Sustainable Energy Future Research Articles

Unlocking the potential of green hydrogen for a sustainable energy future: a review of production methods and challenges

The buzz around green hydrogen is growing louder as a game-changer in the fight for a clean and sustainable energy future. This article dives into the coolest ways to create this eco-friendly fuel, exploring methods like splitting water with electricity, turning plant matter into gas, and even some cutting-edge techniques in the pipeline. This research dives deep into the latest breakthroughs in electrocatalyst and electrode materials, the secret ingredients that could supercharge hydrogen production, making it cleaner and cheaper. While good old water electrolysis using alkaline and PEM electrolyzers is the current champ, it's still a bit pricey and not as efficient as we'd like. Thankfully, innovative ways to design these "fuel-splitting champions" and integrate them with renewable energy sources are showing promise as solutions. But green hydrogen isn't just some cool science experiment; it's a potential game-changer for cleaning up our transportation, factories, and even the way we power our homes, all to fight climate change. The study also identifies areas where we need more research and ironing out of kinks before widespread use. It emphasizes the importance of keeping the innovation train rolling, smart investments in this technology, and government policies that give it a green light. By pushing green hydrogen forward, we can slash greenhouse gasses, become more energy-independent, and finally build that sustainable energy future we've all been dreaming of!

Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion

Nanomaterials have emerged as a cornerstone in advancing energy conversion technologies, offering unparalleled potential for improving efficiency and sustainability. Their unique properties—such as high surface area, tunable electronic structure, and quantum effects—enable superior performance in applications like solar cells, fuel cells, thermoelectric devices, and batteries. By manipulating nanoscale architectures, researchers can enhance energy harvesting, storage, and conversion processes. This study explores the role of nanomaterials in energy conversion, focusing on their design, synthesis, and application in cutting-edge technologies. The integration of nanomaterials with advanced energy systems has shown significant potential to address challenges such as limited energy resources and environmental concerns. Special emphasis is placed on nanostructured semiconductors, quantum dots, and graphene-based materials for their contributions to photovoltaic and catalytic processes. Despite their advantages, challenges remain, including scalability, stability, and cost-efficiency. This research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements, evaluate existing challenges, and highlight future directions for nanomaterials in energy conversion, ultimately contributing to a sustainable energy future.

Recent advances in high temperature solid oxide electrolysis cell for hydrogen production

ABSTRACT When renewable energy sources are coupled with high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) that produce hydrogen, it seems like future energy sustainability is within reach. The ability to electrolyze water to make hydrogen and then reverse the process to generate electricity in a single solid oxide cell (SOC) device is particularly attractive for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The development of efficient, long-lasting, and economically viable SOEC technologies is hindered by the performance of critical materials, the stability and dependability of electrode and electrolyte materials under reversible electrolysis and fuel cell operating modes, and fuel cell operation modes. Due of their immaturity, SOEC pose both opportunities and challenges to the growing community of material scientists and system engineers studying electrochemical energy conversion and storage.

Feasibility Assessment of Hybrid Renewable Energy Based EV Charging Station in Libya

This study presents an assessment of the feasibility of implementing a hybrid renewable energy-based electric vehicle (EV) charging station at a residential building in Tripoli, Libya. Utilizing the advanced capabilities of HOMER Grid software, the research evaluates multiple scenarios involving combinations of solar and wind energy sources integrated with energy storage and the utility grid. This analysis provides a novel approach to enhancing urban energy systems with renewable technologies in a region traditionally reliant on fossil fuels. Key contributions of this study include the demonstration of an innovative integration strategy that combines solar and wind power with battery storage to ensure a reliable and efficient energy supply for EV charging. Furthermore, the study addresses the practical implications for local energy policy, suggesting that such hybrid systems can significantly enhance energy security and support sustainable urban development. The authors studied five scenarios using HOMER. The results reveals that the annual total costs and payback periods are as follows: for Scenario 1 (wind/utility grid), the expenditure totals US$1,554,416 and payback period of 4.8/5.8 years; for Scenario 2 (solar/wind/Utility grid), the amount is US$1,554,506 and payback period of 4.8/5.8 years; and for Scenario 3(solar/wind/storage/utility grid), it escalates slightly to US$1,554,731, all predicated on the utility grid tariffs and payback period of 4.8/5.8 years. Furthermore, in Scenario 4 (solar/utility grid), the annual total cost is significantly reduced to US$30,589 and a payback period of 8.1/14.3 years, while Scenario 5 (solar/storage/utility grid) incurs an even lower expenditure of US$28,572, again based on the utility grid tariffs and a payback period of 14.0 years. The findings contribute valuable insights into the scalability and adaptability of renewable energy solutions, providing a robust framework for policymakers and planners considering similar implementations in other regions. Overall, the research underscores the potential of integrated renewable energy systems to transform urban energy infrastructures, promoting a sustainable and resilient energy future. The HOMER Grid analysis shows that configurations with energy storage are more cost-effective in the long run, even though they require higher initial costs. It also offers important insights into the economic viability and optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems for an EV charging station in Tripoli, Libya. These results highlight the significance of making calculated investments in renewable energy infrastructure and supporting policies for the development of sustainable energy.

Prioritizing sustainability of renewable energy projects in Morocco

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the electricity generation potential of different renewable energy sources in Morocco, as well as to propose a novel decision support model to prioritize renewable energy alternatives. The aim is to provide recommendations that support Morocco’s energy transition strategy and assist policymakers in devising future sustainable energy policies. Design/methodology/approach The paper integrates the analytic hierarchy process with expert feedback to prioritize five renewable energy alternatives – solar photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar panels (CSP), wind, hydro and biomass – specific to the Moroccan context. The model uses 14 sub-criteria clustered into four main categories: economic, technological, socio-political and environmental. The criteria were weighted based on inputs from local energy sector experts to capture the distinct priorities and contextual specificities of Morocco’s renewable energy landscape. Findings The study’s findings emphasize the dominance of economic criteria among Moroccan experts. Solar PV emerged as the most suitable option due to its cost-effectiveness and alignment with Morocco’s policies to support solar energy, followed by hydropower and wind. CSP and biomass ranked lowest due to high costs and limited viability. Research limitations/implications This study highlighted the need for quality data to support informed decision-making, as well as for a centralized database to facilitate access to consistent information on renewable energy projects. Practical implications It is recommended that policymakers prioritize mature and cost-effective technologies by establishing supportive regulatory frameworks and expanding investments in hybrid renewable energy infrastructures. Originality/value In addition to introducing the Analytic Hierarchy Process model for the first time within the Moroccan context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research draws recommendations to assist Moroccan policymakers in devising future sustainable policies for the energy sector.

THE POTENTIAL FOR PEER-TO-PEER ELECTRICITY TRADING IN GEORGIA

The global energy transition is fundamentally reshaping electricity markets, moving from centralized systems reliant on fossil fuels to decentralized, renewable energy solutions. Distributed energy resources such as solar panels and storage batteries are empowering consumers to become active participants in the energy market. Peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading, enabled by blockchain technology, presents a new model for consumers to trade surplus energy directly with one another, bypassing traditional suppliers. This article explores the potential of P2P electricity trading in Georgia, a country with significant renewable energy resources but limited experience with decentralized energy systems. As Georgia aligns its energy policies with European regulations, the development of a P2P trading market could enhance energy security, empower prosumers, and drive local economic development. Through an analysis of global trends, technological innovations, and the current Georgian energy landscape, this article assesses the opportunities and challenges in implementing P2P trading. By building the necessary infrastructure and fostering public participation, Georgia has the potential to transform its energy market and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Pathways to a sustainable electricity sector in Kenya: Challenges and transformational factors

Which factors may enable a secure, affordable, and sustainable development of the Kenyan energy system? The present study aims to understand how the country's energy system could be structured in 2050, to unravel the main challenges, and to identify critical leverage points for policy action. To this end, we designed energy scenarios for Kenya using cross-impact balance and succession analysis, drawing extensively from expert judgments. The results highlight the importance of improving the quality of the grid, further reforming the electricity market structure, encouraging more competition, and promoting decentralization as the main leverage points for ensuring a secure and sustainable energy future.

Optimizing power output in hybrid photovoltaic/wind systems: a nonlinear back-stepping approach for enhanced efficiency and stability

Abstract This paper investigates the challenge of controlling hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), specifically those combining wind energy and photovoltaic sources, under varying environmental conditions such as fluctuating wind speeds and partial shading. The primary objective is to develop a robust backstepping control strategy that enhances the system’s stability and energy efficiency while ensuring seamless grid integration through the use of dual-fed induction generators. The study uses advanced modeling techniques, including maximum power point tracking for wind turbines and particle swarm optimization for photovoltaic systems, to optimize energy capture. A detailed simulation framework was designed to validate the effectiveness of the control strategy under different climatic scenarios. Quantitative results show that the wind turbine achieved over 95% power recovery, the DC link voltage remained stable within 0.5% of the reference, and photovoltaic energy extraction was optimized with 98% accuracy, even under partial shading. These findings indicate that the proposed control strategy significantly enhances the performance, reliability, and adaptability of the HRES. This work offers a promising contribution to the integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical grid, supporting a more sustainable energy future.

Mechanisms of international economic cooperation to support the global energy transition: ways to improve

The global energy transition is a complex process and requires deep international economic cooperation and joint efforts to achieve sustainable development. Effective interaction between countries, financial institutions and the private sector is essential to ensure sufficient investment in renewable energy and technological innovation. International financial mechanisms, such as green bonds, can significantly contribute to accelerating this process, but they must ensure access to resources for all participants, especially developing countries. Reforming the international financial system and developing new instruments for attracting private capital is an important step towards reducing risks and increasing the investment attractiveness of renewable energy projects. Removing barriers to investment in countries with unstable economies through the development of technical assistance programs and financial guarantees is also an important condition for success. The energy transition can only be successfully realized through a concerted international effort involving both developed and developing countries. A sustainable energy future and ambitious climate change targets can only be achieved through global cooperation, innovative financial solutions and technology sharing.

Trends and opportunities in renewable energy investment in Saudi Arabia: Insights for achieving vision 2030 and enhancing environmental sustainability

Renewable energy has emerged as a critical alternative to traditional energy sources due to growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy development. Saudi Arabia, driven by its Vision 2030, has strongly committed to shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. Despite significant progress, existing investment methods often focus narrowly on financial returns and do not adequately address the risks and uncertainties associated with renewable energy projects, such as policy changes, technological challenges, and fluctuating energy prices. This paper aims to highlight and compare the trends in renewable energy investments and incorporate a risk analysis matrix to address the economic, environmental, and social aspects of Saudi Arabia’s environment. The details used in the study are obtained from Kaggle, while the adopted analysis technique involves multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). It provides a fresh qualitative approach that allows an all-sided assessment of the investment prospects by focusing on appropriate weight for different factors. The analysis results show that using the proposed framework can help effectively prioritize investment opportunities identifying major trends and risks in developing renewable energy sources in Saudi Arabia. Current investment trends have been reviewed systematically; experts have been interviewed; MCDM techniques have been employed, as the methodology effectiveness improves the comprehension of investment tendencies and contributes to strategic management in the renewable energy market stakeholder’s activity. The MCDM analysis results show that the solar energy system has the highest investment index in the Saudi Arabian cities; the first place belongs to Abha with an investment index of 0.93, the second place belongs to Jeddah with an investment index of 0.85, and the third place belongs to Dammam with an investment index of 0.75. From these outcomes, we can easily conclude that Abha is the best place to place a solar energy project, probably because of environmental and legal factors. The analysis underscores geographic factors in deploying renewable energy, directing investors and policymakers to cities with favourable solar power generation about sustainability and economic objectives. The results are expected to enhance investment awareness among local and international stakeholders, support the strategic goals of Vision 2030, and contribute to a more sustainable and diversified energy future for Saudi Arabia. This study provides a strategic framework for optimizing renewable energy investments, promoting sustainable development, and achieving long-term economic growth. Data AvailabilityData sharing is not applicable to this article as no data sets were generated during the current study.

Green Energies: Biomass as an Energy Source in Brazil

Objective: To investigate the role of biomass as a renewable energy source in Brazil, highlighting its importance in the energy matrix and its potential to contribute to sustainability and waste management. Methodology: A bibliographic review was carried out in databases such as SciELO and Google Academic. The research focused on publications in Portuguese over the last five years, using inclusion criteria to select relevant articles. The analysis was divided into initial screening and detailed qualitative analysis, allowing a comprehensive understanding on the topic. Results and Data Analysis: The results indicate that biomass is a significant source of energy in Brazil, contributing to the diversification of the energy matrix and to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The production of ethanol from sugarcane and the use of agricultural and forestry waste are particularly important. However, the research also points to challenges such as the need for adequate infrastructure and sustainable agricultural practices. Final Considerations: Brazil has vast potential to become a leader in green energy, especially biomass. The responsible promotion of this energy source, together with technological innovations and effective public policies, can ensure a sustainable energy future, contributing to environmental preservation and economic development.

Efficient Production of Platform Chemicals from Lignocellulosic Biomass by Using Nanocatalysts: A Review

This paper discusses significant advancements in using lignocellulosic biomass for the sustainable production of biofuels and chemicals. As fossil-based resources decline and environmental concerns rise, the paper emphasizes the role of integrated biorefineries in producing renewable liquid fuels and high-value chemicals from biomass. It highlights exploring various green pathways for biomass conversion, with a particular focus on nanocatalysis. Due to their large surface area-to-volume ratio, nanocatalysts provide enhanced catalytic activity and efficiency in biomass transformation processes. The review delves into the synthesis of value-added and furfural platform chemicals alongside the hydrogenolysis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) into biofuels like 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran (DMTHF). The paper ultimately underscores the importance of nanotechnology in achieving high yield and selectivity in the biomass conversion process, positioning it as a promising approach for future sustainable energy and chemical production.

Smart Charge-Optimizer: Intelligent Electric Vehicle Charging and Discharging

The important steps toward a low-carbon economy and sustainable energy future is switch to Electric Vehicles(EVs).The rapid development of EVs has brought a risk to reliability of the electrical system.However, the high electricity consumption of EVs will lead to the overload of power grid transformers.Strategies for scheduling charging and discharging that work are essential to reducing the negative grid effects of EVs.In order to reduce the overload of power grid transformers,this paper explores two strategies for intelligent charging and discharging scheduling.The first one is Long Short-Term Memory coupled with Integer Linear Programming(LSTM-ILP)and the second one is Q-learning.The LSTM-ILP aims to minimize the charging and discharging schedules delay.The Q-learning method makes use of reinforcement learning to ascertain the best course of action for EVs in relation to their state-of-charge and the demand on the grid.The outcomes of this research show that both strategies are successful in lowering the peak-to-average ratio of the grid and lessening the influence of EV charging demands.This research aims to Couple Long Short-Term Memory with Integer Linear ProgrammingApplying Q-learning to minimize the peak to-average ratio of grid load through effective peak shaving and valley fillingMinimizing EV charging costs for users while respecting their mobility needs

Key effects contributing to changes in energy imports in the EU-27 between 2000 and 2020: A decomposition analysis based on the Sankey diagram

The aim of this paper is to analyse the key effects contributing to changes in energy imports in the European Union (EU-27) in the period 2000–2020. Using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI), the analysis examines the effect of changes in six factors—energy structure, energy dependence, energy transformation efficiency, energy yield after transformation, energy efficiency and activity—on imports of oil, natural gas and other sources of energy. The results of the analysis reveal that the decarbonisation process has fostered the abandonment of the most polluting fossil fuel sources; however, there has been an increase in energy dependence on less polluting sources that are not produced domestically. In contrast, there has been an opportunity for change through improved energy efficiency, which has made it possible to reduce energy requirements per unit produced. In short, in order to achieve a sustainable and secure energy future, it is crucial to implement policies and actions that promote both the diversification of the energy mix—particularly renewable energies—and efficiency in consumption. Doing so will enable countries to move towards true decarbonisation and minimise vulnerability in their energy supply.

Boosted Hydrogen evolution reaction based on synergistic effect of graphene, MoS2 and RuO2 ternary electrocatalyst

Hydrogen holds the promise of replacing fossil fuels and offers a sustainable pathway for energy generation. However, the large-scale production of hydrogen via the environment friendly electrocatalytic process relies heavily on the performance of electrocatalysts. In this study, we investigate the electrocatalytic performance of graphene nanosheets (GNS), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), ruthenium dioxide (RuO2), and their composites for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), a novel combination that has not been explored in previous literature. We synthesize the materials using Liquid Phase Exfoliation at 500 and 1000 RPMs for GNS and MoS2 and via hydrothermal methods for RuO2 nanosheets and nanoparticles, aiming to exploit synergistic effects for enhanced activity and stability. The synthesized GNS-1000/MoS2-1000/RuO2-NSs composite demonstrates promising HER results, showcasing a low overpotential of 63 mV and a reduced Tafel slope of 59 mV/dec. This improvement indicates enhanced electron transfer, improved active site dispersion, and increased surface area due to the synergistic effects, which also aids in long-term electrochemical stability. Our study underlines the potential of GNS/MoS2/RuO2 composites, particularly the GNS-1000/MoS2-1000/RuO2-NSs, in transforming hydrogen production methods and promoting efficient, sustainable energy solutions. The implications of our findings extend the boundaries of materials engineering, edging us closer to a sustainable energy future.

Self-superheated combined flash binary geothermal cycle using transcritical-CO2 power cycle with LNG heat sink as the secondary cycle

Combined flash binary geothermal cycle (CFBGC) is an efficient geothermal energy conversion technology. Natural gas (NG) is a preferred fuel in the current energy scenario. LNG gasification is a needed step for delivering NG among the end users. In the present study, a self-superheated single-flash geothermal steam cycle, a transcritical CO2 power cycle and an LNG gasification unit are integrated into a CFBGC. This study shows that the LNG gasification rate and power output can be increased simultaneously by increasing the steam turbine inlet pressure. At a higher steam turbine inlet pressure, desirable steam quality (i.e., 0.9) at the steam turbine exit is maintained by implementing self superheating of the steam. It is observed that 15°C DSH of steam enables the CFBGC to operate at a steam turbine inlet pressure that substantially enhances the output power without a noticeable increase in levelized electricity cost (LEC). The CFBGC operating at this condition yields 9.97% higher power output compared to that of the CFBGC operating at steam turbine inlet pressure requiring no DSH of steam. As a geothermal-based power plant emits very low CO2, the proposed energy system may emerge as a future sustainable energy option.

Data analytics driving net zero tracker for renewable energy

This research aims to assess the impact of renewable energy policies, investments, and emissions reductions toward achieving net-zero targets by 2050. We analysed key metrics using the Net Zero Tracker (NZT), including renewable energy capacity, policy strength, financial investment, and carbon emissions across multiple regions and industries. Our methodology involved data collection from 2020 to 2050, utilising predictive modeling to project trends in renewable energy adoption and emissions reduction. Key findings show that renewable energy capacity is expected to surpass 1000 GW by 2050, with an exponential increase around 2045. Policy Strength Index (PSI) will grow by 20 %, from 50 in 2020 to 60 in 2050, while investments in renewable energy will rise from $10 billion to $25 billion over the same period. Emissions are projected to steadily decrease to zero by 2050, which aligns with net-zero goals. The margin of error in the projections is ±5 %, considering potential policy implementation and technology development variations. These results underscore the critical role of enhanced policies, sustained investments, and international cooperation in accelerating the global transition to renewable energy. The research offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to guide future strategies for achieving a sustainable energy future.

Exploring Alkali Hydroxide Influence on Calcium Titanate Formation for Application in Biodiesel Catalysts

Biodiesel has been recognized as the most widely utilized biofuel around the world due to its significant role in reducing the consumption of crude oil and lowering environmental pollution levels. By serving as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, bioethanol helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a more sustainable energy future. Traditionally, alkali hydroxides like NaOH and KOH have been mainstays in biodiesel synthesis. However, their overuse can lead to unwanted byproducts and operational complexities. Since calcium titanate can occur at a strong base condition, it presents an alternative avenue worth exploring. In this study, we investigate the influence of alkali hydroxides, namely LiOH, NaOH, and KOH, on the formation of calcium titanate through hydrothermal methods, with varying heating times. We aim to understand how different hydroxides affect the synthesis process and the resultant properties of calcium titanate. We delve into the vibrational properties of Ca‒O‒Ti and Ti‒O bonds using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the presence of calcium titanate (JCPDS No.42-0423) through X-ray diffractometry (XRD). This thorough characterization provides insight into the structural integrity and composition of the synthesized materials. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the intriguing cube-like morphology of calcium titanate, offering visual evidence of its unique structure. The fatty acid methyl ester Iimpressively, our results show that calcium titanate synthesized in 7 M NaOH and KOH solutions, heated for 24 hours, emerges as a promising biodiesel catalyst. We observe fatty acid methyl ester provides the percentages of 63.67% and 90.02%, respectively, indicating the catalytic efficacy of these materials in biodiesel production. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of calcium titanate synthesis but also pave the way for a sustainable future in biodiesel production by introducing efficient and eco-friendly catalysts.

Adaptive business policies for the energy transition: Balancing short-term profitability with long-term sustainability in oil and gas companies

This review examines the challenges and opportunities faced by oil and gas companies as they navigate the global energy transition, focusing on the delicate balance between maintaining short-term profitability and ensuring long-term sustainability. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, traditional fossil fuel companies are under increasing pressure to adapt their business models and strategies. This study synthesizes current literature on adaptive business policies, sustainability initiatives, and their impacts on the oil and gas industry's future. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and empirical research, we identify several key mechanisms through which companies can effectively balance short-term financial objectives with long-term sustainability goals. These include diversification into renewable energy, investment in carbon capture and storage technologies, and the adoption of circular economy principles. Our findings suggest that successful adaptation requires a nuanced understanding of market trends, strong leadership commitment, and strategic use of technology and innovation. The review also highlights the potential of partnerships and collaborations in accelerating the transition process. By identifying key factors contributing to successful adaptive strategies and their subsequent impacts on both profitability and sustainability, this study provides valuable insights for industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers working towards a more sustainable energy future. Future research directions are proposed to further explore the long-term viability and scalability of these adaptive business policies across different market contexts.

Harnessing Solar and Hydropower in Pakistan: A Strategic Approach to Climate Change Mitigation

This study aims to conduct a thorough examination of Pakistan’s energy sector, with a specific focus on renewable energy (RE) and nonrenewable energy (non-RE) sources. It intends to delve into the potential of solar and hydropower resources within Pakistan and their capacity to mitigate the effects of climate change, thus centering the discussion on RE, particularly solar and hydropower. Adopting secondary data sources, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Pakistan’s energy sector and the challenges that it faces. One of the key findings highlighted in the analysis is the serious problem within Pakistan’s energy sector: existing institutions struggle to cope with the increasing demand for energy owing to insufficient growth in power generation capacity. This inadequacy has led to an increase in CO2 emissions, primarily driven by the country’s growing reliance on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. Despite this challenge, Pakistan possesses substantial potential for Resources, particularly solar energy and hydropower. Following an evaluation of renewable energy resources, this study proposes recommendations to support the adoption and utilization of renewable energy as a critical component of sustainable growth. These suggestions are geared toward accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, thus positioning Pakistan for a more sustainable and resilient energy future. This research paper underscores the urgency of addressing the shortcomings in Pakistan’s energy sector and emphasizes the pivotal role of renewable energy, especially solar and hydropower, in mitigating climate change and fostering sustainable development. By leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and implementing strategic measures, Pakistan can chart a path toward a more environmentally friendly and economically viable energy landscape.