Renewable Technologies Research Articles

A statistical study for the impact of REMS and nuclear energy on carbon dioxide emissions reductions in G20 countries

Renewable and nuclear energy are seen as clean and eco-friendly substitutes for energy derived from fossil fuels. Which of the two is better, though, is still up for debate. In order to meet their combined global energy objectives and perhaps become carbon neutral or even carbon negative in the near future, a shift to additional renewable energy sources and nuclear energy will be necessary. One such method of improving energy usage through the implementation of a renewable energy management system (REMS) that will help attain a continuous and reliable source of energy, allowing for the proactive and effective management of renewable assets and dependable supply. This article investigates attitudes and opinions about nuclear and renewable energy production technologies by analyzing the dependence of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on non-renewable energy sources, renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy in the group of twenty (G20) countries, over the period from 2000 to 2021. This study employs advanced panel data econometric techniques in the presence of outliers in the G20 dataset, utilizing a robust random coefficient regression (RRCR) model via the M-estimation approach to study the impacts of non-renewable, renewable, and nuclear energy use with respect to CO2 emission mitigation in G20 countries. The overall conclusions of the econometric analysis confirm renewable and nuclear energy's importance in reducing CO2 emissions. We can conclude that the robust M-estimate approach is the best estimation technique for the G20 dataset, as compared to the classical estimation methods in the presence of outliers. The results show that for every percentage point of energy consumption that falls into the category of non-renewable energy, CO2 emissions will increase by 2.5737% for all G20 countries. Also, A 1% rise in renewable energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions by 1.0566% for all G20 countries. Similarly, a 1% increase in nuclear energy consumption will reduce CO2 emissions by 5.5703% for all G20 countries. Therefore, we can conclude that energy derived from renewable sources and nuclear energy greatly cuts CO2 emissions in all G20 countries. Total energy consumption, on the other hand, increases CO2 emissions in the long run. According to these findings, it is pivotal for the G20 countries to increase nuclear energy use and employ REMS to reduce the majority of G20 country's reliance on fossil fuels in order to minimize CO2 emissions. These findings are vital for understanding the relationship between these variables and the implementation of new or revised policies and initiatives supporting carbon neutrality at the G20 countries and national levels.

Recent Developments in the Materials and Miniaturization of Supercapacitors

AbstractHigh‐performing energy storage systems are getting more and more attention due to the rapid growth of renewable energy harvesting technology. To keep pace with it, supercapacitors have emerged a promising energy storage technology providing high power density and long cycle life. In an urge to enhance the energy density without sacrificing the power density, enormous research is going on the exploration of high‐performance electrode materials. Huge modifications in the present synthesis routes and innovations in the new techniques may be attributed to the large‐scale production of potential electrode materials for supercapacitors. This review focuses on the recent advancements in several potential electrode materials for supercapacitors and device miniaturization.

Realizing the Tailored Catalytic Performances on Atomic Pt-Promoted Transition Metal Moieties Implanted Layered Double Hydroxides for Water Electrolysis.

High-performance production of green hydrogen gas is necessary to develop renewable energy generation technology and to safeguard the living environment. This study reports a controllable engineering approach to tailor the structure of nickel-layered double hydroxides via doped and absorbed platinum single atoms (PtSA) promoted by low electronegative transition metal (Mn, Fe) moieties (PtSA-Mn,Fe-Ni LDHs). We explore that the electron donation from neighboring transition metal moieties results in the well-adjusted d-band center with the low valence states of PtSA(doped) and PtSA(ads.), thus optimizing adsorption energy to effectively accelerate the H2 release. Meanwhile, a tailored local chemical environment on transition metal centers with unique charge redistribution and high valence states functions as the main center for H2O catalytic dissociation into oxygen. Therefore, the PtSA-Mn,Fe-Ni LDH material possesses a small overpotential of 42 and 288 mV to reach 10 mA·cm-2 for hydrogen and oxygen evolution, respectively, superior to most reported LDH-based catalysts. Additionally, the mass activity of PtSA-Mn,Fe-Ni LDHs proves to be 15.45 times higher than that of commercial Pt-C. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer stack of PtSA-Mn,Fe-Ni LDHs(+,-) delivers a cell voltage of 1.79 V at 0.5 A·cm-2 and excellent durability over 600 h. This study presents a promising electrocatalyst for a practical water splitting process.

Recent Advances of PtCu Alloy in Electrocatalysis: Innovations and Applications

Developing highly active and durable platinum-based catalysts is crucial for electrochemical renewable energy conversion technologies but the limited supply and high cost of platinum have hindered their widespread implementation. The incorporation of non-noble metals, particularly copper, into Pt catalysts has been demonstrated as an effective solution to reduce Pt consumption while further promoting their performance, making them promising for various electrocatalytic reactions. This review summarizes the latest advances in PtCu-based alloy catalysts over the past several years from both synthetic and applied perspectives. In the synthesis section, the selection of support and reagents, synthesis routes, as well as post-treatment methods at high temperatures are reviewed. The application section focuses not only on newly proposed electrochemical reactions such as nitrogen-related reactions and O2 reduction but also extends to device-level applications. The discussion in this review aims to provide further insights and guidance for the development of PtCu electrocatalysts for practical applications.

Unveiling the evolution and future prospects: A comprehensive review of low-carbon transition in the coal power industry

Transitioning to low-carbon coal power plants is critical in addressing climate change, given the significant contribution of coal-fired power generation to global CO2 emissions. Our understanding of the low-carbon transition in the coal power sector has significantly advanced in recent decades. However, the sector's transition remains contentious due to methodological disparities, inconsistent datasets, and varying assumptions across existing studies, which pose challenges for predicting future research trajectories and actions. To address this issue, we developed a Document-based Information Mining and Statistical Analysis Method, conducting a comprehensive review, bibliometric analysis, and comparative study of 1905 journal articles and 14 databases sourced from international authorities. Our quantitative analysis reveals a notable upswing in publications and international collaborative efforts in coal power transition research, with average growth rates of 8.6%, 9.3%, and 3.7% for authors, countries, and institutions, respectively. These studies depict diverse transition trajectories, projecting global and Chinese coal power capacities ranging from 58-927 GW and 0-395 GW in 2050, driven by six key uncertainties such as carbon budgets and energy demand variations, and advancements in CCUS and renewable technologies. We categorized 44 major coal-dependent countries into three groups based on their engagement with coal power transition research, identified three potential transition patterns aligned with temperature control goals, and outlined four distinct research stages in the evolution of coal power transition. Drawing from these insights, we conclude with valuable perspectives on the expansion of international collaboration, reduction of transition uncertainty, focus for future research, and mitigation of transition risks.

Decentralized solutions for island states: Enhancing energy resilience through renewable technologies

Decentralized grid solutions could be a feasible alternative to improve resilience and mitigate cascading effects in island states. Our study explores approaches that reduce the risk of infrastructure failures and promote decentralized utility planning in islands. A novel framework is proposed to conduct a power system resilience assessment by integrating vulnerability assessments and energy system modelling approaches through network analysis. The framework is applied to an island context, where vulnerability to hydroclimatic hazards, geographic isolation, restricted access to energy sources, small population bases inadequate for substantial infrastructure investments, dependence on imported energy, lack of energy source diversification, and fragile ecosystems have exacerbated energy insecurity. As a case study, we have applied the framework to Cuba. We simulate disruptions in vulnerable network nodes in Cuba to determine the municipalities that are most impacted by the simulated cascading failures. We designed and optimized the lowest cost decentralized solutions to increase resilience either by acting as the baseload electricity source or as a complementary backup system to complement in case of a power outage. Then, the resilience of the designed system was assessed using power system resilience metrics. The study results show Regla municipality in Cuba as the most vulnerable hotspot for electricity distribution. Upon the different system comparisons, ancillary systems outperform backup systems in enhancing power system resilience, especially in the context of a disruptive event, supplying up to 53 MWh/day more, although they have higher investment costs. Based on this research, resource planners and policymakers can understand vulnerable node points and prioritize the necessary investments for the preferred system choice to alleviate impacts of energy insecurity on the Island States.

Integrating Renewable Energy Solutions in Small-Scale Industrial Facilities

The purpose of this study was to analyze the economical suitability of numerous on-site renewable electricity generation technologies which were intended to be used in a recently built industrial facility designed and utilized as a warehouse. The facility was located in the vicinity of Riga, Latvia. Data were collected and calculations were performed within the scope of the project “Mitigating Energy Poverty through Innovative Solutions” as part of several planned activities to address the broad spectrum of energy poverty and self-reliance issues in both the residential sector and small-scale industrial facilities. During the project, evaluations of various renewable energy technologies, including PV installations, wind energy installations, battery storage solutions, and hybrid technologies, were carried out. The aim of these evaluations was to develop an electricity production–consumption model for efficient and cost-effective energy use and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the test facility. A model was created and subsequent research scenarios were developed based on a payback period instead of the net present value criterion. The project was carried out over several steps to develop a calculation methodology. The open access databases of energy resource providers were used to evaluate statistical data and make forecasts for the analysis of the electricity consumption of companies. MATLAB/Simulink 23/2 was used for the data analysis, and the H-TEC method was employed. This made it possible to modulate the required production capacity as the model allowed for the addition of new modules to modules already installed. The project results proved that despite high initial investment costs, renewable energy sources and efficient storage systems can provide cost-effective solutions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the long term.

Comparative multi-objective optimization using neural networks for ejector refrigeration systems with LiBr and LiCl working agents

Education's evolution in the context of energy systems is essential for addressing sustainable energy challenges and developing a workforce equipped for future innovations, emphasizing both formal curricula and informal lifelong learning through successful energy case studies. As the global energy sector transforms to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, innovations in renewable technologies like solar thermal are pivotal for promoting energy security and economic stability, supported by an educational foundation that fosters awareness and technical skills for sustainable development. Exposure to successful renewable energy systems, such as solar-powered refrigeration, offers an informal educational experience that enhances understanding and supports global educational goals, initiating with the innovative design and optimization of these systems using artificial intelligence (neural networks). Based on this formulation, the current article developed two sustainable energy systems by comparing the refrigeration cycles with two different operating fluids and various arrangements, and multi-objective optimization with an evolutionary genetic algorithm is performed for the proposed systems. The studied systems are refrigeration cycles using an ejector and without an ejector with two working fluids of lithium bromide and lithium chloride. The present work's main aim is to examine the working fluid and refrigeration system arrangements. Energy and economic modeling were performed for the proposed systems, and then parametric analysis and two-objective optimization were extracted. Parameters such as generator temperature, condenser temperature, absorber temperature, and evaporator temperature, which significantly impact the proposed system's performance, have been selected as decision parameters, and parametric analysis has been extracted for them. In addition to the mentioned parameters, diffusion mixing efficiency, nozzle efficiency, and heat exchanger have also been studied in the ejector asset system. To find the best values of decision variables, multi-objective optimization for both arrangements is conducted, and results are presented. The results have indicated that the refrigeration system using lithium chloride working fluid without an ejector achieves a coefficient of performance of 0.766 and a cost of 0.922 $/h at the optimal point, while the system with an ejector yields a higher coefficient of performance (1.047) and a slightly lower cost rate (0.991 $/h). The outcomes of this work can play a critical role for higher education institutions in advancing innovative solutions to pressing energy challenges. Lifelong learning, at the heart of educational innovation, can benefit from the integration of sustainable energy systems as a core component of informal education through the optimization of ejector refrigeration systems.

A comprehensive review of innovative approaches in renewable energy storage

As the world confronts the challenges of climate change and strives to transition towards sustainable energy systems, the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid has become paramount. However, the inherently intermittent nature of renewables necessitates effective and reliable energy storage solutions to ensure a stable and resilient energy supply. This paper presents a thorough and comprehensive review of the innovative approaches undertaken in the field of renewable energy storage. The exploration begins with a detailed analysis of various renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro, outlining their unique contributions to the global energy landscape. Emphasis is placed on the challenges associated with intermittency and the critical role that advanced energy storage technologies play in mitigating these challenges. The review encompasses an in-depth examination of existing energy storage technologies, ranging from well-established solutions such as lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage to newer developments like sodium-ion batteries and flywheel energy storage. Each technology is scrutinized for its advantages, limitations, and current deployment scenarios. Furthermore, the paper delves into cutting-edge innovations, including the latest advancements in battery technologies such as solid-state batteries and organic flow batteries. Additionally, it explores emerging approaches like thermal energy storage and gravity-based energy storage, providing a holistic understanding of the evolving landscape. Through a critical analysis of economic considerations, environmental impacts, and the regulatory landscape, the review highlights the complex interplay between technology, policy, and market forces in shaping the future of renewable energy storage. The paper concludes with insights into potential integration strategies, recommendations for future research directions, and the role of policy and industry initiatives in fostering a sustainable and resilient energy storage ecosystem. This comprehensive review aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on advancing renewable energy storage technologies and fostering a transition towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future. Keywords: Innovative, Renewable, Energy, Storage, Review.

On representation of energy storage in electricity planning models

This paper considers the representation of energy storage in electricity sector capacity planning models. The incorporation of storage in long-term systems models of this type is increasingly relevant as the costs of storage technologies, particularly batteries, and of complementary variable renewable technologies decline. To value energy storage technologies appropriately in optimization models, a representation of linkages between time periods is required, breaking classical temporal aggregation strategies that greatly improve computation time. Our paper reviews approaches to address the problem of compressing chronology for large-scale electricity planning models and provides a generalized conceptual model, conditions for lossless aggregation, and key principles to evaluate aggregation methods. We propose a novel approach, which we call the “expected value” method, to maintain key economic characteristics of energy storage, variable renewables, dispatchable generation, and other power system resources at a relatively low computational cost and conduct numerical experiments to compare its accuracy and computational performance with other temporal aggregation methods.

Prosumer Aggregators in Romania

Abstract The European Union has pledged to transform Europe into the first climate neutral continent by 2050, and the first step towards achieving this goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2050, compared to levels recorded in 1990. The two main paths the EU has chosen to follow to ensure its climate neutrality goals are electrification and the increase of the integration of renewable energy technologies. If the 2010 period was characterized by the development and adoption of large-scale production of energy by using renewable sources, the 2020s seem to encompass a decentralization process, meant to bring energy production closer to the final consumer. In Romania, the past three years saw a rapid growth in the overall production of energy through distributed energy sources. Although this development is encouraging for achieving the broader environmental targets of the EU, at a local level there are several disadvantages that are starting to appear, such as issues in the distribution grid and confusion of both consumers and prosumers regarding the economic advantages of producing energy locally. The main goal of the research that has been conducted for a doctoral thesis was to develop a set of recommendations for aggregators regarding prosumers, based on mathematical model and calculations centered around a specific time frame. Research was spread into identifying and analyzing existing renewable technologies, detailing concepts such as decentralization, electrification, demand response and power aggregators, and the study of the main power aggregator business models. For these aspects to be covered, secondary research was used in the form of both academic and industry state-of-the-art papers. The main contributions of the research are the synthesizing of available information on aspects related to decentralized energy systems, and a set of recommendations aimed at aggregators, as a business, and existing and potential future prosumer.

Moving to green technologies: acceptance and perception of architectural solar photovoltaic technology for residential buildings

ABSTRACT Among the renewable technologies, solar photovoltaic (PV) is widely regarded as promising in the Middle-East region. However, the adoption rate of PV technology remains limited in Jordan. The effective shift to solar energy necessitates social acceptance. Therefore, this study examines the public perception and degree of acceptance of PV in residential units. A survey that explored the relevant factors in terms of knowledge, concern, familiarity, satisfaction, attitude, and willingness was conducted. Four hundred and twenty responses were returned. The statistical analysis using SPSS included Cronbach's alpha test, normality testing, and correlation analysis. The analysis shows that average acceptance levels exist for the PV experience. Only 53.5% were familiar with PV. More people (56.4%) claimed to know about PV, and 62.2% were interested. Under half of the respondents were satisfied with PV. Most people had heard of PV, although only 32.6% considered their knowledge excellent. Observations of PV were communal. However, only 25% installed PV systems in their residences. Performance was the top PV priority, followed by environment, prices, and aesthetics. Solar panel installation intentions were highest on rooftops and lowest on BIPV. Also, it was found that socioeconomic and demographic profiles affect residents’ PV adoption. These variables can also moderate the relationship between relevant factors and PV perception. The study contributes to understanding the public's preference for PV applications. This perspective enhances PV awareness and adoption in residential units. This study highlights insights for architects, decision-makers, and governmental authorities on the requirements to support PV applications on the policy front.

Optimization study of a Z-type airflow cooling system of a lithium-ion battery pack

The present study aims to optimize the structural design of a Z-type flow lithium-ion battery pack with a forced air-cooling system known as BTMS (battery thermal management system). The main goal is to minimize Tmax (maximum temperature) and ΔTmax (maximum temperature difference) while ensuring an even airflow distribution within the battery module. The present study thoroughly investigates critical factors, such as the inlet air velocity, tapered inlet manifold, and the number of secondary outlets, to evaluate their impact on thermal performance and airflow uniformity within the battery module. Increasing the inlet air velocity from 3 to 4.5 m/s significantly improves the thermal cooling performance of the BTMS, resulting in a decrease of 4.57 °C (10.05%) in Tmax and 0.29 °C (9.79%) in ΔTmax compared to the original 3 m/s velocity. Further, the study assesses the significance of a tapered inlet manifold as a critical factor, revealing its substantial impact on cooling performance and temperature reductions in battery cells 3–9. It also facilitates a more uniform airflow distribution, decreasing the velocity difference between channel 9 and channel 1 from 3.32 to 2.50 m/s. Incorporating seven secondary outlets significantly improves the heat dissipation ability of the BTMS, resulting in a decrease of 0.894 °C (2.18%) in Tmax and 2.23 °C (72.84%) in ΔTmax compared to the configuration with 0 secondary outlets. By optimizing these parameters, the aim is to enhance BTMS's capabilities, improving LIB (lithium-ion battery) packs' performance and reliability. The optimized structural design parameters proposed in this study yield practical applications that extend beyond theoretical insights, impacting diverse fields reliant on lithium-ion battery technology. Through enhanced thermal management systems, applications in electric vehicles and portable electronics are poised to experience improved performance and longevity. Furthermore, these advancements inform the development of next-generation battery packs, promising reduced overheating risks and extended battery life. Such innovations are critical in energy storage systems for renewable energy applications and electric vehicle technology, facilitating faster charging times and increased driving range. Moreover, the implications extend to aerospace applications, ensuring the reliability of batteries in extreme environmental conditions.

Transforming Energy Access: The Role of Micro Solar Dome in Providing Clean Energy Lighting in Rural India

Access to affordable and reliable energy sources can substantially enhance the lives of marginalized communities in rural areas. Unfortunately, numerous households in these communities rely upon unclean sources of energy such as kerosene to light the house even during daylight. To address this issue, solar off-grid technology - Micro Solar Dome (MSD) was implemented in various states across India, specifically benefiting the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe communities. The study, across the eight selected states, highlights the advantages of adopting off-grid technologies and their roles in promoting awareness of renewable energy solutions. The survey used purposive sampling to collect community members’ perceptions of the product’s benefits and their awareness of renewable technologies. The results indicated that the utilization of the product not only enhanced illumination levels within households but also contributed to improved safety, increased study hours for children, and facilitated economic activities during the evening hours. Furthermore, the study revealed that education plays a crucial role in adopting solar energy. However, interventions such as awareness programs and hands-on experiences with the products can also greatly enhance awareness and promote adoption in rural areas. Overall, the study provided compelling evidence of the significant and positive impact that small-scale initiatives like the MSD can have on the lives of marginalized communities. It also emphasized the potential of such solutions to empower these communities and improve their overall well-being.

Carbon Footprint of a Nearly Zero Energy Building in Accra (Ghana): an LCA-based Model

This study presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) in Accra, Ghana, comparing its environmental impact with a conventional Business-As-Usual (BAU) building over a 50-year lifespan. Adhering to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, the research evaluates the carbon footprint and operational efficiencies essential to sustainable building designs. Utilizing SimaPro 9.5 software and the IPCC 2021 GWP100 method, the total carbon footprint was quantified at 1727 tons of CO2-equivalent for the NZEB, significantly lower than the BAU comparison. The analysis highlights the operational phase, including waste generation as the most substantial contributor to the NZEB's environmental impact, accounting for 725 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions. Conversely, the strategic inclusion of solar panels and enhanced material selection for the NZEB markedly reduced energy demands, contributing to a net positive environmental outcome with an avoided carbon footprint of approximately -859.72 tons CO2-eq. This reduction underpins the NZEB's effectiveness in leveraging eco-friendly materials and renewable technologies, setting a benchmark for future sustainable construction practices. The study ultimately advocates for an integrated approach, harmonizing technological innovation with environmental stewardship, to mitigate the carbon footprint of the built environment, steering the construction industry towards sustainability.

Elucidating Stakeholder Prioritization for Sustainable Off-Grid Renewable Electrification using the Fuzzy AHP-GPESTLE Framework: A Comprehensive Analysis

Poverty has been linked to the reality of the world’s developing countries, especially in far-flung rural areas where the lack of energy access plays a significant role in the misery of the poor and disadvantaged people. To achieve universal access to energy, the role of rural electrification was emphasized, and off-grid small-scale electricity generation from renewable sources was expected to be a promising solution. However, in the Philippines, where off-grid island communities are scattered along its archipelago, the deployment of such systems in rural areas is still a challenge among stakeholders due to the consideration of various conflicting factors that may put the potential economic gains and other social and environmental benefits at risk. To better understand the multifaceted nature of off-grid energy system sustainability through the perspective of its stakeholders, the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was used to determine their most prioritized factors in determining the viability and sustainability of such systems following the GPESTLE framework. This provides a comprehensive and more relevant approach to performing sustainability analysis by looking into the geographical (G), political (P), economic (E), social (S), technological (T), legal (L), and environmental (E) dimensions of these assemblies. The prioritization of 74 expert stakeholders, coming from the industry, academy, and government institutions, has been elucidated by having them perform pairwise comparisons among the various GPESTLE criteria through a survey. Using FAHP, prioritization or weights were already generated per G-PESTLE criterion and sub-criterion. It was found out that among the three institutions, the industry players have the lowest environmental prioritization and can be increased by developing them with cost-efficient renewable technologies. The availability of technology manufacturers and transportation accessibility has been the main consideration in ensuring the reliability of the system’s operation. Minimizing LCOE and increasing the people’s capacity to pay should also be a priority to secure the project’s financial viability. The presence of a community comprehensive land use plan has also been highly favored among developers, which can allow faster processing of permits on the use of indigenous resources and agricultural lands. With these findings, this framework aims to guide policymakers to properly address the challenges of islands lying low in prioritization due to problems on certain sustainability factors. These insights can be relevant in the drafting of a transitional framework on the renewable electrification of off-grid islands, which were usually left out or minimally given attention in the national electrification plans of governments.Poverty has been linked to the reality of the world’s developing countries, especially in far-flung rural areas where the lack of energy access plays a significant role in the misery of the poor and disadvantaged people. To achieve universal access to energy, the role of rural electrification was emphasized, and off-grid small-scale electricity generation from renewable sources was expected to be a promising solution. However, in the Philippines, where off-grid island communities are scattered along its archipelago, the deployment of such systems in rural areas is still a challenge among stakeholders due to the consideration of various conflicting factors that may put the potential economic gains and other social and environmental benefits at risk. To better understand the multifaceted nature of off-grid energy system sustainability through the perspective of its stakeholders, the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was used to determine their most prioritized factors in determining the viability and sustainability of such systems following the GPESTLE framework. This provides a comprehensive and more relevant approach to performing sustainability analysis by looking into the geographical (G), political (P), economic (E), social (S), technological (T), legal (L), and environmental (E) dimensions of these assemblies. The prioritization of 74 expert stakeholders, coming from the industry, academy, and government institutions, has been elucidated by having them perform pairwise comparisons among the various GPESTLE criteria through a survey. Using FAHP, prioritization or weights were already generated per G-PESTLE criterion and sub-criterion. It was found out that among the three institutions, the industry players have the lowest environmental prioritization and can be increased by developing them with cost-efficient renewable technologies. The availability of technology manufacturers and transportation accessibility has been the main consideration in ensuring the reliability of the system’s operation. Minimizing LCOE and increasing the people’s capacity to pay should also be a priority to secure the project’s financial viability. The presence of a community comprehensive land use plan has also been highly favored among developers, which can allow faster processing of permits on the use of indigenous resources and agricultural lands. With these findings, this framework aims to guide policymakers to properly address the challenges of islands lying low in prioritization due to problems on certain sustainability factors. These insights can be relevant in the drafting of a transitional framework on the renewable electrification of off-grid islands, which were usually left out or minimally given attention in the national electrification plans of governments.

Design and Performance Assessment of District Heating Systems in Latvian Region

The energy consumed by buildings for air conditioning accounts for a large percentage of global energy consumption. To promote efficiency and sustainability, the scientific community is making great efforts to develop renewable technologies. A well-known but unfortunately underestimated solution is the development of centralized heating and cooling systems that consistently reduce energy consumption.The work proposes a comparison between three heating configurations covering the demand of a settlement in the Latvian region: 1) centralized district heating (DH) system; 2) 5th generation district heating & cooling (5GDHC) system and 3) individual home heating (HH) systems. Thermal and electrical loads are evaluated by transient simulations of a residential area with 80 buildings for the Riga climate and compared with the same settlement in a Mediterranean region (Milan, IT). The energy plants are based on different technologies: combined heat and power (CHP) plants, gas-fired boilers, and domestic heat pumps.The analysis includes the option of power exchange with the national grid. A transient numerical model has been developed for each solution. Every component is modelled according to performance maps provided by the manufacturers, allowing an accurate simulation in both design and off-design operating conditions. The study includes energy, economic and environmental aspects.The result of the simulation highlights the large difference between the two locations, not only in terms of annual load, but also in terms of load distribution. On an annual basis, the Latvian residential complex requires almost twice as much energy as the Italian one. The thermal losses in the district systems are 4.21% in Milan solution and 5.65% in Riga. The district heating system coupled with heat pump represents the best layout in terms of primary energy consumption in both locations, with energy savings of 50% compared to other solutions. The use of 5GDHC is a good compromise that could increase the use of renewable energy. The adoption of cogeneration plant is a good choice in case of centralized district system that allows the installation of high efficiency genset. On the contrary, for small application as residential, the installation of cogeneration system results expensive and the conversion efficiency does not justify the installation.

Integrating Sustainable Energy Technologies into District Cooling Systems: A Review of Modelling and Optimisation Approaches

With the rising cooling demand and prevalent energy crisis, District cooling (DC) is evolving as one of the sustainable energy solution worldwide. As per ‘EHP DHC Outlook, May 2023’, the sales in DC sector reached 3 TWh, covering more than 150 European cities. The centralised nature of the DC system offer benefits such as energy efficient operations, sector coupling, peak load management. Further, the feasibility of integrating renewable technologies (eg. solar energy), free cooling sources (eg. seawater heatpumps) and thermal energy storage (eg. ice slurry) is also explored. These developments make the futuristic DC system quite complex, as it involves multiple energy transformations. In this regard, utilising computation tools for decision-making has become increasingly relevant. However, choosing the appropriate approach among the existing ones in this evolving field is a curb some task for energy practitioners. The aim of the study is to review the modelling and optimisation approaches in the context of innovative DC systems. Data collection and analysis is based on desk-review of scientific literature published in the recent past. Firstly, various possibilities of integrating sustainable energy technologies for DC applications are explored. Then, relevant modelling and simulation approaches are studied, focussing on the similarities and limitations. Finally, different optimisation methods are examined in terms of parameters such as objective functions, control variables, solving techniques. The contribution of the study involve overview of different integration pathways, identifying the strength and weakness of modelling approaches and insights into suitability of optimisation techniques. It is expected that this study will be a reference material, while performing feasibility studies as well as developing digital-twins in DC context.

Renewable Energy Technical Potential Performance for Zero Carbon Emissions.

Global 2021 energy flows indicate sectors with the greatest opportunities for efficiency improvements and emissions reduction. Analysis of the International Energy Agency's 2050 Net Zero Emissions (NZE) Scenario with respect to the 2021 energy profile as a reference point provides a model for changes in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, cost, and land use resulting from substitutions of fossil fuels with renewable options at the levels required for net zero emissions by 2050. Even with optimized outcomes, the probability of such widespread changes occurring over the next 30 years is reduced by the need for large investments, infrastructure changes, and the successful deployment of technologies still under development. Achievement of the technical potential outcomes for alternative solar energy to fuels conversion technologies, including cultivated microalgae biomass and biofuels and photocatalytic and photobiological hydrogen, would reduce reliance on mature renewable technologies and provide increase in net energy ("power to wheels") to help meet the demands of a growing population while reducing cost and CO2 emissions compared to the baseline 2050 NZE scenario. Such technical potential performance along with those for solar and wind represents 4 billion tons of CO2 removal (a 28% increase) over the baseline 2050 NZE Scenario but still requires another 9.5 billion tons of carbon capture and removal (CCR) to achieve NZE.

The critical role of energy transition in addressing climate change at COP28

The paper outlines the urgency and strategies for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy discussed at the 2023 Climate Change Conference (COP28). It emphasizes the Paris Agreement's role and highlights the environmental harm of fossil fuels, advocating for sustainable alternatives like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. This transition is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting economic and health benefits. Key findings reveal advancements in renewable technologies, resulting in job creation, energy independence, and improved health due to reduced pollution. However, the transition faces challenges such as high initial costs and the need for advanced infrastructure, particularly in developing countries. The paper underscores the importance of sustainable mining for essential materials like lithium and cobalt, and references António Guterres's “five-point energy plan” as a strategic approach to address these issues. In conclusion, the paper stresses the necessity of global collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil societies. It asserts that the path to sustainable energy is rich with opportunities for innovation, growth, and equitable progress, providing a comprehensive roadmap for a feasible and just energy transition for all nations.