Search

In recent years, paper‐based functional materials have received extensive attention in the field of energy storage due to their advantages of rich and adjustable porous network structure and good flexibility. As an important energy storage device, paper‐based supercapacitors have important application prospects in many fields and have also received extensive attention from researchers in recent years. At present, researchers have modified and regulated paper‐based materials by different means such as structural design and material composition to enhance their electrochemical storage capacity. The development of paper‐based supercapacitors provides an important direction for the development of green and sustainable energy. Therefore, it is of great significance to summarize the relevant work of paper‐based supercapacitors for their rapid development and application. In this review, the recent research progress of paper‐based supercapacitors based on cellulose was summarized in terms of various cellulose‐based composites, preparation skills, and electrochemical performance. Finally, some opinions on the problems in the development of this field and the future development trend were proposed. It is hoped that this review can provide valuable references and ideas for the rapid development of paper‐based energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Printed electronic paper identifies its interest in flexible organic electronics and sustainable and clean energy applications because of its straightforward production method, cost‐effectiveness, and positive environmental impact. However, current limitations include restricted material thickness and the use of supporting substrate for printing. Here, 2D and 3D electronic patterned paper are fabricated from direct ink writing (DIW) nanocellulose and PEDOT:PSS‐based materials using syringe deposition and 3D printing. The conductor patterns are integrated in the bulk of the paper, while non‐conductive sections are used as support to form free‐standing paper. The strong interface between the patterns of electronic patterned paper gives mechanical stability for practical handling. The conductive paper‐based electrode has 202 S cm−1 and is capable of handling electric current up to 0.7 A, which can be used for high‐power devices. Printed supercapacitor papers show high specific energy of 4.05 Wh kg−1, specific power of 4615 W kg−1 at 0.06 A g−1, and capacitance retention above 95% after 2000 cycles. The new design structure of electronic patterned papers presents a solution for additive manufacturing of paper‐based composites for supercapacitors, wearable electronics, or sensors for smart packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of high‐performance electrode material without compromising energy and power density is critical for the advancement in hybrid electric vehicle technology. In this perspective, we have fabricated a MnO2 loaded activated charcoal‐based electrode on graphite paper as an endeavour to improve the energy storage capabilities. The electrode material is synthesized by employing a sustainable route and the structural, microstructural, and textural properties have been investigated. The electrochemical performance for energy storage is evaluated and the fabricated electrode on graphite paper exhibits remarkably high‐power density (811 W kg−1) maintaining high energy density (106 Wh kg−1) at the same time, along with high gravimetric specific capacitance value of 768 F g−1 at 2 mA cm−2. The obtained results demonstrate the excellent performance of the electrode material, suggesting MnO2 loaded activated charcoal as a prospective electrode material to meet the demand of hybrid electric vehicles as well as to contribute to our transitioning towards low‐to‐zero carbon emission technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of plastic and paper waste were collected and subjected to various procedures including drying, manual sorting, pulverization, and homogenization. The elemental analysis of the samples was conducted following the ASTM D3176-15 standard, revealing that the plastic-paper composite samples had lower carbon and hydrogen content compared to the PL100 plastic benchmark. While thermogravimetric tests were performed on the samples in a thermal analyzer according to the ASTM procedure. Interestingly, the composite samples showed a higher presence of elemental oxygen, except for the sample with 25%wt. of paper. Moreover, sulfur content increased in composite samples with 25% wt., 50% wt., and 75% wt. of paper, while the sample with 100% wt. of paper exhibited a decrease in sulfur content. Combustibility was assessed based on the peak temperature at the maximum weight loss rate, indicating that samples PL100, PL50+PA50, and PL75+PA25 displayed higher combustibility compared to samples PL25+PA95 and PA100. Hence, these samples could be recommended for use as refuse-derived fuel due to their potential for energy recovery. The impact of waste-to-fuel research will be felt in waste reduction (SDG 7), clean energy (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and ecosystem protection (SDG 15). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The alcohol yields achieved were 41.3 wt% and 48.5 wt% from the corrugated box and A4 paper. • Cellulose exhibited the conversion rate of 100 %, with alcohol substances achieving a yield of 71.2 wt% and a selectivity of 89.4 % within 6 h. • The mechanism of cellulose hydrolysis and the catalytic effect of CuMgAlO x were explored. • Multiple techniques were utilized to analyze the alcoholysis pathways and mechanisms of cellulose in waste paper. In an effort to valorize under-exploited cellulose sources like waste paper for sustainable energy production, this study investigates a catalytic process to convert these materials into low-carbon alcohols. We explored the conversion efficiency of various cellulose materials, including corrugated box, A4 paper, and pure cellulose, under the influence of a CuMgAlO x catalyst. Our findings indicate that at 360 °C for 6 h, the conversion rates were substantial, yielding 70.1 % for corrugated box, 85.2 % for A4 paper, and 100 % for cellulose. The respective alcohol selectivities achieved were 54.7 %, 83.0 %, and 89.4 %, with alcohol yields of 41.3 wt%, 48.5 wt%, and 71.2 wt%. Notably, the absence of the catalyst led predominantly to the production of sugars and lipids, whereas the catalytic conditions facilitated the formation of alcohols. The study also examined the effects of temperature and reaction time on cellulose conversion. It was found that a complete conversion was possible at 320 °C within 1 h, with extended temperature and time improving the alcohol yield. The development of a kinetic model for the cellulose conversion process has allowed for accurate predictions of the transformations under varied conditions, which offers a strategic framework for reaction optimization. Furthermore, the role of the CuMgAlO x catalyst was elucidated through the examination of model compounds, demonstrating its capability in converting cellulose intermediates such as sugars, lipids, and ketones into alcohols. This research highlights a potent strategy for the production of high-value, eco-friendly green fuels from readily available paper products and cellulose biomass, marking a significant advancement in chemical engineering and sustainable energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a panel data set from 2007 to 2019, we empirically evaluate the impact of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology innovation on green total factor productivity (GTFP). The findings show that (1) CCUS technology innovation significantly improves GTFP. (2) CCUS technology innovation significantly contributes to GTFP by promoting industrial structure upgrading and carbon emissions efficiency. (3) Environmental regulation plays a positive moderating role in the nexus between CCUS technology innovation and GTFP. The findings of this paper provide guidance for China to achieve green energy transition and build a green energy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing new energy technology is a significant challenge in the context of the energy crisis. As a novel energy conversion device to convert mechanical energy into electricity, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has attracted significant attention in the past few years. The choice of component materials directly affects the cost, environmental performance, output performance, and preparation process of a TENG. In recent years, cellulose paper has become an ideal material for fabricating a TENG due to its lightweight, biodegradability, low‐cost, high flexibility, environmental friendliness, porosity, and easy modification. Cellulose paper‐based TENG has become a hot topic in the field of green energy. This paper systematically summarizes the research progress of the cellulose paper‐based TENG. The advantages of cellulose paper as raw material to fabricate a TENG, followed by introducing the different roles of cellulose paper in paper‐based TENGs, are first discussed. Then the recent progress in energy storage, performance optimization methods, hybridization, and applications of cellulose paper‐based TENGs is successively elaborated. Finally, some perspectives and challenges for the future development of cellulose paper‐based TENG are discussed to provide guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme events have further complicated the already closely related carbon‐energy system, but little research has focused on the extreme spillovers between energy and carbon markets. This paper combines quantile vector autoregression with the extended joint connectedness approach to introduce a new quantile extended joint connectedness approach to study the extreme spillover between the carbon market, fossil energy and clean energy markets, using daily data spanning from October 15, 2010 to February 25, 2022. The results show that markets are more closely linked at extreme risk, and the spillover is time‐varying and cyclical. The impact of extreme events will strengthen the links between markets. Further research shows different clean energy have heterogeneous spillovers on the carbon market, especially when impacted by extreme events. Finally, the hedging and portfolio effectiveness of clean energy to carbon market also show the existence of heterogeneity, and clean energy can diversify the portfolio of carbon market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the impact of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology innovation on green total factor productivity (GTFP) in China. The study finds that CCUS technology innovation has a positive effect on GTFP by improving industrial structure and carbon emissions efficiency. Environmental regulations also contribute to this relationship. The author suggests further research to refine the measurement of GTFP and address potential issues in the analysis. They also recommend conducting a heterogeneity analysis and mediation test to understand the mechanism of CCUS technology innovation on GTFP. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between CCUS adoption and environmental productivity in China. [Extracted from the article]

Global energy security is a growing worldwide concern in the presence of high economic policy uncertainty (EPU) that can be addressed by advancing sustainable energy diversification (ED) practices. Energy security can be estimated by combining ED and EPU indices; hence, this study uses a dataset covering three continents and 26 countries from 1995 to 2023 to measure energy security employing this approach. The study employs quantile regression and panel data analysis, finding a positive relationship between EPU and ED. The results reveal that when EPU increases, the spectrum of energy sources declines, negatively impacting energy security. Other factors of globalization, Gross Domestic Product, gross capital formation, and the labor force also have an impact on the spectrum of energy sources. To obtain a sustainable level of ED, policymakers should increase investment in gross capital formation because economic growth and openness via pro-global policies have less impact on ED. This study also demonstrates that labor capital shifts have a significant effect on ED. The quantitative results reveal the importance of clear and precise economic policies for increasing investment in carbon-free energy security. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing literature ignores to consider multiple types of pollutants when analyzing energy efficiency and its convergence. Under this background, using SuperSBM-GML model, the improved entropy method, and convergence model, this paper calculates the green total-factor energy efficiency and its evolution trend of 35 China's industrial sub-sectors considering multiple pollutants, and analyzes its convergence. The results indicate that the average score of industrial green total-factor energy efficiency is low, and there are significant differences among sub-sectors: "Utilization of waste resources" is the highest, while "Manufacture of paper and paper products" is the lowest. The green total-factor energy efficiency shows an overall upward trend from 2006 to 2021, the main driving force comes from technological progress, but numerous sub-sectors have not sufficiently caught up with existing cutting-edge technologies. Specifically, the growth rate of green total-factor energy efficiency in high-energy-consumption sub-sectors is higher than low-to-medium-energy-consumption sub-sectors. There are both σ-convergence and β-convergence in low-to-medium-energy-consumption group, indicating that development of sub-sectors is stable and outstanding. Nevertheless, the high-energy-consumption group only exhibits conditional β-convergence, revealing an imbalance in energy efficiency development. Consequently, formulating the benchmark level of energy efficiency and developing energy efficiency "leader" system are suggested for low-to-medium and high-energy-consumption sub-sectors, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with environmental sustainability and in order to optimize the recycling process of prints from indirect electrophotography with liquid toner the results of investigating the effects of changes in printing conditions on the characteristics of recycled fibres is presented. Changing of printing machine conditions, respecting of voltage variations, comprises of the reverse rollers and intermediate cylinder. Based on the results it can be concluded that the change in the voltage of the reverse rollers more affect the recycling efficiency with respect to the voltage change of the intermediate cylinder. Brightness gain is higher when the print for recycling is made on uncoated paper compared to coated, and dependent on the voltage changes. Effective residual ink concentration decreases far more on handsheets obtained from recycled samples on uncoated paper in relation to both sides coated paper. Increasing the positive voltage of intermediate cylinder and increasing the negative charge of reverse rollers increases the 3 D gamut CIE L*a*b* color cubic units. Guidelines for the size of the voltage in order to obtain optimal print reproduction are provided. The further research will include the development in area of clean technologies, advanced materials, closed loop systems; therefore the significant terms in the area of environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surface engineering of paper electrode through simple voltametric scanning and pre-anodization techniques. • Role of functional groups and influence on hydrogen evolution reaction. • Low-potential HER in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 with two Tafel slope, 34.2 and 49.88 mV/ dec−1. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is considered the most promising way to produce clean and sustainable hydrogen energy. Carbon-based materials have been discovered to be efficient for catalyzing HER reactions in addition to conventional noble metal-based electrodes. Surface engineering of electrodes through simple methods are important to enhance the electrochemical properties and to keep the cost economical. Herein, we tried to understand the influence of simple electrochemical pre-treatment methods on Paper electrode (PPE) surface towards electrocatalytical activity. The pretreatment methods involving simple voltametric scanning and pre-anodization has been carried out under various electrolytic conditions and investigated for their role on electrochemical activities. The pretreated electrodes were thoroughly characterized with surface morphological and electrochemical techniques. The pre-anodized disposable paper electrode (PA-PPE- H 2 SO 4) modified with pyrene butyric acid (PA-PPE- H 2 SO 4 -PBA) was found to show excellent electrochemical properties and exhibited a low-potential HER (Onset potential, E onset = -0.1 V Vs. RHE) in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 with a Tafel slopes, 34.2 and 49.88 mV/ dec−1. The obtained results are substantially better than that of reported carbon-based electrodes, where the benefit of Platinum leaching out from the counter electrodes are speculated. The formation of edge-plane sites/defects, and functional groups on electrode surfaces and modification effect by PBA are the reason behind the increased the electrochemical response. Since paper has been used as a substrate for fabrication of the electrodes, possibility to use the same in future as a flexible current collector for self-powering wearable devices/sensors are anticipated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae-based wastewater bioremediation offers a cost-effective method for sustainably treating wastewater while simultaneously addressing global water scarcity and pollution. This study highlights the benefits of treating primary-treated (PTW) and secondary-treated (STW) paper-pulp industrial wastewaters using the microalga Tetradesmus obliquus (Turpin) Kützing. A batch culture study revealed that 50 % secondary treated wastewater can increase the biomass yield 1.8 fold to 2.51 g L−1 in 15 days with a corresponding lipid yield of 390.2 mg L−1. Upscaling this work in 200 L open raceway ponds with 50 % STW as the growth medium showed areal biomass and lipid productivities of 26.80 and 3.90 g m−2 day−1, respectively, in 15 days at 20 cm culture depth. This translates to a projected high annual biomass productivity of approximately 85.0 tons hectare−1 year−1 based on datasets spanning two consecutive years. Bioremediation efficiencies of 80.0 %, 91.51 %, and 92.10 % were achieved for COD, TOC, and NH 4 + respectively. Biodiesel produced showed a large percentage of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (∼90 %) and its fuel properties complied with the global biodiesel standards. This study thus shows that using paper-pulp industrial wastewater for algal growth offers a sustainable solution for energy generation and wastewater treatment, with significant implications for environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Comments by Phouphet Kyophilavong on Toward a Green Energy System: How Does Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Technology Innovation Promote Green Total Factor Productivity?" explores the impact of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology innovation on green total factor productivity (GTFP). The author raises questions about the calculation of GTFP and the advantage of using the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index. They also inquire about the variables and calculation of the CCUS technology innovation index and suggest conducting tests for normality, nonlinearity, and parameter stability. Additionally, the author recommends including more literature on mediating and moderating roles and addressing multicollinearity problems. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] The global municipal solid waste (MSW) generation rate is 2.01 billion metric tonnes annually with an average of 0.74 kg waste/person/day. Approximately 92 % of the MSW originates from organics composition (e.g., food waste; plastic; paper; garden waste/woods, and textile), where 33 % of overall MSW is improperly managed in an efficient and environmentally safe manner. One of the promising methods to solve MSW management issues is to convert MSW into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) that can be used for the clinker burning process in cement kiln to replace the usage of fossil-based solid fuel. Thus, the potential of local MSW composition in energy recovery; suitability of RDF production technology; as well as international-industry requirement on RDF in co-processing and environmental concerns are discussed. Due to heterogeneous composition and sizes in nature, high moisture, and substantial amount of chloride content in MSW, it needs to undergo pre-treatment processes to enhance the RDF's physio-chemical properties that comply with RDF ASTM/EN standards, where expected high heating value (HHV) is > 20 MJ/kg, ash (<10 %), Chloride (Cl) (<0.80 – 1.00 %), Sulphate (S) (<1.50 %), Nitrate (N) (<1.00 %). As the development of upgraded MSW to RDF is still new in the commercial phase, there is minimal information and data on the techno-economic analysis, as well as recent industrial-scale of thermos-chemical conversion technologies for RDF preparation. Hence, the present work provides a clear picture on overview of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, MSW composition, MSW pretreatment, and application as co-processing in cement industry are discussed. Besides, recent thermochemical upgrading process (torrefaction, dry carbonization, and hydrothermal carbonization) of MSW from R&D to commercial scale was further highlighted. In summary, this review serves as basic criterion and strategies to explore the new path of upgrading the waste into RDF for the purpose of sustainable energy recovery that adopting in circular carbon economy framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement in plastic and plastic based products in last two decades has imposed a serious threat to the environment. This has led to an increase in the demand for sustainable and biobased products. Paper and paper products are good alternatives to their plastic counterparts. A key element of paper industry is the raw material (wood, bamboo and nonwood agricultural residues such as bagasse, straws etc.) from which pulp is produced. The pulp is then utilized for production of paper. There are many pulping processes to prepare pulp of various qualities. For fine grade pulp, chemical pulping is used. The chemical pulp is produced by soda, kraft and sulphite pulping processes. However, for newsprint grade pulp, stone ground wood (SW), thermomechanical (TMP), chemi-thermomechanical (CTMP), chemi-mechanical (CMP) or refiner mechanical (RMP) corresponding pulping processes are employed. The method of pulp preparation (pulping process) consumes large amount of energy and chemicals. A new pulping process with electron irradiation using biowaste (bagasse) as a raw material is discussed in this work. Bagasse pulping process is found to reduce about 50% of energy consumption during pulping process. The process is referred to as 'ECTMP' (Energy Efficient Chemi-Thermo Mechanical Pulping). The paper produced from aforesaid method also reflected no loss of strength properties with respect of TMP reference pulps. Henceforth, preliminary calculation based on experimental results shows that the proposed bagasse ECTMP process explored the scope of energy savings of the order of 50%. • Energy efficient thermochemical process for biowaste conversion into paper was explored. • The effects of high energy electron irradiation pre-treatment were investigated. • Chemical pretreatment improved the strength properties of paper. • Specific energy consumption of bagasse pulping was significantly reduced. • The approach of pre-irradiation can be implemented for other raw materials also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp-paper industry is one of the main industrial sectors that produce massive amounts of residual sludge, constituting an enormous environmental burden for the industries. Traditional sludge management practices, such as landfilling and incineration, are restricted due to mounting environmental pressures, complex regulatory frameworks, land availability, high costs, and public opinion. Valorization of pulp-paper industry sludge (PPS) to produce high-value products is a promising substitute for traditional sludge management practices, promoting their reuse and recycling. Valorization of PPIS for biorefinery beneficiation includes biomethane, biohydrogen, bioethanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel production for renewable energy generation. Additionally, the various thermo-chemical technologies can be utilized to synthesize bio-oil, hydrochar, biochar, adsorbent, and activated carbon, signifying potential for value-added generation. Moreover, PPIS can be recycled as a byproduct by incorporating it into nanocomposites, cardboard, and construction materials development. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive overview of PPIS management approaches and thermo-chemical technologies utilized for the development of platform chemicals in industry. Substitute uses of PPIS, such as making building materials, developing supercapacitors, and making cardboard, are also discussed. In addition, this article deeply discusses recent developments in biotechnologies for valorizing PPIS to yield an array of valuable products, such as biofuels, lactic acids, cellulose, nanocellulose, and so on. This review serves as a roadmap for future research endeavors in the effective handling of PPIS. [Display omitted] • Valorization of pulp-paper industry sludge is a sustainable option for getting waste to wealth. • Pre-treatment of pulp-paper industry sludge helps in yielding platform chemicals in the biorefinery scenario. • Pulp-paper industry sludge is a sustainable feedstock for renewable energy production. • Biochars derived from pulp-paper industry sludge exhibited excellent adsorption performance for metals removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second paper in an anticipated three-part study of the sunspot areal dataset. Examined are the annual variations of the northern (N) and southern (S) hemispheric sunspot area (SSA), number of active region entries (NARE), and the mean area per entry (MAE) for the interval 1875-2017, spanning solar cycles (SCs) SC12-SC24. For the overall interval of 1875-2019, SSA(N) has been larger than SSA(S) for 77 of the 145 years. Likewise, for SC12-SC24, SSA(N) has been greater than SSA(S) during the ascending phase of the solar cycle (i.e., 35 of 52 years), whether the SC is an even-or odd-numbered SC, while SSA(S) has been greater than SSA(N) during the descending phase of the solar cycle (51 of 93 years). Minimum SSA(N) and SSA(S) have occurred in the same year in only 7 of 13 SCs, including SC14, SC16 and SC19-SC23. Maximum SSA(N) and SSA(S) have occurred in the same year only once (in SC15). Maximum SSA(S) usually occurs after maximum SSA(N), true for 9 of 13 SCs. Maximum SSA(S) preceded maximum SSA(N) in SC16, SC18, and SC19. Multiple peaks in SSA(N) or SSA(S), typically 2-3 years apart, have often been seen (e.g., SC12-SC16 and SC18-SC22). SC12 had the smallest maximum SSA(N) (452.0 millionths of a solar hemisphere), while SC19 had the largest maximum SSA(N) (2,277.2 millionths of a solar hemisphere). SC14 had the smallest SSA(S) (600.3 millionths of a solar hemisphere), while SC18 had the largest SSA(S) (1,642.9 millionths of a solar hemisphere). The average time from minimum to maximum SSA(N) is 3.8 years (range 2-5 years), while it is 4.8 years for SSA(S) (range 3-6 years). The average time from maximum SSA(N) to the following minimum SSA(N) is 6.9 years (range 5-9 years), while it is 6.2 years for SSA(S) (range 5-8 years). The largest N-S asymmetry coefficients for SSA occurs between -3 and +1 years about sunspot minimum. The largest N-S asymmetry coefficient in SSA occurred in 2019 (SC24). The largest area sunspot occurred in 1947 (SC18) in the southern hemisphere and measured 6,132 millionths of a solar hemisphere, nearly twice the size of the average maxima of the largest area spots in the other 12 SCs. SSA and NARE are highly correlated with each other and with SSN. Minimum MAE(N) and MAE(S) may have occurred, respectively, in 2018 and 2019, highly suggestive that SSN(m) for SC25 either occurred in 2019 or will occur in 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large amount of sheep dung (SD) produced on farms in China is a potential feedstock for production of clean energy in the form of biogas. Similarly, waste paper can be a notable energy source that is worth exploiting. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of co-digesting nitrogen-rich SD with the carbon-rich corrugated board (CB) or waste office paper (OP) in varying volatile solids (VS) ratios, to produce methane. Synergistic effect of co-digesting SD with CB and SD with OP on methane production was found in this study. The highest methane yields of 151.62 and 198.85 mL/g-VS were obtained during the co-digestions of SD with CB at 4:1 ratio (SDCB) and SD with OP at 2:3 ratio (SDOP), respectively. High-throughput 16 S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the microbial diversity and richness in SDCB and SDOP co-digests were higher than in SD and OP mono-digests, respectively. Characteristic bacteria and archaea in the digests were strongly substrate-related and might contribute to methane production. The validated results indicated that methane production through anaerobic co-digestion of SD and waste paper can be an efficient way that could not only reduce environmental pollution but also contribute to methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An energy audit is a primary step toward improving energy efficiency at the facility level and ensuring a clean production. The pulp and paper sector is one of the most energy-intensive industries in Morocco. This article aimed at identifying energy conservation opportunities at a Small and Medium-sized paper industry. The audit results together with their financial viability are presented regarding the analysis of energy consumption and electrical quality issues. The paper introduces an action plan for a more efficient energy use of some specific applications such as furnaces and compressed-air installations as well. The recommended energy efficiency measures have the potential of saving about 347.85 MWh of electrical energy and 101.78 MWh of thermal energy corresponding to reductions of 11.48% and 2.22%, respectively. The total investments related to the application of the action plan is approximately 290.53 kMAD and the global payback period does not exceed one year. It was also shown that a total quantity of 283.39 t of CO 2 emissions can be saved annually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a compilation of research papers that explore the topics of Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). The papers cover a range of subjects including energy efficiency, renewable energy communities, smart urban management, and financial schemes for sustainable neighborhoods. The findings emphasize the importance of energy renovation, potential energy and financial savings, and the need for collaborative approaches and policy direction to achieve sustainable urban development. The papers also provide insights into innovative solutions and technological advancements that can contribute to the realization of carbon-neutral and sustainable cities. This document serves as a valuable resource for library patrons conducting research on energy efficiency and sustainable building practices. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the role of hydrogen and ammonia technology in promoting clean energy. Hydrogen is seen as a clean energy carrier that can help reduce air pollution. However, most hydrogen production still relies on natural gas, which leads to greenhouse gas emissions. Ammonia gas, which contains more hydrogen than hydrogen itself, is also being explored as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. There are challenges to overcome in transitioning to hydrogen technology, such as safety concerns and high production costs. Despite these challenges, there is increasing investment and commitment to integrating hydrogen into national energy strategies. The article also highlights the potential of green ammonia as a derivative of hydrogen for storage and transport, particularly in sectors where traditional battery storage is not feasible. Ongoing advancements in hydrogen production and the development of green ammonia offer promising opportunities for achieving a sustainable and clean energy future. [Extracted from the article]

The decision to implement a biogas production project involves the evaluation of multiple variables, such as the problem to be solved, the biodigester, business model, investment, and final products. An integrative literature review was conducted, in which 58 papers were obtained and relevant criteria for decision-making in biogas production projects from organic waste were identified. Three stages were considered in the analysis of the biogas production cycle: initial, plant, and final, as well as the economic, environmental, and social aspects that influence the decision. In general, the publications are dispersed over 30 different journals. The methodology used in most studies is empirical, quantitative, and descriptive, with data collected mainly from secondary sources. From the studies, 499 original criteria were identified, which were classified into one of four categories: economic, environmental, social, and technical, which cover a total of 39 sub-criteria. Economic and technical criteria were the most frequent in publications, while environmental and social criteria were less common and less prioritized. This suggests that there is a tendency to prioritize economic and technical dimensions over environmental and social dimensions in the analysis of the papers found. Finally, a preliminary decision-making model based on the findings is proposed. Implications: The integrative review of the literature on biogas and decision-making presented in this study holds significant implications for policy and practice in the field of sustainable energy production, organic waste management and decision making for public managers. By analyzing 159 papers and developing a comprehensive classification system, we have identified key sub-criteria for decision-making in various stages of the biogas production cycle. The predominance of technical and economic sub-criteria demonstrates the priorities of the current state of biogas projects and, at the same time, the need to promote balance between the technical, economic, social and environmental spheres in decision-making in order to achieve truly sustainable biogas projects. Policymakers can utilize these findings to promote the adoption of more holistic decision-making approaches that consider diverse factors, fostering the development of environmentally-friendly and socially equitable biogas ventures. This research provides valuable insights into aligning biogas production with broader sustainability goals and guides policymakers in formulating evidence-based strategies for the advancement of renewable energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces the 2022 Clean Energy Best Paper Prizes, recognizing outstanding research including microgrid-based PV/battery/EV systems by Aziz Haffaf, a model for PV power losses by S. Ghosh, and a comparison of PV modules in India by Niranjan Singh Baghel.

Power grids in the 21st century face unprecedented challenges, including the urgent need to combat pollution, mitigate climate change, manage dwindling fossil fuel reserves, integrate renewable energy sources, and meet greater energy demand due to higher living standards. These challenges create heightened uncertainty, driven by the intermittent nature of renewables and surges in energy consumption, necessitating adaptable demand response (DR) strategies. This study addresses this urgent situation based on a statistical analysis of recent scientific research papers. It evaluates the current trends and DR practices in buildings, recognizing their pivotal role in achieving energy supply–demand equilibrium. The study analysis provides insight into building types, sample sizes, DR modeling approaches, and management strategies. The paper reveals specific research gaps, particularly the need for more detailed investigations encompassing building types and leveraging larger datasets. It underscores the potential benefits of adopting a multifaceted approach by combining multiple DR management strategies to optimize demand-side management. The findings presented in this paper can provide information to and guide future studies, policymaking, and decision-making processes to assess the practical potential of demand response in buildings and ultimately contribute to more resilient and sustainable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green energy has become one of the most recurrent topics of the last decade, with a clear ascending trend in terms of popularity and strategic relevance. Although the term has been a fundamental element in the energy, environmental science, or engineering domains, we can now observe frequent linkages with the highly dynamic and versatile economic context. With this in mind, in the current paper, we aim to present the related literature approaches that integrated green energy in economics, while also identifying the evolutionary differences of perspectives and frameworks. Therefore, the methodology will start by showcasing the clear evolution of the concept, with statistical overviews that confirm its increasing frequency. Afterward, we will limit the review to the papers that integrated green energy in the title, in an endeavor to illustrate the main connections and synergies found within the economic and business area. A selection of 50 papers will be made, 25 being published in the 2010-2019 period and 25 starting in 2020. Consequently, a classification framework will be constructed to allocate each paper based on the general subject and the main methodology used. After profiling the periods and extracting valuable comparisons, the papers will be curated through the computation of different text-mining techniques, resulting in insightful statistics on the most common words, complementary concepts, and general sentiment. The study's main conclusion will be the observed prevalence of a new economic framework, based on economic growth and sustainability: green growth. Therefore, in terms of contribution, by using data mining and sentiment analysis, we have extracted valuable information from a large volume of text, methodically proving that green energy is frequently linked with economic development, and evolving conceptually throughout the last decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ever‐growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)‐based systems, the carbon footprint of AI is no longer negligible. AI researchers and practitioners are therefore urged to hold themselves accountable for the carbon emissions of the AI models they design and use. This led in recent years to the appearance of researches tackling AI environmental sustainability, a field referred to as Green AI. Despite the rapid growth of interest in the topic, a comprehensive overview of Green AI research is to date still missing. To address this gap, in this article, we present a systematic review of the Green AI literature. From the analysis of 98 primary studies, different patterns emerge. The topic experienced a considerable growth from 2020 onward. Most studies consider monitoring AI model footprint, tuning hyperparameters to improve model sustainability, or benchmarking models. A mix of position papers, observational studies, and solution papers are present. Most papers focus on the training phase, are algorithm‐agnostic or study neural networks, and use image data. Laboratory experiments are the most common research strategy. Reported Green AI energy savings go up to 115%, with savings over 50% being rather common. Industrial parties are involved in Green AI studies, albeit most target academic readers. Green AI tool provisioning is scarce. As a conclusion, the Green AI research field results to have reached a considerable level of maturity. Therefore, from this review emerges that the time is suitable to adopt other Green AI research strategies, and port the numerous promising academic results to industrial practice. This article is categorized under:Technologies > Machine Learning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of Alcalá in Madrid will organize the "III International Congress on Green Public Procurement and Climate Change" on October 4th and 5th, 2023. The congress aims to receive oral communications on topics related to green public procurement and climate change, as well as tangential aspects such as sustainable food, legislation on climate change, public procurement and depopulation, sustainable infrastructure and energy efficiency, and sustainable or low-emission mobility. The Scientific Committee will review the communications and select the best ones for possible publication in the journal Actualidad Jurídica Ambiental. The deadline for submitting abstracts is May 15th, 2023. [Extracted from the article]