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Fusion will be and needs to be achieved. But when? Its primary fuel, deuterium, exists in sufficient quantity to satisfy any conceivable energy demands for thousands of millions of years. The cost of obtaining it from water is less than one per cent the present cost of coal. Is fusion power a distant dream or a near-term possibility? The first applications could come in the 1980s. Richard F. Post, a physicist, is head of the magnetic mirror program in controlled thermonuclear research at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, Livermore, California. This report on progress in fusion research was adapted from his presentation on April 26, 1971 to the National Academy of Sciences Symposium on "Energy for the Future." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interview with Silicon Valley venture capitalist Mark Coopersmith explores the current landscape of privately funded fusion energy efforts. Coopersmith discusses the challenges and optimism surrounding the commercialization of fusion energy, highlighting the different perspectives of physicists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and investors. The interview delves into the role of venture capital in funding fusion startups, the need for government support in basic research, and the potential spin-off technologies that could emerge from advancements in fusion science. The discussion also touches on the intersection of Silicon Valley culture and the portrayal of tech startups in popular media. [Extracted from the article]

Given the significant progress in the field of meta-lenses over the past decade, tunable meta-lenses have garnered considerable attention for their flexible functionality. Various mechanisms have been developed to realize high-performance tunable meta-lenses, including electricity, strain, thermal effects, and materials, such as phase-change materials and liquid crystals. However, currently, most tunable meta-lenses are limited to discrete focal lengths, typically only involving two spots, and the potential of phase-change materials, such as Ge2Sb2Te5, Sb2S3, etc., has not yet been fully exploited. Here, we propose a design approach to achieve tunable meta-lenses with continuous focal length manipulation working at 1550 nm based on phase-change materials (Sb2S3). The focal length can be gradually tuned from 35 to 55 μm during the conversion process between crystalline and amorphous states. The meta-atoms are rectangular shapes of different sizes and orientations to provide certain phase compensations from propagation and Pancharatnam–Berry phases, respectively. The tunable Airy beam, Bessel beam, and deflection of the meta-lens focal spot are also demonstrated to show the universality of the proposed design. This endeavor will lay the groundwork for the design of tunable meta-devices, thereby streamlining their integration into infrared systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is concerned with numerical investigations on the electrical power output, and NO emissions of an ammonia/hydrogen fuelled micro-thermo-photovoltaic (MTPV) system under extreme operational conditions. For this, three critical parameters are identified and examined. They include: (1) the inlet velocity, (2) the inlet equivalence ratio, and (3) the mole blending ratio of hydrogen. Increasing the inlet velocity markedly raises the electrical power output of the MTPV system. At lower inlet velocities, a higher background temperature helps reducing NO emissions (NO emissions at 2 m/s and 200K are 5.5% higher than at 350K), whereas at higher inlet velocities, lower background temperatures are more effective in reducing NO emissions (NO emissions at 12 m/s and 350K are 6% higher than at 200K). The electrical power output of the MTPV system is maximized, when the inlet equivalence ratio is set to 0.9, yielding a total power output of 15.2W. For optimizing energy efficiencies, an inlet equivalence ratio of 0.8 is preferred, with an energy efficiency of 6.3%. Blending ammonia with hydrogen significantly increases NO emissions (NO emissions at 200K with a hydrogen blend ratio of 0.5 are 26% higher than with the blending ratio of 0.1) and provides limited improvement in the energy output of the MTPV system (energy output at 200K with a hydrogen blend ratio of 0.5 is 10% higher than that with a blending ratio of 0.1, and the energy output at 300K with a hydrogen blend ratio of 0.5 is 7% higher than that at a blending ratio of 0.1). • The micro thermophotovoltaic system was analyzed under extreme thermodynamic conditions. • Lower background temperatures enhances electricity power generation. • Higher background temperatures improves flammability. • Increasing the hydrogen blend ratio somehow improves thermal performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate environmental emissions in the industrial nanosilica sector and promote its sustainable development, the life cycle assessment (LCA) method is employed to evaluate the environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of industrial precipitated nanosilica. This LCA spans from the acquisition and transportation of raw materials to the production of nanosilica. By identifying the critical contributing factors, effective optimization strategies have been proposed to enhance the environmental performance of the nanosilica life cycle. The effects of electricity, alkalis, acids, and steam on the life cycle emission factors of nanosilica were examined. The results indicate that substituting traditional coal power and steam with cleaner alternatives like wind energy, hydroelectric power, and solar power (both photovoltaic and thermal), as well as biogas steam, can lead to a significant reduction in the life cycle emission factors of nanosilica, ranging from 50% to 90%. Notably, the types of acids and alkalis used only significantly reduce certain environmental factors. These findings provide valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for the industrial nanosilica sector, particularly in the areas of energy conservation, emission reduction, and the transition towards a lower-carbon economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transition and sustainability are the critical challenges of our time, and cities are at the forefront of this transformation. As key players, these urban centers are pioneering innovative strategies to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy sources. Central to the transition is the role of electricity, which acts as a cornerstone in the "cocktail" of sustainable solutions. The development of an efficient and resilient "Electricity City Grid" is essential to support this shift. This article explores the target functions and challenges associated with designing and operating the Smart Electricity City Grid of the future. It delves into the infrastructural costs required for this transition and examines the economic and technical hurdles that must be overcome. Finally, the article looks ahead to the future of research in this field, highlighting the areas that will be crucial for the continued evolution and success of smart urban grids. Through this comprehensive analysis, we aim to suggest a roadmap for cities striving to achieve sustainability through advanced electrical infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algorithmic trading is becoming the dominant approach in many electricity spot and futures markets. This paper focuses on the emerging interest in the less documented real-time imbalance markets, by developing reinforcement learning agents to find profit-making opportunities algorithmically. We develop a repeatable experimental setting to compare different market participants and explore the applications of Q-learning with neural networks for three types of market participants: a non-physical trader, a gas generator, and a battery electricity storage system. We backtest all three agents using British data across summer and winter months to compare their profits, risks and various experimental design considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until the 1990s and the spread of air-conditioning, cooling down during the hot, humid and windless summers in the city of Chongqing (Southwest China) was mainly practised outdoors: sleeping on the rooftops of multistorey buildings, playing mah-jongg in the streets, fanning oneself with a hand fan or installing bamboo beds in the compounds' leafy courtyards. With the availability of affordable electricity and the popularisation of mechanical cooling, refreshing oneself has been relocated to the indoors. The transforming practices in and around the house have led not only to an increasing dependency on electricity for cooling but also to a socio-economic stratification. This paper traces the history of heat mitigation in Chongqing since the 1950s. Based on five months of anthropological fieldwork, semi-structured interviews, and oral history, I analyse how Chongqing residents cope with heat in and around the built environment. Practices of cooling are closely intertwined with the architectural history of the city, for example, building design, construction materials, green spaces, or the arrangement of houses. Staying cool in the socialist era buildings from the 1960s meant something different compared to the high-rise buildings in the early-21st century. Theoretically, the paper engages with urban energy landscapes as 'connective tissue' where everyday heat mitigating practices are intertwined with the locally built environment including architecture, energy infrastructure and technologies. By focusing on the material culture involved in cooling, I shift our perspective from the large infrastructure to the small objects that co-constitute the energy landscape of urban heat mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric materials enable efficient and clean conversion between heat and electricity, offering significant application prospects in waste heat recovery and solid‐state cooling. Lead selenide (PbSe) is a more abundant and cost‐effective alternative to PbTe with promising potential for mid‐temperature applications. However, things have changed very recently with the discovery of the traditional power generator PbSe being rather competitive as a thermoelectric cooler, opening new avenues for investigating this compound. This review aims to comb how the research achievements and promising performance of PbSe have shifted from medium to near‐room temperatures, by comprehensively discussing various strategies to enhance the thermoelectric efficiency at different temperature ranges. Subsequently, it is reviewed how these advances in materials have triggered deep investigations on constructing high‐efficiency power generation and cooling devices based on PbSe. Finally, a personal summary and outlook are presented on how to fully exploit the high‐ranged thermoelectric performance of PbSe materials and manufacture high‐efficiency power generators and coolers, thus promoting practical applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper examines the spatiotemporal inequality in electricity consumption at the subnational level of Bangladesh using nighttime light (NTL) data. The NTL data, sourced from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band (DNB) for the period from 2013 to 2020, reveals persistent variability in electricity consumption among the districts. Notably, the gap between urban and non-urban areas has widened. While within district inequality (measured by NTL Gini) has declined over time, it remains high in several districts. Convergence analysis confirms that while lagging districts are showing a catching up effect, the sub-districts are diverging among themselves (in terms of mean NTL per capita). Interestingly, the rural sub-districts are converging among themselves despite urban sub-district divergence. The study also identifies regions with significant imbalance between NTL, population, and built-up area density values. These findings have implications for policymakers aiming to ensure electricity for all and reduce inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding appropriate measures to drive industrial agglomeration is particularly urgent for Africa, which has been facing a decline in industrial production activities. Therefore, this study contributed by developing a multi-level spatial analysis framework that explored the global driving mechanisms and local heterogeneity of industrial agglomeration in Africa through various critical factors. The findings are as follows: (1) From 2009 to 2019, the industry in Africa has always been highly concentrated in a few countries, but the degree of agglomeration has been declining, with some countries in the East and West African regions showing a significant increase in the level of industrial agglomeration and a high potential for development. (2) Industrial agglomeration in African countries was driven by several factors, of which GDP per capita, highway network density, and electricity supply were the strongest and most consistent drivers. The impact strength of factors varied considerably across regions. (3) The drivers didn’t act independently and directly on the dependent variable, but were the product of synergy after the interaction between the two factors. Synergies between access to electricity and GDP per capita and other factors dominated the pattern of industrial agglomeration in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research effort is focused on improving the effective use of the multiple disparate sources of data available by proposing a novel maximum likelihood based probabilistic data fusion approach for modeling residential energy consumption. To demonstrate our data fusion algorithm, we consider energy usage by fuel type variables (for electricity and natural gas) in residential dwellings as our dependent variable of interest, drawn from residential energy consumption survey (RECS) data. The national household travel survey (NHTS) dataset was considered to incorporate additional variables that are not available in the RECS data. With a focus on improving the model for the residential energy use by fuel type, our proposed research provides a probabilistic mechanism for appropriately fusing records from the NHTS data with the RECS data. Specifically, instead of strictly matching records with only common attributes, we propose a flexible differential weighting method (probabilistic) based on attribute similarity (or dissimilarity) across the common attributes for the two datasets. The fused dataset is employed to develop an updated model of residential energy use with additional independent variables contributed from the NHTS dataset. The newly estimated energy use model is compared with models estimated RECS data exclusively to see if there is any improvement offered by the newly fused variables. In our analysis, the model fit measures provide strong evidence for model improvement via fusion as well as weighted contribution estimation, thus highlighting the applicability of our proposed fusion algorithm. The analysis is further augmented through a validation exercise that provides evidence that the proposed algorithm offers enhanced explanatory power and predictive capability for the modeling energy use. Our proposed data fusion approach can be widely applied in various sectors including the use of location-based smartphone data to analyze mobility and ridehailing patterns that are likely to influence energy consumption with increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of human activity on the environment is well documented. While citizens and responsible leaders aim at a more sustainable future, it is our duty as industrial companies to examine our products portfolio from its life cycle perspective. A promising approach is to use sustainable manufacturing technologies, that minimize negative environmental impact, while boosting the product benefits towards decarbonization objectives. This paper enriches our earlier description (Nicoleau et al., 2023) of STMicroelectronics approach in developing sustainable technologies. It starts by examining the global context while putting in perspective the definition of responsible products. Then we will go through the different phases of the product lifecycle by illustrating the involved processes during technology development and product manufacturing. And we will complete our Life Cycle Assessment methodology by illustrating the efforts in striving to reduce our ecological footprint towards our ambition of carbon neutrality by 2027. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrid can realize energy saving and emission reduction and multi‐energy complementation, but the fluctuation of renewable energy output and the error of day‐ahead scheduling will threaten the stability of microgrid operation. For this reason, this article proposes a microgrid multi‐timescale optimal scheduling method based on new energy output scenario generation. First, the microgrid framework of this article is introduced, and an energy cycle emission reduction model taking into account electricity‐to‐gas conversion is designed; second, a new energy prediction error model is established based on the prediction box and Gaussian hybrid model, and the scenario of wind and photovoltaic power generation is generated by correcting the sampling intervals for error sampling; and then, based on the day‐ahead scheduling plan, an intraday cooling, heating and electricity two‐layer rolling optimization model is established to correct the day‐ahead scenario. Finally, the example analysis shows that the cyclic emission reduction model can realize the recycling of resources, reduce the fuel cost and carbon emission, and the generation of scenarios for wind power can smooth out the fluctuation of new energy power, which, together with the intra‐day two‐layer rolling optimization, can reduce the day‐ahead scheduling error and improve the stability of microgrid operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitisation of the energy sector is moving fast. At the same time, the transition to renewable energy brings challenges. However, legislative developments either move slowly or are introduced in a piecemeal manner. This situation is sometimes perceived as a regulatory mismatch and is problematic from the perspective of achieving climate and sustainability goals. The limited capacity of energy grids to transport electricity is a prime example of why we need a regulatory system that takes into account the fast‐paced development of technology while providing a consistent pathway for the future. In this contribution, we build on the scholarship that identifies energy principles. We analyse the extent to which principles play a role in new energy regulation and in Dutch mitigatory policies. As a theoretical framework for explaining the crucial role of principles in regulation, we use Fleming's normative proposal of the trias of energy regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the electricity sector is increasing as part of the twin digital and green transitions in the European Union (EU). AI technologies can be used for optimisation, prediction and scheduling purposes, offering possible solutions to the challenges presented by the ongoing energy transition. At the same time, AI technologies in general, not only in the electricity sector, also raise concerns about (unintended) harms and risks for people. To respond to these concerns, the EU has taken steps to regulate the responsible development and use of AI. A significant milestone in this endeavour is the recent adoption of the AI Act, the first horizontal EU legislation introducing harmonised rules for AI systems. In this paper, we examine different uses of AI in the electricity domain and investigate the extent to which the upcoming AI Act applies to them. In addition, we identify the shortcomings of the AI Act in the context of the electricity sector, as well as aspects that are not covered by this legislation. We show that the AI Act will only cover a narrow subset of AI systems in the electricity sector and that addressing some of the challenges that these systems pose may require further regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Printed thermoelectric generators (TEGs) show promising potential for converting waste heat into useful electricity at a low cost but fall short of exhibiting a conversion efficiency anticipated from materials' properties. The output power of conventionally printed TEGs in the "π‐type" geometry suffers due to low thermal voltage and low current because of high thermal and electrical contact resistance, respectively. Herein, a type of printed p–n junction TEGs (PN‐TEGs) as a possible remedy is explored. Two printed PN‐TEGs with different thicknesses are fabricated using printed p‐type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 and n‐type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 materials. The PN‐TEGs show a promising way to minimize the influence of thermal and electrical resistance in printed TEGs. In the experimental and simulation results, the significant impact of PN‐TEGs' dimensions on their power outputs is revealed. Also, a conventional "π‐type" printed TEG is fabricated and its performance is studied. The optimized PN‐TEG with a single thermocouple yields ≈14 times higher power output density of 5.3 μW cm−2 at a ΔT of 25 K compared to "π‐type" printed TEGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have identified the importance of access to electricity and the socio-economic environment for poverty reduction, but the comprehensive interplay and synergistic relationships between them remain unclear. Using data collected from Myanmar, this study establishes and tests conceptual models to explore the paths from access to electricity and socio-economic environment to capability and income poverty reduction. The results of structural equation modeling show that capability poverty reduction acts as a complete mediator between access to electricity and income poverty reduction, and plays a partial mediating role between socio-economic environment and income poverty reduction. Analysis of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis demonstrates that lack of electricity is a key barrier impeding poverty alleviation efforts. Moreover, five effective configurations of poverty reduction factors are identified for Myanmar by considering the heterogeneity of different regions. This indicates that individual factors could not ensure a highly effective poverty reduction and different factors need to be appropriately configured for achieving the synergistic effects. These findings contribute to practical insights into poverty reduction policy making and sustainable development for developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial electrochemical processes are primary platforms for generating electricity or value-added products by relying on the interaction between electroactive microorganisms and electrodes by utilizing electron carriers like hydrogen and enzyme through the oxidation–reduction reactions. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES), initially introduced as electricity-driven bioproduction from CO2, offered a novel pathway to produce biochemicals that eventually contribute to the CO2 sequestration. While most of the previous reviews concentrate on these microbial electrochemical platforms jointly referred to as MXC, such as Microbial fuel cell and microbial electrolysis cell, MES has grown tremendously in recent years, requiring a severe update on the scientific information on this topic. In this mini-review, the significant achievements in MES, specifically towards the production of a wide array of specialty chemicals, have been addressed by summarizing the recent scientific breakthroughs of the MES technology. Furthermore, improving MES's performance through modification of electrodes and membranes and outlook section with the technical challenges and probable solutions have been discussed. The review summarizes the technological drawbacks of the MES's towards a sustainable commercial platform for industrial commodities production and proposes ways to overcome the existing technical challenges in a nutshell towards turning MES in a full-fledged industrial-scale production platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co‐generation of electricity and chemicals via direct internal reforming solid oxide fuel cells (DIR‐SOFCs) offers a promising route to carbon‐neutral energy solutions. However, challenges such as inadequate performance and fast degradation, particularly when using hydrocarbon fuels like CH4, hinder the deployment of DIR‐SOFC technology. This study addresses three critical issues: the effect of fuel composition on electrochemical properties, the mechanisms and microstructural impacts of carbon deposition, and the practical feasibility of DIR‐SOFCs at an industrial scale. First, comprehensive polarization and impedance analyses are conducted to assess the impact of varying fuel compositions—specifically p(CH4) and p(H2O)—on DIR‐SOFC performance. Second, advanced morphological characterization, machine learning‐assisted 3D reconstructions, and numerical simulations are utilized to reveal carbon deposition behavior and its effects on anode microstructures. Quantitative analysis of carbon's impact on pores, Ni, and YSZ phases provides novel insights into carbon‐induced microstructural changes. Finally, the industrial‐scale co‐generation of electricity and chemicals is validated, emphasizing both energy efficiency and operational stability. This study enhances the understanding of electrochemical and microstructural mechanisms, offering crucial insights for optimizing DIR‐SOFC design and operation, and laying the groundwork for their broader adoption in a carbon‐neutral future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deployment of photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops in urban environments may encounter shading on the PV collectors from surrounding walls, acting adversely on the generated electricity of the PV systems. Most studies on the shading of PV systems do not deal analytically with the shading losses of PV collectors affected by walls, fences, and obscuring objects. The present article mathematically formulates shadow expressions for wall and inter-row shading on PV collectors and calculates the percentage of annual shading losses affected by wall heights and azimuth angles, the distances of walls to collectors, and the length and azimuth angles of collectors. This study indicates that the shading losses increase for shorter distances from the collector to the walls and for higher walls. Shading losses may reach 7 percent for wall heights of 4 m and at a distance of 2 m from the collectors to a wall. The results indicate that wall shading dominates inter-row shading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resource managers and Geographers share common interests in meeting Sustainable Development Goal Seven (universal access to affordable energy) and addressing climate change. Hydropower plays a key role but dams have environmental, social and cultural consequences. The Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (HSAP) aims to ensure that dams are built safely and potential impacts are understood. This study of a proposed pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow in Central Otago, New Zealand, considers the effectiveness of HSAP. Results reported here show that HSAP works well but that it can also be improved by including new groups of stakeholders and by widening the perception of risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the efficiency of fabricated solar panels using nonconventional materials--an approach that has significant potential for increasing the adoption of solar energy in resource-constrained environments. The fabrication of solar panels using local materials is presented in the paper. Solar cells are devices that convert solar energy directly into electricity-appropriate tools. Thirty-six cells are connected to form a solar array and six components support the solar array to form a solar panel. These components safeguard the array against the adverse effects of weather-related factors such as hail, airborne debris, moisture, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidation. They also provide mechanical support and electrical insulation. Local materials are used for some of these components. Two types of solar cells are considered: Polycrystalline panel and monocrystalline panel give an average power of 80 W and 60 W, respectively, at an average terminal voltage of 18 V. The performances of the locally-fabricated solar panels are comparable with that of imported solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panel is found to offer higher space efficiency compared to polycrystalline type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately predicting industrial electricity consumption is essential for optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing costs in industrial operations. This study presents a novel hybrid prediction model based on radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and kernelized support vector regression (KSVR) methods (RBFNN-KSVR) for estimating industrial electricity consumption. Key input variables include population, electricity price in the industry sector, gross domestic product (GDP), and the number of electricity subscribers. The proposed hybrid model was implemented in a real-world case study to estimate industrial electricity consumption in Iran and compared against base methods (RBFNN, SVR, and KSVR). Extensive evaluation reveals the superior performance of the RBFNN-KSVR model in predicting industrial electricity consumption. This study provides a robust and reliable approach for industrial stakeholders to enhance energy planning, identify energy-saving opportunities, and ensure a stable power supply. The findings have significant implications for optimizing energy usage, improving efficiency, and reducing costs in industrial operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores what "real time" means to market actors by focusing on the traders, market designers, and engineers acting in the electricity markets of the United States. For these experts, real time is the time interval in which they cannot intervene using the instruments available to them. The advocates of real-time exchange attempt to insert more checkpoints into time previously left unaccounted for with the help of superior accounting methods and sensing technologies. In electricity markets, many drag the markets in the direction of real-time arrangements, where the trade interval skews ever closer to continuous; others, however, think that this trend is detrimental to the quality of both electricity production and market competition. I show that these divergences in opinion stem from the diversity of the technological worlds from which market actors come. I argue that experts' economic imaginations and designs emerge in the thick of technological work, as afforded and constrained by the devices at their disposal, from electricity meters to digital spreadsheets to phase conductors. This article advances an agenda to think of contemporary capitalism from within the exigencies, affordances, and constraints provided by technological work cultures—from within a field I call techno-economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of abnormal power consumption is very important to reduce irregular power consumption and economic losses. To reduce power wastage, it is necessary to understand the power consumption habits of users and detect unusual usage behavior promptly. Researchers have developed various methods to detect abnormal electricity consumption behavior. However, it does not provide enough consideration to identify the relationships between different time stamps and multi-scale characteristics of the power utilization series. Therefore, a grey relation projection–based better clustering learning technique is proposed for assessing power consumption abnormalities. Power data from a power consumption information gathering system is analyzed with a diagnosis model for anomalous electricity use by customers constructed using big data techniques and machine learning-related algorithms. Density-based clustering is offered as a means of analyzing instances of excessive electricity use. First, consumers in the same area are grouped based on the similarities between their electricity usage patterns. Then, using density clustering, we identify the most extreme cases of electricity use amongst consumers who are otherwise comparable. Using a comparable user electricity consumption framework and the historical electricity usage approach, we can determine the degree to which these anomalies match the norm. Finally, the threshold value allows for discrimination of anomalous electricity usage with the level of comprehensive support. The proposed DBSCAN approach attains the PR-AUC values of 0.96, and AUC attains 0.911, results from simulations demonstrate that this approach can detect aberrant patterns of electricity consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitioning to low-carbon energy systems is crucial for sustainable development, particularly in oil-rich developing countries (ORDCs) that face intertwined economic and environmental challenges. This review uses the PRISMA methodology to systematically assess the current state and prospects of low-carbon thermal electricity generation and utilization technologies in ORDCs. The study emphasizes clean thermal technologies such as biogas, biofuels, biomass, hydrogen, and geothermal energy, focusing on solutions that are technically feasible, economically viable, and efficient in combustion processes. These nations face significant challenges, including heavy reliance on fossil fuels, transmission losses, and financial constraints, making energy diversification urgent. The global shift towards renewable energy and the need to mitigate climate change presents an opportunity to adopt low-carbon solutions that align with Sustainable Development Goals related to energy access, economic growth, and climate action. This review aims to (1) evaluate the current state of low-carbon thermal electricity technologies, (2) analyze the technical and economic challenges related to combustion processes and energy efficiency, and (3) provide recommendations for research and policy initiatives to advance the transition toward sustainable thermal energy systems in ORDCs. The review highlights practical approaches for diversifying energy sources in these nations, focusing on overcoming existing barriers and supporting the implementation of clean thermal technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy, particularly solar power, is clean, cost-effective, and virtually limitless, making it an essential source of energy for developing countries. In the Kurdistan region, however, dependence on fossil fuels remains high, with 85 percent of electricity generated from these sources, whereas solar power contributes less than 1 percent. This study addresses this disparity by employing Boolean logical analytical hierarchy process techniques and a comprehensive set of criteria encompassing technical, ecological, and economic factors to identify suitable sites for solar power plants in Duhok Governorate. The results indicate that 68.5 percent of the governorate's area is deemed suitable for solar power station construction, with the most promising zone comprising 132.2 km2 and capable of generating more than 8,000 megawatts of solar energy. Notably, most suitable areas are concentrated in the south and southwest, particularly in the districts of Bardarash, Shekhan, and Semel. This study paves the way for a significant shift toward renewable energy in northern Iraq. Identifying vast suitable areas for solar power plants offers a practical roadmap to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, provide a clean energy source, and enable a large-scale solar power project. This study empowers policymakers, energy companies, and investors to make informed decisions toward realizing this renewable energy potential, ultimately transforming the energy landscape in northern Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Networks are inherently uncertain and require scenario-based approaches to handle variability. In stochastic and time-dependent networks, optimal solutions cannot always be found using deterministic algorithms. Furthermore, Stochastic Time Dependent Shortest Path problems are known to be NP-hard. Emerging Quantum Computing Methods are providing new ways to address these problems. In this paper, the STDSP problem is formulated as a Quadratic Constrained Binary Optimization Problem. We show that in the case of independent link costs, the size of the problem increases exponentially. Finally, we find that using the quantum solver provides a linear computational experience with respect to the size of the problem. The proposed solution has implications for stochastic networks across different contexts including communications, traffic, industrial operations, electricity, water, broader supply chains, and epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droplet-based electricity generators (DEGs) have garnered significant interest due to their straightforward metal substrate/dielectric/metal electrode configurations and their capacity to produce instantaneous high power. This study investigates the influence of droplet conductivity and drop conditions on circuit parameters through an analysis of I–V characteristics under varying load resistance conditions. The results reveal that alterations in droplet resistance and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) charge density due to varying droplet dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping DEG output. The charged state of PTFE on DEG was found to differ with the expansion and contraction of the droplets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies and explores the key factors influencing the Malaysian public’s energy-conserving behaviors from adopting Solar-Plus-Storage (SPS) technology and their roles as mediators towards sustainable electricity consumption. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect quantitative data to statistically test the hypotheses in this explanatory research. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling with SPSS and SmartPLS software was used to examine data from 188 responses received. The results of the direct effects indicate the significant influence of the behavioral, technical, and environmental factors on consumers’ energy-conserving behaviors, consumers’ energy-conserving behaviors on sustainable electricity consumption, and the behavioral, technical, and environmental factors on sustainable electricity consumption. Meanwhile, the results of the mediation effects reveal that consumers’ energy-conserving behaviors mediated the influence of behavioral, financial, and environmental factors on sustainable electricity consumption. The findings can pave the way for policymakers to recognize the affordable prices of batteries and solar panels can accelerate the market uptake of the Solar-Plus-Storage system. Future studies should consider the impact of consumer environmental awareness from technology usage and explore more variables that affect consumers’ energy-conserving behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing a high‐performance solar cell structure requires the understanding of material innovation, device engineering, charge behavior, operation characteristics and efficient photoconversion of light to generate electricity. This study offers a detailed numerical evaluation of the device physics in a highly efficient methylammonium‐based perovskite solar cell (PSC) of the configuration, FTO/WO3/CH₃NH₃SnI₃/GO/Fe. Utilizing the SCAPS‐1D device simulator, an impressive open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.3184 V, short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 35.10 mA/cm2, Fill factor (FF) of 78.38 %, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 36.24 % were achieved. The model cell exhibits a robust photon capture of 100 % quantum efficiency between 360 and 750 nm. The study also presents a temperature‐dependent band alignment diagram which posted a built‐in potential (Vbi) of 0.62 eV. The Vbi at 400 K was found to be 0.58 eV indicating that the model cell exhibits a decent temperature tolerance, and can retain approximately 93 % of its power at 400 K. Through Mott‐Schottky capacitance analysis, deeper insights into the space‐charge region are inferred, while recombination‐generation investigations emphasize the significance of electronic properties in optimizing device performance. This paper, therefore, lays the foundation for future studies, offering clear pathways for device optimization and identifying key areas that require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gradient concentration in nature has garnered significant attention as a promising source for energy harvesting. Researchers have explored various methods to harness electricity from gradient‐concentration‐induced flows, including evaporation‐driven nanogenerators and humidity‐gradient‐based power generators. However, their low current and power density are the main obstacles toward practical applications. Herein, a Bilayer Hydrogel Electricity Generator (BHEG) is presented to enable efficient energy harvesting through the synergy between ion gradient concentration and galvanic effects. A BHEG unit employing identical materials for both electrodes demonstrates an open‐circuit voltage of 0.7 V and a short‐circuit current of 4.34 mA—surpassing the currently reported average by over 73 times—and achieves a maximum power density of 72.2 mW m−2. Moreover, another BHEG unit using Zn─C electrode materials exhibit an open‐circuit voltage of 1.86 V and a short‐circuit current of 92 mA. Furthermore, the versatility of the BHEG extends beyond power generation, effectively providing passive thermal management for electronics, resulting in a maximum temperature reduction of ≈20 °C. Consequently, the study contributes insights into the design and fabrication of efficient hydrogel‐based power generators, providing a promising avenue for leveraging natural‐flow‐induced energy for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper presents a teaching scenario designed to introduce preschool children to electricity, structured around the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate). The study involves 18 children from an urban kindergarten with diverse backgrounds and learning needs. Over four weeks, children engage in interactive activities to understand electrical devices, electric current, static electricity, conductors, insulators, electricity generation, and safety. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary learning, combining literacy and science, and uses hands-on experiments and digital tools to enhance engagement. Activities include constructing simple circuits, experimenting with static electricity, and role-playing. Emphasis is placed on practical applications and safety. Findings highlight the effectiveness of a constructivist approach, where children build understanding through exploration. The study underscores the need for resources, teacher preparedness, and inclusive strategies to address diverse learning needs. This scenario provides insights into effective early childhood science education, emphasizing the potential to build a strong foundation for future learning and curiosity in young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusions The aim of this study was to describe the evolution of a regional neonatal service in Sierra Leone and changes in mortality and service use as it transitioned from a non‐specialist service to a dedicated special care baby unit (SCBU).This was a retrospective observational study. Anonymised data were taken from the ward admissions books at Bo Government Hospital, and trends in admissions and mortality within the neonatal service were examined for each stage of the department's evolution.Four phases of the service's development were identified between November 2015 and October 2019. Records of 2377 admissions and 333 deaths were identified. The average number of admissions per month and deaths per month varied by service development phase. There was a trend towards reduced death rates and increased numbers of admissions as the unit evolved into a dedicated neonatal unit with a reliable electricity supply.The development of an adequately sized SCBU with a reliable electricity supply and specially trained staff was associated with a reduction in the death rate and an increase in admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of renewable energies, the logistical intricacies of production, as well as the use and storage of photovoltaic energy, have become critical issues. In addition to sheer quantity, the stability of this type of energy is a crucial factor in ensuring the reliability and consistency of power generation. This paper defines Solar Irradiance Stability Factors (SISFs) as indicators complementing electricity production. When planning solar energy production in each geographical area, both the quantity and stability of solar irradiance are necessary for exploitation and determining the quality of solar irradiance. While the average production of solar energy per unit area in each time interval is a widely used parameter in daily practice, the observation of the amplitude of solar irradiance and its influence on energy production in the observed time interval is currently still rare. The SISFs defined in this article are new metrics that mainly depend on the meteorological variability in an area, and the observed time intervals should be in the range of seconds, minutes, or even hours. Larger time intervals are not helpful for the stability of solar irradiance in energy production and logistics from the source to the destination. They provide a complementary and more accurate measure of how suitable a particular geographical area is for producing solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reduction in greenhouse gases has become an inescapable requirement. An effective scenario for achieving carbon neutrality is to develop a hydrogen economy. Its success, however, requires strict control of the different processes involved in planned hydrogen chains. The energy chain considered in this paper is a stationary application which involves the production of hydrogen by electrolysis (a power-to gas process) and its combustion in gas turbine combined cycles to generate electricity (a gas-to-power process). In such applications, the need is twofold: (i) to control the risk of explosive atmospheres by performing safe gas detection in the presence of hydrogen and (ii) to secure the reliability of all chain processes using hydrogen-rich gases by achieving reliable analyses of these gases. This paper is dedicated to the development of hydrogen energy to decarbonize the thermal production of electricity. We will first describe the hydrogen chain that would best suit the power generation sector. Then, we will highlight the properties of hydrogen that are critical for its reliable operation. Finally, we will review the sensing technologies suitable for hydrogen-containing fuels. This review paper was published as part of a Joint Industrial Project (JIP) aimed at enabling the safe and reliable deployment of hydrogen energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the impact of renewable energy on forward markets for electricity. Previous literature shows that forward prices are determined by time-varying demand and volatile spot prices. We introduce supply risk from renewable generation and find that stochastic renewable output mitigates income risk for generating firms, in particular when negative shocks to renewable output have large positive price impact. This risk off-setting effect leads to reduced hedging needs for generating companies and increases the forward premium. Using five years of high-frequency spot and futures market data, we confirm our model empirically. In sum, our findings suggest that intermittent renewable generation changes firm's hedging incentives and has significant impact on forward prices for electricity. JEL Classification: G11, G13, Q42 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]