Renewable Schemes Research Articles

RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES IN PAKISTAN: PAVING A WAY FORWARD

Pakistan has 2.83 percent of the world's population, making it the fifth-mostpopulated country. At 0.37 percent of the world's total, it ranks 35th in energy usage. Per capita, energyavailability is 43W, 1/7th of the world average. Pakistan's installed capacity is 34233 MW, however, itcan only generate 22000 MW against a peak load of 25000 MW, generating a 3000MW powershortfall. Not using the existing capacity, which is 8000MW larger than the peak load, is a sore issuefor technical, economical, and administrative reasons. Circular debt in the electricity sector stems fromsignificant reliance on imported petroleum and inefficient financial flow across tiers. The electricityshortage causes outages and hinders economic progress. The energy problem calls for concrete actionsto alleviate the shortfall. A way ahead is to transition the country's power industry from imported oilbasedthermalpowerplantstomorefeasibleindigenousresources,suchasrenewableenergyresources,
 of which Pakistan is rich and has great exploitation potential. This article surveys the availability ofrenewable energy sources, including hydro, solar, wind, and biomass, and their present and prospectivepenetration in the total power generating mix, with recommendations. Pakistan can extract 30 GWfrom hydropower and 11 GW from wind by 2030. According to estimates, a vast untapped potential ofsolar power must be brought into service with biogas as a supplement to meet future power needs. Thecomparative analysis has been done by doing a case study on different renewable energy strategies andtechniques adopted by other countries.

A new approach for modelling techno-economic performance of integrated energy systems on district scale for informed decision-making in a multi-stakeholder context

To better support informed decision-making around renewable heating strategies on local scale, a new methodology was developed for simulating integrated heating scenarios. This paper proposes, describes and demonstrates the modeling methodology with a focus on a variety of KPIs, allowing a more inclusive evaluation of technical options, systems and scenarios. Key KPIs include system costs, CO2 emissions, mitigation costs and end-user costs and investments. Key function of the model is an in-depth cost analysis by a breakdown of costs among types of measures (home equipment, insulation, local equipment and infrastructure), cost components (investments, O&M, taxes, subsidies) and stakeholders (system, government, owner-occupiers, renters, real estate owners, grid operators and local entrepreneurs). The methodology was applied to a fictive Dutch neighbourhood according to the urban and building typology provided in the paper. The results of six scenarios show large variety in costs among scenarios with significantly higher costs than the reference scenario in all scenarios, with scenario ‘hybrid’ and ‘efficiency’ presenting the best potential of becoming cost-competitive with the reference scenario in 2030. The method is suitable for evaluating a wide diversity of settings and contexts.

Research on the Spatial Perception of Stakeholders in Brownfield Redevelopment Based on Value Compatibility Analysis

Under the current urban renewal background, the subjective attitude of stakeholders directly affects the feasibility of planning projects in the development or protection activities related to brownfield redevelopment. It is key that the public effectively participates in planning and decision-making to explore the suitable expression method of public attitude. In this paper, Jigang, Jinan, Shandong Province is taken as an example. By using participatory mapping and semi-structural interviews, the landscape perceived value of 365 (342 valid) stakeholders in the original site of Jigang is investigated. By using hot spot analysis, correspondence analysis and compatibility index analysis, the spatial composition of public perceived landscape value, the correspondence between landscape value and land use and its compatibility with existing conservation and renewal schemes are revealed. On this basis, three types of brownfield land redevelopment attitude areas are identified. The results show that: 1. The attitude of Jinan Iron and Steel Group’s renewal based on the degree of compatibility is location-dependent, and the spatial difference analysis of this attitude provides more detailed data support for the protection and renewal design, planning management and conflict control; 2. The landscape perceived value of case stakeholders has regularity in spatial distribution and is related to a certain material landscape foundation (land use), which is beneficial in explaining the possible social phenomena caused by landscape change; 3. Participatory cartography combined with landscape value investigation provides an effective method for the study of perceived landscape. Through cartographic visualization, statistical analysis and index model construction, the spatial structure characteristics of perceived landscape value can be revealed. It can provide effective decision support for brownfield urban renewal projects, solve the problem that the current upper-level planning of such renewal is not matched with the actual demand, and improve the vitality of brownfield sites in the development area.

The impact of biomass production on economic growth at the EU level

As the European Union (EU) strives for sustainable economic growth and renewable energy sources, this study investigates the critical relationship between biomass production and economic development. Using rigorous econometric analysis, it was explored the impact of biomass production on GDP per capita as a proxy for economic growth at the EU level. Biomass, as a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source, holds significant potential for shaping the economic landscape of the EU member states. The research employs a comprehensive dataset and econometric models to analyze the dynamic interactions between biomass production and GDP per capita, while considering other relevant economic and environmental factors. By focusing on the EU as a collective entity, the aim of the paper is to provide a holistic view of how biomass production influences economic growth in a region committed to sustainability and reduced carbon emissions. The findings of this study are expected to offer valuable insights for policymakers, energy industry stakeholders, and researchers, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the feasibility and benefits of biomass as a driver of economic growth within the EU. The results will illuminate the multifaceted relationship between renewable energy strategies and economic well-being, guiding future decisions on sustainable energy policies at both regional and national levels. Through this research, the aim is to deepen the understanding of the complex dynamics between biomass production and economic growth in the context of the EU, ultimately serving the broader goals of energy sustainability, reduced environmental impact, and economic prosperity.

A Novel Approach to Charcoal Fine Waste: Sustainable Use as Filling of Polymeric Matrices.

Most composites produced come from fossil fuel sources. Renewable strategies are needed for the production of composites. Charcoal fines are considered waste and an alternative for the production of biocomposites. The charcoal fines resulting from the pyrolysis of any biomass are an efficient alternative for the production of green composites. Studies to understand how the pyrolysis parameters influence the properties of this material for the production of biocomposites are necessary. Charcoal has a high carbon content and surface area, depending on final production temperatures. This study aims to evaluate charcoal fines as potential reinforcing agents in biocomposites. This study investigated for the first time charcoal fines from three pyrolysis temperatures (400, 600, and 800 °C) to identify the most suitable charcoal for use as a raw material in the production of carbon biocomposites with 30% by weight incorporated into a polyester matrix composite. Apparent density, porosity, morphology, and immediate chemical composition and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of charcoal fines were evaluated. The charcoal fines produced at 800 °C showed interesting potential as polymeric matrix fillers due to their higher porosity (81.08%), fixed carbon content (96.77%), and hydrophobicity. The biocomposites were analyzed for flexural and tensile strength and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed an improvement in resistance at elevated temperatures, especially at 800 °C, with higher breaking strength (84.11 MPa), modulus of elasticity (4064.70 MPa), and traction (23.53 MPa). Scanning electron microscopy revealed an improvement in morphology, with a decrease in roughness at 800 °C, which caused greater adhesion to the polyester matrix. These results revealed a promising new biocomposite compared to other natural lignocellulosic polymeric composites (NLFs) in engineering applications.

Renewable energy strategy analysis in relation to environmental pollution for BRICS, G7, and EU countries by using a machine learning framework and panel data analysis

The present research uses machine learning, panel data and time series prediction and forecasting techniques to establish a framework between a series of renewable energy and environmental pollution parameters, considering data for BRICS, G7, and EU countries, which can serve as a tool for optimizing the policy strategy in the sustainable energy production sector. The results indicates that XGBoost model for predicting the renewable energy production capacity reveals the highest feature importance among independent variables is associated with the gas consumption parameter in the case of G7, oil consumption for EU block and GHG emissions for BRICS, respectively. Furthermore, the generalized additive model (GAM) predictions for the EU block reveal the scenario of relatively constant renewable energy capacity if gas consumption increases, while oil consumption increases determine an increase in renewable energy capacity until a kick point, followed by a decrease. The GAM models for G7 revealed the scenario of an upward trend of renewable energy production capacity, as gas consumption increases and renewable energy production capacity decreases while oil consumption increases. In the case of the BRICS geopolitical block, the prediction scenario reveals that, in time, an increase in gas consumption generates an increase in renewable energy production capacity. The PCA emphasizes that renewable energy production capacity and GHG, respectively CO2 emissions, are highly correlated and are integrated into the first component, which explains more than 60% of the variance. The resulting models represent a good prediction capacity and reveal specific peculiarities for each analyzed geopolitical block. The prediction models conclude that the EU economic growth scenario is based on fossil fuel energy sources during the first development stage, followed by a shift to renewable energy sources once it reaches a kick point, during the second development stage. The decrease in renewable energy production capacity when oil consumption increases indicates that fossil fuels are in trend within the G7 economy. In the case of BRICS, it is assumed that gas consumption appears because of increasing the industrial capacity, followed by the increase of economic sustainability, respectively. In addition, the generalized additive models emphasize evolution scenarios with different peculiarities, specific for each analyzed geopolitical block.

Is the digital economy conducive to the development of renewable energy in Asia?

To achieve carbon neutrality targets, Asian countries have formulated renewable energy development strategies, among which digitalization has provided sufficient development impetus for the energy transition. By using the IV-GMM technique, this paper explores the impact of the digital economy on renewable energy generation (REG) in Asian countries from 2003 to 2019, and further investigates the moderating effect of financial development, political stability, and the rule of law. The results indicate that the digital economy has a positive effect on REG. Moreover, financial development, political stability, and the rule of law positively moderate the nexus between the digital economy and REG. In addition, compared to developing Asian countries, the promotion effect of the digital economy on REG is more significant in developed Asian countries. Finally, in terms of regional heterogeneity, the impacts of the digital economy on REG are only significantly positive in East and South Asian countries. Asian countries should actively develop digital industries, build a stable political environment, enhance financial services, and achieve low-carbon energy transition in the region.

A Qualitative Narrative of the Lived Experiences of Informal Settlements Dwellers within Port Harcourt Municipality during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The formation of informal settlements is increasing rapidly, especially in some developing economies such as the Port Harcourt Municipality in Nigeria. These settlements are vulnerable to several urban challenges from natural and anthropogenic disasters, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The landscape of Port Harcourt Municipality is inundated with the proliferation of informal urban settlements especially around its southern fringes, which has engendered these settlements to become vulnerable to the vagaries of any occurring disaster such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study attempts to unfold residents' lived experiences in these informal settlements to get the narratives of their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of forty-one (41) informal settlements were identified, out of which three (3) of those settlements (Okrika, Nembe and Ibadan) were selected purposively due to ease of accessibility, safety and spread around the municipality. The study adopted the qualitative approach by applying semi-structured interviews with key informants in these selected informal settlements. A total of nine (9) key informants were selected, with three (3) comprising the head of the community development committee (CDC), Youth and Women representatives from each settlement were interviewed. In addition, photographs of these selected informal settlements were taken to depict the characteristics of those settlements. Content analysis was used to analyse the outcome of the interviews. Some key findings include poor orientation of residents regarding disease spread, no effective urban renewal scheme to improve residents' quality of life, no proper planning of those settlements and residents were not included in the planning of those settlements. This study recommends proper enlightenment of residents regarding the management of disease spread. The provision of sustainable measures that will build resilience and adaptive capacities for the dwellers and continuous urban renewal schemes to ensure the provision of basic social infrastructure that would improve the residents' quality of life. However, the study concludes that the identification and characterisation of informal settlements will provide a better understanding and knowledge of the settlements as a resource to improve the social and economic conditions of the dwellers, distribution of infrastructural facilities and services, and wealth, thereby enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of the residents and the general urban affairs as this will equally present opportunities for proper urban planning and management.

Enhancing extracellular electron transfer through selective enrichment of Geobacter with Fe@CN-modified carbon-based anode in microbial fuel cells.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been demonstrated as a renewable energy strategy to efficiently recover chemical energy stored in wastewater into clean electricity, yet the limited power density limits their practical application. Here, Fe-doped carbon and nitrogen (Fe@CN) nanoparticles were synthesized by a direct pyrolysis process, which was further decorated to fabricate Fe@CN carbon paper anode. The modified Fe@CN anode with a higher electrochemically active surface area was not only benefit for the adhesion of electrochemically active microorganisms (EAMs) and extracellular electron transfer (EET) between the anode and EAMs but also selectively enriched Geobacter, a typical EAMs species. Accordingly, the MFCs with Fe@CN anode successfully achieved a highest voltage output of 792.76mV and a prolonged stable voltage output of 300h based on the mixed culture feeding with acetate. Most importantly, the electroactive biofilms on Fe@CN anode achieved more content ratio of proteins to polysaccharides (1.40) in extracellular polymeric substances for the balance between EET and cell protection under a harsh environment. This work demonstrated the feasibility of development on anode catalysts for the elaboration of the catalytic principle about interface modification, which may contribute to the practical application of MFC in energy generation and wastewater treatment.

Feasibility analysis of achieving net-zero emissions in China's power sector before 2050 based on ideal available pathways

The decarbonization of the power sector is crucial for achieving the dual‑carbon target in China. Several low-carbon transition pathways have already been proposed. This study develops the CAS-power bottom-up model and a scenario matrix to examine the feasibility of achieving a net-zero emissions power sector before 2050 in China's power sector. Then explore available strategies mix and the corresponding cost changes in different carbon neutrality years. Additionally, the method in this study can be applied to calculate carbon neutrality year and related transition costs. The results show that, first, China's power sector can successfully achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 and 2045 at the earliest. Second, net-zero emissions need to utilize a flexible combination of various mitigation strategies. Among mitigation strategies, renewable energy is indispensable and vital in contributing to a net-zero emission power system. Enhancing the implementation of clean nuclear energy is better than CCS to advance net-zero emissions time when renewable energy strategy is utilized on a large-scale basis, especially in deeply decarbonization situations. Third, the earlier net-zero emissions are achieved, the higher the total cost will be. Last, under the same neutrality year, the total cost will be the highest if carbon capture and storage (CCS) is massively utilized, and renewable energy and storage-related costs account for the majority during the low-carbon transition process. This study suggests that a flexible and rational mix of policies is essential to achieve decarbonization in the power sector and policymakers should constantly adjust incentive options to adapt to changes in mitigation strategies at different stages.

Development of immobilised sunlight active W-Mo/Mo-V/V-W co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst by plasma electrolytic oxidation

W-Mo/Mo-V/V-W co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst for the effective degradation of MB (methylene blue) dye under sunlight irradiation was successfully prepared by one-step Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) process. The XRD, XPS, and EDS results revealed that W/Mo/V were co-doped in the TiO2 lattice. The highest redshift in the light absorption edge is recorded for the sample MV (Mo-V co-doped TiO2) with a bandgap of 2.51 eV, whereas the bandgaps for WM (W-Mo co-doped TiO2) and VW (V-W co-doped TiO2) are recorded as 2.96 eV and 2.58 eV, respectively. The co-doped photocatalysts show a typical PEO structure with a high degree of porosity favouring the dye adsorption ability. EIS, LSV, and PL analysis confirmed that the co-doped coatings pose a high degree of charge separation, suppressed charge carriers' recombination, and increased the ability to produce photocurrent. Under direct sunlight irradiation, the sample MV showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency, confirmed by MB dye degradation, then the other co-doped and undoped TiO2. This can be attributed to the synergetic effects of intense visible light absorption in the solar spectrum and the reduced charge carriers' recombination rate by acting as the trapping sites for photogenerated electrons and holes. Finally, this immobilised co-doped photocatalyst developed by the PEO process is a promising system in the quest to establish a renewable energy-assisted strategy for textile wastewater treatment application. • Developed direct sunlight active W-Mo/Mo-V/V-W co-doped TiO 2 on Cp-Ti by PEO. • Mo-V co-doped TiO 2 (Eg of 2.41 eV) shows the highest redshift in light absorption. • Immobilised Mo-V co-doped TiO 2 shows the highest dye degradation and mineralisation. • Low Eg and e + /h − recombination rate is due to the synergetic effect of V and Mo.

Evaluation Of Nearly Zero Energy Residential Buildings Design Strategies In Three Climatic Zones In Jordan

Designing zero or near zero-energy residential buildings will considerably help in reducing the general energy consumption. Geographically, Jordan retains three different altitude zones with unique climatic conditions for each which imperatively entails deploying different approaches to attain near zero-energy houses. This study aims to investigate the best economic feasible design strategies that possibly lead to near zero-energy residential buildings. Based on the most common detached house design-layout and materials on each zone, three case study houses were designed. The research methodology was based on three levels of efficiency. By using Design Builder, each efficiency level was examined by three design strategies: passive, active, and renewable energy design strategies in order to improve the energy performance of the buildings. The results showed that implementing the three levels concurrently would result in achieving the nearly zero-energy houses with efficient cost and less than 10 years payback period. In the high-land altitude zone, the annual consumption of power was reduced from 79.1 kwh/m2 to -13.6 kwh/m2. For the medium altitude zone, the annual consumption dropped down from 78.8 kwh/m2 to -16.5 kwh/m2. Finally, the annual consumption of electricity in the low-latitude zone decreased from 75.7 kwh/m2 to -21.1 kwh/m2.

The Impact of Traditional Raw Earth Dwellings’ Envelope Retrofitting on Energy Saving: A Case Study from Zhushan Village, in West of Hunan, China

This study presents the CO2 emissions and energy performance of traditional raw earth dwellings’ envelope retrofitting located in the Zhushan Village, western Hunan Province, China. The numerical simulations of heating energy consumption on the building models were performed using DesignBuilder, an energy simulation program. The energy performance was evaluated using the indexes (including energy consumption, CO2 emissions, heat balance analysis, and air temperature profiles). The detailed evaluation process of the energy performance is presented as follows. First, the current situation was analyzed through the field research, and two typical building models were built. Second, all schemes were simulated using the DesignBuilder software. Subsequently, the four main retrofit measures (replacing the external insulation windows, setting the external wall insulation layer, setting the roof insulation layer, and setting the ceiling insulation layer) were analyzed, respectively. The optimal parameters of the respective retrofit measure were calculated. Lastly, a multi-objective optimization analysis was conducted on all retrofit plans using the coupling method. In the winter, the results indicated that the “I-shape” dwelling heat consumption of the enclosure structure was reduced by 12.8 kW·h/m2, and the CO2 emissions were reduced by 882.8 kg. While in the benchmark building, the results showed that the “L-shape” dwelling heat consumption of the enclosure structure was decreased by 13.27 kW·h/m2, and the CO2 emissions were reduced by 894.4 kg. As the renewal scheme has been progressively implemented, the whole Zhushan Village will save energy by 11.2 × 104 kW·h after the insulation renewal of the envelope structure is completed.

Tax-reducing incentive and corporate green performance: What we learn from China

Using a large sample of Chinese firms for the period 2008–2019, we provide strong and robust evidence that tax-reducing incentives are positively associated with corporate environmental performance. Previous research has found that tax reduction incentives can promote green performance by improving the total factor productivity of firms and provide long-term benefits. This facilitation is highly effective among non-state-controlled renewable energy companies. After grouping the tax reduction incentives according to the 25th quantile, it was found that with an increase in the tax reduction incentive intensity among different groups, the green environmental protection performance of enterprises presents an inverted V-shaped characteristic wherein promotion is followed by inhibition. Furthermore, we show that the positive relationship between tax incentives and green performance weakens when firms face uncertainty in their external environment. The conclusions of this paper can help government decision-makers identify the source of green performance improvement, optimize the design of fiscal policy, and then formulate an effective renewable energy development strategy to accelerate the green transformation of Chinese enterprises.

Adopting Clean Technologies to Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Africa: a Systematic Literature Review

The phenomenon of deforestation is occurring globally, in different types of forests, and for various reasons. In Africa, an estimated 90 per cent of the entire continent’s population uses wood as a source energy for heating and cooking. However, the unsustainable harvesting of trees for heating energy not only contribute to forest and environmental degradation, but it is also a significant contributor to ill health, air pollution and climate change. Reducing the resulting adverse of ecological and health consequences will have to involve a mix of adopting renewable fuels and natural resource sustainable strategies. To date, implementing this mix has shown significant challenges, especially in developing countries. We performed this systematic literature review (SLR) to help us better understand how research is approaching this mix in Africa. We screened 792 articles resulting in a final selection of 34 studies concerned with environmental sciences. The review drew on qualitative, quantitative, and regional studies and applying a standardized method for screening, data extraction and synthesis. The findings reveal that current research focuses dominantly in four key areas: (1) renewable technology transfer, (2) climate change-adaptability, (3) climate policy, and (4) technology adoption. However, we identified a literature gap on the thin literature concerned with the impact of clean technologies to improving the environment and people’s wellbeing. We propose planning a tool that would facilitate this process and suggest further research to incorporate monitoring its effectiveness.

Investigation and analysis of effective approaches, opportunities, bottlenecks and future potential capabilities for digitalization of energy systems and sustainable development goals

Taking into consideration of substantial role of energy system and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in modern society, it is critical to analyse current situation and forthcoming renewable energy development strategies under the impact of COVID-19. For this purpose, this paper provides significant new insights to assess effective approaches, opportunities, challenges and future potential capabilities for the development of energy systems and SDGs under on-going pandemic and in case of a future global crisis. The digital energy systems with Industry 4.0 (I4.0), which provide noteworthy solutions such as enhancing energy efficiency policy, providing clean, secure and efficient energy and achieving SDG targets, has been discussed and evaluated. Integration of the smart grid (SG) architecture with blockchain-Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies is also offered. Alongside the various discussions, short-term, mid-term and long-term plans have been suggested in determining the well-defined renewable energy development and SDGs targets, struggling with climate change, transition to a more sustainable energy future and reaching global net-zero emissions. To achieve SDGs and provide more strong and sustainable energy systems under the continuing pandemic and in case of potential risk of forthcoming global crisis, this paper reveals significant perceptions that inform politicians and legislators in performing successful policy decisions.

Concurrent 21. Presentation for: Hydrogen storage potential of depleted oil and gas fields in Western Australia

Presented on Thursday 19 May: Session 21 The global subsurface hydrogen storage industry is at an embryonic stage and is currently dominated by a handful of manufactured salt caverns worldwide. There are currently no known depleted oil or gas fields used to store pure hydrogen, although there are examples of hydrogen and natural gas mixtures. The Government of Western Australia has developed a renewable hydrogen strategy with a vision for Western Australia becoming a significant producer, exporter and user of renewable hydrogen. An element of the strategy and roadmap includes the possibility of utilising depleted oil and gas fields for transitory geological storage of hydrogen. The physical characteristics of hydrogen are quite different to natural gases and a number of potential loss mechanisms need to be considered for transitory geological storage. Currently, 30 renewable energy projects with associated hydrogen generation are proposed or being considered in Western Australia. It is assumed that some, if not all, of these projects may require transitory geological storage of hydrogen. An assessment of the required storage potential has been made and 23 onshore depleted oil and gas fields of the onshore northern Perth Basin and Carnarvon Basin were screened for their suitability to satisfy the storage requirements of a renewable hydrogen industry. Seven fields were then selected as suitable candidates for transitory hydrogen geological storage sites. To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here

Investment and Production Strategies of Renewable Energy Power under the Quota and Green Power Certificate System

In order to study the impact of a renewable energy quota and green power certificate system on the strategies of energy suppliers, this paper constructs a multi-stage game model of renewable energy power investment and production from the renewable energy interest chain and its stakeholders. Through the calculation and solution of the model, the optimal renewable energy utilization level, pricing and production strategies of renewable energy power of energy suppliers are calculated under the scenarios of direct sale of power and purchase and sale by power grids. The results show that the quota ratio, green certificate price and investment cost are the key influencing factors of energy suppliers’ strategies, and changes in the values of the three factors will completely change the renewable energy investment, pricing and production levels of energy suppliers in equilibrium. In addition, the study found that the impact of the renewable energy quota on renewable energy utilization levels of energy suppliers depends on the relative size of investment cost and green power certificate price. At the same time, it was also found that with a change in investment cost, green power certificate price and user preference, the market share and renewable energy utilization level of traditional energy suppliers and new energy suppliers also change.

Hydrogen storage potential of depleted oil and gas fields in Western Australia

The global subsurface hydrogen storage industry is at an embryonic stage and is currently dominated by a handful of manufactured salt caverns worldwide. There are currently no known depleted oil or gas fields used to store pure hydrogen, although there are examples of hydrogen and natural gas mixtures. The Government of Western Australia has developed a renewable hydrogen strategy with a vision for Western Australia becoming a significant producer, exporter and user of renewable hydrogen. An element of the strategy and roadmap includes the possibility of utilising depleted oil and gas fields for transitory geological storage of hydrogen. The physical characteristics of hydrogen are quite different to natural gases and a number of potential loss mechanisms need to be considered for transitory geological storage. Currently, 30 renewable energy projects with associated hydrogen generation are proposed or being considered in Western Australia. It is assumed that some, if not all, of these projects may require transitory geological storage of hydrogen. An assessment of the required storage potential has been made and 23 onshore depleted oil and gas fields of the onshore northern Perth Basin and Carnarvon Basin were screened for their suitability to satisfy the storage requirements of a renewable hydrogen industry. Seven fields were then selected as suitable candidates for transitory hydrogen geological storage sites.

Barriers in European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) aquaculture: What we know so far?

AbstractPalinurids, also known as spiny lobsters, are high‐value seafood, which is economically important for many European and Asian seafood trades. However, the reduction of wild European spiny lobster populations produces a need for developing alternative renewable strategies to meet current and future demands. Aquaculture of spiny lobsters has the potential to become of major economic importance in the coming years with growing markets in Asia, Europe, and America, with Palinurus elephas being a promising candidate species for use in the commercial culture and stock enhancement of natural fisheries. This is due to its shorter larval periods and rapid growth to the critical puerulus stage compared with other spiny lobster species. While we have a basic understanding of the lifecycle and biology of P. elephas, much of this is based on work undertaken on similar species globally. There are many gaps in our knowledge that need to be addressed to make its aquaculture viable with appropriate feeds being an immediate issue as well as many other husbandry‐related factors. Previous studies act as a platform providing a baseline for further research and highlighting constraints. Developments in the use of P. elephas are promising due to realistically bridgeable knowledge gaps, the likelihood of producing sustainable food and the high commercial value of spiny lobsters. This review identifies our present state of knowledge and outlines the scope for further research and necessary technological developments to make it a viable contribution towards crustacean aquaculture in Europe.