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The modern quest for sustainable cities increasingly relies on using distributed energy resources (DERs), which requires new planning practices. This paper proposes an optimisation strategy to solve the fast charging station (FCS) allocation of electric vehicles (EVs). A mixed-integer programming (MIP) model minimises investment and operation costs, considering the building of FCSs with photovoltaic (PV) systems over carports and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) as planning alternatives. The embedded set covering problem has special aspects that allow the development of a novel approach to evaluate candidate sites to accommodate FCSs. A preprocessing strategy is developed to fine-tune the entire solution space. A multiobjective approach is used to obtain an optimal compromise solution for the MIP model when it is required to serve the maximum number of EV owners at the lowest possible cost. The combined strategies reduce the computational burden, allowing full-scale studies of EV charging system planning. The results of studies using a real-world Brazilian case certify the benefits of the proposed strategy in the FCS allocation problem and in optimising the operation when considering renewable alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy production is growing rapidly worldwide in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, wind energy production is not environmentally neutral. Negative impacts on volant animals, such as bats, include fatalities at turbines and habitat loss due to land-use change and displacement. Siting turbines away from ecologically sensitive areas and implementing measures to reduce fatalities are critical to protecting bat populations. Restricting turbine operations during periods of high bat activity is the most effective form of mitigation currently available to reduce fatalities. Compensating for habitat loss and offsetting mortality are not often practiced, because meaningful offsets are lacking. Legal frameworks to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of wind energy on bats are absent in most countries, especially in emerging markets. Therefore, governments and lending institutions are key in reconciling wind energy production with biodiversity goals by requiring sufficient environmental standards for wind energy projects.

Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings The overall research project "Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings" is developing, investigating and evaluating new solutions with a highly innovative character and considerable potential in terms of the energy transition. The aim is the further dissemination and application of steel as a material in the building sector as a contribution to the energy and heat transition and to increasing sustainability in the construction industry. In order to structure the extensive objectives of the project, the overall project was divided into four sub‐projects. In the first three sub‐projects, different topics are addressed that fall under the main theme of "Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings". These topics will be investigated, optimized and evaluated using real demonstrators. In the fourth sub‐project, the individual solutions developed for energy generation from the ground and the environment, optimization of the building envelope, technical solutions for energy storage and energy transfer to the room are brought together in a virtual building demonstrator. In this virtual environment, the components for energy generation (geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, photovoltaics) can be tested and evaluated in combination with the energy conversion and transfer components. At the end of the project, the aim is to show how the goal of a climate‐positive building can be achieved through the systematic use of steel solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind farms are a clean and efficient source of renewable energy. However, they cause negative impacts on raptors. Here, we present a review of the existing scientific literature on the effects of wind farms on raptors' ecology with a particular interest in the potential solutions. After collecting 216 studies, we found a consensus in the literature that raptors exhibit avoidance behaviors, and that the abundance of raptors decreases after wind farm installation, although it might recover over time. The position of wind farms on mountaintop ridges poses a particular danger to large soaring raptors, as they rely on orographic uplift to gain altitude. Adult mortality significantly affects population dynamics, particularly in endangered species, but young inexperienced individuals show a higher collision risk. The combination of different methods including field monitoring, GPS telemetry and systematic search for carcasses is an adequate approach to further investigate the problem and solutions. Shutdowns on demand, the installation of deterrents, turbine micro‐sitting and the repowering of wind farms have been suggested as potential solutions, although results are contradictory and case‐specific. Furthermore, it is essential to report the potential occurrence of conflicts of interest in scientific papers, as they can influence the interpretation of the results. Finally, from a future perspective, it is crucial to assess the effectiveness of solutions to mitigate the negative effects of wind farms to promote raptor conservation. This becomes increasingly relevant in the context of renewable energy development and increasing energy demand worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fossil fuels can be replaced with electricity and hydrogen. However, the implementation and use of these low-carbon energy carriers require a sociotechnical transition. This transition might not be completed in time. Main text: CO 2 -based methane is a substitute for natural gas that is less carbon-intensive. This methane is synthesized by capturing CO 2 from air and by performing water electrolysis to produce hydrogen. CO 2 -based methane is compatible with our current fossil-based society. An analysis of the substitution of natural gas with different energy carriers will be performed, and the results will be compared. The effects of CO 2 -based methane, hydrogen, and electricity will be evaluated for energy storage, high-temperature level heat production, and residential heating. The multi-level perspective will be applied to assess these energy carriers in the context of our society. Conclusions: CO 2 -based methane is the least energy efficient energy carrier among those analyzed. Nevertheless, this type of methane supports the acceleration of the energy transition. Highlights: CO2-based methane is a valuable, renewable, and carbon-neutral energy carrier that supports a timely energy transition. The implementation of hydrogen and electricity requires more modifications to our current sociotechnical society than the implementation of CO2-based methane. The urgency of reducing CO2 emissions is not being considered adequately in the current societal discussion, and a multi-level perspective analysis should provide valuable results that account for the temporal aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing efforts to lower CO2 emissions globally, the demand for carbon-based resources in industries remains on a high level, leading to new technologies being able to provide those essential carbon sources. To the best of our knowledge, we were able to show for the first time the adaption of a readily available gasifier for the gasification of wood chips using only O2 (18.4–23.1 Vol.-%) and CO2 as gasification agents, creating a nitrogen-free product gas. It was found that the setup used was able to convert up to 27.2% of the CO2 from the gasification agent to CO, creating a promising route for the production of renewable carbon sources for future carbon-based applications. Furthermore, no decrease in gasification performance was observed as the cold gas efficiency was at 83.5–95.5% with only minor formation of tar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The momentum of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is driving increased demand for certain specific metals. These include copper, silver, gold, and platinum group metals (PGMs), which have important applications in renewable energies, green hydrogen, and electronic products. However, the continuous extraction of these metals is leading to a rapid decline in their ore grades and, consequently, increasing the environmental impact of extraction. Hence, obtaining metals from secondary sources, such as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), has become imperative for both environmental sustainability and ensuring their availability. To evaluate the sustainability of the process, this paper proposes using an exergy approach, which enables appropriate allocation among co-products, as well as the assessment of exergy losses and the use of non-renewable resources. As a case study, this paper analyzes the recycling process of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) by disaggregating the exergy cost into renewable and non-renewable sources, employing different exergy-based cost allocation methods for the mentioned metals. It further considers the complete life cycle of metals using the Circular Thermoeconomics methodology. The results show that, when considering the entire life cycle, between 47% and 53% of the non-renewable exergy is destroyed during recycling. Therefore, delaying recycling as much as possible would be the most desirable option for minimizing the use of non-renewable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the importance of deregulated power systems has grown significantly, resulting in positive effects on stability, reliability, innovation, and investment in new energy grid technology. The competitive landscape among energy providers and distributors has empowered consumers to not only save money on their energy bills but also incorporate sustainable energy sources into the grid. To efficiently manage electricity distribution, deregulated power systems must include a smart grid and microgrid (MG). Herein, the potential for sustainable expansion of these systems, as well as their economic and environmental implications, are examined. A comprehensive grid system that integrates smart grids and MGs can offer a complete solution, catering to the evolving energy needs of communities and businesses. The advantages of establishing such a system, including improved grid stability, reliability, and increased utilization of renewable energy sources (RES), are highlighted. Furthermore, the integration of MGs and smart grids enhances the management of distributed generation, allowing power companies to optimize system operations for profitability and efficiency. By following these suggestions, businesses and stakeholders in the power sector can enhance the efficiency and responsibility of their systems, resulting in benefits for both the economy and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Fossil fuels can be replaced with electricity and hydrogen. However, the implementation and use of these low-carbon energy carriers require a sociotechnical transition. This transition might not be completed in time. Main text $$\text {CO}_2$$ CO 2 -based methane is a substitute for natural gas that is less carbon-intensive. This methane is synthesized by capturing $$\text {CO}_2$$ CO 2 from air and by performing water electrolysis to produce hydrogen. $$\text {CO}_2$$ CO 2 -based methane is compatible with our current fossil-based society. An analysis of the substitution of natural gas with different energy carriers will be performed, and the results will be compared. The effects of $$\text {CO}_2$$ CO 2 -based methane, hydrogen, and electricity will be evaluated for energy storage, high-temperature level heat production, and residential heating. The multi-level perspective will be applied to assess these energy carriers in the context of our society. Conclusions $$\text {CO}_2$$ CO 2 -based methane is the least energy efficient energy carrier among those analyzed. Nevertheless, this type of methane supports the acceleration of the energy transition. Highlights CO2-based methane is a valuable, renewable, and carbon-neutral energy carrier that supports a timely energy transition. The implementation of hydrogen and electricity requires more modifications to our current sociotechnical society than the implementation of CO2-based methane. The urgency of reducing CO2 emissions is not being considered adequately in the current societal discussion, and a multi-level perspective analysis should provide valuable results that account for the temporal aspect.

This paper explores how investments in research and development (R&D) and government policies impact the growth of renewable energy in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia up to 2040. The study presents four scenarios to understand how different levels of R&D investment and the presence or absence of supportive policies affect the spread of renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy. The scenarios range from an optimistic one with high R&D funding and strong policy support to a worst-case scenario with low R&D efforts and weak policies. The findings emphasize the importance of solid government backing and strategic R&D investments in promoting renewable energy and increasing the number of green patents. On the other hand, scenarios with limited policy support and R&D funding show much slower growth, highlighting the challenges posed by economic constraints and tough market conditions. The study shows that strong renewable energy policies could boost renewable energy adoption by 100% to 200%. Overall, this research adds to the discussion on sustainable energy policies and provides useful insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that maximize the potential of renewable energy in the region.

Purpose – This paper aims to propose a methodology for assessing an optimal portfolio of investment instruments that minimise the social costs of decarbonising economic activity while improving the environmental objectives proposed in EU legislation. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology defines the net social cost of decarbonisation related to a portfolio of four instruments: installation of solar PV and wind generation, thermal insulation of households and deployment of heat pumps. The social cost is minimised by restricting it to the minimum level of the targets proposed in the Spanish National Energy and Climate Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase generation from renewable sources and reduce energy consumption. The empirical approach also includes differences between regions according to the expected effect for instruments. Findings – The application of this methodology to the environmental objectives defined in the current Spanish National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030 concludes that it is clearly possible to reduce the social cost of decarbonisation while improving environmental performance through a reorientation of investment instruments. In this case, such a reorientation would be based on a minimisation of efforts in thermal insulation of households and a maximisation of measures aimed at the installation of heat pumps. Originality/value – The paper proposes a novel methodology for a social cost assessment that improves the allocation of a portfolio of environmental instruments. This portfolio could be extended in further work to include instruments related to transport or support for industrial decarbonisation, such as the deployment of renewable hydrogen, among others.

Abstract The study investigates the weighting and hierarchization of renewable energy sources in specific geographical regions of Colombia using the TOPSIS and Diffuse TOPSIS metaheuristic models. 5 regions were analyzed, two of them with different scenarios: Caribbean 1 and 2, Pacific 1 and 2, Andean, Amazonian and Orinoquia. The results reveal significant differences in the evaluation of technologies between the two models. In the Caribbean 1, Diffuse TOPSIS gave a higher score to Solar Photovoltaics, while TOPSIS favored Hydropower. In the Caribbean 2, Solar Photovoltaic obtained similar scores in both models, but Wind was rated better by TOPSIS. In the Pacific Region 1, Biomass and large-scale Hydropower led according to both models. In the Pacific 2, Solar Photovoltaic was better evaluated by TOPSIS, while Wind was preferred by Diffuse TOPSIS. In the Andean Region, large-scale hydroelectric and Solar photovoltaic plants obtained high scores in both models. In the Amazon, Biomass led in both models, although with differences in scores. In Orinoquia, Solar Photovoltaic was rated higher by both models. The relevance of this research lies in its ability to address not only Colombia's immediate energy demands, but also in its ability to establish a solid and replicable methodological framework. The application of metaheuristic methods such as TOPSIS and TOPSIS with fuzzy logic is presented as a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional approaches, considering the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the evaluation of renewable energy sources. By achieving a more precise weighting and hierarchization, this study will significantly contribute to strategic decision-making in the implementation of sustainable energy solutions in Colombia, serving as a valuable model for other countries with similar challenges.

This research aims at proposing an alternative to improve the efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the context of electric mobility. A photovoltaic and wind hybrid energy system was installed in a Chok S2 electric vehicle. In addition, a charge equalization system was included to balance and maximize the performance of each of the EV's five batteries connected in series. The results show a 20% improvement in vehicle efficiency after conducting tests on a 17 km Andean route. The photovoltaic system generated 535 W, while the wind system generated 135 W/s at a speed of 45 km/h. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid renewable energy systems to improve the efficiency and range of electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of solar energy at a regional scale necessitates a thorough understanding of available resources. Cuba, facing prolonged economic, environmental, and energy crises, urgently needs to enhance its sustainability through solar energy. Although solar resource mapping is widespread, Cuba lacks extensive field measurements, often relying on models that may not be ideally suited for large regions, like Matanzas province. Spanning over 12,000 km² with nearly 150 km between its northern and southern extremes, Matanzas presents challenges for high-resolution solar mapping. This study introduces a methodology that integrates various methods and databases to achieve the maximum resolution in the resulting solar map. This approach is designed for large areas, where conventional high-resolution models fall short. By optimizing calculation times and parameterizing the entire surface latitudinally, a high-resolution solar resource map for Matanzas has been developed. This map significantly enhances the understanding of solar resources in Cuba and enables the proposal of new methodologies for analyzing solar potential in similarly large regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustaining a high-renewable electricity generation portfolio has proved to be difficult due to grid flexibility constraints. We utilize the abrupt decline in electricity demand due to the COVID-19 lockdown in China as a policy experiment to study the role of ancillary service markets (ASMs) in promoting intermittent renewable energy integration. Our results reveal that provinces with ASMs sustained a significantly higher generation of intermittent renewable energy during the COVID-19 demand shock, which amounts to 9.7 percent of average monthly intermittent renewable energy generation during the shock. A back-of-envelope analysis further shows that annual carbon emission offset from establishing ASMs in all provinces of China could amount to 13 to 17 percent of annual carbon emissions from Britain in the near future when renewable energy penetration continues to go up. JEL Classification: Q20, Q42, Q53, O13 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a detailed analysis of the energy availability of a 15 kW hybrid wind–solar photovoltaic microplant, designed to supply the electricity demand of the power-to-gas (PtG) pilot plant located at the University of La Guajira, Colombia. The study addresses the lack of specific data on the energy availability curve, which is essential for quantifying the production percentages of green hydrogen from wind and solar photovoltaic sources. To this end, continuous data were collected over a seven-month period, recording the daily power output from both sources. Additionally, the energy requirements of the PtG pilot plant, which relies on the microplant for its electrical supply, were determined. The results indicated that during certain periods, such as specific days in November 2022 and February and March 2023, it was necessary to rely on the conventional electrical grid for backup. Moreover, it was observed that solar photovoltaic energy contributed the most electricity to the system for green hydrogen production. In the study area, although green hydrogen production is predominantly supported by the solar photovoltaic source, it is crucial to have the backup of an additional source, such as wind, due to the intermittent nature of the climatic conditions affecting these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how investments in research and development (R&D) and government policies impact the growth of renewable energy in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia up to 2040. The study presents four scenarios to understand how different levels of R&D investment and the presence or absence of supportive policies affect the spread of renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy. The scenarios range from an optimistic one with high R&D funding and strong policy support to a worst-case scenario with low R&D efforts and weak policies. The findings emphasize the importance of solid government backing and strategic R&D investments in promoting renewable energy and increasing the number of green patents. On the other hand, scenarios with limited policy support and R&D funding show much slower growth, highlighting the challenges posed by economic constraints and tough market conditions. The study shows that strong renewable energy policies could boost renewable energy adoption by 100% to 200%. Overall, this research adds to the discussion on sustainable energy policies and provides useful insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that maximize the potential of renewable energy in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental summits in Rio de Janeiro, Kyoto, Johannesburg, Bali, Copenhagen, and Paris significantly contributed to raising awareness among nations about the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this context, the energy transition from carbon-based energy sources to renewable energy sources is one of the main goals for both states and companies in the short and medium term. Therefore, the objective of this article is to propose a methodological route for the implementation of energy transition in Colombian SMEs. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to analyze the climate change and energy transition programs included in Colombia's development plans. The results show that SMEs do not have significant participation in energy transition processes, mainly due to the economic and market barriers they face. However, the fiscal incentives and subsidies established by the government since 2018 increase opportunities for their participation in the present and the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of securing almost 100 % of electricity generation in Germany with renewable energies (RE) and green energy imports is analyzed. The annual continuous load lines of the ways of generating electricity with RE demonstrate the actual supply capacity of RE as a function of the installed capacity. The increasing volatility resulting from the expansion of RE has a negative impact on the effectiveness of electricity generation and leads to high residual loads. It is not possible to compensate for this by storing the surplus electricity with hydrogen and regenerating electricity and importing green energy sources. A globally feasible concept of the complementary decarbonization of electricity generation from RE and fossil fuels via natural gas pyrolysis and the material‐energetic use of lignite is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the weighting and hierarchization of renewable energy sources in specific geographical regions of Colombia using the TOPSIS and Diffuse TOPSIS metaheuristic models. 5 regions were analyzed, two of them with different scenarios: Caribbean 1 and 2, Pacific 1 and 2, Andean, Amazonian and Orinoquia. The results reveal significant differences in the evaluation of technologies between the two models. In the Caribbean 1, Diffuse TOPSIS gave a higher score to Solar Photovoltaics, while TOPSIS favored Hydropower. In the Caribbean 2, Solar Photovoltaic obtained similar scores in both models, but Wind was rated better by TOPSIS. In the Pacific Region 1, Biomass and large-scale Hydropower led according to both models. In the Pacific 2, Solar Photovoltaic was better evaluated by TOPSIS, while Wind was preferred by Diffuse TOPSIS. In the Andean Region, large-scale hydroelectric and Solar photovoltaic plants obtained high scores in both models. In the Amazon, Biomass led in both models, although with differences in scores. In Orinoquia, Solar Photovoltaic was rated higher by both models. The relevance of this research lies in its ability to address not only Colombia's immediate energy demands, but also in its ability to establish a solid and replicable methodological framework. The application of metaheuristic methods such as TOPSIS and TOPSIS with fuzzy logic is presented as a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional approaches, considering the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the evaluation of renewable energy sources. By achieving a more precise weighting and hierarchization, this study will significantly contribute to strategic decision-making in the implementation of sustainable energy solutions in Colombia, serving as a valuable model for other countries with similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energies are a major tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Among renewables, solar parks are a key technology and their expansion will strongly increase in the future. Hence, there is a great need for research regarding their impact on biodiversity. In this study, we investigated the importance of three solar parks in northern Germany as habitat for carabid beetles. More specifically, we determined how habitat characteristics (temperature, vegetation structure), species richness, activity densities and carabid beetle assemblages vary between different locations within solar parks: areas under solar panels "UNDR", gaps between panel rows "BTW" and areas at the edge of solar parks "EDGE". We found that UNDR strongly differed from BTW/EDGE in terms of habitat conditions, species richness and activity densities of carabid beetles. UNDR mainly provided habitat for a species- and individual-poor subset of species already present in BTW/EDGE and made only a small contribution to the total species richness of the investigated solar parks. BTW and EDGE, on the other hand, differed only slightly. Thus, the narrow gaps between the panel rows were of similar importance as a habitat for carabid beetles as the edge areas. Overall, the investigated solar parks—and thus also the more species-rich areas EDGE and BTW—almost exclusively provided habitat for widespread and common non-threatened generalists, while species of conservation concern were extremely rare. Implications for insect conservation: The low importance of UNDR for carabid beetles should be considered when assessing the biodiversity value of solar parks, since a large proportion of these facilities is covered with solar panels. Between panel rows and at the edge of solar parks, larger areas should be kept free from construction with solar panels in order to provide habitats for carabid beetles and other species groups. More research should be conducted on how to further improve solar parks for carabid beetles and overall biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Port of Valencia, a prominent maritime center, is actively working towards minimizing its carbon emissions and aims to become a completely carbon-neutral port soon. This research uses data-driven sensitivity analysis to explore realistic power-generating options for a seaport to reduce its emissions. This approach comprises changing key parameters in power consumption and deploying renewable energies (rather than electricity and infrastructure prices, which are beyond the scope of this study) to assess their impact on the port's overall emissions profile. Through sensitivity analysis, policymakers and managers discover each scenario's efficacy and find the best decarbonization strategies. After thoroughly examining four realistic scenarios, our research findings show that each scenario's emission reduction share and sensitivity are practical and feasible. It becomes clear that gradually replacing traditional fossil fuels for electricity generation with renewables is a reasonable and realistic option for emissions reduction. The results demonstrate that focusing on reasonable targets, such as replacing 30% and 50% of electricity generation with renewables, is more achievable and beneficial in the medium term than ambitious goals, like replacing all electricity with renewable energy. This research contributes to reducing emissions of the Port of Valencia by using data-driven sensitivity analysis to find practical renewable energy strategies. It provides actionable insights for managers and policymakers to implement feasible decarbonization plans, emphasizing gradual adoption of renewables over ambitious goals, thus supporting sustainable maritime operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study, a comprehensive analysis is done on a dual rotor wind turbine (DRWT) in co‐rotating arrangement. First, a co‐rotating dual rotor is designed and its performance is analyzed by blade element momentum theory simulation. Later, the designed co‐rotating DRWT is manufactured and then tested in the field by mounting the wind turbine on a truck. Running the truck steadily at different speeds while logging the performance parameters of the wind turbine, the power curve of the DRWT is obtained. Then, using the power curve of the co‐rotating DRWT and the actual wind measurement data from Çatalca Istanbul, the annual electricity generation of the designed turbine is calculated. The present techno‐economic analysis states that the co‐rotating DRWTs are more efficient compared to single rotor wind turbines (SRWTs), in accordance with the literature. Analyses show that with DRWT, around 22% higher power generation can be achieved. Additionally, the payback period for DRWT was found to be less than 1 year. The marketing strategy for introducing the product emphasizes identifying and targeting early adopters and influencers within the market. The present techno‐economic analysis states that the co‐rotating DRWTs are more efficient compared to SRWTs, in accordance with the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaic (PV) has become the second renewable energy source, giving rise to potential conflicts with biodiversity conservation. However, the information available about the impacts and mitigation measures of solar PV energy is scarce and scattered, and a rigorous and comprehensive review on the topic is lacking. Here, we review the state of knowledge on its impacts and mitigation measures and identify main knowledge gaps. For that, we reviewed more than 2000 articles, out of which only 180 assessed the impacts of solar PV (N = 138) and/or propose mitigation measures (65). Even though Asia and Europe head the list of regions with the highest PV installed capacity (59% and 22%, respectively), a large portion of the existing knowledge is drawn from North American environmental contexts (48% of the studies), specifically from deserts (41%). Impacts were addressed on plants (26%), arthropods (14%), birds (10%), microorganisms (10%), reptiles (7%), mammals (4%), and bats (1%), but also on abiotic factors (e.g., humidity and temperature; 20%) and ecosystem services (3%). Most studies addressed the impact of PV on habitat alteration at landscape (33%) and microhabitat scale (20%), and on microclimate at microhabitat scale (17%), but other topics have been scarcely addressed (e.g., impact on microclimate at landscape scale or the potential of agrivoltaic systems). Lastly, 53% of the studies employed a single PV facility, and preconstruction situations were rarely reported (8%). There is a strong environmental context bias in the current understanding of PV impacts, which might not be extrapolable to other environmental situations like farmlands, where most of the solar PV capacity is being installed. Moreover, standardized and robust sampling designs are lacking to address cumulative, long‐term, and long‐scale impacts and produce comparable findings across contexts. Given the lack of empirical evidence and the irrepressible development of PV energy, it is advisable to apply an iterative monitoring and adaptive process to guarantee a safe energy transition. This review may provide useful guidance on prioritizing research efforts for a smooth shift to renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We all know that renewable energies are important for environmental reasons. However, recent developments should open our eyes to the fact that they are even more critical for sustainable development. In this commentary, we argue that societal benefits should be included in renewable energy decisions. Specifically, we discuss their contributions to freedom, peace, and democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paris Agreement has mandated drastic decarbonization by developed and developing economies. Many of the top African emitters are now exploring drastic restructuring of the production processes in a way that promotes energy utilization efficiency. This is critical for ensuring an environmentally benign growth process. This study presents a unique addition to the body of existing knowledge by analysing the effect of some indicators of energy efficiency on three indicators of environmental quality among the top five emitters of GHG in Africa. The data were from the World Development Indicators (WDI), covering the 1990–2020 periods for South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Libya. The panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was used for data analysis. The results showed that all the included series were stationary at first difference. The optimum lag lengths were determined independently in STATA 17 software, and the most frequent lags across the countries were selected. The Hausman test revealed that the pooled mean group (PMG) estimation was preferred to other estimators. The results showed that in the long-run, particulate emission damages, CO2 intensity, and energy use intensity positively impacted GHG emissions, while GDP per capita and renewable energy utilization produced mixed results. In the short run, the error correction mechanism parameters were all significant (p < 0.01) in Libya for all emission indicators, while Algeria showed significance (p < 0.01) in total GHG and CO2 per capita models. The coefficient of particulate emission damages significantly reduced (p < 0.01) total GHG emissions in Libya and Nigeria and renewable energy significantly increased (p < 0.01) GHG emissions in South Africa but reduced them in Nigeria. Also, CO2 emission intensity significantly (p < 0.01) and positively impacted GHG emissions in South Africa, Egypt, Libya, and Nigeria, while electricity power transmission losses increased total emissions and CO2 emissions in Libya and Algeria. It was concluded that initiatives to reduce GHG emissions should focus on developing countries’ sensitivity to emission damages, and promotion of initiatives for using renewable energies. Also, promotion of energy efficiency across industries offers a prospect for ensuring environmental sustainability.

With the exponential penetration of Photovoltaic (PV) plants into the power grid, advanced current controllers should be employed in grid-tied power converters in order to efficiently inject high quality current synchronized with the grid voltage. This research presents the modeling and design of a digital multi-resonant controller to feed-in high quality current. The novelty lies in designing the control in a superior manner to conventional techniques. As an outcome, practical engineers discover an easy, fast, robust, and accurate control method. The proposed 5-kVA PV system can inject active and reactive power effectively while staying resilient to imbalance scenarios. Synchronization is accomplished via a synchronous reference frame (SRF) based phase locked loop (PLL) that performs effectively even with distorted and nonideal grids. The practicality and efficacy of the developed controller is verified both in simulation (PSIM and code composer studio) and Hardware in Loop (HIL) via Typhoon 402 and TMS32F28335 experiments. The devised controller is evaluated in both grid-connected and standalone modes under a wide range of disturbances, distortions, and non-ideal conditions. The simulation and HIL results validate the robustness, fastness, resilience, and effectiveness of the proposed controller compared with a well-tuned conventional proportional resonant (PR) controller.

In recent years, the importance of deregulated power systems has grown significantly, resulting in positive effects on stability, reliability, innovation, and investment in new energy grid technology. The competitive landscape among energy providers and distributors has empowered consumers to not only save money on their energy bills but also incorporate sustainable energy sources into the grid. To efficiently manage electricity distribution, deregulated power systems must include a smart grid and microgrid (MG). Herein, the potential for sustainable expansion of these systems, as well as their economic and environmental implications, are examined. A comprehensive grid system that integrates smart grids and MGs can offer a complete solution, catering to the evolving energy needs of communities and businesses. The advantages of establishing such a system, including improved grid stability, reliability, and increased utilization of renewable energy sources (RES), are highlighted. Furthermore, the integration of MGs and smart grids enhances the management of distributed generation, allowing power companies to optimize system operations for profitability and efficiency. By following these suggestions, businesses and stakeholders in the power sector can enhance the efficiency and responsibility of their systems, resulting in benefits for both the economy and the environment.