Green Energy Production Research Articles

The impact of green finance on green growth: The role of green energy and green production

This study examines the linkage of green finance and green growth under the regulatory role of green energy and green production in 52 countries worldwide from 2005 to 2019. Applying the Bayesian regression and GMM regression, the results of these two methods are similar. When ignoring the regulatory role of green energy and green production, green finance negatively impacts green growth. This result is entirely opposite when considering the regulatory role of green energy and green production, green finance impacts green growth positively. However, Bayesian regression is more effective when providing different posterior probability intervals and probability ranges for independent variables to affect the dependent variable. Specifically, the probability that green financial growth has a negative impact on green growth is above 75.86 %. Similarly, under the role of green energy, the probability that green finance growth has a positive impact on green growth is 80.45 % and under the role of green production, this probability is 76.64 %. These findings imply that countries should build a financial system associated with the goal of green energy and green production, thereby helping the economy become greener.

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to Evaluate the Geographic Potential of Alternative Photovoltaic Types

This paper contributes to the expansion of green energy production, which is being pursued in order to mitigate climate change and carbon emissions from energy production. It addresses the delineation of areas that are suitable for the application of photovoltaics in the context of agricultural areas, water bodies, and parking spaces. Three specific photovoltaic types are examined in order to find out which criteria influence their geographic potential and whether spatial multi-criteria decision analysis methods are suitable for identifying suitable areas. The proposed approach consists of four steps: (1) collecting factors through expert interviews and questionnaires; (2) mapping the criteria to the spatial datasets; (3) deriving weighted scores for individual criteria through expert interviews; (4) applying the multi-criteria decision analysis method to compute and aggregate the final scores. We test our methodology at selected sites in the state of Styria, Austria. The test sites represent the topographical characteristics of the state and are about 5% of the size of Styria, approximately 820 km2. The key contributions are a weighted set of criteria that are relevant for the geographic potential of alternative photovoltaic types and the developed methodology to determine this potential.

Press Mud: A Promising Resource for Green Energy Production as Fertilizer, Fuel and Feed

Press Mud: A Promising Resource for Green Energy Production as Fertilizer, Fuel and Feed

Fundamental Barriers to Green Energy Production in Selected EU Countries

Most EU countries are trying to develop new sources of energy to meet local power requirements due to energy shortages. The most popular renewable energy developments include biogas stations, wind turbines, water turbines, and solar systems. This article focuses on reviewing studies concerning the utilization of solar energy systems, especially photovoltaic (PV) ones, in European countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland, which are leaders in PV installations. The review identifies factors influencing the development of PV investments and the energy situation in these countries. Economic, market, environmental, and infrastructural barriers, as well as driving factors, are presented. In all countries, the majority of installations were in the prosumer sector, with only a very small percentage in the state-owned sector. The methodology of the study covered the mentioned barriers, which were identified using scientific databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and branch organizations websites like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The novelty of the article lies in its examination of special barriers concerning green energy production in chosen EU countries. Normally, when reading articles on PV installations, as presented in the References section, one primarily observes a description of the construction process without deep involvement in the presented ideas.

Study on the integration of hydrogen in a multi-cylinder low heat rejection diesel engine using a ternary blend

Among alternative fuels, hydrogen (H2) holds significant promise as both a fuel and an energy carrier. It is expected to become a key alternative fuel in the near future to meet stringent pollution standards. H2 is used in internal combustion (IC) engines, gas turbines, and the aerospace industry due to its non-toxic and odorless nature, high calorific value (CV), and wide temperature range of combustibility. Additionally, it is a long-term renewable energy source that produces fewer pollutants. This study explores the impact of different H2 ratios on combustion behavior, engine performance, and emission characteristics in a dual-fuel compression ignition (CI) diesel engine. The current research focuses on the effect of TB of ethanol, Jatropha methyl ester, and diesel with the induction of H2 with different flow rates in diesel engine in dual fuel mode (DFM). The tests were performed at different engine loads, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% at a constant engine speed of 2500 rpm. H2 is inducted at different flow rates like 2, 4, and 6 Litres per minute (lpm). Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) is used to coat the cylinder head, piston crown, and valves with a thickness of 0.5 mm. The combined effect of TB fuel and H2 in a CI engine improves combustion and engine performance. At full load condition, brake thermal efficiency (BTE) is improved by 11.5% for TB fuel with H2 at 6 lpm, and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) increased by 12.7%. The cylinder pressure (CP) and heat release rate (HRR) are increased by 7.5% and 10.6% at TB fuel with 6 lpm of H2 induction. The utilization of H2 as an alternative energy source has significant consequences for the future of green energy production.

Use of biochar and pyroligneous extract in agriculture

Brazil is the world leader in the production of charcoal, however, this process generates byproducts that, if not managed correctly, cause adverse environmental impacts. One of these by-products is pyroligneous liquor, derived from the carbonization of wood, historically used for various purposes, such as treating diseases and dyeing fibers. Its chemical composition is influenced by several factors, including temperature and type of wood. This liquid has been applied in agriculture and is recognized for its sustainability and effectiveness in protecting and treating wood. Pyroligneous extract is considered an innovative and sustainable solution to environmental and fire safety issues in the wood industry. Furthermore, the use of biomass by-products as sustainable alternatives for oil-dependent industries is discussed. Pyrolysis is highlighted as an efficient technique to convert biomass into biochar, bio-oil and biogas, contributing to the production of green energy. Experiments were conducted to explore the potential of pyroligneous extract in organic fertilizers and in the cosmetic and sanitizing industry, opening new perspectives for its valorization as a renewable raw material.

Enhancing the pure water splitting using carbon-iron oxide–carbon nitride (Fe2O3-C/CN) heterostructure

Highly efficient pure photocatalysts for water-splitting applications have long been plagued by structure imperfectness, narrowband light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and sluggish surface reaction kinetics. Herein we report a Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst made of Fe2O3, CN, and a conductive carbon layer (C) at the interface of the two materials (Fe2O3-C/CN). The structure has been characterized using a range of physicochemical and photo-electrochemical techniques. Compared to pristine Fe2O3, the Fe2O3-C/CN photocatalyst revealed superior photogenerated charge carriers, transport efficiency, and suppressed recombination process along with the conductive carbon layer acting as a mediator. The optimum composite of (5 wt% Fe2O3-C/CN) shows excellent activity towards pure water splitting, which reached 408 and 199 μmol/g.h for H2 and O2 evolution respectively, and a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of approximately 0.29 % when used for the pure water splitting process. Such a superior efficiency and production rate offer great potential for pure water splitting, and provide an alternative solution to future green energy production processes.

Theoretical Insights into the Selectivity of Nitrite Reduction to NH2OH on Single-Atom Catalysts.

Electroreduction of nitrate/nitrite to high-value-added products, including NH2OH, is an important way to achieve sustainable production of green energy. However, this electrosynthesis of NH2OH still suffers from poor selectivity due to the various competing reactions. Here, we screen out Ni-N4 and Cu-N4 catalysts for highly efficient nitrite electroreduction to NH2OH by adopting density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DFT calculations reveal that the high selectivity of Ni-N4 and Cu-N4 is ascribed to their weak adsorption of *NH2OH and *NH intermediates, thereby preventing the further reduction of NH2OH. Moreover, using *NO as a model intermediate, we studied the relationship between the 3d orbital occupancy and adsorption strength of the intermediate. It is found that Ni-N4 and Cu-N4 with fully occupied dxz, dyz, and dz2 orbitals have poor adsorption of *NO intermediate. This work provides a new route for NH2OH synthesis and offers perspectives on the crucial factors in determining the catalytic selectivity.

Incentivizing sustainable practices: Game-theoretic approach to peer-to-peer energy trading in the green transition era

The urgent global concern regarding climate change has highlighted the necessity for transitioning to power generation with zero carbon emissions to promote a sustainable and environmentally conscious society. A crucial element in this transformation is reducing our dependence on the primary grid, which is predominantly powered by fossil fuels, natural gas, and coal. An innovative strategy for achieving this essential transition is through peer-to-peer energy trading (P2PET). However, the effectiveness of P2PET relies on successfully aligning the energy-related objectives of its participants. Identifying and effectively addressing these goals is a significant challenge. In response, this paper introduces a game-theoretic framework designed to encourage subscribers to engage in P2PET, both in islanded microgrids and interconnected grid configurations. Our methodology begins by introducing a model that captures the core energy-related objectives of both energy producers and consumers. This model is supported by a layered architectural framework tailored for peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces, enhancing the identification and classification of existing technologies in this domain. Following this, we delve into the formulation of an extended-form game rooted in non-cooperative game theory. We systematically evaluate the presence of strict Nash equilibria within this game-theoretic structure. To promote active engagement and trading in the peer-to-peer energy market (P2PEM), we introduce an innovative energy allocation policy. This policy is strategically devised to ensure the inclusion of every subscriber in the market, irrespective of fluctuations in supply and demand dynamics. Our proposed P2PET scheme is tested on a representative system, specifically a 14-bus IEEE network, incorporating 8 energy producers and 11 consumers as active participants in the market. By conducting an extensive series of tests, we accurately evaluate the design's performance. The results, compared to previous studies, show a significant reduction in consumer energy bills, ranging from 33 % to 7 %. This convincing result underscores the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed energy trading framework. In a world grappling with the imperative to transition to sustainable energy practices, our game-theoretic approach to incentivizing participants in P2PET emerges as a pivotal contribution. It demonstrates tangible benefits, promotes green energy production, and encourages responsible energy consumption.

GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION IN AZERBAIJAN: ANALYZING SURVEY RESULTS

The global community has set a target to reduce greenhouse gases and ensure the continuation of the planet's livability. The world countries have committed to doing their part with respect to climate change, inclusivity, affordability, and many other global challenges. In light of the global transition, as a valuable partner of the global community, Azerbaijan adopted national priorities to reach green growth and green energy production by 2030. This research aims to cast a light on the green transition and, through the survey method, to reveal Azerbaijani people's approaches toward renewable energy. The survey questions encompass people's opinions on fossil fuels, climate change responsibility, the reasons causing it, electric vehicles, people's inclination toward purchasing electric automobiles, and the most problematic issues in the transition to green energy.

Green Energy Production and Integrated Treatment of Pharmaceutical Wastewater Using MnCo2O4 Electrode Performance in Microbial Fuel Cell

The wastewater produced by the pharmaceutical industry is highly organic and toxic. Dual-chambered microbial fuel cells (DMFCs) may represent a sustainable solution to process wastewater while simultaneously recovering its energy content. DMFCs are bio-electrochemical devices that employ microorganisms to transform the chemical energy of organic compounds into electrical energy. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a DMFC with a manganese cobalt oxide-coated activated carbon fiber felt (MnCo2O4-ACFF) electrode to treat pharmaceutical industry wastewater (PW) and exploit its energy content. The proposed technology is experimentally investigated considering the effect of the organic load (OL) on the system performance in terms of organic content removal and electricity production. As per the experimental campaign results, the optimum OL for achieving maximum removal efficiencies for total chemical oxygen demand, soluble oxygen demand, and total suspended solids was found to be 2 g COD/L. At this value of OL, the highest current and power densities of 420 mA/m2 and 348 mW/m2 were obtained. Therefore, based on the outcomes of the experimental campaign, the (MnCo2O4-ACFF) electrode DMFC technique was found to be a sustainable and effective process for the treatment and energy recovery from PW.

On the consideration of signal trapping for soot sizing by angular light scattering in laminar flames

Soot particles are known to be harmful to health and the environment, and reducing their production in industrial systems is a crucial task in the pursuit of green energy production. Characterization and accurate modeling of these particles are essential yet complex. In particular, information on aggregate sizing remains limited. Angular light scattering is an established in-situ method for precise, spatially resolved, non-intrusive characterization of soot aggregates. However, the associated post-processing is prone to various error sources. Specifically, signal trapping during light scattering is suspected to lead significant errors. Moreover, current techniques for reconstructing the line-of-sight integrated scattering signal (Abel inversion) are inherently noisy. This work addresses both issues by implementing a noise-free Abel inversion method based on piecewise spline functions. This method accounts for signal trapping and can be applied to any axisymmetric and spatially continuous flame. The correction for the signal trapping effect relies on extinction measurements from the line-of-sight attenuation (LOSA). The technique is tested on a canonical laminar diffusion ethylene flame at five different angles. The impact of this correction is evaluated on the equivalent monodisperse radius of gyration, denoted as Rg∗, and the forward scattering coefficient, represented as κvv(0∘). The results show that the calculation of Rg∗ is robust regarding signal trapping effect. However, correcting for this effect significantly increases κvv(0∘).

Maritime Security and the Wind: Threats and Risks to Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Abstract Offshore wind energy production has seen a significant expansion in recent years. With technologies rapidly improving and prices dropping, it is now one of the key instruments in the green energy transition. The implications of offshore wind farm expansion for maritime security and ocean governance have, so far, received sparse attention in the literature. This article offers one of the first thorough analyses of the security of offshore wind farms and related installations, such as underwater electricity cables, energy islands, and hydrogen plants. The technical vulnerabilities of wind farm systems is reviewed and threats from terrorism, crime and State hostilities, including physical and cyber risk scenarios, are discussed. The expansion of green offshore energy production must keep pace with the changing threat landscape that follows from it. Prospective solutions for the protection of wind farms systems, including surveillance, patrols and self-protection are discussed. The current repertoire of maritime security solutions is in many ways capable of dealing with the threats and risks effectively if adjusted accordingly. The analysis builds important new bridges between debates in energy security and maritime security, as well as the implications of climate change adaption and mitigation for security at sea.

Toward sustainable development: Revealing the dynamic impacts of the belt and road initiative on energy transition

AbstractThis article investigates the influence of the belt and road initiative (BRI) on energy transition within the context of sustainable development goal (SDG) 7. The study utilizes daily data from May 3, 2017, to June 30, 2023, and deploys advanced econometric methods like heatmap‐based QVAR, cross‐quantilogram, and recursive time‐varying methods. The findings determine that BRI can significantly foster the global energy transition process. Further, the Paris Agreement (PA) and green finance (GF) support the energy transition system by showing positive effects. In contrast, geopolitical risk (GPR) introduces disruptive elements that impede green energy production. Notably, the amalgamation of GF, PA, and BRI showcases the potential to not only facilitate SDG 7 but also contribute substantially to SDGs 8 and 13. Based on the above findings, the study suggests fostering synergies and collaboration between GF, PA, and BRI to maximize their combined impact on the energy transition, which may decrease the influence of GPR.

Effect of the oil content on green hydrogen production from produced water using carbon quantum dots as a disruptive nanolectrolyte

Considering that high-purity fresh water is employed in the green production of hydrogen via commercial water electrolyzers and that over 80% of the global population faces significant water safety risks, it is essential to explore alternative water sources. One such alternative is the use of produced water from oil extraction processes. Hence, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the oil content of oilfield production water on the production of green hydrogen by electrolysis in the presence of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). For this purpose, various electrochemical techniques, such as linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and potentiometry, were used to identify the effect of crude oil during hydrogen production. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mass spectrometry (MS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to discern the adsorption of crude oil onto the electrodes, quantify the gas fractions generated during the process and identify the functional groups present after the procedure, respectively. Also, optical microscopy was employed to follow the droplet size in the emulsion. The results show that using CQDs affects the Faradaic efficiency, which increases from 77% to 83% with the incorporation of CQDs. In the presence of CQDs, the effects generated by the presence of the oil are inhibited at low oil concentrations.On the contrary, hydrogen production increases by 10.0% (0.1 mL/min) with a faradaic efficiency of 83% and a half-cell efficiency of 41%, compared to the record obtained with the maximum concentration of emulsified crude oil (400 mg/L). The mean size of the initial emulsion droplets was 3.4 μm. At the end of the test, there was evidence of complete breakage of the emulsion due to the effect of the applied electric field. No evidence of adsorption of crude oil on graphite electrodes during electrolysis is observed based on the tests. It has been shown that green hydrogen production from crude oil production water is feasible due to the proposed disruptive electrolytes in the produced water, which inhibit the effect of oil content in the O/W emulsion. This allows the implementation of a new green energy production initiative aligned with the global goal of achieving net zero emissions (NZE) by 2050. The current investigation presents a prospective alternative for harnessing the 18 kW electrical energy potential employed within emulsion-breaking processes within a Colombian field for treatment of around 1000 bpd. This alternative offers a theoretical potential for hydrogen production, approximating 7.36 kW, thus representing a promising opportunity for practical field deployment.

Hazardous waste management of novel non-edible Platycladus orientalis seed oil via recyclable yttria-based phyto-nanocatalyst: A practical approach towards sustainable bioenergy conversion

In current scenario of rising issues of economic crises, ecotoxicity and waste management, the search of novel, waste and non-food biomass for green energy production has become indispensable. This study is concerned with Platycladus orientalis, a novel feedstock with a seed oil concentration of 28 % (w/w), optimized via simulation-based response surface methodology (RSM) for biodiesel production. To enhance catalytic activity during transesterification, novel Yttria-based green metallic oxide, a phyto-nanocatalyst, was synthesized using Platycladus orientalis dried seed cones aqueous extract. The Yttria-based phytonanocatalyst was characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX that confirmed its structural and elemental composition with 12 nm nano-size and demonstrated the high catalytic efficiency. The optimal conditions for biodiesel synthesis were identified as methanol-to-oil ratio (7:1), catalyst concentration (0.14 wt%), reaction time (105 min), and reaction temperature (80 °C) with remarkable biodiesel yield (96 %). The reusability of the Yttria-based green nanoparticles was assessed over six reaction cycles. Methyl ester formation was validated through FTIR, GC–MS, and NMR analyses. The fuel properties were found to fall within the range recommended by the international biodiesel standards i.e. flash point of 90 °C, density of 0.614 kg/L, viscosity of 4.21 cSt, pour point of −8 °C, cloud point of −10 °C, total acid number of 0.124 mg KOH/g and sulfur content of 0.00002 wt%. With its prolific seed production and wide distribution, Platycladus orientalis is a highly recommendable species for sustainable and eco-friendly biodiesel production. This study contributes to the evolving field of green catalysis, offering a viable solution to environmental issues and waste management challenges in the biodiesel industry.

Assessing green energy production and industrial excellence in Asian emerging economies in the context of industrial transformation and sustainable development

Assessing green energy production and industrial excellence in Asian emerging economies in the context of industrial transformation and sustainable development

Enhanced hydrolysis of NaBH4 using cobalt sulphide for hydrogen production

The generation of pollution free hydrogen through NaBH4 hydrolysis using the suitable low cost catalysts is promising technique for sustainable green energy production. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of cobalt sulphide (CoS) using the hydrothermal technique and catalysed hydrolysis of NaBH4 for hydrogen generation. CoS nanoparticles show obvious catalytic performance with hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 328 mL min−1 g−1cat at 25 °C in 2.9 % (1.5 g) NaBH4. Importantly, owing to low activation energy for hydrolysis of about 58.8 kJ mol−1 and efficient hydrolysis, CoS nanoparticles enables the NaBH4 hydrolysis with HGR of 319 mL min−1 g−1cat at 50 °C with 0.1 g NaBH4. The HGR is significantly enhanced from 119 mL min−1 g−1cat in dark to 214 mL min−1 g−1cat in illumination with 0.5 g NaBH4 and 60 mg catalysts. Finally, the present findings advocate the development of sulphide based non-precious catalysts for solar light driven hydrolysis of NaBH4.

Transition Metals Co, Ni, Mn Based Bimetallic Sulfides as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Using Graphite Counter Electrode Extracted from Spent Battery

The clean and green hydrogen energy production by electrochemical process is gaining great attention in recent years. For this, designing an efficient and cost-effective electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly desirable. Herein, Co-Ni-Mn based bimetallic sulfides electrocatalysts are developed for HER in 1 M KOH. Owing to the presence of abundant electrochemical active sites and micro flower-like morphology, the fabricated Co-Ni-S, Ni-Mn-S, Co-Mn-S electrodes deliver the small overpotential of 136, 112, 75 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2. For practical applications, the commercially available 1.6 V battery is used to drive the overall water splitting process of the device fabricated with the two-electrode system (symmetric device). In addition to this, in this research work, a graphite rod extracted from a spent battery is directly used as a counter electrode for the entire electrochemical study to substitute platinum (Pt) counter electrode. This approach is sustainable as well as eco-friendly.

Manipulating the morphology and charge accumulation driven- Schottky functionalized type II-scheme heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and SERS detection

Inspired by energy conversion and sensing strategies, the construction of a type-II heterojunction proves advantageous in enhancing interfacial charge transfer, redox capabilities, and sensitive detection. Herein, we have developed as-prepared a hierarchical heteronanostructure composed of 2D ultrathin g-C3N4 (g-CN) nanosheets, 3D SrTiO3 (STO) nanocubes, and Ag plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) with a well-controlled configuration and intimate contact for improved practical applications. This multifunctional heterojunction not only exhibits outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance but also shows excellent SERS detection. The creation of hybrid morphologies and type II schemes contributes to expanding visible light absorption and shortening the path of charge carrier transition. The ternary sample also exhibits an efficient photocatalytic HER rate of 9378 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 13.3 and 26.3 times higher than that of STO (703 μmol g−1 h−1) and g-CN (356 μmol g−1 h−1), respectively. Photoluminescence spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) measurements suggest that the synergistic effect among g-CN nanosheets, STO nanocubes and Ag contributes to enhanced charge separation, as indicated by the applied potential of −0.9 V vs. saturated Ag/AgCl to obtain a photocurrent density of −15 mA cm−2 for the HER. The obtained STO/g-CN/Ag sample exhibits significant capability in enriching small molecules, facilitating the determination of organic pollutants even at ultralow concentrations. Additionally, it exhibits impressive SERS sensitivity and photocatalytic performance. Crystal Violet (CV) at low concentrations can be distinguished and undergoes almost complete degradation under visible-light illumination. The detection platform exhibits ultralow detection capability down to 10−10 M for CV. The outstanding SERS detection may be assigned to the combined enrichment abilities of g-CN, STO and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag NPs. Furthermore, the type-II heterojunction of the ternary photocatalyst and the mechanisms governing charge carrier flow and transfer on the conductive Ag co-catalyst were also investigated. This work provides novel insights and techniques for effectively engineering 3D STO-like semiconductors, facilitating both green energy production and the detection of trace molecules.