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This paper examines the potential of solar and hydrogen (H 2) energy-based hybrid energy systems for residential applications. The growing need for energy and the demand for sustainable energy sources have led to the development of integrated energy systems that combine renewable energy resources to meet energy needs. This paper overviews recent studies on hybrid energy systems for on-grid and off-grid residential utilizations. It discusses the system configuration and components of hybrid energy systems, including solar panels, electrolyzers, fuel cells (FC), and batteries. It also covers the technical optimization of integrated energy systems, including sizing, control strategies, and economic analysis. The key findings of this review paper indicate that hybrid energy systems can offer dependable and sustainable energy for residential applications. Through numerical analyses, the optimal dimensioning of the system elements and control strategies can significantly enhance the system's performance and lower the cost of energy. This study also highlights the challenges and opportunities for integrating hybrid energy systems within residential applications. Overall, it provides in-depth perspectives on the possibilities inherent in solar and hydrogen energy-based hybrid energy systems for residential applications. The findings can guide future research and the advancement of hybrid energy systems for sustainable energy solutions. • Comprehensive review on solar and hydrogen-based residential applications. • Holistic approach to system configuration, optimization, and economics. • Detailed analysis of interconnected components enhancing system efficiency. • Unique focus on real-world residential applications and scenarios. • Broad applicability across diverse geographical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a kind of clean renewable energy with great development potential. However, traditional electrocatalytic water splitting methods often require high energy consumption and expensive catalysts, which limits their practical application. Transition metal selenides (TMSes), as a new type of hydrogen production materials from electrolytic water, have been the focus of research in recent years. The basic principle of electrochemical water cracking and the preparation of TMSes are reviewed in this paper. The electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution and integral water cracking based on TMSes, including single metal selenides, binary metal selenides, and multinary mixed metal selenides, are discussed. Finally, the future research direction and the development prospect of TMSes electrocatalysts are prospected. • Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanisms were used to analyze the OER reaction mechanism. • The production and properties of transition metal selenides in recent years are introduced in detail. • In this paper, transition metal selenides are introduced from single TMSes, binary TMSes and multinary mixed TMSes. • The physical properties and electronic structures of transition metal selenides are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great desire to integrate multiple energy systems by forming low-carbon energy hubs. Among various energy platforms, the integration of power and gas networks via Power-to-Gas (PtG) technologies is introduced as a promising solution to enhance the flexibility of power grids and facilitate seamless adoption for high penetration levels of renewable energy resources. In addition, the production of green hydrogen from waste/inexpensive clean electricity has recently been identified as a potential means for large-scale energy storage, deployment of hydrogen mobility, and decarbonization of several processes that utilize hydrogen. As integrated hydrogen-based energy hubs (H 2 Hubs) attract more attention for widespread deployment, the security of such new platforms against various cyberattacks is also becoming a critical topic for investigation. This paper proposes a new data estimation technique, developed and integrated with H 2 Hubs scheduling models, for real-time optimal adaptive collection and organization of the system operating parameters for cybersecurity assessment. A new formulation is presented for the adaptive formation of a newly proposed concept, referred to as the system feasibility area , via real-time acquisition of the system operating information. The created feasibility areas are utilized for real-time post-occurrence detection of the bad scheduling data that is invisible to the existing cybersecurity layers. Numerical studies are conducted to demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of the proposed model. The results demonstrate that the historical data can be adaptively collected in real time and successfully utilized to create feasibility areas to categorize the system operating points. • An optimal scheduling model is proposed for hydrogen-based energy hubs (H 2 Hubs). • A new data estimation method is developed and integrated with the scheduling model. • A new formulation is given for the adaptive creation of the feasibility area. • Simulation case studies are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the feasibility of utilizing lead-free multilayer piezo stacks, particularly focusing on Zr-doped 0.95(Bi 0. 5 Na 0.5)TiO 3 -0.05(BaTiO 3) piezoceramics, for energy harvesting. Various lead-free BNT-BT disk samples with different Zr concentrations undergo structural, microstructural, and electrical characterizations. The results illustrate that Zr-doping improves piezoelectric constitutive parameters, notably at a 2.0 mol% concentration. Electromechanical tests were conducted on multilayer piezo stacks, involving variations in electric load, mechanical load, frequency, and number of stacked disks. These tests demonstrate the ability of the multilayer transducer to produce up to 1.5 V (peak) under particular conditions: a 250 Hz frequency, a 10 N mechanical load, and an open circuit electric load, utilizing a stack comprising 5 disks. Employing an analytical mathematical model, an effective d 33 e f f of the system is determined, yielding values ranging from 588 to 625 pC/N for a stack composed of 5 disks. These findings highlight the considerable potential of lead-free multilayer piezo stacks in energy harvesting applications, offering crucial insights for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that energy efficiency is a potent shield against oil price uncertainty in an increasingly interconnected world fraught with geopolitical tensions. By reducing dependence on oil, enhancing economic resilience, and improving energy security, energy efficiency measures offer multifaceted benefits for both national economies and global stability. Specifically, a wavelet coherence analysis is conducted to study the response of global energy efficiency to geopolitical oil price uncertainty. Quantile-on-quantile and quantile regressions are additionally employed to separate the impacts of various geopolitical oil price risk quantiles on the quantiles of energy efficiency. These methods are utilized in the examination of global time-series data covering the timeframe 2004:Q1–2020:Q4. The wavelet coherence outcomes indicate a positive correlation between geopolitical oil price uncertainty and energy efficiency, particularly during the energy crisis of the 2000s and the COVID-19 pandemic. The results also reveal that geopolitical oil price uncertainty leads to energy efficiency, indicating that an upsurge in geopolitical oil price uncertainty causes energy efficiency to increase. Moreover, the results from quantile-on-quantile and quantile regressions affirm the predominantly positive effects of geopolitical oil price uncertainty on global energy efficiency. Our conclusion therefore is that through strategic investments, innovative policies, and international collaborations relating to energy efficiency, nations can fortify themselves against the destabilizing effects of geopolitical conflicts on energy markets. This would ensure a more sustainable and secure energy future for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the evidence from listed company microdata and data from 285 cities in China, this paper studies the coordinated development of two-way FDI (CDFDI) in improving green energy efficiency (GEE). In particular, this paper examines the spatial heterogeneity effects of CDFDI on GEE. The results showed that CDFDI had a positive impact on the GEE of local and surrounding cities. Mechanistic examinations show that the effects of CDFDI on GEE are mediated by technological diffusion, nationalization, and environmental regulation. After dividing different city types, the impact of CDFDI is also different. By constructing a spatial decay weight matrix, this paper also finds that the positive spatial spillover effect of CDFDI is limited to 1050 KM. Finally, different investment motive portfolios also has a heterogeneous impact on the local and surrounding cities' GEE. After dividing the time nodes, the effect of this heterogeneity is more prominent. • We use multiple undesired output indicators covering eight pollutants to measure green energy efficiency (GEE). • CDFDI has a significant boost to GEE in local and surrounding cities. • The impact of CDFDI on GEE is moderated by technological diffusion, nationalization, and environmental regulation. • The spatial spillover effects of CDFDI are heterogeneous by city category and geographic distance. • CDFDI with different investment motives has heterogeneous effects on local and surrounding cities' GEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although energy poverty has obtained wide focus in recent years, there is no consensus on the measurement of energy poverty. Given that China is experiencing socio-economic transformation as well as energy transition, this paper employed a total of 28 indicators, which representing three categories (energy service availability, energy consumption and generation cleanliness, and residential energy affordability and efficiency) that capture China's features as well as consider policy factors, to develop a new multi-dimensional energy poverty index by using entropy weight method. The result reveals that the energy poverty level has been improved nationwide for the period 2014–2019; three sub-indices also show downward trends while household energy affordability and efficiency suggests the fastest improvement; however, significant differences exist in energy poverty not only between urban and rural areas but also across provinces in China. Policy recommendations are as follows: continue to promote rural power grid renovation and upgrading and the construction of natural gas pipelines, increase clean energy support; encourage diversified development of rural energy supply methods, and provide more innovative and diversified green energy and financial products. • An integrated energy poverty index system for China was established. • A total of 28 indicators used in this paper are applicable to China's features as well as considering policy factors in China. • The energy poverty level has been improved nationwide from 2014-2019, and all three sub-indices show downward trends, but varies greatly between urban and rural areas and across geographic regions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature on tunnel lighting was conducted. • The literature is sorted by energy saving, visual comfort, and low carbon. • The relationship between energy saving and low carbon is discussed. • The relationship between energy saving and comfort is also discussed. • The optimization methods of tunnel light environment are summarized. A reasonable and applicative tunnel light environment is important to ensure driving safety. This review aims to contribute to this growing area of research by exploring the tunnel lighting, which expands from safety to visual comfort, energy saving, and low carbon This paper employs bibliometric method to a visual analysis of the relevant literature and summarizes current research efforts and development directions. Firstly, the literature is visually presented by CiteSpace to elaborate the state-of-art with the dimensions of the timeline graph, the keyword co-occurrence graph, and the institutions & countries co-occurrence graph. Afterwards the literature is reviewed from three major perspectives: energy saving, visual comfort, and low carbon. Current research is mainly on luminaire arrangement, auxiliary lighting and other measures to reduce energy consumption. Visual comfort is mainly improved by optimizing the light environment's physical quantities, e.g. luminance, color temperature, color rendering etc. Current measures to achieve low carbon targets include green energy, green photoconductivity, green luminaires and green operation. Energy saving, visual comfort and low carbon are interrelated and complementary. However, a systematic understanding of how tunnel lighting contributes to carbon emission is still lacking. There is still room for development in tunnel lighting to achieve full intelligent control and the goal of carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the complex relationship between the role of H 2 , carbon emissions and their impact on global warming and the economy. Despite improvements in energy efficiency, fossil fuel consumption continues to increase. CO 2 from industrial activities at high temperatures, such as cement, iron, steel and glass production, have increased rapidly, resulting in an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These emissions accelerate climate change, leading to dangerous consequences such as increasing average atmospheric temperature and decreasing agricultural productivity. To combat this, it is advocated to reduce CO 2 emissions by using renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity, biomass, wind solar energy. Current study also discusses carbon reduction methods, including oxy-fuel combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and post-combustion capture. Despite their unique advantages and disadvantages, these methods play an important role in reducing CO 2 emissions from power plants. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of H 2 as a cornerstone in the development of synthetic fuels and future energy systems. H 2 from renewable sources holds the potential to use carbon-neutral synthetic liquid fuels and revolutionize transportation. Although traditional H 2 production methods are associated with emissions, sustainable H 2 production techniques can facilitate low-carbon fuel production. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of sustainable energy practices and the role of H 2 in reducing carbon emissions, highlighting research efforts to improve production methods, integrate renewable energy, and develop carbon capture technologies for a sustainable future. • Methods used in synthetic fuel production and sources of hydrogen production. • Carbon capture methods and their comparative discussion. • The importance of hydrogen production in synthetic fuel production and future plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the escalating global warming and its severe consequences, the exploitation of hydrogen, an eco-friendly energy carrier, is gaining great interest. This paper comprehensively reviews the most common hydrogen production, storage, transportation and utilization processes, while their effectiveness is explored from energy, water, economic and environmental perspectives. Their main characteristics, advantages, shortcomings and challenges are discussed as well. The research reveals that the hydrogen's water footprint, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and cost vary significantly depending on the specific technologies used throughout its life cycle, from production to end use. For instance, fossil fuel-based hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming, offer elevated energy performance and cost-effectiveness, but have a significant carbon footprint. In contrast, water electrolysis is environmentally friendly, but requires more water and has lower energy efficiency. Besides, high-pressure containers are the preferred method for hydrogen storage, while liquid and solid storages are better suited for high-energy-density applications. Regarding hydrogen transportation, pipelines are effective over long distances, whereas tankers are convenient for short distances. Furthermore, fuel cells are more energy, carbon and water efficient when using hydrogen as fuel, but they are generally more expensive than internal combustion engines. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen production, storage, transportation and utilization methods are reviewed. • Their energy efficiency, water use, cost, and environmental impact are explored. • Key recommendations to boost the utilization of hydrogen systems are outlined. • Fossil fuel-based technologies are more energy-efficient and cost-effective. • Renewable-based processes are more environmentally friendly but water-intensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an integrated system is proposed for the production of turquoise hydrogen from methane cracking using solar energy. The produced hydrogen and carbon by-products are used in fuel cells to generate clean electricity. Syngas is produced through power generated via photovoltaics, using a solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC). The SOEC co-electrolyzes the exhaust CO 2 from the direct carbon fuel cell, along with H 2 O. The resulting syngas is subsequently converted into methanol. The system is modelled using Aspen Plus to obtain the thermodynamic evaluation. Mass, energy, entropy, and exergy balances are performed over the system's units. The energy and exergy efficiency of the subsystems is determined, with solar methane cracking system achieving energy and exergy efficiencies of 82.2% and 92.5%, respectively. The overall system produces methanol and generates 7.71 MW of electricity with the overall energy and exergy efficiencies of 40.6% and 37.5%, respectively. • Energy and exergy analysis of an integrated methane cracking system. • Carbon black by-product is used in a direct carbon fuel cell. • Produced CO 2 is co-electrolyzed with water to produce syngas. • Processes modelled on Aspen Plus to obtain thermodynamic evaluation. • The proposed system has an energy and exergy efficiency of 40.6% and 37.5%, respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The All-electric ship (AES) concept has revolutionized the maritime sector. Indeed, AES is a promising solution for modern vessels where decreasing emission pollution, suppressing fossil fuel consumption, and making economical operation are its brilliant merits. Fuel cell (FC) technology based on clean hydrogen energy sources can play a significant role in meeting these requirements in the AES platform. Because of the slow transient response of the FC, an energy storage system (ESS) is required to improve AES performance in different operation scenarios. Therefore, optimal sizing of the FC and the ESS and proper design of energy management strategy is a challenging problem. This paper proposes a systematic approach for the optimal design of hybrid FC-ESS of AES power systems. The proposed method is based on an optimization technique to determine the optimal sizing of the FCs and the ESS. Capital investment, fuel consumption, personnel electrical safety, and occupied volume of the AES power system are the main objectives. The FC size, the battery size, the scheduled output power of the FC, and the battery are the decision variables. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to solve the optimization problem. To validate the numerical results, the optimization problem is also solved by Mayfly Algorithm (MA) separately. To assess the feasibility of the proposed strategy, the optimal design of hybrid FC-ESS for a vessel is implemented based on the proposed method. The simulation results validate the proposed approach's sufficiency to investigate and optimize the economic, safety, and dimensional aspects of designing the FC ship's IPS. Numerical results are reported for each design aspect. Considering the minor differences of the numerical results obtained by GA and MA, the optimum points are validated by the two techniques. Using the obtained results, various perceptions can be derived from the FC ship's IPS design. For example, the IPS cost in the cases with optimum volume, weight, and safety, has 2.3%, 2.6%, and 7.3% penalties, respectively compared to the case with the minimum cost. • Fuel cell-based electrification of a fishing ship based on practical information. • Systematic approach for optimal power system design of hydrogen-powered ship. • Proposing safety objective function for integrated power system of fuel cell ship. • Fuel cell hybrid IPS optimization based on volume, mass, cost and safety. • Estimation of propulsion power demand based on ship's resistance and speed profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rapid industrialization, rising fossil fuel consumption, and environmental concerns, developing clean and green energy is an inescapable option. Hydrogen has emerged as a significant potential energy carrier and a viable future replacement fuel for fossil fuels due to its renewable and pollution-free properties. Previous review papers have significantly contributed to the body of literature on the various technologies for producing hydrogen by revealing key insights into their working principles and conditions, as well as the economic and environmental aspects. In addition, they also highlighted the potential pathways to enable the application of these technologies in the context of carbon neutrality. However, these studies have not broken down the evolutionary patterns and developmental progress of either fossil fuel-based or renewable energy-based technologies used to produce hydrogen. In addition, the currently available literature does not contain the most recent research that focuses on the evolution and life cycle of each technology category from a chronological point of view. The key drivers, countries/regions, and their contributions to the field's development have received little attention. As a result, it is critical to monitor technological advances in hydrogen energy production and investigate the key enablers of these advancements. Against this backdrop, the current study employs patent analysis tools to achieve four primary goals: (1) to track the development trends in the field of hydrogen production from 2000 to 2019; (2) to identify and compare the recent development trends in the last five years according to the feedstock, i.e., fossil fuel, water, and biomass-based technologies; (3) to predict the technology life cycle of the two main groups of hydrogen production technologies (fossil and renewable); (4) to identify and compare the key drivers of hydrogen production technologies from a statistical standpoint. The findings of the study may aid in identifying technical prospects in the field of fossil and renewable-based hydrogen production, and decision-makers may use them as a reference in developing a strategic plan for future technological growth. • Patent review on hydrogen production technologies from 2000 to 2019. • Japan, US, China are the leading countries in the field. • Recent developments are focused on renewable energy-based technologies especially water. • Technology maturity rate of renewable-based technologies is about 57%. • R&D expenditure strongly promotes hydrogen production innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed at solving the environmental problem of the hottest greenhouse gas reduction. The paper identifies the energy electricity demand, proposes solutions, and calculates the greenhouse gases emitted in each of the interconnected networks available in Cameroon. For a total production estimated at 1292 MW, the country's electricity production depends heavily on hydropower plants (57%), thermal power plants (42%), and only 1% of biomass. Specifically, biomass would contribute to 40% of the supply of the demand if it is sufficiently exploited. Hydroelectricity needs transmission for long distances. The electricity demand in the median economic scenario is the basis of this study. GHGs were calculated using the tool MESSAGE. The results of this study show that it will be possible, without taking into account the fact that biomass is clean energy, to avoid 462 kt of CO 2 eq and 14 kt of CO 2 eq for South Interconnected Network and East Interconnected Network respectively. The amounts of CH 4 , SO 2 , and NO x are not statistically significant. This study takes into account the main existing energy sources in the country. The specificity of this study is to treat the three interconnected networks of the country separately. The use of biomass in local power plants was proposed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This study shows that to reduce the GHG emission and the loss of electricity due to its transmission in the country, it is better to use biomass instead of fossil fuels for the production of electricity in Cameroon. [Display omitted] • Electricity demand of the country was identified. • The quantity of GHG emitted from electricity generation in Cameroon was estimated. • Biomass power plants were introduced in the electricity mix of the country to promote local production. • Local realities were taken into account and dependence of imported fossil fuels was reduced. • Biomass instead of fossil fuels was to avoid emission of 462 kt of CO 2 eq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of energy consumption's Green Quality Index (GQI) on carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions in the United States from 1970 to 2021. At this point, the estimated models control for the effects of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, urban population, and globalization on CO 2 emissions. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag estimations demonstrate that GQI and globalization reduce CO 2 emissions in the short- and long run. However, GDP per capita and urban population are positively related to CO 2 emissions in the short- and long-run. Different estimation techniques confirm the long-run baseline findings. Potential policy implications for reducing CO 2 emissions in the United States are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporary world faces several energy problems and struggles to balance sustainable energy and steady industrial development. In this context, the existing energy efficiency studies have not unfolded the mysteries surrounding the industrial units' energy-saving potential and the key determinants and impacts of the manufacturing units' energy efficiency levels. Therefore, there is a need to comprehensively study the existing energy efficiency studies and clarify the above. Considering two databases, Scopus and Web of Science, the study uses bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review to analyze the current energy efficiency literature. The bibliometric analysis is based on 619 published papers and assesses the existing energy efficiency literature to ascertain the evolution of energy efficiency studies from 2001 to 2022. This investigation adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-2020) framework for a systematic review of ninety-three relevant papers from the existing energy efficiency literature. The systematic literature review (SLR) highlights twenty-seven theories discussed in several dimensions of the environmental and industrial linkages in the manufacturing sector. Subsequently, the study identifies energy efficiency measures and the associated methodological issues. Next, the study addresses the available set of determinants and the impacts of energy efficiency performance on manufacturing industries across the globe. It explores the potential research gap in the existing studies. Finally, the concluding remarks, discusses several policy implications, and suggests avenues for future research in the direction of theory, context, and methodology in energy efficiency domain. [Display omitted] • Bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review are performed to synthesize the current energy efficiency studies. • The study considers 619 energy efficiency papers from Scopus and Web of Science databases over the past 22 years. • The study uses the PRISMA-2020 framework and uses Bibliometrix in R (RStudio) and VOSViewer software for the analysis. • SLR considers 93 papers and identifies 27 existing theories, addresses determinants and impacts of energy efficiency. • The study identifies the research gap, presents several policy implications and provides the scope for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As stated in Sustainable Development Goals number 6 and 13, clean water and sanitation and energy-related carbon emissions as climate action issues have emerged as serious issues within the United Nations. Around 150 countries rely on seawater desalination plants as their water resource. Reverse osmosis membrane technology is the most widely used seawater desalination technology for water supply. Taking water resources, developing renewable energy, and recycling resources have become the United Nations' core sustainable development goal. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an overview of renewable energy in reverse osmosis, especially newly developed renewable energy such as wave power. This paper includes technical issues, environment, and economic impact. In addition, compared with other energy sources, photovoltaic and hydropower energy utilization leads to a lower carbon footprint. Both energy produce a carbon footprint of around 0.08 kg CO 2 eq/m3. Control systems and energy storage management are the challenges in developing integrated renewable energy with reverse osmosis. Suitable pretreatment and the effect of direct use of renewable energy on the reverse osmosis process, especially on membrane and pump lifetime, should also be considered in future studies. [Display omitted] • Fluctuations and intermittence in wind and PV would affect on the process performance. • Energy storage management helps to keep the system stable • Water storage can assist in having enough water and store extra • PV and hydropower energy produce carbon footprint around 0.08 kg CO 2 eq/m3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation of this paper is to investigate the resistance of countries' energy research and development (RD&D) expenditures to random shocks. The analysis includes the five countries (France, Germany, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom) that are the biggest investors in RD&D in fossil fuels, renewables, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy. Thus, economies will be able to take precautions against global shocks in producing sustainable energy policies. To achieve this aim, this paper uses the artificial neural network approach, which uses a distributed computing model that can store and generalize data after a learning period. Empirical results widely depend on countries and distinct energy technology policy fields. The key findings provide evidence that RD&D expenditures, except for renewables, do not tend to mean revert. The economies of Japan, Germany, and the United States should make more renewable investments to reduce the resistance of renewable energy sources to shocks and thus produce policies for both environmental sustainability and energy security. The economies of France and the United Kingdom can ensure energy security by continuing their sustainable energy policies. • Applied SDG policies focused on energy technology RD&D are presented. • The stochastic characteristics of energy technology investments are examined. • Carbon-reducing policies are recommended for the top five economies. • Energy technologies are perused through artificial intelligence approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity is fundamental for supporting economic development in emerging economies. Power generation from clean energy sources may help to meet societal needs such as increasing electricity demand while complying with contemporary global challenges (e.g. climate change). This paper aims at qualitatively describing the development of clean energy technologies in Mexico by using a multi-perspective analytical framework. By integrating a meta-theoretical framework for national energy transitions and core concepts from policy mixes for sustainability transitions literature, a series of stylised facts are developed to qualitatively describe the evolution of clean energy technologies in Mexico from 1879 to 2021. Interactive governance theory is used as an analytical framework to synthesise these storylines by highlighting the role and interactions among technologies, actors, and policy instruments in governance processes. The case study revealed that the ever-growing electricity demand in Mexico have called for exploring different available energy sources and technologies over time. Diminishing oil and gas domestic reserves, increasing concerns around environmental issues, and worldwide agreements on greenhouse gas emission reductions have been the main drivers for clean energy and energy efficiency development in Mexico. However, different barriers to a clean energy transition in Mexico have been identified and discussed in this study: (1) access to a vast oil and gas resources in the past reinforced the position of fossil-fuel incumbent regimes, displacing clean energy technological niches; (2) lack of investment in clean energy research, development, and innovation; (3) policy paradigms have shifted based on (dynamic) societal needs and socio-political interests in favour of fossil fuel power generation. To overcome these barriers and allow a transition towards a clean energy electricity system in Mexico, multiple policy instruments have been identified and discussed. • The paper describes the evolution of clean energy technologies in Mexico. • A multi-perspective analytical framework is used to create micro-logics. • The interactive governance approach is used to synthesise these micro-logics. • Barriers and drivers for a clean energy transition in Mexico are discussed. • Energy policy mixes towards a clean energy transition are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the use of fossil fuels has had a harsh impact on the climate, and the frequency and intensity of various extreme weather events have increased, which has triggered an increased the use of renewable energy sources and reflection on technological advances. Many countries are trying to promote renewable energy to reduce their impact on climate change, but the impact of national energy policies in the climate risk framework remains poorly understood. Based on the panel data of 84 developed/developing countries around the world from 2006 to 2019, this paper studies and analyzes the impact of renewable energy use on climate risk. The study found that the increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce the climate risk, and this result is still robust after undergoing robustness tests such as changing variables, samples, and research methods. The findings offer an important solution for European countries, where climate risks are most acute. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the higher the level of economic development, population density and the lower the level of incorruptibility, the weaker the inhibitory effect of renewable energy use on climate risk. The mechanism analysis also shows that the increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce climate risk by reducing carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), nitrogen monoxide (NO), PM2.5 emissions, and the proportion of fossil fuel use, but it does not reduce climate risk by increasing biodiversity. In particular, we find that technological progress has not played a role in the use of renewable energy to reduce climate risk, breaking the stereotype. The policy recommendation of this paper is that under the increasing pressure of climate change, the transition to clean energy is an indispensable option, and the need to accelerate the energy transition becomes more urgent. There is a greater need to further protect biodiversity and enhance technological progress. • The increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce the climate risk. • The mechanism is to reduce CO 2 , CH 4 , NO, PM2.5 emissions and fossil fuels use. • The use of renewable energy cannot reduce climate risks by increasing biodiversity. • The impact of renewable energy use on climate risk is heterogeneous. • Technological progress has not played a role in the use of renewable energy to reduce climate risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the background of exhaustion of the traditional fossil energy sources and environmental deterioration, developing renewable energy has become a strategic choice for countries to achieve energy sustainable utilization and carbon neutrality target. 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. However, the commonly used weight calculation methods in the existing renewable energy evaluation have obvious shortcomings, such as the randomness of the subjective method is strong and the gap in the weight allocation of the objective method is too large, which affect the reliability and accuracy of the sorting result. In this paper, a novel weight calculation method based on non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is proposed, and is applied to renewable energy evaluation. The study in this paper focuses on methodology. Firstly, for the linear normalized and Zeros normalized evaluation data, the differences between renewable energy plans in the two normalized evaluation data are measured, and the ranking deviations of the two normalized data are calculated. Then, the multi-objective weight solving model is constructed in terms of plans differences minimization and ranking vectors deviations minimization. The NSGA-II algorithm is applied to the optimization of multi-objective functions to find the Pareto non-dominated solution, so as to determine the weight values of each evaluation index. Finally, the TOPSIS method is used to determine the relative closeness value of each plan, and the rankings of renewable energy technical plans are achieved. Based on the actual renewable energy development data of a province in China, experiments were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed method performs better than some popular renewable energy evaluation methods. [Display omitted] • Propose a novel evaluation method for renewable energy technical plans. • Apply non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II to determine the index weights. • Compared with the existing evaluation method, the proposed method performs better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the factors of renewable energy consumption in the fifth Technology Revolution with specific evidence from ASEAN countries. The study applies an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. The paper also uses the unrestricted fixed and random panel data methods. The manuscript identifies significant factors such as technological innovation, governmental policies, public awareness, electricity consumption, country population, foreign direct investment inflows, imports, exports, and economic growth that have influenced the renewable energy sector in these nations. This study also investigates the determinants that influence renewable energy in the context of international integration and the fifth technology revolution in ASEAN countries. The research analyzes data spanning two decades, from 2000 to 2022, through a combination of econometric modeling and machine learning techniques. Preliminary findings indicate that technological innovation, government policies, and public awareness significantly affect renewable energy consumption in these countries. The empirical results offer insights for policymakers and stakeholders in leveraging technological advancements for sustainable energy development. The findings from this study on the determinants of renewable consumption in the context of the Fifth Technology Revolution in ASEAN countries also have several important policy implications for the sustainable development goal. • This study aims to investigate the factors of renewable energy consumption in the fifth Technology Revolution. • The study uses panel data analysis, and the paper identifies significant factors that have influenced the renewable energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prevalent quality assessment of drying materials with solar energy was reviewed. • The potential application of solar drying for high-quality dried products was introduced. • The physical and chemical mechanisms of quality transformation during drying process were clarified. Solar energy is a green and renewable clean energy. Using this as main or auxiliary energy to dry agricultural materials could reduce energy consumption and improve product quality. In the drying process of agricultural materials, not only drying technologies but also drying parameters would affect the quality of materials. This paper provides a guided technological tour on solar drying through a literature research. An overview about the drying technologies to evaluate the drying quality, such as traditional sun drying, solar tunnel drying, solar greenhouse drying, solar-assisted drying system, is presented to demonstrate advances and application potential of solar drying. Finally, variable temperature drying is preliminarily proposed and tested to verify its superiority of energy saving and drying quality improvement. The literature research in this paper gives a reference on the effective application of solar drying through specifying the mechanisms of quality transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the sustainability of Tabriz City focusing on its decarbonization. Statistical, quantitative, and comparative research methods are used to analyze the total energy consumed, conversion of primary energy, final exergy, and losses analysis according to the renewable and carbon-based energies. Then, the renewable resource potentials of the city are simulated using Grasshopper plug-in-Rhino simulator, THERM, PVSyst photovoltaic software, and ArcMap. In terms of the socio-economic assessment, non-oil Per Capita GDP, emissions, and energy intensities are analyzed concerning the B2DS scenario by 2050. The per capita GDP of the city is 71% of the country's average value. Tabriz's real GDP growth averaged −1.11% per year, primary energy demand increased by an average of 6.1%, CO 2 emissions from energy use grew by an average of 6% annually and the emission intensity of the economy increased by a total of 52.02%, in the period from 2011 to 2019. Finally, it is shown that the city consumes 58050 GWh/year of different carbon-based resources that only produced 20110 GWh/year of useful work with 5.63 MT CO 2 emissions, while the same work could locally be supplied by 30000 GWh/year RE with a minimum rate of 0.18 MT CO 2 emissions. The city Landfill receives 1000 tons/day of MSW, but two-thirds of this amount can be recycled. Regarding different sectors, buildings produce half of the CO 2. The cement industry with dual pollutants (17%) is the most polluting factory. Carbon-based electricity (66%) is the most polluting form of energy. In terms of carbon sequestration requirements with trees, shifting from fossil fuels toward green energies, EE, and recycling MSW can plunge required trees from 81.9 to 1.16 million trees. This paper highlights the importance of electrification of transportation based on RE, energy performance of buildings, and all sectors. • Large city decarbonization strategies • Application of RE according to geographic and climatic factors. • Electrification of sectors based on RE locally. • MSW recycling and sequestration by trees for decarbonization regarding the LULC and NDVI analysis. • Conversion and storage efficiencies of carbon-based fuels vs RE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the solar energy utilization technology for renewable clean energy, actual parabolic trough receivers are subject to tracking errors and absorber tube installation errors, and the bellows and Kovar ring under these errors have a significant impact on the receiver's safety. Based on the MCRT-FVM-FEM principles in this paper, a receiver's optical-thermal-stress mathematical model is modeled and the thermal-stress performance and safety of the receiver's key components under two errors are evaluated. The correlation between the bellows and Kovar ring's performance and the two errors is analyzed. The results demonstrate that the lower tracking errors and larger installation errors markedly increment the absorber's deformation and have a negative impact on the receiver safety. Bellows and Kovar ring's asymmetrical temperature distribution causes variable swell and uneven stress under tracking and installation errors. Temperature gradient variation of bellows is more sensitive under errors than Kovar rings. Kovar ring's compressive stress rises substantially as the Y-directional installation error varied from −15 mm to 15 mm compared to other errors. With tracking errors exceeding 8 mrad, bellows' tensile stress and Kovar ring's compressive stress diminish under installation error. Thus, larger tracking errors significantly reduce the threat to the receiver when installation errors exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating and forecasting stability across different conditions is essential since smart grid stabilization is among the most significant characteristics that could be employed to assess the functionality of smart grid design. Some intelligent methods to foresee stability are required to mitigate unintended instability in a smart grid design. This is due to the rise in domestic and commercial constructions and the incorporation of green energy into smart grids. It is currently hard to forecast the stability of the smart grid. In this framework, a smart grid with reliable mechanisms is being implemented to meet the fluctuating energy demands as well as providing more availability. The involvement of consumers and producers is one of the many factors influencing the grid's stability. This study suggested a novel approach for locating stability statistics in smart grid systems utilizing machine learning frameworks was presented. This paper outlined the multi-layer perceptron-Extreme Learning Machine (MLP-ELM) methodology to predict the sustainability of the smart grid. Additionally, this utilized the principal component analysis (PCA) approach for extracting features. In addition to an empirical assessment and a comparison to various approaches, this article presents an implementation result for smart grid stability. Simulation findings demonstrate that the suggested MLP-ELM approach outperforms traditional machine learning techniques, with accuracy reaching up to 95.8%, precision at 90%, recall at 88%, and F-measure at 89%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new DPV-5G BS-ES communication and power mutual coupling system is developed. • A BSSCP model is proposed to minimize the number of 5G base station deployments. • The ISOM model is used to optimize the microgrid connection lines in 3D space. • Economically optimal simulation experiments are conducted for different PV systems. The emergence of ultra-dense 5G networks and a large number of connected devices will bring with them significant increases in energy consumption, operating costs, and CO 2 emissions. At the same time, the deployment of distributed photovoltaic (DPV) in megacities plays an important role in promoting the integration of "building-photovoltaic", adjusting the city's clean energy supply system, and building a green, and low-carbon smart city. The development of a new "DPV-5G Base Station-Energy Storage (DPV-5G BS-ES)" coupled DC microgrid system and its pre-deployment investment costs are fundamental factors to be considered when the problem of large-scale DPV and BS deployment in cities has to be addressed. There are almost no published papers on this issue in the literature, which only consider the problem of maximizing the deployment of 5G BS service coverage or only perform optimization analyses for the performance of microgrid systems without considering the economic optimality and low-carbon green issues in the construction of urban utilities. In order to solve the problem of 5G BS deployment and economic optimization of topology in the "DPV-5G BS-ES" coupled DC microgrid system, a novel deployment strategy is proposed in this paper. The strategy is divided into: (a) The Geographic Information System (GIS) for extracting and analyzing 3D data from all buildings in the area. (b) A GIS-based formulation of a mixed integer quadratic constrained planning model (BSSCP) under discrete fixed radius coverage constraints is used to delineate building clusters within the area and determine the optimal deployment location of 5G BS under each sub-cluster. (c) An Improved Self-Organizing Mapping (ISOM) model combines GIS and microgrid performance parameters to address the economically optimal connection of grid lines for DPV in 3D space. (d) Simulation experiments were conducted for the power output and profitability of eight different PV panels and tracking systems to calculate the economically optimal type of DPV generation hardware. The experimental results show that the BSSCP model proposed in this study reduced the 5G BS deployment cost input by up to 35.8974 % compared to that of the control experimental model. Meanwhile, the ISOM model obtained an average reduction of 52.3741 % in the cost of connecting cables for the optimized 25 DPV planning and DC microgrid topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The OECD community consumes excessive amounts of raw materials and materials, which leads to pollution and increases the material footprint. The material footprint is directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-8 and 12. The main reason for the material footprint is the usage of fossil fuels, and the dependence of OECD countries on fossil fuels continues to this day. By expanding renewable energy utilization due to rising energy security risk, a community can take steps to improve ecological quality and reduce its material footprint. In this context, the paper focuses to examine the impact of energy security, green innovation, economic policy stringency and income on the fossil fuel material footprint for 24 OECD countries over the period 1995–2018. To this end, the paper uses the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) method and novel Half Panel Jackknife (HPJ) causality and estimation approach. The study adds value to existing knowledge by empirically testing the determinants of fossil fuel material footprint for OECD countries for the first time using the novel HPJ approach. The results of the AMG show that increasing energy security risk index reduces the material footprint, while green innovation and economic policy stringency have no impact on environmental degradation. The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in the form of an inverted U and an inverted N are valid for OECD countries. The HPJ approach also illustrates that there is a causality from green innovation and energy security risk to material footprint, and innovation and risk are support footprint reduction. Based on these results, the study recommends that OECD policymakers pay attention to ensuring energy security to reduce the material footprint by expanding renewable resources and allocate more economic resources to green innovations with higher returns, considering the validity of the EKC. [Display omitted] • Applies second-generation panel data methods. • Investigates the fossil fuel material footprint for 24 OECD countries. • The EKC hypothesis holds for the fossil fuel material footprint of OECD countries. • Green innovation and energy security risk reduce fossil fuel material footprint. • Increasing risks and technological development contribute to SDGs 8 and 12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drive for improved energy efficiency and flexibility has birthed an innovative solution: an energy hub. This hub operates in sync with natural gas and electricity grids, integrating batteries and thermal storage to optimize renewable energy use, reduce costs, and bolster network stability. In addressing these objectives, a mathematical optimization model for energy hub operation is developed in this paper. This model captures the intricate interplays between electricity and natural gas networks, accounting for the intricacies posed by uncertainties and variations in renewable energy sources and demand profiles. Also, this paper uniquely delves into the integration of load response programs, an approach geared towards amplifying the energy hub system's flexibility and reliability. Through these programs, subscribers gain the agency to calibrate their energy consumption based on real-time pricing signals and incentives dispensed by the energy hub. The simulation findings serve as a compelling testament to the efficacy of the proposed system. Operating costs witness a substantial reduction, the adoption of renewable energy sources is markedly heightened, and the stability and reliability of the upstream energy networks are tangibly ameliorated. The integration of load response programs emerges as a particularly effective strategy in mitigating peak demand and augmenting the system's overall energy efficiency. Underpinning the entirety of this innovative solution is the transformation of the challenges into an optimization problem. This catalyzes the employment of a newly developed particle community algorithm, custom-tailored to surmount the challenges of local optima. This algorithm inherently bolsters the system's search capabilities, minimizing the risk of entrapment within localized solutions. Ultimately, the proposed energy hub system encapsulates a promising trajectory toward the realization of a sustainable and adaptable energy landscape. By seamlessly integrating diverse energy sources and storage systems, augmenting energy flexibility and efficiency, and aligning with broader energy transition and decarbonization goals, this solution presents a formidable contender. The simulation outcomes underscore its potential by showcasing a substantial 4.57 % reduction in the cost of procuring energy from the upstream electrical network. • Holistic energy hub engages in upstream electricity and heat markets, optimizing profit. • Empowered energy hub actively influences markets with optimized strategies. • Robust optimization ensures stable operations in uncertain renewable sources. • Advanced load management optimizes profiles, aligning consumption with pricing. • Particle swarm optimization algorithm enhances search for optimal solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is increasing crucial to improve the sustainable use rate of energy and contribute to carbon neutrality and environmental footprints reduction. This work features cutting-edge selected extended papers and developments that were presented at the 25th Conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimization for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction, held on 5–8 September 2022 in Bol, Croatia. More than 400 papers were accepted and presented at this conference. Out of these papers, the 45 contributions in this Virtual Special Issue represent a selection of the most cutting-edge developments in the topic of the Sustainable Use of Energy Contributes to Carbon Emissions Neutrality and Environmental footprint reduction. This paper provides a review of these contributions and above, and groups them into four research themes: (1) Energy Conversion, Storage, Recovery and Efficiency Improvement, (2) Energy Management, Planning and Optimization, (3) Energy, Environment and Economy, and (4) Heat Transfer, Heat Pumps and Heat Convection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the impact of green finance and renewable energy on energy efficiency in E−7 economies. We analyzed the nonlinear and asymmetric effects of green finance and renewable energy on energy efficiency. We collected data from 1985 to 2017 and applied the NARDL and 2SLS methods. The results reveal that the differences in green finance development in the E−7 region are as follows: China (0.61), Brazil (0.55), India (0.53), Indonesia (0.49), Mexico (0.37), and Russia (0.39). In 2019, the Gini coefficient was the largest in Russia (0.57), followed by Turkey. Based on empirical findings, the largest barrier to green energy efficiency is insufficient private and governmental investment in the energy sector to improve access to power, to increase energy security and promote economic growth in an environmentally sustainable manner. The findings point to a promising but vulnerable future for renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment in E−7 countries. This paper emphasizes that green financing and renewable energy policy limitations must be addressed to realize the funding potential of energy efficiency in E−7 countries. • We have analyzed the barrieres for renewable energy and energy efficiency. • Non-linear and asymmetric effects is observed on energy efficiency. • We have applied NARDL model to examine the relationship among variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower renewable energy is known to be pro-environment: flexible and affordable. Above all, it is compatible with other energy frames and also with the policies that otherwise prove to be inimical towards its future. Where environmental stability is concerned it needs an assiduous study coupled with research by the policymakers to get around knowing the different perspectives of hydropower renewable energy. The study has taken nine different and diverse perspectives of hydropower renewable energy into account to stop the process of environmental degradation. EKC framework has been put to use in a case study of South and East Asia economies. Time period has been selected from 1975 to 2020 to measure the long-term impact. GMM model has been used for the panel estimation besides getting future dynamics. The results which have come about confirmed EKC in the selected countries. Non-renewable energy (coal and gas) had an adverse impact on environmental stability. However, switching towards hydropower renewable energy can mitigate these environmental losses. Empirical findings have proved that more use of clean energy production can bring about a considerable amount of environmental stability. Insofar as East Asia economies are considered they have reached the second stage of EKC with a turning point of $13844 (per capita income). This paper, therefore, suggests that the future depends upon renewable hydropower energies in South and East Asia economies. That being said, there appears to be a dire need to undertake the role of various socioeconomic and geographic factors that influence hydropower renewable energies to check the long-term effect. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transferring industries to clean energy-producing regions and improving energy efficiency are feasible and important strategies for regional control of energy consumption in energy-intensive industries of energy-rich regions. This paper constructs a three-party evolutionary game model including governments of transferred-in and -out regions, and energy-intensive enterprises. This model explores the cooperation mechanism of multi-players in the inter-regional transfer of energy-intensive industries under different policies and circumstances. The results are as follows. (1) Some certain conditions create a stable equilibrium state in which governments of transferred-in and -out regions choose a cooperative strategy, and the energy-intensive enterprises choose a transfer strategy. (2) Costs are key factors influencing the transfer of energy-intensive enterprises. Also, transferred-in regions should optimize their business environment and formulate their acceptance strategy based on their current energy consumption constraint and clean energy reserve situation. (3) The policy support from governments of transferred-in and -out regions can promote the orderly transfer of energy-intensive enterprises. The findings of this paper can provide a reference to formulate policies for the transfer of energy-intensive enterprises. • Constructed an evolutionary game model for inter-regional transfer of energy-intensive industry. • Explored inter-regional transfer mechanisms of energy-intensive industry. • Government policy support promote the transfer of energy-intensive enterprises. • Provide a reference to formulate transfer policies of energy-intensive enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The LCA methods and findings of 41 papers on air-conditioning systems are examined. • Retrieved studies presented discrepancies in the LCA goals and scope definition. • The global warming potential (GWP) was the most evaluated indicator across papers. • Grid-connected electrical heat pumps generally had a higher life cycle GWP. • Improvements related to AC energy sources and other life cycle aspects are proposed. Air conditioning (AC) has become the fastest-growing energy end-use in buildings worldwide, and its adoption is expected to increase further due to various socioeconomic factors and climate change. Despite this, the decarbonization of space cooling is progressing slowly; hence, the emissions burden at each stage should be examined in detail. Given this context, it is crucial to assess the environmental performance of AC systems by considering a comprehensive approach like the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). While several studies have already targeted the LCA of AC systems, a clear overview of those studies' methodologies, assumptions, and results is still lacking. Therefore, this systematic review examined the methods and key findings of 41 peer-reviewed articles. Although the results revealed discrepancies among the goals and scope, impact assessment methods, and indicators, most articles predominantly focused on the global warming potential (GWP) impact, and its reported quantification was further analyzed. It was observed that grid-connected vapor-compression heat pumps/chillers (conventional systems) presented higher GWP impacts than other AC systems powered by renewables, which in contrast, exhibited higher impacts in some toxicity and resource depletion-related indicators. However, the share of GWP showed different distributions, as the pre-operation emissions of solar-powered AC systems (either PV or thermal) were higher than those of conventional systems, mainly driven by reduced energy consumption usage. This review concludes with some recommendations for each stage of the life cycle. Since the operation phase generally showed the highest impact, more efforts should be devoted to accelerating the transition to a 100% clean electricity power system at a national scale. In contrast, the need to power AC systems with on-site renewables should be carefully assessed based on the context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alarming rate at which the deposit of non-renewable or fossil energy resources are depleting around the world has been nudging us in the direction of green energy for quite a long time. Considering the current and upcoming global energy crisis, we have no choice but to pay our serious attention to renewable resources to meet the energy demand of an ever-growing global population and industry. Rice husk has about 20% mass percentage of rice, with low energy and bulk density. Due to these properties, it is not viable to directly combust rice husk as a fuel. Different thermochemical pretreatment technologies can be effectively implemented to improve the fuel characteristics. However, there have been no comprehensive review article on different pretreatments of rice husk. This paper reviews most common rice husk pretreatments technologies namely, gasification, torrefaction, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization including multiple sub-categories of each technology. All of these processes are successful in improving the fuel characteristics of rice husk such as higher heating value or calorific value, moisture content, fixed carbon, etc. Each of them serves the purpose of converting a low energy-density biomass into an energy-rich material like coal differently. Location, resources, available technology, etc. should also be considered while deciding which pretreatment would be optimum for a given particular case. A comparison has been presented on how much energy can be extracted from rice husk by implementing different technologies given they can be upscaled to an industrial scale. For 527,534 kg of rice husk produced from a sample location in Bangladesh per annum, wet torrefaction before pyrolysis of rice husk yields 85 MW of power which is the highest among the 4 pretreatments discussed in this paper. • Review of different thermochemical processes conducted on rice husk. • Study on gasification, pyrolysis, torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonization process. • Comparison in terms of moisture content, fixed carbon, and heating value gain. • A case study of power generation potential of rice husk produced in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time-varying dynamics of the transition to renewable energy reflect the effectiveness and efficiency of energy policy. This paper investigates renewable energy transition behavior in China using Markov regime-switching models. Two distinct phases, expansion and contraction, are identified based on the growth rates of renewable energy consumption share. We find that since China started its new-energy national strategy in 2005, there has been an extended period in which it has been in the expansion state, although it occasionally reverts to a contraction state. Intriguingly, we uncover that the timing of transition state changes can be explained by the changes in policy-related, market-based instruments and risk-related indexes. These findings present implications for policymakers in developing more precise and effective policies, that drives investment choices to align with the goal of a sustainable energy system. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy has the advantages of being clean and carbon-free, convenient storage, and easy conversion to electrical energy. The use of renewable energy electrolysis for hydrogen production is an important solution to promote clean energy utilization and decarburization in the power and transportation industries. However, hydrogen has a low hydrogen storage density and is prone to explosion. The high cost and risk of hydrogen transportation pose challenges to the promotion and utilization of hydrogen. To address these difficulties, this paper proposes a day-ahead dispatch of electricity-hydrogen systems (EHS) under the solid-state transportation mode of hydrogen energy. Firstly, based on the Van't Hoff equation, the relationship between gas pressure and the reaction temperature is established during the gas-solid conversion process, and a hydrogen energy solid-state transport model based on a magnesium-based hydrogen transport vehicle (MHTV) is proposed. Secondly, a renewable energy uncertainty set is established based on the information-gap decision theory (IGDT) envelope constraint for addressing the uncertainty of renewable energy and a day-ahead bi-level dispatch model of the EHS is constructed based on the solid-state transportation mode of hydrogen energy. Finally, the IGDT approach considering fuzzy variables (FV-IGDT) is presented by using a fuzzy variable membership function, and the proposed bi-level model is transformed into a single-level model for a solution based on this approach. The effectiveness of the proposed model and solution method is verified through simulation on an EHS consisting of a modified IEEE-118 power system, 2 hydrogen production stations (HPS), and 10 hydrogen refueling stations (HRS). • Hydrogen pressure & temperature during gas-solid conversion established by Van't Hoff equation. • Hydrogen energy solid-state transport model based MHTV is proposed using magnesium. • MHTV hydrogen transportation time, energy balance, time-coupling constraints are considered. • FV-IGDT model is proposed to address issue of traditional IGDT models unable to solve optimal value. • Optimize fluctuation range of uncertain variables in RSOS and RARS models and optimal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimization model that incorporates all combinatorically feasible inter-plant collaboration networks is developed using P-graph. It has been theoretically proven that time-sliced-based energy planning optimization has positive impacts and is capable of achieving carbon emissions reduction goals and minimizing costs simultaneously. However, as the number of entities increased, an exponential growth in possible combinatorial feasible coalitions is anticipated. Therefore, an extension of the P-graph optimization tool that is capable of generating all possible outcomes in multi-period P2P energy trading – PEP (P-graph for energy planning) is developed. The PEP software can be effectively used in modelling complex process networks graphically and solving optimization problems with the combined advantages of combinatorial algorithms and mathematical programming. In this paper, a systematic framework for implementing P2P energy trading using PEP software is proposed and demonstrated using a real-life case study. [Display omitted] • An optimization tool – PEP software is developed to model P2P energy trading scheme. • The software is capable of generating all possible financial outcomes effectively. • Optimal coalition structure is chosen based on the highest cost savings. • Marginal contribution analysis is done to ensure fair profit distribution. • The sample case study showed that entities can reduce electricity bills by 6.75 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are being deployed all around the World as a technically feasible solution to decreasing users' dependence on fossil fuels. Several demonstration facilities have shown their potential to provide final consumers with clean energy and all associated environmental benefits. However, the economic evaluation of these systems as a whole set is more complex than evaluating generation technologies individually, which can be considered a barrier, and it may be more complicated to calculate its uncertainty with precision. This paper deals with this challenge and adapts a model for the evaluation of the global Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of a polygeneration microgrid to the characteristics of a typical REC, allowing the assessment of the distribution of the LCOE depending on the uncertainty of the input parameters. Thanks to its simple analytical formulation, the proposed model, that can be used for any combination of technologies (both renewable and conventional), provides relevant information on uncertainty propagation in a symbolic way that avoids the need to run numerical simulations or make assumptions on the distribution of the random input parameters. A case study has been presented, considering a typical small electrical REC with photovoltaic plants and micro wind turbines. Although the model can be defined to any market, as a representative example, it has been evaluated according to the current Spanish and Italian regulations, which are analyzed in depth with reference to the scientific literature. Results show that uncertainties in parameter estimates give rise to a very large scatter in the LCOE, pointing out a set of quantities whose role is crucial for a reliable estimate, among which electricity purchase and selling prices, yearly power load, and self-consumption / virtually-shared energy rates stand out. [Display omitted] • The global LCOE for a typical REC has been defined. • The uncertainty propagation in the LCOE formulation has been studied. • The proposed model has been applied to an electrical polygeneration REC. • As an example, the Spanish and Italian regulatory frameworks have been considered. • The LCOE of RECs is mainly sensitive to the electricity price and the power load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy communities (ECs) offer a promising solution for achieving sustainable and decentralized energy systems. However, the successful establishment and operation of ECs requires overcoming barriers that can hinder stakeholder participation. Existing research has primarily focused on incentives and motivations to join ECs, thus neglecting a comprehensive understanding of the key barriers affecting EC stakeholders in European Union (EU) countries. This paper aims to fill this research gap by identifying and ranking the barriers to joining ECs in the EU context with focus on Spain and Italy. To accomplish this, a framework of barriers was developed based on 20 in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders of established ECs and a survey (n = 56). The barriers identified were categorized into four types: (a) financial, (b) regulatory and bureaucratic, (c) technical and practical, and (d) social and cultural. The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) methodology was employed to estimate and rank these barriers. The findings highlight that the most significant barrier categories are regulatory and bureaucratic, and financial. Specifically, regulatory complexity and legal limitations emerge as the top-ranked barriers among the obstacles identified to joining ECs by research participants. • Energy communities are a promising solution for sustainable decentralized energy systems. • Joining an energy community faces financial, regulatory, technical, social barriers. • The article ranks these barriers using the analytical hierarchical process. • It provides insight of the barriers affecting all energy communities' stakeholders. • It discusses the main policy recommendations derived from the ranking of barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's rural solar photovoltaic projects (SPVPs), as an innovative initiative to improve livelihoods through clean energy, have played a positive role in poverty reduction. However, whether this measure can enhance energy services for rural families remains unconfirmed. This paper employs a quasi-experimental method from the perspectives of energy service accessibility and affordability to quantify the net contribution of China's rural SPVPs to enhancing family energy services. The results indicate: (1) SPVPs can significantly improve family energy services, with a net effect of 14.7 % on the energy service accessibility and a net effect of 44.5 % on the energy service affordability. (2) SPVPs can increase the energy consumption capacity, energy supply capacity and energy equipment utilization rate by 2.6 %, 7.1 % and 5 %, respectively. Furthermore, these initiatives can effectively slash the energy costs of rural families by 4.3 %, bolster the energy access affordability by 3.9 %, and catapult energy investments by an impressive 44.9 %. (3) These projects also perform well in the family energy consumption cleanliness. (4) The effect of SPVPs in providing energy services presents a regional difference, with the best performance observed in 'Type III' solar resource areas. Meanwhile, the implementation of China's rural SPVPs does not involve "elite capture." • We analyze the changes of energy accessibility and affordability in rural China. • We quantify the energy services effect of solar PV projects (SPVPs). • SPVPs perform well in improving family energy consumption cleanliness. • The energy services effect of solar PV projects has spatial heterogeneity. • The implementation of China's rural SPVPs does not involve "elite capture.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy hubs have revolutionized the field of energy management, emerging as state-of-the-art solutions for achieving efficient and sustainable energy systems. These hubs act as integrated platforms that seamlessly combine a variety of energy technologies, facilitating the synergistic interaction of multi-carrier energy systems with diverse energy sources. This paper outlines a framework for an energy hub that integrates a wide range of energy technologies, encompassing electrical, thermal, and cooling systems, alongside renewable resources and storage units. The proposed model incorporates demand response programs (DRPs) to effectively manage energy demand, optimize load distribution, enhance grid stability, and achieve substantial cost reductions. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated through careful analysis of four distinct case studies, giving its potential in diverse energy management scenarios. To tackle uncertainties associated with power, heating, and cooling demands, as well as power and gas market prices, wind speed, and solar irradiation, this study utilizes EVaR as a stochastic modeling approach. The EVaR is a novel coherent risk measure incorporated to enhance risk management practices and surpass the limitations of traditional value-at-risk measures. According to the obtained results, due to the conservativeness of the operator, the income has decreased by 23 % while the system operation cost has increased by 36 % in the presence of the EVaR optimization approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer of energy-intensive projects to areas abundant in clean energy resources holds promise for optimizing the energy structure. After obtaining specific information on transferred projects of listed energy-intensive firms through search or phone contact, this paper innovatively constructs a three-dimensional panel containing 1,859,220 observations to empirically examine the attraction of clean energy to energy-intensive projects under the carbon intensity constraint policy (CICP). Our findings reveal that: (1) the CICP promotes the transfer of gray energy-intensive projects, leading to the transfer structure trending towards graying. (2) Furthermore, we observe a positive correlation between the proportion of thermal power in transfer-out areas and the outflow of gray energy-intensive projects. Conversely, areas with higher wind power and photovoltaics attract a greater inflow of gray energy-intensive projects. (3) Notably, clean energy predominantly attracts the inflow of gray projects rather than green projects. Our findings provide micro evidence and valuable insights into the transfer of energy-intensive industries, informing the design and implementation of future environmental policies for policymakers and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabricated buildings (PB) are assembled using prefabricated components, known for their cost-effectiveness and high efficiency. They are seen as an effective means to achieving sustainable development goals and mitigating climate change. This paper examines the impact of prefabricated buildings on urban green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) using panel data from 278 cities in China. The analysis is conducted through the application of a super-efficiency slack-based measure (SBM) model and a difference-in-differences model. The results of the study indicate that the promotion of PB can significantly improve urban GTFEE; there is heterogeneity in the improvement of urban GTFEE by PB; the innovation effect, industrial effect and marketization effect of PB are the main ways to improve urban GTFEE. Specifically, PB exerts an innovation effect by promoting technological innovation. It influences consumer and investor demand, leading to increased activity in the secondary industry, thereby creating an industrial effect. Moreover, PB facilitates the marketization effect by phasing out outdated industries, encouraging autonomous enterprise innovation, and fostering the growth of new advanced enterprises. This study reveals the critical role of PB in urban GTFEE improvement. It clarifies its mechanism of action, which provides a reference for urban sustainable development strategies and energy efficiency. • Prefabricated buildings can improve green total-factor energy efficiency. • Urban green total-factor energy efficiency has been measured. • PB improves GTFEE through innovation, industry and marketization effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Green Slow model, this paper builds a framework to achieve carbon peak driven by manufacturing, energy-conservation and energy substitution technology concurrently.Through a panel dataset from 2000 to 2018 at the province level, we find that the increasing carbon emissions effects from manufacturing technology are primarily due to increased levels of disposable income resulting from technological advances applied in production, which increases the demand for energy consumption and results in the emission of more carbon dioxide. China's carbon emissions have been significantly reduced by energy-conservation and energy-substitution technology, which reduce the amount of fossil energy used in the generation of clean energy while increasing its share. These results suggest that to achieve carbon peak and further improve the carbon reduction effect of energy-conservation and fossil fuel alternatives technologies, local governments should strive to create an enabling environment for technology development. • Theoretical analysis for achieving carbon peak is conducted. • Manufacturing technology drives carbon emission. • Enlarging the production scale is the reason contributes to the increased carbon emissions. • Energy conservation and substitution technology mainly cause this emissions reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of renewable energy as a pivotal green industry in decarbonizing the global economy and addressing the climate change is profound. The rise of China's regional renewable energy serves as a testament to its transition from an industrial powerhouse to a leader of sustainable growth, offering valuable insights for a sustainable future worldwide. This study analyzes renewable energy efficiency, alongside the factors that influence it, in Qinghai Province over 2000–2021. It uses a combination of the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index factor decomposition, Data Envelopment Analysis of Super-SBM models, and field research with a rounded approach. The study finds a robust increase in renewable energy capacity, particularly after 2016. Efficiency in renewable energy generally has risen, although periods of inefficiency were noted from 2014 to 2019. Despite fluctuations, the overall impact of factors such as renewable energy structure, electricity intensity, energy security, energy intensity, carbon productivity, and carbon emissions, all contribute positively to the development of renewable energy, notably in recent years. The paper concludes with a discussion of green industrial policies with wider implications for the renewable energy sector. • The rise of China's regional renewable energy offers valuable insights for sustainability. • Renewable energy capacity in Qinghai increased robustly over 2000-2021. • Renewable energy efficiency has risen but with inefficiency from 2014 to 2019. • Despite fluctuations, the overall impact of influencing factors promoted renewable energy, notably in recent years. • There is a need for stable green industrial policy, diverse energy mix, strengthening grid infrastructure, and promoting sustainable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is experiencing unprecedented development in the clean energy sector in residential and industrial applications. This paper provides a case study assessing different scenarios of greenizing the electrical energy demand in El-Mostakbal city in Egypt. Three scenarios are studied with consideration of a photovoltaic (PV) system integrated with the grid-connected city with different integrated system configurations. The scenarios for the grid-connected city are scenario-I: only PV, scenario-II: PV with batteries for electricity storage along with grid electricity, and scenario-III: PV with hydrogen production, storage, and utilization for covering the electric demand along with grid electricity, these scenarios are assessed technoeconomically, and the results show an optimized case where the electricity demand of the city can be met with 64.3% produced from solar energy, at $71.7 M of the net present cost. • Energy demand is evaluated using different proposed green scenarios that are assessed techno-economically. • Electricity demand of the city can be met with 64.3% produced from solar energy. • The cost of energy generation for scenario-I is found to be $0.0512 per kWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research illustrates the impact of energy insecurity on green innovation based on green patent data from 1970 to 2018 in 40 sample countries. Through the bootstrap-based bias-corrected FE (BCFE) estimator analysis with the advantages of bootstrap-based bias correction in panels with cross-sectional dependence and in high-order dynamics, we first find that increased insecurity of fossil energy has an incentive impact on green innovation. Second, through sub-sample regression, we find that energy insecurity in non-OECD countries has a more significant positive impact on green innovation than OECD countries. Third, energy insecurity under the leadership of the left-wing party has no impact on green innovation, while the right-wing party exhibits a positive effect. Fourth, for oil-exporting countries and importing countries, the impact of energy insecurity on green innovation is significantly different. Finally, this paper examines the mediator role of energy and environmental policies and energy consumption structure through causal inference and confirms the mechanism for the impact of energy insecurity on green innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean energy productions depend on technology advancements such as renewables and ICTs (Information Communication Technologies), with the ultimate goals to enhance human development. In the past two decades, individual effects of renewables or ICTs on the human development index (hdi) were studied in prior literatures without consistent roadmaps for the future human development. Recently, the authors observed the interesting effects on hdi when renewables and ICTs are combined. In this paper, impacts on hdi due to renewables, ICTs and their combinations are analyzed by static and dynamic panel models for 26 countries between 2000 and 2018. Other factors include carbon dioxide emissions, economic developments, primary energy consumptions, and populations. Firstly, the impact on hdi due to renewables alone is generally insignificant in short- and long-terms. Secondly, the impact on hdi due to ICTs is positive in the short-term, however, such effect becomes insignificant in the long-term. Thirdly, the combinations of renewables and ICTs significantly promote hdi in the short- and long-terms. Fourthly, economic developments promote hdi, while carbon emissions negatively impact hdi, in both terms. Fifthly, primary energy consumptions promote hdi in the short-term, but hinder hdi in the long-term. Lastly, population growth negatively affects hdi in the long-term. • Renewables-ICTs combinations significantly promote hdi in short- and long-terms. • Individual effect of renewables on hdi is generally insignificant. • Individual effect of ICTs on hdi is positive in short term, but insignificant in longterm. • Primary energy consumptions promote hdi in short-term, but hinder it in long-term. • Economic development positively impacts hdi, but carbon emissions negatively impact it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to unveil the heterogeneous impacts of import product diversification and institutional factors for achieving energy efficiency in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. In doing so, the study employs robust econometric techniques such as Fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) co-integration, pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), pool mean group regressions, fixed effects, and random effects for panel data from 1990 to 2015 for selected OECD countries. The detailed empirical outcomes suggest that import product diversification is conducive to reducing the energy and carbon intensity (improvement in energy efficiency) in OECD countries. The empirical conclusions provide various guidelines to achieve cleaner and greener growth and align with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and SDG 13: Climate action) of OECD countries. The paper elaborates fruitful policy suggestions regarding the diversification of imports and energy use-carbon emission-nexus for the OECD member nations. Based on the findings, policymakers and environmental scientists should strengthen the trade-energy and import portfolio policies to attain energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]