Energy Development Research Articles

How to build a powerline: Fast policies for decarbonization, the slow work of public participation, and the profitability of energy capital

Community opposition to new low-carbon energy infrastructure – and resulting project delays and cancellations – is increasingly taken by some climate activists, policymakers, and scholars as evidence of the incompatibility between urgent decarbonization and expanded public participation. This paper argues that too narrow a focus on this duality risks overlooking an additional mandate: the profitability of energy capital. This paper intervenes in the ‘rapid vs. just transitions’ debate by arguing that building low-carbon energy infrastructure requires a balancing of trade-offs between speed, local support, and profit for private developers. Using a case study of a controversial transmission project in the northeastern United States, I argue that project delays are attributable not (just) to uncooperative publics, but to energy capital's drive for profit, which discourages compromises with host communities that would increase project costs but cultivate local support. By treating the social legitimacy of low-carbon energy infrastructure as contingent on its ability to meet criteria for public acceptability, this paper argues that the slow work of public participation can in fact be the route to ‘fast policies’ for decarbonization when it fosters developer norms in line with community expectations for projects.

Utilizing cationic vacancies to enhance nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxides for efficient electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction

Electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a promising approach for urea-rich wastewater splitting, which benefits for reducing energy consumption in hydrogen production accompanying environmental protection and sustainable energy development. To address the limitations posed by the self-oxidation of nickel-based catalysts on the activity of UOR, we here developed a NiCo LDH nanosheet catalyst with abundant Ni vacancies to initiate the UOR process prior to nickel oxidation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and In-situ spectroscopic characterizations confirm that the UOR process primarily occurs on the surface of the catalyst, rather than being driven by nickel oxidation products. The favorable electronic structure modulation induced by Ni vacancies makes the catalyst more energetically favorable for the UOR compared to nickel self-oxidation. The catalyst exhibits excellent UOR activity, only requiring 1.27 V vs. RHE at 10 mA cm−2 and 1.34 V vs. RHE at 100 mA cm−2, with no significant decay observed after over 120 h of operation. Furthermore, it can function as a bifunctional catalyst, requiring only 1.66 V to achieve 100 mA cm−2 for the UOR||HER system. This study expands the pathway for the application of cationic vacancies in UOR.

Application of Internet of Things (IoT) in Energy Infrastructure: Lessons for the Future of Operations and Maintenance

The application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in energy infrastructure is revolutionizing operations and maintenance practices, driving efficiencies, and enhancing sustainability across the sector. This paper explores the transformative impact of IoT technologies on energy infrastructure, focusing on how they facilitate real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. By leveraging IoT devices and systems, energy operators can optimize performance, reduce operational costs, and minimize downtime, ultimately contributing to more resilient and sustainable energy systems. The discussion highlights key IoT applications within energy infrastructure, including smart grids, renewable energy systems, and conventional power plants. Smart sensors and devices enable continuous data collection, providing insights into equipment performance, energy consumption, and environmental conditions. Predictive analytics, powered by IoT data, allows operators to anticipate equipment failures and conduct maintenance proactively, thereby extending asset life and improving reliability. Additionally, the abstract addresses the challenges associated with IoT integration in energy infrastructure, such as cybersecurity risks, data management issues, and the need for interoperability among diverse systems. It emphasizes the importance of establishing robust security protocols to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of IoT networks. Furthermore, the role of regulatory frameworks and industry standards in promoting the safe and effective deployment of IoT technologies is discussed. The paper also examines case studies of successful IoT implementations in energy infrastructure, showcasing the lessons learned from these initiatives. These examples illustrate the potential for IoT to enhance operational efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the transition to cleaner energy sources. In conclusion, the abstract underscores that the adoption of IoT technologies in energy infrastructure is not just a trend but a necessity for the future of operations and maintenance. As the energy sector continues to evolve, embracing IoT will be crucial for achieving sustainability goals and meeting the growing demands for reliable energy supply.

Study on optimization of thermal injection parameters in fractured reservoirs of HDR

ABSTRACT To improve the heat recovery of hot dry rock (HDR) and realize the efficient and sustainable development of geothermal energy, it is necessary to analyse the factors affecting the heat recovery performance of HDR fractured reservoir. In this paper, a numerical model of heat recovery in fractured reservoirs with HDR is established. The effects of injection parameters on the heat recovery performance of the Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) are compared and analysed by means of the average temperature, heat extraction rate, production temperature and heat recovery power of matrix rocks at different locations. The influence degree of injection flow rate and injection temperature on production temperature was analysed by grey correlation analysis method. The results showed that reducing the injection temperature is beneficial to fully extract the heat energy in the rock mass. The injection flow rate is positively correlated with the heat extraction rate and negatively correlated with the extraction temperature. In this simulation scheme, the optimal results are as follows: injection temperature is 298.15K, injection flow is 12 kg/s, and the influence of injection flow on production temperature is greater than that of injection temperature. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of geothermal energy in HDR and provides a reference for the design of engineering operation parameters.

Global renewable energy transition in fossil fuel dependent regions

The worldwide shift towards renewable energy, as defined by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, is a crucial milestone in achieving a sustainable future. The core focus of SDG 7 is to advance the accessibility, dependability, and environmentally-friendly nature of energy, aiming to substantially enhance the proportion of renewable energy sources and enhance energy efficiency. Although there have been significant developments in renewable energy, notably in solar and wind technologies, the rate of transition is still inadequate to achieve climate objectives. This study examines the imperative of implementing policy changes and integrated strategies to align global and local goals, while tackling the issues of resource allocation and the pressing need to transition away from fossil fuels in order to mitigate global temperature increase. Case studies showcase effective national endeavors, such as Brazil's Proalcool, Germany's Energiewende, and India's ambitious renewable energy objectives, illustrating diverse strategies for bolstering renewable energy capability. The report also analyzes the economic consequences for emerging nations that heavily rely on fossil fuels and the expected effects of reduced fossil fuel consumption. This article offers a detailed analysis of the current advancements, difficulties, and variations across different regions in the field of renewable energy. It gives valuable information on the future of global renewable energy plans, highlighting the importance of unified worldwide endeavors to attain a sustainable energy future.

Corrosion resistance in LNG plant design: Engineering lessons for future energy projects

Corrosion resistance is a critical consideration in the design and operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants, where harsh environmental conditions and aggressive chemicals can significantly impact asset integrity and safety. This paper explores engineering lessons learned from past LNG projects, emphasizing the importance of corrosion management strategies to enhance the longevity and reliability of energy infrastructure. The study highlights key factors contributing to corrosion in LNG facilities, including materials selection, environmental exposure, and operational practices. By employing advanced materials such as corrosion-resistant alloys and coatings, engineers can mitigate corrosion risks, leading to reduced maintenance costs and extended equipment lifespan. The paper examines successful case studies where proactive corrosion management has been implemented, showcasing innovative engineering solutions such as cathodic protection, corrosion monitoring systems, and design modifications that enhance resistance to corrosion-related failures. Furthermore, it addresses the role of regular inspections, predictive maintenance, and risk-based approaches in identifying potential corrosion issues before they escalate into significant problems. As LNG plants continue to proliferate globally, the integration of corrosion resistance into design and operational frameworks becomes increasingly vital. This paper also discusses emerging technologies and materials that hold promise for improving corrosion resistance, including nanotechnology and smart coatings that provide real-time monitoring capabilities. By learning from past projects and embracing a proactive approach to corrosion management, future energy projects can enhance safety, reduce operational risks, and achieve greater sustainability in their operations. Ultimately, the lessons derived from this research will contribute to developing best practices for designing and operating LNG plants and other energy facilities, ensuring that they meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Cross-Sector collaboration in energy infrastructure development: New models for public-private partnerships in emerging markets

Cross-Sector collaboration in energy infrastructure development: New models for public-private partnerships in emerging markets

AI-driven predictive maintenance and optimization of renewable energy systems for enhanced operational efficiency and longevity

The rapid growth of renewable energy systems necessitates advanced strategies for maintenance and optimization to ensure long-term operational efficiency and sustainability. Traditional approaches often fall short in predicting failures and optimizing performance across diverse and dynamic renewable energy infrastructures. This study investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for predictive maintenance and optimization of renewable energy systems, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and extending system longevity. We employ a combination of machine learning algorithms, including deep neural networks and reinforcement learning, to develop predictive models and optimization strategies. These models are trained on large-scale datasets collected from operational wind farms, solar installations, and hydroelectric plants. Our results demonstrate that AI-driven approaches can predict equipment failures with 92% accuracy, reducing unplanned downtime by 35% compared to traditional methods. Moreover, AI-optimized operational parameters improved overall energy output by 8.5% across the studied systems. The proposed framework also showed adaptability to various environmental conditions and system configurations, suggesting broad applicability across the renewable energy sector. This research underscores the significant potential of AI in revolutionizing maintenance practices and operational strategies in renewable energy systems, paving the way for more reliable, efficient, and sustainable clean energy production.

Challenges in implementing renewable energy initiatives in Pakistan

Pakistan's growing population and rising energy demand call for sustainable energy solutions. Renewable energy presents an ideal option, but the country faces several challenges in implementing these initiatives. This paper explores the financial, political, social, and technological barriers to renewable energy development in Pakistan, while offering potential solutions for overcoming these challenges.

Energizing the future: Unleashing the potential of innovative waste-to-energy technologies for energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector.

Zimbabwe's tourism industry, renowned for its natural wonders and cultural heritage, faces a looming energy crisis rooted in the detrimental over-reliance on fossil fuels and the underutilization of substantial waste resources that lie dormant. The article investigates multifaceted relationship between six independent variables: landfill gas recovery and anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, incineration, biogas production, biodiesel production, ethanol production and syngas fermentation and one dependent variable: energy development and sustainability. In this study, a quantitative methodology was adopted, involving the gathering of data from 519 stakeholders in the tourism supply chain through a simple random sampling technique, with the sample size determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The distribution of questionnaires was facilitated through Google Forms, and the data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS. Statistical findings indicate direct significant relationship between variables, and t-statistic values all hypotheses were all greater than the threshold of 1.96, ranging from a minimum of 2.911 to a maximum of 9.431. These findings underscore the robustness of the relationships between the waste-to-energy technologies and energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector. This empirical evidence highlights the substantial potential for these innovative technologies to play a pivotal role in mitigating the energy crisis and fostering sustainable energy development.

Nuclear Decommissioning and Sustainable Environment: Insights on Decontamination Processes

Nuclear energy accounts for ≈10% of global energy production, positioning it as a promising solution for achieving carbon neutrality amid escalating concerns over climate change. Nonetheless, the effective management of radioactive waste, which can remain hazardous for up to one hundred thousand years, presents considerable challenges that must be addressed to uphold public trust and safeguard environmental safety. This review outlines the fundamental stages of nuclear decommissioning including strategic planning, decontamination, dismantling, remediation, encapsulation, deregulation, and site reuse as a critical component of sustainable environmental practices. The review also highlights the significance of efficient decontamination processes in reducing waste generation. Various decontamination techniques, including mechanical, electromechanical, chemical, and advanced methods such as laser and plasma decontamination, are evaluated for their effectiveness and limitations. Moreover, the review emphasizes the need to enhance the recovery and recycling of ion exchange resin and potential radionuclides during decontamination processes to minimize waste and to address the depletion of potential radionuclide resources. Future research should prioritize the development of innovative techniques for decontamination and radioactive waste management, fostering sustainable decommissioning and supporting the ongoing development of nuclear energy in an environmentally responsible manner.

Electrification or Hydrogen? The Challenge of Decarbonizing Industrial (High-Temperature) Process Heat

The decarbonization of industrial process heat is one of the bigger challenges of the global energy transition. Process heating accounts for about 20% of final energy demand in Germany, and the situation is similar in other industrialized nations around the globe. Process heating is indispensable in the manufacturing processes of products and materials encountered every day, ranging from food, beverages, paper and textiles, to metals, ceramics, glass and cement. At the same time, process heating is also responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, as it is heavily dependent on fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal. Thus, process heating needs to be decarbonized. This review article explores the challenges of decarbonizing industrial process heat and then discusses two of the most promising options, the use of electric heating technologies and the substitution of fossil fuels with low-carbon hydrogen, in more detail. Both energy carriers have their specific benefits and drawbacks that have to be considered in the context of industrial decarbonization, but also in terms of necessary energy infrastructures. The focus is on high-temperature process heat (>400 °C) in energy-intensive basic materials industries, with examples from the metal and glass industries. Given the heterogeneity of industrial process heating, both electricity and hydrogen will likely be the most prominent energy carriers for decarbonized high-temperature process heat, each with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

The Road to Eliminating Energy Poverty: Does Renewable Energy Technology Innovation Work?

Under the constraint of carbon neutrality targets, the issue of energy poverty has garnered increasing concerns. This study aims to measure energy poverty and assess the impact of renewable energy technology innovation in 30 provinces across China. Furthermore, it calculates city-level energy poverty in 274 cities. By examining the influence of renewable energy technology innovation on energy poverty, this study proposes a new approach to accelerate energy transition and promote sustainable development. The regression results, which have undergone rigorous robustness and endogeneity tests, demonstrate that renewable energy technology innovation significantly alleviates energy poverty. Moreover, the treatment effect of policies is determined through the regression control method. Specifically, the cities of Zhangjiakou, Baotou, and Qiqihar are analyzed to provide targeted suggestions for China’s energy development. The treatment effects of both provincial and city-level policies indicate that implementing renewable energy demonstration zones can effectively alleviate energy poverty. JEL Classification: Q48; O31

A Review of Reliability Research in Regional Integrated Energy System: Indicator, Modeling, and Assessment Methods

The increasing complexity of integrated energy systems has made reliability assessment a critical challenge. This paper presents a comprehensive review of reliability assessment in Regional Integrated Energy Systems (RIES), focusing on key aspects such as reliability indicators, modeling approaches, and evaluation techniques. This study highlights the role of renewable energy sources and examines the coupling relationships within RIES. Energy hub models and complex network theory are identified as significant in RIES modeling, while probabilistic load flow analysis shows promise in handling renewable energy uncertainties. This paper also explores the potential of machine learning methods and multi-objective optimization approaches in enhancing system reliability. By proposing an integrated assessment framework, this study addresses this research gap in reliability evaluation under high renewable energy penetration scenarios. The findings contribute to the advancement of reliability assessment methodologies for integrated energy systems, supporting the development of more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructures.

Impact of Carbon Tax on Renewable Energy Development and Environmental–Economic Synergies

Global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions has become a worldwide environmental problem, posing a great threat to human survival. As the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, China has pledged to reach peak carbon emissions by no later than 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. It is found that a carbon tax is a powerful incentive to reduce carbon emissions and promote an energy revolution, but it may have negative socio-economic impacts. Therefore, based on China’s 2020 input–output table, this paper systematically investigates the impacts of a carbon tax on China’s economy, carbon emissions, and energy by applying a computable general equilibrium model to determine the ideal equilibrium between socio-economic and environmental objectives. Based on energy use characteristics, we subdivided the energy sector into five major sectors: coal, oil, natural gas, thermal power generation, and clean power. The results show that when the carbon emission reduction target is less than 15%, that is, when the equilibrium carbon tax price is less than 54 yuan/ton, the implementation of a carbon tax policy can significantly reduce carbon emission and fossil fuel energy consumption, while only slightly reducing economic growth rate, and can achieve the double dividend of environment and economy. Moreover, because the reduction of coal consumption has the greatest impact on reducing carbon emissions, the ad valorem tax rate on coal after the carbon tax is imposed is the highest because coal has the highest carbon emission coefficient among fossil fuels. In addition, as an emerging clean energy source, hydrogen energy is the ideal energy storage medium for achieving clean power generation in power systems. If hydrogen energy can be vigorously developed, it is expected to greatly accelerate the deep decarbonization of power, industry, transportation, construction, and other fields.

Empowering marginalised communities: Leveraging indigenous knowledge for sustainable energy development in South Africa

AbstractAmidst South Africa's volatile energy landscape—characterised by political turbulence, economic instability and Eskom's chronic financial and operational challenges—the imperative for transformative reform is both urgent and indispensable. Municipalities are confronted with deteriorating infrastructure, recurrent power disruptions and widespread electricity theft, which collectively exacerbate the national energy crisis. This paper investigates the integration of indigenous knowledge systems within the country's energy sector as a strategic response to these persistent challenges, promoting the empowerment of marginalised communities and advancing environmental sustainability. Anchored in the theoretical frameworks of environmental justice and indigenous rights, the paper advocates for Afrocentric paradigms such as traditional resource governance and community‐driven energy solutions. Employing thematic analysis of secondary data, it evaluates the viability and prospective benefits of this paradigm shift. The paper posits that the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in energy practices not only presents tangible solutions to the energy crisis but also cultivates socio‐economic empowerment and reinforces environmental stewardship.

Renewable Energy Investments, Support Schemes and the Dirty Option

ABSTRACTIn a real options framework, we analyze the behavior of a large energy producer who can invest in a portfolio of Renewable Energy Source (RES) and dirty energy source. Competitive fuel prices challenge the investments in RES. Given a budget constraint, the agent allocates the optimal capacities of both energy instalments and selects the optimal investment time. We use the model to compare the effectiveness of classical support schemes such as Feed‐in Tariffs or Green Certificate with respect to forms of taxation of dirty technology such as Carbon Taxes or Carbon Permits. This paper proposes a conceptual framework and qualitative analysis to understand which support system enhances the attractiveness of renewable energy investments.

The Potential for the Use of Hydrogen Storage in Energy Cooperatives

According to the European Hydrogen Strategy, hydrogen will solve many of the problems with energy storage for balancing variable renewable energy sources (RES) supply and demand. At the same time, we can see increasing popularity of the so-called energy communities (e.g., cooperatives) which (i) enable groups of entities to invest in, manage, and benefit from shared RES energy infrastructure; (ii) are expected to increase the energy independence of local communities from large energy corporations and increase the share of RES. Analyses were conducted on 2000 randomly selected energy cooperatives and four energy cooperatives formed on the basis of actual data. The hypotheses assumed in the research and positively verified in this paper are as follows: (i) there is a relationship between hydrogen storage capacity and the power of RES, which allows an energy community to build energy independence; (ii) the type of RES generating source is meaningful when optimizing hydrogen storage capacity. The paper proves it is possible to build “island energy independence” at the local level using hydrogen storage and the efficiency of the power-to-power chain. The results presented are based on simulations carried out using a dedicated optimization model implemented by mixed integer programming. The authors’ next research projects will focus on optimizing capital expenditures and operating costs using the Levelized Cost of Electricity and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen methodologies.

Offshore wind farms interfacing using HVAC-HVDC schemes: A review

Offshore wind farms (OWF) have emerged as a pivotal component in the transition towards renewable energy, offering substantial potential for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security. Integration these offshore installations into the existing power grid present opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness. This review explores the interfacing of OWF with the power grid through High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) schemes. This research offers a thorough examination of the latest technologies, and comparing the benefits and drawbacks of HVAC and HVDC systems for offshore wind applications. The review delves into various aspects, including technological advancements, economic considerations, and environmental impacts of HVAC and HVDC technologies. The review also addresses recent developments and contrasting viewpoints in the field, highlighting innovations and ongoing debates related to integrating OWF. By synthesizing recent studies and industry reports, this paper offers a balanced overview of the strengths and weaknesses associated with HVAC and HVDC schemes. It identifies critical areas for future research and provides recommendations for optimizing offshore wind farm integration. This review seeks to enhance understanding of current technologies and support decision-making in the development and deployment of offshore wind energy infrastructure.

Trend Analysis of Cross-Border Electricity Trading in Pan-European Network

The long-term global target of facilitating energy security and optimizing resource utilization while supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems has led the pathway towards regional cooperation in the context of energy infrastructures and trading. Recent trends highlight the development of transnational energy grids, pipelines, and renewable energy projects, facilitating efficient distribution of electricity, gas, and other energy forms. These advancements offer benefits such as increased reliability of energy supply, cost savings through shared resources, and strengthened relationships between countries. However, challenges persist, including regulatory differences, geopolitical tensions, alignment of market rules as well as substantial investment requirements in infrastructure and technology. Addressing these challenges necessitates harmonized policies, robust legal frameworks, and cooperative international governance, which are crucial for effective cross-border energy trading. The aim of the work is to present the current landscape as well as analyze the latest trends and developments in the dynamic field of electricity interconnectors, providing insights into its trajectory and implications for the European internal energy market.