Utilization Of Renewable Energy Sources Research Articles

Enhancing network-constrained P2P energy sharing through virtual communities

Peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges provide opportunities for prosumers to meet their energy needs cost-effectively with the effective utilization of renewable energy sources (RES). Along with the benefits, P2P energy trading also raises issues in distribution network operations. The proposed framework has the potential to handle transactions in regard to network constraints by leveraging the benefits of dynamic utilization-based charges for network usages and power pricing structures. This work proposes a novel P2P energy trading framework comprising virtual communities (VCs) made by grouping buildings located on a particular bus. A cooperative game is formulated for inter- and intra- bus energy trading. A battery energy storage system (BESS) is present in each VC, and a stochastic model is used for coping with the uncertainties related to RESs. In this work, each player’s individual problem is decoupled to achieve equilibrium in a decentralized manner to avoid security and privacy issues. This research focuses on the significant reduction in the net energy cost of the buildings in the presence of uncertain renewable energy generations by taking advantage of the load variability of buildings present on the same and different buses without violating any network constraints and raising any privacy concerns. The proposed framework reduces the building cost by 21.87%.

Optimal allocation of open unified power quality conditioner in integrated distribution system environment with renewable energy sources

ABSTRACT The growing utilization of renewable energy sources (RES) that rely on inverters has adverse impacts on distribution systems, resulting in challenges such as power quality (PQ) issues and increased losses in the distribution network. One potential remedy for these issues involves the strategic allocation of open unified power quality conditioner (UPQC-O). This paper introduces a comprehensive two-layer integrated optimization model designed for the allocation of UPQC-O and RES in an active distribution network. The primary objective is to enhance energy efficiency, PQ, and economic benefits simultaneously. Furthermore, an innovative solver known as the multi-improved whale optimization method (multi-IWOA) has been implemented to address the optimization problem at hand. The efficacy of this approach was validated through testing on both the standard IEEE 69-bus radial distribution system and a real-world Indian 52-bus system. The evaluation results underscore the significance of optimally distributing UPQC-O resources while taking into consideration the integration of RES within the distribution system. It’s worth noting that the proposed methodology achieved a substantial 56.72% cost reduction for the IEEE 69-bus radial distribution system and a significant 76.092% cost reduction for the Practical System Indian 52-bus system. This highlights the substantial advantages of the proposed methodology for the efficient management of UPQC-O and RES integration in distribution systems.

Energy, exergy and exergoeconomic analysis of a trans-critical CO2 cycle powered by a single flash geothermal cycle in with/without economizer working modes

The global utilization of RES, particularly geothermal energy, is rising and the inefficient nature of geothermal cycles necessitates recovering lost heat. This research proposes a combined power generation cycle that simulates integrating a trans-critical CO2 cycle with a single flash geothermal cycle, utilizing the engineering equation solver. The study contrasts the system?s performance between two operating states: ?Without Economizer? and ?With Economizer?. The investigation analyzes the impact of an economizer on key output parameters, including energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and net power output. In the ?With Economizer? operating state, the net power output experiences a noticeable increase from 201.5 kW to 204.7 kW, resulting in a 1.58% enhancement in the performance of the ?With Economizer? system. The energy efficiency metric demonstrates a corresponding improvement, rising by 1.55% from 3.28% in the ?Without Economizer? system to 3.331% in the ?With Economizer? system, aligning with the principles of the First law of thermodynamics. Furthermore, the energy efficiency, expressed as a percentage of energy units, shows an increase from 16.3% in the ?Without Economizer? system to 16.56% in the ?With Economizer? system, representing a 1.595% improvement based on the Second law of thermodynamics or exergy. Regarding cost analysis, the study identifies the optimal separator pressure value for the system without an economizer, equivalent to 23. This configuration achieves a total cost rate of 01 $ per GJ. Conversely, in the system with an economizer, the optimal pressure value for the production cost rate is 322.4 kPa, resulting in a cost rate of 23.57 $ per GJ.

A study on green hydrogen production potential of Canada with onshore and offshore wind power

This study aims to develop a unique approach to examine the possibility of hydrogen generation through the utilization of renewable energy sources, specifically onshore and offshore wind power in Canada. The wind energy exhibits great potential for hydrogen production inseveral provinces of the country. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) type electrolysers are considered as viable technologies for the process of water splitting and subsequent hydrogen production. According to the calculations, the overall green hydrogen production potential of Canada is found to be 439.93 Mt. The potential for green hydrogen production from onshore wind energy is calculated to be 402.63 Mt, whereas the potential from offshore wind energy is estimated to be 37.29 Mt. In relation to this matter, it is notable that Québec, British Columbia and Ontario exhibit the highest proportions among the provinces in terms of hydrogen production potential, amounting to 80.31 Mt, 69.47 Mt, and 51.88 Mt, respectively. A specific analysis methodology is utilized to determine the hydrogen production potentials for each province in Canada, with a focus on its potential application in a hydrogen-based economy. Advancing a sustainable future by creating local, national, and global connections and networks. Furthermore, it offers a thorough analysis of the potential influence of wind energy in improving the overall sustainability of the country. The results of this study are anticipated to establish a strong basis for the creation of plans and strategies essential for the country, specifically in the formulation of new energy policies focused on utilizing resources for renewable energy.

Desalination performance evaluation of a solar still enhanced by thermoelectric modules

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, as a significant portion of the world's water resources remain salty and unsuitable for human consumption. Solar desalination has emerged as a sustainable solution to address this challenge, utilizing solar energy for water decontamination and purification. This study explores the enhancement of solar stills through the integration of thermoelectric (TE) modules, focusing on their impact on desalination performance. The optimal saltwater levels, TE module performance, and the efficiency of the system are identified in this investigation. The results of this study reveal that the integration of TE unit into solar still systems leads to a substantial increase in water production, achieving an impressive 35% improvement in productivity compared to conventional solar stills. The TE modules act as efficient cooling agents, accelerating the condensation process within the system. This improvement has substantial implications for addressing water scarcity in arid regions and providing an eco-friendly solution for freshwater production. By harnessing solar energy and advanced TE technology, the findings of this study underscore the potential of TE-enhanced solar desalination systems in providing sustainable and reliable sources of fresh water, even in areas with limited access to traditional water resources. The successful integration of TE modules into solar stills suggests a promising avenue for future research and development. Further exploration of these systems, optimization of TE module parameters, and increased utilization of renewable energy sources are all steps that can be taken to improve water production efficiency and contribute to water resource sustainability.

Forecasting Wind and Solar Energy Production in the Greek Power System using ANN Models

Renewable energy sources (RES) like solar and wind are quite uncertain because of the unpredictable nature of wind and sunlight. As a result, there are at present several issues with system security and the transformed structure of the energy market due to the increasing utilization of renewable energy sources (wind and solar). Accurate forecasting of renewable energy production is extremely important to ensure that the produced energy is equal to the consumed energy. Any deviations have an impact on the system's stability and could potentially cause a blackout in some situations. The issue of the high penetration of RES is discussed in this study along with a novel method of predicting them using artificial neural networks (ANN). The SARIMA prediction model is contrasted with the ANN approach. The suggested ANN for wind power plants has a mean average prediction error (MAPE) of 3%–4.3%, whereas the SARIMA model has a MAPE of 5%–6.5%. In comparison, the present prediction approaches typically have a MAPE of 5%–10%. When the MAPE of solar power plants was calculated, it was also discovered that the SARIMA model had a MAPE of 2.3%–4% and the suggested ANN had a MAPE of 1.4%–2.3%, whereas the MAPE of the present prediction methods was often about 9%.

Bibliometric Analysis of Renewable Energy Research on the Example of the Two European Countries: Insights, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Renewable energy sources, encompassing wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal options, are assuming an increasingly crucial role in the global energy landscape. They present a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and significantly contributing to the ongoing efforts against climate change. The widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies has undergone rapid expansion on a global scale, propelled by governmental policies, technological advancements, and decreasing costs. Despite their numerous advantages, renewable energy sources encounter challenges such as intermittent energy supply, storage solutions, and integration into existing power grids. Nevertheless, with sustained investment and innovation, renewable energy sources have the potential to become the predominant energy source of the future. This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of research on renewable energy sources in Poland and Germany. The analysis is grounded in publications catalogued in the Web of Science database, spanning the years from 1990 to 2023. The investigation delves into research topics related to renewable energy sources and scrutinizes the most frequently cited publications authored by individuals from these two countries. This bibliometric analysis stands out through its unique value proposition compared to other similar studies by placing a distinctive emphasis on critical research gaps, such as energy storage, smart grid technologies, and renewable energy in transportation. Additionally, the study’s focus on the specific trajectories of Poland and Germany in renewable energy adoption, coupled with the identification of key institutions with the highest centrality index, provides unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable energy research. The findings from this study can serve as a valuable source of information for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders interested in promoting the advancement and utilization of renewable energy sources.

Petrovietnam leveraging its technology and services inherited from oil and gas operation into the construction and supply chain of offshore wind power

In the era of global integration, there is a clear shift from fossil fuels to renewable energies across nations. The investigation and utilization of renewable energy sources, especially offshore wind energy, emerge as a pivotal area for energy companies and corporations.The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) is standing at the threshold of substantial opportunities and challenges in expanding its operational spectrum towards renewable energy with a particular focus on offshore wind power. This study analyzes Petrovietnam's inherent strengths and capabilities with the orientation and strategy to become a leader of the service supply chains for offshore wind power in Vietnam.

Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions using linear and logarithmic models: A scenario-based approach for Turkiye's 2030 vision

Turkiye pledged to considerably reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2030 as a part of its commitment under the Paris Agreement. The problem with analyzing mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions requires generation of accurate, reliable and consistent emission forecasts. This study aimed to accurately forecast Turkiye's total CO2 emissions per capita and per capita CO2 emissions from energy industries, industrial processes and agricultural sectors till 2030 using linear and logarithmic models based on increasing and decreasing scenarios. Turkiye's total CO2 emissions per capita in 2030 could reach to 7.6 and 7.7 tons of CO2, with total emissions of about 635 and 643 million tons (Mt) based on linear and logarithmic models, respectively. Linear modeling results showed that per capita CO2 emissions from Turkiye's energy industries, industrial processes and agricultural sectors could reach to 5.3, 0.9 and 0.9 tons in 2030, respectively, while logarithmic modeling results yielded that per capita CO2 emissions from Turkiye's energy industries, industrial processes and agricultural sectors could be 5.5, 1.1 and 0.9 tons in 2030, respectively. The accuracy of fit for linear and logarithmic models was assessed by calculating root mean square error (RMSE < 0.2036) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE < 12.3347) values which showed that the models fitted well with the timeline data. In conclusion, Turkiye's greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced if utilization of renewable energy sources in the country's energy portfolio is increased, and the shares of energy intensive processes in the industrial and agricultural sectors are reduced.

Dithiolate-Based Scorpion Arm Ligand Synthesis and Characterization

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) play a vital role in the efficient and reliable utilization of renewable energy sources by providing a means to capture and store excess energy for later use.1–6 The synthesis and characterization of a novel scorpionate arm ligand, i-mntPy- (2,2-dicyano-1-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-1,1-dithiolate), are presented in this study. The ligand i-mntPy- was synthesized through a multistep synthetic route, starting from commercially available precursors. The chemical structure of the ligand was confirmed using various spectroscopic techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and Elemental analysis. Furthermore, the coordination ability of i-mntPy- to facilitate 2e- transfer in M(II/IV) coordination environment was investigated by the computational study and addition of Ni(II) and Pd(II) ions in the i-mntPy- solution. The results demonstrate the successful synthesis and characterization of the novel scorpionate arm ligand i-mntPy-, which coordinates with d8 metal centers and holds promise for future applications in coordination chemistry and energy storage. References (1) Mazumder, Md. M. R.; Jadhav, R. G.; Minteer, S. D. Phenyl Acrylate-Based Cross-Linked Anion Exchange Membranes for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries. ACS Mater. Au 2023. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00044.(2) Rahaman Mazumder, M. M.; Islam, R.; Khan, M. A. R.; Anis‐Ul‐Haque, K. M.; Rahman, M. M. Efficient AcFc‐[Fe III (Acac) 3 ] Redox Couple for Non‐aqueous Redox Flow Battery at Low Temperature. Chem. – Asian J. 2023, 18 (1). https://doi.org/10.1002/asia.202201025.(3) Mazumder, Md. M. R.; Dalpati, N.; Pokkuluri, P. R.; Farnum, B. H. Zinc-Catalyzed Two-Electron Nickel(IV/II) Redox Couple for Multi-Electron Storage in Redox Flow Batteries. Inorg. Chem. 2022, 61 (48), 19039–19048. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c03124.(4) Mazumder, Md. M. R.; Burton, A.; Richburg, C. S.; Saha, S.; Cronin, B.; Duin, E.; Farnum, B. H. Controlling One-Electron vs Two-Electron Pathways in the Multi-Electron Redox Cycle of Nickel Diethyldithiocarbamate. Inorg. Chem. 2021, acs.inorgchem.1c01699. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c01699.(5) MAZUMDER MDMOTIURRAHAMAN, Islam R. Temperature-dependent study of AcFc-FeIII(acac)3 redox couple for non-aqueous redox flow battery. ChemRxiv. Cambridge: Cambridge Open Engage; 2022; https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2022-3177p(6) Islam, R.; Mazumder, M. M. R.; Farnum, B. H. Solvent Dependent Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Studies of Nickel (II) Diethyldithiocarbamate for Energy Storage. ECS Meet. Abstr. 2021, MA2021-01 (1), 54–54. https://doi.org/10.1149/ma2021-01154mtgabs. Figure 1

Control and management of microgrid clusters: development and future research

The paper explores the potential of microgrid clustering technology and its impact on addressing energy and environmental challenges. Over the past decades, there has been a significant interest in using microgrids to ensure stability and reliability in power systems, especially considering the increasing utilization of renewable energy sources. Microgrid clusters coordinate power distribution between microgrids and the main grid, effectively addressing issues such as voltage rise, harmonics, low power factor, power backflows, and deficiencies in protection schemes. However, before implementing microgrid clustering, certain challenges need to be overcome, particularly in terms of design considerations. The paper critically reviews the design challenges of microgrid clustering, highlighting the advantages and challenges that arise during the development of microgrids, especially the problem of inadequate adaptation to large-scale renewable energy sources. The research analyzes various architectures of microgrid clusters and methods of their interaction. The classification of microgrid clustering is based on different architectures according to connection locations. Additionally, a comparison of different power transmission technologies within microgrid clusters, such as alternating current and direct current systems, is conducted with an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each technology. Considerable attention is given to the control and management of microgrid clusters, elucidating the possibilities of hierarchical and distributed management structures to ensure optimal power distribution and voltage and frequency regulation. In conclusion, the paper examines promising directions for further research aimed at enhancing the integration of large-scale renewable energy sources, developing intelligent management and energy management systems, as well as establishing reliable control and management systems for microgrid clusters.

Comparison of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources (Res) by Poland and Latvia in the Perspective of the Environmental Objectives Set by the European Union

The objective of this article is to present an analysis of the utilization of renewable energy sources in Latvia and Poland since their accession to the European Union (EU), and to evaluate the progress made in meeting the environmental targets established by the EU through the implementation of Directive 2009/28/EC. The analysis is based on data obtained from the "Our World in Data" database as well as government documents. The findings reveal that while Latvia has successfully met the EU requirements, Poland has yet to achieve the set targets. However, Poland efforts in the development of renewable energy sources indicate a promising trajectory, mirroring those undertaken by Latvia. These implemented measures can serve as a valuable reference for other countries in their pursuit of a greener future.

Strategic location analysis for offshore wind farms to sustainably fulfill railway energy demand in Turkey

Providing the energy demands of various sectors through the utilization of renewable energy sources offers a more sustainable and long-term approach compared to fossil fuel consumption. In this study, the proposition is made to address Turkey's rail industry energy demand through Offshore Wind Farms (OWF). Accordingly, the spatial analysis for determining the most suitable OWF location is explored. The research methodology is conducted based on a Geographic Information System-Multi-Criteria Decision Making (GIS-MCDM) hybrid approach. Alternative OWF locations are identified using GIS. Location selection criteria are established based on literature review, and a fuzzy-based decision matrix is constructed, incorporating expert opinions. To leverage two distinct fuzzy number sets, Intuitionistic Fuzzy Weighted Averaging (IFWA) and Spherical Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SF-SWARA) methods are employed for criteria weighting, followed by the aggregation of criterion weights using the Einstein Operations t-norm technique. To ensure comparable OWF alternative rankings, five different alternative ranking methods are employed to obtain alternative rankings. Ultimately, the most suitable OWF location for meeting the energy demand of the rail industry is determined to be the Izmir region. The research findings contribute to managerial perspectives by proposing recommendations concerning strategic location selection, optimized resource allocation, risk mitigation and policy alignment and sustainable long-term planning.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY MANAGEMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE NEED FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Issues on the ever-growing demand for energy, limited fossil fuels, difficulties in obtaining viable, sustainable energy for sustainable development, and adverse impacts on global climate change have driven the international community towards the use of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. In addition to the sustained availability and utilisation of renewable energy sources, many countries have developed and implemented energy policies to address the above issues as well as to conserve energy in line with Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This doctrinal analysis is performed to identify the extent to which energy efficiency and conservation imperatives in Malaysia have been implemented and explore the need to enact a legal framework for energy efficiency in this country. The aim of this paper is to detail the prospects of energy efficiency in Malaysia and discuss efforts made to enable energy efficiency practices with a view toward the sustainability of energy supply for future use. The outcomes of this study demonstrate that the implementation of energy efficiency in the country is consistent with one of the core agenda items for the economies to progress as recommended by the United Nations General Assembly through SDG 7. Nevertheless, without specific legislation for the implementation of energy efficiency, efforts to strengthen the management and implementation of energy efficiency in Malaysia will not be possible.

Pollution halo impact in context of productive capacities, energy poverty, urbanization, and institutional quality.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents a substantial development strategy spearheaded by China. Its central aim is to foster connectivity across a vast geographical area that includes countries spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. This project played a pivotal role to develop the region on the one side and also raised serious environmental concerns on the other side. There is extensive literature explored the various dimensions affecting the environment in BRI partner countries but there is hardly any study examining the impact of productive capacities, energy poverty, FDI, urbanization, and institutional quality on CO2 emission in the BRI region. Moreover, pollution halo impact is also explored so this study used panel data of 52 nations engaged in the BRI covering time span of 2001-2022 by applying OLS, Difference GMM, System GMM, Cross sectional-ARDL techniques. The results suggest that enhancing productive capacities, FDI and institutional quality significantly reduces carbon emissions in the region, while energy poverty, urbanization and economic growth is linked to higher carbon emissions. Moreover, 'pollution halo effect' is proved because of adoption of eco-friendly technologies through foreign corporations lead to reduction in carbon emission. The study advocates for policy measures that emphasize the promotion of productive capacities, the utilization of renewable energy sources, the adoption of practices regarding sustainable urban development, the implementation of efficient institutional structure, and inflow of eco-friendly technology through FDI.

Unpacking the impact of financialization and globalization on environmental degradation in BRICS economies

Environmental degradation is a pressing global concern, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its determinants. This research uses the pollution haven hypothesis to explore the impact of financialization and globalization on environmental degradation in BRICS economies. The study offers evidence-based perspectives on the interplay between financialization, globalization, and the ecological footprint by utilizing yearly data from 1985 to 2020 and adopting the pooled least square and fixed effect estimation methods. Results indicate that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) may exacerbate environmental deterioration by influencing the three facets of globalization: economic, social, and political. Moreover, the study emphasizes that the financial market could aid in lessening the ecological footprint in BRICS economies. Furthermore, a heightened utilization of renewable energy sources can aid in mitigating environmental deterioration. However, elevated levels of human capital could potentially lead to augmented economic activities and resource usage, thereby increasing the ecological footprint. These results add to the knowledge of environmental degradation and deliver critical insights for policy formulators in BRICS countries. The study underlines the necessity for effective environmental rules and strategies to counterbalance the detrimental effects of financialization and globalization on the environment. It also points out the significance of sustainable practices and global collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.

Energy-Efficient Computing and Green Computing Techniques

Energy-efficient computing and strategies for environmentally sustainable computing have become indispensable in the contemporary world, given the escalating demand for computing power and the growing emphasis on ecological conservation. This summary delves into diverse facets of energy efficient computing and green computing methodologies, elucidating their significance, hurdles, and potential remedies. The primary objective of energy-efficient computing is to curtail the energy consumption of computing systems while either maintaining or enhancing their performance. This proves pivotal in alleviating the ecological ramifications of computing, especially as data centers and similar facilities consume substantial amounts of energy. Green computing techniques encompass a broad spectrum of practices geared towards diminishing the environmental footprint of computing. These encompass the utilization of renewable energy sources, the crafting of energy-efficient hardware, the optimization of software algorithms, and the cultivation of energy consciousness among users. Despite the advantages associated with energy-efficient computing and green computing methodologies, various challenges necessitate attention. These encompass the delicate balance between energy efficiency and performance, the intricacies involved in designing energy-efficient systems, and the absence of standardized metrics for gauging and comparing energy efficiency. Exploration in this domain propels technological progress, resulting in the creation of more effective hardware, software, and systems. These advancements not only positively impact the environment but also propel the overall evolution of computing technology. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector substantially adds to worldwide carbon emissions. Energy-efficient computing and environmentally conscious computing approaches can play a crucial role in mitigating this impact, decreasing energy usage, and advocating for the adoption of renewable energy sources. The aim of this research is to investigate the complexities associated with multiple attribute decision-making when confronted with intuitionist fuzzy information. In this context, the weights of attributes are not entirely known, and the attribute values are expressed using intuitionist fuzzy numbers. To ascertain the attribute weights, an optimization model is formulated based on the foundational principles of traditional grey relational analysis (GRA). The proposed approach entails computing the grey relation degree between each alternative and the positive-ideal solution as well as the negative-ideal solution. This degree is subsequently utilized to establish a relative relational degree, facilitating the simultaneous ranking of all alternatives concerning both the positive-ideal solution (PIS) and negative-ideal solution (NIS). From the result Efficient Algorithms is ranked at first position and Green Data Centers is ranked at fifth position.

Effect of gas management on corrosion resistance in molten solar salt up to 620 °C: Corrosion of SS316-types and SS347

This study investigates the impact of stabilizing molten salt chemistry on the corrosion behavior of four steel types at temperatures ranging from 570 °C to 620 °C. The research explores the influence of temperature and gas atmosphere on corrosion mechanisms through detailed analysis of molten salt, corrosion rates, and microstructures. Findings reveal that systematic changes in salt chemistry can modify mass transport mechanisms, enabling the development of corrosion mitigation strategies even at extreme temperatures. This discovery marks a significant breakthrough in the advancement of Solar Salt-based storage systems for high-temperature applications, facilitating the utilization of renewable energy sources.

Catalysis for CO2 Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to Methanol

This short review provides an in-depth analysis of the achievements and further developments of the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methanol from those that are worth learning about based on the transformation of syngas into methanol. We begin by exploring the environmental and energy-related implications of utilizing CO2 as a feedstock for methanol production by emphasizing its potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate renewable energy integration. Then, different catalytic formulations focusing on precious metals, copper-based catalysts, and metal oxides are summarized, and insights into their advantages and limitations in the aspects of catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability are discussed. Precious metal catalysts, such as platinum and iridium, exhibit high activity but are cost-prohibitive, while copper-based catalysts present a promising and cost-effective alternative. Metal oxides are considered for their unique properties in CO2 activation. Mechanistic insights into reaction pathways are explored, with a particular emphasis on copper-based catalysts. Moreover, the complex steps involved in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol are discussed to shed light on the key intermediates and active sites responsible for catalysis, which is crucial for catalyst design and optimization. Finally, we stress the importance of ongoing research and development efforts to enhance catalyst efficiency, mechanistic comprehension, and process optimization. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward a more sustainable and carbon-neutral energy future. By harnessing CO2 as a carbon feedstock for methanol synthesis, we have the potential to address environmental concerns and advance the utilization of renewable energy sources, further contributing to the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.

A case study on hydrogen refueling station techno-economic viability

The anticipated escalation in the utilization of renewable energy sources is projected to make a significant contribution to the attainment of long-term sustainability objectives and the promotion of resilient economic expansion. Australia is taking positive steps to increase its climate and clean energy ambitious targets through investment in the clean energy infrastructure and increased funding at federal and state levels. A systematic approach is required to propel the progress of environmentally friendly hydrogen production and to achieve these objectives, a techno-economic optimization analysis for hydrogen generation to use the findings to improve the efficiency of recharging fuel cell vehicles is performed. The results of the evaluation and optimization showed that the energy system which integrates wind-based sources with photovoltaic sources, presents the most advantageous metrics. The lowest values for the selected energy system include the Net Present Cost of $614,957, the Levelized Cost of Energy of $0.4347/kWh, and the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen of $0. 375/kg. More so, the cost of energy is expected to decrease further as the lifetime of the electrolyzer lifetime increases as supported by sensitivity analysis. The study showed that setting up a refueling station in the city of Geelong has the potential to serve as a viable solution for decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and achieving decarbonization within Geelong's transportation sector. This study is anticipated to enable stakeholders to promote hydrogen generation in Australia.