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Abstract Air pollution caused by energy generation and consumption is both a global as well as localised issue. It contributes to global warming along with degradation in human health, ecosystem health, local and global sustainable development. About 75% of the global GHG emissions, 66% of NO x emissions and most of the PM emissions are from energy sectors. Energy sectors have also been reported as the main contributors (90%) of SO 2 emission in China. Among various influential factors (like energy utilisation, the intensity of economic activities, climatic conditions), the terrain is one of the key elements for the formation and dispersion of air pollution. The relationship between air pollution and terrain requires to be more deeply studied. The main contributions of this review include: 1) Summarising the main sources and types of air pollutants as well as the emission characteristics of different sector groups; 2) Proposing the mechanism of air pollution terrain nexus; 3) Reviewing modelling and experiments approaches for air pollution terrain nexus simulation; 4) Highlighting the existing limitations and challenges. This review provides a better understanding of the air pollution terrain nexus. It can contribute to mitigating the air pollution problems. Highlights • Main sources and types of air pollutants have been analysed. • Emission characteristics of different sector groups have been analysed. • The mechanism of air pollution terrain nexus has been proposed. • Main approaches for air pollution terrain nexus simulation have been reviewed. • Limitations and challenges of this topic have been reviewed and highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The emergence of Pinch Analysis from more than four decades ago opened a new area of intense research development that has even accelerated in recent years. Initially, Pinch Analysis (PA) provided a systematic thermodynamic-based approach to address the need for large energy savings around the 1970s oil crises. Since inception, the Pinch Methodology (PM) has flourished considerably, finding meaningful application to a wide range of industrial, regional, and global challenges well beyond heat – it's most well-known and first application. This review represents an attempt to identify and substantiate future directions of research for the most significant implementations of Pinch Methodology. Reported applications in the literature range from Heat Integration, Total Site and Water Integration through to Emergy and even Financial Investment Planning; cutting across multiple engineering fields – Mechanical, Chemical, Process, Power, and Environmental Engineering – as well as entering the research domains of Management and Finance. Key findings of this review include: (1) the need for more awareness within the engineering and science research communities of the latest and continuing developments of the Pinch Methodology; (2) a need for complete tool sets covering targeting through to engineering design for many of the Pinch Methodology applications; and, (3) the full benefits of Pinch Methodology can only be achieved in developing design solutions with an appreciation for the most recent developments. Highlights • Pinch Analysis – more than 40 yr – systematic thermodynamic-based energy savings. • Extended – including water, power, hydrogen, supply chains, emissions, Total Sites. • Reviewed recent developments and suggested directions for future developments. • Future steps: exploiting the synergy, extend locally integrated regions. • As well as exergy, emergy, supply chains, targeting emissions and effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive analysis of publications on fouling in plate heat exchangers (PHEs) on heating water solutions is presented. The peculiarities of flow structure in PHE channels and differences in construction require studies specifically for this efficient type of heat exchanger. The main fouling mechanisms in these conditions are crystallisation and particulate fouling. The predominant way of fouling development in PHE is asymptotic when at some time of fouling growth, the deposition of fouling and its removal to the main flow becomes equal and fouling thermal resistance does not change with time. The data of different experimental research and industry tests show that the rate of fouling in PHE from 5 to 20 times lower than in shell and tube heat exchangers for the same duty and overall process conditions in heating water solutions. The different approaches to modelling fouling formation in PHEs are analysed. The modelling of local process parameters in channels with accounting for the geometry of corrugations on plates is extremely important for the accurate prediction of fouling formation. Among different ways of fouling mitigation in PHE, the accurate design and proper selection of plates and their arrangement is considered the most effective, while covering plates with fouling-reducing coatings has prospects in development and application. The cleaning of PHEs has to be done with the development of optimised maintenance schedules. The cleaning of plate-and-frame PHEs can be done by mechanical methods, but chemical cleaning in place (CIP) with special CIP machines is preferable where it is possible. [Display omitted] • The published results of studies on fouling of PHE in heating of water solutions are reviewed. • The fouling tendencies in PHEs are much lower than in shell-and-tube heat exchangers. • The transport-reaction model can account for the fouling deposition in PHE. • The fouling distribution along channels must be accounted for in PHE modelling and design. • The correct plates arrangement and accurate design necessary to mitigate PHE fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Virtual Special Issue (VSI) presents a selection of the presentation at the 24th Conference of Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES'21), which was held as a hybrid (face2face + online) conference in Brno, Czech Republic, on the 31st October to the November 3, 2021. The main features were related to the scope of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. Topics covered in this VSI also include climate and emission neutrality of energy systems, sustainable energy systems optimisation, energy recovery and integration. Topics covered in this VSI also cover circular economy, which has been identified as a viable strategy towards achieving sustainable development. It aims to decouple economic growth from resource use and waste generation. However, most technologies that promote circularity necessitate increased energy use to enhance material recovery and recycling. To ensure that the advances made in creating a more circular economy are not in conflict with mitigating climate change and achieving close to net zero emissions by 2050, a portfolio of technologies and strategies that reduce the carbon emissions intensity of the energy sector should be implemented. Climate and emission-neutral energy systems that utilise renewable energy, such as solar and geothermal power, decarbonise the energy sector's emissions. Developing more sustainable and renewable energy devices such as photovoltaic/thermal collectors, phase change materials, and solar devices, together with establishing infrastructure that supports these technologies, such as 6G wireless networks, would improve efficiency during energy generation, transmission, and use. The design and implementation of energy recovery and integration networks would reduce operational energy requirements in process industries. Finally, to maximise the benefits derived from these strategies, optimisation models which consider temporal and geographical constraints should be developed to determine their proper deployment. Sustainable development could be achieved by successfully integrating sustainable energy within a circular economy. • Recent development in Sustainable Energy Integration. • Contributions to the Circular Economy. • Editorial Dedicated to the Virtual Special Issue PRESʼ21. • Conference 24th Conference of Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat exchanger network synthesis is an essential optimisation tool for Process Integration, particularly in energy-intensive industries. Proper design or retrofit of heat exchanger network can enable energy conservation, efficiency improvement, and process debottlenecking. Many earlier pieces of research have focused on the impact of the network structure and process features such as network topology, temperature intervals, continuous/batch processes, and so on. As the major device in heat exchanger networks, heat exchangers research has always been a hot topic. However, the individual heat exchanger research is different from the number of heat exchangers in a network. Various performance aspects of the heat exchangers, e.g., pressure drop, fouling, and thermal performance, could influence the whole network and the passive responses between each heat exchanger. Besides, integrating those aspects of individual heat exchangers into the network synthesis is still an open problem, especially for cases that demand simultaneous optimisations. This work presents a thorough assessment of research into those aspects in heat exchanger networks, as well as the state-of-the-art of current approaches for heat exchanger networks optimisation that take heat exchanger performance into account. The essential coupling among fouling, pressure drop and thermal design is explored, and the nexus between them and the heat exchanger network is analysed. Researchers will benefit from this overview of heat exchanger network synthesis retrofitting methods and applications. • The impact of heat exchanger performance on the heat exchanger network is discussed. • Progress of model and approach for heat exchanger network synthesis is reviewed. • Influence factors: fouling, pressure drop, thermal design and intensified heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the prominent advantages of high energy density and long-term energy conservation ability, salt hydrate-based gas-solid thermochemical energy storage (TCES) is a promising technology for effectively employing low-grade energy such as industrial waste heat and minimising fossil fuel-based sources depletion. As an innovative thermal energy storage technology that has drawn great attention from scholars in recent years, it still remains in the stage of a laboratory-scale investigation. This study establishes a reasonable classification of salt hydrates-based TCES systems, discusses the properties and performance regulation strategies of materials, types of reactors, applications, heat and mass transfer process, reaction mechanisms, and also provides critical comments and outlooks on this adsorption TCES technology. It is comprehensively elaborated and evaluated in the following steps. (i) The development of various thermochemical materials (TCMs), including pure salts, mixtures of salt hydrates, and composite TCMs of salt/matrix, is summarised and assessed in detail from the perspectives of thermochemical performances such as ESD and cyclability. (ii) The progress of the conceptual design of the reactor and prototype used for vapour/salt gas-solid reaction are presented and analysed. (iii) The existing theoretical models ranging from the views of microcosmic molecular dynamics to macrocosmic reaction kinetics are discussed. (iv) Additionally, the existing challenges regarding salt hydrate-based TCES technology are identified, and the prospects are also provided. This review enables researchers to timely grasp the latest advancements and thus may provide some rewarding insights for future investigations of salt hydrate-based gas-solid TCES and facilitate scholars to achieve better improvements. • Salt hydrate-based sorption technology is the potential for heat storage. • The composite thermochemical materials need to be further developed. • The optimisation includes three levels: material, reactor, and system. • Mechanism, model, and performance control strategy need to be further studied. • Challenges and prospects of this technology are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combating the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the demand for and disposal of personal protective equipment in the United States. This work proposes a novel waste personal protective equipment processing system that enables energy recovery through producing renewable fuels and other basic chemicals. Exergy analysis and environmental assessment through a detailed life cycle assessment approach are performed to evaluate the energy and environmental sustainability of the processing system. Given the environmental advantages in reducing 35.42% of total greenhouse gas emissions from the conventional incineration and 43.50% of total fossil fuel use from landfilling processes, the optimal number, sizes, and locations of establishing facilities within the proposed personal protective equipment processing system in New York State are then determined by an optimization-based site selection methodology, proposing to build two pre-processing facilities in New York County and Suffolk County and one integrated fast pyrolysis plant in Rockland County. Their optimal annual treatment capacities are 1,708 t/y, 8,000 t/y, and 9,028 t/y. The proposed optimal personal protective equipment processing system reduces 31.5% of total fossil fuel use and 35.04% of total greenhouse gas emissions compared to the personal protective equipment incineration process. It also avoids 41.52% and 47.64% of total natural land occupation from the personal protective equipment landfilling and incineration processes. • An efficient process design to produce renewable fuels from waste PPEs. • The proposed waste PPE processing system mitigates plastic pollution. • A novel detailed life cycle assessment to evaluate environmental performances. • Climate change and fossil fuel use reduction is realized in the processing system. • An application to treat waste PPEs in the New York State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic developed the severest public health event in recent history. The first stage for defence has already been documented. This paper moves forward to contribute to the second stage for offensive by assessing the energy and environmental impacts related to vaccination. The vaccination campaign is a multidisciplinary topic incorporating policies, population behaviour, planning, manufacturing, materials supporting, cold-chain logistics and waste treatment. The vaccination for pandemic control in the current phase is prioritised over other decisions, including energy and environmental issues. This study documents that vaccination should be implemented in maximum sustainable ways. The energy and related emissions of a single vaccination are not massive; however, the vast numbers related to the worldwide production, logistics, disinfection, implementation and waste treatment are reaching significant figures. The preliminary assessment indicates that the energy is at the scale of ~1.08 × 1010 kWh and related emissions of ~5.13 × 1012 gCO 2eq when embedding for the envisaged 1.56 × 1010 vaccine doses. The cold supply chain is estimated to constitute 69.8% of energy consumption of the vaccination life cycle, with an interval of 26–99% depending on haul distance. A sustainable supply chain model that responds to an emergency arrangement, considering equality as well, should be emphasised to mitigate vaccination's environmental footprint. This effort plays a critical role in preparing for future pandemics, both environmentally and socially. Research in exploring sustainable single-use or reusable materials is also suggested to be a part of the plans. Diversified options could offer higher flexibility in mitigating environmental footprint even during the emergency and minimise the potential impact of material disruption or dependency. • The fight with the COVID-19 pandemics is entering the offensive stage. • The global vaccination campaign is a large and demanding operation. • It requires substantial energy and related emissions. • It is a strong need to minimise the environmental impacts now and for the future. • Assessments indicate ~1.08 × 1010 kWh and emissions of ~5.13 × 1012 gCO 2eq for 1.56 × 1010 vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU27 countries exert significant influence on the global patterns of the CO 2 -Emissions-Water-Energy (CWE) nexus. However, whether the associated benefits are similar for all countries is unclear. In this paper, an EU27 multiregional input-output model, at a sector level to identify the inter-regional and -sectoral CWE flows, and clarify the regional, sectoral and worldwide patterns of EU27 CWE network is presented. The results revealed an environmental inequality across the EU27 and impacts on the rest of the world. The EU27 countries contributed 1.4 Gt less CO 2 emissions, 64.5 Gm3 less water utilisation and 49 EJ less energy consumption, compared to the rest of the world while generating the equivalent economic output in 2014. This has dramatic effects upon the global environment. Germany, France and Italy are the biggest beneficiaries in the CWE nexus in the EU27. It is recommended that the EU27 provide more technical support to upstream countries in the EU and elsewhere to strive to improve their resource utilisation efficiencies. • The critical Carbon-Water-Energy (CWE) flows across the EU27 are analysed. • The regional, sectoral and worldwide patterns of EU27 CWE network are clarified. • An environmental inequality across the EU27 and impacts on the rest of the world. • Germany, France and Italy are the biggest beneficiaries in the CWE network of EU27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat Integration with heat exchanger network (HEN) is a widely used way to save energy and improve efficiency. Varied types of heat exchangers and materials would influence the investment cost and affect the design of HEN retrofit. This paper critically reviews the features of various types of heat exchangers, their working conditions and investment costs, as well as the state-of-the-art of the current methods for HEN synthesis and retrofit, to introduce a framework for HEN retrofit which considers heat exchanger and material selection. The proposed framework divides the retrofit design process into two stages, diagnosis and optimisation. In the diagnosis stage, two graphical decision-making tools, the Shifted Retrofit Thermodynamic Grid Diagram with Shifted Heat Exchanger Temperature Range (SRTGD-SHTR) and Shifted Material Temperature Range (SRTGD-SMTR) are proposed for analysis and diagnosis of the existing HEN to determine feasible retrofit plans with pre-selected heat exchangers and materials. In the optimisation stage, the constrained particle swarm optimisation algorithm is applied to optimise the plans made in the first stage and minimise the total annual cost. A case study demonstrates a possible implementation of the proposed framework. The suitable types for new heat exchangers and their materials are selected, and the retrofitted design can reduce the utility cost by 8.9% compared with the existing HEN. This framework can be applied easily with a sound solution for HEN retrofit. • Development of a novel optimisation framework for the retrofit of HENs. • Consideration of the heat exchanger type and material selection in the design process. • Review of the features of various types of heat exchangers. • Review of the state-of-the-art of the current methods for HEN synthesis and retrofit. • Presentation of a case to verify the new optimisation framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had growing environmental consequences related to plastic use and follow-up waste, but more urgent health issues have far overshadowed the potential impacts. This paper gives a prospective outlook on how the disruption caused by COVID-19 can act as a catalyst for short-term and long-term changes in plastic waste management practices throughout the world. The impact of the pandemic and epidemic following through the life cycles of various plastic products, particularly those needed for personal protection and healthcare, is assessed. The energy and environmental footprints of these product systems have increased rapidly in response to the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide, while critical hazardous waste management issues are emerging due to the need to ensure destruction of residual pathogens in household and medical waste. The concept of Plastic Waste Footprint (PWF) is proposed to capture the environmental footprint of a plastic product throughout its entire life cycle. Emerging challenges in waste management during and after the pandemic are discussed from the perspective of novel research and environmental policies. The sudden shift in waste composition and quantity highlights the need for a dynamically reponsive waste management system. Six future research directions are suggested to mitigate the potential impacts of the pandemic on waste management systems. • Expert insight for dealing with COVID-19 plastic use and waste. • Minimising plastic waste during and after the pandemic. • Introduction and benefits of Plastic Waste Footprint. • Considering and reducing Environmental, including GHG, Footprints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mission of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) is to communicate the most significant and relevant critical thinking in renewable and sustainable energy research and development, bringing together the research community, the private sector and policy and decision-makers. The aim of the journal is to share problems, solutions, novel ideas and technologies that support the transition to a low-carbon future and achieve the global emissions targets as established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC). The Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES) 2018 conference brought together the following topics through interdisciplinary dialogue: (a) Process Integration for sustainable development; (b) Process analysis, modelling and optimisation; (c) Total Site Integration; (d) Heat transfer and heat exchangers; (e) Energy-saving and clean technologies; (f) Sustainable processing and production; (g) Renewable and high efficiency utility systems; (h) Footprint minimisation and mitigation; (i) Operations and supply chain management; (j) Waste minimisation, processing and management; (k) Batch process analysis and integration; (l) Process network dynamics, flexibility and control; (m) Industrial implementation and optimisation; (n) Numerical fluid flow and heat transfer simulation; (o) Sustainability and Process Integration teaching, learning and knowledge tools. This Virtual Special Issue (VSI) captures many of the most significant developments in renewable and sustainable energy research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a new graphical decision-making tool to facilitate the rapid selection of transportation modes with minimum energy consumption or emissions, indicating the most sustainable transportation mode. Greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutants (NO x , PM and SO 2), together with a composite price-weighted total environmental burden (TEB), are considered in the analysis. The graphical tool, which has a similar appearance to a phase diagram, presents a map of energy use (or emission) of different transportation modes based on the values of the ratio of the transportation distances (R) and the absolute load (L). A freight transportation case study (Rotterdam to Antwerp and Genova) demonstrates the construction and application of the graphical tool. For this case study, the electric train is the transport mode that offers the lowest energy consumption and minimum TEB. The graphical decision tool can also indicate the next-best solutions when one or more options (e.g. electric train) are not available. In this scenario, general cargo shipping achieves the lowest GHG emission, but heavy lorry imposes the lowest TEB. The developed tool further demonstrates the impacts of possible future fuels and technology developments on transportation selection, including renewable biodiesel and transport electrification under different grid mixes (e.g. Latvia, Sweden and EU-28). Further criteria, including economics, can be included for future study using the proposed tool as a foundation. The graphical approach transforms the transport selection problem into an easily understandable format from which arises sound solutions. • Develops a novel graphical tool for energy and environmental-friendly transportation. • Introduces the concept of route distances ratio and loads as the feed-in data. • Compares energy consumption, GHG and air pollutants for transport alternatives. • Determines the decisive role of SO 2 , NO x emission and empty vehicle weight. • Identifies the impact of alternatives energy sources for the transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to excellent thermal performance and application prospects, nanofluids are attracting many researchers to pay more attention to new types of heat transfer fluids. However, previous studies have focused on the effects of nanofluids on thermophysical properties without considering the limitation of dispersion stability in practical applications. Excellent nanofluid stability is judged with the zeta potential value above 30 mV. Unstable nanofluids block the fluid flow in heat exchanger channels, which reduces the system performance by over 23 %. Based on a systematic review of improving nanofluid stability, this research discusses the preparation, characterisation, influencing factor, dispersion mechanism, and dispersion method on nanofluid stability. Four methods for improving nanofluid stability are summarised. The nanofluid is stable at pH values between 4 and 9 b y controlling its ionic concentration. The nanofluid concentration is required below 2 % to improve the repulsion between nanoparticles. The stability of the nanofluid is affected by the type and amount of the surfactant, which fails to improve the nanofluid stability at temperature above 60 °C. In addition, the molecular forces between the mixed nanofluids enhance the stability of the nanofluid. This review examines the variation patterns of nanofluid stability and the effect of stability on heat transfer. It is expected to identify some opportunities and demonstrate future challenges in both the in-lab research and the commercialisation of nanofluids. • SiO 2 -EG/water nanofluids obtain a stability time of 36 months. • Nanofluids with pH values of 4–9 provide optimum stability in applications. • Al 2 O 3 nanofluids with surfactant CTAB increase 50 % stability time compared to SDS. • Unstable nanofluids reduce above 6 % efficiency of solar collectors. • Additive SWCNTs increase the efficiency enhancement by 66 % in solar collectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Circular Economy has emerged as a popular research topic that is shaping public policy in Europe, China, America and elsewhere. It complements the conceptual basis of the Industrial Ecology framework, but places more emphasis on business models to create closed-loop material systems. However, the Circular Economy concept currently lacks robust engineering design methods, leading to many researchers question its effectiveness. In contrast, Process Integration is lesser known publicly, despite being widely applied in industry to achieve substantial reductions in industrial energy, water, and utility use. These three areas have developed in parallel with minimal cross-pollination, but are in fact potentially complementary. This contribution proposes the new unified concept of Circular Integration for greater transdisciplinary research cohesiveness in the sustainable development of processes, industries, and economies. Circular Integration combines elements from Process Integration, Industrial Ecology, and Circular Economy into a multi-dimensional, multi-scale approach to the minimisation of resource and energy consumption. Circular Integration thus provides an engineering toolbox for planning a Sustainable and Circular Economy. To demonstrate its potential, the paper presents a case study on sustainable biofuel production. The possible solution leverages existing industrial resources to potentially produce enough fuel to fulfil 37% of current demand for global air and marine transport. The Circular Integration framework can also be generalised to systems other than transport and energy, aiming to catalyse greater transdisciplinary research for the analysis, design, and implementation of sustainable and circular systems. Highlights • A new Circular Integration framework is developed to support a Circular Economy. • The framework uses insights from Industrial Ecology and Process Integration. • Its implementation creates new prospects for transdisciplinary research. • Global air and marine transport is analysed to demonstrate the new framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-transparency of a centralised power system creates security issues in energy trading, and the inability of prosumers to participate in energy trading arose. Blockchain can be applied in distributed generation (DG) with its immutability, security, decentralised, transparency, anonymity, transactional data, and automation features to resolve the mentioned concerns. The applications of DG, such as renewable energy sources (RES), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), solar energy, microgrid and other new electrical components, require the need decentralised energy management with secured data ledger transactional record and peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading. The research gaps and limitations are stated to point out the potential future prospect and recommendations. Overall, the blockchain is beneficial to be implemented in DG in terms of security enhancement, P2P energy trading, immutable transactional records and transparent transactions. As compared to the centralised system, the decentralised blockchain enables the scalability, privacy, autonomous trading, anonymity, legitimate auditing and low latency of DG operations. This study serves as a guide to accelerating the adoption of blockchain technology in the emerging DG. The research outcome of this review is a wider perspective of blockchain applicability and versatility in the DG sector in terms of decentralisation of grid operation, P2P energy trading and energy optimisation. The review also highlights the limitations and clarifies technical issues concerning the implementations of blockchain in the DG sector, the current applications and development trends and possible future recommendations for the blockchain in advancing the DG sector. [Display omitted] • Blockchain technology revolutionises renewable distributed generation (DG) operation. • A decentralised blockchain enables the P2P energy trading with a shared ledger. • Innovative DG operation in energy trading, transaction, bidding, billing and sales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy offers the potential to support the battery electric vehicles (BEV) charging station, which promotes sustainability and low carbon emission. In view of the emerging needs of solar energy-powered BEV charging stations, this review intends to provide a critical technological viewpoint and perspective on the research gaps, current and future development of solar energy-powered BEV charging stations to fill the gap of the absence of review articles. The current technical limitations of solar energy-powered industrial BEV charging stations include the intermittency of solar energy with the needs of energy storage and the issues of carbon emission and maintenance of solar arrays. This review article also provides a detailed overview of recent implementations on solar energy-powered BEV charging stations, pointing out technological gaps and future prospects to serve as a guideline for academia and industry. The main observations from this review include the hybrid integration of other renewable energy such as wind or biogas can be a feasible solution to mitigate the intermittency of solar energy, battery swapping to mitigate the slow charging speed, utilising virtual inertia device to regulate frequency fluctuation that mitigate electricity blackout due to high penetration of solar or other renewable sources in power grid, and avoiding charging in the periods when the grid electricity has a high content of carbon emissions. The decentralised operations of energy management should be promoted to allow secured energy transactions and optimise charging/discharging operations. The optimal choosing criteria for the solar-enabled BEV are also provided as guidelines for industry or academia. • Overview of solar-powered battery electric vehicle (BEV) charging station (CS). • Prospects in design concern, technical constraint and weather influence are listed. • Benchmarks for both industry and academia in deploying solar-powered BEV CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the renewable energy sources (RES) continues to grow in power system due to emissions decarbonisation and sustainability policies, a fast and reliable connection between RES components and equipment is crucial to ensure quality power delivery. This review provides a detailed insight into the full potential in 6G for the acceleration of RES with the faster and stable data bandwidth. The potential applications of 6G wireless networks for faster data processing in RES include P2P energy trade market, vehicular network, wireless energy transfer, energy management system, smart grid, self-healing, smart batteries and AI-based weather forecasting. This paper also lists the advantages and challenges of 6G in RES sectors, the practical implementations and the potential applications. It was found out that although the 6G is a visionary application in the RES sector to improve the security, connectivity, integration and sensory data processing of RES, 6G still possesses various technical limitations, including incompatibility issues of older devices, higher power consumption and higher operating cost. Future research should focus on the improvements of 6G in RES in terms of cost-effectiveness, compatibility issues and power consumption to balance between the advancement and limitations. This review serves as a visionary for 6G wireless communication to be applied in the RES sector in the near future. 6G in the RES sector encountered several critical limitations needing an intensive development, including still the issues of security and privacy, prone to hacking or data bleaching, required advanced hardware support and requirements for ultra-fast communications with low latency. • Due to climate change and emissions decarbonisation policy, the power system has shifted to RES-based generation. • 6G technology may revolutionise the RES sector with a fast, reliable and secured connection. • Potential applications and recommendations of 6G in the RES sector are discussed. • AI and blockchain frameworks improve remote data privacy and secure energy trading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the recent developments in Renewable Energy Systems for building heating, cooling and electricity production with thermal energy storage. Due to the needed Clean Energy Transition in the many countries and regions and the goal of closing Net Zero Energy Buildings, it is crucial to provide efficient Renewable Energy Based heating/cooling systems for buildings. The buildings contribute about 40% of total energy consumption, with significant potential for primary energy savings. The application of various Renewable Energy based systems is discussed including: the presentation of Hybrid Renewable Energy bases systems, methodology for their design and methods for the optimisation of Buildings RES. At present, mostly the systems based on heat pumps and photovoltaics are applied in buildings. However, the sources of those energy systems are unstable, and they are influenced by the climate environment. It makes it necessary to combine thermal and electrical energy storage, to achieve high efficiency. The recently developing electrical energy and chemical storage are Battery Energy Storage Systems and Hydrogen Energy Systems, through it is urgently necessary to overcome the difficulties of high cost, relatively low efficiency and demanding storage environment and so on. For the thermal energy storage, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) show great potential for application – with their use the thermal energy can be accumulated at the time of low energy demand or availability and recovered during a high consumption period. This review also presents the recent developments in PCMs for their application in buildings, both for heating and cooling. Finally, it sorts out some challenging issues of the RES today and guides future development. • The recent developments in Renewable Energy Systems for buildings accessed. • Reviewed papers relevant to the Integration of Renewable Energy Systems in buildings. • The recent developments in PCM thermal energy storage in buildings are evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy resources are vital for the economic development of any nation, and they are currently recognised as an essential commodity for human beings. Many countries are facing various levels up to severe energy crisis due to limited natural resources, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic. This crisis can lead to the shutdown or restriction of many industrial units, limited energy access, exacerbating unemployment, simultaneous impacts on people's lives. The main reason for these problems is the increasing gap between energy supply and demand, logistics, financial issues, as well as ineffective strategic planning issues. Different countries have different visions, missions, and strategies for energy management. Integrated strategic management is requisite for managing global energy. This study aims to develop a strategic management framework that can be used as a methodology for policymakers to analyse, plan, implement, and evaluate the energy strategy globally. A conceptual research method that relies on examining the related literature is applied to develop the framework. The present study yielded two main observations: 1) The identification of key concepts to consider in designing the strategic management framework for global energy, and 2) A strategic management framework that integrates the scope, process, important components, and steps to manage global energy strategies. This framework would contribute to providing a standard procedure to manage energy strategies for policymakers at the global, regional, national, state, city, district, and sector levels. Image 1 • A strategic management framework for global energy is proposed. • A conceptual research method is used to develop the framework. • Strategic management scope, process, model, and method are included in the framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fluctuating renewable energy over a certain threshold may lead to an unmanageable mismatch between the electricity generation and demand profiles threatening the grid's stability. In this study, an innovative complex energy storage/conversion system is proposed for the cogeneration of electricity, cooling, and water by integrating the liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification process, an organic Rankine cycle, a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, and a multi-effect distillation unit. The study attempts to minimize the CO 2 emission from the CAES technology while addressing interruptions and reductions in the grid upon the extensive use of intermittent renewables. In addition, the proposed system uses excess power and waste heat during the charging and discharging of the CAES to regasify LNG and produce fresh water. The reference system performance is analyzed considering thermodynamic, economic, and environmental perspectives. The multi-objective grasshopper optimization algorithm is used to make a trade-off between the technical, economic, and environmental performance factors of the system. The results show an exergy efficiency of 50.6 % and a total cost rate of 322.8 $/h for the proposed system at the TOPSIS optimal point. The Grassmann diagram indicates the combustion chamber is the main source of irreversibility, and the Chord diagram revealed the discharge unit was responsible for more than 55 % of the total cost. [Display omitted] • A novel energy storage/conversion system coproducing energy and water. • Multi-objective optimization framework is developed for the novel system. • Pareto fronts and TOPSIS point are compared and analyzed. • Bottlenecks of the integrated system are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The world trade volume of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is increasing year by year. Unlike gaseous natural gas (NG), which is transported through a fixed network of pipelines, LNG offers more flexibility to both the exporters and the importers as it can be transported between any pair of exporting and receiving LNG terminals. The LNG process, consisting of liquefaction, transportation, storage, and regasification of LNG, is accompanied by certain energy demands. The paper focuses on the evaluation of the chain of energy transformations involved in the LNG process. Based on the review of existing information, the entire process is evaluated from the view of the potential use of LNG for direct storage of cold and indirect storage of power. The analysis of the existing data shows that the overall efficiency of using LNG for operative energy storage depends very much on the technologies involved and on the overall capacity of the particular technology. The combination of energy-efficient liquefaction technologies and regasification technologies with energy recovery makes it possible to employ LNG as an energy storage medium even when transported over large distances. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • The chain of energy transformations involved in the LNG process was evaluated. • Liquefaction is the most energy demanding part of the LNG process. • There is a significant potential for the reduction of energy demand of liquefaction. • LNG potential as a thermal energy storage medium was explored. • Cold energy from the LNG can effectively be used in many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry, which provides cellulose pulp and paper, bio-based energy and chemicals, is one of the largest energy consumers, greenhouse gases (GHG) and pollutant emitters among manufacturing industries. Although the environmental impact of the pulp and paper industry has been extensively studied, life cycle assessment (LCA) results have not yet reached a consensus. By means of a systematic review and meta-analysis, this article contributes to the quantification and harmonization of the life cycle environmental impacts of pulp making and paper making systems. Based on the screening of 45 cases of paper making and 18 cases of pulp making, we found that 1 t of paper results in about 950 kg carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) equivalent (CO 2 -eq) GHG emissions on average. However, there are distinct differences between countries and pulp and paper categories. The dominant factor influencing GHG emissions is energy use. In paper making, the pulp making process is responsible for 62% of energy use, 45% of GHG emissions, 48% of acidification potential, and 49% of eutrophication potential. The kg CO 2 -eq emissions of three different types of pulp were as follows: Kraft, 508 kg CO 2 -eq/t; chemi-mechanical, 513 kg CO 2 -eq/t; and recycled pulp, 408 kg CO 2 -eq/t. Excluding emissions from electricity and steam production, the convergence of carbon emissions is observed within the same categories of pulp. Straw-based pulp caused far more environmental impact than any other type because of the intensive inputs in agricultural activities as well as in the pulp making process. This research highlighted the inconsistencies in functional units, system boundaries, and methodologies and carbon neutrality assumptions in different LCA studies of pulp and paper making. Future studies should focus on the environmental impact of straw-based pulp making, system boundary unification, and calculation of biogenic carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming, fossil fuel depletion and energy security are driving scientists to investigate the mechanism of hydrocarbons production from CO 2 hydrogenation. The need for more comprehensive understanding on mechanism of CO 2 hydrogenation to hydrocarbons remains controversial because of the complex reaction mechanism and a large number of involved species. The micro mechanism of CO 2 hydrogenation to hydrocarbons has been considered as a possible remedy to fulfill the requirements. This review comprehensively discusses two processes: reverse water gas shift (RWGS) and CO 2 hydrogenation to hydrocarbons. The review includes reaction mechanisms and catalyst effects on yields and rates. In addition, the review outlines each of the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) micro mechanisms. The review infers some mechanisms from existing work and proposes a new mechanism that improves several predictions. These mechanisms form the design basis for optimal reactor design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been growing interest in developing Locally Integrated Energy Sectors (LIES) as a Process (Heat) Integration approach for synergising the industrial thermal energy systems that include renewable energy resources with urban (i.e. civic, residential, business and service complexes). The aim is to enhance the regional energy efficiency and minimise greenhouse gas (including carbon) emissions. However, a comprehensive planning and design framework is crucial at the onset of its development, which is accounting for supply and demand sides, but there have been limited works directed to this scope to date. For the development of such framework, this paper reviews the energy consumption targeting methodologies via Total Site Heat Integration for estimating and designing the capacity of the utility have been reviewed in this work, inclusive of both insight-based Pinch Analysis and mathematical modelling approaches. As a final outcome of the review, suggestions are provided for investigating key factors for integration of industrial, residential, commercial, institutional and service energy systems, maximising the integration and reuse of waste and low potential heat, including renewables to boost sustainability aspects. The review of methodologies for energy system integration is followed by identification of research directions that deserve future attention, refinement and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen applications range from an energy carrier to a feedstock producing bulk and other chemicals and as an essential reactant in various industrial applications. However, the sustainability of hydrogen production, storage and transport are neither unquestionable nor equal. Hydrogen is produced from natural gas, biogas, aluminium, acid gas, biomass, electrolytic water splitting and others; a total of eleven sources were investigated in this work. The environmental impact of hydrogen production, storage and transport is evaluated in terms of greenhouse gas and energy footprints, acidification, eutrophication, human toxicity potential, and eco-cost. Different electricity mixes and energy footprint accounting approaches, supported by sensitivity analysis, are conducted for a comprehensive overview. H 2 produced from acid gas is identified as the production route with the highest eco-benefit (−41,188 €/t H 2), while the biomass gasification method incurred the highest eco-cost (11,259 €/t H 2). The water electrolysis method shows a net positive energy footprint (60.32 GJ/t H 2), suggesting that more energy is used than produced. Considering the operating footprint of storage, and transportation, gaseous hydrogen transported via a pipeline is a better alternative from an environmental point of view, and with a lower energy footprint (38 %–85%) than the other options. Storage and transport (without construction) could have accounted for around 35.5% of the total GHG footprint of a hydrogen value chain (production, storage, transportation and losses) if liquefied and transported via road transport instead of a pipeline. The identified results propose which technologies are less burdensome to the environment. [Display omitted] • A review of eleven hydrogen production and various storage and transport options. • Comparative energy, environmental footprint and eco-cost analysis of technologies. • Different electricity mixes and energy footprint accounting are considered. • Sensitivity analysis for hydrogen production via gasification and acid gas. • Storage and transport could comprise 35% of the overall greenhouse gas footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate power generation forecast of multiple renewable energy sources is significant for the power scheduling of renewable energy systems. However, previous studies focused more on the prediction of a single energy source, ignoring the relationship among different energy sources, and failing to predict accurate power generation for all energy sources simultaneously. This paper proposes a hybrid framework for the power generation forecast of multiple renewable energy sources to overcome deficiencies. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is developed to extract the local correlations among multiple energy sources, the Attention-based Long Short-Term Memory (A-LSTM) network is developed to capture the nonlinear time-series characteristics of weather conditions and individual energy, and the Auto-Regression model is applied to extract the linear time-series characteristics of each energy source. The accuracy and practicality of the proposed method are verified by taking a renewable energy system as an example. The results show that the hybrid framework is more accurate than other advanced models, such as artificial neural networks and decision trees. Mean absolute errors of the proposed method are reduced by 13.4%, 22.9%, and 27.1% for solar PV, solar thermal, and wind power compared with A-LSTM. The sensitivity analysis has been conducted to test the effectiveness of each component of the proposed hybrid framework to prove the significance of energy correlation patterns with higher accuracy and stability compared with the other two patterns. [Display omitted] • Propose a hybrid framework for power forecast of multiple renewable energy sources. • Improve forecast accuracy by considering energy correlation patterns. • Sensitivity analysis is conducted to discuss each information pattern. • Method verified by a real renewable energy system case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling tools for the optimal Hybrid Power Systems (HPS) supply planning and demand management have been relatively established. However, complementary tools that can provide planners, decizion-makers, energy managers and electrical as well as power engineers with graphical and visualization insights that are vital for better conceptual understanding of the problems, particularly at the onset of hybrid power systems planning and design, have just been developed over the last five years. This paper reviews the six-year development of the insight-based graphical and algebraic Process Integration (PI) tools for the optimal HPS supply planning and demand management, i.e., from its inception in the year 2011, until 2016. Known as the Power Pinch Analysis (PoPA), the tool has been among the next-generation PI techniques for resource conservation following the developments of the heat, mass, water, gas, materials, property, solid and carbon emission pinch analysis techniques. This paper discusses the progress, challenges and contributions of PoPA in promoting Renewable Energy (RE) utilization in HPS. Case studies on implementation of PoPA for HPS planning and design presented in the paper show encouraging improvement on HPS profitability and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials in various fields received extensive attention in the past decades, attributed to its extraordinary characteristics: high surface area, low density, excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, bio-compatible, and excellent corrosion resistance and antioxidant. This article starts reviews the research progress in the synthesis of BN nanomaterials with different dimensions, followed by briefly summarizing the commonly used preparation methods and main applications of BN nanomaterials, focusing on their potential applications in the fields of environmental remediation, energy conversion (oxygen reduction, nitrogen reduction, hydrogen evolution, fuel cell), and biomedicine. Finally, the research prospects of BN-based nanomaterials are proposed, including the challenges for the large-scale preparation of BN nanomaterials and mechanism research. It is expected that this review is beneficial further to understand the current status and properties of BN-based nanomaterials, to promote research and development of the BN nanomaterials in various fields. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive overview of boron nitride in different dimensions is presented. • The potential of various boron nitride in environment restoration is evaluated. • The possible application of various boron nitride in energy area is evaluated. • Boron nitride nanomaterials have been used in diverse biomedical applications. • The prospects and challenges of future research on boron nitride are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greenhouse is an energy-intensive sector with substantial greenhouse gas emissions and extensive energy consumption. Energy-saving greenhouse strategies become particularly important on the premise of ensuring effective crop production to achieve sustainable energy development. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive review on crucial energy-saving strategies from greenhouse design to operational stage. This contribution analyses effective energy-saving methods for greenhouse design considering greenhouse structures, ventilation and lighting systems. It details the energy-saving operation of greenhouses by summarising renewable energy technologies and integration systems, including photovoltaic modules, solar collectors, heat pumps and other integrated modules. These environment-friendly technologies achieve the purpose of environment protection and energy conservation of greenhouse. The research findings reveal that more than half of the energy is saved through appropriate greenhouse renovation. Control strategies for improving the energy efficiency of the greenhouse in aspects of monitoring system management and control algorithms have been discussed as well. The neural network combined with other control algorithms is a suitable approach to solve nonlinear control problems with a good control accuracy. In the final part, the life cycle environmental impacts and environmental footprints assessment of greenhouse is discussed. Life cycle assessment of modern integrated greenhouse is expected to be further studied. This review provides valuable insights and suggestions for the design and transformation of modern sustainable greenhouses. • Research gaps are analysed for the energy saving strategies of greenhouse. • Up to 25% environmental impact is reduced by greenhouses with sustainable energy. • Semi-transparent PV modules save above 20% energy than traditional PV modules. • The accuracy and costs of techniques hinder optimal controls of greenhouse. • Existing studies on life cycle assessment of integrated greenhouse are insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Virtual Special Issue (VSI) contains some of the papers presented at the 23rd Conference of Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES′20), which was virtually held in Xi'an, China on the 17 to 21 August 2020, related to the scope of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. The works are not limited to review articles; most of them have significant contributions to knowledge development for integration and optimisation for sustainable industrial processing within the circular economy. Topics covered in this VSI also includes studies on salt hydrate-based gas-solid thermochemical energy storage technology, hybrid battery optimisation, and energy recovery under thermal waste-to-energy. In addition, work on novel and effective passive cooling strategy for photovoltaic panels, integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation systems, heat pumps optimisation in low-temperature waste heat recovery, utilisation of solar heating systems for low-temperature heat demand industries, and double reheat for thermal power generation are presented. The articles on the energy strategies towards the circular economy (CE) show the content of biomass supply chain optimisation, renewable energy system towards carbon emissions neutral, stable energy use strategies. Lastly, nexus thinking for sustainable development under COVID-19 assesses the energy and environmental performance of waste personal protective equipment treatment and the optimisation of the energy-water-waste nexus at the district level for regional sustainability. These achievements communicate the most significant and relevant critical thinking in renewable and sustainable energy research and development. • Virtual Special Issue PRES′20 Conference. • Integration and Optimisation for Sustainable Industrial Processing within the Circular Economy. • Salt hydrate-based gas-solid thermochemical energy storage, Hybrid battery, double reheat for thermal power generation. • Waste-to-energy, Passive cooling strategy for photovoltaic panels, integrated gasification combined cycle power generation systems. • Heat pumps optimisation in low-temperature waste heat recovery, solar systems for low-temperature heat demand industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Virtual Special Issue (VSI) contains some of the papers presented at the 23rd Conference of Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES′20), which was virtually held in Xi'an, China on the 17 to 21 August 2020, related to the scope of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. The works are not limited to review articles; most of them have significant contributions to knowledge development for integration and optimisation for sustainable industrial processing within the circular economy. Topics covered in this VSI also includes studies on salt hydrate-based gas-solid thermochemical energy storage technology, hybrid battery optimisation, and energy recovery under thermal waste-to-energy. In addition, work on novel and effective passive cooling strategy for photovoltaic panels, integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation systems, heat pumps optimisation in low-temperature waste heat recovery, utilisation of solar heating systems for low-temperature heat demand industries, and double reheat for thermal power generation are presented. The articles on the energy strategies towards the circular economy (CE) show the content of biomass supply chain optimisation, renewable energy system towards carbon emissions neutral, stable energy use strategies. Lastly, nexus thinking for sustainable development under COVID-19 assesses the energy and environmental performance of waste personal protective equipment treatment and the optimisation of the energy-water-waste nexus at the district level for regional sustainability. These achievements communicate the most significant and relevant critical thinking in renewable and sustainable energy research and development. • Virtual Special Issue PRES′20 Conference. • Integration and Optimisation for Sustainable Industrial Processing within the Circular Economy. • Salt hydrate-based gas-solid thermochemical energy storage, Hybrid battery, double reheat for thermal power generation. • Waste-to-energy, Passive cooling strategy for photovoltaic panels, integrated gasification combined cycle power generation systems. • Heat pumps optimisation in low-temperature waste heat recovery, solar systems for low-temperature heat demand industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy recovery from 252 kinds of solid waste originating from various geographical areas under thermal waste-to-energy operation is investigated. A fast, economical, and comparative methodology is presented for evaluating the heating values resulted from burning municipal solid waste (MSW) based on prior knowledge, specialist experience, and data-mining methods. Development of models for estimating higher heating values (HHVs) of 252 MSW samples based on the ultimate analysis is conducted by simultaneously utilising five nonlinear models including Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network in conjunction with Genetic Algorithm (GA), namely GA-RBF, genetic programming (GP), multivariate nonlinear regression (MNR), particle swarm optimisation adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (PSO-ANFIS) and committee machine intelligent system (CMIS) models to increase the accuracy of each model. Eight different equations based on MNR are developed to estimate energy recovery capacity from different MSW groups (e.g., textiles, plastics, papers, rubbers, mixtures, woods, sewage sludge and other waste). A detailed investigation is conducted to analyse the accuracy of the models. It is indicated that the CMIS model has the best performance comparing the results obtained from different models. The R2 values of the test dataset for GA-RBF are 0.888, for GP 0.979, for MNR 0.978, for PSO-ANFIS 0.965, and for CMIS 0.985. The developed models with an acceptable accuracy would be followed by a better estimation of HHV and providing reliable heating value for an automatic combustion control system. The results obtained from this study are beneficial to design and optimise sustainable thermal waste-to-energy (WTF) processes to accelerate city transition into a circular economy. • A cost-effective approach for energy recovery from MSWs is proposed. • HHVs of MSWs are estimated using machine learning approaches and correlations. • MSW HHV data from different parts of the world are utilised. • Eight correlations are proposed to estimate HHVs of various types of MSWs. • Developed models have higher accuracies than previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges of high energy efficiency, water saving, low-carbon emissions, waste management and food saving have been considerable pressures on both regional and global sustainable development. This paper reviews the water-energy extended nexuses (e.g. food, greenhouse gases, waste, pollution, land and others) from the perspective of relationship and practicability in relieving the challenges towards environmentally-related sustainable development goals. A specific issue identified is that with the popularity of "nexus" and extension beyond resources nexus, the positioning and identity of nexuses become ambiguous. In most cases, nexus is a more attractively sounding term to replace specific expressions such as multi-criteria optimisation, trade-offs, correlation/relationship, input-output assessment, material flow analysis, and integrated design. The methodologies (e.g. input-output analysis and life cycle assessment) entail needing to be adequately integrated or expanded for diverse water-energy extended nexuses. It is crucial for evaluating resource flows in multiple regions and sectors and assessing the associated environment-economic impacts. A standardised understanding like establishing life cycle assessment and even more quantified footprints could ensure that the nexus would not fall as the group of a buzzword and contribute to sustainable development goals. This study serves as a stepping stone to establish quantified characteristics or components as eligibility to classify as nexus approaches and studies. • The practicability of Water-Energy extended nexuses towards SDGs is overviewed. • Water-Energy extended nexuses provide a broader system of thinking towards SDGs. • The positioning of nexus is ambiguous with the popularity and rapid extension. • A standardised understanding and more quantification nexus framework are needed. • Multiple model integration is crucial for assessing the nexus associated impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel energy targeting framework is proposed to analyse an urban-industrial symbiosis (UIS) system by incorporating Heat Integration, Power Integration, heat storage, power storage, renewable energy sources, and waste heat cogeneration. A trigeneration power plant is incorporated into the framework to connect the multi-energy microgrid. The trigeneration system provides high operational flexibility of the UIS through the manipulation of system outputs. This framework can handle multiple heating and cooling grids, which have different temperatures. An illustrative case study is also developed to demonstrate the proposed Pinch-based multi-energy targeting framework. The energy requirement of the heating-cooling-power microgrid in the UIS is successfully targeted. With the flexible trigeneration load estimated based on the thermal energy requirement of the UIS, the case study shows 34% of energy-saving opportunities and a payback period within a year. The case study suggests that the constant load operation can reduce the design capacity of the trigeneration system; however, the energy loss in the energy storage increases the utility cost and causes the system less attractive. • The feasibility evaluation of CCHP microgrid in urban-industrial symbiosis. • Integrating industry and urban with renewable energy, heat, and battery systems. • Minimum requirements in microgrids for heating, cooling and electricity are targeted. • Trigeneration satisfies the requirement of a multi-energy microgrid in the UIS. • The constant and flexible trigeneration load operations are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aviation sector discharges approximately 2% of the global anthropogenic CO 2, and the proportion is growing. The search for cost-effective and environmental-friendly bio-jet fuels derived from natural resources is gaining momentum. The microalgae cultivation conditions including temperature, pH, light intensity and nutrients have shown significant influence on the microalgae growth rate and chemical composition, which create the opportunities to enhance the yield and quality of microalgae bio-jet fuel. This review is focused on the hydroprocessing method for converting microalgae oil into bio-jet fuel, as well as the novel conceptual approaches for bio-jet fuel production such as gasification with Fischer-Tropsch and sugar-to-jet. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of biomass is one of the best alternative ways to replace natural aviation fuel due to the high maximum energy efficiency and low emission of greenhouse gas. In addition, hydroprocessing with the aid of Ni and zeolites catalysts has successfully converted the microalgae biodiesel to bio-jet fuel with high yield and alkane selectivity. Among these techniques, hydroprocessing used the lowest production cost with the longest duration, whereas the bio-jet fuel with high selectivity (C 8 –C 16) could be produced by using gasification with the Fischer-Tropsch process. Consequently, gasification and Fischer-Tropsch and sugar-to-jet can become the future alternative process to convert microalgae to bio-jet fuel. The development of microalgae bio-jet fuel will increase the security of energy supply and reduce the fuel expenses in aviation industry. [Display omitted] • Microalgal biomass is a potential source of bio-jet fuel. • Novel conceptual approaches for microalgae bio-jet fuel conversion are presented. • Hydroprocessing use zeolite catalysts able to obtain maximum yield up to 78%. • Microalgae bio-jet fuel parameters are compiled with ASTM standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Virtual Special Issue contains extensions of some of the papers presented at the 22nd Conference of Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES′19) in Crete, Greece on the 20 to 23 October 2019 related to the scope of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. The works are not limited to review articles; most of them have significant contributions to knowledge development in the field of sustainable energy. The energy recovery and intensification section discusses nano-enhanced phase change materials and fluids, heat exchanger network synthesis and heat pump integration in industrial processes. Bio-based renewable energy covers biomass from algae, seaweed, municipal solid waste and food waste, which are converted into valuable products by anaerobic digestion, co-cracking, incineration and fermentation. The articles in the energy system management section focus on batteries, energy efficiency rating, low carbon transitions and wave energy integration technology screening. Lastly, the data-driven energy management section includes a few reviews on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 for the chemical industry from system to equipment levels. These developments have the same ultimate goal to bridge the gaps for achieving the average global temperatures rise target set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]