Sustainable Renewable Energy Research Articles

Recent Advancements in Chalcogenides for Electrochemical Energy Storage Applications

Energy storage has become increasingly important as a study area in recent decades. A growing number of academics are focusing their attention on developing and researching innovative materials for use in energy storage systems to promote sustainable development goals. This is due to the finite supply of traditional energy sources, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, and escalating regional tensions. Because of these issues, sustainable renewable energy sources have been touted as an alternative to nonrenewable fuels. Deployment of renewable energy sources requires efficient and reliable energy storage devices due to their intermittent nature. High-performance electrochemical energy storage technologies with high power and energy densities are heralded to be the next-generation storage devices. Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have sparked interest among electrode materials because of their intriguing electrochemical properties. Researchers have revealed a variety of modifications to improve their electrochemical performance in energy storage. However, a stronger link between the type of change and the resulting electrochemical performance is still desired. This review examines the synthesis of chalcogenides for electrochemical energy storage devices, their limitations, and the importance of the modification method, followed by a detailed discussion of several modification procedures and how they have helped to improve their electrochemical performance. We also discussed chalcogenides and their composites in batteries and supercapacitors applications. Furthermore, this review discusses the subject’s current challenges as well as potential future opportunities.

Integrated spatial and energy planning in Styria – A role model for local and regional energy transition and climate protection policies

• Programme to integrate spatial planning and energy planning. • Creating strategic database for energy transition in spatial planning. • Applying strategic maps to harmonize district heating, mobility and spatial development. • Applying energy transition thinking for sustainable spatial planning. • Holistic implementation programme for scientific knowledge in local spatial planning. How we plan our towns, cities and regions is inseparably connected to energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions and the way how we can manage the transition to sustainable renewable energy systems. Therefore, we propose that integrated spatial and energy planning is an important part of energy transition and climate protection strategies. In this article, we discuss how the energy transition and spatial planning can be holistically integrated, and how this theoretical framework combining the factual findings of integrated spatial and energy planning and strategic concepts of spatial planning can be put into practice in municipal spatial planning. We demonstrate the applicability of the approach in an action research process in the Austrian Province of Styria involving the Government representatives, municipalities and spatial planners. The whole approach includes, as tangible outputs a strategic database, strategic maps, and a planning guidance for municipalities on the one hand, and a further education programme for planners and municipal decision makers on the other hand. Finally, the applicability, transferability and limitations of the approach are discussed. As the approach is not only established in Styria, but at the moment also put forward in two further Provinces so that we can, in total, cover about 63% of all Austrian municipalities with this approach, we also propose that this approach can serve as a role model not only for local and regional energy transition and climate protection policies around the world, but also for shaping third mission activities of universities.

Decarbonization roadmaps for ASEAN and their implications

The objective of this paper is to derive, for the first time, decarbonization roadmaps for the ten nations of ASEAN. This study first presents a regional view of ASEAN’s fossil and renewable energy usage and energy-related CO2 emission. Results show that renewable energies have been losing ground to fossil energies in the last two decades and fossil fuels will likely continue to be an important part of ASEAN’s energy mix for the next few decades. Therefore, decarbonizing efforts should focus not only on increasing the share of renewable energies in electricity generation, but also on technologies to reduce CO2 emission from fossil power and industrial plants. This study next performs a technology mapping exercise for all ten ASEAN countries to determine decarbonization technologies that have high impact and high readiness for individual countries. Besides installing more sustainable renewable energies, common themes coming from these roadmaps include switching from coal to gas for power generation, using carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to decarbonize fossil and industrial plants, replacing internal combustion vehicles by electric vehicles, and for countries that have coal and natural gas resources, upgrading them to blue hydrogen by chemical processes and using CCS to mitigate the emitted CO2. Blue hydrogen can be used to decarbonize hard-to-decarbonize industries. Policy implications of these roadmaps include imposing a credible carbon tax, establishing a national hydrogen strategy, intergovernmental coordination to establish regional CCS corridors, funding research and development to improve carbon capture efficiency on a plant level and resolving sustainability issues of hydropower and bioenergy in ASEAN.

Bright Village with a Brilliant Economy through the Kampung SETRUM Innovation (Community Renewable Energy Center) as a Form of Optimizing Sustainable Renewable Energy by PT. PJB UP Paiton Probolinggo

Indonesia's energy potential is certainly quite large. Yet, this potential must be managed properly so that it does not extinct quickly. Therefore, it is important to have an innovation in order to help minimize the sustainable use of fossil energy. Currently, there are good practices that have been carried out in the use of renewable energy such as that carried out by PT. PJB UP Paiton in its social responsibilityprogram in Andungbiru village, Probolinggo district through the innovation of the kampung SETRUM. This study aims to explore the implementation and sustainability of the kampung SETRUM program implemented. With a qualitative descriptive approach through interviews and literature studies, the results show that the implementation of the SETRUM village program has good implications for thecommunity. More details can be seen through the glasses of the sustainability compass, which includes several integrated aspects such as nature, economy, social and well being. Of course, integrated innovation is one of the appropriate alternative solutions in answering the problems that occur, as well as a tangible manifestation of an energy-friendly and sustainable development program

Testing the role of economic complexity on the ecological footprint in China: a nonparametric causality-in-quantiles approach

China is known for its large industrial sector and diversified energy mix, which could contribute to environmental pollution, as fossil fuels remain China's main source of energy. With the recent drive by the Chinese government to achieve low carbon emissions and further reduce greenhouse gases, this study adds to the existing literature by combining the quantile-on-quantile (QQ) regression and non-parametric techniques to examine the role of economic complexity, nonrenewables energy and renewable energy consumption on the ecological footprint in China over the period 1985Q1–2019Q4. Overall, results show that renewable energy, non-renewable energy use, economic growth and economic complexity affects ecological footprint positively. In addition, the nonparametric causality outcomes revealed that renewable energy, non-renewable energy use, economic growth and economic complexity can significantly predict variations in ecological footprint at different quantiles. We are of the opinion that policymakers in this region should work on the pro-growth mentality of China, which is majorly fossil fuel-driven. This requires an immediate replacement with more eco-friendly sources and energy-saving technologies for economic activities. Otherwise, fulfilling the SDG 13 goals in China will be challenging. For a sustainable renewable energy investment, China should shift to ancillary and spot markets, where the low energy storage and low marginal cost of renewable energy could facilitate higher reduction in electricity cost and encourage higher trading of electricity.

Synergistically regulated surface structure and water transportation of sponge hydrogel evaporator for efficient water desalination

Interfacial evaporation using sustainable renewable solar energy offers an exciting opportunity for desalination and wastewater treatment, while the undesirable evaporation rate and the demanding preparation process severely limit its practical application. In this work, high-efficiency solar steam generators based on sponge like hydrogels were fabricated through a facile and scalable one-step salt template method. In this way, the surface structure of the hydrogel and the water transport rate can be synergistically regulated to enhance the absorption of light and inhibit salt crystallization. Thus, the rationally architected sponge hydrogel evaporators (SHEs) presented a high-water evaporation rate of 2.04 kg m−2 h−1 with a high energy conversion efficiency of 93.5% under one sun illumination. Meanwhile, the hydrogel evaporator exhibited stable desalination and contaminant removal performance over a long evaporation period. These results suggest that SHEs will offer the opportunity for actual large-scale applications for efficient desalination and wastewater purification.

Sustainable Development Perspectives of Solar Energy Technologies with Focus on Solar Photovoltaic—A Review

This study examines the sources of energy related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the hazards of climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the global solar energy potential, renewable energy sustainability indicators, impediments, and the environmental implications of fossil fuels. The purpose of this study is to investigate viewpoints on solar energy technologies for sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on photovoltaic (PV), as well as the literature on solar energy technology performance, in order to ascertain worldwide solar energy adoption trends. The discussions address the solar industry’s fundamental ideas, the global energy scenario, the highlights of research conducted to improve the solar industry, prospective applications and future challenges for a more efficient solar industry that may help alleviate the energy crisis. A review of the framework and development of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Renewable Energy Laws (REL) on a global scale was conducted.

Studies on evaluation of pretreatment efficiency of surfactant mediated ultrasonic pretreatment of Sargassum tennerimum (marine macroalgae) for achieving profitable biohydrogen production

Growing energy demand is inevitable in the future, due to increased commercialization and industrialization. Biohydrogen production from renewable biomass is considered as clean energy technology and, in this study, the feasibility of using Sargassum tennerimum as a renewable energy source has been attempted. Pretreatment using sonication pretreatment (ST) and surfactant Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate (DOSS) mediated ultrasonic pretreatment (DOSSSP) were investigated and the optimized pretreatment time and sonication power, respectively, were 30 and 200W for ST. DOSS dosage of 0.005 g/g TS was found to be optimum for DOSSSP with the corresponding maximum of 2600 mg/L and 27.36% respectively for sCOD (Soluble chemical oxygen demand) release and COD (Chemical oxygen demand) solubilization percentage. Biohydrogen assay analysis of the pretreated algal biomass was carried out and 86 mL/g COD of maximum biohydrogen production was achieved for DOSSSP pretreated sample than ST and control owing to higher COD solubilization percentage, carbohydrate and protein release. Energy analysis was performed to test the economic viability of the pretreatment process. This analysis showed that the maximum net positive energy of 0.0407 and energy ratio of 2.43 was obtained for DOSSSP revealing its economic viability. This study also reveals that macroalgae Sargassum tennerimum could be a sustainable renewable energy source for biohydrogen production as it is abundant throughout the year.

A Multi-Criteria Framework to Evaluate the Sustainability of Renewable Energy: A 2-Tuple Linguistic Grey Relation Model from the Perspective of the Prospect Theory

The unique resources and environmental advantages of renewable energy make it an essential component of energy strategies and a meaningful way to achieve “carbon neutrality”. However, due to limitations relating to ecological factors and geographical locations, renewable energy power generation faces many problems, including instability, resulting in unsustainable development. Few studies have been conducted on the sustainability of renewable energy. Therefore, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for evaluating renewable energy sustainability is put forward. Based on a 2-tuple linguistic grey relation model and the prospect theory, the MCDM framework can comprehensively analyze the factors that may influence renewable energy sustainability in terms of resources, the environment, society, technology, and the economy. The combination of the 2-tuple linguistic model and the prospect theory can improve the objectivity of decision making. Taking China as the research object, this study finds that the profit–loss ratios for the four alternatives considered are {0.969,0.432,0.395,0.369} for solar photovoltaic power, wind power, hydropower, and biomass power, respectively, ranked from best to worst. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the MCDM framework can change its parameters based on the relevant psychological characteristics and then establish a suitable system for decision making. The MCDM framework proposed in this study can provide investors with decision-making references and help governmental agencies formulate renewable energy policies.

Energy Management in the Multi-Source Systems

With the goals set for sustainable development and renewable energy technologies, major advancements have been observed in the domain of multi-source systems [...]

DPR Requirements for Preparation of Geotechnical Investigation and Construction Materials Survey Chapter for Hydro Electric Project

Abstract: The environment-friendly renewable sustainable energy source is the need of time to promote and propagate to meet the growing power demand. More than 65% of India's electricity is generated by thermal power plants and 85% of the country's thermal power generation is coal-based. Our coal and gas reserves are limited and can last only for another 20-30 years. India is having enough hydropower potential i.e. to a tune of 148 GW (which would be able to meet a demand of 84 GW at 60% load factor) but as of date, its contribution is only 12.2% out of our total demand. Though the initial cost of hydro projects is comparatively high but the maintenance cost is minimal. To initiate a project Detailed Project Report (DPR) is required to be prepared. Since huge investment is involved in the hydroelectric project, hence, exhaustive techno-economic examining is required to decide for investing. Covering all the aspects of investigation enables the apprising agencies to examine the report holistically and provide clearances in a minimal time frame. In the scope of construction materials survey and geotechnical investigation, the availability and suitability of construction materials are to be assessed. The geotechnical investigation provides design parameters to the designer. Keywords: detailed project report, construction materials survey, rock, soil, concrete, rockfill.

Current Trends in Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Production

In view of crude oil prices, and its environmental issues, utilization of sustainable renewable alternative energies such as biofuels is rapidly progressing in many countries. The increasing global energy demand and depleting fossils fuels sources has led to search alternative clean and renewable fuels. One of the best alternatives to the gasoline is lignocellulosic bioethanol. Recent researches on lignocellulosic bioethanol focuses on advancement of pretreatment techniques for improved sugar yields and decreased inhibitors production. Pretreatment technique with no or less use of chemicals and cost effectiveness is the main purpose of most of the researches. Biological pretreatment techniques produce less fermentation inhibitors than chemical pretreatments. In order to cope with fermentation inhibitors different strategies can be adopted during pretreatment processes. In the course of time, advancements in production process over separate hydrolysis and fermentation have been introduced. Simultaneous saccharification and co/fermentation; and consolidated bioprocessing for bioethanol production are gaining popularity among researchers. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 10(1): 1-11.

Risk Assessment of Sustainable Renewable Energy Resources on CPEC Route

China and Pakistan have collaborated to start the project China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Major part of this project is the formation of different special economic zones (SEZs) to boost industrial growth. Additional energy plants would be required once these zones are set up. As the world is shifting its trend towards renewable energy, therefore major focus will be on risks related to renewable energy. Literature was studied, different risk factors were identified and risk solutions/measures were also identified. In the second phase, three renewable energy technologies. The main method used for research was Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) tool. Expert Choice software was used based on AHP structural concept. Pairwise questionnaire was formed while data were collected through three groups consisting of government officials, company representatives and officials and end users. The high risks were identified as a result according to each group and the risk solutions. The results provided priority of risks which were most important according to each group. The solutions were also ranked as identified by each group. The results obtained from second phase indicated which renewable technology was most affected by each of risk factor. This risk assessment can provide overview to government and investors about different risks. The evaluation of results and taking necessary steps can reduce these risks and provide better business and working conditions for this industry.

A framework for evaluating sustainable renewable energy sources under uncertain conditions: A case study

The need for energy sources in India has increased abnormally in recent years due to industrial and societal growth. To meet this demand, it was a necessary choice of renewable energy sources (RESs) as a solution to lack of nonrenewable energy sources. Due to the multiplicity of involved factors, selecting the most appropriate RESs is a multiattribute decision making (MADM) problem. There is a large number of work associated with the development of MADM techniques, especially under ambiguous and uncertain conditions. However, the effective embedding of uncertainty and ambiguity and in decision-making remains a difficult challenge, and thus this study introduces a new framework for solving the problem of selecting the most suitable RESs which is based on the neutrosophic set and TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese of interactive and multicriteria decision-making) method. It also reduces human intervention by being systematically applied. First, it transforms the linguistic terms presented into neutrosophic values and implements systematic techniques to compute missing values in the decision matrix using the case-based technique. Second, it calculates the weight of every linguistic variable as well as those of the decision-makers (DMs) and weighted attributes. Furthermore, it creates an aggregated single valued neutrosophic decision matrix for DMs. Finally, it calculates the overall dominance-degree matrix, derives the overall values, and ranks the alternatives. It is applied to select RESs in Karnataka, India, and the obtained results show that wind energy is the most suitable RES for India, with small hydroenergy second most appropriate.

Morphology and Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals on Biochars: A Review

This paper examines the morphology and environmentally persistent free radicals on biochars. It is true that the increase in population has led to exponential increase in demand for energy leading to gradual depletion of fossil fuel reserves. Therefore arises the need to search for alternative renewable clean and sustainable energy resource. Biomass derived fuels offers the best alternative to fossil fuel. Pyrolysis is one of the techniques used to produce biofuel from biomass. Thermal decomposition of biomass in limited supply of oxygen leads to emissions of complex matrices that affect biofuel utilization and stability. The major by-products from biomass pyrolysis include liquid oil, biochar and gases depending on operating conditions such as temperature, particle size, heating rate and reactor configuration. Biochars generated tend to find its use majorly in industry, agriculture and cleaning of industrial waste. Nonetheless biochars may contain organic compounds such as furans, aldehydes, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) and environmentally persistent free radicals which are of toxic, carcinogenic, cause oxidative stress and mutagenic. This review therefore focuses on the characteristics of biochar in terms of morphology and the nature of persistent free radicals embedded on the surface of the biochar. It is notable that the information on optimum conditions for production of biochars free of persistent free radicals is scanty if any.

Morphology and environmentally persistent free radicals on biochars: A review

This paper examines the morphology and environmentally persistent free radicals on biochars. It is true that the increase in population has led to exponential increase in demand for energy leading to gradual depletion of fossil fuel reserves. Therefore arises the need to search for alternative renewable clean and sustainable energy resource. Biomass derived fuels offers the best alternative to fossil fuel. Pyrolysis is one of the techniques used to produce biofuel from biomass. Thermal decomposition of biomass in limited supply of oxygen leads to emissions of complex matrices that affect biofuel utilization and stability. The major by-products from biomass pyrolysis include liquid oil, biochar and gases depending on operating conditions such as temperature, particle size, heating rate and reactor configuration. Biochars generated tend to find its use majorly in industry, agriculture and cleaning of industrial waste. Nonetheless biochars may contain organic compounds such as furans, aldehydes, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) and environmentally persistent free radicals which are of toxic, carcinogenic, cause oxidative stress and mutagenic. This review therefore focuses on the characteristics of biochar in terms of morphology and the nature of persistent free radicals embedded on the surface of the biochar. It is notable that the information on optimum conditions for production of biochars free of persistent free radicals is scanty if any.

Modelling the drivers of solar energy development in an emerging economy: Implications for sustainable development goals

Energy demand in Bangladesh is consistently rising due to the country's rapid population growth and economic expansion. As a result, solar energy holds substantial potential in the Bangladeshi energy portfolio. This study aims to identify and evaluate the key drivers behind the sustainable development of solar energy in Bangladesh, an emerging economy in South Asia. We do this by adopting an integrated methodology. First, through a literature review and expert feedback, we identify 12 drivers of solar energy development. We then employ the best-worst method (BWM) to rank the drivers based on their significance and use the ISM-MICMAC to analyze the interrelationships among them. The findings indicate that favourable geographical location in terms of solar irradiation, government policy toward sustainable renewable energy, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and large bodies of water constitute the most significant drivers behind the sustainable development of solar energy in Bangladesh. This research is expected to contribute to the literature on sustainable solar energy development in a systematic way that can benefit both decision-makers and end-users.

Biomass Energy in Malaysia: Current Scenario, Policies, and Implementation Challenges.

The energy demand in Malaysia has shown a dramatic increase over the last few years: with natural gas and coal being the primary contributors. Nevertheless, due to declining in fossil fuel reserves coupled with negative environmental impacts, shifting to sustainable renewable energy for meeting the future energy demand is recommended. Since Malaysia is rich with natural resources, utilization of biomass energy (bioenergy/biofuel) as the alternative energy is promising to be further explored. Therefore, this review paper intents to discuss the current scenario of different types of biomass energy in Malaysia along with the up-to-date local biomass energy–related environmental policy (from 2016 onwards). In addition, challenges and barriers for large-scale implementation of the biomass energy in Malaysia are to be discussed. Overall, this review paper is interesting as it can assist in promoting the biomass utilization as energy source, and to ensure the future growth of biomass energy market in the country along with its effective implementation while alleviating poor disposal problem and to create job employment opportunities. Furthermore, a collective effort to expand potential biomass feedstocks, apart from oil palm, should be emphasized to encourage the renewable energy production diversification in the nation.

Modelling and simulating CO and CO2 methanation over Ru/γ-Al2O3 catalyst: An integrated approach from carbon capture to renewable energy generation

The looping of carbon capture with power-to-gas technology is getting tremendous focus for the efficient inception of the methanation process. This will not only meet the growing energy demand but also reduce fossil fuel dependency and the climate change effects associated with it. In this work, a simulation approach was developed to model the methanation of CO and CO2 on a ppm basis over a ruthenium catalyst. The fast equilibrium reaction of CO2 to CO and slow kinetically-controlled hydrogenation of CO to CH4 was modelled within the same reactor. The catalyst particles of 0.5% Ru on γ-Al2O3 pellet supports were simulated on the Aspen Tech program. The fixed bed reactor was split into segments, consisting of equilibrium and kinetic reactors to model the relevant reactions. The effect of the reaction temperature, feed composition, and reactor volume was investigated. These parameters affected the reactor’s conversion with the reaction rate and the number of reactor segments required for convergence. An approach was developed to size a reactor for specific CO and CO2 conversions. With a reactor size of 13.85 m3, a 99.0% and 97.55% conversion of CO and CO2, respectively was achieved with 96.50% CH4 yield. This proved to have a high level of accuracy, with a maximum difference between the graphical and simulated conversions of 1.96%. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism was also elucidated, showing associative adsorption based CO2 and CO methanation over Ru-catalyst, forming oxygenated intermediates that subsequently hydrogenated to CH4. Altogether, results suggest this combined carbon capture approach and its utilization with power-to-gas technology can effectively contribute to sustainable renewable energy.

PENGEMBANGAN GREEN TOURISM DI DESA WISATA SRIMULYOUNTUK PELESTARIAN LINGKUNGAN

This community service program is Program Kemitraan Wilayah (PKW) scheme from the Ministry of Research and Technology/National Research and Innovation Agency, Deputy for Research and Development Strengthening. The location of the scheme is in Srimulyo, Piyungan Bantul D.I Yogyakarta. The implementation of PKW is carried out by the Janabadra University (Proposer university) in collaboration with the AMPTA (Partner university) and the government of Bantul, especially BAPPEDA and Dinas pariwiata. Problems that have been identified at the location of PKW in Srimulyo, Piyungan, Bantul includes (1) lack of tourism supporting infrastructures; (2) lacc of development of the creative economy by utilizing local resources; (3) lack of development of renewable energy for environmental sustainability (4) not optimal use of tourism promotion media. The realization of these program include: tourism supporting infrastructure with a program for creating tourist destination (Tinatar and Gunungwangi hills, landscape arrangement, gardening). For the field of creative economic development by holding local-based culinary training, namely various processed ketupat foods, installation of wifi on Tinatar hills Furthermore, in the field of renewable energy development and environmental conservation, the program is the manufacture of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) and finally the field of tourism promotion by making billboards of tourist destination names (Tinatar hills).