Renewable Energy Industry Research Articles

Mechanical, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of Rb2TlGaX6 (X = F, I) lead free double perovskites: A first-principles study

Abstract Halide perovskites play an important role in the renewable energy industry and are the top substitutes for Pb-halide perovskites. This study investigates the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the double halide perovskites Rb2TlGaX6 (X = F, I) using density functional theory (DFT) at WIEN2k interfaces. The structural, mechanical, and thermal stabilities are evaluated using the tolerance factor, Born-Huang criteria, and negative formation energy. The obtained lattice constants are 9.31 Å and 24.93 Å, for Rb2TlGaF6 and Rb2TlGaI6 respectively. Rb2TlGaF6 is brittle and Rb2TlGaI6 is ductile. Both compounds exhibit anisotropic behavior. The indirect semiconducting nature (L-X) is demonstrated by the estimated bandgap values of 6.05 eV (4.31 eV) and 1.06 eV (0.52 eV), for Rb2TlGaF6 and Rb2TlGaI6 respectively, using the TB-mBJ (PBE-GGA) potential. Distinctive optical characteristics are studied, including the dielectric function, loss function, conductivity, reflectivity, refractive index, and absorption coefficient. Based on the investigation, both materials exhibit excellent optical conductivity, high light absorption throughout the UV–visible spectrum, and low reflection (within 20% for Rb2TlGaF6 and 40% for Rb2TlGaI6). Lastly, various thermoelectric properties are explored by varying the temperature. Both compounds show a high Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity. The maximum figure of merit (ZT) obtains of 0.61 and 0.81, for Rb2TlGaF6 and Rb2TlGaI6, respectively. These results demonstrate the suitability of Rb2TlGaF6 and Rb2TlGaI6 for thermoelectric and photovoltaic applications.

Hazardous Effects of Battery Waste and Role of the Battery Waste Management Rule 2022 in Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Replacing batteries in present world is challenging because they are extensively utilised in every facet of human existence. These batteries contain a variety of toxic heavy metals, including as cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc, all of which pose risks to human health and the environment. Improperly disposing of used batteries in landfills leads to the infiltration of toxic heavy metals and other dangerous compounds into the soil and water over time. India’s long-term development has significant challenges in both reducing CO2 emissions and meeting the energy demands of its large population. This has significantly bolstered the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy industries. Battery-based energy storage systems can enhance the management of operational and energy evacuation challenges associated with renewable energy. Consequently, the effective disposal of battery waste is more crucial than battery production. However, it is neglected often, specially in developing and impoverished nations. Three established methods exist for preventing and managing the issues arising from the inappropriate disposal of used batteries. The three R’s are: decrease, replenish, and reuse. This article initially analyses the health and environmental consequences of battery waste, and subsequently highlights the potential of new regulations on battery waste management to effectively handle huge amounts of battery waste and encourage energy conservation.

Machine learning-based clustering analysis of the banking green credit for the renewable energy industry

Credit policies for clean and renewable energy businesses play a crucial role in supporting carbon neutrality efforts to combat climate change. Clustering the credit capacity of these companies to prioritize lending is essential given the limited capital available. Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) are two robust machine learning algorithms for addressing complex clustering problems. Additionally, hyperparameter selection within these models is effectively enhanced through the support of a robust heuristic optimization algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). To leverage the strength of these advanced machine learning techniques, this paper aims to develop SVM and ANN models, optimized with the PSO, for the clustering problem of green credit capacity in the renewable energy industry. The results show low Mean Square Error (MSE) values for both models, indicating high clustering accuracy. The credit capabilities of wind energy, clean fuel, and biomass pellet companies are illustrated in quadrant charts, providing stakeholders with a clear view to adjust their credit strategies. This helps ensure the efficient operation of banking green credit policies.

Assessing the influence of foreign direct investment on renewable energy consumption in Somalia: an ARDL model analysis

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on renewable energy consumption in Somalia from 1990 to 2019 using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The findings reveal a positive, statistically significant relationship between FDI, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), trade openness, and renewable energy consumption in the long run. Specifically, a 1% increase in FDI leads to a 0.0000115% increase in renewable energy consumption. Similarly, a 1% increase in GDP leads to a 0.026041% increase in renewable energy consumption. Meanwhile, a 1% rise in trade openness enhances renewable energy consumption by 0.0000280%. Increased foreign investments and economic growth promote the adoption of renewable energy, aligning with sustainable development principles. Conversely, environmental degradation negatively impacts renewable energy consumption. Specifically, a 1% increase in environmental degradation leads to a 0.570376% decrease in renewable energy consumption. Policymakers should incentivize FDI in the renewable energy industry through tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and public-private partnerships. Strategies promoting economic growth and integrating renewable energy objectives are essential, with trade openness facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies. A limitation of this study is the reliance on yearly data, which may not capture recent developments or short-term fluctuations. Future research should use more granular, up-to-date data to understand the dynamics in Somalia better.

National goal, local resistance: How institutional gaps hinder local renewable energy development in Taiwan

In most countries, energy transitions are well supported by the public; however, the implementation of renewable energy policies at the local level is often beset with resistance. Previous research has mainly focused on factors influencing community acceptance and strategies to improve social acceptance. Meanwhile, there has been limited analysis of the institutional gaps that lead to local resistance and the dynamic effects of institutional factors on renewable energy implementation at the local level. This paper thus investigates Taiwan's regulations for renewable energy development, presenting a detailed case study from a local context. It examines the factors contributing to local resistance to the implementation of national renewable energy policy targets and explores the dynamics of these resistance actions. Furthermore, through the lens of multi-level governance, the study reveals the institutional gaps and interactions that influence the execution of national policy at the local level. Six major institutional gaps in Taiwan's renewable energy governance were identified, including the lack of energy governance authorizations for local governments, a lack of superordinate site selection criteria and evaluation mechanisms for development zones, lack of governance systems that can address multiple issues, lack of scientific and academic information, lack of information disclosure and public participation mechanisms, and the burden of carbon reduction responsibilities and costs on local communities with few or no benefits. Compounded together, these six institutional gaps lead to the buildup of negative experiences interacting with the government and the renewable energy industry and feelings of worry, panic, distrust, and injustice among the local populace. These ultimately trigger resistance attitudes and the adoption of protest actions, hindering solar farm developments from reaching national policy targets. This study highlights the critical role of multi-level governance in facilitating the energy transition, emphasizing that the successful development of renewable energy requires a robust institutional framework. Such a framework is essential for addressing the complex governance challenges that arise during this transition, particularly aspects supporting local engagement. The six institutional gaps identified from the Taiwan case can serve as policy references for countries or cities intending to promote ground-mounted solar power.

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.

Wind Turbine Gearbox Anomaly Detection Using Signal-to-Image Processing Algorithms and Convolutional Autoencoder

Abstract In this study, signal-to-image conversion techniques coupled with a convolutional auto encoder (CAE) are used for the detection of anomalies in the wind turbine (WT) gearbox system. Firstly, the time series data is converted to images using six different algorithms. Thereafter, these images are stacked into the multi-dimensional structures known as “data cubes”, which is finally fed into CAE for the anomaly identification. The results of this study demonstrate the enhanced efficacy of the method specially in the Gramian Angular Field model in detecting anomalies accurately, suggesting a viable path towards the implementation of dependable and affordable WT monitoring systems. This will open the door for the renewable energy industry’s condition monitoring procedures to become more automated and digitalized.

Machinability characteristics study on hibiscus rosa-sinensis reinforced polymer composites using soft computing techniques

Abstract Understanding the drilling behaviour of composite materials is crucial for optimizing their manufacturing processes and enhancing their applicability across various industries. In this study, the drilling process of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Polymer matrix composites is investigated due to the significance of investigating such advanced and sustainable composite materials for their potential applications. Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Fibers are extracted and processed from the outer bark of the hibiscus plant, are incorporated into polymer matrices in varying weight percentages (0 Wt%, 10 Wt%, 20 Wt%) to form discontinuously reinforced polymer composites. Samples with uniform dimensions of 150 × 75 × 15 mm, are used for the drilling operation using Ace Micromatic DTC-400 instrument. The project focuses on analysing the influence of key drilling input parameters such as Spindle speed, Feed rate and HRS (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) Fiber weight percentage on the Thrust Force (N) and Torque (N-m) generated during drilling operations. Taguchi’s Design of Experiments with L27 orthogonal array is used to systematically optimize the input parameters to gain insights into the drilling behaviour of these composite materials. Further a second order mathematical model has been generated for Thrust Force and Torque using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Thrust Force and Torque during drilling are measured using 9257 BA KISTLER Dynamometer coupled with DynoWare 2825 A software. The findings of this study not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the drilling process but also hold significant implications for industries reliant on composite materials. From aerospace to automotive sectors, where lightweight and durable materials are essential, to construction and renewable energy industries seeking sustainable alternatives, the application potential of hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Fiber-reinforced composites is vast. By elucidating the intricate dynamics of drilling operations on these materials, this research paves the way for enhanced manufacturing processes and the development of advanced composite structures tailored to meet the demands of diverse industrial applications.

Circular Economy Practices in Biomass-Fired Power Plants in Brazil: An Assessment Using the ReSOLVE Framework

This study aimed to identify the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices at thermoelectric power plants (TPPs) fueled by forest biomass in Brazil and determine the degree of implementation; social, environmental, and economic impacts; motivations; challenges; and facilitating factors for the adoption of such practices. Data were collected through a questionnaire applied to a sample of 32 TPPs in Brazil employing the ReSOLVE framework from October 2023 to January 2024. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with the assignment of scores, and principal component analysis. The results indicate that optimization practices are the most widespread (6.7) and sharing practices were the least adopted (4.0). The greatest motivators for adopting CE practices are promoting sustainability (9.5) and enhancing corporate image (9.5). One of the most relevant positive impacts of such practices is the improvement in social relations between companies and the community (9.1). A major challenge to CE adoption is government neglect, whereas certification systems constitute one of the major facilitators (with 20 indications). This study provides indicators for decision-makers in the private sector and public managers interested in promoting sustainable practices in the renewable energy industry.

Evaluating the Role of GCC Nations in Sustainable Energy Investment Using an Enhanced Low-Carbon Economy Index

In the past decade, environmental, social and country governance (ESG) aspects as well as economy have become key factors for decisions in the investment and future development of renewable energy industry. The abundancy of renewable resources and widely accessible technology are the key drivers for the renewable energy business in the GCC. However, lack of effective policies and regulations, along with subsidized fuel prices, are slowing down the implementation of renewable resource options. This study will illustrate the potential, the challenges, and the barriers of implementing renewable energy technologies in the GCC region. In addition, this research empirically examines the impact of renewable energy sources and other factors in the GCC countries. This study can be used as a screening tool, decision making tool, benchmarking tool and guidance of sustainable development.

A low-temperature process for lithium extraction from lithium-bearing mineral: Conversion behavior and mechanisms

Lithium extraction from lithium-bearing clay mineral (LiBC) has received significant attention due to the increasing demand of lithium for the advanced renewable energy industry. However, the low contents of valuable elements and stable physiochemical properties of LiBC result in high energy consumption and low efficiency in extracting lithium from LiBC. This study demonstrates a low-temperature strategy using (NH4)2SO4 as an additive to effectively extract lithium from LiBC. In details, the thermodynamic analysis verifies that Li, Al, and Fe can be converted to sulfates at 250–450 °C during thermal treatment, indicating the possibility for extraction of Li under low-temperature conditions. Subsequently, the leaching behavior of lithium under different roasting temperatures and water leaching conditions was investigated. The results show that 83.43 % of Li can be extracted under optimized conditions. The mechanism study was carried out through a number of characterization techniques including 3D microscope, TG-DSC, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. It reveals that formation of liquidus phase of molten salt is the key to achieve low-temperature roasting and transfer and reactions at the interface of molten salt and LiBC can be significantly enhanced that can easily breakdown the interlayer structures. Consequently, it offers distinct advantages, since the roasting temperature can be significantly decreased with minor impurity ions being leached into the solutions. This research therefore provides an efficient and environmentally friendly method for lithium extraction from minerals.

Nano Material Innovation in Enhancing Corrosion Resistance of Offshore Structures

Offshore structures are constantly exposed to the corrosive marine environment, causing significant material degradation and potentially jeopardizing structural integrity. This research explores recent innovations in nanomaterial technology to improve the corrosion resistance of offshore structures. The main focus is given to the development of nano-composite coatings incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes. An electrophoretic deposition method was used to apply the coatings on steel substrates, followed by characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed a significant improvement in corrosion resistance, with the nano-composite coatings exhibiting a reduction in corrosion rate of up to 85% compared to conventional coatings. In addition, these coatings exhibited superior adhesion and abrasion resistance in simulated extreme marine conditions. These findings highlight the great potential of nanomaterials in extending the service life and improving the reliability of offshore structures, with important implications for the oil and gas and offshore renewable energy industries.

Micro-mechanisms of digitalization-driven financing for renewable energy: Growing capital pools and shifting flows

Recent facts from China suggest that the advancement of digitalization is altering the market expectations regarding renewable energy. Limited studies have offered evidence encompassing the stock effect of digitalization that enhanced corporate financing and the flow effect that initiated speculative behavior. However, a comprehensive discourse remains insufficient. This paper investigates the synergetic effects of digitalization's stock and flow on renewable energy financing, employing the business data of all listed companies in China from 2003 to 2023. The results demonstrate that: (1) Digitalization's stock has expanded the potential fund pool for renewable energy financing, yet it is challenging to influence the flow of funds; digitalization's flow has triggered a flood of funds into the renewable energy industry, but this relies on the new investors attracted by the stock. (2) The synergetic effect governs the systematic influence of digitalization on renewable energy financing and mitigates the measurement bias when considering only a single effect. (3) We further contemplate the indirect effects of renewable energy market expansion, technological progress, and global energy market fluctuations, alleviating concerns regarding the omitted variable bias. The results of the differential regression and generalized method of moments also indicate the robustness of the conclusion.

Assessing the potential of collaborative innovation strategies to drive green development: Threshold effect of market competition

Environmental management literature suggests that elevating the total factor productivity (TFP) of the renewable energy (RE) industry is pivotal for achieving green development. With intensifying market competition in the RE sector, collaborative innovation (COI) has emerged as a crucial strategic choice for enterprises to address developmental bottlenecks. To assess the potential of COI in driving green development, we leveraged data from 114 Chinese RE enterprises from 2011 to 2022. The research findings indicate: (1) COI significantly enhances the TFP of RE enterprises; this enhancement primarily stems from the positive influence of COI on innovation capabilities. (2) The positive effects of COI on TFP manifest only when market competition surpasses a certain threshold level. (3) COI significantly impacts the TFP of small and medium-sized RE enterprises in the growth stage.

Lightweight innovation ADIs help development of renewable energy and new technology industries in China

Lightweight innovation ADIs help development of renewable energy and new technology industries in China

Can Technological Advancement Empower the Future of Renewable Energy? A Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach

Energy is pivotal in achieving sustainable development’s economic, social, and environmental objectives. However, to attain this crucial goal, it is essential to focus on the type of energy we generate and the methods by which we use them. The availability, accessibility, and use of green technologies have improved significantly since the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This paper applies the pooled mean group Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG ARDL) model from 2000 to 2021 to 11 countries that, according to the Climate Council, are most affected by environmental degradation issues and are taking new initiatives to reduce their emissions. The results indicate a significant relationship between renewable energy consumption and technological advancements in the short and long term. However, there needs to be more of the literature about the negative impact of research and development on renewable energy consumption. The findings of this paper can assist policymakers in determining effective strategies in the renewable energy sector, as any technological advancement is an innovative way to transform the renewable energy industry completely. By optimizing energy production and reducing costs, technological advancement can help a country achieve its renewable energy goals.

Interactive Cycles between Energy Education and Energy Preferences: A Literature Review on Empirical Evidence

The ultimate goal of energy education is to cultivate citizens with energy literacy, which in turn influences the energy preferences of the general public. Various aspects, such as teaching, practice, publicity, and participation, all profoundly impact the formation of energy literacy. This study reviews the role of energy education in educational policy-making, the operation of educational systems, the design of innovative energy industry environments, and public participation. Through a systematic review, this study integrates empirical research across various contexts and environments. The relevant topics of empirical research include ‘energy education’, ‘energy literacy’, ‘energy preferences’, ‘energy education policy’, ‘operation of energy education systems’, ‘creation of a renewable energy industry environment’, and ‘public participation’. These studies indicate that energy education can enhance participants’ awareness of energy through knowledge transfer, enabling them to adopt more effective energy solutions and cultivate citizens with energy literacy. Energy education not only shapes the public’s energy literacy but also further influences energy preferences, which in turn can have profound effects on social interactions, market outcomes, and political and social systems. Finally, from the perspectives of ‘educational shaping’ and ‘cultural shaping’, the research explores the impact of energy education on the energy environment and people’s values. The findings reveal that society gradually forms a consensus on energy through long-term interactions, establishing a unique energy culture that subsequently influences the direction and implementation of national energy policies. There exist interactive cycles between energy education and energy policy: energy education influences public energy preferences, while energy culture, in turn, affects policy formulation.

Circular Economy Models in Renewable Energy: Technological Innovations and Business Viability

The transitions from fossil-based energy to renewable energy are deeply connected with circular economy solutions for business development and innovation. This paper aims to evaluate to what extent innovation in renewable energy can be used to advance circular economy strategies, with emphasis on the business aspect. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis, the research analyzes case contributions of a number of RES projects that apply CE principles. It also focuses on the main issues which specialists encounter while implementing these models and considers their economic feasibility. The results show that circular economy principles present renewable energy firms with tremendous potential for enhancing resource use efficiency and financial performance. This research provides practical recommendations aimed at the stakeholders in terms of constructing a more sustainable energy system. In doing so this research adds novelty by identifying the technological factors as advocates for implementing circular economy models to support business outcomes within the renewable energy industry.

Impact analysis of the four-party evolutionary game in renewable portfolio standard under dynamic parameters

Renewable portfolio standard has become the primary policy tool to improve the integration of renewable energy. The motivation of the parties involved and the formulation of the policy parameters are crucial for the rapid development of renewable energy industry. However, the role of large consumers has often been neglected as the main party for renewable energy consumption, and the policy parameters have been dominated by static parameters. This paper innovatively introduces large consumers into the evolutionary game, constructs a four-party revenue matrix and the replicated dynamic equations, analyzes the equilibrium conditions of the evolutionary game, and constructs the functions of the key dynamic parameters over time, then simulates the behavioral strategies of the game players under the dynamic parameters with a system dynamics model. The optimal strategy is regulators waive regulation, while power plants, large consumers and power sales companies fulfill their quotas. Dynamic fines, dynamic quotas, and dynamic consumption prices have a large impact on each player, while dynamic TGC prices have a limited impact on them. Reasonably high fines in the initial stage are effective in facilitating each player to its stable state more quickly than static fines. Even if the fine is reduced in the later stages, it will not affect their strategies. High quotas and low consumption prices will significantly accelerate the exit of regulators from regulation, while power sales companies and large consumers will quickly fulfill their quota tasks. Only power generators prefer low quotas and high consumption prices. These results provide some recommendations for the setting of policy parameters.

Coal ash resources and potential for rare earth element production in the United States

The renewable energy industry is heavily reliant on rare earth elements, underscoring the need to develop resources and production. The objective of this work was to estimate coal ash resources and potential for extraction of rare earth elements using data for the US. Data on spatiotemporal variability in coal ash resources and disposition were compiled from various federal databases and rare earth elements levels in ash were compiled from the literature. Results show that ~ 52 gigatons (Gt) of coal were produced in the US (1950–2021). Power plants account for most of the coal use, particularly since 1980. Coal ash (5.3 Gt) represents a mean of 10% of coal by weight, ranging from 6% for subbituminous to 14% for lignite. About 70% of coal ash is potentially accessible for rare earth element extraction (1985–2021) and was disposed in landfills and ponds with the remaining coal ash used onsite or sold. Median values of total rare earth elements are much higher in ashes derived from the Appalachian Basin (median 431 mg/kg) than in the Illinois (282 mg/kg) or Powder River basins (264 mg/kg). Considering the market value of rare earth oxides, potentially accessible ash volumes, and percent rare earth element extraction (30% Appalachian and Illinois Basins; 70% Powder River Basin) results in an estimated $8.4 billion value. This study provides fundamental information on accessible coal ash resources in the US, linkages to coal sources, and preliminary estimates of rare earth element levels for future development within the US.