water nanofluid with a volume fraction of 3.0 % increased the PEC of the heat exchanger by 10.4 %, 19.8 % and 27.6 %, respectively, at a volume flow rate of 1.53 m3/h. Therefore, the Cu-propylene glycol-water nanofluid had the best comprehensive heat transfer performance. Cu-ethanol-water nanofluid volume fraction of 3.0 % reaches a maximum PEC value of about 3.12 at Qv near about 2.0 m3/h, and Cu-EG-water nanofluid volume fraction of 3.0 % has a peak PEC value of about 4.07 at Qv of near about 2.0 m3/h. Therefore, the Cu-ethanol-water and Cu-ethylene glycol-water nanofluids are the optimal solutions for the combined heat transfer performance within the study.

Design and Development of Solar Powered Electric Cart for on Campus Application

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and low operational costs. However, the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity to charge these EVs undermines their sustainability goals. Combining solar energy with EV charging can create a sustainable and clean transportation system, which can reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources. The overall objective of the project is to design an efficient solar powered electric cart that can be used on campus in transporting and carrying Stationery loads. This is accomplished through the design of subsystems such as the frame, drivetrain, power, suspension, Brakes and steering, and integrated into a master assembly model using soft wares namely SolidWorks, a computer aided design (CAD), and finite element method (FEM). The FEM analysis is carried out to study the stress and displacements of the cart in order to ensure the safety. The basic performance of cart is evaluated in terms of its range, acceleration and maximum achievable speed. The cart is designed for 250kg load carrying capacity, acceleration of 1.2 m/s2 and maximum achievable speed of 15km/h with a power rating of about 1.5kW. Secondary support software such as Excel, and solar analyzing software were used to assist in the planning of the various subsystems as well as data collection and assortment. Keywords : Solar / electric cart, electronic differential speed control, Lithium-ion battery, transportation, photovoltaic.

Smart and Sustainable Public Transportation - A Need of Developing Countries

A sustainable transport system is one which offers economical solutions and causes no/little damage to the environment. We usually categorize transport into three sections - roads, airways and water. Such systems need to be set up in order to have a transportation medium or ecosystem with minimum environmental impact. Public buses are an excellent example of sustainable road transportation. They can accommodate a large number of people economically and help ease the financial burden on individuals. Unfortunately, the majority of public buses are powered by non-renewable energy sources such as diesel. This results in the release of hazardous pollutants, leading to a degraded environment. Although the cost of using this form of transportation is relatively affordable, it nonetheless has an adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, it cannot be considered sustainable in that regard. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation by introducing new technologies such as IoT, AI, Blockchain and 5G into our smart and sustainable transportation system. This way we can ensure its sustainability from all angles. The impact of transportation on our society is undeniable- both in terms of economic, social and environmental implications. To ensure a better quality of life for all, we must shift to smart and sustainable transport solutions. This research seeks to present a clever and eco-friendly transport system that brings economic and social advantages for developing countries.

A SET OF TECHNICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF COAL FOR EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS USE

Purpose: assessment of the use of coal as a component of coal charge based on the definition of a set of technical and technological properties. The main consumption of hard coal is concentrated in the power industry, where coal is used by burning to obtain a certain amount of energy. However, the use of fossil fuels only for obtaining heat and energy is not rational, since this type of raw material belongs to non-renewable energy sources. The study of the structure and properties of individual brands of coal will allow to develop fundamentally new technological techniques for preparing coal for coking by means of targeted regulation of cohesive properties for rational use.

Socioeconomic indicators and their influence on the adoption of renewable energy technologies in rural Malawi

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of socioeconomic factors on electricity usage and assess the feasibility of implementing a mini-grid system in Kasangazi, Malawi. The primary aim is to understand the community’s current and potential utilisation of electrical equipment.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Information was gathered through structured questionnaires, and energy audits were conducted among 87 randomly selected households from 28 Kasangazi communities. Data analysis relied on descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS version 28.FindingsThe study indicates that every household in Kasangazi uses non-renewable energy sources: 60 households use disposable batteries for lighting, 20 for radios and all use firewood, freely sourced from local forests, for cooking and heating water. The study shows that firewood is the community’s preferred energy source, illustrating the challenges faced in the fight against deforestation. Most household income comes from farming, with smaller contributions from businesses, employment and family remittances. Access to higher education is scarce, with only one out of 349 family members receiving tertiary education. Despite the constraints of low education levels and income, there is a demand for larger electrical appliances such as stoves and refrigerators. This underscores the need for mini-grid solutions, even in less technologically advanced, agriculture-dependent communities.Originality/valueThis study underscores that in Sub-Saharan Africa, factors like household size, income and education levels do not significantly influence the electricity demand but should be taken as part of the fundamental human rights. Rural populations express a desire for electricity due to the convenience it offers, particularly for appliances like refrigerators and stoves. Mini-grids emerge as a viable alternative in regions where grid electricity provision is challenging. It is concluded from this paper that the issue of using renewable energy should not only be taken for environmental preservation but also to promote energy access, augmenting efforts in supplying electricity to the remotest parts of the country.

Sustainable Design of Onshore Wind Turbine Foundations

In recent times, wind power has emerged as a prominent contributor to electricity production. Minimizing the costs and maximizing sustainability of wind energy is required to improve its competitiveness against other non-renewable energy sources. This communication offers a practical approach to assess the sustainability of wind turbine generator foundations from a 3-dimensional holistic point of view. Specifically, the main goal of this study is to analyse the life cycle impacts of one shallow foundation design comparing three different concrete alternatives: conventional concrete, concrete with 66-80% of blast furnace slags and concrete with 20% fly ash, and then to apply a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making model based on TOPSIS method to evaluate and compare the resulting sustainability of each alternative considered. The study results in a methodology for quantifying sustainability rather than simply qualifying it. Therefore, this methodology can be employed for design optimization, such as geometry and materials, with a sustainable perspective in mind. Specifically in this study, concrete with blast furnace slags emerges as the top-ranked sustainable alternative, followed by conventional concrete in second place, and fly ash option in third position.

Smart IoT Approach for Renewable Energy Monitoring System

Numerous factories, commercial establishments, and private residences require an uninterrupted power supply. The primary source of this supply is often the grid. Industries, businesses, and residential areas needing 24-hour power inevitably require backup systems to ensure continuous operation of essential electronic devices. Typically, diesel generators are employed as backup power sources, utilizing diesel oil to generate electrical energy. While this approach has been successfully employed for many years, it carries a significant drawback. Diesel oil falls under the category of non-renewable energy sources, unable to be regenerated and requiring an extensive period for renewal. Furthermore, diesel generators emit substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution in the vicinity. To address these challenges, a prototype implementing a smart Internet of Things (IoT) approach has been developed. This study introduces the utilization of an Arduino Nano microcontroller, allowing users to control their power supply source, choosing between the grid, solar panels, or water generation. This control process is facilitated through a smartphone application, granting users the ability to manage it remotely, enhancing monitoring capabilities. The system incorporates two environmentally friendly power sources: solar panels and a mini water turbine, both considered safe for ecological balance. The outcomes of this research demonstrate that users can effectively utilize the generated electricity supply for approximately 12 hours, thereby reducing reliance on the grid and harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources.

Carboxysomes: Green Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy

Carboxyomes are emerging as potential tools in the sustainable agriculture and biofuel production. They are proteinaceous organelles that are distributed in different species of photosynthetic bacteria and archaea and are significantly involved in carbon fixation. They enable the organisms to thrive in diverse environmental conditions and enhance the efficacy of photosynthesis. They have shown promising potential to address challenging regarding global food security, climate change and renewable energy. These nanocompartments encapsulate Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), an enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle that is a key pathway in carbon fixation. These specialized structures concentrate CO2 around RuBisCO ad shield it from the competing oxygen, thereby optimizing the efficiency of photosynthetic process and minimize wasteful photorespiration. The photosynthetic organisms having carboxysomes are therefore ideal candidates for sustainable agriculture as they are able to thrive in the harsh conditions such as low CO2 concentrations, water scarcity and high temperatures. They are recently being studied for enhancing the productivity and yield of crops. Efforts are being exerted to introduce carboxysome shell proteins and RuBisCO enzymes into crop genomes. Researchers are aiming to create plants with the ability to efficiently capture and utilize CO2 for photosynthesis. These genetically modified crops can potentially increase crop yields, improve water and nutrient efficiency significantly. Moreover, these carboxysomal transgenes are also able to enhance the resilience of GM plants to different environmental stressors such as drought and heat, and ultimately contribute to global food security and sustainable agriculture. In addition to their applications in agriculture, carboxysomes hold promise for biofuel production as well, as they are capable of carbon fixation. They have enabled researchers to engineer photosynthetic organisms to produce renewable fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and hydrogen. Furthermore, nanobioreactors that are based on carboxysomes can contribute protectively against climate change as they have the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 from industrial emissions and converting it into valuable bioproducts. This approach represents a promising avenue to address global challenges of food insecurity, climate crisis and rapidly declining non-renewable energy sources. If leveraged appropriately, these nanocompartments can significantly contribute in paving a way for more sustainable and resilient future.

Modelling of Solar Thermal Electricity Plants in the POSYTYF Research Project for an Extensive Integration of Renewable Energy Sources

This article presents a simplified simulation model of a concentrated solar thermal power plant developed in the framework of the European research project POSYTYF (POwering SYstem flexibiliTY in the Future through RES). Increasing the share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in modern power grids is of critical importance for the transformation of the energy markets worldwide. However, the stability of the grid and the limited participation in ancillary services of RES limit their use, especially when high penetration is expected from them. A solution to overcome these issues is to increase the share of so-called dispatchable RES (hydropower, biomass, concentrating solar thermal power). The main objective of the POSYTYF project is to group several renewable and non-renewable energy sources into a Dynamic Virtual Power Plant (DVPP). The simplified simulation model of a parabolic-trough solar thermal power plant developed consists of sub-models for the solar field, thermal energy storage system and power block and it has been validated with real DNI profiles and production data of a commercial STE plant in Spain. The differences between the simulation and real data of daily net production for the days analysed are lower than 1%. Parts of this paper were published as journal article “Using time-windowed solar radiation profiles to assess the daily uncertainty of solar thermal electricity production forecasts”, Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 379, Part 2, 2022. Mario Biencinto, Lourdes González, Loreto Valenzuela (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134821).

Green Energy Pathways Towards Carbon Neutrality

Trying to reach carbon neutrality is by no means plain sailing in times of energy crisis, price volatility, and war. The European Green Deal (EGD) prioritizes green pathways, but it is not enough when it copes with greenhouse gases (GHGs). The present research utilizes the Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index (MLPI) to estimate advancements in total factor productivity (TFP) in the European Union (EU). The study uses panel data from 1995 to 2019, in addition, there is comparison between two periods: 1995 – 1996 and 2018 – 2019, would provide important information about TFP progress or recession during a turbulent European era. Two MLPI models are applied, one that utilizes only non-renewable energy sources (NRES), while the other adopts renewable energy sources (RES). Encompassing inputs such as: electricity generation, labour force, and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF); desirable output: gross domestic product; and undesirable outputs: carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). There is average productivity progress, more specifically the MLPI average productivity for NRES and RES is 2.14% and 7.34% respectively, meaning that the RES adoption leads to greater productivity performance by almost three times. This novel analysis might offer useful and practical information to policymakers through the measuring of TFP in order to effectively attain and accomplish carbon neutrality objectives.

The Role of Insects in Sustainable Animal Feed Production for Environmentally Friendly Agriculture: A Review.

The growing demand for animal protein, the efficient use of land and water, and the limitations of non-renewable energy sources highlight the global importance of edible insects. This paper provides an overview of the key issues regarding the role of edible insects in sustainable feed production and environmentally friendly agriculture. The indispensable ecological services provided by insects are discussed, as well as the farming, products, and nutritional value of edible insects. A representative selection of the literature reviewing major insect species' chemical compositions and nutritional value is also presented. The use of insect-derived feeds for animal production is presented in detail and discussed for the major terrestrial livestock and aquaculture groups.

Symbolic Aggregate Approximation-Based Clustering of Monthly Natural Gas Consumption

Natural gas is an indispensable non-renewable energy source for many countries. It is used in many different areas such as heating and kitchen appliances in homes, and heat treatment and electricity generation in industry. Natural gas is an essential component of the transportation sector, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels in vehicles and fleets. Moreover, natural gas plays a vital role in boosting energy efficiency through the development of combined heat and power systems. These systems produce electricity and useful heat concurrently. As nations move towards more sustainable energy solutions, natural gas has gained prominence as a transitional fuel. This is due to its lower carbon emissions when compared to coal and oil, thus making it an essential component of the global energy framework. In this study, monthly natural gas consumption data of 28 different European countries between 2014 and 2022 are used. Symbolic Aggregate Approximation method is used to analyse the data. Analyses are made with different numbers of segments and numbers of alphabet sizes, and alphabet vectors of each country are created. These letter vectors are used in hierarchical clustering and dendrogram graphs are created. Furthermore, the elbow method is used to determine the appropriate number of clusters. Clusters of countries are created according to the determined number of clusters. In addition, it is interpreted according to the consumption trends of the countries in the determined clusters.

Techno-economic analysis of commercial-scale 15 MW on-grid ground solar PV systems in Bakalia: A feasibility study proposed for BPDB

Renewable energy systems, such as solar power, are becoming increasingly important worldwide due to the limited supply of non-renewable energy sources. Solar power stands out as a practical choice for electricity generation because it's simple to set up and costs less than other renewable options. Solar-based on-grid or grid-tied systems are more effective compared to other PV grid systems due to their more reasonable installation system, favorable maintenance, and less complex system. This study was designed with a solar-based grid-tied system. This study evaluates the performance and economic viability of a 15 MW on-grid photovoltaic (PV) system in Bakalia Char, Chittagong, Bangladesh, and will propose this study for the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). Developing a clean energy system in Bangladesh is the main purpose of this study. This system performed efficiently, with an 84.03 % performance ratio, produced energy of 21,510.186 MWh/year and proved economically attractive with a 4.5-year payback period, a competitive electricity cost of 0.024 USD/kWh, and a 389 % return on investment(ROI%). Using software like PVsyst and SketchUp ensures precise system design and optimal module placement. Also, use a better PV panel system whose efficiency is higher than that of another PV panel system designed for a similar project. This system boosts local electricity production and aligns with sustainable energy goals. Its success is a valuable model for future solar projects in similar regions facing energy challenges. The system also shows significant environmental benefits, with a projected reduction of approximately 252,168.5 tons of CO2 emissions over its operational lifespan.

Analyzing the Effects of Renewable and Non-renewable Energy Consumption on the Environment and Economic Growth: Panel Data from South Asian Countries

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The primary goal of this research is to examine how different types of energy are used in South Asian countries and how they affect the environment and economic growth. From 1990 through 2021, this research employed Panel Data from multiple sources covering the South Asian countries of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan. The results are determined by using the Fixed Effect Regression (FEM) technique in both models. Several significant findings are supported by the data. First, while using renewable energy flattens carbon dioxide effusion, using non-renewable energy sources increases it. CO2 emissions are affected negatively by gross domestic product but positively by gross domestic product square. These results provide credence to the idea that South Asian countries do experience an Environment Kuznets Curve. Furthermore, foreign direct investment has a beneficial effect on CO2 emissions, lending credence to the Pollution Haven Hypothesis. Model 2 instead finds that both renewable and non-renewable energy consumption contributes to economic expansion. Gross Fixed Capital Formation and foreign direct investment also contribute to economic growth in this area. Finally, Inflation retards economic expansion.</span></p>

Do renewable energy sources perfectly displace non-renewable energy sources? Evidence from Asia-Pacific economies.

The existing scholarly discourse surrounding the energy transition has long operated on the assumption of perfect displacement of non-renewable energy. However, an evolving set of studies highlights an intricate web of inefficiencies and complexities that prevent the perfect displacement of fossil fuel energy with renewable energy production. Since this could carry serious implications for the environmental targets of several economies, it is crucial to accurately and continuously measure the actual extent of fossil fuel displacement. Within this framework, this study empirically investigates the extent of non-renewable energy displacement by renewable energy for a balanced panel of seven Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries between 1989 and 2015. The outcome function also controls for globalisation, real GDP per capita, and crude oil prices. After implementing the necessary diagnostics, the panel cointegration establishes a significant long-run relationship among the selected variables. The PMG-ARDL estimation indicates that renewable energy production and globalisation significantly reduce the fossil fuel energy production, whereas real GDP per capita and crude oil prices induce it positively. However, the coefficient of renewable energy production is only - 0.39, indicating that more than 2.5 units of renewable electricity are necessary to displace a unit of non-renewable energy. As such, this study concludes that the current energy transition in Asia-Pacific region is not perfect. These results are robust to the usage of the FGLS estimation technique. The study suggests the adoption of a new energy transition that allows greater displacement of fossil fuel energy as well as gradual reduction in overall energy use.

The dynamic nexus between agricultural productivity and renewable energy consumption in BRICS: the role of financial inclusion and foreign direct investment

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of renewable energy consumption on agricultural productivity while accounting for the effect of financial inclusion and foreign direct investment in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries during 2000–2020.Design/methodology/approachThe study has used the latest data from World Bank and International Monetary Fund databases. The dependent variable in the study is agricultural productivity. Renewable energy consumption, carbon emissions, financial inclusion and foreign direct investment are independent variables. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach was used to examine the short-run and long-run impact of renewable energy consumption, carbon emissions, foreign direct investment and financial inclusion on agricultural productivity.FindingsThe findings imply that consumption of renewable energy, carbon emissions and foreign direct investment have a positive impact on agricultural productivity while financial inclusion in terms of access does not seem to have any significant impact on agricultural productivity. Providing farmers, access to financial services can be beneficial, but its usage holds more importance in impacting rural outcomes. The problem lies in the fact that there is still a gap between access and usage of financial services.Research limitations/implicationsPolicymakers should encourage the increase in the usage of renewable energy and become less reliant on non-renewable energy sources which will eventually help in tackling the problems associated with climate change as well as enhance agricultural productivity.Originality/valueMost of the earlier studies were based on tabular analysis without any empirical base to establish the causal relationship between determinants of agricultural productivity and renewable energy consumption. These studies were also limited to a few regions. The study is one of its kind in exploring the severity of various factors that determine agricultural productivity in the context of emerging economies like BRICS while accounting for the effect of financial inclusion and foreign direct investment.