Green Energy Sources Research Articles

Next-Generation Batteries through Advanced 3D Electrode and Material Concepts

With the rise of renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions become increasingly important as they represent a key feature for secure and constant power supply. In this regard, battery systems play a crucial role in accelerating the transition towards sustainable and green energy sources. To meet the rising global demand, further advancement of the battery technology is imperative. One optimization pathway is to use battery materials that are more sustainable while also yielding improved electrochemical performance, contributing to both environmental and functional advancements. However, innovation must go beyond the material level, and new electrode design approaches for an efficient combination of high power and high energy systems are necessary.In this context, the three-dimensional (3D) battery concept with its increased exposed electrode surface, shows a great promise for enhanced electrochemical performance compared to the conventional flat designs of state-of-the-art electrodes. Targeting at the bottleneck of high power/high energy density systems, the incorporation of micro-structured channels within the electrodes improves lithium-ion diffusion pathways and minimize strain from volume expansion during electrochemical cycling.Our focus is the investigation of 3D electrode architectures generated by laser-processing techniques such as ultrafast laser ablation and laser-assisted printing. Working with ultrafast lasers offers the possibility to process materials while reducing thermal impact and allows the creation of well-designed and controllable electrode surface topographies. The adoption of this concept has already shown great impact in enhancing the high-rate capability and lifetime of conventional electrodes in lithium-ion batteries.[1-3] Expanding the scope, this work explores the applicability of laser-generated 3D electrode architectures to next-generation battery active materials such as high-voltage lithium nickel manganese oxide (LNMO) composites. On anode side, silicon/graphite and amorphous carbon is extensively investigated for lithium-ion batteries and sodium-ion batteries, respectively. To understand the impact of the manufacturing process, electrochemical evaluations are complemented by findings from laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, Raman measurements, and Auger electron spectroscopy.In conclusion, this contribution highlights the promising advancements achieved by applying laser-generated 3D electrode architectures to next-generation battery materials and aims to provide valuable insights into this exciting frontier of battery research.[1] W. Pfleging, Nanophotonics 7 (2018) 549–573.[2] W. Pfleging, Int. J. Extrem. Manuf. 3 (2021) 012002.[3] M. Zaeh, Appl. Energy 303 (2021), 117693.

Nanoparticulated Vanadium Oxide on BiVO4 for Boosting Photoelectrochemical Glycerol Oxidation

Hydrogen (H2) has been spotlighted as ideal energy carrier due to its relatively higher energy density compared to fossil fuel and no carbon emissions during the energy generation. However, most of current produced H2 comes from as byproducts in fossil fuel reforming processes. To reduce dependence on fossil fuel in the H2 production process, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is considered as promising strategy for producing H2 using sustainable resources. Nevertheless, the insufficient efficiency in PEC water oxidation oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has limited overall PEC water splitting system efficiency due to its relatively high oxidation potential and sluggish catalytic kinetics. Furthermore, the low value of generated oxygen has been pointed out as obstacle from an economic perspective. To overcome these challenges, glycerol, byproduct of biodiesel, has been attracted numerous attentions as PEC oxidation resource since it has three hydroxyl groups and relatively lower oxidation potential than OER. Furthermore, glycerol oxygenated value-added products like dihydroxyacetone (DHA) can improve economics of PEC hydrogen production system. Upon these strengths, PEC glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) provides improved strategy that generates value-added products in anodic part and green energy source (H2) in cathodic part simultaneously, which can replace PEC water splitting. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is one of the most promising transition metal oxide based catalyst for PEC GOR due to its relatively narrow bandgap, high theoretical photocurrent density and deep positive valence band maximum (VBM) position. Additionally, although the surface kinetics of BiVO4 for OER has been sluggish, it potentially would be advantage for GOR with high production rate. However, the relatively instability of BiVO4 in acidic electrolyte during operation and lower selectivity of oxygenated products has hindered their practical application in PEC GOR. To solve these problems, introduction of nanoparticles as cocatalysts has been much studied for ameliorating surface kinetics and passivation the surface of photoanode. However, the interface between nanoparticles and photoanode with poor chemical interaction can induce the higher interfacial resistance and slow charge transfer efficiency rather. In this study, we present in-situ vanadium oxide (VOx) nanoparticle decoration on the surface of BiVO4 (VOx/BiVO4) via selective etching process using alkaline treatment for enhancing PEC GOR and we report the world best photocurrent density based on BiVO4 photoanode for GOR with high selective DHA production. VOx nanoparticles with an average size of 5 nm by selective etching process using alkaline treatment is decorated on the surface of BiVO4. The VOx promotes the surface reaction kinetics via modulating the fermi level and enhanced photovoltage of BiVO4 and improves long-term stability for GOR by compensation of V5+ and Bi3+, which combines both efficiency and stability. Furthermore, the surface decorated photoanode presents a 6.82 mA/cm2 (1.34-fold improvement) photocurrent density at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) under 1 sun illumination, which has been attributed enhanced catalytic kinetics with upshifted fermi level and photovoltage of BiVO4. Moreover, the long-term stability of VOx/BiVO4 has been exhibited over 10 hours and the high selectivity for DHA is achieved. This study presents insight into the role vanadium of selective etched VOx on the surface of BiVO4 with low valence state than that of BiVO4 and improving the potential of BiVO4 based catalyst as GOR photoanode for high selective value-added DHA production using solar energy.

Facile synthesis of hierarchical core-shell carbon@ZnIn2S4 composite for boosted photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 production

Against the backdrop of energy shortage, hydrogen energy has attracted much attention as a green and clean energy source. In order to explore efficient hydrogen production pathways, we designed a composite photocatalyst with carbon-based core-shell photothermal-assisted photocatalytic system (Carbon@ZnIn2S4, denoted as C@ZIS). The well-designed catalyst C@ZIS composites demonstrated a photocatalytic hydrogen precipitation rate of 2.97 mmol g-1 h−1 even in the absence of the noble metal Pt co-catalyst. The incorporation of carbon-based core-shell photocatalysts into a photocatalytic reaction significantly affects the activity of the reaction by triggering a photothermal effect in the reaction solution. The results of the physicochemical experiments demonstrated that the carbon spheres in C@ZIS composite system could provide a greater number of active sites, thereby accelerating the electron transfer and separation efficiency, and thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity. The study presents an efficacious design concept for the development of efficacious carbon-based core-shell photothermal-assisted photocatalysts, which is anticipated to facilitate the efficient conversion of solar energy to hydrogen energy.

Highly Durable Compositionally Variant Bifunctional Tetrametallic Ni–Co–Mn–Fe Phosphide Electrocatalysts Synthesized by a Facile Electrodeposition Method for High-Performance Overall Water Splitting

In the recent few decades, the demand for green sources of energy that are clean and sustainable became very essential to reduce the greenhouse and global warming problems. Consequently, there is an increasing demand to identify nonprecious, cheap bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting. Herein, nanosheets of different earth-abundant Ni, Co, Mn, and Fe combinations are electrodeposited over commercial Ti mesh and tested for the overall water splitting. The bare Ti mesh requires overpotentials of −486.6 mV at −10 mA cm–2 and 534.5 mV at 10 mA cm–2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. However, the electrodeposited catalysts show much higher catalytic activity for both HER and OER with overpotentials of −300 and 279 mV at −10 and 10 mA cm–2, respectively, lowering the overpotential needed to drive the OER by 50%. Nevertheless, to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of the fabricated catalysts, they are phosphidized using different phosphorous precursors. The resulted NiCoMnFe–P catalysts exhibit much lower HER overpotential (−200 mV at −10 mA cm–2), which is 40% lower than that needed by the bare Ti mesh. For the overall water splitting, a cell voltage of 1.71 V is recorded to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm–2. Lastly, the stability test of the overall device reveals very high stability with current retention of 90% over 22 h of continuous electrolysis. Furthermore, the synergy between the metallic components in the absence and presence of P is elucidated using density functional theory calculations, revealing optimized G H* and G H2O* for the HER reaction over the P-top site of the MnFeCoNiP catalyst. In addition, the calculations explain the superiority of the NiCoMnFe catalyst over the NiCoMnFeP counterpart for the OER.

Value-Added Electrolysis Hydrogen Production Via Methanol Oxidation over a Synergetic Pt1-W Dual-Site Catalyst

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising way of generating hydrogen for future sustainable green energy source technology options to replace nonrenewable and environmentally pollutant hydrocarbon energy sources. However, due to its high overpotential in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and low-value product O2, some candidate anodic reactions with low potential should be proposed to replace OER, such as alcohol oxidation. Unlike fuel cell applications, partial oxidation is preferred to achieve high-value products rather than complete oxidation. For this purpose, we design a synergistic effect Pt1-W site on the dual-doped TiO2 support (Ti0.8W0.2NxOy) to catalyze alkaline methanol oxidation and gain 90% selectivity of formate production. Comparing the case of the Pt nanoparticles (69% selectivity of formaldehyde), the Pt single-atom catalyst controls selectivity and enhances the reactivity and stability attributed to the strong catalyst-support interaction. As a result, this work shows a novel strategy for electrochemical hydrogen production at far lower anodic potential by designing a stable and efficient Pt-based single-atom catalyst.

Achieving decarbonization considering green hydrogen production: Case study of Oman

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method is employed to study and mitigate negative environmental impacts using various approaches via OpenLCA software. This paper investigates the LCA of green hydrogen gas production from produced water in Oman, using the Activated Sludge Method (ASM) and Fluidized-Bed Bioreactor (FBB), as treatment technologies. Different scenarios were considered, utilizing the ReCiPe midpoint impact method over 100 years, to evaluate global warming potential (GWP100), fossil depletion potential (FDP), and water depletion (WDP). The objective is to compare and evaluate the sustainability of Dark Fermentation (DF) and Electrolysis methods for hydrogen gas production from both treatment technologies to achieve Oman's Vision 2040. The DF method involves utilizing sludge from both primary and secondary treatment stages, while the Electrolysis method uses the tertiary treatment stage. Results show that using 50 % (15,000 m³/day) of the flow for hydrogen production, the DF yields 60,000 kg of H2/day, while the electrolysis method produces 833,333 kg of H2/day. This difference arises because the DF method depends on sludge production, impacting hydrogen gas production, whereas, the electrolysis method relies entirely on treated water. Both processes significantly impact GWP100. Incorporating solar power for ASM and FBB, as a green energy source, reduces CO2 emissions by 7560.28 kg CO2-eq for DF and 8245.18 kg CO2-eq for electrolysis. This study provides a novelty application, which contributes to advancing sustainability practices through evaluating the environmental impacts of using produced water for green hydrogen production in waste-to-energy and advocates for energy policy making regarding recent climate change commitments.

An efficient modelling and hosting capacity analysis of a distribution system integrating PVs supported by the V2G technology

Over the past decade, the production of photovoltaic (PV) systems has increased owing to the rising demand for electricity generation. Recently, the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology of electric vehicles (EVs) has also gained interest as a clean and green energy source to support PVs providing sustainable energy. However, this necessitates the efficient modelling of PV output generation and V2G scheme for integration in the distribution system. Despite the advantages of PV and V2G technology, excessive integration potential affects the distribution system. To circumvent these problems, an accurate evaluation of hosting capacity (HC) is essential. This study proposes efficient modelling and a novel, improved analytical-optimal power flow method for HC analysis of distribution systems with PV and V2G integration considering uncertainties. Furthermore, the effects of increasing integration and optimal allocation of PVs and V2G technology on the voltage profile and power losses, respectively, were analysed. The IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus distribution systems were employed to perform the simulation test to obtain results of HC that validated the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method compared with those of conventional methods. The proposed method provides an accurate, robust, and global-optimum solution. The integration of V2G technology enhances the overall HC of distribution system.

Integration of Green Energy Sources Within Distribution Networks: Feasibility, Benefits, And Control Techniques for Microgrid Systems

Integration of Green Energy Sources Within Distribution Networks: Feasibility, Benefits, And Control Techniques for Microgrid Systems

Balancing environmental sustainability: Socio-economic drivers and policy pathways in oil-importing nations

This paper explores the intricate interplay of socio-economic drivers influencing environmental sustainability in oil-importing countries, examining CO2 emissions and greenhouse gas concentrations over the period from 2000 to 2021. Employing the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) and Prais-Winsten regression method (PCSE), data from fifteen major oil-importing nations are scrutinized. The study identifies pivotal socio-economic factors, including environmental innovations, green energy adoption, and energy prices, as key drivers in mitigating emissions. Environmental innovations, catalyzing cleaner technologies, emerge as effective tools in curbing hazardous emissions and promoting green energy sources. The study underscores the trade-off between energy use and prices, advocating a strategic shift towards green energy adoption. It also highlights the adverse association between industrial and agricultural production with emissions. Policy interventions are recommended, emphasizing the need for cleaner technologies and the adoption of renewable energy practices, thus achieving a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental quality. The research offers valuable insights into the socio-economic dimensions of environmental sustainability, emphasizing the importance of well-balanced policies that align environmental innovations, environmental conservation, and energy transition in oil-importing nations within the broader context of human-environment interactions.

The Effect of Dust Accumulation on Photovoltaic (PV) Panel Surface in Politeknik Mersing, Johor, Malaysia

Abstract: One of the initiatives aiming at supporting green technology sustainability education in the Politeknik Mersing is the generation of power using renewable energy sources like solar. Considered as more efficient and able to meet current power needs of the community, the generation of electricity from limitless green energy sources is Dust accumulation on the photovoltaic (PV) panel surface has been one of the main environmental elements influencing the declining sun irradiation since Politeknik Mersing located in a tropical rainforest and coastal location. Moreover, in humid environments the accumulation of dust forms mud and contamination on the PV panel surface, which subsequently reduces the relative power efficiency of PV by up to 30%. Therefore, the study has been carried out to investigate the effects of dust accumulation on PV panel surfaces on the amount of output power generated by the PV system. While the lowest relative performance of 69.6% occurred at a 30° tilt angle, the best relative performance of 97% was obtained at a 0° tilt angle during peak solar hours. The relative power efficiency was used to analyse the performance of PV panels under clean and dusty conditions since there was no pyranometer to measure solar irradiation. Several tilt angles (0°, 10°, 20°, and 30°) were assessed in order to situate the panel optimally with respect to the latitude of the location and peak solar hours (10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm). The performance of the PV system was evaluated using total output power that is derived from open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc). Results showed that dust accumulation affects the efficiency of PV panels thus necessitating effective maintenance strategies within such environments.

Electrocatalytic Performance of 2D Monolayer WSeTe Janus Transition Metal Dichalcogenide for Highly Efficient H2 Evolution Reaction.

Nowadays, the development of clean and green energy sources is the priority interest of research due to increasing global energy demand and extensive usage of fossil fuels, which create pollutants. Hydrogen has the highest energy density by weight among all chemical fuels. For the commercial-scale production of hydrogen, water electrolysis is the best method, which requires an efficient, cost-effective, and earth-abundant electrocatalyst. Recent studies have shown that the 2D Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (JTMDs) are promising materials for use as electrocatalysts and are highly effective for electrocatalytic H2 evolution reaction (HER). Here, we report a 2D monolayer WSeTe JTMD, which is highly effective toward HER. We have studied the electronic properties of 2D monolayer WSeTe JTMD using the periodic hybrid DFT-D method, and a direct electronic band gap of 2.39 eV was obtained. We have explored the HER pathways, mechanisms, and intermediates, including various transition state (TS) structures (Volmer TS, i.e., H*-migration TS, Heyrovsky TS, and Tafel TS) using a molecular cluster model of the subject JTMD noted as W10Se9Te12. The present calculations reveal that the 2D monolayer WSeTe JTMD is a potential electrocatalyst for HER. It has the lowest energy barriers for all the TSs among other TMDs. It has been shown that the Heyrovsky energy barrier (= 8.72 kcal mol-1) in the case of the Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism is larger than the Tafel energy barrier (= 3.27 kcal mol-1) in the Volmer-Tafel mechanism. Hence, our present study suggests that the formation of H2 is energetically more favorable via the Volmer-Tafel mechanism. This study helps to shed light on the rational design of 2D single-layer JTMD, which is highly effective toward HER, and we expect that the present work can be further extended to other JTMDs to find out the improved electrocatalytic performance.

Leakage current suppression methods for single-phase photovoltaic inverters

Given the swift expansion of the worlds population and economy, the decline in environmental quality caused by global warming, frequent climate disasters, ecosystem damage, sea level rise and other problems makes the world energy structure is changing, which means many countries start to develop their new energy industry and technology in order to meet their growing demand for energy. Therefore, promoting the energy transformation and innovation has become a new focus, and photovoltaic (PV) power generation as a green energy source is the focus of attention. PV inverters are essential components of photovoltaic array systems since they are the principal equipment capable of converting the fluctuating DC voltage produced by solar panels into mains frequency alternating current. However, the leakage current problem appeared during its operation has become one of the most important focuses of electrical engineers in recent years. This paper takes three aspects which is topology, filter and modulation mode to discuss how to suppress common mode leakage current in inverters. This paper reviews the existing research results and looks forward to their future development trends, which provides a reference for the following research.

TiO2-based heterojunctions for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Solar-driven photocatalysis hydrogen evolution is a promising method to generate hydrogen from water, a green and clean energy source, using solar and semiconductors. Up to now, TiO2 still represents the most inexpensive and widely studied metal oxide semiconductors for photocatalysis. TiO2 coupling with other semiconductors to form heterojunctions is considered an efficient way to improve photocatalytic performances. In this review, TiO2-based heterojunctions are classified into conventional, p-n type, Z-scheme, S-scheme, and other heterojunctions based on their band structures. The photocatalytic mechanisms of various types of heterojunctions are described in detail. In order to rationally design and better synthesize heterojunctions with excellent performance, the contribution of theoretical calculations to the field of TiO2-based heterojunction photocatalysts and the key role of theoretical prediction are also discussed. Finally, the opportunities and current challenges to promote photocatalytic performance are provided to assist the design of TiO2-based heterojunction photocatalysts with superior performance.

The Green Energy Effect on an HCCI Engine from Used Cooking Oil-based Biodiesel from Malaysia

Emissions from internal combustion engines (ICEs) significantly impact the environment, leading continents worldwide to work towards reducing them. The industry is increasingly leaning towards electric powertrains. However, power plants still utilize ICEs as generators, contributing to global pollution. Consequently, ICE emissions are garnering international attention. Alternatives like the Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine and biodiesel fuels are being explored. HCCI engines have not been extensively tested with Used Cooking Oil (UCO) biodiesel. This study investigates the performance and emissions of HCCI engines using UCO-based biodiesel. This study tested an air-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine operating at 3600 rpm with a displacement of 0.219 liters. The HCCI mode was activated during preheating and run at 2700 rpm under varying biodiesel blend percentages and intake temperatures. In HCCI mode, brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased, peaking at a 90°C intake temperature. Diesel fuel in-cylinder pressure reached a maximum of 81 bars at 90°C, decreasing to 79 bars at 70°C. The HCCI mode resulted in lower NOx, CO, and UHC emissions. Higher biodiesel blend ratios further reduced CO emissions. Raising the intake air temperature to 90°C lowered NOx emissions by 96.66%, from 150 ppm to 5 ppm. Using green energy sources as fuel in HCCI engines significantly reduced emissions in this study, suggesting their potential as a future fuel for advanced engines.

Exceptionally crystalline nature of CrO3‐Cr2O3/Ppy nanocomposite as a prospective photoelectrode for efficient green hydrogen generation in the context of environmentally friendly water‐splitting reactions using sanitized water

AbstractThis research introduces a novel technique for transforming wastewater into renewable hydrogen gas using an innovative photoelectrode composed of CrO3‐Cr2O3/polypyrrole (Ppy), synthesized through a one‐pot method. The photoelectrode is applied to split wastewater under different light conditions: darkness, white light, and monochromatic light. In the absence of light, the CrO3‐Cr2O3/Ppy photoelectrode produces a photocurrent density (Jph) value of 0.54 mA cm−2, which significantly increases to 0.78 mA cm−2 under white light exposure. The Jph values range from 0.68 to 0.76 mA cm−2 at wavelengths between 730 and 340 nm, showcasing the photoelectrode's remarkable sensitivity. This sensitivity highlights the potential of the photoelectrode to efficiently capture light energy for applications in wastewater treatment and green hydrogen production. By utilizing wastewater as a renewable energy source and employing the CrO3‐Cr2O3/Ppy photoelectrode, this approach addresses environmental concerns and energy needs concurrently. The proposed prototype for a three‐electrode cell aims to directly produce hydrogen gas from wastewater, with the ultimate goal of generating hydrogen suitable for industrial applications. This innovative solution not only addresses wastewater treatment but also transforms it into a valuable source of green energy, emphasizing the potential for positive environmental and energy‐related advancements.

Rose bengal photocatalyzed expeditious multicomponent synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2‐(1H)‐ones/thiones under visible light irradiation

AbstractThe combination of visible light, a renewable and green energy source, and rose bengal, a non‐toxic organic dye as a photoredox catalyst, is an easy and efficient method for synthesizing 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones/thiones in EtOH at ambient temperature in very short reaction time. The present work offers simple operation, easy workup, rapid conversion, and excellent product yields, while accommodating a wide range of substrates. Rose bengal‐based photocatalytic approach permits foremost sustainability, which delivers economic and environmental rewards.

Al2O3-Encapsulated TiO2 flower-like spherical mesoporous material for efficient removal of PCl3 traces

Solar energy is considered the most promising sustainable green energy source. Currently, more than 95% of solar energy development and utilization is based on silicon, especially polysilicon. In the production of polysilicon, the PCl3 impurity content must be removed to the ppb level to ensure product performance. Al2O3 has been confirmed to be effective at removing PCl3 at ppm levels, however, it suffers from weak adsorption capacity, slow adsorption rate and low adsorption efficiency in the case of PCl3 in ppb levels. In this work, by encapsulating Al2O3 on TiO2, a flower-like spherical adsorbent ([Al2O3]3[TiO2]1) was prepared. The experimental results show that after introducing TiO2, the adsorption performance of [Al2O3]3[TiO2]1 for PCl3 in ppb levels is significantly improved, 34.1% higher than that before introducing TiO2. Five adsorption–desorption cycles indicate that [Al2O3]3[TiO2]1 has excellent regeneration property. Characterization analysis and density functional theory(DFT) simulations suggest that PCl3 interacts with the adsorbent primarily through charge transfer.

A single-phase grid-tied extendable-level inverter for renewable energy applications

The extraction of power from green energy sources (GES) has rapidly popularized owing to increasing energy demands, depletion of fossil fuels and growing concerns about climatic changes. Grid-tied multilevel inverters are critical components in the integration of green energy sources into the power grid and offer numerous benefits over standard two-level inverters. These benefits include superior power quality, diminished harmonic distortion, and the potential to utilize high power levels efficiently. A single-phase Grid-Tied Extendable-Level Inverter (GTELI) for green energy applications is demonstrated in this paper. The GTELI offers superior power quality and distortion-free output relative to existing grid-tied multilevel inverters and hence is an excellent choice for extracting power from sustainable energy sources. To ensure efficient utilization, the extracted power from GTELI is to be integrated into the supply grid. A new current control algorithm for the GTELI is also proposed in this paper. Using this current control technique a grid control technique is established to modulate the power flow to the grid. The proposed GTELI achieved sinusoidal grid voltage and injected current with minimised harmonic distortions of 1.6% and 2.7% respectively, which comply well with the tolerable range of the IEEE 519 standard.

The role of natural resources, and economic development in evaluating the environmental effects of biofuel and waste energy generation in the group of BRICS

The green energy sources such as biomass conversions and waste energy have shown great potential in environmental management. This article aims to examine the changes brought about by the production of biofuel and the management of solid fossil waste over the past forty years, and to analyze the significant roles that natural resources and economic factors have played in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) from 1990 to 2021. To achieve accurate and feasible results, second-generation econometric methodologies were applied. The Driscoll-Kraay standard errors (DKSE) approach revealed a significant negative relationship between biofuel production and environmental damage through waste management. Thus, an increase in biofuel production is associated with a reduction in environmental degradation in the region. Furthermore, the results indicate that environmental degradation (ED), the dependent variable, is still positively correlated with natural resources, urbanization, trade, and economic growth. As the financial sector struggles to address environmental threats, stringent monitoring of financial control measures and provisions for environmental issues is necessary. To achieve sustainable development, BRICS member countries need to address the issues of natural resource exhaustion and over-exploitation. The findings of this research suggest policy support for sustainable redevelopment, which should be goal-oriented and backed by the central authorities of the respective countries.

The Contribution of Biogas to the Electricity Supply Chain: An Italian Life Cycle Assessment Database

The transition towards energy efficiency measures and green energy sources is strongly fostered by the European Union. Italy is among the EU countries that have heavily invested in renewable energy sources, more than doubling their share in gross final energy consumption. In particular, biogas has a pivotal role in the generation of electricity and can also be upgraded into biomethane, with a higher and more stable energy content. In this study, the sustainability of the supply chain of electricity from biogas in Italy has been thoroughly analyzed in the broader framework of the ARCADIA (Life Cycle Approach in Public Procurement and Italian LCA Database for Resource Efficiency) project. The environmental assessment, carried out by means of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), provides a two-fold perspective. Firstly, it allows us to identify the main hotspots of the investigated system, such as the cultivation of dedicated crops, and to provide useful insights for improving environmental performance. Furthermore, a focus on the modeling of the dataset related to the production of electricity from biogas within the Italian electricity mix represents a step ahead in the LCA research, filling the lack of site-specific databases for reliable LCA results.