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Abstract: Nowadays a sustainable development for more efficient use of energy and protection of the environment is of increasing importance. Gas engine heat pumps represent one of the most practicable solutions which offer high energy efficiency and environmentally friendly for heating and cooling applications. In this paper, the performance characteristics of gas engine driven heat pump used in water cooling were investigated experimentally without engine heat recovery. The effects of several important factors (evaporator water inlet temperature, evaporator water volume flow rate, ambient air temperature, and engine speed) on the performance of gas engine driven heat pump were studied in a wide range of operating conditions. The results showed that primary energy ratio of the system increased by 22.5% as evaporator water inlet temperature increased from 13°C to 24°C. On the other hand, varying of engine speed from 1300rpm to 1750rpm led to decrease in system primary energy ratio by 13%. Maximum primary energy ratio has been estimated with a value of two over a wide range of operating conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper develops a function of energy consumption, population growth, economic growth and urbanization process, and provides fresh empirical evidences for urbanization and energy consumption for China over the period 1978–2008 through the use of ARDL testing approach and factor decomposition model. The results of the bounds test show that there is a stable long run relationship amongst total energy consumption, population, GDP (Gross domestic product) and urbanization level when total energy consumption is the dependent variable in China. The results of the causality test with ECM (error correction model) specification, the short run and long run dynamics of the interested variables are tested, indicating that there exists only a unidirectional Granger causality running from urbanization to total energy consumption both in the long run and in the short run. At present, the contribution share which urbanization drags the energy consumption is smaller than that in the past, and the intensity holds a downward trend. Therefore, together with enhancing energy efficiency, accelerating the urbanization process that can cut reliance on resource and energy dependent industries is a fundamental strategy to solve the sustainable development dilemma between energy consumption and urbanization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper proposes the use of wind power as a source of electricity in a new city being developed in the Duqm area of Oman. Recent wind speed measurements taken at the Duqm metrological station are analyzed to obtain the annual and monthly wind probability distribution profiles represented by Weibull parameters. The monthly average mean wind speed ranges between 2.93m/s in February and 9.76m/s in July, with an annual average of 5.33m/s. A techno-economic evaluation of a wind power project is presented to illustrate the project''s viability. Given Duqm''s wind profile and the power curve characteristics of a V90-1.8 turbine, an annual capacity factor of 0.36 is expected. For the base-case assumptions, the cost of electricity is about $0.05 and $0.08 per kWh for discount rates of 5% and 10%, respectively. These values are higher than that of the existing generation system, due to the subsidized prices of domestically available natural gas. However, given high international natural gas prices, the country''s long-term LNG export obligations, and the expansion of natural gas-based industries, investments in wind power in Duqm can be justified. A feed-in tariff and capital cost allowance policies are recommended to facilitate investments in this sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extended-exergy analysis (EEA) for Chinese society was carried out in this paper to present a benchmarking case for future comparative studies in social systems ecology based on exergetic biophysics. For the EEA as an extension of labor theory of value and a possible sustainability metric, exergetic values were assigned to the production factors including labor, capital and environmental remediation costs. Also, the conversion coefficient of households sector was evaluated with the consideration of working hours, which significantly supplements the traditional energy and exergy accounting. The Chinese societal system was classified into seven sectors including the extraction, conversion, agriculture, industry, transportation, tertiary and households. The calculations of capital exergy and labor exergy were modified according to the special social–economic situation of China. A detailed accounting for the total societal extended-exergy use of China 2005 was conducted. Meanwhile, comparison of the net input exergy resources, extended-exergy capital, and labor of the total Chinese society during 2000–2005 was made to reveal the temporal changes using EEA. Finally, the EEA performances of China were compared with those of Norway, UK, Italy and the province of Siena to present solid foundation for energy strategy and identification of sustainable development mode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Because of the needs of sustainable development of the mankind society and natural environment building a renewable energy system is one of the most critical issues that today''s society must address. In the new energy system there is a requirement for a renewable fuel to replace current energy carrier. Hydrogen is an ideal secondary energy. Using solar energy to produce hydrogen in large scale can solve the problems of sustainability, environmental emissions, and energy security and become the focus of the international society in the area of energy science and technology. It has also been set as an important research direction by many international hydrogen programs. The Ministry of Science and Technology of China supported and launched a project of National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) – the Basic Research of Mass Hydrogen Production using Solar Energy in 2003 for R&D in the areas of solar hydrogen production. The current status of solar hydrogen production research is reviewed and some significant results achieved in the project are reported in this paper. The trends of development and the future research directions in the field of solar hydrogen production in China are also briefly discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The support of sustainable energy innovations has become a dominant topic on the political agenda of many countries. Providing this support remains difficult, since the processes constituting such innovation trajectories are poorly understood. To increase insight in such processes, this paper takes the historical development of biofuels in the Netherlands as the topic of study. Special attention is paid to the simultaneous development of two technology generations within the field: a first generation (1G) and a second generation (2G) of biofuels. A critical question asked is whether deployment programmes for a 1G technology may have positive effects on the development of later generations. Two archetypical support strategies are identified: one is to keep investing in R&D concerning 2G technology, where the expected outcome is a fast move from one technology generation to the other. The other strategy is to focus on learning-by-doing in the 1G technology. In that way progress can be made in 1G technologies but the effects on 2G technologies are uncertain. We apply a Technological Innovation System perspective to analyse the strategies followed and their effects. From the results we draw lessons of relevance for practitioners who aspire to understand and influence emerging energy technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Taking Brazilian bioethanol as an example, this paper presents possible sustainability criteria for a certification scheme aimed to minimize negative socio-ecological impacts and to increase the sustainable production of biomass. We describe the methods that have led us to the identification of a first set of feasible sustainability criteria for Brazilian bioethanol and discuss issues to be considered when developing certification schemes for sustainability. General problems of a certification scheme lie in the inherent danger of introducing new non-tariff trade barriers and in the problems of including important higher scale issues like land conversion and food security. A certification system cannot replace a thorough analysis of policy impacts on sustainability issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The consumption of natural resources has been increasing continuously during recent decades, due to the growing demand caused by both the economic and the demographic rise of global population. Environmental overloads that endanger the survival of our civilization and the sustainability of current life support systems are caused by the increased consumption of natural resources—particularly water and energy—which are essential for life and for the socio-economic development of societies. While not yet well utilized, process integration and polygeneration are promising tools which reach the double objective of increasing the efficiency of natural resources, and also minimizing the environmental impact. This paper discusses the concepts of polygeneration and energy integration and various examples of polygeneration systems: (i) sugar and energy production in a sugarcane factory; (ii) district heating and cooling with natural gas cogeneration engines and (iii) combined production of water and energy. It is clearly evident that polygeneration systems which include appropriate process integration significantly increase the efficient use of natural resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cities are the most important energy consumers of any country in all energy vector components. Nowadays, Belgrade as a cultural, educational, scientific, administrative, political, and business center of the region with its own structure of production, transportation, services, and urban system, represents significant consumer of different energy forms. Only useful and final energy is delivered to energy consuming sectors of a city. Simulation model MAED was used in this paper to estimate energy demand in city for a long time period. On the basis of energy demand forecast for three major ‘energy consumers’ (sectors of household/service, industry, and transportation) until 2020, the sustainable development ‘scenarios’ of Belgrade energy system are developed (2005–2010, 2010–2015, 2015–2020). For each ‘scenario’, the energy systems of primary resources are determined so to satisfy the predicted differences in energy consumption for the mentioned time intervals until 2020. In this case different ‘scenarios’ are evaluated. The evaluation of ‘scenarios’ sustainability is obtained by method of multi-criteria analysis. Using energy indices for sustainable development, the following indices are taken into consideration for the assessment of scenario sustainability: economical, social, and environmental. The obtained results can be used by experts in decision-making process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Following a strategic orientation towards sustainable development, the Government of the Republic of Croatia has changed its energy legislation and has put forward a framework for the systematic development and increased use of renewable energy sources and cogeneration. This paper focuses on changes in the regulatory context relevant to the cogeneration sector and also analyses the impact of energy market transition on cogeneration viability in municipal district heating, industry, services and the residential sector. Particular attention has been paid to the expected changes of heat, electricity and gas prices. We present a simple model for quantitative prediction of the cogeneration system profitability at different power levels under given national circumstances. Our findings support a need for a strong institutional support for initial penetration of the micro-cogeneration technologies into the Croatian energy system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the increase of building area, energy consumption of building and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions have been increased. Reducing the energy consumption of buildings has an enormous impact on the sustainable development of the world economy and social. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel energy consumption analysis and saving method of the building based on static and dynamic input-output models. The input-output based data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to analyze the energy consumption of the building statically. Then the slack variables obtained by the DEA are used to improve efficiency values of ineffective days in months of buildings. Moreover, the total factor productivity (TFP) with technical efficiency (EFFCH), technical progress (TECHCH), pure technical efficiency (PECH), scale efficiency (SECH) and the total factor productivity change (TFPCH) of the building is dynamically analyzed by the Malmquist index. Finally, the static and dynamic energy consumption analysis and saving method is used to improve the energy efficiency of the building. Furthermore, when the technical progress by 1%, the total factor productivity change of the building can be improved by 1.042%. [Display omitted] • Novel static and dynamic energy consumption analysis method is proposed. • Energy saving and efficiency improvement of buildings is established. • Energy consumption of ineffective days is reduced by slack variables. • The total productivity of the building can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's carbon emissions have been ranking first in the world. This study filled in the gaps in research, decomposed carbon intensity from the perspective of time, space and industry. A decoupling effort model based on factor decomposition models was constructed to analyze the driving factors of carbon emissions and economic decoupling, which builded a foundation for achieving sustainable economic development. Using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index method (LMDI), the paper measured the carbon emission intensity of 29 provinces and cities in China from 1998 to 2019, and decomposed the decoupling effect between GDP and carbon emission on the basis of factor decomposition by tapio. The results showed that: (1) Carbon intensity declined first, then rise lightly, and finally declined steadily. For the primary industry and the tertiary industry, the carbon intensity declined steadily, while the carbon intensity increased accordingly to the overall carbon intensity. In terms of spatial evolution, the regional differences between different provinces decreased correspondingly. (2) The cumulative contribution rates of these three effects, i.e., technological progress, industrial structure and regional scale were 106.3299%, −15.1486% and 8.8188%, respectively. There were obvious differences of these cumulative contribution rates of carbon intensity among different provinces. (3) From the perspective of industrial, technological progress effect is the largest contribution for carbon intensity in the secondary industry. The Industrial structure effect mainly affects the primary and tertiary industries; and no significant difference in regional scale effect. (4) The decoupling effect gradually improved, and technological progress has played an absolute leading role in promoting the decoupling effect. Based on the research results, the key policy recommendation are put forward as follows: (1) Further improve the technological level and support clean technology enterprises. (2) Promote industrial upgrading in backward industrial provinces (3) Promote regional assistance and the introduction of high-quality foreign investment. • A decoupling effort model built based on the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index model. • Carbon intensity declined first, then rise lightly, and finally declined steadily. • Technological progress effect dominates the carbon intensity and decoupling effect. • Industrial structure effect mainly affects the primary and tertiary industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper aims to analyse companies’ environmental strategies for a sustainable environment, considering a sample of potential polluting companies’ in Portugal. Thus, a statistical model, using multivariate methods, with a confidence level of λ=95%, shows that the mean value for the sustainable environmental strategies under analysis is moderate (x m=3.1) in a Likert scale from 1ː strategy never implemented to 5ː strategy always implemented. However, companies often have environmental innovation programs (x m=3.7) for reducing air/water/soil pollution. The data analysis reveals that the sustainability concept is dynamic and varies according to companies’ characteristics such as activity, size, location and head office nationality. It is also possible to aggregate companies’ in five groups that implement differently the sustainability concept. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy is an essential factor in overall efforts to achieve sustainable development. Countries striving to this end are seeking to reassess their energy systems with a view toward planning energy programmes and strategies in line with sustainable development goals and objectives. This paper summarizes the outcome of an international partnership initiative on indicators for sustainable energy development that aims to provide an analytical tool for assessing current energy production and use patterns at a national level. The proposed set of energy indicators represents a first step of a consensus reached on this subject by five international agencies—two from the United Nations system (the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the International Atomic Energy Agency), two from the European Union (Eurostat and the European Environment Agency) and one from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the International Energy Agency). Energy and environmental experts including statisticians, analysts, policy makers and academics have started to implement general guidelines and methodologies in the development of national energy indicators for use in their efforts to monitor the effects of energy policies on the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effective and rational energy generation and supply is one of the main presumptions of sustainable development. Combined heat and power production, or co-generation, has clear environmental advantages by increasing energy efficiency and decreasing carbon emissions. However, higher investment cost and more complicated design and maintenance sometimes-present disadvantages from the economical viability point of view. As in the case of most of economies in transition in Central and Eastern Europe, Croatia has a strong but not very efficient co-generation sector, delivering 12% of the final energy consumption. District heating systems in the country''s capital Zagreb and in city of Osijek represent the large share of the overall co-generation capacity. Besides district heating, co-generation in industry sector is also relatively well developed. The paper presents an attempt to assess the sustainability of Croatian co-generation sector future development. The sustainability assessment requires multi-criteria assessment of specific scenarios to be taken into consideration. In this respect three scenarios of Croatian co-generation sector future development are taken into consideration and for each of them environmental, social and economic sustainability indicators are defined and calculated. The assessment of complex relationships between environmental, social and economic aspects of the system is based on the multi-criteria decision-making procedure. The sustainability assessment is based on the General Sustainability Index rating for different cases reflecting different criteria and their priority. The method of sustainability assessment is applied to the Croatian co-generation sector contributing to the evaluation of different strategies and definition of a foundation for policy related to the sustainable future cogeneration sector development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wood is a prospective material against the problems of mineral resource shortage and global warming from the viewpoint of sustainable development. The continuous cycle of felling, planting and growing of trees is essential prerequisite for sustainability. The engineering evaluation of advantages of wood can increase its use more widely as a substitute for other industrial materials and save the finite mineral resources. The increase of wood use can support the continuous cycle for the sustainable forestry as an industry. This paper treats good tactile warmth of wood as one of its advantages. The relationship between contact surface temperature and thermal effusivity is derived from the theoretical analysis of governing heat transfer phenomenon on tactile warmth. Some knowledge on tactile warmth of wood is reviewed with these physical properties. The sensory tactile warmth of wood has a high and positive linear correlation with the logarithm of the contact surface temperature. The materials with lower thermal effusivity feel warmer than the ones with higher thermal effusivity. The relationship between contact surface temperature and thermal effusivity explains rationally why each wood has a large difference of tactile warmth in spite of their small difference of material properties. It also explains the reason why wood has good tactile warmth regardless of seasons against metals, which feel too hot in summer and too cold in winter to touch. The contact surface temperature and the thermal effusivity are proposed as engineering measures to evaluate the tactile warmth of wood and other materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The global electricity sector is responsible for a large share of greenhouse gas. Renewable energy (RE) is a feasible alternative to maintain sustainable growth and economic development, as it appears to be a means to reduce emissions and decarbonize economies. Renewable energy projects present some uncertainties and flexibilities that are ignored by traditional methods of evaluation, such as the net present value (NPV), which can lead to undervaluation. This paper aims to assess the switch-output option and defer option for RE projects according to their features in the Brazilian electricity market. The real options approach (ROA) for RE projects seeks to capture the value of uncertainties and flexibilities that all projects have from an investor's point of view. Then, when we adopted a more sophisticated approach that values flexibilities and uncertainties for RE projects, it was possible to conclude that there was a clear increase in value when compared to traditional investment analysis methods like the NPV. • The penetration of renewable energy in the Brazilian Electricity Market is growing. • The Real Options Approach represents an alternative to traditional methods of investments analysis. • Real options deals with the inherent characteristics of renewable energy projects. • Real Options show an increase in value when compared to traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the economic development, the clean and low-carbon integrated energy system is of great significance to the social sustainable development in the world. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel energy supply efficiency evaluation model of integrated energy systems based on slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) integrating Monte Carlo for energy saving and optimization. The extended energy supply data of integrated energy systems based on the Monte Carlo is verified in terms of F test. Then cooling load, heating load, electric load and internal combustion engine load are taken as inputs. And cooling income, heating income and electricity sales are set as desired outputs and the carbon tax is set as the undesired output to build the energy supply efficiency evaluation model of integrated energy systems using the SBM-DEA for energy optimization and carbon tax reduction. The results show that the proposed method has a high degree of discrimination to obtain better effective decision-making units (DMUs). Moreover, energy optimization and carbon tax reduction of integrated energy systems are achieved. [Display omitted] • Novel SBM-DEA integrating Monte Carlo is proposed. • Energy supply efficiency evaluation model of integrated energy systems is established. • Energy saving and efficiency improvement of ineffective energy supply can be achieved. • The internal combustion engine load can be reduced by 3444.32 kw. • The carbon tax can be reduced by 8612.56 US$ per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a methodology for supporting the decision making on how to sustainably develop an existing district heating system when consumers located in a remote, low-heat consumption density area are connected to the system. Several scenarios are proposed where a multi-generative system is assessed by implementation of industrial heat pumps (HP), solar photovoltaic (PV) system, and low-temperature regime into an existing district heating system in various combinations. The methodology is based on multi-criteria analysis allowing for energy, economic, exergy, and environmental (4E) assessment. The research is based on a case study of an autonomous district heating system in a medium-sized urban settlement with an average heat generation of 8.3 GWh/year. The primary heat consumers are apartments and industrial buildings. In the system, the power-to-heat concept is realized, and solar PVs serve as a price-balancing instrument of power. The results show that in such a system, the most sustainable scenario for connecting the consumers located in the low-heat consumption density area is to transition from the use of natural gas to biomass as a fuel in addition to installing booster HP coupled with solar PV panels and implementation of energy efficiency measures. That allows reducing primary energy factor, increasing the avoided CO 2 emissions, and decreasing the levelized cost of heat. • Booster HP in low-heat consumption density (LHCD) area is a sustainable solution. • Low-temperature regime in network is economically competitive in LHCD area. • Booster HP coupled with solar PVs allows reducing CO 2 emissions by up to 17.5%. • Existing CO 2 tax does not stimulate installation of HP coupled with solar PVs. • Consumers' energy efficiency is the key for transition towards 4GDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to promote the development of green buildings, this paper presents a technical, economic, and environmental evaluation of a residential building powered by hybrid intermittent generation systems in a mild humid subtropical climate zone in China. The technical, economic, and environmental mathematical models of hybrid systems are addressed. This study selected Guiyang city, which is a typical mild humid climate zone. The results revealed that the 30 kW grid-connected system for the building was the most economical with a net present cost of $ 28,041 and cost of energy of 0.069 $/kWh, whereas this was the least environmentally friendly form of power generation, emitting a maximum amount of CO 2 of 26,609 kg/yr. From an economic and environmental perspective, grid/photovoltaic (PV)/wind hybrid systems in on-grid systems may be a better choice for supplying power to buildings in Guiyang. If the extension of the power grid is not feasible, off-grid PV/battery hybrid systems consisting of 115 kW PV units, 80 battery units, and a 30 kW power converter, are more suitable for supplying power to the building. Furthermore, the results indicated that wind power is not suitable for supplying power to buildings in Guiyang, mainly due to relatively low wind speeds. • The technical, economic, and environmental models of hybrid energy systems are presented. • The grid-connected systems are economical than off-grid systems for the building in Guiyang. • The Grid/PV/wind hybrid system may be a better choice for the building in Guiyang. • The PV/battery system in off-grid systems is a good choice for powering buildings in Guiyang. • Wind power is not suitable for the building power supply in Guiyang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate electricity consumption forecasting plays a crucial role in electric power systems and is a challenging task due to its complicated mechanism induced by multiple influential factors. To address this problem, this paper develops a novel nonhomogeneous discrete grey model that considers seasonality by introducing a seasonal index into the fractional accumulation generation operator, which is abbreviated as SFNDGM. In addition, the introduction of a one-step ahead rolling mechanism can further improve its prediction performance. To enhance the efficacy, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to determine the fractional accumulation order. Subsequently, to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the rolling SFNDGM model, this model is applied to simulate and predict Hubei's quarterly electricity consumption from 2010Q4 to 2019Q3. The numerical results show that the proposed rolling model has a better performance than the other benchmark models. Therefore, the optimal model is utilized to predict Hubei's quarterly electricity consumption by 2021, inferring that electricity consumption will continue to increase in the coming years. Based on the attained forecasts, several suggestions are put forward to promote the sustainable development of Hubei's electricity consumption. • A novel seasonal fractional nonhomogeneous discrete grey model with rolling mechanism is proposed. • The fractional accumulation order determined by the particle swarm optimization algorithm. • The novel model is applied to forecast Hubei's quarterly electricity consumption in the coming future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have highlighted the adoption of clean energy fuels and the militating factors since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, the lack of empirical research on the role of time poverty limits the formulation of holistic evidence-based policies in addressing the widespread adoption of solid biomass fuel (SBF). This paper investigates the relationship between time poverty and households' adoption of SBF using nationally representative household-level data. By employing different time poverty cutoffs and the biprobit model, the results indicate that time poverty reduces the adoption of SBF while consumption poverty increases the adoption of SBF compared to non-poor households. Moreover, the study finds that households that are doubly poor are more likely to adopt clean energy (liquefied petroleum gas). The result suggests that doubly poor households may be able to partially offset the positive effects of consumption poverty on the adoption of SBF by investing more of their time in activities that improve their income level and the adoption of clean fuels. These findings suggest that major government institutions such as the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum should vigorously promote Sustainable Energy for All initiative. • The SDG Seven recognizes access to modern energy for all. • The study examines time and consumption poverty effects on choice of cooking fuel. • Time poverty reduces the adoption of solid biomass fuel. • Consumption poverty increases the adoption of SBF. • Promotion of labour-saving technologies is necessary to reduce household drudgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is a main factor for sustainable and economic development of many countries in the world. The objective of this paper is to investigate barriers facing solar energy development in Iran through a case study conducted on the Alborz Province. A questionnaire was designed and then submitted to the professionals in the field of solar energy. First, the identified barriers are classified into five categories of technical, legal, economic, sociocultural, and support by help of experts. Then, the fuzzy Best-Worst method is used to determine importance of the identified criteria and sub-criteria for development of the solar energy sector in the region. The findings indicate that the primary barriers to solar energy development are economic factors which are related to the adverse impact of the uncertain economic conditions including the sanctions against Iran. Because of the high risk of new business, domestic people do not have enough ambition and interest in starting new renewable energy projects. The low price of fossil fuels (in the economic category as sub-criteria), has the most significant impact on the stagnation of this sector, which is related to the ease of access to energy in Iran and its effect on the interest in renewable energy use. Supporting the private sectors by receiving financial incentives can help development of the renewable energy sector in the province. By using similar research for other regions, decision makers can accurately identify challenges for development of solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the application of multi-energy infrastructure has been widespread since the emergence of new technologies in this field. Accordingly, modeling and providing energy supply for consumers at an acceptable level of security is vital. It is also important for sustainable development in all directions to develop and support resources and infrastructures against natural disasters. In this study, the preventive maintenance scheduling of multi-energy microgrid is introduced to enhance the resiliency of system in unpredictable circumstances. The proposed formulation intends to make the best use of the profitable levels of freedom related to the maintenance and operational variables by considering the feasible operating region of components. By the use of sequential approach the near-optimal solutions in operation and maintenance schedule is obtained to meet the resiliency requirement. The exact model of electricity and natural gas is adopted to validate the simulation results. Three different cases is examined to prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach in standard multi-energy microgrid. According to the results, the utilization of the proposed method improves the resiliency of system in critical conditions. • This paper reschedule the maintenance program of multi-energy microgrid. • The exact interaction between different energy infrastructures is modeled. • The sequential approach is adopted to tackle with consequences of natural disasters. • Maintenance programming is mixed into the operation of the system. • The resiliency of the multi-energy microgrid is improved by 30% averagely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effect of remittance income on energy consumption and the economy between 1976 and 2019 in the four highest remittance recipient nations of South Asia. The detailed analysis explores long-run and directional relationships utilizing stationary tests, the panel cointegration test, dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), and Granger causality tests using a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study reveals the presence of long-run relationships among remittances, energy consumption, GDP and urbanization. Cointegrating regression identifies that remittance income, economic growth and urbanization individually have a positive and significant effect on energy consumption in the long-run. Results showed that a 1% increase in remittance income results in a 0.045% increase in energy consumption. Among nations analyzed, this effect was found to be strongly dominant in case of Bangladesh and Pakistan. The statistically significant and negative coefficient of the error correction term confirms long-run causality from remittance, GDP, and urbanization toward energy consumption. Variance decomposition analysis demonstrated that energy usage is heavily impacted by remittance inflows among studied variables. Policy implications of this study suggest that higher remittance inflows will increase energy consumption in South Asian countries, engendering positive economic growth and sustainable development. Image 1 • The effects of remittance on energy consumption studied for South Asian countries. • Novel statistical approaches applied to explore the causality and direction between remittance income and energy use. • Remittance income provides a potential stimulus toward national investments and ensures reliable and clean energy sources. • It is evidence that 1% raise in remittance income results in a 0.045% increase in energy consumption in the long run. • Policy makers can formulate strategic plans for migrant workers to ensure affordable clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the causal relationship between national environmental audit and regional energy efficiency from the perspective of institutional environment and development level differences for the period 2007–2017. The empirical results show that national environmental audit can significantly improve regional energy efficiency. In well-developed regions and regions with sound institutional environment, the external governance effect of national environmental audit on regional energy efficiency is more pronounced. Further studies also find that the external governance effect of the national environmental audit is to improve regional energy efficiency by promoting technological progress. Therefore, the Chinese government should strengthen the intensity of environmental audit, and different audit strategies should be adopted according to the institutional environment and development level differences. In addition, the Chinese government should integrate environmental audit with innovation policies, and improve energy efficiency through technological progress, so as to achieve efficient energy use and sustainable economic development. • Using SE-DEA method and GML index to calculate energy efficiency, considering undesirable output. • National environmental audit significantly improves the regional energy efficiency. • In strict institution regions and developed regions, national environmental audit works better. • Environmental audit promotes pure technological progress; technological progress improves energy efficiency. • Strengthen national environmental audit; improve energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coal base plays an important role in improving the security ability of coal supply and the modernization level of coal industry. This paper aims to explore the sustainability evaluation and development path selection of China's coal base from the perspective of spatial field. Firstly, from the perspective of "spatial field", attractive force of coal base was measured by gravity model in physics through evolution, deformation, hypothesis and deduction. Secondly, a representative and highly efficient coal base, Sanjin coal base, was selected for the analysis, in which Vensim was used to quantitatively predict the impact of various factors in 2009–2030. By setting up the benchmark scenario and different regulatory scenarios, the optimal development path of sustainability for coal base was discussed. The results showed that, (1) few enterprises have high attractive force among the 73 core enterprises in China's coal base; (2) only under the coordinated development path of the coal base, which is to reduce air pollution, waste water and solid waste, as well as to increase the development scale of coal base, can the steady growth and the avoidance of pollution be realized. • A new approach to assessing the sustainability of coal bases has been proposed. • The sustainability of large coal bases in China was analyzed. • The future development path of Sanjin coal base was simulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern society's sustainable development and the ever-increasing population growth are facing the serious challenge of shortage in water resources. The solution to this global problem needs collective efforts at multiple levels and one of them could be finding new methods of clean water production. In this regard, microbial desalination cells (MDCs) have emerged as a promising technology that has the potential to help address this problem. This work reviews the recent developments in MDC technologies as well as the current research work being done in this area. This paper also presents recent advances in membranes, cell design and the cells' capability of being integrated with other desalination systems to enhance desalination capacity and power production. Attention is also paid to the various materials and components of MDC systems while highlighting the advances in each of these categories. Furthermore, economic and environmental assessments are made to show various challenges in the application and reliability of this technology. The results of this review show that the main challenge in MDC is the feasibility of its large-scale implementation. It further shows that more efforts are needed to improve its efficiency in power generation to make it a viable technology. • Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) are evaluated as a promising technology for power generation. • Advances in membranes, cell design and hybrid systems for MDCs are discussed. • The economic feasibility for MDCs is evaluated for large scale plants. • Environmental evaluation showed the potential of MDCs as sustainable desalination units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the energy efficiency is a fundamental way to ensure energy security and sustainable development, and is also the requirement of supply-side structural reform of China's energy. This paper uses the DEA-BCC model to estimate China's energy efficiency at the provincial level, analyzes its regional differences from 2006 to 2016, and applies a panel data model to analyze the influencing factors of energy efficiency. It selects labor, capital stock and total energy consumption as inputs and takes real GDP and comprehensive index of environmental pollution as desirable and undesirable outputs, respectively. The results show that (1) energy efficiency when undesirable output is included is generally lower than when undesirable output is excluded; (2) There is a considerable difference in energy efficiency among provinces, and China's energy efficiency, by and large, shows a trend of declining. The energy efficiency of four major regions demonstrates obvious regional differences: coastal region>northeastern region> middle region >western region; (3) The economic development level, technological progress, energy price and urbanization level are positively associated with energy efficiency, while the proportion of secondary industry and the energy consumption structure dominated by coal and oil are negatively correlated with energy efficiency. • Considering the undesirable output can reflect China's energy efficiency more comprehensively and authentically. • The comprehensive index of environmental pollution of four pollutants are chosen to express the undesirable output. • By and large, China's energy efficiency shows a downward trend. • Economic level, technological progress, energy price and urbanization level are positively related to energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy sustainable development is of strategic importance across the world. This is especially the case in China as it is the world's largest energy consumer. However, renewable energies such as wind and solar energy are characterized with high intermittence and fluctuation. As the penetration of renewable power in the energy system increases, it is getting more challenging in power dispatch. In this paper, an adaptive time division power dispatch strategy based on numerical characteristics of net loads is proposed. In this strategy, a dispatch time division method is introduced in detail to divide the dispatching time according to the numerical characteristics of net loads. The sample entropy theory is utilized to calculate the complexity of the net loads, depending on which a specific thermal generating mode is provided. The experiment simulation is developed on an actual provincial power system in the northeast of China. The test results have confirmed that in the adaptive time division power dispatch strategy, the ramping power of thermal generators are decreased, the continuous and steady operation time of thermal generators are improved. As a result, this new strategy, can lead to improved energy efficiency of power systems as well as significant environmental benefits. • A dispatch time division method is proposed according to the numerical feature of the net loads. • A complexity calculation method of each net load subsequence based on SampEn is introduced. • The specific net load numerical characteristic fitted thermal operation mode is introduced. • An adaptive time division power dispatch strategy based on the complexity of net loads is provided. • An actual provincial power grid in the northeast of China is developed to illustrate the effectiveness and practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi energy demand response is an important measure to achieve the economic and efficient operation of the integrated energy system (IES), which is of great significance to promote the sustainable development of the IES. The concept of demand response (DR) is extended to IES, and a double objective operation optimization model of IES considering integrated demand response (IDR) mechanism is proposed. Firstly, based on the electro-thermal IES, this paper proposes a demand response mechanism considering electric load and thermal load. According to the load composition (transferable load, reducible load, adjustable thermal load), the load management strategy is established. Then, based on the DR mechanism of electro-thermal IES, a multi-objective operation optimization model is established for the first time, which takes the economic benefits and comprehensive energy efficiency as the objective function. The model involves the equipment constraint in the process of energy production and energy transmission. The relationship between total operation cost and comprehensive energy efficiency of electro-thermal IES is analyzed in the part of Data, Simulation Results and Analysis. Finally, the results show that the model effectively improves the economic benefits and comprehensive energy efficiency of IES, and reduces the pollutants emissions to a certain extent. • The information and energy flow framework of an integrated energy system is proposed. • An integrated demand response mechanism considering load composition is established. • A dual objective operation optimization model of integrated energy system is established. • The model aims at economy and comprehensive energy efficiency. • The model can improve the economic, efficiency and environmental benefits of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the era of industrialization and increasing growth of interest in the green bioconversion of biomass into efficient value-added products, this review discusses the hydrogen (H 2) production using the hyperthermophilic bacteria as a promising strategy for the agriculture and industrial purposes towards the generation of clean energy. Production of microbial enzymes through hyperthermophiles is beneficial as they are more resistant and stable in a controlled closed production system. Among hyperthermophile bacteria, thermotogales include species with the ability to grow optimally at temperatures ≥80 °C and to produce high yields of H 2. Thermostable enzymes are able to degrade different biomass materials and produce H 2 , it attained much attention for the scholars and have been used at the industrial scale. The biohydrogen pathways of thermotogales and the obstacles during the fermentation process need to be deeply examined. Therefore, this work critically reviewed the hydrogen production of Thermotoga species and their application to different biomass. Moreover, a critical discussion on the hyperthermophilic hydrogenic bacteria is provided followed by its genetic modifications and challenges associated to realize its future sustainability. In addition, this paper discusses the challenges of improving hydrogen production. Finally, it was concluded that using thermostable enzymes produced by extremophilic bacteria such as T. maritima will lead to green development through producing high hydrogen yields. • Thermotogales species with the ability to grow at temperatures ≥ 80 °C, and able to produce high amount of hydrogen. • Thermothogales owes thermostable enzyme to degrade different biomass material. • The mechanism of hydrogen production from biomass of Thermotoga species is critically reviewed and clarified. • Genetic modifications and challenges associated to realize its future sustainability have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is a key enabling factor within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include eradicating poverty and hunger, improving human well-being, and protecting the environment. Countries intending to incorporate SDGs in their development programs should expect an increase in energy consumption, and therefore, need to review their energy planning. The objective of this paper is to anticipate the additional energy requirements of Indonesia with the implementation of SDGs compared to business as usual (BAU) and current policy (CP) scenarios. Assuming all SDG targets were to be implemented in the Indonesian national development plan, the additional energy demand for each target by 2030 was calculated. It was found that 18 out of 169 SDGs targets required additional energy in the Indonesian context. Overall, more energy will be needed to achieve those 18 SDGs targets compared to the BAU scenario. Fortunately, the full realisation of the current energy policies will cover the additional energy required under the SDGs scenario. • Energy demand in Indonesia under the SDGs will increase by 5% of the BAU in 2030. • Under the national energy plan, the energy demand will be 19% higher than the BAU. • The national energy plan has anticipated energy demand under the SDGs scenario. • The current energy policy scenario calls for a dramatic increase in electricity use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, different combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) systems are introduced and studied for waste heat recovery from a cement plant located in Şanliurfa, Turkey considering domestic applications. One of the systems is based on the steam Rankine cycle and the next is based on recuperative organic Rankine cycle (ORC), while both of them are equipped with a LiBr–H2O absorption chiller to produce cooling. Different working fluids are considered in the ORC simulation. Energy, exergy and exergoeconomic principles are applied to compare the examined systems from thermodynamic, sustainability and economic aspects. It is observed that utilizing siloxanes as the working fluid leads to efficient performance of the ORC. Besides, employed heat recovery steam generator in the Rankine cycle and evaporator in the ORC found to be the most exergy destructive components. Results revealed that the CCHP system operating with ORC (MM as working fluid) has a better performance thermodynamically with energy utilization factor, exergy efficiency and sustainability index of 98.07, 63.6% and 2.747, respectively. This is while, Rankine-based CCHP is economically preferable with a payback period of 4.738 year compared to the system operating with ORC and a payback period of 5.074 year. Image 1 • Different waste driven micro-CCHP systems are introduced with domestic application.. • A comparison of steam and organic Rankine cycle-based CCHPs is presented.. • The CCHPs are designed and analyzed thermodynamically and economically.. • Sustainability is considered as one of the decision making factors.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to use foreign direct investment (FDI) to achieve sustainable development of resources, environment and economy in China has become an increasingly important proposition. Previous studies mainly focused on the relationship between FDI quantity and energy efficiency, and neglected the important role of FDI quality in improving energy efficiency. Based on the panel data on 30 provinces in China from 2003 to 2016, this paper uses slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) method to estimate energy efficiency, and then uses seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) method to empirically study the influence of FDI quality on energy efficiency. The results are presented as follows: (1) From the national level view, FDI quality plays a significant role in promoting China's energy efficiency; (2) From the regional-level view, FDI quality plays a significant role in promoting China's energy efficiency in coastal and inland areas, but its role in the inland area is significantly greater than that in the coastal area. The results indicate that China should make full use of the opportunity of global economic integration and pay more attention to the improvement of FDI quality, so as to promote energy efficiency and low-carbon economic development. • The important role of FDI quality in improving energy efficiency is studied. • SUR method is used to avoid autocorrelation between data sections. • SBM-DEA method is used to estimate energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]