Sustainable Energy Development Research Articles

Prioritization of investment order in Brazil among renewable energy sources: an analysis using the SWARA-MOORA-3NAG method

Purpose This paper aims to comprehensively analyze renewable energy alternatives in Brazil, focusing on identifying the most suitable option for investment in the country’s sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis-multiobjective optimization by ratio analysis −3NAG (a combination of three normalization methods) methodology, a multicriteria decision-making approach, to evaluate and rank renewable energy sources based on key criteria such as resource availability, cost-effectiveness, job creation potential and environmental impact. Findings The analysis reveals that solar energy emerges as the preferred choice for Brazil, offering significant advantages over other alternatives such as hydroelectric, wind and biomass energy. Solar energy’s distributed generation capability, cost reduction trends and positive environmental impact contribute to its favorable position in meeting Brazil’s energy needs. Research limitations/implications While the study provides valuable insights into renewable energy selection, there are limitations regarding the criteria’ scope and the exclusion of specific renewable energy options. Future research could explore sensitivity analyses and incorporate additional criteria to enhance the study’s comprehensiveness. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by thoroughly analyzing renewable energy alternatives in Brazil using a robust multicriteria decision-making methodology. The study’s findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers, businesses and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable energy development in the country.

A Study on the Driving Mechanism of Chinese Oil and Gas Companies’ Transition to Renewable Energy

Encouraging oil and gas (O&G) companies to develop renewable energy sources (RESs) is crucial for China’s energy strategy and sustainable development. The transition from O&G energy to RESs is a complex and systemic process that requires a comprehensive analysis of both internal and external driving factors. This study integrates the theoretical dimensions of energy transition with the operational realities, utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze these factors and their influence on the decision-making process for companies in this sector. A multi-group analysis was conducted to explore differences in motivational mechanisms among groups with varying levels of transition willingness. The findings reveal that environmental awareness, economic value estimation, knowledge accumulation, dynamic capabilities, structural overlap, and government actions significantly promote the energy transition, whereas resource endowment acts as a barrier. Moreover, the willingness to transform moderates the effects of government actions and pressures from other stakeholders on corporate environmental awareness and the transition to RESs. This article provides more comprehensive research perspectives on exploring the driving mechanisms behind the transition to renewable energy, emphasizing the importance of governments playing diverse roles based on the specific internal conditions and highlighting the long-term impact of other stakeholders on sustainable development.

Preparation of mixed matrix membranes with PVP-induced fluorinated Zr-MOF for high-efficiency hydrogen purification under high humidity conditions

Given that hydrogen production often involves impurities such as CO2, CH4, H2O, and alkanes, hydrogen purification is crucial for global green energy applications. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) using metal-organic framework (MOF) materials offer a non-thermal, energy-efficient method for hydrogen purification. These membranes have controllable structures and promote environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as filler aggregation and matrix-filler incompatibility during the preparation of MOF-MMMs are difficult to avoid and can adversely affect separation performance. In this study, 4-(trifluoromethyl) benzoic acid (4-TFMBA) was introduced in situ to grow synchronously with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) on UiO-66-NH2, forming a hydrophobic bifunctional nanoparticle composite, PVP-Zr-MOF-F. Furthermore, in situ loading of PVP-Zr-MOF-F onto a PVDF polymer matrix was achieved using a wet method and the NIPS technique to prepare PVP-Zr-MOF-F@PVDF. The introduction of 4-TFMBA, with highly electronegative F atoms, enhances hydrophobicity and increases H2 affinity through polarization and hydrogen bonding induced by C–F bonds. PVP promotes the formation of smaller Zr-MOF particles, increases the proportion of small pores, prevents aggregation, and acts as a pore-forming agent, facilitating the in situ loading and dispersion of PVP-Zr-MOF-F within PVDF chains. This bifunctionalization not only improves the compatibility and dispersion of the nanofillers but also increases the number of small pores, enhancing van der Waals forces and confinement effects on H2 molecules, making it suitable for gas separation under humid conditions. The results indicate that the H2 permeance of PVP2–Zr-MOF-F@PVDF can reach 114,735 GPU, with selectivities of 19, 21, 24, and 120 for H2/CO2, H2/CH4, H2/C2H4, and H2/n-C6H14, respectively, surpassing the 2008 Robeson's upper bound. Notably, under high humidity conditions, the selectivities for H2/CO2, H2/CH4, and H2/n-C6H14 are 1566 %, 1891 %, and 3264 % higher than those of the original PVDF membrane, achieving high selectivity separation. Additionally, after repetitive experiments with varying humidity, the membrane's selectivity remained almost unchanged, demonstrating the high hydrothermal stability of PVP2–Zr-MOF-F@PVDF. This research provides a new reference for hydrogen purification and holds significant implications for the sustainable development of green energy.

Review of the Transition to Energy 5.0 in the Context of Non-Renewable Energy Sustainable Development

The problems of achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals related to providing both developed and developing countries with cheap and accessible energy, as well as in the context of taking climate action, cannot be solved, on the one hand, without a transition to Energy 5.0, within the framework of the upcoming Fifth Industrial Revolution. On the other hand, it cannot be carried out without ensuring a “seamless” Fourth Energy Transition, which poses new challenges for the technological modernization of power production from non-renewables. Along with this, the expected transition to a human-centric Industry 5.0 challenges researchers to identify obstacles to the diffusion of technologies within hydrocarbon production industries and ways to overcome them in regard to the upcoming Mining 5.0 and Oil and Gas 5.0 environment. In this regard, the purpose of this review is to analyze the structure of scientific publications in this field of research on the human-centric development of technologies in terms of these platforms in order to outline the basis for further research. To achieve this goal, this review provides a multifaceted overview of the main technologies of Industry 5.0, embodied within Energy 5.0, Mining 5.0, and Oil and Gas 5.0, such as collaborative artificial intelligence and co-bots, digital tees, the industrial Internet of Everything, smart cities, and industry; their human-centric nature is revealed as the basis for achieving significant sustainable development goals. This review concludes that there is a need for further analysis of certain areas of the transition to Energy 5.0, such as the human-centric development of digital technologies of Industry 5.0 in the fuel and energy sector, and the revision of its role in terms of achieving the sustainable development goals in the future.

Hot Topics at the 18th SDEWES Conference in 2023: A Conference Report

The present paper reviews the hot topics at the 18th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems (SDEWES) held from 24 to 29 September 2023 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The selected papers, including aspects of biomass energy application, energy saving in building, low-carbon development and climate change adaptation, hybrid application of sustainable energy, energy storage system, and other measures in sustainable development, are published in this Special Issue of Energies. The 12 selected papers in Energies and corresponding literature that relates to the above topics and has been published in the most recent year are reviewed. In particular, diversifying energy applications are trending towards comprehensive integration with more efficient clean energy capacities for global energy procurement, which can also offer increased resilience and sustainability, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance energy security through a mix of renewable sources and innovative technologies. Meanwhile, energy storage has become increasingly important, which can manage the intermittent of renewable energy, stabilize the grid, and improve energy security and resilience against disruptions. In addition to conventional solar energy storage, biomass energy storage, building energy storage, water storage, etc., can also reduce the overall energy costs, deferring investments in additional transmission infrastructure.

Navigating resource scarcity and digital finance solutions for a sustainable future in ASEAN

This research assesses how resource scarcity and digital finance affect sustainability in ASEAN countries, using data from eight members between 2005 and 2022. The CUP-FM technique highlights that digital banking significantly boosts sustainable energy, with a 1% increase leading to a 0.15% rise in sustainable energy generation. In contrast, a 1% increase in fossil fuel reserves results in a 0.43% decrease in sustainable energy output, underscoring the drawbacks of fossil fuel dependence. Expanding forest areas by 1% correlates with a 0.32% increase in sustainable energy development, stressing the need for forest conservation. Additionally, the presence of SMEs and patent applications are key drivers of sustainable energy, emphasizing the role of innovation. A positive correlation with annual temperature suggests its beneficial impact on green energy. To advance sustainability, ASEAN policymakers should enhance digital finance infrastructure, encourage renewable energy, support forest conservation, foster SMEs and innovation, and integrate climate resilience into energy strategies.

Coordinated scheduling optimization of building integrated energy system with flexible load

Under the background of China's "dual carbon" goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, this paper proposes a method for the optimization of source-load coordinated scheduling in Building Integrated Energy System (BIES) with Flexible Load (FL) to promote sustainable and efficient energy development and enhance energy utilization efficiency. The method starts by analyzing the energy consumption behavior characteristics on the load side of buildings, determining the potential for FL reduction based on national standards and human comfort requirements. It then applies price-based demand response measures to shiftable and transferrable loads and incentives-based demand response measures to FL identified as reducible through potential analysis. Subsequently, a multi-objective optimization model focusing on economic efficiency and carbon emissions is established to coordinate the response curves of FL on the demand side and the operation of energy equipment on the supply side. Finally, the coordination optimization model is solved using a synergistic approach combining the logistic chaos mapping and adaptive t-distribution enhanced Non-dominated Sorting Dung Beetle Optimizer (NSDBO) algorithm, ensuring superior search effectiveness. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimization of FL responses using the Logistic-t-NSDBO algorithm effectively reduces peak-load variations while significantly lowering energy consumption costs and carbon emissions on the energy supply side.

Developmental Trajectories of Electric Vehicle Research in a Circular Economy: Main Path Analysis

This study explored the development history and future trends of academic research on electric vehicles (EVs) in a circular economy. We collected 4127 articles on circular economy and EVs from the Web of Science database, and main path analysis indicated that academic research in the field of EVs in a circular economy has covered the following topics in chronological order: EVs as a power resource; vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology; renewable energy and energy storage grids; smart grid and charging station optimization; and sustainable development of energy, water, and environmental systems. Through cluster analysis and data mining, we identified the following main research topics in the aforementioned field: recycling and reuse of EV batteries, charging stations and energy management, V2G systems and renewable energy, power frequency control systems, dynamic economic emissions, and energy management. Finally, data mining and statistical analysis revealed the following emerging research topics in this field from 2020 to 2023: microgrids, deep learning, loop supply chain, blockchain, and automatic generation control. Various achievements have been attained in research on EVs in a circular economy; however, challenges related to aspects such as sustainable battery recycling charging infrastructure and renewable energy integration remain.

Bio-valorization of Cow Dung for Green Renewable Energy

Recovering organic waste, mainly animal manure, to produce biogas (through bio-methanization) could be seen as an economical, decentralized and environmentally friendly solution for farm waste management since it provides energy autonomy and sustainable agricultural development in rural areas. In this work, cow manure from a cattle farm located in Bouzereah, was used as a substrate. An experimental set up consists of 1.5-liter glass batch digester with a total solid concentration of 5.15%, a heating system (thermostated bath) and a magnetic stirring system. The experiment was monitored for 36 days in a thermophilic environment (55°C). The monitored physico-chemical characteristics of cow dung samples; are: pH, acidity, alkalinity, biogas volume and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Biogas production began at a rate of 0.27 L/day on day 11, with a total biogas potential over 50 L/kg of dried solid. The observed buffering capacity indicate a promising potential to use this substrate in co-digestion process namely for acidic substrate such as chees-whey and household wastes.

Total electricity generation dynamics analysis and renewable energy impacts in South Africa

AbstractThis research explores the dynamics of total electricity generation (TEG) in South Africa through an analysis of data from the International Energy Agency database from 1990 to 2020. A comprehensive examination of various energy sources, including coal, oil, biofuels, nuclear, hydro, solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal, and wind, is conducted to ascertain their respective contributions to TEG. Employing the R software environment, the study employs a methodical analytical framework encompassing meticulous data preparation, statistical analysis, and model formulation. The data preparation phase involves intricate processes such as structuring, cleansing, and visualization aimed at eliminating stochastic variables and outliers. Missing data are addressed through the application of the Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolating Polynomial method. Subsequent statistical analyses are informed by tests for normality and homogeneity of variance, revealing deviations from normality and disparate variances across energy source groups. Consequently, non‐parametric methodologies such as the Kruskal–Wallis test are adopted. Findings underscore the significant role of nuclear energy in TEG despite facing challenges. Model development entails the construction of multiple linear regression models with varying predictor sizes, with Model m06 emerging as the optimal choice, incorporating key predictors such as coal, nuclear, and solar PV. Rigorous diagnostic assessments confirm the robustness of Model m06 and its suitability for TEG prediction. Comparative analysis against actual data validates its superior performance, characterized by minimal errors and high predictive accuracy. The efficacy of Model m06 in capturing TEG dynamics underscores its utility for informing energy planning initiatives. Recommendations derived from the study advocate for prioritizing renewable energy integration, infrastructure investment, research endeavors, monitoring mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns to advance sustainable energy development goals in South Africa.

Impact of urban spatial dynamics and blue-green infrastructure on urban heat islands: A case study of Guangzhou using Local Climate Zones and predictive modeling

Amidst mounting concerns regarding health risks associated with excessive carbon emissions, attention has turned to the heat mitigation ability of blue-green infrastructure (BGI). BGI offers heat mitigation through transpiration cooling, effectively countering the urban heat island (UHI) effect while facilitating energy conservation and carbon reduction. This study adopted the InVEST model to assess the spatial pattern of UHI and heat mitigation service based on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) classification, along with quantifying the energy savings in Guangzhou for 2019. The results revealed that the UHI effect exhibited greater intensity in the southwest built-up area. Compact Lowrise (LCZ-3) and Heavy Industry (LCZ-10) areas demonstrated higher UHI intensity, while Water (LCZ-G) and Dense Trees (LCZ-A) areas showcased the highest heat mitigation index (HMI) and optimal cooling capacities. Three urban development scenarios were devised to simulate the UHI distribution, heat mitigation capacity, and energy savings by 2025, using the CA-Markov model. In comparison to the Baseline scenario, the Environmental Protection scenario showed a modest 3.67 % decrease in the built-up area, but a noteworthy increase in HMI and energy saving, by 21.2 % and 6.6 % respectively. This scenario can serve as a reference pathway for urban energy conservation and sustainable development.

Flame propagation, explosion hazard, and pollutant emission characterization of typical clean fuels leaks in plateau low-pressure region

To accelerate energy transformation and sustainable development, various countries are rushing to lay hydrogen doped natural gas pipelines. However, the installation of pipelines will pass through plateau low-pressure region, and the impact of low-pressure environments on the flame propagation, explosion hazards, and pollutant emission characteristics of hydrogen doped natural gas is not yet clear. To solve this problem, a combination of constant volume combustion experiment and numerical simulations is used. The characterization parameters of flame, explosion and pollutant concentration of natural gas/H2/air under low-pressure environment are obtained, and their chemical reaction kinetics are analyzed. When the pressure drops, the laminar burning velocity (LBV) of them increases, and the Lewis number (Le) gradually increases by more than 1. Thermal diffusion is stronger than mass diffusion, and the growth rate of flame thickness exceeds 26 %. The effect of hydrodynamic instability enhances, causing an increment in the average size of flame cells, the critical instability radius, and the Markstein length (Lu). At the equivalent ratio (φ) of 1, there is a change from negative to positive in the Lu, and flame stability continuously strengthens. The explosion overpressure is reduced by 78 % to 90 %, the explosion temperature by 16 % to 20 %. As the φ increases, the LBV exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship, reaching its maximum value near “φ = 1″. The flame stability first weakens and then strengthens. The explosion hazard is strongest in the range of ”φ = 1–1.2″. With a decrease in pressure, the total reaction rate of fuel consumption is reduced by more than 50 %. The continuous reaction distance is extended by 12 %. Changes in pressure have a relatively weak impact on the content of CO and CO2. The increase in the φ results in an increase in CO content of over 7 %. The content of CO2 reaches its maximum value around “φ = 1″. It is an essential reference for the safe delivery of hydrogen energy and the reduction of environmental pollution.

Use of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Advanced Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for High Efficiency in Sustainable Energy Production: A Review

Renewable energy is the best choice for clean and sustainable energy development. A single renewable energy system reveals an intermittent disadvantage during the energy production process due to the effects of weather, season, day/night, and working environment. A generally hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) is an energy production scheme that is built based on a combination of two or more single renewable energy sources (such as solar energy, wind power, hydropower, thermal energy, and ocean energy) to produce electrical energy for energy consumption, energy storage, or a power transmission line. HRESs feature the outstanding characteristics of enhancing energy conversion efficiency and reducing fluctuations during the energy production process. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology transduces wasted mechanical energies into electrical energy. The TENG can harvest renewable energy sources (such as wind, water flow, and ocean energy) into electricity with a sustainable working ability that can be integrated into an HRES for high power efficiency in sustainable renewable energy production. This article reviews the recent techniques and methods using HRESs and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) in advanced hybrid renewable energy systems for improvements in the efficiency of harvesting energy, sustainable energy production, and practical applications. The paper mentions the benefits, challenges, and specific solutions related to the development and utilization of HRESs. The results show that the TENG is a highly potential power source for harvesting energy, renewable energy integration, application, and sustainable energy development. The results are a useful reference source for developing HRES models for practical applications and robust development in the near future.

Energy security indicators for sustainable energy development: Application to electricity sector in the context of state economic decisions

Energy security indicators for sustainable energy development: Application to electricity sector in the context of state economic decisions

Energy Independency and Sustainable Development in International Relations Context

Energy Independency and Sustainable Development in International Relations Context

Numerical Investigation of Wake Characteristics for Scaled 20 kW Wind Turbine Models with Various Size Factors

Wind energy is essential for sustainable energy development, providing a clean and reliable energy source through the wind turbine. However, the vortices and turbulence generated as wind passes through turbines reduce wind speed and increase turbulence, leading to significant power losses for downstream turbines in wind farms. This study investigates wake characteristics in wind turbines by examining the effects of different scale ratios on wake dynamics, using both experimental and numerical approaches, utilizing scaled-down models of the Aeolos H-20 kW turbine at scales of 1:33, 1:50, and 1:67. The experimental component involved wind tunnel tests in an open-circuit tunnel with adjustable wind speeds and controlled turbulence intensity. Additionally, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted using STAR-CCM+ (Version 15.06.02) to numerically analyze the wake characteristics. Prior to the simulation, a convergence test was performed by varying grid density and y+ values to establish optimized simulation settings essential for accurately capturing wake dynamics. The results were validated against experimental data, reinforcing the reliability of the simulations. Despite minor inconsistencies in areas affected by tower and nacelle interference, the overall results strongly support the methodology’s effectiveness. The discrepancies between the experimental results and CFD simulations underscore the limitations of the rigid body assumption, which does not fully account for the deformation observed in the experiment.

How the Smart Energy Can Contribute towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 7

Against the backdrop of the digital technology revolution, smart energy offers significant opportunities to achieve the Energy Sustainable Development Goals (SDG7). However, the theoretical and empirical exploration of how smart energy can achieve SDG7 remains incomplete. This study investigates deeply into the influence and mechanism of smart energy on SDG7. Utilizing China’s smart energy pilot policy, it adopts the synthetic difference-in-difference method and China’s provincial data to estimate the influence of smart energy on SDG7. The results show the following: (1) Smart energy is beneficial to achieving SDG7, and smart energy promotes the realization of SDG7-1 by enhancing energy service accessibility, affordability, and reliability; SDG7-2 by enhancing the renewable energy absorption level and consumption ratio; and SDG7-3 by enabling real-time monitoring, accurate matching, and highly intelligent coordination to improve energy efficiency. (2) Among the quantitative findings, smart energy has notable implications for the SDG7, SDG7-1, and SDG7-3 indexes but has a more limited influence on the SDG7-2 index. (3) The single pilot tests indicate certain differences in effects due to the project scale and program design. Finally, this study provides a theoretical basis and empirical evidence for the region to search for a digital approach to realize SDG7 and smart energy construction planning.

Offshore Wind Power: Progress of the Edge Tool, Which Can Promote Sustainable Energy Development

Offshore wind is renewable, clean, and widely distributed. Therefore, the utilization of offshore wind power can potentially satisfy the increasing energy demand and circumvent the dependence on fossil energy. Thus, offshore wind power is an edge tool for achieving sustainable energy development because of its potential in large-scale energy supply and its important role in reducing environmental pollution as well as carbon emission brought by fossil energy. The worldwide development of offshore wind power has entered the era of large-scale research and commercial application. It displays a trend of rapid development, continuous technological breakthroughs, and high-speed market growth. This article systematically introduces the structural components and technical characteristics of offshore wind power. Moreover, the current developmental status of offshore wind power is summarized. By reviewing the current development and application status of offshore wind power technology worldwide, large wind turbines and fixed and floating offshore wind power technologies are analyzed. Additionally, the development of the offshore wind energy market is overviewed. The policy condition and key aspects such as the construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind power plants are also summarized. Finally, the prospective challenges and development trends of offshore wind power and its significance in achieving sustainable society development are proposed. We consider that the article can provide reference and inspiration for researchers and developers dedicated to offshore wind power.

Factors influencing consumers' willingness to adopt renewable energy technologies: A paradigm to alleviate energy poverty

Energy poverty is a persistent issue in India, impeding environmental and socio-economic progress. The transition from conventional to renewable energy technology offers the optimal alternative solution to alleviate this significant issue. However, successful adoption of these technologies heavily depends on the consumers' willingness. This study aims to evaluate the factors influencing consumers' willingness to adopt renewable energy technologies to alleviate energy poverty. Additionally, this study added a further novel factor (crime concern) with the existing factors (belief about renewable technology benefits expectation, renewable energy technology cost, environmental concern, subjective norms) to the extended theory of planned behavior. The analysis confirmed that consumers' strong belief system, environmental concerns and subjective norms positively impact the consumers' willingness to adopt reliable and affordable renewable energy. Cost and crime concern negatively influence consumers' willingness to use this optimal technology. Interestingly, the findings of this study indicate that the consumers' willingness to adopt renewable energy technologies has a notable impact on alleviating energy poverty. This study provides significant insights for governments, renewable energy technology manufacturers, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the widespread uptake of renewable energy technology among consumers to achieve sustainable energy development goals in the context of energy poverty alleviation.

Enhancing water security: Statistical measurement and spatiotemporal analysis

Water security is essential for ensuring energy security, sustainable development, and human survival. However, due to a series of challenges, including rising water demand, environmental pollution, and water resource shortages, the global water security situation remains concerning and poses a threat to global sustainable development. To assess water security in China, this study uses data from 30 provinces in China from 2012 to 2021. A comprehensive evaluation method was applied to determine the level of water resource security in China. The Dagum Gini coefficient, Moran index, and spatial model were used to clarify regional differentiation characteristics and the driving factors. The results indicate that while China's water resource security is relatively low, it has shown steady improvement in recent years. Significant regional disparities exist in water resource security across China, with notable spatial characteristics, and socio-economic factors are the primary causes of these differences. Based on the above research, we put forward policy recommendations from the aspects of water resources management, public participation and inter-regional water resources cooperation, to provide reference for water resources security in developing countries.