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This paper has sorted out the general logic of the impact of COVID-19 on energy consumption. In the short term, the epidemic has forced governments to adopt different levels of lockdown measures. The total electricity consumption decreased and the share of renewable energy has increased. Based on the International Energy Agency's (IEA) data on electricity production and consumption, this paper analyzes the long-term effects: The COVID-19 pandemic does affect overall electricity demand and market structure in the short term, but in the long term, the impact of the pandemic is detrimental to the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources. Increased, especially in hard-hit countries. The impact on countries with different levels of development is different, and countries with higher levels of economic development are better able to resist such exogenous shocks. The pandemic is still ongoing, how to steadily promote sustainable development? In this paper we suggest that to cope with climate change, to accomplish energy transformation and upgrading or even sustainable development, we should not only rely on reducing human activities, but give more support to countries with low development levels in realizing sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to present renewable energy market development with particular regard paid to biofuels in the EU. The analysis included data on the share of renewables in Gross Island energy consumption, changes of renewable energy in the years 2004–2016 and the amount of liquid biofuels. The authors of the paper used descriptive and statistical methods to describe the changes in bioenergy development in the European Union (EU). The biggest share of biofuels and renewable waste can be seen in Latvia (31.2%), Finland (26.7%) and Sweden (24.8%). The highest percentage of wind energy in 2015 was found in: Denmark (7.2%), Portugal (4.3%), Ireland (4.0%) and Spain (3.5%). The highest share of solar energy in 2015 was found in Cyprus (3.5%), Spain (2.6%) and Greece (2.2%). The highest contribution of geothermal energy was found in 2015 in Italy (3.5%), Portugal (0.8%) and Slovenia (0,7%). Hydropower was the biggest in 2015 in Sweden (14.2%), Austria (9.6%) and Slovenia (5.0%). The highest coefficients of variation of the share of electricity from renewable energy sources were found in the years 2004–2017 in Malta (140.3%), Cyprus (101.1%) and United Kingdom (71.9%). In addition, the highest coefficients of variation of share of renewable energy sources in heating and cooling in the years 2004–2017 were found in Malta (72.4%), United Kingdom (69.81%) and Hungary (44.91%). Moreover, the highest coefficients of variation of share of renewable energy sources in transport in the years 2004–2017 were found in Finland (113.78%), Malta (115.52%) and Belgium (96.53%). The biggest producers of ethanol and biodiesel in EU were Germany, France and Poland. Cluster analysis data show that Germany and France are of key importance in the production of biodiesel and ethanol. The biodiesel production increased in the years 2003–2017 from 719,32 million liters to 13323 million liters (increase 1852.2%). However, in the years 2014–2017 a stagnation in biofuel production was observed from 13673 million liters to 13323 million liters (−2,56%). The situation on the market and the increasing demand for green energy suggest that the production of ethanol and esters of vegetable oils will increase by 2030, which will contribute to the development of this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present situation, renewable energy has become a vital source to mitigate energy crises and environmental threats. In order to ensure that women's contributions, knowledge and opinions represent a significant portion of the expanding energy sector, it is crucial to approach the development of renewable energy from a gender perspective. Bibliometric analysis was performed to identify prior research on two primary terms, "Gender" and "Renewable Energy", from 1995 to 2022. Identifying the most influential countries, authors, publications, journals, and co-occurrence of keywords helps to understand the evaluation and trends of the research through network visualisations by bibliometric approach. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of the influence of gender on renewable energy. The result of this paper gives details picture of the gender impact on renewable energy during the period from 1995 to 2022. The paper centred on bibliometric and cluster analysis based on the two most important databases, Web of Science and Scopus. The study involved utilising various bibliometric tools, including R Studio, VOSviewer, and Biblioshiny. The study revealed an increase in publications and citations during the third period since 2017, after the United Nations set the target of the Sustainable Development Goal. Most influential countries and productive authors belong to China, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. Energy Research and Social Science are predominated in publications on the research topic. In addition, the co-occurrence of keywords found major keywords related to this topic, such as renewable energy, gender, women, knowledge, sustainability, climate change and sustainable development. Finally, the study observed a huge research gap because developing nations are more affected by the lack of gender-influencing policies on the growth of renewable energy. Thus, the study provides a comprehensive overview of research in this field that can help researchers and stakeholders identify potential ways for future research in gender considerations on renewable energy access by formulating effective policies to change society and reach the Sustainable Development Goals. • Gender has become a focal point of interest within the renewable energy sector. • Using network visualisation, bibliometric analysis examines research trends by keyword occurrence and country collaborations. • Publication, citation, journal, and authorship contribution trends are to be analysed. • The research growth across different periods was discussed for potential future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small islands are fragile and dependent territories in many sectors, especially energy. Hence, renewable energy microgrids (MGs) can offer an opportunity for environmentally sustainable energy supply but also a driver for new development strategies in these territories. This paper aims to analyse the role that MGs can play in insular spaces for the achievement of more sustainable communities. Initially, MGs played a crucial role in ensuring energy supply in spaces characterised by a difficult supply. However, with technological improvements in both generation and storage, as well as institutional and legislative changes, MGs can play a fundamental role in achieving more socially cohesive and environmentally sustainable spaces beyond their role as energy suppliers. We discuss three main topics after a meta-analysis of 18 MGs, both on-grid and off-grid, located in insular spaces: 1) the characteristics of MGs built in insular territories in the last 25 years; 2) MGs influence islanders' well-being and lifestyle; and 3) how MGs can encourage responsible consumption and promote postgrowth strategies. Thus, this paper explores the role that MGs have played in the past and present and what role they could play in the future of small island spaces. It might be concluded that MGs are a key factor in the development of more sustainable societies. However, they must be accompanied by changes in our economies, societies and lifestyles in a direction other than the pursuit of economic growth traditionally understood as a limitless increase in consumption and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh has encountered several challenges, including issues like overpopulation, energy shortage, and global warming for the last few decades. Addressing the increasing energy demand has become a crucial concern because of rapid increase in population and lack of growth in the economic. The electricity production of a country heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, which makes up approximately 54% of the current installed capacity. Bangladesh is an agrarian nation and biomass stands out as a source of renewable energy having significant potential to mitigate the demand for heat and electricity. Biomass resources in the country mainly comprise animal dung, agricultural crop residuals, solid waste from municipalities and forest residues. The existing biomass resources contribute to producing a high amount of energy and content of around 1574.16 PJ of energy equivalent to 437.28 TWh of electricity in which agricultural residues, animal manure, municipal solid waste, and forest residues impart around 852.32 PJ, 399.04 PJ, 112.16 PJ, and 210.64 PJ of energy respectively. This paper explores the extent, possibilities, and technologies associated with biomass energy conversion. Additionally, the study delves into the several biomass projects that the government, as well as non-governmental groups, are working on for environmental sustainability along with plans, challenges, and methods that are being utilized to encourage biomass technologies across Bangladesh. [Display omitted] • The biomass potentiality in Bangladesh for heat and electricity generation is emphasized. • The energy scenario and necessity of alternative energy sources in Bangladesh are discussed. • The available energy conversion technologies from biomass in Bangladesh are presented. • The existing biomass resource content of around 1574.16 PJ (437.28 TWh of electricity) of energy. • The economic aspects and challenges of biomass conversion into energy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global call to address climate change and advance sustainable development has created rapid growth in research, investment, and policymaking regarding the renewable energy transition of Indigenous communities. From a rightsholder perspective, Indigenous Peoples' vision of sustainability, autonomy, and sovereignty should guide research on their energy needs. In this paper, we present a multi-method, inductive examination to identify gaps between Indigenous communities' expressed needs and rights, and the questions researchers and policymakers investigate in energy transition research conducted in the context of Indigenous communities located in Canada. We combine a systematic review of the extant literature, a scoping review of the grey literature on off-grid communities by Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments and non-governmental policy bodies, qualitative primary data collected via fieldwork, and an in-depth study of an Indigenous-led renewable energy transition study conducted by Haíɫzaqv Nation's Climate Action Team. We holistically examine these different perspectives and identify emergent themes to recommend ways to bridge the gaps between off-grid renewable energy research and stated Indigenous community priorities. Specifically, we recommend designing equitable research practices, understanding community worldviews, developing holistic research goals, respecting Indigenous data sovereignty, and sharing or co-developing knowledge with communities to align with community priorities closely. • There is a research-practice gap in Indigenous communities' energy transitions. • We used a multi-method inquiry integrating Indigenous and Western approaches. • Renewable energy literature diverges from the Indigenous community vision and goals. • Indigenous research methods can reduce the research-practice gap in high-tech fields. • Community-based approaches can use traditional laws to yield actionable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy is an effective solution to alleviate the energy crisis and achieve sustainable development, and is gradually growing into an important energy source to support economic and social development. Different renewable energy technical plans have different characteristics under multiple criteria. Therefore, before the further exploitation of renewable energy sources, it is of great significance to evaluate the comprehensive performance of different plans and then determine the best renewable energy sources. Given this background, this paper proposes a novel evaluation method for renewable energy technical plans based on improved rough set theory and grey cloud model. Firstly, based on the normalized evaluation data, self-organizing map (SOM) clustering algorithm and system clustering analysis are adopted to discretize the evaluation attributes indexes and decision attributes indexes, respectively. Next, the improved rough set conditional information entropy method is used to calculate the index weights. Finally, the grey cloud model is employed to determine the grade classification of each evaluated plan. At the same time, each grade is quantified by assigning a corresponding score, and the comprehensive performances of renewable energy plans can be calculated, and then the ranking of different plans is achieved. Based on the actual renewable energy development data from a province in China, experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method performs better than some evaluation methods for renewable energy technical plans. [Display omitted] • Propose a novel evaluation method for renewable energy technical plans. • Use self-organizing map clustering algorithm to discretize the attributes indexes. • Apply improved rough set theory to determine the index weights. • Achieve the complete ranking of plans, and classify the plans into different levels. • Compared with the existing evaluation method, the proposed method performs better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that emphasizes sustainable and affordable energy presents a practical pathway to achieve sustainable growth. Moreover, this goal aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on climate action. Nonetheless, it is important to consider factors such as political and financial risk, as they can influence climate action efforts and the renewable energy sources adoption. Hence, this study broadens the conversation surrounding CO 2 emission reduction and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It accomplishes this by investigating the interplay between renewable energy, political risk, financial risk, and CO 2 emissions in Finland spanning from 1990/Q1 to 2021/Q4. Notably, this research distinguishes itself through its exploration of these complex connections, employing a wavelet-based quantile methodology. Unlike traditional quantile regression, which can only reveal connections between variables within each quantile, the wavelet-based quantile approach enables the simultaneous capture of correlations across quantiles and periods. The results show that in the long-term and across all quantiles (0.01–0.99), energy efficiency, specifically gas and oil efficiency, lessens CO 2. In addition, low financial and political risks improve ecological quality by lessening CO 2 across all periods and quantiles (0.01–0.99). The paper outcomes serve as a basis for formulating a policy framework aimed at achieving SDG 7 and SDG 13 in Finland. • We explore the impact of energy efficiency and country risk on CO 2 emissions. • The role of renewable energy and economic growth are also analyzed. • The Time series data of the Finland is used from 1990/Q1 to 2020/Q4. • Various wavelet-based quantile correlation is applied. • Renewable energy, oil and gas efficiency decrease CO 2 emissions in each quantile and across periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive understanding of the impact of renewable/non-renewable energy consumption on ecological quality and economic growth can serve to the sustainability of energy, ecology, and economy. This paper provides a new perspective of the comprehensive system of the 3E model, and introduces indicator of social factor to examine the non-linear effects of urbanization on energy, economy, and the environment. A threshold panel regression model is developed using the data of 120 countries in the last 20 years. In the proposed model, renewable energy and non-renewable energy are explanatory variables, economic growth and ecological footprint are explained variables, and urbanization are threshold variable. Non-linear relationships are concretized and quantified in the research of global and different income groups. The results show that global renewable energy can promote economic growth while improving the environment. As the urbanization rate increases, the negative effect of renewable energy on the ecological footprint first weakens and then increases, and the positive coefficient on the economy maintains a growth trend. Non-renewable energy has a more obvious positive effect on economic growth, but it increases the ecological footprint. The development of urbanization strengthens its promotion of the economy and reduces its pressure on the environment. From the perspective of different income groups, renewable energy does not always suppress the ecological footprint. The energy transition reduces economic growth in the initial stages of urbanization in certain regions. After crossing the threshold, the coefficient changes of different income groups have similarities and differences. Based on the conclusions, some recommendations are put forward, including promoting the transformation of energy consumption structure, improving energy efficiency and accelerating the process of urbanization. The model in this paper is suitable for investigating the nonlinear impact of urbanization on the 3E system through panel data, and can provide theoretical support for studying the threshold effect of a country or economy. This study also shows the importance of renewable energy and the indirect effects of urbanization, which is helpful for formulating global sustainable and coordinated development policies. [Display omitted] • A new perspective of the energy-economy-environment (3E) model is proposed. • Threshold models enable the non-linear relationships to be concretized and quantified. • Global renewable energy improves the environment while promoting economic growth. • Urbanization reduces the pressure on the environment from energy consumption. • Urbanization strengthens the positive effect of energy on economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are considerable biomass resources in the European Union (EU) and mature conversion technologies to exploit the potentials of bioenergy. The challenge confronting the EU and member states is how to accelerate the implementation of bioenergy systems. This paper contributes to the identification, analysis, and discussion of barriers for bioenergy in the EU. Adopting an innovative methodology involving industry interactions, research workshops, and case studies, this paper identified economic conditions, know-how and institutional capacity, and supply chain co-ordination as the key barriers obstructing the expansion of bioenergy. The case studies expose four points about barriers to bioenergy. First, there are no absolute barriers to realising the potentials of bioenergy in the EU. Second, it is non-technical challenges that are hindering bioenergy rather than technical issues. Third, barriers for bioenergy are dynamic and depend on the context. Fourth, there are consistent strategies and interventions in the case studies to overcome barriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Three models for the projection of long-term electricity generation for Pakistan are developed in this paper. Baseline (BL), Coal and Renewable Energy (RE) scenarios are used to analyze current and future electricity generation. From an environmental perspective, both the BL and RE scenarios are found to be superior to the Coal scenario, but a cost-benefit analysis indicates that the RE scenario is most expensive though it brings the benefit of effectively reducing dependence on imports of primary fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy is the inevitable choice for the sustainable development of society and economy. How to select the most appropriate renewable energy for a region is a complex multi-criterion decision making (MCDM) problem. Taking Jilin Province as an example, this paper proposes a new MCDM method. In order to better express the hesitancy, inconsistency and uncertainty of decision makers’ preferences, linguistic hesitant fuzzy set (LHFS) is proposed. On the basis of cloud model, the rule of transforming LHFS to quantitative values is defined. Subsequently, the distance measure and support measure are established. In consideration of the interdependency of criteria, an LHFS aggregation operator based on improved Choquet integral is proposed. Finally, the ranking result of the aggregated LHFS corresponding to each renewable energy alternative is obtained according to the expectation values. The result shows that the preferred renewable energy for Jilin is biomass energy, followed by wind energy, hydro energy and solar energy. The validation analysis and comparison analysis are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased competition and reduced profit margins are pushing manufacturing plants to find ways to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. At the same time, government incentives and community initiatives are encouraging the industrial sector to pursue sustainability in operation and energy consumption. This has introduced a paradigm shift where the focus of plant operation is moving from solely cost reduction to one that considers asset management, emission control, and utilization of alternative energy resources. Mathematically speaking, the problem is changing from a single objective optimization to one with multiple objective functions that may at times be contradictory. The focus of this paper is to propose a methodology for management of an industrial plant considering the above factors. It is assumed that the plant is equipped with distributed generation (DG), and can also participate in demand response (DR). Further, the effect of ambient temperature on the lifetime and available capacity of assets such as the plant transformer has been taken into account and incorporated into their daily schedule. The objective is then to find an optimal solution for operating various workstations in such a way that it minimizes the operational costs, the emissions produced, and the loss of life of assets exposed to excess temperatures. A multi-objective optimization problem is therefore formulated through extended lexicographic goal programming, which is further modified to ensure Pareto optimality. A case study has also been presented for a manufacturing plant for luxury vehicle cockpit assembly line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the understanding of transitions towards low carbon societies in the developing world. While adding extensive empirical insights from the status of energy transitions in two countries faced with major energy challenges, the Philippines and Morocco, our contribution enquires what role external actors like international donors in general, and Germany in particular, can play in such transitions. Based on extensive semi-structured, in-depth expert interviews with energy sector stakeholders in the Philippines and Morocco, this article elucidates the opportunities and barriers of supporting and incentivizing energy transitions in developing countries through development cooperation. Taking transition management as an analytical framework to highlight links between niche level experiments and the electricity regime, this study reveals that donors cannot force an energy transition, but can be a driving force for testing alternative ways for electricity supply through niche level experiments and regime level interventions that are closely connected to the country's primary energy objectives. Multi-stakeholder coordination, a clearer linkage between niche level projects and regime changing effects, and a better understanding of a country's energy transition objectives are promising approaches to increase the likelihood of development cooperation positively affecting a regime level shift in the electricity system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To increase share of renewable in energy mix and to increase decentralized nature of the energy system, Yogyakarta needs to improve energy technology applications that utilize a variety of local renewable energy resources. In this spirit, this paper describes examples that demonstrate challenges in the application of small-scale renewable energy installations based on bio-energy, hydropower and small-scale photovoltaics system in Yogyakarta. Discussion was focused on the challenges of benefit sustainability in utilizing renewable energy technologies. The study was conducted on three biodig2ester systems based on cattle waste: two systems utilizing waste from tofu small industry and a system using human faeces. From socio-cultural point of view, the study showed tendency of willingness of local community to use biogas instead of fossil-based energy and indication of the willingness of local community to run and maintain existing biodigester systems. However, there was still lack of proper operation and maintenance standard. The study showed that three cattle manure-based biodigester could reach 91%, 78% and 85% of theoretical level respectively. Two biodigester systems based on tofu industry waste achieved 72.78% and 0%, respectively, while the human faeces biodigester reached level of 95.6%. Furthermore, it was shown that six biodigester systems studied were unable to meet economic feasibility criteria. Study was also conducted on a micro-hydro power plant built in Van Der Wick irrigation channel. The power plant was of 11kW installed capacity. The study was focused on debris being blocked by trash rack and its influence on the power plant''s performance. The result showed that the debris accumulation could lead to blockage of the trash rack that could, in turn, decrease water discharge flowing into intake of the power plant. In one observation during the study, the power plant even stopped working in less than four hours due to total trash rack blockage. Meanwhile, another set of detail study was also conducted on 20 of 60 solar home systems (SHSs) which were in operation for two years. They were distributed and installed by the government of Yogyakarta to districts of the province as a grant. The SHSs are of 50 Wp and are designed to power three lights. The study showed that all SHS under study could, in average, only achieve 68.05% of designed performance level. Besides, the problems in solar panels, wiring, inverter and light ballast were also found. The last one occurred in 50% of SHSs under study. Principle of the holistic framework of the technology diffusion and the supporting network should be implemented to keep benefit of small scale renewable energy infrastructures in Yogyakarta sustain. It needs comprehensive and long term program touching both technological and non-technological aspects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper discuss role of cooperations in creating opportunities for using rich renewable energy sources and also their potential role for entrepreneurship and employment in Iran. The presence of constant, sustainable and economical energy is an essential basis for any economical and social development while it can upgrade life qualities. Iran has a considerable amount of natural resources for modernizing its energy supply and being transited to a sustainable energy system as it has countless opportunities for using rich renewable energy sources. On the other hand, cooperation have been considered as a strategic way to create job opportunities as they are strong organizations which can encounter economical and social side affects caused by quick moderating procedures in structural programs. Results show convergence between renewable sources development and Iran''s economical development through taking a frugal approach in expenses, creating new job opportunities and entrepreneurship in renewable energies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Talking about the concept of “environment” means treating a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary theme which revives a simultaneous consideration of multiple data social, economic, natural. To date, the protection of the environment as a whole becomes a challenge for many countries, policies for the preservation, education and scientific research strategies are aimed at the environment and sustainable development. It remains an idea of its young problem, still current. It is development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the field of architecture and urban planning, environmental protection is an important place. With the growth experienced by this area, several environmental procedures have been invented to improve the quality of construction and use of buildings, a view mainly environmental but without neglecting the economic and social aspects. The environmental protection has long existed, it is found in the experiences of ancient cities such as Ksours. This legacy is an inspiration and an asset for the sustainable development of our cities today. According to Hassan Fathy only in the tradition, we respect and we continue the work of previous generation that new generation can really move and solve the problem. The materials used the distribution of space, protection of natural resources such as water and palm trees, recycling, are the strategies of the company of Ksours to live in a healthy and comfortable space. The objectives of this paper are: To highlight the history of environmental policy in architecture and urbanism in the world, in this case Ksours. Renewable energy and strategies of the preservation of the environment in the Ksours Sustainable development in Ksours: a notion that has long existed. Establish strategies to protect the environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Click In the background of global financial crisis and abnormal climate, low-carbon economy has become an optimal choice for the sustainable development of all countries. The biomass based power generation industry is an important way of developing low-carbon economy as well as a way of improving the energy structure of China. As a renewable energy, biomass power has a rapid growth in the last few decades in China. This industry faces opportunities as well as challenges for development. Using SWOT analysis method, this paper reviews and assesses the factors of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of biomass power generation industry of China. Meanwhile, according to the weaknesses and threats of this industry, it comes up with corresponding suggestions for future work, substantial work is still required for China to catch up with developed countries. Finally, study indicated that the usage of biomass to generate power has great potential for development in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Some emerging technologies are expected to be pivotal for solving many of the environmental challenges faced today, especially those related to energy. However, many of these technologies may incur significant environmental impacts over their life cycle, while having environmental benefits during their use. This paper presents results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a proposed type of nanophotovoltaic, quantum dot photovoltaic (QDPV) module. The LCA is confined to the stages of raw materials acquisition, manufacturing, and use. The impacts of QDPV are compared with other types of PV modules and energy sources – both renewable and nonrenewable. To provide a comprehensive comparative assessment, QDPV modules were compared with mature as well as emerging PV types for which data are available. Comparative assessment with other types of energy sources includes coal, oil, lignite, natural gas, diesel, nuclear, wind, and hydropower. QDPV modules may have the potential to overcome two current barriers of solar technology: low efficiencies and high manufacturing costs. If higher efficiencies are realized, QDPV modules could pave the way to large scale implementation of solar energy, helping nations move toward greater energy independence. On the other hand, candidate materials as quantum dots for solar cell applications are mostly compound semiconductors such as cadmium selenide, cadmium telluride, and lead sulfide which may be toxic and for which renewable options are limited. Toxic effects of these materials may be exacerbated by their nanoscale features. The LCA was carried out using the software SimaPro, and the Ecoinvent Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database supplemented with available literature and patent information. Our results indicate that while QDPV modules have shorter Energy PayBack Time (EPBT), lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), SO x and NO x emissions than other types of PV modules, they have higher heavy metal emissions, underscoring the need for investigation of emerging technologies, especially nano-based ones, from a life cycle perspective. QDPV modules are better in all impact categories assessed than carbon-based energy sources but they have longer EPBT than wind and hydropower and higher GWP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Appraising the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) options’ contribution to Sustainable Development (SD) is a complex task, considering the different aspects of SD the imprecision and uncertainty of the related information as well as the qualitative aspects embodied, that cannot be represented by numerical values. The objective of the paper is to show how energy policy objectives towards SD and RES options are related and assessed using linguistic variables. The presented method extends the numerical multicriteria method TOPSIS for processing linguistic information, eliminating in parallel the loss of information caused by the approximation procedures and the ambiguity of the fuzzy ranking method’s selection. Moreover, the application of the method’s computerized software to the RES interventions proposed in the Hellenic National Action Plan for Greenhouse Gases is presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the key factors on which the sustainable development of modern society should be based is the possibility to take advantage of renewable energies. Biomass resources are one of the most common and widespread resources in the world. Their use to produce energy has many advantages, such as the reduction of greenhouse emissions. This paper describes a GIS-based Environmental Decision Support System (EDSS) to define planning and management strategies for the optimal logistics for energy production from woody biomass, such as forest biomass, agricultural scraps and industrial and urban untreated wood residues. The EDSS is characterized by three main levels: the GIS, the database, and the optimization. The optimization module is divided in three sub-modules to face different kinds of decision problems: strategic planning, tactical planning, and operational management. The aim of this article is to describe the strategic planning level in detail. The decision variables are represented by plant capacity and harvested biomass in a specific forest parcel for each slope class, while the objective function is the sum of the costs related to plant installation and maintenance, biomass transportation and collection, minus the benefits coming from the energy sales at the current market price, including the renewable energy certificates. Moreover, the optimization problem is structured through a set of parameters and equations that are able to encompass different energy conversion technologies (pyrolysis, gasification or combustion) in the system. A case study on the Liguria Region (Savona Province) is presented and results are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Protecting the environment has been the priority of many sectors in our endeavor to ensure sustainable development. Implementation of green energy development based on the use of biomass is in the right path in adopting a holistic approach in the promotion of renewable energy. Malaysia has very substantial potential for biomass energy utilization given its equatorial climate that is ideal for dense tropical forest growth and agricultural vegetation. Biomass power potentials from wood processing and palm oil were estimated at 280 TJ and 250 TJ, respectively. By the year 2010, the biomass energy potential is expected to increase to 820 TJ. The paper describes the effective use of biomass as the first of the renewable energy sources to be developed for large-scale applications, especially in the palm oil industry and the methodology for energy harness by innovative utilization of waste from palm oil cultivation and processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Among the main components of a smart city, the energy system plays a vital and core role in the transition towards a sustainable urban life. Furthermore, the utilization of renewable energy sources has been demonstrated as a significant contribution to reducing pollutant emissions and enhancing the quality of the living environment. Therefore, designing the energy systems based on clean and renewable criteria is considered a sustainable solution for smart cities. Indeed, the deep and rapid penetration of renewable energy-based technologies have been believed to very well fit into a smart city under various scales, this could supply a secure basis for a modern society with a low-carbon economy. In this review paper, the main components and roles of renewable energy resources (such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, and biofuels) for the smart city were fully introduced. Besides, integrating the renewable sources form into the energy systems of smart cities was thoroughly analyzed on the basis of technical and economic criteria. Finally, existing challenges and future scenarios were also discussed in detail to clarify the progress and perspective of smart renewable energy systems for the smart city. In general, the integration of renewables into energy systems of the smart city is a sagacious perspective and solution aiming to achieve cleaner process and more sustainable development. However, the optimization issues of the energy system for integrating of renewable components, ensuring good stability, maximizing the operating range, and minimizing the investment costs should be critically evaluated in the future works. • Designing tools and key criteria for smart renewable energy systems. • Efficiency and prospect of integrating renewables into energy system for smart city. • Existing problems and challenges for renewable-based energy system in smart city. • Future scenarios for the sustainable development of energy system in smart city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is a resource-constrained country facing severe power shortages. To address the power demand-supply gap, Pakistan has increased its use of fossil fuel energy sources for power generation. To support a lower carbon power supply Pakistan needs renewable energy sources such as hydropower. However, most of the water for irrigation and power generation in the country is derived from a watershed in a disputed territory shared between India and Pakistan. Construction of hydroelectric dams over transboundary rivers have led to concerns regarding their ecological impacts. In this paper, we evaluated the sustainability of the Bursar Hydroelectric Project, proposed on such a transboundary river. Emergy analysis was used to holistically determine the change in the intrinsic value of the local ecosystem both before and after the construction of the dam. The results show that the project would increase the qualitative value of outputs derived from the local ecosystem. However, it would also extract and stock significant resources thus decreasing the overall sustainability of the system. In conclusion, the construction of the subject dam has negative consequences for unrestricted flow of water, sediments and biomass downstream. Policy makers can use this study to design mitigation measures for ecological conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]