Renewable Energy Potential Research Articles

Investigating the performance of Tin-based perovskite solar cell with Cadmium Sulphide as etm and graphene as htm using SCAPS-1D

Solar cells based on lead-free perovskite have demonstrated great potential for renewable energy. The SCAPS-1D simulation software was used in this study to perform device modelling of a lead-free perovskite solar cell of the architecture Glass/FTO/CdS/CH3NH3SnI3/Graphene/Pt. For the performance evaluation, an optimization process of the different parameters such as thickness of the ETM, Absorber, Bandgap energy of the hole transport material was conducted. Extensive discussion on its effect on the performance of the solar cell parameters were stated. An optimal ETM and Absorber layer thickness was achieved at 40nm and 950nm. The Bandgap energy gave an optimal performance of device parameters at 0.9eV. Temperature variations were simulated and it was noted that the device had a minimal decrease in PSC parameters performance with increasing temperature. The final optimized device structure achieved a PCE, Voc, Jsc and FF of 25.65%, 0.9606 V, 33.2491(mA/cm2), and 80.32% respectively. Therefore, we expect that our findings will pave the way for the development of lead-free and highly effective perovskite solar cells.

A Review of Hybrid Renewable and Sustainable Power Supply System: Unit Sizing, Optimization, Control, and Management

Since rising worldwide energy consumption is anticipated with increasing rapid industrialization and urbanization, green energy sources have become the ineluctable choice among energy engineers, power engineers, and researchers for carbon-free and sustainable electric power generation. By integrating several energy sources, a hybrid renewable and sustainable power supply system (HRSPSS) has been created to solve the global warming problem. HRSPSS aims to develop contemporary electricity grids that benefit society, the environment, and the economy. However, there is a need for thorough assessment of these complex HRSPSSs for making the most use of renewable energy potential and carefully crafting suitable solutions. This paper provides a thorough investigation of the most effective methods for sizing, optimizing, controlling, and managing energy, as well as how to combine different renewable energy sources to create a hybrid sustainable power supply system. Information on several software simulation tools and optimization methods that have been used to support HRSPSS development, research, and planning is presented in this study. Additionally, this study covers energy management and control strategies that have been used to ensure efficient and optimal operation of HRSPSS. Furthermore, this article presents an extensive comparison among various strategies utilized in each area (sizing, optimizing, controlling, and managing energy) to provide conclusive remarks on the suitable strategies for respective applications. The outcome of this study will help various stakeholders in the energy sector to make appropriate decisions during the design, development, and implementation phases of a hybrid sustainable power supply system.

Developing an optimal energy system model for a sustainable urban transportation framework planning in the long term through different climatic zones

The modern lifestyle highlights the demand for an improved urban transportation infrastructure and a shift to renewable, efficient technologies. This evolution is essential for both developed and developing countries. The transportation system in a developing country such as Iran faces significant challenges, including low energy efficiency and high emissions. This situation makes the development of a sustainable transportation plan increasingly critical. Furthermore, there is considerable potential for renewable energy across various climatic zones in the country that should be utilized. This study presents a sustainable development model for the transportation system that incorporates zero-emission vehicles and renewable energy supply technologies in competition with traditional ones. The model is designed for long-term application and includes five case studies from various climatic zones in Iran, each featuring different renewable potentials and system scales. Determining the optimal structure of the system in each case study requires solving a linear, dynamic, and multi-criteria optimization problem. The objective function focuses on minimizing total costs, which include technological, energy, and social. All case studies indicate that developing a sustainable transportation system is optimal. However, larger case studies tend to produce more favorable optimization outcomes. According to the results, the scale of the case study is the most important factor in this research.

The role of Xizang in China's transition towards a carbon-neutral power system

Developing renewable energy is crucial for achieving China's carbon neutrality target by 2060. Xizang has a large renewable energy potential, especially hydropower potential, and it could become an important source of clean energy. Meanwhile, climate change has been affecting and will significantly alter hydropower resources in Xizang. This study estimates the development of Xizang's power system and its role in the national power supply under China's carbon neutrality target. In particular, it considers the changes in theoretically available hydropower potential from glacial retreat and transmission-supporting policies. The results show that considering the hydropower potential changes from glacier retreat under climate change, an additional 5.7–6.8 GW of hydropower capacity could be developed in Xizang by 2060, concentrated in Linzhi and Naqu areas. This additional hydropower capacity could increase to 15.9–17.7 GW if transmission subsidies are provided. Under such a scenario, Xizang could export renewable electricity to other provinces for up to about 3 % of the national electricity demand by 2060. The results indicate the importance of considering the impacts of climate change in power system planning and implementing transmission-supporting policies, which could facilitate Xizang to become a renewable energy base for China.

Renewable energy, carbon footprints, natural resources depletion and economic growth in Africa

Purpose This study aims to examine the interplay between renewable energy consumption, carbon footprints, natural resources depletion and economic growth. Design/methodology/approach It engaged 45 African countries using the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach. Data from the World Development Indicators for the period 2000–2023 are used to analyse the relationships among these variables. Findings The result indicates a positive and significant effect of greenhouse gas emissions on economic growth in all regions of Africa, except for Southern Africa. Regarding the depletion of natural resources, the authors observe a dominant negative effect on economic growth. Thus, an increase in the depletion of natural resources contributes to the reduction of economic growth in most regions of Africa, notably West Africa, East Africa and sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. Moreover, the depletion of natural resources can also have negative social impacts, such as conflicts over access to remaining resources, which can indirectly influence economic stability and growth. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the positive effects of renewable energy consumption on carbon footprints, natural resource depletion and economic growth. By quantifying these relationships, the study offers valuable insights into the potential of renewable energy to address pressing environmental and economic challenges.

Revesting the spatial spillover effects of renewable energy in curbing carbon emissions: Evidence from China

Renewable energy is fundamental to achieving China's peak carbon and carbon neutrality targets. Despite the extremely rapid growth in the share of renewable energy generation in terms of provincial-level regions, the impact of renewable energy generation on carbon emission reduction and whether this association is spatially correlated have not been fully recognized. To address this issue, this paper explores the spatial impact effect of renewable energy applications on carbon emissions using Chinese provincial panel data from 1990 to 2020 and a multi-panel spatial econometric model. The results show that the contribution of emission reduction mainly comes from the provincial clean energy mix, while the exclusion of out-of-province power plants also helps to curb their carbon emissions. In addition, in the context of large-scale penetration of renewable energy, grid infrastructure for cross-provincial power trading will contribute to cross-provincial emission reduction. Regulators should take measures to promote coordination of emission reduction policies among provinces in a unified national carbon market, rather than simplifying the allocation of responsibilities in provincial markets. Based on the findings of this paper, there is a need to rationalize and optimize the geospatial distribution of renewable energy projects in the future, so as to maximize the potential of renewable energy to contribute to carbon emission reduction.

Application of GIS in Introducing Community-Based Biogas Plants from Dairy Farm Waste: Potential of Renewable Energy for Rural Areas in Bangladesh

Dairy production is one of the most important economic sectors in Bangladesh. However, the traditional management of dairy cow manure and other wastes results in air pollution, eutrophication of surface water, and soil contamination, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable waste management solutions. To address the environmental problems of dairy waste management, this research explored the potential of community-based biogas production from dairy cow manure in Bangladesh. This study proposed introducing community-based biogas plants using a geographic information system (GIS). The study first applied a restriction analysis to identify sensitive areas, followed by a suitability analysis to determine feasible locations for biogas plants, considering geographical, social, economic, and environmental factors. The final suitable areas were identified by combining the restriction and suitability maps. The spatial distribution of dairy farms was analyzed through a cluster analysis, identifying significant clusters for potential biogas production. A baseline and proposed scenario were designed for five clusters based on the input and output capacities of the biogas plants, estimating the location and capacity for each cluster. The study also calculated electricity generation from the proposed scenario and the net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential of the biogas plants. The findings provide a land-use framework for implementing biogas plants that considers environmental and socio-economic criteria. Five biogas plants were found to be technically and spatially feasible for electricity generation. These plants can collectively produce 31 million m3 of biogas annually, generating approximately 200.60 GWh of energy with a total electricity capacity of 9.8 MW/year in Bangladesh. Implementing these biogas plants is expected to increase renewable energy production by at least 1.25%. Furthermore, the total GHG emission reduction potential is estimated at 104.26 Gg/year CO2eq through the annual treatment of 61.38 thousand tons of dairy manure.

A journey toward sustainable biofuel: Unlocking the renewable energy potential of Nipa (Nypa fruticans) from mangrove forests in Indonesia

A journey toward sustainable biofuel: Unlocking the renewable energy potential of Nipa (Nypa fruticans) from mangrove forests in Indonesia

Household energy use and barriers in clean transition in the Tibetan Plateau

The inefficient combustion of traditional biomass fuels in the Tibetan Plateau, the world’s highest region, impacts both local ecosystems and global climate change despite the substantial renewable energy potential and ongoing economic growth of the area. However, the utilization of clean household energy sources and the enablers supporting their sustained use in this region remain underexplored. Through the regional household survey and fuel-weighing campaign, we observed that clean modern energy sources, such as gas and electricity, were used for over 85% of the year in urban areas but only 25% in rural areas. Approximately 3.98 million residents still predominantly rely on traditional solid fuels for daily cooking and/or heating. A substantial energy inequality was identified, with Gini coefficients of 0.65 and 0.55 for cooking and heating, respectively. Despite the disparity in clean energy adoption across income groups being relatively small, the regional utilization of clean energy is severely constrained by limited accessibility and affordability. This has minimized the impact of household characteristics, such as gender, age, and education level, and diminished the effect of rising incomes on accelerating clean cooking practices. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted residential energy interventions and incentives to promote a clean energy transition in the Tibetan Plateau, as achieving universal clean energy access by 2030 is unlikely without significant efforts.

Solar photovoltaic as a potential renewable energy in environmentally friendly project-based physics learning

Solar photovoltaic as a potential renewable energy in environmentally friendly project-based physics learning

Aligning the Western Balkans power sectors with the European Green Deal

Abstract Located in Southern Europe, the Drina River Basin is shared between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. The power sectors of the three countries have an exceptionally high dependence on coal for power generation. In this paper, we analyse different development pathways for achieving climate neutrality in these countries and explore the potential of variable renewable energy (VRE) and its role in power sector decarbonization. We investigate whether hydro and non-hydro renewables can enable a net-zero transition by 2050 and how VRE might affect the hydropower cascade shared by the three countries. The Open-Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) was used to develop a model representation of the countries’ power sectors. Findings show that the renewable potential of the countries is a significant 94.4 GW. This potential is 68% higher than previous assessments have shown. Under an Emission Limit scenario assuming net zero by 2050, 17% of this VRE potential is utilized to support the decarbonization of the power sectors. Additional findings show a limited impact of VRE technologies on total power generation output from the hydropower cascade. However, increased solar deployment shifts the operation of the cascade to increased short-term balancing, moving from baseload to more responsive power generation patterns. Prolonged use of thermal power plants is observed under scenarios assuming high wholesale electricity prices, leading to increased emissions. Results from scenarios with low cost of electricity trade suggest power sector developments that lead to decreased energy security.

Renewable Energy in Nepal: Current State and Future Outlook

Nepal’s energy mix is predominantly based on traditional and inefficient biomass and fossil fuels. As a result, there is a notable prevalence of energy scarcity in the country. Within the literature, there exists a lack of a comprehensive review of the potential of renewable energy in the country while the relatively less contribution of renewable energy resources, making the country more vulnerable to adopt a more carbon-intensive energy policy. Consequently, in this study, we conduct a thorough review of existing literature to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current status of renewable energy and the energy mix in Nepal. We also discussed the potential for the country to transition to a sustainable energy system. This review analysis exclusively focused on scholarly articles and research reports that specifically addressed the topic of renewable energy in Nepal. Despite the rapid decline in the cost of solar photovoltaics, Nepal’s renewable energy share currently stands at only 3.2%. This paper argues that Nepal needs proactive and favorable strategies and policies to effectively implement clean energy, based on the given premises and the country’s aspirations for sustainable energy. This involves a substantial amount of solar power production combined with battery storage, supplemented by storage methods such as off-river pumping hydropower technology. The study emphasizes the significance of renewable energy in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review also emphasizes the obstacles in the advancement of Nepal’s renewable energy industry and offers suitable policy suggestions to address these obstacles, hence facilitating a sustainable shift in energy.

Evaluating the Viability and Potential of Hybrid Solar-Wind Renewable Energy Systems in Relation to Geographical and Environmental Factors

This study provides an in-depth evaluation of the potential for hybrid solar-wind renewable energy systems in a specific region, emphasizing the influence of geographical and environmental factors on the feasibility of renewable energy development. Using a combination of Geographic Information Systems, the Best-Worst Method, and Fuzzy Logic, the research identifies the most suitable areas for renewable energy development. The results indicated that 14% of the region is highly suitable for wind energy projects, while 28% shows moderate potential for solar energy harvesting, and only 5% of the area is deemed unsuitable for hybrid systems, reflecting the region strong renewable energy potential. However, 34% of the area has limited suitability, highlighting suboptimal conditions for energy production, and 45% is moderately suitable, suggesting a wide range of renewable energy opportunities. Geotechnically, 16% of the terrain is classified as ideal for hybrid systems, marking it as a prime zone for integrating solar and wind technologies. Environmentally, challenges exist in 23% of the area due to unsuitability, while zones with limited and moderate environmental suitability account for 36% and 33%, respectively. Careful environmental planning is necessary in these regions to maximize potential. Ultimately, only 8% of the area aligns perfectly with both environmental and renewable energy goals, demonstrating the complexity of balancing renewable energy development with environmental considerations.

Unlocking new export opportunities: An open-source framework for assessing green iron and steel supply chains

Globally traded commodities such as iron and steel are coming under international scrutiny owing to their significant embedded greenhouse emissions. Commodity export-oriented nations must explore opportunities for decarbonising these supply chains or risk losing market share as customers seek cleaner alternatives and as initiatives such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) come into effect. Here we present an open-source model developed to assist industry and other stakeholders in assessing the costs of potential CO2 abatement pathways in supplying green iron ore, green iron, or green steel to key global markets. Using a case study, we assess the development of a green steel supply chain from major iron ore producers of Australia, Brazil, and Sweden, to key markets in Europe, China, and India. Projected costs of renewable energy and other key technologies are used to estimate possible future costs of different decarbonisation pathways. Our modelling suggests that by 2050, export costs of green iron ore, iron and steel could range from 48 to 150, 370–600 and 540–810 USD/tonne respectively. Access to low-cost renewable energy is the key driver of cost reductions for value added products such as iron and steel, and given their substantial renewable energy potential, in 2050 Australia and Brazil could outcompete Sweden in providing these products, with both even outcompeting Sweden in exporting to the European market. The release of our model as open source allows any and all stakeholders to explore the implications of key technology and market uncertainties over least cost green iron and steel supply chains.

Assessing green hydrogen potential and utilization for sustainable energy production in Serbia

The paper provides a comprehensive examination of resources available for the deployment of green hydrogen in Serbia. The assessment encompasses various aspects, including renewable energy potentials, technological advancements, and future projections. The evaluation considers factors such as solar and wind power capacities, which are pivotal for green hydrogen production. Additionally, the study delves into the policy landscape, addressing initiatives aimed at fostering the integration of green hydrogen into Serbia's energy matrix. The analysis combines quantitative data on energy production capacities with qualitative insights into the economic and environmental implications of green hydrogen utilization. While the nation boasts abundant renewable energy resources, challenges such as high production costs and infrastructure limitations hinder widespread adoption. However, with strategic initiatives and technological advancements, Serbia can overcome these hurdles and pave the way for a sustainable hydrogen economy. Assessing Serbia's green hydrogen potential, driven by over 24 095 MWp from solar and 10 750 MWp from wind, highlights the nation's capacity to harness renewable resources, with hydrogen production set to grow from 1915 tons in 2019 to 37 ,123 tons by 2040. The findings aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable energy transitions and the role of green hydrogen in Serbia's evolving energy landscape.

PENERAPAN ENERGI TERBARUKAN DI KAWASAN WISATA LUMBUNG MATARAMAN DESA BENDUNG GUNUNGKIDUL

The community service activities carried out focus on the application of renewable energy in the Lumbung Mataraman tourism area, Bendung Village, Semin, Gunungkidul. The community service activities carried out are strategic steps in supporting a sustainable green economy. By utilising appropriate technology (TTG) in the form of solar panels and wind turbines, this area is expected to reduce dependence on fossil energy and increase operational energy efficiency. In addition, the tourism area has the potential to become an educational model on the use of renewable energy, both for local communities and tourists. The methods used in this research include qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative approach was conducted through interviews with local stakeholders, such as tourism area managers, communities, and renewable energy experts. In addition, field observations were conducted to understand energy needs and the potential for implementing renewable energy technologies. The quantitative approach involved analysing current energy consumption data and calculating the potential of renewable energy that can be applied, such as solar panels and wind turbines. The results of the activities show that the implementation of renewable energy in Lumbung Mataraman can reduce dependence on fossil energy sources, lower carbon emissions, and provide additional economic benefits through energy cost savings and educational media in the use of renewable energy.

Design Of A Hybrid Power Generation System in Cipatujah Tasikmalya Regency

The escalating daily demand for electricity, propelled by technological advancements and the pervasive use of electronic devices, accentuates the imperative for a dependable and sustainable power generation system. Renewable energy sources emerge as a viable solution to address the electricity needs in Indonesia, particularly in remote areas where access to the main grid is challenging. Tasikmalaya Regency, situated in West Java Province and defined by its geographical coordinates between 7°02' 29" - 7°49' 08" South Latitude and 107°54' 10" - 108°25' 52" East Longitude, presents a promising setting for the implementation of such sustainable energy solutions. The coastal area of Tasikmalaya, specifically Cipatujah Subdistrict, exhibits substantial renewable energy potential, including wind, solar radiation, and ocean waves. This research endeavors to design an efficient hybrid power generation system in Cipatujah Subdistrict using HomerPro software. The methodology involves crafting various models to determine the most economically efficient generation strategy. The study utilizes electricity consumption data sourced from the Karangnunggal Tasikmalaya Substation, situated in the southern coastal region of Tasikmalaya, particularly in Cipatujah Subdistrict, with a daily consumption of 20.6917 MW. By addressing the specific energy needs of the region, the research aims to make a positive contribution to the development of renewable energy and, concurrently, serve as a guiding framework for similar system designs in locations sharing comparable characteristics. This multifaceted approach underscores the significance of tailoring sustainable energy solutions to the unique requirements of diverse regions, fostering a broader transition towards a reliable and environmentally conscious energy future.

Design, modeling and cost analysis of 8.79 MW solar photovoltaic power plant at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan

Climate change, as a critical global concern, has fueled our efforts to address it through different strategies. In response to the critical worldwide issue of climate change, we suggested a Photovoltaic (PV) system at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, Pakistan (latitude: 33.724530 N, longitude: 73.046869, terrain elevation: 552 m). Islamabad is located in a region blessed with enormous solar resources, boasting a daily horizontal solar irradiance of 1503.45 kWh/m2 and an average daily solar irradiance of 5.89 kWh/m2, with an exceptional solar fraction of 98.99%. The ambient air temperature, averaging 23.21 °C, reaches its maximum in June and its minimum in December. Our research thoroughly evaluates the system’s performance, accounting for various losses and utilizing modern PVsyst software. Over the course of 18 years, our PV system is expected to save 75,478.60 tons of CO2, the equivalent of planting 348,754 teak trees. Furthermore, the cost of energy generation is an affordable 0.0141 US $/kWh, much lower than traditional rates, including the Sherif cost of 0.028$/kWh. Along with the performance research, we conducted a detailed cost analysis, projecting the starting cost and cash flow, and discovered that the plant would be in surplus within 12 years of installation. Our system is positioned to generate 11,270,771 kWh/year with a respectable performance ratio (PR) of 76.2% and a Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of 16%. Our findings not only highlight the potential of renewable energy but also provide important insights for future sustainable energy programs.

Renewable energy: A way out for South Sudan’s electricity crisis

South Sudan is one of the least electrified countries in the world, despite having abundant renewable energy resources that could be exploited to generate electricity. The country relies on imported diesel for electricity generation, besides having limited focus on renewable energy development. This policy brief sheds light on the potential of renewable energy as a solution to South Sudan’s ongoing electricity crisis. It examines the key factors hindering the development of renewable energy resources for electricity generation in the country. The brief also provides recommendations to the Government of South Sudan, policymakers, experts, and funding institutions on how to improve electricity access in the country. It is stressing on the importance of prioritising the development of diverse renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and small hydropower, as an immediate solution to the electricity access challenges in the country.

Inverse chance-constrained dynamic data envelopment analysis under natural and managerial disposability: Concerning renewable energy efficiency and potentials

The performance of dynamic systems with specific data has been examined in some data envelopment analysis (DEA) studies. However, in many real-life situations, dealing with dynamic systems becomes challenging because of random factors. So, in this paper, a chance-constrained dynamic DEA approach under managerial and natural disposability is first proposed to analyze the dynamic renewable energy efficacy of processes in the presence of random performance measures. Then, the potentials of some performance metrics are addressed for changes of others using the introduced inverse chance-constrained dynamic DEA models. The chance-constrained dynamic DEA techniques and their inverse dynamic stochastic problems are converted into linear problems. The introduced approaches are applied to probe the renewable energy efficiency and potentials of some OECD countries in a span of time. The results show stochastic dynamic DEA and inverse stochastic dynamic DEA provided are practical tools for making the best choices, when there is uncertainty.