Zero Emission Research Articles

Investigations of airborne tire and brake wear particles using a novel vehicle design

Non-exhaust emissions have become an increasingly important issue as their levels continue to rise and the health effects of particulate matter (PM) are more widely discussed. To address this issue, a vehicle demonstrator with integrated emission reduction of tires and brakes was developed as part of the Zero Emission Drive Unit Generation-1 (ZEDU-1) project. This novel concept includes the removal of tire road wear particles (TRWP) with a strong ventilation/filtering system and an enclosed multi-disk brake, making it a suitable tool for the investigation of non-exhaust emissions. Particle number (PN) and particle size distribution (PSD) measurements down to 2.5 nm were performed on a chassis dynamometer and on a test track. Due to the low background concentrations on the chassis dynamometer, it is possible to distinguish between tire and brake wear and to characterize even a small number of particle emissions. It could be shown that about 30 % less particles are emitted by the vehicle, when using the novel multi-disk brake instead of the conventional brake. The highest TRWP emissions were collected during acceleration and harsh braking. Characterization of the collected particles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed diverse particle shapes and differences between particles generated on the dynamometer and on a test track.Graphical

Navigating the Nuclear Renaissance Economic Viability, Zero Emissions, and the Future of Nuclear Energy with Generation IV Reactors and SMRs with Artificial Intelligence Integration

As global efforts intensify to combat climate change and achieve sustainable energy goals, nuclear power is re-emerging as a vital component of the energy mix. This article explores modern nuclear technologies' economic and environmental potential, focusing on the nuclear fuel cycle, Generation IV reactors, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The nuclear fuel cycle, encompassing fuel production, utilization, and disposal, is evolving to become more efficient and sustainable, reducing costs and environmental impacts. Generation IV reactors and SMRs represent significant advancements, offering enhanced safety, efficiency, and flexibility, making nuclear power more accessible and adaptable. AI integration revolutionizes nuclear operations by optimizing performance, predictive maintenance, and safety monitoring. These technologies collectively enhance nuclear power's economic viability and environmental benefits, positioning it as a cornerstone of global zero-emission strategies. The return on involvement in nuclear energy is substantial, driven by economic growth, energy security, and technological advancements. Continued investment and innovation in these areas are essential for realizing the full potential of nuclear energy in a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. This article underscores the importance of nuclear power in achieving global climate objectives and fostering a sustainable energy landscape.

Strategy for developing the utilization of organic waste as an alternative source of electricity in Indonesia

Background: Indonesia has pledged to reach its Net Zero Emission target by 2060, necessitating the shift to renewable energy sources. To achieve this, Indonesia must transition from its current reliance on fossil fuel power plants to renewable energy generators, ensuring the same or greater electricity capacity. One viable renewable energy source is organic waste. This study aims to explore strategies for developing organic waste as an alternative energy source to bolster Indonesia's energy resilience and environmental sustainability. Method: The research employs a qualitative approach, including literature reviews and qualitative descriptive analysis. Result: Waste to Energy (WtE) processes convert waste into electricity and/or heat, aiding in greenhouse gas reduction, improving waste management efficiency, and supporting sustainable development. WtE technologies can utilize both thermochemical and biochemical methods to convert waste into energy. The Indonesian government is known to have 12 projects to accelerate the installation of Waste Processing into Electrical Energy, both the Waste Power Plants that have been in operation and under construction and using gasification as the method. The development of WtE faces various challenges ranging from completeness and consistency of regulations, high tipping fees, complex cooperation mechanisms and business models, problems with the characteristics and nature of Indonesian waste that need special handling, and rejection from residents. Conclusion: Strategies that can be implemented in developing WtE in Indonesia include drafting policies and regulations, increasing public awareness, collaboration with the private sector, choosing the right technology, developing infrastructure, increasing the efficiency of waste collection, and international partnerships. Novelty/Originality of this study: This research offers concrete strategies to develop Waste to Energy (WtE) technology in Indonesia, including policy formulation, increasing public awareness, and collaboration with the private sector to utilize organic waste as a renewable energy source to support the 2060 Net Zero Emission target.

The energy mix dilemma in Indonesia in achieving net zero emissions by 2060

Background: The global responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions forces Indonesia to evaluate its energy policies and strategies. The energy mix dilemma in Indonesia arises as a consequence of rapid economic growth, rapid urbanization, and the continuously increasing energy demand. By 2060, Indonesia aims to have an energy mix dominated by renewable energy sources (RES) and to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is becoming increasingly apparent, considering Indonesia is one of the countries highly vulnerable to climate change. Method: This study employs a combined approach of policy analysis and literature review. The method used in this research is an objective narrative literature review as a reference for conducting the literature study. Findings: In 2023, Indonesia is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, primarily coal, oil, and natural gas. The Indonesian government has enacted several regulations related to energy use, including policies for the development of renewable energy. Despite efforts to reduce emissions through the application of clean technologies, the main challenge is significantly replacing fossil energy sources with renewable energy. Several inhibiting factors emerge as real challenges in the journey to achieve Net Zero Emissions. Technological and infrastructure constraints are the main obstacles. The strategic importance of sustainable economic growth is a central point in this dilemma. However, the transition to net zero emissions often requires structural adjustments that can impact the economy. Conclusion: The process of transitioning to renewable energy must be carefully implemented to avoid the risk of supply instability. The alignment between economic growth, energy security, and emission reduction is key to designing effective and sustainable policies. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study provides a comprehensive examination of Indonesia's energy mix dilemma in the context of achieving net zero emissions by 2060, specifically highlighting the intricate balance between sustainable economic growth, energy security, and global climate commitments. By adopting a holistic approach that involves the government, private sector, and societal participation, the research offers innovative policy recommendations for transitioning from non-renewable to renewable energy sources while addressing socio-economic challenges.

Australia's zero emissions target requires ecological restoration at the continental scale, but there are two big unknowns and one major risk

An increasing number of countries are adopting net‐zero‐emissions targets requiring large‐scale removal of CO2‐e through ecological restoration. Are these plans feasible, and will they transform the realm of restoration ecology? We use Australia's plan for net‐zero emissions as a test case. Widespread degradation across Australia's ecoregions, from savannas to seagrasses, provide opportunities for restoration, producing “negative emissions.” The basic science on carbon stocks and flows is available. However, large gaps in the existing measurement methods obscures failure, or fails to incentivize action and the potential for emissions reductions is unknown. Other countries intentions for emissions coverage is currently unknown and extensive use of land for carbon abatement could cause leakage of Australia's agricultural emissions offshore. A key risk is the permanence of ecosystem carbon under a changing climate. Considering its heavy reliance on ecological restoration, these risks and unknowns suggest that Australia's plan is not, or at least not yet, feasible.

Gasification and Techno-Economic Study of Palm Shell Biomass and the Utilization of Dual Fuel Diesel Engine Operated Diesel Engine

Indonesia's oil reserves and production are steadily declining, accompanied by increasing fossil fuel consumption, particularly in Diesel Power Plants, which contribute to environmental impacts and exacerbate global warming. In response, the government issued a policy in 2028 to implement carbon emission trading for Diesel Power Plants with a capacity below 2 MW, as part of Indonesia's commitment to achieving Net Zero Emission (NZE) by 2060. Considering the significant state assets in the form of diesel-powered generators (approximately 5,200 diesel power plants) still operating throughout Indonesia, the government has also issued policies and strategic plans to develop Biomass Power Plants. This research focuses on examining the combination of biosolar B35 and syngas usage in diesel engines, known as dual fuel engine technology, utilizing abundant palm shell biomass waste in Southeast Sulawesi. The gasification process to create syngas uses a multi-stage downdraft gasifier system with the optimal air ratio variation from previous research, namely 1:7:2 in the pyrolysis, oxidation, and reduction zones. Testing is conducted on a diesel engine at 3000 rpm with load variations ranging from 500 Watt to 4500 Watt. The load is gradually increased at 500-Watt intervals. The syngas mass flow rate is also varied by adjusting four different syngas valve openings to the diesel engine's intake manifold. This study will compare the results of diesel engine operation using single fuel (biosolar B35) with dual fuel (biosolar B35 + syngas) at each engine load interval to determine engine performance, biosolar B35 fuel substitution or savings, carbon reduction in the dual fuel diesel system, and calculate the techno-economics for up-scaling on a 250 kW capacity engine at PT Nusantara Power, Unit Pembangkitan Kendari, ULPLTD Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi. The aim is to support government programs and policies in realizing environmentally friendly and sustainable Diesel Power Plants, as well as to open opportunities for developing biomass-based dual fuel engine technology in Indonesia.

Kajian Tekno “Waste to Electric” dengan Bahan Baku Pelet Woodchip Memalalui Gasifikasi Multi Stage pada Mesin Diesel Dual Fuel

Global warming and climate change have significant impacts on various sectors, including water scarcity, climate changes, social vulnerabilities, ecological damage, infrastructure damage, economic damage, health risks, air quality issues, biodiversity loss, and air quality. As of the end of 2023, Indonesia has power plants with a total capacity of 83.8 GW, comprising 79.8 GW of on-grid plants and 3.95 GW of off-grid plants. This figure indicates an increase in power plants of nearly 1.7 times over the past 10 years. Power generation is still dominated by coal, which constitutes up to half of the total national capacity, followed by gas energy at about 25%. Meanwhile, renewable energy-based power plants make up only 15%, having increased by just around 6 GW in the last 10 years. The utilization of renewable energy in power generation is dominated by hydro power (58%), geothermal (20%), and biomass (18%). In line with the government’s plan to decarbonize and achieve the Net Zero Emissions target by 2060, the 2021-2030 RUPTL (Long-Term Electricity Supply Plan) is designed to be the greenest RUPTL, with the Environmental Friendly Power Generation Plan or New Renewable Energy (EBT) reaching 52% of the total additional power plant capacity. One source of EBT power generation is biomass, derived from wood waste or the use of HTI (Industrial Timber Estate) wood processed into syngas through a gasification process for further conversion into environmentally friendly energy. Gasification is the process of converting woodchips as the raw material in a three-stage gasification process to produce syngas as fuel for diesel engines. During the gasification process, variations in the air ratio will be managed in the pyrolysis, oxidation, and reduction zones with air ratio settings of 0:10:0, 1:8:1, 2:7:1, and 1:7:2. The syngas produced from this process will be used as fuel for diesel engines with a dual fuel system. The characterization of the performance of the dual fuel diesel engine will be conducted by testing the engine at 5000 rpm with load variations from 500 watts to 5000 watts in 500-watt increments and varying the syngas mass flow rate by adjusting the syngas valve opening to the diesel engine. The objective of this research is to determine that gasification of woodchips into syngas can be a promising potential source of renewable, environmentally friendly electrical energy and an alternative to support government programs through the decarbonization of diesel engines.

Enablers of net zero emission strategies in freight logistics: case of India

Enablers of net zero emission strategies in freight logistics: case of India

Similarities and contrasts: Comparing U.S. and Canadian paths to net-zero

Canada and the United States (US) have both committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 but neither have implemented policy sufficient to reach this target. Knowledge of the technical steps to deep decarbonization is needed alongside an understanding of how each country might be similarly and uniquely impacted by a transition to net zero emissions, contingent on specific technology advancements or policy decisions. We use the computable general equilibrium model, gTech, to simulate sixteen net zero scenarios for Canada and the US varying by technology and policy assumptions as part of the energy modelling forum 37 (EMF37) study. We find that both economies similarly continue to grow in all scenarios out to 2050 with the rate of growth largely determined by assumptions on negative emissions technology. Sectoral impacts differ between countries as a result of current emissions and GDP profiles in combination with assumed net zero scenario policy and technology advancements. In the US, we find that efficient use of electricity is a slightly more important predictor of economic outcomes, while Canada's economy is marginally more responsive to cost and performance improvements in carbon capture technologies.

Decarbonization in the maritime industry: Factors to create an efficient transition strategy

The maritime industry faces intense scrutiny to address climate change amidst strict environmental regulations and societal expectations. The paper mainly focuses on understanding and evaluating the key factors driving the transition toward decarbonization in shipping. The study utilized qualitative analysis, focusing on reviewing current environmental targets set by major regulatory bodies, notably the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU). The study concludes that a clear strategy for reducing emissions is essential, and a holistic approach must be adopted. Thus, the investigation identified several critical factors that can facilitate the creation of an effective strategy to achieve net zero emissions, comply with regulatory goals, and reduce current emissions. They are decarbonization levels (solutions), ecosystem (value chain), and drivers (enablers), collectively referred to as the decarbonization LED model. The study emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy to support zero-emission transition. For instance, the paper explores the sector’s decarbonization potential through a value chain perspective (Scope 3): employing the life-cycle approach to assess the complete environmental footprint of ship – “Cradle-to-Grave” frameworks (from raw material extraction, production, and product use, until the end of its life) and “Well-to-Wake” methodology to evaluate greenhouse gas emissions from fuel production to end-use by a ship. Additionally, the paper assesses the potential impacts of environmental regulations in the maritime sector, predicting significant transformations in the industry’s operational, technological, and collaborative practices. AcknowledgmentThis study was partially supported by the SEUS project – Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON), under grant agreement No 101096224. This article reflects only the authors’ views, and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

Waste Tyre Textile Fibre Composite Material: Acoustic Performance and Life Cycle Assessment

The development of new sound absorbing materials and the transition to net zero emissions production have become inseparable. This paper investigates a new type of composite sound absorbing material made of waste tyre textile fibre (WTTF) and different binders: polyurethane resin (PU), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and starch (POS). Non-acoustic and acoustic parameters were studied, and life cycle assessment was performed for the considered composite sound absorbing materials. The airflow resistivity was determined according to the ISO 9053-1 standard, while the sound absorption coefficient was determined according to the ISO 10534-2 standard, and the LCA was performed based on the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. Composite sound absorbing materials subjected to sound absorption coefficient tests showed results in the range of 0.04 to 0.99 and peaking in the frequency range of 800 to 2000 Hz, while airflow resistivity varied between 17.4 and 83.6 kPa⋅s/m2. The combination that gave the highest sound absorption coefficient was experimentally found to be PU composite material. Life cycle assessment results revealed that the lowest potential impact on the environment is obtained when composite materials are produced using starch as a binder and its total potential impact on the environment varied between 0.27 and 0.55 Pt, while the highest potential impact was observed by PU composites (0.33 ÷ 0.64 Pt). The results obtained experimentally and by LCA modelling revealed great attractiveness and promising development of composites using WTTF and different binders’ potential for sound absorbing applications.

A Study on an Energy-Regenerative Braking Model Using Supercapacitors and DC Motors

This study presents an energy regeneration model and some theory required to construct a regeneration braking system. Due to the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, there is increasing interest in the use of electric vehicles (EVs), electric bikes, electric bicycles, electric buses and electric aircraft globally. In order to promote the use of electric transportation systems, there is a need to underscore the impact of net zero emissions. The development of EVs requires regenerating braking system. This study presents the advantages of regenerative braking. This system is globally seen in applications such as electric cars, trams, and trains. In this study, the design specification, design methodology, testing configurations, Simulink model, and recommendations will be outlined. A unique element of this work is the practical experiment that was carried out using 1.5 Amps with no load and 2.15 Amps with a load. The discharge voltage was purely from the 22 W bulb load connected to the capacitor bank as we limited this study to the use of 1.5 Amps and it took 15 min for a full discharge cycle, after which no charge was left in the capacitor bank. The results showed that the discharge rate and charging rate for the regenerative braking system were effective but could be improved. The objective of this paper is to investigate how a supercapacitor works alongside a battery in regenerative braking applications. This study demonstrates that the superconductor used can deliver maximum power when required. Also, it can also withstand elevated peaks in charging or discharging current via the supercapacitor. Combining a battery with a supercapacitor reduces the abrupt load on the battery by shifting it to the capacitor. When these two combinations are used in tandem, the battery pack’s endurance and lifespan are both boosted.

Available solar resources and photovoltaic system planning strategy for highway

The integration of energy and transportation is a prerequisite for ensuring a rational, practical, and sustainable evolution of energy conservation. This study proposes a planning strategy combining the maximum exploitation of solar resources and road area to utilize solar energy in highways entirely. First, the proposed grading criterion was used to evaluate the solar resource capacity of the road. Then, the photovoltaic-available road area was calculated to analyze the feasibility of photovoltaics. Finally, the comprehensive analysis of solar resources and road facilities results in the road photovoltaic energy system. Accordingly, the planning strategy was validated using three typical scenes. The results indicate that there are abundant solar resources within the road area. It demonstrates that solar resources could accurately characterized and error reduced to 50 kWh/m2 by using a 500 m long road segment. Additionally, the exploitability index was proposed to evaluate the magnitude of road area. Moreover, the concept of “road facilities energy consumption circle” was put forward. For verification, 2 km of road segment of Scene A was selected to design photovoltaic systems, which comprise five energy consumption circles, and the self-sufficient rate of each circle is 100 %. The photovoltaic capacity of the largest circle reaches 1400.5 kWh, which suggests that the design is rationalized. The proposed planning strategy promotes the optimization of the siting and deployment of road photovoltaic systems. This study provides technical support for low-carbon energy supply in highways, contributing to sustainable development and net zero emissions in transportation.

Carbon dioxide removal and net zero emissions in Africa: an integrated assessment modelling based on three different land-based negative emission solutions

Abstract As the remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5 °C rapidly diminishes, it is clear that, besides decarbonization, the world will need to remove 100–1000 GtCO2 from the atmosphere by the end of the century. Yet, Africa, where many carbon removal schemes are planned, remains a ‘blindspot’ in existing studies. There is limited understanding of the trade-offs and synergies associated with carbon removal within Africa’s energy-land-water system. To address this research gap, we model a stylized net-zero emissions (NZEs) in Africa by 2050, with focus on three land-based biological carbon removal approaches: afforestation/reforestation (AR), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and biochar. We find that by 2050, the total gross carbon removal is projected to reach 1.2 GtCO2 yr−1 when all three carbon removal approaches are available, and 0.5 GtCO2 yr−1 when Africa relies solely on AR. Pursuing NZE with only AR or AR alongside biochar in Africa would be the most expensive mitigation option but they lead to the lowest residual fossil fuel and industry CO2 emissions. An NZE by 2050 in Africa could reduce cropland by 30%–40% from 2020 to 2050, depending on the carbon dioxide removal deployment strategy adopted. Southern Africa would be particularly affected, facing significant challenges in balancing food security with climate goals. The highest increase in staple food prices will occur under AR only, while the availability of AR-BECCS-biochar produces the lowest rise in staple food prices. Our findings highlight the need for balanced and region-specific carbon dioxide removal strategies to ensure climate and other sustainability goals are met.

Wastewater hydrogen nexus (WwHeN): Greening the wastewater industry via integration with the hydrogen economy✰

As industries rally toward achieving net zero emissions, hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels are emerging as key players in decarbonization efforts. Although the primary technology for producing renewable natural gas has been well implemented in the wastewater industry, the “decarbonization based goal setting” is trailing. This perspective assimilates existing literature presented in other contexts to highlight the need for framing the decarbonization dialog by using green hydrogen as a potential pathway for the wastewater industry. Specifically, we note the importance of (a) developing the decarbonization or net zero focus in the wastewater industry, and (b) colocating the wastewater industry with hydrogen production facilities. We also delve into technological, cost, and operational considerations to understand the readiness level of key stakeholders to identify future research and development opportunities for the wastewater hydrogen nexus.

Pneumatic Vehicle: Prototype that Function on Pneumatic System

Believe it or not, using compressed air to power vehicles is a real thing. This innovative concept, known as the "pneumatic vehicle," has captured the interest of researchers worldwide. It is hailed for its zero emissions and suitability for city driving. MDI is a company that holds the international patents for this technology. While it may appear to be an eco-friendly solution, the energy needed to compress air must be factored in when assessing its overall efficiency. Despite this, pneumatic vehicles offer promise in reducing urban air pollution over time. These vehicles, also referred to as air-powered or compressed air vehicles, represent a cutting-edge mode of transportation.

Pathways to zero emissions in California’s heavy-duty transportation sector

California contributes 0.75% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and has a target of reaching economy-wide net zero emissions by 2045, requiring all sectors to rapidly reduce emissions. Nearly 8% of California’s GHG emissions are from the heavy-duty transportation sector. In this work, we simulate decarbonization strategies for the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) fleet using detailed fleet turnover and air quality models to track evolution of the fleet, GHG and criteria air pollutant emissions, and resulting air quality and health impacts across sociodemographic groups. We assess the effectiveness of two types of policies: zero emission vehicle sales mandates, and accelerated retirement policies. For policies including early retirements, we estimate the cost of early retirements and the cost-effectiveness of each policy. We find even a policy mandating all HDV sales to be zero emission vehicles by 2025 would not achieve fleetwide zero emissions by 2045. For California to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality, early retirement policies are needed. We find that a combination of early retirement policies and zero emission vehicle sales mandates could reduce cumulative CO2 emissions by up to 64%. Furthermore, we find that decarbonization policies will significantly reduce air pollution-related mortality, and that Black, Latino, and low-income communities will benefit most. We find that policies targeting long-haul heavy-heavy duty trucks would have the greatest benefits and be most cost-effective.

Comparing net zero pathways across the Atlantic A model inter-comparison exercise between the Energy Modeling Forum 37 and the European Climate and Energy Modeling Forum

Europe and North America account for 32 % of current carbon emissions. Due to distinct legacy systems, energy infrastructure, socioeconomic development, and energy resource endowment, both regions have different policy and technological pathways to reach net zero by the mid-century. Against this background, our paper examines the results from the net zero emission scenarios for Europe and North America that emerged from the collaboration of the European and American Energy Modeling Forums. In our analysis, we perform an inter-comparison of various integrated assessments and bottom-up energy system models. A clear qualitative consensus emerges on five main points. First, Europe and the United States reach net zero targets with electrification, demand-side reductions, and carbon capture and sequestration technologies. Second, the use of carbon capture and sequestration is more predominant in the United States due to a steeper decarbonization schedule. Third, the buildings sector is the easiest to electrify in both regions. Fourth, the industrial sector is the hardest to electrify in the United States and transportation in Europe.Fifth, in both regions, the transition in the energy mix is driven by the substitution of coal and natural gas with solar and wind, but to a different extent.

Optimal design of greenfield energy hubs in the context of carbon neutral energy supply

This paper proposes a sequential co-optimization (SCO) framework for the design of greenfield energy hubs, aiming to achieve net zero emissions. The SCO framework offers an evolutionary approach to long-term planning and operation, taking into account various evolving factors such as carbon emission policies, technological and economic advancements in energy supply components, changes in land-use, and developments at different stages of the design horizon. The framework ensures that the design of greenfield developments aligns with their evolving characteristics, determining the optimal dispatch flow for firming renewable energy through co-generation and demand flexibility options like smart loads, electric vehicles, and hydrogen-based systems. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the impact of emissions, evolving characteristics of greenfield developments, and techno-economic aspects of supply units on the energy hub design. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed design enables large-scale distributed energy systems to meet local energy demand and participate in the electricity market. The SCO framework provides a robust and flexible platform for the correlated optimization of planning and operation of greenfield energy hubs, for advancing towards net zero emissions.

Integrative Mechanisms Towards Zero Emissions Regional Planning: An Enabler of Regional Development: A Case Study of Europe

Integrative Mechanisms Towards Zero Emissions Regional Planning: An Enabler of Regional Development: A Case Study of Europe