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This article offers a detailed investigation into the technical, economic along with environmental performance of four configurations of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs), aiming at supplying renewable electricity to a remote location, Henry Island in India. The study explores combinations involving photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, biogas generators, batteries, and converters, while evaluating their economic, technical, and environmental performance. The economic analysis yield that among all the systems examined, the PV, wind turbine, biogas generator, battery, and converter integrated configuration stands out with highly favourable results, showcasing the minimal value of levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) at $0.4224 per kWh and the lowest net present cost (NPC) at $6.41 million. However, technical analysis yield that the configuration comprising wind turbines, PV panels, converters, and battery yields a maximum excess electricity output of 2,838,968 kWh/yr. Additionally, machine learning techniques are employed to analyse economic and environmental performance data. The study shows Bilayered Neural Network model achieves exceptional accuracy in predicting LCOE, while the Medium Neural Network model proves to be the most accurate in predicting environmental performance. These findings provide valuable perception into the design and optimisation of HRES systems for off-grid applications in remote regions, taking into account their technical, economic, and environmental aspects. • Four different configurations of hybrid renewable energy systems are considered. • The configuration that integrated PV, wind turbine, biogas generator, battery, and converter is best. • Machine learning techniques are used to assess economic and environmental performances. • The bilayered neural network, with ReLU activation function, outperforms other models in predicting LCOE with R2 = 1 • The medium neural network, using ReLU activation, outperforms other models in predicting CO 2 emissions with R2 = 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigated mapping and scientometric techniques adopt on the publications towards analysis the research trend in energy storage and conversion. The research was conducted based on Web of Science data for the 1993–2021 periods. The study found out that India's research effort in the energy storage and conversion field was significantly less than world production for all years in the study period from 1993 to 2021. Although the research performance of the contribution of scientists rose to peak levels with over a thousand publications between 2014 and 2021, were the highest-rated collaborative authors with 10 (45.45%) of the publications of the Alagappa University. The main types of sources were published as articles with 23,394 (88.7%) publications. Research articles engaged the first position, Wang Y tops the list with 322 (1.22%) publications, followed by Zhang Y, Wang J, Li Y, Liu J, Zhang L, Liu Y, and Wang L had the 2nd to 8th position for them, of which more than 200 publications testify. It was found that the largest number of published papers in chemistry was 4,444 with 12,103 (45.89%) of the publications, Chinese Peoples were with 12,145 (46.05%) devoted about half of the research publications shared in energy storage and conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large debris flow triggered by a rock avalanche in the Raunthi glaciated valley resulted in flash floods in the Rishiganga and Dhauliganga rivers on 07 February 2021 in Uttarakhand, India. Hydel projects, houses, roads and bridges in the path of debris flow were damaged resulting in many deaths. We have used high-resolution satellite data (e.g. Pleiades, WorldView, Kompsat, Cartosat, Resourcesat, Planet) to study the source of flash floods and cause of the slope failure. Our detailed geological assessment, carried out using stereoscopic Pleiades images (50 cm), revealed rock avalanche as the main source of slope failure. The slope failure has exposed a ~197-m-high head scarp near the crown and is controlled by two sets of joints and a foliation that helped in the wedge type failure. The volume of failed mass (rock and ice) estimated by cut and fill method using digital elevation models (DEMs) is ~ 29.3 million m3. The rock and ice descended from a height of ~5474 m and then crashed onto the moraine and ice bridges present in the valley at ~3732 m after travelling ~2.9 km along a steep slope. The heat generated by friction during run out and conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy due to the crashing on valley floor melted snow and ice. The ice melt water along with enhanced snow melting due to high ambient temperature on that day got intermixed with debris and created a slush, which was mobilised as a channelised flash flood. Multi-temporal high-resolution satellite data analysis showed that the debris flow was initiated at ~10:08:45 h (IST), and it travelled with a velocity of ~10.6 m/s. The rock avalanche event lasted for ~50 min, and the crash impact created a severe air blast in the valley. The rock avalanche has also resulted in debris blocking the Raunthi gad valley. Estimated Morphological Obstruction Index (MOI) and Hydro-morphological Dam Stability Index (HDSI) indicate the debris dam to be in an unstable domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy based hybrid energy cooling system is an economic and convenient option for rural milk preservation in remote coastal province in southern part of India. In this work, a model is presented for the techno-economic evaluation of hybrid renewable energy operated chilling system to fulfil the preservation requirements of isolated coastal sites where the bio resources and solar energy are plenty available. A milk chilling plant operated by vapour absorption cooling system which obtains thermal energy from various combinations of existing renewable energy sources has been studied and to predict the effect of different energy proportions of existing renewable energy resources on the overall system performance and economical parameters. From the analysis, it can be concluded that the Gobar gas/Biomass/Biogas/Solar (0.5:0.25:0.125:0.125) has been recommended for the suitable combination. The analysis reveals that the proposed hybrid renewable energy based chilling system can show the overall system performance as 0.18–0.19 with lowest Payback period (4 years 6 months to 5 years 3 months), life cycle cost (INR 16.8–19.5 million) and positive net present value. The sensitivity analysis show that the energy conversion efficiency and interest rate significantly influences the overall COP and capital cost, running cost and payback period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication biomass energy resource, potential, energy conversion and policy for promotion implemented by Government of India are discussed. The total installed capacity for electricity generation in India is 2666.64 GW as on 31st March 2013. Renewable energy is contributed 10.5% of total generation out of which 12.83% power is being generated using biomass. India has surplus agricultural and forest area which comprises about 500 million metric tons of biomass availability per year. In India total biomass power generation capacity is 17,500 MW. At present power being generated is 2665 MW which include 1666 MW by cogeneration. The various category of biomass in India is also discussed in this paper. And the research reveals that India has large potential for bio mass feed stock from different sources. Government of India deployed different policies and executed that the strategies for biomass power generation. Such approaches have included the whole biomass energy sector which incorporated the bio gas, bio diesel etc. in the policies. Government of India has focused on the deployment and development biomass energy sector with strategic policy and program which is notable portion of this review paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Renewable energy-based off-grid or decentralised electricity supply has traditionally considered a single technology-based limited level of supply to meet the basic needs, without considering reliable energy provision to rural consumers. The purpose of this paper is to propose the best hybrid technology combination for electricity generation from a mix of renewable energy resources to satisfy the electrical needs in a reliable manner of an off-grid remote village, Palari in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. Four renewable resources, namely, small-scale hydropower, solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines and bio-diesel generators are considered. The paper estimates the residential, institutional, commercial, agricultural and small-scale industrial demand in the pre-HOMER analysis. Using HOMER, the paper identifies the optimal off-grid option and compares this with conventional grid extension. The solution obtained shows that a hybrid combination of renewable energy generators at an off-grid location can be a cost-effective alternative to grid extension and it is sustainable, techno-economically viable and environmentally sound. The paper also presents a post-HOMER analysis and discusses issues that are likely to affect/influence the realisation of the optimal solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Being an agriculture rich state, Punjab has huge potential of biomass resource availability in the form of crop residues. Around 40.142Mty−1 of the total crop residue is generated from various major and minor crops, of which around 71% is consumed in various forms, resulting in 29% as a net surplus available for power generation. Basic surplus and net surplus crop residues for power generation potential were estimated in each district. Sangrur, Ferozpur, Amritsar, Patiala and Ludhiana are the major surplus biomass potential districts, while Rupnagar, Nawashahar, Hoshiarpur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot and Kapurthalla are least surplus biomass potential districts within the state. It has been estimated that around 1.510 GW and 1.464 GW of power in the state can be generated through basic surplus and net surplus biomass respectively. Besides, the seasonal availability, present usage pattern and costing of important crop residues are also estimated in each district of the state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy plays significant role in the development of a nation. The conventional sources, though exhausting and not environment friendly are being increasingly used. Looking at limited supplies and various environment problems associated with its uses, renewable energy sources are getting attention. Municipal solid waste [MSW] is getting importance in recent years. Having fewer disposal problems is being considered as valuable bio-energy resources. The MSW management involves collection, transportation, handling and conversion to energy by biological and thermal routes. The present paper reports the results of physical, proximate and TGA/DTA analysis, used to select the most appropriate method of energy conversion. Based on the energy potential available, the feasibility of energy conversion through biogas production using available waste has been carried out. The CDM benefits have also been considered. The cost of generation with and without CDM benefits is Rs. 1.36/- and Rs. 1.41/- per kWh respectively as compared to cost of energy from grid [Rs. 3.50/- per kWh]. Therefore power generation from MSW of Haridwar city using biomethanation conversion technology is feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Soil physico-chemical properties, microbial biomass, and functional microbial diversity were investigated in two adjacent fields located in a semi-arid dryland farming region of Maharashtra state, India. In organically cultivated field (OCF) large annual inputs of composted cow manure, no tillage and no removal of crop residues is being practiced for the past 14 years. The neighboring plot which was not cultivated for the same period remained as fallow grassland (FGL) served as check for comparison. Soil samples collected from OCF had higher pH, moisture, total organic carbon and nitrogen, microbial biomass, C and N, and enzymatic activities compared to FGL soil. Microbial community structure in the two soils was assessed, using Biolog Eco and GN2 plates. OCF soil showed significant (P =0.01) increase of microbial diversity and evenness, suggesting an improvement of functional microbial diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA) separates the two soil samples based on 10 most discriminating carbon sources for each with the maximum positive and negative scores. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study on soil quality and microbial functional diversity of soil in a semi-arid region indicating that conversion from FGL to OCF led to significant soil quality improvement due to the enhanced microbial functional diversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to the growing energy needs along with increasing concerns towards control of greenhouse gas emissions, most developing countries are under pressure to find alternative methods for energy conversion and policies to make these technologies economically viable. Most of the energy is produced from fossil fuel in India which is not a sustainable source of energy. In this paper Indian power sector has been examined by using MARKAL model for introduction of clean coal and advanced nuclear technologies with implementation of energy conservation potential. The result shows that application of clean technologies gives energy security but not significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. When clean technologies apply with energy conservation a huge amount of CO2 can be reduced and also economically viable. Three scenarios including base case scenario have been developed to estimate the resource allocations and CO2 mitigation. The clean technologies with maximum savings potential shows 70% CO2 reduction in the year 2045. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper critically discusses the scope, potential and implementation of biomass conversion to energy in Indian scenario. The feasibility as well as suitability of the various categories of biomass to energy in India has been discussed. Brief descriptions of potential conversion routes have been included, with their possible and existing scope of implementation in Indian context. As far as possible, the most recent statistical data have been reported from the available sources. The figures reported have been updated as on March 2009, in most of the cases. The discussion reveals that a large potential exists for the biomass feed-stocks from the various kinds of waste biomass. The gasification as well as anaerobic digestion processes seem to be most attractive in Indian scenario. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urban transport plays an important role in city development and is also a leading sector in energy consumption and air pollutant emissions. To examine the effectiveness of policies in reducing transport influences on environment and energy use, this paper takes passenger transport system in Delhi as a case and develops a system dynamics model for scenario analysis from the base year 2006 to 2020. It is found that the implementation of certain policies will lead to a significant reduction of energy use and emissions of CO2, CH4, CO, NMVOC, and SO2 by 7–14, 7–15, 4–9, 12–23, 12–24, and 11–23%, respectively, in 2020. Bus, car, and two-wheeler need particular attentions to mitigate their environmental impacts while MRTS would be an effective solution to restrict the booming energy demand and associated air pollutant emissions. The implications for policy are that accelerating the development of railway network, together with decreasing the fuel intensity, slowing down road network extension, and imposing fuel taxes will be effective instruments to build an environmentally friendly urban transport system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, energy metrics (energy pay back time, electricity production factor and life cycle conversion efficiency) of hybrid photovoltaic (PV) modules have been analyzed and presented for the composite climate of New Delhi, India. For this purpose, it is necessary to calculate (1) the energy consumption in making different components of the PV modules and (2) the annual energy (electrical and thermal) available from the hybrid-PV modules. A set of mathematical relations have been reformulated for computation of the energy metrics. The manufacturing energy, material production energy, energy use and distribution energy of the system have been taken into account, to determine the embodied energy for the hybrid-PV modules. The embodied energy and annual energy outputs have been used for evaluation of the energy metrics. For hybrid PV module, it has been observed that the EPBT gets significantly reduced by taking into account the increase in annual energy availability of the thermal energy in addition to the electrical energy. The values of EPF and LCCE of hybrid PV module become higher as expected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over the last two decades, global electricity production has more than doubled, and electricity demand is rising rapidly around the world as economic development spreads to emerging economies. Therefore, technical, economic and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power make it an important contributor to the future world energy mix, particularly in the developing countries. In addition, small hydropower (SHP) represents an alternative to fossil fuel generation and does not contribute to either greenhouse gas emissions or other atmospheric pollutants. However, developing the remaining hydropower potential offers many challenges, and pressures from some environmental action groups over its impact has tended to increase over time. Hydropower throughout the world provides 17% of our electricity from an installed capacity of some 730 GW is currently under construction, making hydropower by far the most important renewable energy for electrical power production. The contribution of SHP to the worldwide electrical capcity is more of a similar scale to the other renewable energy sources (1-2% of total capacity), amounting to about 47 GW (53%) of this capacity in developing countries. This paper is limited to small hydropower plants in some developing countries such as China, India and Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is a valuable raw material for bioenergy and bioproduct production. The environmental performance of sugarcane-derived bioenergy and bioproducts vary with sugarcane cultivation practices and energy conversion technologies. A farm to factory gate life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted to assess the energy and environmental performance of sugar production and bagasse electricity cogeneration in Maharashtra, India under different scenarios. Altogether 20 scenarios were developed taking four sugarcane seasons (adsali, ratoon, preseasonal and suru) and four cogeneration boilers (low pressure, medium pressure, high pressure and very high pressure). The functional units are the production of 1 tonne of sugar and 1 MWh of surplus electricity. The ReCiPe 2016 midpoint (H) method is used for impact assessment. System expansion is applied to assess the alternative uses of sugarcane by-products (trash, press mud and bagasse ash). The global warming potential (GWP) of bagasse cogenerated electricity and sugar range from 90 to 142 kg CO 2 -eq MWh-1 and 324–834 kg CO 2 -eq t-1 among the scenarios. The water consumption potential (WCP) varies from 209 to 354 m3 MWh-1 for electricity and 768–2097 m3 t-1 for sugar. The Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) for electricity and sugar ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 MJ kWh-1 and 3–8 MJ kg-1. The Energy Return On Investment (EROI) differs from 2.7 to 4.5 for electricity and 2.1 to 5.3 for sugar. The alternative uses of sugarcane by-products contribute to negative emission and lower the overall GWP by 13–15%. Scenarios producing only sugar have a much higher environmental impact than scenarios producing both sugar and surplus electricity. The combination of adsali sugarcane and very high pressure cogeneration boiler provides the highest environmental benefits among all scenarios. The findings can help enhance cleaner production initiatives in the Indian sugarcane sector. • Scenario-wise LCA of sugar and bagasse electricity production in India. • GWP of electricity 90–142 kg CO 2 -eq MWh−1 and sugar 324–834 kg CO 2 -eq t−1. • Alternative uses of sugarcane by-products lower the GWP by 13–15%. • Water consumption for electricity 209–354 m3 MWh−1 and sugar 768–2097 m3 t−1. • Energy Return On Investment of electricity 2.7–4.5 and sugar 2.1–5.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]