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The pulp and paper industry (PPI) has several opportunities to contribute to meeting prevailing climate targets. It can cut its own CO2 emissions, which currently account for 2% of global industrial fossil CO2 emissions, and it has an opportunity to produce renewable energy, fuels, and materials for other sectors. The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of the decarbonization prospects of the PPI. The study provides insights on the magnitude of needed annual renewal rates for several possible net-zero target years of industrial fossil CO2 emissions in the PPI and discusses decarbonization opportunities, namely, energy and material efficiency improvement, fuel switching, electrification, renewable energy production, carbon capture, and new products. The effects of climate policies on the decarbonization opportunities are critically evaluated to provide an overview of the current and future business environment of the European PPI. The focus is on Europe, but other regions are analyzed briefly to widen the view. The analysis shows that there are no major technical barriers to the fossil-free operation of the PPI, but the sector renovates slowly, and many new opportunities are not implemented on a large scale due to immature technology, poor economic feasibility, or unclear political environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrids (MGs) are the new paradigm of decentralized networks of renewable energy sources, loads, and storage devices that can operate independently or in coordination with the primary grid, incorporating significant flexibility and supply reliability. To increase reliability, traditional individual MGs can be replaced by networked microgrids (NMGs), which are more dependable. However, when it comes to operation and control, they also pose challenges for cyber security and communication reliability. Denial of service (DoS) is a common danger to DC microgrids with advanced controllers that rely on active information exchanges and has been recorded as the most frequent cause of cyber incidents. It can disrupt data transmission, leading to ineffective control and system instability. This paper proposes digital twin (DT) technology as an integrated solution, with new, advanced analytics technology using machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide simulation capabilities to predict and estimate future states. By twinning the cyber-physical dynamics of NMGs using data-driven models, DoS attacks targeting cyber-layer agents will be detected and mitigated. A long short-term memory (LSTM) model data-driven digital twin approach for DoS attack detection and mitigation is implemented, tested, and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU has set the ambitious target of raising the share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources to 32% by 2030, with a target of climate neutrality by 2050. The aim of this paper is to assess the role of biomass usage in the context of these targets. The paper identifies the progress made between 2013 and 2022 by focusing on a selection of EU countries. The largest bioenergy increments of 130, 77, and 60 PJ were reported for Poland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. This study evaluates the crucial role of co-generation and heat in EU regions, with biomass usage between 55 and 80% of the combined heat and power (CHP) energy in Nordic countries. The future perspectives for bioenergy based on EU policies, biomass resources, and technical issues were addressed. The EU possesses around 9% of the global biomass supply, ensuring a certain level of biomass resource dependence. Thus, the biomass usage demand in energy production, non-energy sectors, and transport is expected to rise, leading to increments of 13–76% on biomass imports. It appears that bioenergy development is mostly limited by economic issues and uneven support for bioenergy in different EU countries as well as environmental issues. The study shows a promising and sustainable potential of bioenergy in the EU as a renewable energy source while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and the economy. By 2050, liquid biofuels are likely to be increasingly used in the transport sector. Non-energy sector usage of biomass is still in an early stage of development, except for the pulp and paper industry, and significant use of biomass in non-energy sectors seems unlikely in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the health and environment impacts of fossil fuels utilization, biofuels have been investigated as a potential alternative renewable source of energy. Bioethanol is currently the most produced biofuel, mainly of first generation, resulting in food-fuel competition. Second generation bioethanol is produced from lignocellulosic biomass, but a costly and difficult pretreatment is required. The pulp and paper industry has the biggest income of biomass for non-food-chain production, and, simultaneously generates a high amount of residues. According to the circular economy model, these residues, rich in monosaccharides, or even in polysaccharides besides lignin, can be utilized as a proper feedstock for second generation bioethanol production. Biorefineries can be integrated in the existing pulp and paper industrial plants by exploiting the high level of technology and also the infrastructures and logistics that are required to fractionate and handle woody biomass. This would contribute to the diversification of products and the increase of profitability of pulp and paper industry with additional environmental benefits. This work reviews the literature supporting the feasibility of producing ethanol from Kraft pulp, spent sulfite liquor, and pulp and paper sludge, presenting and discussing the practical attempt of biorefineries implementation in pulp and paper mills for bioethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this framework, experimental tests on different battery technologies, BMS and cooling systems are extremely important to extend the battery life and BEV performance (Sehil et al. [[13]]). Electrical machines and magnetic components, high-voltage voltage power converters, and battery storage systems are some basic bricks to build an effective and efficient energy conversion environment. Electrical Machines and Power Converters The electrical power conversion from renewable energy sources plays a crucial role in the development of a sustainable society. Finally, the fil rouge of every contribution in this section is oriented to investigate the power converters, electrical machines, magnetic components, and battery storage systems in actual energy conversion applications for renewable energy sources integration by a modelling approach. [Extracted from the article]

This study explored the association between renewable energy uptake and digitalization in the sector by reviewing relevant literature (published 2010–2022), with the aim of identifying the existing utilization of digital technologies within the sector, challenges to adoption, and future prospects. Different search engines (SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were used to locate relevant papers and documents. The results revealed the high significance of digital technologies in supporting the renewable energy sector, with high costs and security risks representing the key challenges. Most papers reviewed had a positive outlook, but recommended further research and development for effective energy transition and resilient infrastructure. The current drivers of the integration of digital technologies to support the diffusion of renewable energy sources appear to extend beyond energy demand and involve many aspects of sustainability and sustainable development. Compared with previous reviews, this work has unique scope and novelty since it considers the bigger picture of the coupling between digitalization and the renewable energy sector, with a greater focus on critical areas in these two interconnected bodies that need to be addressed. The relatively small sample of relevant papers (69 from 836 hits) located in the literature review confirms the need for more research covering the subject in greater depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging global environmental pollution issues have caused a reduction in coal utilization, leading to an increased research focus on biomass use as an alternative. However, due to the low heat values of biomass, studies in this field are still in progress. Biomass primarily comprises cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. To determine the composition of these three components, the measurement methods recommended by TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) and NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) are typically employed involving equipment such as HPLC. However, these methods are time consuming. In this study, we proposed a model for predicting cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents based on elemental and industrial analyses. A dataset comprising 174 samples was used to develop this model. This was validated using 25 additional samples. The R2P values for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were 0.6104–0.6362, 0.4803–0.5112, and 0.7247–0.7914, respectively; however, the R2CV values obtained from the validation results were 0.7387–0.7837, 0.3280–0.4004, and 0.7427–0.7757, respectively. The optimal models selected for cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose were C1, L2, and 100-(C1-L2) or H2, respectively. Our predictions for woody and herbaceous biomass, including torrefied samples, should be applied with caution to other biomass types due to the potential accuracy limitations. To enhance the prediction accuracy, future research should broaden the range of biomass types considered and gather more data specifically related to woody and herbaceous biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

This paper addresses the assessment of woody biomass resources in Russia and the Baikal region. The analysis of the literature demonstrates that the Baikal region has considerable amounts of waste from the logging, timber processing, and pulp and paper industries (up to 220 PJ). A review of utilization technologies for woody biomass demonstrates that the existing technologies based on biomass gasification are promising for energy purposes. The gasification of biomass for small-capacity power plants has some advantages compared to its combustion. This paper considers an autonomous power system that consists of photovoltaic converters, wind turbines, storage batteries, a biomass gasification power plant, and a diesel power plant. A mathematical model used to optimize the system's structure finds the minimum of the total discounted costs for the creation and operation of the system with some constraints met. Based on mathematical modeling, the cost-effectiveness of such a power supply system is assessed for different climatic zones of the Baikal region and the coastal area of Lake Baikal. The findings indicate that the optimal solution is the integration of various renewable energy sources in hybrid power systems. The proportion of energy sources of different types in the installed capacities is found. The study demonstrates that the optimal structure of the power system can provide significant savings (the total discounted costs are reduced by almost 2.5 times compared to the option using a diesel power plant alone). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the domain of renewable energy communities has experienced dynamic growth, spurred by European Union (EU) legislation that became law for all 27 Member States in June 2021. This legislative framework intensified research efforts aimed at discovering new methods for sustainable energy sources through the development of individual and collective energy communities. Each EU country has implemented distinct frameworks for renewable energy communities, leading to varied legislative approaches. This has spurred exponential investment, facilitating the deployment of photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems, offering significant economic and environmental benefits to community members. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this analysis is to investigate academic publications related to renewable energy communities. Using a dataset extracted from the ISI Web of Science database, this study employs a bibliometric approach to identify the main authors, affiliations, and journals and analyze collaboration networks, as well as discern key topics and the countries involved. The analysis reveals an annual growth rate of 42.82%. Through thematic maps, WordClouds, three-field plots, and a review of the top 10 globally cited documents, this study provides a comprehensive perspective on the evolving domain of renewable energy communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Large-scale growth of low-cost, efficient, and durable non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for water splitting is crucial for future renewable energy systems. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) provides a promising route for depositing uniform thin coatings of electrocatalysts, which are useful in many technologies, including the splitting of water. In this communication, we report the growth of a NiO/Ni catalyst directly on carbon fiber paper by atomic layer deposition and report subsequent reduction and oxidation annealing treatments. The 10-20 nm NiO/Ni nanoparticle catalysts can reach a current density of 10 mA·cm-2 at an overpotential of 189 mV for hydrogen evolution reactions and 257 mV for oxygen evolution reactions with high stability. We further successfully achieved a water splitting current density of 10 mA·cm-2 at 1.78 V using a typical NiO/Ni coated carbon fiber paper two-electrode setup. The results suggest that nanoparticulate NiO/Ni is an active, stable, and noble-metal-free electrocatalyst, which facilitates a method for future water splitting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper synthesizes the recent advancements in voltage regulation techniques for active distribution networks (ADNs), particularly in contexts with high renewable energy source (RES) penetration, using photovoltaics (PVs) as a highlighted example. It covers a comprehensive analysis of various innovative strategies and optimization algorithms aimed at mitigating voltage fluctuations, optimizing network performance, and integrating smart technologies like smart inverters and energy storage systems (ESSs). The review highlights key developments in decentralized control algorithms, multi-objective optimization techniques, and the integration of advanced technologies such as soft open points (SOPs) to enhance grid stability and efficiency. The paper categorizes these strategies into two main types: analytical methods and computational methods. In conclusion, this review underscores the critical need for advanced analytical and computational methods in the voltage regulation of ADNs with high renewable energy penetration levels, highlighting the potential for significant improvements in grid stability and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the challenges in forecasting electrical energy in the current era of renewable energy integration. It reviews advanced adaptive forecasting methodologies while also analyzing the evolution of research in this field through bibliometric analysis. The review highlights the key contributions and limitations of current models with an emphasis on the challenges of traditional methods. The analysis reveals that Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, optimization techniques, and deep learning have the potential to model the dynamic nature of energy consumption, but they also have higher computational demands and data requirements. This review aims to offer a balanced view of current advancements and challenges in forecasting methods, guiding researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. It advocates for collaborative innovation in adaptive methodologies to enhance forecasting accuracy and support the development of resilient, sustainable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient utilization of low-cost carbon feedstocks, such as municipal solid waste (MSW), in biorefineries has become increasingly important for reducing GHG emissions and meeting the growing demand for renewable energy sources. However, MSW as a feedstock presents several challenges, including high moisture content, compositional variability, particle size and shape, density, and ash content. To address these challenges, the potential of mechanical dewatering and high-moisture pelleting processes for densifying MSW fractions, such as paper, cardboard, thin plastic, and thick plastic, into low-cost carbon feedstocks with improved handling and conversion properties were investigated. The effect of these preprocessing technologies on the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the resulting pellets, including bulk density, durability, and size uniformity, were evaluated. The results showed that with these preprocessing technologies, the paper and cardboard fractions could be pelleted at moisture contents over 40% (w.b.) while achieving >99% durability and >300 kg/m3, while the high moisture plastic fractions were not suitable for pelleting. The thick plastic fraction processed in a screw press was shown to remove up to 30% of the moisture content in a single pass. These findings suggest that these mechanical preprocessing technologies can improve the physical properties of low-cost municipal solid waste fractions for biofuels production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

10.3390/en14102947 3 Pilatowska M., Geise A., Wlodarczyk A. The effect of renewable and nuclear energy consumption on decoupling economic growth from CO2 emissions in Spain. The last article, "Empirical Research on the Relationship amongst Renewable Energy Consumption, Economic Growth and Foreign Direct Investment in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan", is authored by [[3]]. This editorial paper presents a brief review of the 11 selected papers recently published: nine from I Energies i and two from other journals, and their citations are compared. They examine the associations between foreign direct investment, economic growth, and renewable energy consumption in the case of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. [Extracted from the article]

Floating wind is becoming an essential part of renewable energy, and so highlighting perspectives of developing floating wind platforms is very important. In this paper, we focus on floating wind concepts and projects around the world, which will show the reader what is going on with the projects globally, and will also provide insight into the concepts and their corresponding related aspects. The main aim of this work is to classify floating wind concepts in terms of their number and manufacturing material, and to classify the floating wind projects in terms of their power capacity, their number, character (if they are installed or planned) and the corresponding continents and countries where they are based. We will classify the corresponding additional available data that corresponds to some of these projects, with reference to their costs, wind speeds, water depths, and distances to shore. In addition, the floating wind global situation and its corresponding aspects of relevance will be also covered in detail throughout the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of strategies intended to support environmentally friendly and resource-efficient building processes comprise sustainable construction policies. The limited number of bibliometric analyses in the field may hinder the ability to assess the efficacy and impact of research efforts, impede the potential for collaboration, and even limit the dissemination of best practices. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze the impact of published data on the topic of energy efficiency of buildings using the Web of Science core collection database. We perform a bibliometric analysis and science mapping research that assesses significant parameters for the field. A total of 28,555 papers were analyzed using the VOSviewer program. The data was divided into two periods to determine the evolution of trends in this field. The most prolific countries in this field were China, the United States, and England. Following the analysis of the collaboration maps, it was determined that there is a strong collaborative relationship between these countries in the development of papers. The most prolific papers of the first period were published in Energy Policy and Energy and Buildings, which also ranked first in the second period, followed by Energies. It was observed that the most frequent terms used in literature searches in the field differ according to the periods analyzed. In the beginning, the most frequent term was "energy efficiency and performance", and between 2011 and 2023, the terms "applied energy" and "renewable and sustainable energy" increased considerably with technological development. The results of this research demonstrate the significant and expanding scientific interest in this area and serve as a valuable asset for researchers studying the energy efficiency of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the global drive towards sustainability and rapid integration of renewables, electric vehicles, and charging infrastructure, the need arises for advanced operational strategies that support the grid while managing the intermittent nature of these resources. Microgrids emerge as a solution, operating independently or alongside the main grid to facilitate power flow management among interconnected sources and different loads locally. This review paper aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the different control strategies proposed in the literature to control microgrids with electric vehicle charging stations. The surveyed research is primarily categorized according to the employed control algorithms, although distinctions are also made based on defined microgrid architecture, utilization of specific power sources, and charging stations configurations. Additionally, this paper identifies research gaps in the current research. These gaps encompass the use of oversimplified models for charging stations and/or renewable sources operation, limited simulation time periods, or lack of experimental testing of proposed approaches. In the light of these identified shortcomings, this manuscript presents recommendations for guiding future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Civil aviation significantly contributes to "hard-to-abate" emissions, responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissions. This paper examines the most effective policies to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in Italy, using a multi-level policy analysis and a stakeholder-based case study approach. The policies reviewed comprise the international, European, and national level. The paper analyses at the international level, ICAO CORSIA and, at the European level, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), ReFuel EU, and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for aviation. Italy has not yet implemented specific policies targeting SAF transition, which is challenging due to commercialization issues and policy inconsistencies. These include the price gap between SAF and conventional fuels, different definitions adopted, and environmental objectives pursued with respect to sustainable fuels by ICAO and the EU. Other challenges include double-counting risks and fuel tankering practices. This article contributes to Italy's SAF policymaking by developing a stakeholder-based quantitative survey, whose results suggest that three measures are key: tax subsidies for technology and infrastructure users, tax credits for upgrading production infrastructure, and tax breaks for SAF-using companies, fuel handlers, and distributors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy justice remains relatively under-researched outside of the Western context, especially in Asia. This paper addresses that gap by investigating the process of energy transition in Taiwan through the socio-spatial lens and institutional points of view. The paper underscores the urgency of recognizing and addressing the overlooked social injustices across different territories, advocating an integrated planning approach that incorporates a just energy transition perspective to reduce the uneven negative impacts of deploying renewable energies across communities and regional territories. Drawing on a case study of the Changhua region, the paper identifies conflicts arising from the rapid deployment of renewable energy, such as land use changes that displace farming activities and negatively affect rural stakeholders. The findings suggest the need to urgently address the gap between top–down goals in energy transition and bottom–up considerations to raise awareness and prevent injustices that risk deepening the existing socio-economic inequities. This paper also proposes a new framework for both new research and policy for (just) energy transition, incorporating distributional, procedural, and recognitional concerns together with a critical view on the cross-scale and cross-sectoral integration as part of the spatial planning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The frequency support capacity of power loads is essential for maintaining active power symmetry and balance between the generation and demand sides of power systems. As the proportion of renewable energy sources and power electronic equipment increases, the inertia on the power generation side decreases, highlighting the growing importance of frequency support on the load side. As it is generally believed that the active power balance of power systems determines the frequency stability, few studies have considered the effect of voltage variation on the frequency response dynamics. It is important to note that the node voltage keeps fluctuating throughout the frequency dynamic process, which affects the active power of loads and should not be neglected. Based on the aforementioned rationales, this paper endeavors to investigate the modeling of power load frequency response and analyze its support capability considering the voltage variation effect. This paper initially establishes the small-signal model of dynamic load under frequency dynamics, derives the transfer function relating active power to system frequency deviation, and subsequently develops its frequency response model. Subsequently, commencing with the ZIP model of static load, the power fluctuation of load nodes is derived from the influence of preceding nodes, and the frequency response model of the static load is formulated and its frequency support capacity is scrutinized. Based on this foundation, a comprehensive aggregation model of the complex load is constructed, and its frequency support capability is assessed using actual data. Finally, the proposed model and analysis results are validated through simulation, confirming their correctness and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Hybrid microgrids for residential applications with connections to renewable energy sources, electric vehicle recharging stations and the AC energy grid. This editorial manuscript reviews the papers accepted for publication in the Special Issue "DC & Hybrid Microgrids" of Applied Sciences. This Special Issue, co-organized by the University of Pisa, Italy and Østfold University College in Norway, has collected nine papers from 25 submitted, with authors from Asia, North America and Europe. The published articles provide an overview of the most recent research advances in direct current (DC) and hybrid microgrids, exploiting the opportunities offered by the use of renewable energy sources, battery energy storage systems, power converters, innovative control and energy management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart Transformers (STs) are being envisioned as a key element for the controllability of distribution networks in a future context of Renewable Energy Source (RES), Energy Storage System (ESS) and Electric Vehicle (EV) massification. Additionally, STs enable the deployment of hybrid AC/DC networks, which offer important advantages in this context. In addition to offering further degrees of controllability, hybrid AC/DC networks are more suited to integrate DC resources such as DC loads, PV generation, ESS and EV chargers. The purpose of the work developed in this paper is to address the feasibility of exploiting STs to actively coordinate a fleet of resources existing in a hybrid AC/DC network supplied by the ST aiming to provide active power-frequency regulation services to the upstream AC grid. The feasibility of the ST to coordinate the resources available in the hybrid distribution AC/DC network in order to provide active power-frequency regulation services is demonstrated in this paper through computational simulation. It is demonstrated that the aforementioned goal can be achieved using droop-based controllers that can modulate controlled variables in the ST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widely recognised Energiewende, ("energy transition") in Germany has lost its original momentum. We therefore address the question of how the transition process to a new energy system can be reignited. To do so, we developed the "5Ds approach", which lays the groundwork for a process analysis and the identification of important catalysts and barriers. Focusing on the five major fields required for the energy transition, we analyse the effects of: (1) Decarbonisation: How can efficiency and renewable energies be expanded successfully? (2) Digitalisation: Which digital solutions facilitate this conversion and would be suitable as sustainable business models? (3) Decentralisation: How can potential decentralised energy and efficiency opportunities be developed? (4) Democratisation: How can participation be strengthened in order to foster acceptance (and prevent "yellow vest" protests, etc.)? (5) Diversification of service: Which services can make significant contributions in the context of flexible power generation, demand-side management, storage and grids? Our paper comes to the conclusion that German policy efforts in the "5D" fields have been implemented very differently. Particularly with regard to democratisation, the opportunities for genuine participation among the different social actors must be further strengthened to get the Energiewende back on track. New market models are needed to meet the challenges of the energy transition and to increase the performance of "5D" through economic incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To advance carbon neutrality policies, many countries are increasingly integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) into their energy mix. However, for harnessing natural energy in power generation, RESs present challenges in output control, potentially leading to power imbalances. Such imbalances, when coupled with an excessive reliance on unpredictable RES, may necessitate the curtailment of grid-integrated renewable generation, halting production despite available capacity. This paper proposes strategies to mitigate the economic and operational efficiency impacts of increased RESs on the power grid. It focuses on the optimal operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) and Power to Gas (P2G) technology, which flexibly converts surplus electricity into hydrogen. By employing Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) for optimization and Stochastic Programming (SP) for the management of the uncertainty of renewable energy output, this paper evaluates the anticipated benefits of BESS and P2G applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This paper presents a methodology for the implementation of edge intelligence for predicting solar panel performances on wireless sensor nodes. The importance of the usage of renewable energy sources in powering wireless sensor nodes in IoT and sensor networks grows together with the increasing number of utilized sensor nodes. Considering the other types of renewable energy sources, solar power differs as the most suitable one and emerges as the major source for powering sensor nodes. Thus, the consideration of using sensor nodes and collected sensor data for estimating solar panel performances and therefore solar power potential can improve the efforts in this direction. This paper presents the methodology for implementing edge intelligence on wireless sensor nodes for solar panel output voltage estimation and forecasting. The methodology covers the usage of the Python Scikit-learn package and micromlgen library for the implementation of edge intelligence on Arduino clone-based sensor nodes, particularly the development boards based on the ESP8266 chips. Scikit-learn is used for analyzing the efficiency of various regressors on collected solar data. The micromlgen library is then used for implementing those regressors on Arduino and clone nodes. The prediction of solar panel voltage generation is based on a single-sensor reading—UV or BH1750 light sensor. The Random Forest and Decision Tree regressors are implemented on the ESP8266-based development board—Wemos D1 R2. The estimation accuracy of the RF model is an MSE of approximately 0.10, MAE of 0.07 for UV and 0.04 for BH1750, and an R2 of approximately 0.93 for both UV and BH1750 light sensors. The Decision Tree model has a lower accuracy with an MSE between 0.13 and 0.14, MAE of 0.07 for UV and 0.04 for BH1750, and R2 of 0.90 and 0.89 for the UV and BH1750 sensors, respectively. The methodology and its efficiency are presented and discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

10.3390/en13143519 15 Yang R., Yuan Y., Ying R., Shen B., Long T. A novel energy management strategy for a ship's hybrid solar energy generation system using a particle swarm optimization algorithm. Unfortunately, the paper does not take into account the fragility of the European Energy System with respect to the Energy suppliers. Moreover, the Energy Plant is strongly constrained by the primary energy providers and the energy distribution system must provide the difficult tasks related to implement dispatching and energy saving systems. 10.3390/en13040894 10 Nikolaou T., Stavrakakis G.S., Tsamoudalis K. Modeling and optimal dimensioning of a pumped hydro energy storage system for the exploitation of the rejected wind energy in the non-interconnected electrical power system of the Crete island, Greece. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union, in pursuit of the goal of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, is deploying different actions, with industry decarbonization as a key strategy. However, increasing electricity demand requires an intensification of energy generation from clean technologies, and the energy system's expansion is hindered by renewable generation's climatic dependencies and the imperative for substantial electrical infrastructure investments. Although the transmission grid is expected to grow, flexibility mechanisms and innovative technologies need to be applied to avoid an overwhelming growth. In this context, this paper presents a thorough assessment, conducted within the FLEXINDUSTRIES project, of the flexibility potential across seven energy-intensive industries (automotive industry, biofuel production, polymer manufacturing, steel manufacturing, paper mills, pharmaceutical industry, and cement production). The methodology followed during the analysis entails reviewing the state-of-the-art existing flexibility mechanisms, industries' energy markets engagement, and technical/operational readiness. The results highlight the feasibility of the proposed actions for enabling energy market flexibility through demand-response programs, quantifying energy opportunities, and pinpointing regulatory and technical barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition process from fossil fuels to environmentally friendly renewable energy sources carries the risk of creating new environmental damages. Photovoltaic technology represents one of the alternatives with the least risk of harmful environmental impact. However, this technology has two important drawbacks: the significant land occupation for the installation of PV systems and the uncontrollability of production. By constructing floating photovoltaic plants on hydroelectric reservoirs, both of these problems can be reduced to an acceptable level. Some artificial reservoirs, originally built for hydroelectric power plants, have acquired a significant secondary function as recreational areas and fish breeding sites. Therefore, there is justified resistance from the local community to change the existing appearance and purpose of such reservoirs. This paper proposes a completely new concept of integrating the interests of the local community into such objects. In addition to preserving existing uses, the concept also offers new features. This can make the entire system environmentally friendly and sustainable. This paper details the technology behind the construction of floating photovoltaic power plants on artificial reservoirs and emphasizes their various advantages. These benefits include the non-utilization of cultivable land, the ease of assembly and construction, integration into existing power grids, and the potential to address electricity storage issues. For instance, Buško Lake, covering an area of 55.8 km2, may host 2.93 km2 of installed floating photovoltaic (FPV) facilities, enabling a total installed capacity of 240 MW. With an average of 5.5 h of daily sunshine, this totals 2007 annual hours, equivalent to a 55 MW thermal power plant. An analysis showed that, with losses of 18.2%, the average annual production stands at 302 G W h , translating to an annual production value of 18 million € at 60 €/MWh. The integration of this production into an existing hydroelectric power plant featuring an artificial reservoir might boost its output by 91%. The available transmission line capacity of 237 MW is shared between the hydroelectric power plant (HPP) and FPV; hence during the FPV maximum power generation time, the HPP halts its production. HPP Orlovac operates a small number of hours annually at full capacity (1489 h); therefore in combination with the FPV, this number can be increased to 2852 h. This integration maintains the lake's functions in tourism and fishing while expanding its capabilities without environmental harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full- and reduced-order observers have been used in many engineering applications, particularly for energy systems. Applications of observers to energy systems are twofold: (1) the use of observed variables of dynamic systems for the purpose of feedback control and (2) the use of observers in their own right to observe (estimate) state variables of particular energy processes and systems. In addition to the classical Luenberger-type observers, we will review some papers on functional, fractional, and disturbance observers, as well as sliding-mode observers used for energy systems. Observers have been applied to energy systems in both continuous and discrete time domains and in both deterministic and stochastic problem formulations to observe (estimate) state variables over either finite or infinite time (steady-state) intervals. This overview paper will provide a detailed overview of observers used for linear and linearized mathematical models of energy systems and review the most important and most recent papers on the use of observers for nonlinear lumped (concentrated)-parameter systems. The emphasis will be on applications of observers to renewable energy systems, such as fuel cells, batteries, solar cells, and wind turbines. In addition, we will present recent research results on the use of observers for distributed-parameter systems and comment on their actual and potential applications in energy processes and systems. Due to the large number of papers that have been published on this topic, we will concentrate our attention mostly on papers published in high-quality journals in recent years, mostly in the past decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem of source-load uncertainty caused by the increasing penetration of renewable energy and the large-scale integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into modern power system, a robust optimal operation scheduling algorithm for regional integrated energy systems (RIESs) with such uncertain situations is urgently needed. Based on this background, aiming at the problem of the irregular charging demand of EV, this paper first proposes an EV charging demand model based on the trip chain theory. Secondly, a multi-RIES optimization operation model including a shared energy storage station (SESS) and integrated demand response (IDR) is established. Aiming at the uncertainty problem of renewable energy, this paper transforms this kind of problem into a dynamic robust optimization with time-varying parameters and proposes an improved robust optimization over time (ROOT) algorithm based on the scenario method and establishes an optimal scheduling mode with the minimum daily operation cost of a multi-regional integrated energy system. Finally, the proposed uncertainty analysis method is verified by an example of multi-RIES. The simulation results show that in the case of the improved ROOT proposed in this paper to solve the robust solution of renewable energy, compared with the traditional charging load demand that regards the EVs as a whole, the EV charging load demand based on the trip chain can reduce the cost of EV charging by 3.5% and the operating cost of the multi-RIES by 11.7%. With the increasing number of EVs, the choice of the starting point of the future EV trip chain is more variable, and the choice of charging methods is more abundant. Therefore, modeling the charging demand of EVs under more complex trip chains is the work that needs to be studied in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of renewable energy and the increasing maturity of energy storage technology, microgrids are quickly becoming popular worldwide. The stochastic scheduling problem of microgrids can increase operational costs and resource wastage. In order to reduce operational costs and optimize resource utilization efficiency, the real-time scheduling of microgrids becomes particularly important. After collecting extensive data, reinforcement learning (RL) can provide good strategies. However, it cannot make quick and rational decisions in different environments. As a method with generalization ability, meta-learning can compensate for this deficiency. Therefore, this paper introduces a microgrid scheduling strategy based on RL and meta-learning. This method can quickly adapt to different environments with a small amount of training data, enabling rapid energy scheduling policy generation in the early stages of microgrid operation. This paper first establishes a microgrid model, including components such as energy storage, load, and distributed generation (DG). Then, we use a meta-reinforcement learning framework to train the initial scheduling strategy, considering the various operational constraints of the microgrid. The experimental results show that the MAML-based RL strategy has advantages in improving energy utilization and reducing operational costs in the early stages of microgrid operation. This research provides a new intelligent solution for microgrids' efficient, stable, and economical operation in their initial stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the process of biomass pyrolysis and the importance of kinetic modeling in understanding and optimizing this process. Pyrolysis is a thermal conversion method that can produce solid and liquid biofuels, as well as raw materials for bio-based products. The distribution and quality of the products depend on the properties of the biomass and the thermal conditions used. However, there are challenges in accurately determining the kinetics of pyrolysis reactions due to factors such as the variability of biomass composition and the presence of catalysts. The article also provides an overview of nine research papers published in a special issue of the journal Processes, which cover topics such as the devolatilization behavior of different biomass feedstocks, the effects of torrefaction pretreatment, and the influence of catalysts on conversion dynamics. [Extracted from the article]

Energy security is a main challenge in today's economies [[1]]. Bielowicz in the paper entitled "Petrographic Characteristics of Coal Gasification and Combustion By-Products from High Volatile Bituminous Coal" showed the benefits of coal gasification in a fluidized bed reactor with CO SB 2 sb as a gasifying agent at the temperature 889-980 °C [[18]]. Among the clean coal technologies, the new, innovative thermochemical conversion of coal technologies such a (combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrogenation) and co-gasification with biomass/biowaste/sewage sludge will be discussed. In this special issue "The effectiveness of clean coal technologies in global carbon dioxide mitigation", seven research papers were published as examples of recent developments in widely understand area of clean thermochemical conversion of fossil fuels with maximization of CO SB 2 sb emission reduction. [Extracted from the article]

Charging electric vehicles (EVs) is of great concern both for future vehicle owners and grid operators, with charging at home being the preferred solution by 90% of owners. In addition, the supplied electricity needs to be clean in order to reduce emissions. This paper presents solutions for charging EVs at home using renewable electricity that fulfils such needs. It discusses: (1) the current landscape; (2) the latest hardware developments in the fields of renewable sources and storage; (3) software optimization for home energy management; (4) residential charging station standards and incentives offered by governments; (5) the evolution towards designing smart homes with low energy consumption from the grid; (6) case studies of particular interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims were to construct an air-breathing paper-based microfluidic fuel cell (paper-based μ FC) and to evaluated it with different soft drinks to provide energy for their prospective use in portable devices as an emergency power source. First, in a half-cell configuration, cyclic voltammetry showed that glucose, maltose, and fructose had specific oxidation zones in the presence of platinum-ruthenium on carbon (PtRu/C) when they were individual. Still, when they were mixed, glucose was observed to be oxidized to a greater extent than fructose and maltose. After, when a paper-based μ FC was constructed, PtRu/C and platinum on carbon (Pt/C) were used as anode and cathode, the performance of this μ FC was mostly influenced by the concentration of glucose present in each soft drink, obtaining maximum power densities at room temperature of 0.061, 0.063, 0.060, and 0.073 mW cm − 2 for Coca Cola ® , Pepsi ® , Dr. Pepper ® , and 7up ® , respectively. Interestingly, when the soft drinks were cooled, the performance was increased up to 85%. Furthermore, a four-cell stack μ FC was constructed to demonstrate its usefulness as a possible power supply, obtaining a power density of 0.4 mW cm − 2 , using Coca Cola ® as fuel and air as oxidant. Together, the results of the present study indicate an alternative application of an μ FC using soft drinks as a backup source of energy in emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers unique capabilities in terms of design freedom and customization, contributing to sustainable manufacturing. However, energy efficiency remains a challenge in the widespread adoption of AM processes. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the current research on energy efficiency in AM, addressing challenges, opportunities, and future directions. Our analysis reveals a lack of standardization in the measurement and reporting of energy consumption, making it difficult to evaluate and compare the energy performance of various systems. We propose a holistic framework to address energy efficiency throughout the entire life cycle of the AM process, highlighting the importance of design optimization, material selection, advanced control systems, and energy management strategies. The paper also emphasizes the need for further research on the interactions between process parameters, along with the potential of integrating renewable energy sources into AM systems. This review offers valuable insights for both academics and industry professionals, calling for standardized methodologies and a focus on energy management to optimize energy efficiency in AM processes, ultimately enhancing competitiveness and sustainability in modern manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global energy sector is in a period of transition, during which time it is expected that renewable and low-carbon energy sources, such as wind and solar, will replace traditional fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal. The energy transition is happening not only to limit the environmental impact of fossil fuel production and consumption but also to ensure energy security, reliability, access, affordability, and sustainability. The importance of the energy transition has been amplified by recent events, notably the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Economic, financial, and trade sanctions against Russia, and in particular its oil and gas industry, have forced countries to find new suppliers in the short term, but also to investigate new and more sustainable sources to guarantee long-term energy security. Given the importance of energy, it is perhaps not unexpected that there is a considerable body of recent academic literature, particularly over the last 4–5 years, studying what industries, consumers, governments, and markets can do to help bring about a faster energy transition. In this paper, we provide a review of the literature that pertains to the economic aspects of the energy transition. While our initial search of the literature is targeted at uncovering all relevant articles on the subject, we focus most of our discussion on the most influential articles in prominent journals and articles published in this journal—Energies. This review is intended to help identify active topics and potential research gaps and provide future direction, so we hope it will prove useful to the readers and authors interested in this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As large-scale renewable energy sources are increasingly integrated into AC grids via voltage source converters (VSCs), the transient synchronization stability of phase-locked loop (PLL)-based VSCs during fault ride-through is gaining more attention. Most existing studies assume that the positive and negative sequence separation and current control dynamics are much faster than the PLL dynamics, thereby neglecting their impact on the transient synchronization stability of the system. However, when the PLL bandwidth is relatively large, ignoring the positive and negative sequence separation and current control dynamics may result in incorrect stability assessments. To address this issue, this paper first considers the multiple control loop coupling, including positive and negative sequence separation, current control, and PLL, to construct a full-order nonlinear mathematical model of the VSC grid-connected system under asymmetric fault conditions. Based on this, the phase trajectory method is employed to analyze the transient synchronization stability of the system. Additionally, this full-order mathematical model is used to determine the PLL bandwidth boundary beyond which the effects of positive and negative sequence separation and current control dynamics cannot be neglected. Finally, PSCAD/EMTDC simulation results validate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in the proportion of photovoltaic and wind power access, the scale and form of distribution networks are becoming more and more complex. The traditional single distribution network vulnerability assessment method is difficult to use to identify the vulnerable links in the distribution network. Therefore, this paper proposes a method for identifying and evaluating vulnerable links in distribution networks based on minimum discriminant information. First, considering the influence of distributed grid connection, an improved probabilistic power flow calculation method is proposed, which improves the calculation efficiency and accuracy. Second, considering the correlation degree, transmission capacity, and voltage stability of branches in the distribution network, the identification index of vulnerable lines is defined. Based on power quality and operating state, the identification index of vulnerable nodes in a distribution network is defined. Finally, based on the indicators of vulnerable nodes and vulnerable lines, the vulnerable links in the distribution network are comprehensively evaluated based on the principle of minimum discriminant information, and the vulnerable links of the entire distribution network are evaluated according to different degrees of vulnerability. The rationality and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified via an example analysis of actual power grid data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews renewable energy integration with the electrical power grid through the use of advanced solutions at the device and system level, using smart operation with better utilisation of design margins and power flow optimisation with machine learning. This paper first highlights the significance of credible temperature measurements for devices with advanced power flow management, particularly the use of advanced fibre optic sensing technology. The potential to expand renewable energy generation capacity, particularly of existing wind farms, by exploiting thermal design margins is then explored. Dynamic and adaptive optimal power flow models are subsequently reviewed for optimisation of resource utilisation and minimisation of operational risks. This paper suggests that system-level automation of these processes could improve power capacity exploitation and network stability economically and environmentally. Further research is needed to achieve these goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global interest in environmental issues and sustainable energy has propelled extensive research in photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Brazil has emerged as one of the top ten solar energy producers and flexible PV suppliers in the world. In this context, organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) have garnered attention due to their flexibility and ability to integrate into various surfaces, albeit facing challenges regarding lifespan and efficiency compared to silicon cells. This review examines the current state of research on OPVs and thin-film solar technologies, employing the systematic literature review methodology Proknow-C. The review includes an analysis of raw materials such as conductive polymers, fabrication processes including film deposition and encapsulation, and technological advancements that enhance the efficiency and stability of OPVs. Utilizing the Proknow-C methodology, a bibliographic portfolio was constructed to identify the current state of research in this field. Of 268 papers from major scientific databases, only 30 were deemed relevant to the theme, highlighting a significant research gap. This paper is a valuable resource for researchers, providing an updated overview and a foundation for future investigations in organic photovoltaics. The results emphasize the importance of materials such as conductive polymers and donor–acceptor molecules and the role of nanotechnology in advancing OPVs. Innovations in manufacturing techniques, such as inkjet and blade coating-based printing techniques, are shown to increase efficiency by providing precise control over film thickness and uniformity and reducing costs through lower material waste. Overall, this review highlights the necessity of further exploration and collaboration within the scientific community to address the challenges and propel advancements in organic photovoltaic cells. These advancements are crucial for transitioning to cleaner energy sources, reinforcing the ongoing significance of thin-film technologies in energy innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with renewable energy technologies is revolutionizing modern power systems by enhancing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. This paper examines the role of the IoT in optimizing the integration and management of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the electrical grid. The IoT enables real-time monitoring, data analysis, and automation, facilitating advanced load management, demand response, and energy storage solutions. Key advancements in IoT technologies, including smart grids and energy management systems, are discussed, highlighting their impact on improving grid stability and promoting the use of renewable energy. The paper also finds some challenges such as data security, privacy, and the need for standardized communication protocols. Furthermore, it finds how the IoT optimizes electric vehicle performance through advanced battery management, real-time energy consumption monitoring, and improved interaction with the electrical grid. Future research directions emphasize the potential of the IoT to further enhance renewable energy integration through artificial intelligence and machine learning, driving the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, global efforts towards a future with sustainable energy have intensified the development of renewable energy sources (RESs) such as offshore wind, solar photovoltaics (PVs), hydro, and geothermal. Concurrently, green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using these RESs, has been recognized as a promising solution to decarbonizing traditionally hard-to-abate sectors. Furthermore, hydrogen storage provides a long-duration energy storage approach to managing the intermittency of RESs, which ensures a reliable and stable electricity supply and supports electric grid operations with ancillary services like frequency and voltage regulation. Despite significant progress, the hydrogen economy remains nascent, with ongoing developments and persistent uncertainties in economic, technological, and regulatory aspects. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the green hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, transportation logistics, storage methodologies, and end-use applications, while identifying key research gaps. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of green hydrogen into both grid-connected and islanded systems, with a focus on operational strategies to enhance grid resilience and efficiency over both the long and short terms. Moreover, this paper draws on global case studies from pioneering green hydrogen projects to inform strategies that can accelerate the adoption and large-scale deployment of green hydrogen technologies across diverse sectors and geographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into smart grids has been considered crucial for advancing towards a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. Their integration is vital for achieving energy sustainability among all clean energy sources, including wind, solar, and hydropower. This review paper provides a thoughtful analysis of the current status of the smart grid, focusing on integrating various RES, such as wind and solar, into the smart grid. This review highlights the significant role of RES in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing traditional fossil fuel reliability, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and empowering energy security. Moreover, key advancements in smart grid technologies, such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, are explored to clarify the related topics to the smart grid. The usage of various technologies enhances grid reliability, efficiency, and resilience are introduced. This paper also investigates the application of Machine Learning (ML) techniques in energy management optimization within smart grids with the usage of various optimization techniques. The findings emphasize the transformative impact of integrating RES and advanced smart grid technologies alongside the need for continued innovation and supportive policy frameworks to achieve a sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]