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The primary objective of this paper focuses on developing a control approach to improve the operational performance of a three-level neutral point clamped (3LNPC) shunt active power filter (SAPF) within a grid-tied PV system configuration. Indeed, this developed control approach, based on the used 3LNPC-SAPF topology, aims to ensure the seamless integration of a photovoltaic system into the three-phase four-wire grid while effectively mitigating grid harmonics, grid current unbalance, ensuring grid unit power factor by compensating the load reactive power, and allowing power sharing with the grid in case of an excess of generated power from the PV system, leading to overall high power quality at the grid side. This developed approach is based initially on the application of the four-wire instantaneous p-q theory for the identification of the reference currents that have to be injected by the 3LNPC-SAPF in the grid point of common coupling (PCC). Whereas, the 3LNPC is controlled based on using the finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC), which can be accomplished by determining the convenient set of switch states leading to the voltage vector, which is the most suitable to ensure the minimization of the selected cost function. Furthermore, the used topology requires a constant DC-link voltage and balanced split-capacitor voltages at the input side of the 3LNPN. Hence, the cost function is adjusted by the addition of another term with a selected weighting factor related to these voltages to ensure their precise control following the required reference values. However, due to the random changes in solar irradiance and, furthermore, to ensure efficient operation of the proposed topology, the PV system is connected to the 3LNPN-SAPF via a DC/DC boost converter to ensure the stability of the 3LNPN input voltage within the reference value, which is achieved in this paper based on the use of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique. For the validation of the proposed control technique and the functionality of the used topology, a set of simulations has been presented and investigated in this paper following different irradiance profile scenarios such as a constant irradiance profile and a variables irradiance profile where the main aim is to prove the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed approach under variable irradiance conditions. The obtained results based on the simulations carried out in this study demonstrate that the proposed control approach with the used topology under different loads such as linear, non-linear, and unbalanced can effectively reduce the harmonics, eliminating the unbalance in the currents and compensating for the reactive component contained in the grid side. The obtained results prove also that the proposed control ensures a consistent flow of power based on the sharing principle between the grid and the PV system as well as enabling the efficient satisfaction of the load demand. It can be said that the proposal presented in this paper has been proven to have many dominant features such as the ability to accurately estimate the power sharing between the grid and the PV system for ensuring the harmonics elimination, the reactive power compensation, and the elimination of the neutral current based on the zero-sequence component compensation, even under variable irradiance conditions. This feature makes the used topology and the developed control a valuable tool for power quality improvement and grid stability enhancement with low cost and under clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a key project of China's western development, the West-East Natural Gas Transmission Project (WENGT) has effectively alleviated China's uneven energy distribution and supply-demand issues. It has promoted the optimization of China's energy structure and sustainable development in the new era, helping to achieve the goal of "double carbon". Based on pollution data from Chinese industrial enterprises from 2000 to 2012, this paper analyzes the impact of the West-East Natural Gas Pipeline Project on the air pollution emissions of industrial enterprises using a difference-in-difference model and explores the moderating role of local government environmental regulations. The findings indicate that the project significantly reduced air pollutant emissions from industrial enterprises in cities along the route, with a more pronounced reduction effect in areas with higher environmental regulation intensity. Additionally, the emission reduction effect varied among different types of enterprises and regions, with private enterprises showing the smallest reduction impact and the eastern coastal region exhibiting the most significant effect. This paper delves into the relationship between sustainable cross-regional energy development and air pollution emissions from industrial enterprises, providing a theoretical basis for energy conservation and emission reduction policies in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green port multi-energy microgrid, featuring renewable energy generation, hydrogen energy, and energy storage systems, is an important gateway to achieve the net-zero emission goal. But there are many forms of energy in green port multi-energy microgrid systems, the power fluctuates frequently, and the port loads with large fluctuations and fast changes. These factors can easily lead to the problem of the state of charge exceeding the limit of the energy storage system. To distribute the fluctuating power in the green port multi-energy microgrid system reasonably and maintain the state of charge (SOC) of the hybrid energy storage system in an moderate range, an energy management strategy (EMS) based on dual-stage fuzzy control with a low pass-filter algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, the mathematical model of a green port multi-energy microgrid system is established. Then, fuzzy rules are designed, and the dual-stage fuzzy controller is used to change the time constant of the low-pass filter (LPF) and modify the initial power distribution by an LPF algorithm. Finally, simulation models are built in Matlab 2016a/Simulink. The simulation results demonstrate that, compared with other algorithms under the control of the EMS proposed in this paper, the high-frequency component in the flywheel power is smaller, and the SOC of the supercapacitor is maintained in a reasonable range of 34–78%, which extends the lifespan of the flywheel and supercapacitor. Additionally, it has a faster automatic adjustment ability for the state of charge of the energy storage system, which is conducive to better maintaining the stable operation of green port multi-energy microgrid systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of offshore wind farms is an important step toward increasing the share of green energy in Poland's energy mix, offering promising prospects for the energy industry. However, in addition to numerous benefits, such investments also carry potential risks for the marine environment, including the risk of spills of hazardous substances such as gear oils, hydraulic oils, and lubricants. This paper analyses the potential impact of oil spills from offshore wind farms on the marine ecosystems of the Baltic Sea, taking into account hydrometeorological factors, particularly protected areas (such as Natura 2000 sites) and the intensity of ship traffic in the area of the planned farms. Simulations of spill scenarios are also presented to assess the potential extent of pollution and its impact on the environment. This paper emphasises the importance of advanced monitoring and safety systems in minimising the risk of accidents and responding quickly to possible incidents. The development of offshore wind farms in Poland presents itself as a key element in a sustainable energy development strategy, combining advanced technology with environmental concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of climate change, energy security, and socio-economic development. South Africa, with its abundant renewable energy resources, has made significant strides in the utilization of renewable energy over the past decade. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the progress of renewable energy advancement in South Africa, examining the policies, initiatives, and achievements in various renewable energy sectors. This study explores the country's transition from a heavily coal-dependent energy system to a diversified and sustainable energy mix. It analyses the growth of renewable energy technologies, such as wind power and solar photovoltaic (PV), highlighting the key milestones, challenges, and opportunities. Furthermore, this paper discusses the role of government support, regulatory frameworks, and private sector investments in driving renewable energy deployment in South Africa. Finally, it identifies the prospects and potential areas for further advancement in the renewable energy sector. This review aims to contribute to the understanding of South Africa's renewable energy journey and provides valuable insights for policy-makers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in the sustainable energy transition. [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]

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of optimal energy community design, leveraging time-of-use pricing mechanisms and techno-economic parameters. Focusing on a case study of Valongo, Portugal, this study explores the intricate interplay between energy infrastructure planning, economic considerations, and pricing dynamics. Through a systematic approach, various factors, such as renewable energy integration, demand–response strategies, and investment costs, are evaluated to formulate an efficient and sustainable energy community model. Time-of-use pricing schemes are incorporated to reflect the dynamic nature of energy markets and consumer behavior. By integrating techno-economic analyses, this study aims to optimize energy resource allocation while ensuring cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. The influence of optimized sizes of photovoltaics (PV), battery storage, and electrical vehicles (EVs) on self-sufficiency rates, self-consumption rates and CO2 savings is analyzed. The findings offer valuable insights into the design and implementation of energy communities in urban settings, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies in the transition towards a resilient and low-carbon energy future. The novelty of this paper lies in its comprehensive approach to energy community design, which integrates time-of-use pricing mechanisms with techno-economic parameters. By focusing on the specific case of Valongo, Portugal, it addresses the unique challenges and opportunities present in urban settings. Additionally, the analysis considers the interaction between renewable energy production, demand profiles and investment costs, providing valuable insights for optimizing resource allocation and achieving both cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric review and visualization of smart and sustainable energy consumption, delving into the challenges and opportunities of developing renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The study examines research trends and emerging themes about integrating smart solutions and sustainable energy resource consumption. The analytical methods used involve thoroughly analyzing empirical data, case studies, and review papers to map the research landscape. The results highlight dominant research topics, influential authors, and publication timelines in this field. The review identifies the key challenges in harnessing renewable and non-renewable energy sources, including the need for reliable energy sources, energy storage systems, and smart grid technologies. The paper concludes with insights into the most effective practices for promoting smart and energy-efficient methods while emphasizing the complexity of sustainable energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerating the transition to a cleaner global energy system is essential for tackling the climate crisis, and green hydrogen energy systems hold significant promise for integrating renewable energy sources. This paper offers a thorough evaluation of green hydrogen's potential as a groundbreaking alternative to achieve near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within a renewable energy framework. The paper explores current technological options and assesses the industry's present status alongside future challenges. It also includes an economic analysis to gauge the feasibility of integrating green hydrogen, providing a critical review of the current and future expectations for the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). Depending on the geographic location and the technology employed, the LCOH for green hydrogen can range from as low as EUR 1.12/kg to as high as EUR 16.06/kg. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that green hydrogen could play a crucial role in reducing GHG emissions, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize sectors. A target LCOH of approximately EUR 1/kg by 2050 seems attainable, in some geographies. However, there are still significant hurdles to overcome before green hydrogen can become a cost-competitive alternative. Key challenges include the need for further technological advancements and the establishment of hydrogen policies to achieve cost reductions in electrolyzers, which are vital for green hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling between modern electric power physical and cyber systems is deepening. An increasing number of users are gradually participating in power operation and control, engaging in bidirectional interactions with the grid. The evolving new power system is transforming into a highly intelligent socio–cyber–physical system, featuring increasingly intricate and expansive architectures. Demands for stable system operation are becoming more specific and rigorous. The new power system confronts significant challenges in areas like planning, dispatching, and operational maintenance. Hence, this paper aims to comprehensively explore potential synergies among various power system components from multiple viewpoints. It analyzes numerous core elements and key technologies to fully unlock the efficiency of this coupling. Our objective is to establish a solid theoretical foundation and practical strategies for the precise implementation of integrated planning and operation dispatching of source–grid–load–storage systems. Based on this, the paper first delves into the theoretical concepts of source, grid, load, and storage, comprehensively exploring new developments and emerging changes in each domain within the new power system context. Secondly, it summarizes pivotal technologies such as data acquisition, collaborative planning, and security measures, while presenting reasonable prospects for their future advancement. Finally, the paper extensively discusses the immense value and potential applications of the integrated planning and operation dispatching concept in source–grid–load–storage systems. This includes its assistance in regards to large-scale engineering projects such as extreme disaster management, facilitating green energy development in desertification regions, and promoting the construction of zero-carbon parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and utilization of clean energy is becoming more extensive, and wind power generation is one of the key points of this. Occasionally, wind turbines are faced with various extreme environmental impacts such as icing, lightning strikes and so on. In particular, the icing of wind turbines increases icing–wind loads, and results in a reduced power output. And blades broken down lead to large-area shutdown accidents caused by high-speed rotating, which seriously affects the reliability and equipment safety of wind power generation. Relevant institutions and researchers at home and abroad have carried out a lot of research on this. This paper summarizes the formation and influencing factors of wind turbine icing, the influence of icing on wind power generation, and defense technologies. First, it introduces the formation conditions and mechanisms of icing in wind farm regions and the relationship between meteorological and climatic characteristics and icing, and analyzes the key influence factors on icing. Then, the impact of icing on wind turbines is explained from the aspects of mechanical operation, the power curve, jeopardies and economic benefits. And then the monitoring and safety status of wind turbines icing is analyzed, which involves collecting the relevant research on anti-de-icing in wind power generation, introducing various anti/de-icing technologies, and analyzing the principle of icing defense. Finally, this paper summarizes wind turbine icing and its defense technologies, and puts forward the future research direction based on the existing problems of wind power generation icing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for electricity, electrification, and renewable energy rises, accurate forecasting and flexible energy management become imperative. Distribution network operators face capacity limits set by regional grids, risking economic penalties if exceeded. This study examined data-driven approaches of load forecasting to address these challenges on a city scale through a use case study of Eskilstuna, Sweden. Multiple Linear Regression was used to model electric load data, identifying key calendar and meteorological variables through a rolling origin validation process, using three years of historical data. Despite its low cost, Multiple Linear Regression outperforms the more expensive non-linear Light Gradient Boosting Machine, and both outperform the "weekly Naïve" benchmark with a relative Root Mean Square Errors of 32–34% and 39–40%, respectively. Best-practice hyperparameter settings were derived, and they emphasize frequent re-training, maximizing the training data size, and setting a lag size larger than or equal to the forecast horizon for improved accuracy. Combining both models into an ensemble could the enhance accuracy. This paper demonstrates that robust load forecasts can be achieved by leveraging domain knowledge and statistical analysis, utilizing readily available machine learning libraries. The methodology for achieving this is presented within the paper. These models have the potential for economic optimization and load-shifting strategies, offering valuable insights into sustainable energy management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of the status and future prospects of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FC-EVs). As global concerns about emissions escalate, FC-EVs have emerged as a promising substitute for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This paper discusses the fundamentals of fuel-cell technology considering the major types of fuel cells that have been researched and delves into the most suitable fuel cells for FC-EV applications, including comparisons with mainstream vehicle technologies. The present state of FC-EVs, ongoing research, and the challenges and opportunities that need to be accounted for are discussed. Furthermore, the comparison between promising proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technologies used in EVs provides valuable insights into their respective strengths and challenges. By synthesizing these aspects, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding and facilitate decision-making for future advancements in sustainable FC-EV transportation, thereby contributing to the realization of a cleaner, greener, and more environmentally friendly future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the critical role of tax credits, specifically Sections 45Q and 45V, in the financing and economic feasibility of low-carbon-intensity hydrogen projects, with a focus on natural-gas-based hydrogen production plants integrated with carbon capture and storage (CCS). This study covers the current clean energy landscape, underscoring the importance of low-carbon hydrogen as a key component in the transition to a sustainable energy future, and then explicates the mechanics of the 45Q and 45V tax credits, illustrating their direct impact on enhancing the economic attractiveness of such projects through a detailed net present value (NPV) model analysis. Our analysis reveals that the application of 45Q and 45V tax credits significantly reduces the levelized cost of hydrogen production, with scenarios indicating a reduction in cost ranging from USD 0.41/kg to USD 0.81/kg of hydrogen. Specifically, the 45Q tax credit demonstrates a slightly more advantageous impact on reducing costs compared to the 45V tax credit, underpinning the critical role of these fiscal measures in enhancing project returns and feasibility. Furthermore, this paper addresses the inherent limitations of utilizing tax credits, primarily the challenge posed by the mismatch between the scale of tax credits and the tax liability of the project developers. The concept and role of tax equity investments are discussed in response to this challenge. These findings contribute to the broader dialogue on the financing of sustainable energy projects, providing valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and developers in the hydrogen energy sector. By quantifying the economic benefits of tax credits and elucidating the role of tax equity investments, our research supports informed decision-making and strategic planning in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low or even zero carbon dioxide emissions will be an essential requirement for energy supplies in the near future. Besides transport and electricity generation, industry is another large carbon emitter. Hydrogen produced by renewable energy provides a flexible way of utilizing that energy. Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, could be stored in a large capacity compared to electricity. In Sweden, hydrogen will be used to replace coal for steel production. This paper discusses how the need for electricity to produce hydrogen will affect the electricity supply and power flow in the Swedish power grid, and whether it will result in increased emissions in other regions. Data of the Swedish system will be used to study the feasibility of implementing the hydrogen system from the power system viewpoint, and discuss the electricity price and emission issues caused by the hydrogen production in different scenarios. This paper concludes that the Swedish power grid is feasible for accommodating the additional electricity capacity requirement of producing green hydrogen for the steel industry. The obtained results could be references for decision makers, investors, and power system operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to clean energy remains a major issue in developing countries, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, despite successive policies and the assistance of international institutions or organizations. The United Nations (UN) launched some of the most ambitious initiatives with the Millennium Development Goals and, more recently, the Sustainable Development Goals and Power Africa, a United States (US) government initiative. Sub-Saharan Africa has an important potential in renewable energy for both biogas and solar photovoltaic energy, but they remain underexploited. This paper presents the challenges of access to clean energy in developing countries and the failure of remedial policies mostly based on public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the context of endemic poverty of rural populations. In addition, the development of modern energy technologies remains very limited. Appropriate reforms should be carried out to change the paradigm and allow universal access to clean energy. This paper also addresses the different structural barriers that hinder access to technology in Sub-Saharan Africa and the consequences of access to clean energy in the context of poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging energy transition is particularly described as a move towards a cleaner, lower-carbon system. In the context of the global shift towards sustainable energy sources, this paper reviews the potential and roadmap for hydrogen energy as a crucial component of the clean energy landscape. The primary objective is to present a comprehensive literature overview, illuminating key themes, trends, and research gaps in the scientific discourse concerning hydrogen production and energy policy. This review focuses particularly on specified geographic contexts, with an emphasis on understanding the unique energy policies related to renewable energy in Brazil, Austria, and Germany. Given their distinct social systems and developmental stages, this paper aims to delineate the nuanced approaches these countries adopt in their pursuit of renewable energy and the integration of hydrogen within their energy frameworks. Brazil exhibits vast renewable energy potential, particularly in wind and solar energy sectors, positioning itself for substantial growth in the coming years. Germany showcases a regulatory framework that promotes innovation and technological expansion, reflecting its highly developed social system and commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. Austria demonstrates dedication to decarbonization, particularly through the exploration of biomethane for residential heating and cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a groundbreaking approach to demand response management, aiming to empower consumers through innovative strategies. The key contribution is the concept of "acquiring flexibility rights", wherein consumers engage with power aggregators to curtail energy usage during peak-load periods, receiving incentives in return. A flexibility right coefficient is introduced, allowing consumers to tailor their participation in demand response programs, ensuring their well-being. Additionally, a lighting intensity control system is developed to enhance residential lighting network efficiency. The study demonstrates that high-energy consumers, adopting a satisfaction factor of 10, can achieve over 61% in electricity cost savings by combining the lighting control system and active participation in demand response programs. This not only reduces expenses but also generates income through the sale of flexibility rights. Conversely, low-energy consumers can fully offset their expenses and accumulate over USD 33 in earnings through the installation of solar panels. This paper formulates an optimization problem considering flexibility rights, lighting control, and time-of-use tariff rates. An algorithm is proposed for a distributed solution, and a sensitivity analysis is conducted for evaluation. The proposed method showcases significant benefits, including cost savings and income generation for consumers, while contributing to grid stability and reduced blackout occurrences. Real data from a residential district in Tehran validates the method's effectiveness. This study concludes that this approach holds promise for demand response management in smart grids, emphasizing the importance of consumer empowerment and sustainable energy practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecuador, like every country in the world, urgently requires a conversion of transportation to electric power, both for economic and environmental reasons. This paper focuses on the technical and economic feasibility of a solar-powered electric charging station equipped with battery storage in Cuenca, Ecuador. By reviewing current literature, we assess the environmental impact of electric mobility and its potential to reduce fossil fuel dependence and generate energy savings. The analysis encompasses various factors, including EV energy consumption, solar energy system sizing, energy production, and battery storage capacity. Key findings indicate that integrating solar PV systems with EV charging stations efficiently supports a reliable and sustainable energy supply. Simulation results reveal seasonal variations in solar generation, highlighting the importance of proper system sizing to maintain charging supply reliability and manage surplus generation. The economic analysis of three scenarios underscores the financial viability of implementing PV systems without battery storage, yielding a positive Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Net Present Value (NPV). However, scenarios with battery storage present negative NPV and long investment return periods, impacting economic viability negatively. These insights underscore the need for a balanced design to ensure sustainability and economic feasibility in the transition to electric mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the evolution and role of energy communities in the context of the transition to renewable energy sources. Such communities are presented as an innovative and resilient response to the challenges posed by climate change. Their importance emerges from their ability to decentralize energy production, increasing local security and reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and external suppliers. However, despite the obvious benefits, this contribution highlights several challenges, such as the need for significant upfront investment and the presence of regulatory barriers that may hinder the integration of these solutions into existing energy systems. A detailed bibliometric analysis is used, focusing on specific research areas and using tools to map the most relevant keywords and emerging trends. The results of the bibliometric analysis highlight how energy communities are emerging as key players in the sustainability landscape, capable of addressing and overcoming contemporary environmental challenges. The research reaffirms the transformative potential of energy communities in promoting a more sustainable and resilient future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the dual carbon policy, the proportion of clean energy power generation is increasing in the power system. Energy storage technology and related industries have also developed rapidly. However, the life-attenuation and safety problems faced by energy storage lithium batteries are becoming more and more serious. In order to clarify the aging evolution process of lithium batteries and solve the optimization problem of energy storage systems, we need to dig deeply into the mechanism of the accelerated aging rate inside and outside the lithium ion from the perspective of the safety and stability of a lithium battery in view of the complex and changeable actual working conditions during the operation of the battery. This paper takes a lithium-iron phosphate battery and a lithium-ion battery as examples to analyze. According to the specific scene of lithium battery operation, the actual operating conditions of lithium battery environmental impact factors and attenuation mechanisms are described in detail. The damage to the internal structure of lithium batteries was systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the correlation between the external influencing factors and the aging rate of lithium batteries under the coupling effect of internal failure mechanisms is analyzed. Finally, future energy storage failure analysis technology is anticipated, hoping to play a positive role in promoting the development of energy storage and lithium battery failure analysis technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socioeconomic growth and population increase are driving a constant global demand for energy. Renewable energy is emerging as a leading solution to minimise the use of fossil fuels. However, renewable resources are characterised by significant intermittency and unpredictability, which impact their energy production and integration into the power grid. Forecasting models are increasingly being developed to address these challenges and have become crucial as renewable energy sources are integrated in energy systems. In this paper, a comparative analysis of forecasting methods for renewable energy production is developed, focusing on photovoltaic and wind power. A review of state-of-the-art techniques is conducted to synthesise and categorise different forecasting models, taking into account climatic variables, optimisation algorithms, pre-processing techniques, and various forecasting horizons. By integrating diverse techniques such as optimisation algorithms and pre-processing methods and carefully selecting the forecast horizon, it is possible to highlight the accuracy and stability of forecasts. Overall, the ongoing development and refinement of forecasting methods are crucial to achieve a sustainable and reliable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated zero-carbon power plant aggregates uncontrollable green energy, adjustable load, and storage energy resources into an entity in a grid-friendly manner. Integrated zero-carbon power plants have a strong demand response potential that needs further study. However, existing studies ignore the green value of renewable energy in power plants when participating in demand response programs. This paper proposed a mathematical model to optimize the operation of an integrated zero-carbon power plant considering the green value. A demand response mechanism is proposed for the independent system operator and the integrated zero-carbon power plants. The Stackelberg gaming process among these entities and an algorithm based on dichotomy are studied to find the demand response equilibrium. Case studies verify that the mechanism activates the potential of the integrated zero-carbon power plant to realize the load reduction target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the economy and society, the importance of a secure and stable electricity supply continues to increase. However, the power grid is facing the test of excess installed capacity, the waste of renewable energy, and a low comprehensive utilization rate. This problem stems from the inconsistent peak–valley differences between power production and consumption, and the lack of clear electricity price signals, which disrupts the safe and stable operation of the power market. This paper combines the interactive transactions among clean energy power generation companies, users, and energy storage, explores how the system optimization model can be reflected in the power market through regulatory measures, and formulates the optimal output scheme of the system under the constraints of clean energy power generation forecast data, user base load forecast data, demand-side resource regulation ability, and energy storage system regulation ability to achieve the goals of comprehensive clean energy power consumption and minimum cost for users. A comprehensive analysis of the proposed model was conducted using actual data from a certain province in China, the results show that the consumption of clean energy will increase by 3% to full consumption and the total cost of users will be 32% lower than that of time-of-use (TOU) power prices, which proves the potential of the proposed joint optimization model in absorbing clean energy and the effectiveness of the market mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is the relationship between sustainable energy sources and financial development. The main research hypothesis assumes a positive link between these areas, with inevitable differences across countries and business sectors. The following research questions were asked: Is the impact of financial development on sustainable energy resources the same in different EU countries advanced in green transition processes? How is transition towards renewable energy sources progressing in different economic sectors? Does financial development influence sectoral transition in particular countries? This study uses the TOPSIS method and 25 variables for EU countries from 2013 to 2021. Key findings reveal that the link between sustainable energy sources and financial development varies across EU countries, country size affects energy autonomy, and the transition also differs by business sector. Surprisingly, higher financial development correlates with less progress in sustainable energy initiatives. The results of our research may be useful for government decision-makers in the process of designing and controlling the country's transition to sustainable energy. The original contribution of the study is expressed in its the diagnosis of the relationship between financial development and sustainable energy sources, while most studies have focused on the relationship between the energy market and financial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a thorough review of our state-of-the-art technique for enhancing dynamic grid partitioning and scheduling in multi-energy source systems. We use a hybrid approach to T-spherical fuzzy sets, combining the alternative ranking order method accounting for the two-step normalization (AROMAN) method for alternating ranking order to enable two-step normalisation with the method based on removal effects of criteria (MEREC) for eliminating criteria effects. This enables us to obtain the highest level of accuracy from our findings. To ascertain the relative importance of these criteria, we use MEREC to perform a rigorous examination of the influence that each evaluation criterion has on the outcomes of the decision-making process. In addition, we use AROMAN to provide a strong foundation for assessing potential solutions by accounting for spherical fuzzy sets to account for any ambiguity. We illustrate how our approach successfully considers several factors, such as social acceptability, technical feasibility, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility, through the analysis of an extensive case study. Our approach provides decision-makers (DMs) with a rigorous and rational framework for assessing and choosing the best grid division and scheduling options. This is done in an effort to support the administration and design of resilient and sustainable multi-energy systems. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge in this area by offering insights that help to direct policy, planning, and investment decisions in the shift towards more sustainable energy infrastructures. Moreover, it adds to the growing body of information on multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) in energy system optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable energy projects can help societies reduce climate change's negative impacts. In the present paper, published studies regarding European community energy schemes (CESs) were analysed to investigate CESs' barriers and drivers towards including community members and, more specifically, vulnerable groups. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were defined to select the proper articles and books that were aligned with the scope of this review. A total of 143 publications from 2019 to February 2024 were considered and selected. Content analysis was used to outline the various definitions of energy poverty, vulnerable groups, and CESs as well as the different strategies and approaches followed by European countries to tackle energy poverty and increase public engagement in CESs. This research suggests that environmental citizenship is a concept that can bring individuals and society together to promote changes in energy-related behaviours. The outcome reveals factors that enhance community energy acceptance and social cohesion such as providing energy education or education for sustainability to community members, financial support, increased prosocial culture, and the participation of vulnerable groups in CESs. This can be achieved through various interventions to help community members, including vulnerable groups, understand sustainable energy behaviour and thus reduce energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores an interesting approach to wind energy technology, focusing on a novel type of drag-driven vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Studied geometries employ rotor-shaped cross-sections, presenting a distinctive approach to harnessing wind energy efficiently. The rotor-shaped cross-section geometries are examined for their aerodynamic efficiency, showcasing the meticulous engineering behind this innovation. The drag-driven turbine shapes are analyzed for their ability to maximize energy extraction in a variety of wind conditions. A significant aspect of these turbines is their adaptability for diverse applications. This article discusses the feasibility and advantages of utilizing these VAWTs in fence configurations, offering an innovative integration of renewable energy generation with physical infrastructure. The scalability of the turbines is highlighted, enabling their deployment as a fence around residential properties or as separators between highway lanes and as energy-generating structures atop buildings. The scientific findings presented in this article contribute valuable insights into the technological advancements of rotor-shaped VAWTs and their potential impact on decentralized wind energy generation. The scalable and versatile nature of these turbines opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy solutions in both urban and residential settings, marking a significant step forward in the field of renewable energy research and technology. In particular, it was shown that among the proposed rotor geometries, the five-blade rotor was characterized by the highest efficiency and, working in a palisade configuration with a spacing of 10 mm to 20 mm, produced higher average values of the torque coefficient than the corresponding Savonius turbine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global efforts to transition toward renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, geothermal energy is increasingly recognized as a viable and sustainable option. This paper presents a comprehensive assessment derived from a subset of a larger sample collection within the Dunántúli Group of the Pannonian Basin, Hungary, focusing on optimizing micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) resolution for analyzing pore structures in sandstone formations. By categorizing samples based on geological properties and selecting representatives from each group, the study integrates helium porosity and gas permeability measurements with µ-CT imaging at various resolutions (5 µm, 2 µm, and 1 µm). The findings reveal that µ-CT resolution significantly affects the discernibility and characterization of pore structures. Finer resolutions (2 µm and 1 µm) effectively uncovered interconnected pore networks in medium- to coarse-grained sandstones, suggesting favorable properties for geothermal applications. In contrast, fine-grained samples showed limitations in geothermal applicability at higher resolutions due to their compact nature and minimal pore connectivity, which could not be confidently imaged at 1 µm. Additionally, this study acknowledges the challenges in delineating the boundaries within the Dunántúli Group formations, which adds a layer of complexity to the characterization process. The research highlights the importance of aligning µ-CT findings with geological backgrounds and laboratory measurements for accurate pore structure interpretation in heterogeneous formations. By contributing vital petrophysical data for the Dunántúli Group and the Pannonian Basin, this study provides key insights for selecting appropriate µ-CT imaging resolutions to advance sustainable geothermal energy strategies in the region. The outcomes of this research form the basis for future studies aimed at developing experimental setups to investigate physical clogging and enhance geothermal exploitation methods, crucial for the sustainable development of geothermal resources in the Pannonian Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main problem confronting the world is human-caused climate change, which is intrinsically linked to the need for energy both now and in the future. Renewable (green) energy has been proposed as a future solution, and many renewable energy technologies have been developed for different purposes. However, progress toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the role of renewable energy in 2050 are not well known. This paper reviews different renewable energy technologies developed by different researchers and their potential and challenges to date, and it derives lessons for world and especially African policymakers. According to recent research results, the mean global capabilities for solar, wind, biogas, geothermal, hydrogen, and ocean power are 325 W, 900 W, 300 W, 434 W, 150 W, and 2.75 MWh, respectively, and their capacities for generating electricity are 1.5 KWh, 1182.5 KWh, 1.7 KWh, 1.5 KWh, 1.55 KWh, and 3.6 MWh, respectively. Securing global energy leads to strong hope for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as those for hunger, health, education, gender equality, climate change, and sustainable development. Therefore, renewable energy can be a considerable contributor to future fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid rising global demand for sustainable energy, wind energy emerges as a crucial renewable resource, with the aerodynamic optimization of wind turbine blades playing a key role in enhancing energy efficiency. This systematic review scrutinizes recent advancements in blade aerodynamics, focusing on the integration of cutting-edge aerodynamic profiles, variable pitch and twist technologies, and innovative materials. It extensively explores the impact of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on blade design enhancements, illustrating their significant contributions to aerodynamic efficiency improvements. By reviewing research from the last decade, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of current trends, addresses ongoing challenges, and suggests potential future developments in wind turbine blade optimization. Aimed at researchers, engineers, and policymakers, this review serves as a crucial resource, guiding further innovations and aligning with global renewable energy objectives. Ultimately, this work seeks to facilitate technological advancements that enhance the efficiency and viability of wind energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constant attention to sustainability aimed at reconciling economic and social development with environmental protection is the driving force of the continuous growth of renewable energy in the energy sector. Among the numerous actions taken by the European Commission (EC) in this direction, an important initiative towards the complete decarbonization is represented by the Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). According to the EC, "energy communities enable collective and citizen-driven energy actions to support the clean energy transition. They can contribute to increasing public acceptance of renewable energy projects and make it easier to attract private investments in the clean energy transition". At the European level, numerous energy communities are emerging, although they are all based on photovoltaic production and, consequently, focus only on electricity flows. The aim of this paper is to define a thermal energy community in which thermal energy sharing can be achieved by exploiting the concept of the smart district heating network. Starting from a small existing district heating network, its conversion into a smart one will be analyzed and optimized with the aim of studying the sharing of thermal energy between the various prosumer and non-prosumer users connected to the district heating network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is essential for crucial development in Africa. The current electricity shortages and load shedding in South Africa show that the country faces significant challenges in reaching positive economic growth. For industries to operate sustainably, an innovative mechanism must be tailored to solve the negative impacts of industrial energy use, particularly climate change. This study aims to show how renewable energy technologies can provide new economic opportunities, contribute to higher standards of living, and reduce the impacts of society on ecosystems, among other things. This paper presents a feasibility analysis and optimization of new energy technologies by designing and simulating a grid-connected PV system for sustainable development. PV Syst software (PV Syst 6.8.8) was used to simulate and optimize the PV system. The software was employed to design and model the PV systems, calculating energy production, economic performance, and environmental impact. Using simulation data, the researchers compared PV system performance across three scenarios and identified the optimal system. Scenario A was chosen as the best system, with an energy production of 1720 MWh/year. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that grid-connected PV systems are a feasible and sustainable option for meeting South Africa's energy needs. By implementing the results and recommendations, the government, investors, and community can work together to develop and deploy a successful PV system that will benefit all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at the changing impact of renewable energy and green innovation on the carbon footprint of eight MENA nations between 2000 and 2020. We investigate this by using the panel Q-ARDL model for the first time, and we find that, with various impacts across different quantiles, a rise in green innovation and renewable energy greatly boosts environmental sustainability in the short run. In the long run, this effect becomes increasingly more noticeable. According to our analysis, the chosen MENA countries quickly embraced energy storage, solar hydrogen, and other technology pathways to diversify their energy mix, which was a turning point in the fight against climate change. Although these factors have been separately examined in different studies, our research merges them into a single non-parametric model. This research is significant as it provides empirical evidence on the efficiency of green innovation and renewable energy policies, and it will guide policymakers and energy stakeholders in developing strategies to achieve sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the carbon footprint of energy production is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. Lignocellulosic biomass residues from fruit production industries show promise as a viable energy source. This paper presents a study of the Italian context concerning the utilization of orchard lignocellulosic residues for energy production as electricity or bioethanol. The potential of various orchard residues was assessed through chemical and physical analyses, and an equivalent electrical energy of about 6441.62 GWh or an amount of 0.48 Mt/y of bioethanol was obtained based on the average annual dry residue mass availability of about 3.04 Mt/y. These data represent 9.30% of the national electrical energy production from renewable sources, as well as 6.21% of the Italian demand for gasoline in 2022. Electricity generation from these residues has shown its potential as a reliable and sustainable baseload power source, as well as a source of renewable transportation fuel. The studied process could be a valuable reference to expand these concepts on a global scale to achieve a greener and more sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the energy structure transition and the development of the green power market, the role of electricity retailers in multi-market green power trading has become more and more important. Particularly in China, where aggressive green energy policies and rapid market transformations provide a distinct context for such studies, the challenges are pronounced. Under demand-side response, electricity retailers face the uncertainty of users' electricity consumption and incentives, which complicates decision-making processes. The purpose of this paper is to explore the optimization decision-making problem of multi-market green power trading for electricity retailers under demand-side response, with a special focus on the Chinese market due to its leadership in implementing substantial green energy initiatives and its potential to set precedents for global practices. We first construct a two-party benefit optimization model, which comprehensively considers the profit objectives for electricity retailers and utility maximization for users. Then, the model is solved by the Lagrange multiplier method and distributed subgradient algorithm to obtain the optimal solution. Finally, the effectiveness of the incentive optimization strategy under the multi-market to promote green power consumption and improve the profit of electricity retailers is verified by arithmetic simulation. The results of this study show that the incentive optimization strategy under multi-market, particularly within the Chinese context, is expected to provide a reference for electricity retailers to develop more flexible and effective trading strategies in the green power market and to contribute to the process of promoting green power consumption globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to smart grids is revolutionizing the management and distribution of electrical energy. Nowadays, power systems must precisely estimate real-time loads and use adaptive regulation to operate in the era of sustainable energy. To address these issues, this paper presents a new approach—a hybrid neuro-fuzzy system—that combines neural networks with fuzzy logic. We use neural networks' adaptability to describe complex load patterns and fuzzy logic's interpretability to fine-tune control techniques in our approach. Our improved load forecasting system can now respond to changes in real-time due to the combination of these two powerful methodologies. Developing, training, and implementing the forecasting and control system are detailed in this article, which also explores the theoretical underpinnings of our hybrid neuro-fuzzy approach. We demonstrate how the technology improves grid stability and the accuracy of load forecasts by using adaptive control methods. Furthermore, comprehensive simulations confirm the proposed technology, showcasing its smooth integration with smart grid infrastructure. Better energy management is just the beginning of what our method can accomplish; it also paves the way for a more sustainable energy future that is easier on the planet and its inhabitants. In conclusion, this study's innovative approach to adaptive control and real-time load forecasting advances smart grid technology, which, in turn, improves sustainability and energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript explores the relationship between the economic awareness (as a part of energy awareness) of Polish households and their sustainable energy consumption practices. Sustainable consumption is measured by the frequency of behaviors such as turning off electrical devices when not in use, removing mobile device chargers from sockets, switching off lights when leaving a room, preferring showers over baths, using washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and purchasing energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Economic awareness is gauged through variables such as knowledge of electricity tariffs, understanding of electric bill components, awareness of electricity prices, exact knowledge of electricity expenses, electricity usage in kWh, knowledge of effective energy-saving methods, and familiarity with the energy efficiency classes of appliances and light bulbs. This study presents profiles of households with high and low economic awareness regarding their electricity expenditures and examines how these profiles differ in their sustainable energy consumption behaviors. This research is based on a survey of 1407 Polish households conducted online in 2023. Data collected from the survey were subjected to statistical analysis and are presented in tables and graphs. The findings are discussed in the context of the existing literature in the field, highlighting the implications of economic awareness on sustainable energy consumption practices. This research contributes to understanding how economic knowledge influences energy-saving behaviors among Polish households, providing insights for policymakers and energy conservation initiatives. One of the key findings of this paper is the significant association between economic awareness, energy-saving knowledge, and the adoption of sustainable energy consumption behaviors among Polish households. This study reveals that households with higher levels of economic awareness demonstrate a notably higher frequency of practices related to sustainable energy consumption compared to those with lower economic awareness. Similarly, households equipped with greater knowledge about energy-saving techniques exhibit a higher propensity to adopt energy-efficient behaviors. This underscores important roles of economic literacy and education in fostering behavioral changes towards more sustainable energy practices, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions and educational campaigns aimed at enhancing economic awareness and promoting energy-saving knowledge among consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, there is a critical requirement for continuous innovation to optimize the performance and safety of renewable energy systems (RESs). Closed-loop digital twins (CLDTs)—synchronized virtual replicas embedded with real-time data and control loops to mirror the behavior of physical systems—have emerged as a promising tool for achieving this goal. This paper presents a systematic literature review on the application of digital twin (DT) technology in the context of RESs with an emphasis on the impact of DTs on the efficiency, performance, and safety assurance of RESs. It explores the concept of CLDTs, highlighting their key functionalities and potential benefits for various renewable energy technologies. However, their effective implementation requires a structured approach to integrate observation, orientation, decision, and action (OODA) processes. This study presents a novel OODA framework specifically designed for CLDTs to systematically identify and manage their key components. These components include real-time monitoring, decision-making, and actuation. The comparison is carried out against the capabilities of DT utilizing the OODA framework. By analyzing the current literature, this review explores how DT empowers RESs with enhanced efficiency, reduced risks, and improved safety assurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve the ambitious goal of "carbon neutrality", countries around the world are striving to develop clean energy. Against this background, this paper takes China and Italy as representatives of developing and developed countries to summarize the energy structure composition and development overview of the two countries. The paper analyzes the serious challenges facing the future energy development of both countries and investigates the possibilities of energy cooperation between the two countries, taking into account their respective advantages in energy development. By comparing the policies issued by the two governments to encourage clean energy development, this paper analyzes the severe challenges faced by the two countries' energy development in the future and combines their respective energy development advantages to look forward to the possibility of energy cooperation between the two countries in the future. This lays the foundation for China and Italy to build an "Energy Road" after the "Silk Road". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources (RESs) offer key transformative potential from a societal point of view due to their modularity and ability to generate energy at the local level, allowing for the development of grassroots democratic and participatory initiatives. The paper aims to share insights into the processes of creating RES cooperatives in Poland. One of the first cooperatives to be established in the Upper Silesian region in Poland was the energy cooperative (EC) "Our Energy". This study presents an in-depth empirical analysis of a community-based renewable energy cooperative. The study employed a case study methodology, including a SWOT analysis framework, to describe the research subject and identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Key findings indicate that members benefit from stable energy prices and full recovery of the energy produced, and the cooperative is at the forefront of energy-sharing practices that minimize costs through direct transactions with the local municipality. The strategic goals of the EC focus on expanding membership, increasing the number of photovoltaic installations, implementing energy balancing, combating energy poverty, and reducing emissions. Challenges such as financial constraints and a lack of real-time monitoring of energy distribution are acknowledged, and carbon footprint reduction innovations and stakeholder engagement are highlighted as forward-looking approaches. The study highlights the role of cooperatives as a model for community-led sustainable energy initiatives. However, the study acknowledges the limitations of its small sample size, suggesting the need for broader research to understand the impact of collaborative energy on decarbonization. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on the long-term sustainability and socioeconomic impacts of energy cooperatives. This study contributes to the scholarly discourse on renewable energy cooperatives by offering insight into their potential to bridge the gap between energy producers and consumers and support sustainable community development. The main novelty of this paper lies in its detailed examination of a specific renewable energy cooperative, incorporating SWOT analysis, stakeholder perspectives, quantitative assessments, and a forward-thinking approach. This multifaceted analysis contributes to the existing literature on renewable energy initiatives, providing a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on microgrid development in the UAE, focusing on the socio-economic costs and benefits, policy frameworks, market dynamics, and environmental implications. The analysis encompasses publications from 2011 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. A total of 33 papers were identified and classified, revealing gaps in comprehensive valuation models, consideration of environmental and social governance factors, and research informing policy and investment decisions. The findings highlight the significance of microgrid technology in the UAE, its limited adoption and commercialization, and its predominant usage in remote areas and academic testbeds. The paper underscores the UAE's vision for net-zero emissions by 2050 and the potential of microgrids in supporting its realization. Recommendations include the development of a comprehensive valuation framework to drive effective investments in microgrid technology, aligning with the UAE's sustainable energy goals. The study contributes to the understanding of microgrid development in the UAE, offering insights into its socio-economic, policy, market, and environmental dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of solar energy is now a common and modern alternative that many countries throughout the world have adopted. Different studies on PV systems have been documented in the literature; however, several reviews focus excessively on particular facets of solar modules. In this paper, the literature on PV systems published between 2000 and 2023 was reviewed thoroughly. This review is structured in three main parts. Primarily, the main factors impacting dust deposition on solar modules are discussed. These include temperature, wind speed, inclination angle, location, climatic conditions, photovoltaic module surface characteristics, and dust characteristics. Many methods for mitigating and reducing dust as well as approaches to cleaning PV modules are also reviewed in this study. The many types of solar modules, together with their most important characteristics and operational effectiveness, are presented. As more solar photovoltaic panels expand their end of life (EOL), solutions are required to recycle and dispose of solar photovoltaic panels at the lowest economic cost and with the least environmental damage through reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Subsequently, this paper further reviews solar PV energy for a green environment and PV waste recycling and its costs. Moreover, integrating solar energy with other clean energy constituting an energy source for hard-to-reach areas and an alternative to fuel are discussed. Therefore, this comprehensive review of the use of photovoltaic systems for green energy production is helpful in an increased share of clean energy for various energy sectors in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current applications in the energy sector are based largely on fossil fuels which release greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. To face the issue of global warming, the energy sector has to transfer to and develop sustainable energy solutions that do not release carbon emissions. This is one of the primary motivators for the SDEWES conference as well as for this review, and previous ones, examining the most recent works based on sustainable and green energy production in such fields. The 17th Conference on the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems (SDEWES) was held on 6–10 November 2022 in Paphos, Cyprus. The SDEWES conference aims at solving complex and ongoing concerns that approach a long-term perspective and supporting innovative solutions and continuous monitoring and evaluation. This review paper aims at collecting the main presented papers focused on the following hot topics: low-carbon technologies based on renewable and clean-energy systems, including mainly biomass, solar, and wind energy applications; energy storage systems; hydrogen-based systems; energy-saving strategies in buildings; and the adoption of smart management strategies using renewable energy systems. These topics are investigated in order to propose solutions to address the issues of climate change, water scarcity, and energy saving. From the analyzed works, we note that some key issues for sustainable development remain to be further addressed: such as novel and advanced energy storage systems, green hydrogen production, novel low-temperature district heating and cooling networks, novel solar technologies for the simultaneous production of power and high temperature heat, solar desalination for hydrogen production systems, and agrivoltaic systems for the production of power and food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a thorough review and analysis of solar photovoltaic (PV) home systems in Malaysia, offering a comprehensive exploration of their implementation, challenges, benefits, and future potential. As a nation striving to embrace sustainable and renewable energy solutions, Malaysia's adoption of solar PV systems at the residential level is of paramount importance. The study delves into the current state of solar PV deployment, government initiatives, and policy frameworks that influence adoption trends. It examines the economic, environmental, and societal advantages of solar PV home systems, outlining their contribution to reducing electricity costs, carbon emissions, and energy dependence. Addressing barriers to wider acceptance, the paper scrutinizes challenges encompassing cost, awareness, intermittency, and regulatory constraints. Furthermore, the study evaluates the socio-economic implications of solar PV home systems, including potential job creation and energy independence. Technological advancements, such as enhanced efficiency and smart grid integration, are also explored for their role in surmounting obstacles. Drawing insights from practical case studies, the paper underscores successful installations and the lessons they offer. In examining policy and regulatory frameworks, it analyzes existing incentives while suggesting improvements to accelerate adoption. Finally, the paper offers a visionary perspective on the future trajectory of solar PV home systems in Malaysia, envisioning increased affordability, advanced energy storage solutions, and seamless integration with emerging technologies. This holistic analysis contributes valuable insights to propel Malaysia's sustainable energy transition and inform strategic decision making for stakeholders across sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve sustainable development goals and meet the demand for clean and efficient energy utilization, it is imperative to advance the penetration of renewable energy in various sectors. Energy storage systems can mitigate the intermittent issues of renewable energy and enhance the efficiency and economic viability of existing energy facilities. Among various energy storage technologies, thermocline heat storage (THS) has garnered widespread attention from researchers due to its stability and economic advantages. Currently, there are only a few review articles focusing on THS, and there is a gap in the literature regarding the optimization design of THS systems. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent research progress in THS, elucidating its principles, thermal storage materials, applications, and optimization designs. The novelty of this work lies in the detailed classification and analysis of various optimization designs for THS, including tank shape, aspect ratio, inlet/outlet configuration, thermal energy storage materials arrangement, operating strategies, and numerical model optimization approaches. The limitations of existing research are also identified, and future perspectives are proposed, aiming to provide recommendations for THS research and contribute to the development and promotion of THS technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt has the potential to generate a significant amount of energy from renewable technologies, in particular solar PV, concentrated solar power (CSP), and onshore and offshore wind. The energy sector is reliant on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, for electricity production and is at risk of locking itself into a high carbon pathway. Globally, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with national energy sectors is a target outlined in the UN's Paris Agreement. To reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with a higher dependence on fossil fuels, Egypt must consider upscaling renewable energy technologies (RETs) to achieve a clean energy transition (CET). This research modelled six scenarios using clicSAND for OSeMOSYS to identify the technologies and policy target improvements that are needed to upscale RETs within Egypt's energy sector. The results showed that solar PV and onshore wind are key technologies to be upscaled to contribute towards Egypt's CET. The optimal renewable target is the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) target of 53% of electricity being sourced from RETs by 2030, which will cost USD 16.4 billion more up to 2035 than Egypt's current Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES) target of 42% by 2035; it also saves 732.0 MtCO2 over the entire modelling period to 2070. Socio-economic barriers to this transition are considered, such as recent discoveries of natural gas reserves combined with a history of energy insecurity, political instability impacting investor confidence, and a lack of international climate funding. The paper concludes with policy recommendations that would enable Egypt to progress towards achieving a CET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the urgent global need to limit warming to 2 °C as well as a localized need in our case study to address rising energy demand amid electrical and thermal network limitations, a critical examination of demand-side energy reductions and the concept of energy sufficiency is needed. This paper contributes to the sparse literature on bottom-up analysis by utilizing Iceland—a leader in renewable energy generation—as a case study to explore the socio-economic factors influencing energy footprints. Our findings reveal significant energy footprints across various consumption domains, particularly housing and mobility, influenced by income levels, urbanization, and lifestyle choices. The study highlights the paradox of a high renewable energy supply leading to potential misconceptions regarding abundant and low-cost energy, resulting in substantial energy consumption-related environmental impacts. Using detailed household consumption survey data, this research provides insights crucial for developing sustainable energy policies that not only target technological advancements but also address the need for a reduction in energy demand and a shift towards energy sufficiency. This work marks a contribution to the literature through the provision of a case study of low income inequality and high energy footprints in a highly renewable energy system context. Further, this work is useful for Icelandic and international policymakers to understand in such high-demand contexts which consumption domains would be most relevant for sufficiency policies. This comprehensive analysis opens pathways for future research to further explore the intersections of energy consumption, socio-economic factors, and well-being, offering a nuanced understanding necessary for crafting sufficiency and demand-side policies aimed at a sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is one type of clean energy resource, and currently the IMO, EU and UK are targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This paper delves into the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into hybrid vessels in order to meet their strategies and targets. The technical challenges that come with designing such systems as well as their economic and environmental impacts are examined. By optimizing the usage of harnessed solar energy, we discover the operational strategy that provides maximal benefits through day-to-day savings as well as over the 25 year lifespan of solar panels. It demonstrates impressive economic viability, with cost savings of up to GBP 4.55 per day and a payoff period as short as 9 years. It also displays a modest emission reduction of up to 8.002 kg of CO2, which serves as proof for a pathway to greener practices in the maritime industry. This report highlights the operational flexibility that a hybrid vessel possesses once paired with a PV system through the ability to withstand regulatory and market changes. Also, when looking ahead, further adoption of PV technology creates opportunities for innovation in adopting renewable energy solutions in maritime transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global transition toward sustainable energy gains momentum, integrating electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage, and renewable energy sources has become a pivotal strategy. This paper analyses the interplay between EVs, energy storage, and renewable energy integration with Indonesia's grid as a test case. A comprehensive energy system modeling approach using PLEXOS is presented, using historical data on electricity generation, hourly demand, and renewable energy, and multiple scenarios of charging patterns and EV adoption. Through a series of scenarios, we evaluate the impact of different charging strategies and EV penetration levels on generation capacity, battery storage requirements, total system cost, renewable energy penetration, and emissions reduction. The findings reveal that optimized charging patterns and higher EV adoption rates, compared to no EVs adoption, led to substantial improvements in renewable energy utilization (+4%), emissions reduction (−12.8%), and overall system cost (−9%). While EVs contribute to reduced emissions compared to conventional vehicles, non-optimized charging behavior may lead to higher total emissions when compared to scenarios without EVs. The research also found the potential of vehicle to grid (V2G) to reduce the need for battery storage compared to zero EV (−84%), to reduce emissions significantly (−23.7%), and boost penetration of renewable energy (+10%). This research offers valuable insights for policymakers, energy planners, and stakeholders seeking to leverage the synergies between EVs and renewable energy integration to pursue a sustainable energy future for Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]