Sustainable Energy Development Research Articles

Review on Biomass Derived Activated Carbons as Electrochemical Electrode Material for Supercapacitor Device

Abstract: To face the challenge of the finite nature of fossil fuels and large energy crises across the globe, there is an urgent requirement for sustainable and renewable energy sources. Moreover, it is essential to focus on energy storage in order to meet the demand of future generations. Among various energy storage devices such as fuel cells, batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors, flywheels, etc., it is the supercapacitor device that has elicited extensive research interest recently because of prominent features like high power density, fast recharge capability, and long cycle life. The main objective of this article is to review the enhancement of the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor devices. The electrochemical properties of the supercapacitor device majorly depend on the electrode materials used, which include carbonaceous materials, metal oxides, and conducting polymers. In order to reduce energy shortages and environmental pressure, carbon materials derived from biomass/waste materials have been considered remarkable candidates for electrode materials with the advantages of high abundance, low cost, and environmental friendliness. This review shows the complied study of various methodologies for the preparation of activated carbons derived from different biomass residues such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, which have been investigated in the past few years as electrochemical electrode materials for supercapacitors. Further, ongoing challenges and potential improvements in this area for creating efficient energy storage devices are also discussed. The goal of this review article is to aid in the creation of new insights for energy storage applications of biomass-generated carbons that will lead to sustainable energy development.

Geological data utilization in renewable energy mapping and volcanic region carbon storage feasibility

Geological data plays a crucial role in mapping renewable energy resources and assessing the feasibility of carbon storage in volcanic regions. This review explores the utilization of geological data in these areas, highlighting its significance and implications. Geological data is fundamental in mapping renewable energy resources, such as geothermal and hydroelectric energy. By analyzing geological structures, researchers can identify areas with high potential for these renewable energy sources. This mapping is essential for sustainable energy planning, as it allows policymakers to prioritize regions for renewable energy development based on geological suitability. Additionally, geological data is instrumental in assessing the feasibility of carbon storage in volcanic regions. Volcanic rocks have the potential to store carbon dioxide through mineral carbonation, a process where CO2 reacts with minerals to form stable carbonates. Geological data, including rock composition, porosity, and permeability, is used to evaluate the capacity of volcanic rocks to store carbon dioxide safely and effectively. The utilization of geological data in renewable energy mapping and volcanic region carbon storage feasibility has significant implications for sustainable energy development and climate change mitigation. By mapping renewable energy resources, countries can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Furthermore, assessing the feasibility of carbon storage in volcanic regions can help mitigate the impacts of climate change by sequestering CO2 emissions from industrial sources. In conclusion, geological data plays a crucial role in mapping renewable energy resources and assessing the feasibility of carbon storage in volcanic regions. By leveraging geological data, policymakers and researchers can make informed decisions about sustainable energy development and climate change mitigation.

Geological survey techniques and carbon storage: Optimizing renewable energy site selection and carbon sequestration

Geological survey techniques play a crucial role in optimizing site selection for renewable energy projects and identifying suitable locations for carbon storage to mitigate climate change. This abstract provides an overview of how geological survey techniques can be used to achieve these objectives. Renewable energy development, particularly solar and wind power, requires careful site selection to maximize energy generation efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. Geological surveys are instrumental in assessing factors such as subsurface geology, topography, soil composition, and hydrological conditions. These surveys help identify suitable locations with optimal wind or solar resources and geologic conditions for infrastructure development. Additionally, geological surveys are essential for identifying suitable sites for carbon storage, a critical component of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Geological formations, such as deep saline aquifers, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and unmineable coal seams, can serve as storage reservoirs for captured carbon dioxide (CO2). Geological surveys help characterize these formations to assess their suitability for long-term CO2 storage, considering factors such as porosity, permeability, and sealing integrity. Optimizing site selection for renewable energy projects and carbon storage requires a comprehensive understanding of subsurface geology and environmental conditions. Advanced geological survey techniques, such as seismic imaging, remote sensing, and geophysical surveys, are essential for acquiring detailed subsurface data. These techniques enable scientists and engineers to assess site suitability, evaluate risks, and design effective mitigation measures. In conclusion, geological survey techniques are invaluable tools for optimizing site selection for renewable energy projects and identifying suitable locations for carbon storage. By leveraging these techniques, stakeholders can make informed decisions that promote sustainable energy development and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Sulfur Modified Carbon-Based Single-Atom Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Reactions.

Efficient and sustainable energy development is a powerful tool for addressing the energy and environmental crises. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have received high attention for their extremely high atom utilization efficiency and excellent catalytic activity, and have broad application prospects in energy development and chemical production. M-N4 is an active center model with clear catalytic activity, but its catalytic properties such as catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability need to be further improved. Adjustment of the coordination environment of the central metal by incorporating heteroatoms (e.g., sulfur) is an effective and feasible modification method. This paper describes the precise synthetic methods for introducing sulfur atoms into M-N4 and controlling whether they are directly coordinated with the central metal to form a specific coordination configuration, the application of sulfur-doped carbon-based single-atom catalysts in electrocatalytic reactions such as ORR, CO2RR, HER, OER, and other electrocatalytic reaction are systematically reviewed. Meanwhile, the effect of the tuning of the electronic structure and ligand configuration parameters of the active center due to doped sulfur atoms with the improvement of catalytic performance is introduced by combining different characterization and testing methods. Finally, several opinions on development of sulfur-doped carbon-based SACs are put forward.

Sustainable energy development combining natural dyes with titanium dioxide quantum dots in high-efficiency biological solar cells

Sustainable energy development combining natural dyes with titanium dioxide quantum dots in high-efficiency biological solar cells

Analysis on the synergy between markets of electricity, carbon, and tradable green certificates in China

China has integrated tradable green certificates and carbon markets with its electricity sector to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. However, the impact mechanism of decision-making behaviors of involved entities in these integrated markets on the market equilibrium is still unclear, hence limiting the further development of renewable energy industries and carbon reduction progress to some extent. Therefore, conducting in-depth research to inform policy makers about the impacts of entities' decision-making behaviors on market equilibrium within the context of integrated multiple markets is crucial. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of entities' decision-making behaviors and equilibrium states within the collaborative dynamics of carbon, electricity, and green certificate markets. Specifically, an optimal decision-making model for entities given the multi-market coupling was developed by employing mathematical programming methods to analyze market equilibriums across various market combinations and policy parameters. The conclusions underscore equilibrium price shifts and decision-making characteristics among entities across multiple markets. The result shows that the carbon market could increase power prices and decrease green certificate prices. To ensure sustainable energy development, policymakers should consider the decision-making behavior of entities under multi-market coupling, which can promote the low-carbon transformation of the Chinese energy industry.

Saudi Arabia’s Journey toward a Renewable Future

Recent statistics indicate that as of 2023, the global renewable energy capacity has reached new heights, with Saudi Arabia significantly contributing to this growth through its strategic initiatives. The kingdom is particularly focusing on harnessing solar power, given its abundant sunlight, and is also exploring wind energy, leveraging its vast desert landscapes. These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to become a global leader in renewable energy. This paper provides a detailed exploration of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey from a fossil-fuel-dominated energy sector to a more sustainable, renewable-energy-driven future. Anchored in the broader context of global energy trends, the study emphasizes the critical shift toward renewable resources, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia’s unique position in this global movement. Key to this transition is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework that guides the country’s renewable energy policies and initiatives. A comprehensive review of these policies, including other governmental and international collaborations that support renewable energy development, is offered. The current state of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia is assessed, including an overview of existing projects and production statistics. The paper also explores emerging technologies such as energy storage systems and smart grid solutions, emphasizing their role in Saudi Arabia’s energy transition. An impact assessment is conducted to understand the environmental, economic, and social effects of this energy shift. The paper also includes a comparative analysis of other countries’ renewable energy transitions, extracting lessons and best practices applicable to the Saudi context. Strategic recommendations and reflections on Saudi Arabia’s future role in the global energy landscape are provided for stakeholders in energy policy, environmental planning, and sustainable development.

Development of sustainable energy: Performance investigation of the combined utilisation of a seawater electrolyser and single slope solar desalination still

The primary objective of this work is to investigate experimentally the desalination performance of seawater, hydrogen, and oxygen gas generation through the use of two identical single-slope solar stills. Seawater collected from “Bay of Bengal” was used as the fluid and analysis was conducted at a constant water depth of 20 mm. The system was constructed using mild steel and stainless steel 316 L was used as electrodes. A set voltage and current of 12 V and 40 A was supplied to the electrodes through switched-mode power supply (SMPS). The study investigated the impact of solar radiation and induction of electrolysis system on the performance of solar stills. The results demonstrate a significant positive correlation between solar radiation and still temperature, with 877.1 W/m2 of maximum solar radiation intensity resulting in a still temperature of 53.9 °C. The temperature of the basin water increased by an average of 4.25% upon the addition of an electrolyser. It was noted that with the introduction of electrolyser there was increase in productivity by 48 % than the still without the electrolyser. When the solar radiation was at its peak the maximum amount of hydrogen and oxygen were produced which is 0.44 kg/L and 0.24 kg/L respectively. It was noted that when the system with electrolyser is operated at its peak there was increase in solar still and exergy efficiency by 30.5 % and 9.32 % than the system operated without electrolyser. The economic analysis revealed that the hybrid system which possessed electrolyser has very short pay back period of 1.5 days which is approximately 90 days less than the still without electrolyser. The study shows the use of hybrid system reduces the carbon emission significantly which contributes for its sustainable utilisation. The study highlights the interaction between solar radiation, electrolyser induction, and overall efficiency in the context of seawater desalination and shows the system's strong performance.

Efficient and durable seawater electrolysis with a V2O3-protected catalyst.

The ocean, a vast hydrogen reservoir, holds potential for sustainable energy and water development. Developing high-performance electrocatalysts for hydrogen production under harsh seawater conditions is challenging. Here, we propose incorporating a protective V2O3 layer to modulate the microcatalytic environment and create in situ dual-active sites consisting of low-loaded Pt and Ni3N. This catalyst demonstrates an ultralow overpotential of 80 mV at 500 mA cm-2, a mass activity 30.86 times higher than Pt-C and maintains at least 500 hours in seawater. Moreover, the assembled anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWE) demonstrate superior activity and durability even under demanding industrial conditions. In situ localized pH analysis elucidates the microcatalytic environmental regulation mechanism of the V2O3 layer. Its role as a Lewis acid layer enables the sequestration of excess OH- ions, mitigate Cl- corrosion, and alkaline earth salt precipitation. Our catalyst protection strategy by using V2O3 presents a promising and cost-effective approach for large-scale sustainable green hydrogen production.

Coupling Global Parameters and Local Flow Optimization of a Pulsed Ejector for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as an important utilization of hydrogen energy, contribute to the sustainable development of global energy. Pulsed ejectors have a high potential for improving the hydrogen utilization of PEMFCs in the full operating range by circulating unconsumed hydrogen. In this study, a pulsed ejector applied to a 120 kW fuel cell was designed, and the flow characteristics were analysed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Based on the data from the CFD model, the global optimization of the ejector was carried out using the Gaussian process regression (GPR) surrogate model and the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. The local structure was then further optimized using an adjoint method coupling streamlining modification that takes into account the local flow characteristics. The CFD results showed that, under a fixed structure, increasing the pressure difference between the secondary flow and the ejector outlet would promote boundary layer separation, shorten the shockwave chain length, change the effective flow area of the secondary flow, and lower the entrainment ratio (ER). The analytical results from the GPR model indicated significant interactions among the structural parameters. The globally optimized ejector using GPR and GWO improved the hydrogen entrainment ratio from 1.42 to 3.12 at the design point. Furthermore, the results of streamlining local optimization show that the entrainment ratio increased by 1.67% at the design point and increased by up to 3.99% over the full operating range compared to the optimized ejector by global optimization.

Phytic acid-functionalized polyamidoxime/alginate hydrogel for targeted uranium extraction from acidic wastewater

Efficient removal of uranium from radioactive wastewater is crucial for both environmental protection and sustainable development of nuclear energy. However, selectively extracting uranium from acidic wastewater remains a significant challenge. Here we present a phytic acid-functionalized polyamidoxime/alginate hydrogel (PAG) via a facile one-step hydrothermal reaction. The PAG, leveraging the robust binding affinity of phytic acid and the selective coordination of amidoxime for U(VI), exhibited high efficiency and selectivity in adsorbing U(VI) from acidic uranium-containing wastewater. At pH 2.50, U(VI) adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 60 min, showcasing a maximum theoretical adsorption capacity of 218.34 mg/g. Additionally, the PAG demonstrated excellent reusability, maintaining a uranium removal rate exceeding 90 % over five adsorption-desorption cycles. Remarkably, the as-synthesized PAG removed 94.1 % of U(VI) from actual acidic uranium-contaminated groundwater with excellent anti-interference performance, reducing U(VI) concentration from 272.0 μg/L to 16.1 μg/L and making it meet the WHO drinking water standards (30 μg/L). The adsorption mechanism was elucidated through XPS and DFT calculation, revealing that the uranyl ion primarily coordinated with phosphate and amidoxime groups on phytic acid and polyamidoxime, respectively. These findings underscore the promising potential of PAG hydrogel for addressing acidic uranium-containing wastewater from uranium mining and metallurgy.

High-Accuracy Photovoltaic Power Prediction under Varying Meteorological Conditions: Enhanced and Improved Beluga Whale Optimization Extreme Learning Machine

Accurate photovoltaic (PV) power prediction plays a crucial role in promoting energy structure transformation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to improve the accuracy of PV power generation prediction. Extreme learning machine (ELM) was used as the core model, and enhanced and improved beluga whale optimization (EIBWO) was proposed to optimize the internal parameters of ELM, thereby improving its prediction accuracy for PV power generation. Firstly, this study introduced the chaotic mapping strategy, sine dynamic adaptive factor, and disturbance strategy to beluga whale optimization, and EIBWO was proposed with high convergence accuracy and strong optimization ability. It was verified through standard testing functions that EIBWO performed better than comparative algorithms. Secondly, EIBWO was used to optimize the internal parameters of ELM and establish a PV power prediction model based on enhanced and improved beluga whale optimization algorithm–optimization extreme learning machine (EIBWO-ELM). Finally, the measured data of the PV output were used for verification, and the results show that the PV power prediction results of EIBWO-ELM were more accurate regardless of whether it was cloudy or sunny. The R2 of EIBWO-ELM exceeded 0.99, highlighting its efficient ability to adapt to PV power generation. The prediction accuracy of EIBWO-ELM is better than that of comparative models. Compared with existing models, EIBWO-ELM significantly improves the predictive reliability and economic benefits of PV power generation. This study not only provides a technological foundation for the optimization of intelligent energy systems but also contributes to the sustainable development of clean energy.

All‐in‐One: Photo‐Responsive Lanthanide‐Organic Framework for Simultaneous Sensing, Adsorption, and Photocatalytic Reduction of Uranium

AbstractThe selective removal and immobilization of uranyl ions from aqueous solutions is essential for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. Herein, a robust lanthanide‐organic framework material (IHEP‐24) is developed for simultaneous fluorescence sensing, selective adsorption, and photocatalytic reduction of uranium, integrating three different functions in one material. The confined space formed by the coordination assembly of viologen derivative ligands and metal‐oxygen clusters can act as precise recognition sites for uranyl, allowing IHEP‐24 to efficiently detect and capture uranyl ions. In addition, the presence of a viologen‐based radical ligand enables IHEP‐24 to a further photocatalytic reduction of the adsorbed uranyl to amorphous UO2. The mechanisms of adsorption and photocatalysis are revealed by batch experiments, photoelectrochemical characterizations, and theoretical calculations. This study provides a reference for the construction of robust multi‐functional MOF materials and also provides support for the deep removal and immobilization of radionuclides from aqueous solution.

The Application of Intelligent Architectural Design in Energy Saving and Sustainable Development

In today's context, energy conservation, emissions reduction, and sustainable development are highly prioritized, and the architectural industry must recognize the value of intelligent buildings to maintain stable growth amidst fierce competition. Intelligent design not only enhances the energy efficiency of buildings, achieving energy savings and emissions reductions, but also significantly improves their safety and convenience, providing a more comfortable living environment for residents. Moreover, it is a key force driving technological innovation in the architecture industry, leading it towards more efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable development. In terms of application principles, intelligent architectural design emphasizes coordination, integrity, and flexibility. It requires considering the harmonious unity between architecture and the environment, ecosystems, and human needs during the design process, treating the building as an integrated system, and focusing on the flexibility and adjustability of the design to accommodate potential future changes. In specific applications, intelligent designs for natural lighting, ventilation, and electrical systems are important manifestations of intelligent architectural design. These applications, through intelligent control systems and devices, achieve efficient management and adjustment of the building environment, thereby enhancing the building's energy efficiency and contributing to sustainable development.

Application of Renewable Energy in Green Buildings and Energy Consumption Optimization

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing global awareness of sustainable development and environmental protection, green building has become one of the important development directions in the construction industry. The application of sustainable type energy in the construction industry is of great significance in reducing building energy consumption and environmental pollution. This study aims to explore the application of sustainable types of energy and conduct research on energy consumption optimization. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the current situation of the application of sustainable types of energy in the construction industry, to explore its impact on the energy consumption of buildings, and to propose corresponding optimization strategies in order to achieve the goal of sustainable development of green buildings in China. METHODS: This study adopts a combination of literature review and case study; firstly, a literature review on the application of sustainable types of energy, sorting out its technical characteristics and application effects; then, several typical cases are selected to analyze its energy application and energy consumption in buildings; finally, relevant strategies and suggestions for optimizing the energy consumption are put forward by combining the results of the literature review and the case study. RESULTS: Through the literature review and case analysis, it is found that sustainable types of energy, such as solar energy and wind energy, have been widely used in buildings and achieved certain energy-saving effects. However, there are also some problems, such as inefficient energy utilization and high cost. To address these problems, this study proposes a series of optimization strategies, including suggestions for optimizing energy system design, improving energy utilization efficiency, and reducing energy costs. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the application of sustainable types of energy in green buildings is an important way to optimize building energy consumption and sustainable development. Through measures such as optimizing energy system design and improving energy utilization efficiency, building energy consumption can be further reduced, environmental pollution can be reduced, and the development of the construction industry can be promoted. However, further research and practice are still needed to continuously improve relevant technologies and policies to promote the application and development of sustainable types of energy in buildings.

Planning and Policy Direction for Utilization of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development in Indonesia

The Indonesian government through the National Energy Council (DEN) has a target for new renewable energy to be increased, starting from 2025 with a target of 23 percent to 2060 with a target of 66 percent, but ,new renewable energy in Indonesia only increases 0.55 percent per year. Indonesia has great potential, but can the potential be maximized by the government in the direction of a better and environmentally friendly energy policy. This study analyzes the movement of renewable energy and CO2 emissions to the Indonesian economy from 1990-2021, using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) statistical method by considering short-term and long-term results in the model. The results show that in the long and short-term economy the role of GDP per unit of energy use for the economy is needed and has a positive effect, the role of carbon emissions in the short and long term CO2 has a positive and significant direction, non-renewable energy in the long term and short term is still moving negative and significant, this indicates that renewable energy in Indonesia tends to be low, energy replacement must be carried out slowly and gradually, shock response conditions conclude when GDP energy use and CO2 are affected by a negative shock will disrupt economic development, meanwhile, if there is a negative shock on consumption Renewable energy still tends to be stable and positive for the development of the Indonesian economy.

Exploring the Relationship between Solar Panel Adoption and Socio-Economic Factors: A Case Study of Urban Households in Developing Countries

This article will discuss the results of research on how the use of solar panels as an alternative energy source is related to social and economic factors, especially in urban areas in developing countries. This study will analyze factors such as education level, income, and people's perceptions of alternative energy to identify correlations between solar panel use and socio-economic variables. It is hoped that this article can provide new insights for public policy in promoting the use of renewable energy and creating a more inclusive society. This research can be categorized as quantitative. The research method used is the associative research method. The data analysis method used is correlation analysis. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. The results of the study show that there are different characteristics of the relationship between the use of solar panels and socio-economic variables. Research on the relationship between global solar panel use and factors such as the number of prosumers, total kwh exports, GRDP, total investment, total load, home charging ev, distance to the capital city, air quality, and per capita expenditure has very important uses for stakeholders, especially in terms of sustainable energy development and reducing negative impacts on the environment. Policymakers can use the results of this research to formulate more appropriate policies to promote the use of solar energy and drive the shift to renewable energy sources.

Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects

Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects

Capacity optimization of independent hybrid renewable energy system under different operational strategies based on improved gray wolf algorithm

Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power exhibit strong stochasticity and volatility, resulting in decreased power supply security and sustainability. A strategically optimized hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) is crucial for maintaining stable load operations and achieving sustainable energy development. This paper introduces an energy optimization management model for an independent HRES consisting of wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, diesel generators, and energy storage units. Operational strategies focus on energy storage-led loads following diesel generator-led load prioritizations. The model aims to optimize objectives to include economic, environmental, and power supply reliability indices. A dynamic adaptive parameter approach balances the parameters of the objective function at various instances. The optimal capacity allocation of the model is solved using the improved gray wolf optimization (IGWO) algorithm. This approach incorporates the golden sine strategy, the levy flight strategy, and the dynamic inverse learning strategy into the traditional GWO algorithm. Analyzing different test functions, evaluation metrics, and actual load data indicates that the proposed algorithm excels in global optimization capabilities and search speeds. The model significantly reduces the economic and environmental costs of the HRES microgrids and improves the sustainable development of renewable energy in various scenarios.

Investigating factors influencing the adoption and sustainable development of wind energy in the UAE

This research paper investigates the factors influencing wind energy adoption and sustainability in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The investigation is motivated by a research gap, as there is limited existing research on the specific factors influencing the adoption of wind energy in the UAE. Understanding these factors is identified as a crucial problem for the successful transition to sustainable energy sources in the nation. Employing a systematic review methodology, data spanning from 1999 to 2023 across six databases were collected using specified keywords. A total of 203 articles were screened, resulting in 64 selected articles. The study categorizes derived factors into technological innovation, environmental impact, grid integration, and socioeconomic aspects. Utilizing a structured methodology involving questionnaire surveys, structural equation modeling (SEM), and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses. 75 % of hypotheses were accepted, affirming significant positive relationships between technological innovation, environmental impact, grid integration, wind energy adoption, and sustainability were confirmed. While socioeconomic factors exhibit a nuanced influence, the findings underscore the UAE's remarkable progress in harnessing wind energy for a sustainable future. These findings underscore the importance of further investigating these factors and sub-factors for successfully transitioning to sustainable energy sources in the UAE.