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This study examines the effect of geopolitical risk on clean energy metal prices for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. Aluminum, cobalt, copper, nickel and zinc have been used as clean energy metals. The research period was determined as January 1990 to August 2021. Hatemi-J and Roca (2014) asymmetric causality test was used as the research method. According to the results, there is no causality between geopolitical risk of South Africa and cobalt prices for different cases. However, in general, there is causality between other clean energy metal prices and geopolitical risk in BRICS countries. Accordingly, the geopolitical risks of the BRICS countries both affect and are affected by these metal prices. This result suggests that changes in geopolitical risk of BRICS countries can provide useful information in explaining changes in clean energy metal prices. Likewise, changes in clean energy metal prices provide useful information in explaining the changes in geopolitical risk of BRICS countries. Therefore, policy makers need to develop new policies and strategies that can protect BRICS countries from clean energy metal price fluctuations in order to effectively use their renewable energy resources in their economic development. HIGHLIGHT: The relationship between geopolitical risk and clean energy metal prices is examined for BRICS countries. There is no relationship between South Africa geopolitical risk and cobalt prices. There is a one-way relationship between aluminum prices and South African geopolitical risk. South Africa geopolitical risk does not affect aluminum prices. Copper prices have an impact on Brazil geopolitical risk. There is a two-way relationship between the geopolitical risk of BRICS countries and Nickel-Zinc prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from energy consumers to prosumers, who produce, store, and sell energy, is crucial for sustainable energy systems. This study investigates the barriers and motivations for households in Kogi State, Nigeria, to adopt prosumption, utilizing a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through questionnaires administered via the Kobo-collect tool and personal interviews. Factor analysis was used to develop summated scales for motivational and barrier factors, followed by cluster analysis to identify distinct consumer/prosumer groups. The findings revealed that 85.3% (384 individuals) within the study area do not generate energy within their households, while 14.7% (66 individuals) were already engaged in energy production and two primary clusters emerged: passive consumers, with little interest in energy-related investments, and green consumers, motivated by environmental concerns and cost savings. Key barriers to prosumption include financial constraints, lack of information, and the absence of supportive policies such as net metering. Motivational factors are linked to environmental self-identity and energy literacy. The study highlights the need for targeted policies and effective information dissemination to address these barriers and promote prosumption. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and energy companies aiming to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies in developing regions. It underscores the importance of supportive infrastructure, financial incentives, and comprehensive information campaigns to enhance prosumption adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selecting the appropriate desalination and renewable energy technologies is crucial for the success of desalination projects, as each technology offers distinct advantages and disadvantages tailored to specific project requirements. This research investigates the application of both the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy logic techniques to develop four decision-making models: two for selecting the optimal desalination technology and two for selecting the optimal renewable energy technology in coastal communities. For desalination technology selection, the analytic hierarchy process model is structured into four hierarchical levels: the main goal, criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives. The criteria level encompasses four groups, while the sub-criteria level comprises 26 factors. The alternatives considered are reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and multi-stage flash. In parallel, the analytic hierarchy process model for renewable energy technology selection is similarly structured, with four criteria groups and 24 sub-criteria factors. The alternatives evaluated include photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, and wind energy. Additionally, fuzzy logic models are developed for both desalination and renewable energy technology selection. These models enhance the decision-making framework by incorporating the uncertainty and vagueness that are inherent in real-world scenarios. The integration of analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy logic methodologies provide a robust approach to identifying optimal technologies, thereby supporting sustainable development in Egypt's water–energy nexus. The research outcomes highlight the effectiveness of integrating analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy logic in decision-making processes, offering decision-makers systematic and reliable approaches for selecting the most suitable technologies to achieve sustainability in water–energy nexus projects. The results of the research indicate that the best alternative for desalination was reverse osmosis, and for renewable energy was photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated photovoltaic-fuel cell (IPVFC) systems have the potential to contribute to sustainable energy production for grid and off-grid applications. While there are studies focusing on fundamental science and designs for IPVFC systems, there are few studies that have focused on the manufacturability of IPVFC systems, which is certainly the pathway for the commercialisation of the systems. This study explores manufacturing strategies that can be considered for exploiting a family of eleven IPVFC systems. A survey and systems thinking approach were used to investigate the potential modularisation and supply chain management of the systems to achieve an optimal lean and agile manufacturing strategy. Results show that the Photovoltaic-Thermal-Separate Converter-Inverter-Battery System received 25% of the responses. The optimal manufacturing strategy depends on the overall business strategy of the firm. The 17% preference for System 1 was significant compared to four members of the family of IPVFC systems (Systems 2, 6, 8 and 9) that received only 2% of the responses, and there is a likelihood that the demand for System 1 will be among the top 42% of the total demand of all the systems. Overall, this study provides new insights into how the family of IPVFC systems can contribute to realising greater access to cleaner energy, by extension contributing to net-zero efforts using solar energy and solar hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript delves into the transformative advancements in wind turbine blade technology, emphasizing the integration of innovative materials, dynamic aerodynamic designs, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Through an exploration of the evolution from traditional materials to cutting-edge composites, the paper highlights how these developments significantly enhance the efficiency, durability, and environmental compatibility of wind turbines. Detailed case studies of notable global projects, such as the Hornsea Project One, the Gansu Wind Farm, and the Block Island Wind Farm, illustrate the practical applications of these technologies and their impact on energy production and sustainability. Additionally, the manuscript examines the critical role of regulatory frameworks and industry standards in fostering these technological advancements, ensuring safety, and promoting global adoption. By analyzing the current trends and future directions, this study underscores the potential of modern turbine technologies to meet the increasing global demand for renewable energy and contribute to sustainable development goals. The findings advocate for continued innovation and policy alignment to fully harness the potential of wind energy in the renewable energy landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, multi-junction solar cells have evolved to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, significantly enhancing efficiency beyond conventional solar technologies. In this study, we utilized Silvaco TCAD tools to optimize a five-junction solar cell composed of AlInP, AlGaInP, AlGaInAs, GaInP, GaAs, InGaAs, and Ge, drawing on advancements documented in the literature. Our research focused on optimizing these cells through sophisticated statistical modeling and material innovation, particularly examining the relationship between layer thickness and electrical yield under one sun illumination. Employing III-V tandem solar cells, renowned for their superior efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity, we applied advanced statistical models to a reference solar cell configured with predefined layer thicknesses. Our analysis revealed significant positive correlations between layer thickness and electrical performance, with correlation coefficients (R2 values) impressively ranging from 0.86 to 0.96 across different regions. This detailed statistical insight led to an improvement in overall cell efficiency to 44.2. A key innovation in our approach was replacing the traditional germanium (Ge) substrate with Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS), known for its adjustable bandgap and superior absorption of long-wavelength photons. This strategic modification not only broadened the absorption spectrum but also elevated the overall cell efficiency to 47%. Additionally, the optimization process involved simulations using predictive profilers and Silvaco Atlas tools, which systematically assessed various configurations for their spectral absorption and current–voltage characteristics, further enhancing the cell's performance. These findings underscore the critical role of precise material engineering and sophisticated statistical analyses in advancing solar cell technology, setting new efficiency benchmarks, and driving further developments in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an assessment of renewable energy technology utilization in hotel buildings, which are significant structures in terms of energy consumption. The aim of the study is to determine suitable renewable energy technologies (RETs) for hotel buildings by defining criteria for evaluating RETs, assessing the relative importance of these criteria, and proposing a multi-criteria decision-making framework to solve the problem of selecting the most appropriate RETs during the design stage. The alternatives for RETs and the criteria for their evaluation are gathered through a literature review and expert consultations. Eight fundamental RETs used in hotel buildings (such as heat pumps, solar panels, biomass boilers, etc.) are examined, and nine selection criteria are analyzed. According to the weights determined by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, the initial investment cost is the most influential decision criterion, with a weight of 0.314. As a result of applying the AHP and VIKOR (Multi-Criteria Optimization and Compromise Solution) methods for technology selection, photovoltaic panels emerge as the top-ranked choice. This comprehensive evaluation provides stakeholders in the building production process of hotel buildings with detailed analyses and multi-criteria decision-making methods for selecting RETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SMEs are asked to incorporate sustainable energy solutions into their organizations' processes to be environmentally friendly and operate more effectively. In this regard, IoT-based technologies seem to have the potential to monitor and optimize energy use. However, more extensive research is required to assess the efficacy of such solutions in the context of SMEs. Despite the growing interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) for renewable energy, there is a lack of information on how well these solutions work for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While much of the existing literature addresses the application of new technologies in SMEs, the social background underlying their transformation received relatively little attention in previous years. The present research adopts a quantitative approach, employing time series forecasting, specifically long short-term memory networks (LSTM). This paper uses IoT-based approaches to collect and preprocess an energy consumption dataset from various SMEs. The LSTM model is intended to forecast energy consumption in the future based on experience. In terms of analysis, the study adopts Python for data preprocessing, constructing, and assessing models. The main findings reveal a strong positive correlation (r = 0.85) between base energy consumption and overall energy usage, suggesting that optimizing base consumption is crucial for energy efficiency. In contrast, investment in RETs and staff training demonstrate weak correlations (r = 0.25 and r = 0.30, respectively) with energy consumption, indicating that these factors alone are insufficient for significant energy savings. The long short-term memory model used in the study accurately predicted future energy consumption trends with a mean absolute error of 5%. However, it struggled with high-frequency variations, showing up to 15% of mistakes. This research contributes to the literature in line with IoT-based sustainable energy solutions in SMEs, which has not been widely addressed. The findings highlight the critical role of integrating renewable energy technologies (RETs) and fostering a culture of energy efficiency, offering actionable insights for policymakers and business owners. With the application of Python in data analysis and model creation, this research shows a real-world approach to handling issues in sustainable energy management for SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper navigates the critical role of hydrogen in catalyzing a sustainable energy transformation. This review delves into hydrogen production methodologies, spotlighting green and blue hydrogen as pivotal for future energy systems because of their potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through a comprehensive literature review and a bibliometric analysis, this study underscores the importance of technological advancements, policy support, and market incentives in promoting hydrogen as a key energy vector. It also explores the necessity of expanding renewable energy sources and international cooperation to secure a sustainable, low-carbon future. The analysis highlights the importance of scalable and cost-effective hydrogen production methods, such as solar-thermochemical and photo-electrochemical processes, and addresses the challenges posed by resource availability and geopolitical factors in establishing a hydrogen economy. This paper serves as a guide for policy and innovation toward achieving global sustainability goals, illustrating the essential role of hydrogen in the energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of energy-bearing resources is a key determinant of the development strategy of the world's energy systems. In the case of Poland, the wind energy potential of the Baltic Sea provides the basis for the development of offshore wind energy in the country. The processes of transforming solutions towards green technologies require appropriate legislation, significant financial outlays, as well as public support for this dimension of activities. The latter strand requires continuous measurement to dynamically model the energy transition strategy. In the author's opinion, the available literature does not sufficiently explain this theme in relation to Polish conditions. Hence, it was considered reasonable to investigate the impact of offshore wind energy development in Poland on public opinion in a selected region of Poland, in order to diagnose the current scale of support for the changes taking place, and to identify the main expectations and fears related to this activity, which was assumed as the main objective of the study. The added value of the survey is the analysis of changes in public opinion over time. The methodology used for the research was a study of the scientific literature, with analysis of the results of own and secondary research conducted in Poland. In terms of in-depth research, statistical survey techniques supported by the PQstat programme were used. The results of the survey confirmed significant public support in the surveyed area for offshore wind energy development in Poland (68%). The overall percentage of support for offshore development increased by 5% y/y. Economic considerations for the support of the activities in question with the potential vision of lowering energy prices in the domestic market were confirmed with a result of 65%. It was further confirmed that a key aspect of support for the offshore development strategy in the surveyed region of Poland is the potential for development of the region in relation to offshore farm investments, with a focus on the labour market, with indications of 53% for both themes. Interestingly, there was no concern in relation to the risk of landscape change in an undesirable direction in 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main problem confronting the world is human-caused climate change, which is intrinsically linked to the need for energy both now and in the future. Renewable (green) energy has been proposed as a future solution, and many renewable energy technologies have been developed for different purposes. However, progress toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the role of renewable energy in 2050 are not well known. This paper reviews different renewable energy technologies developed by different researchers and their potential and challenges to date, and it derives lessons for world and especially African policymakers. According to recent research results, the mean global capabilities for solar, wind, biogas, geothermal, hydrogen, and ocean power are 325 W, 900 W, 300 W, 434 W, 150 W, and 2.75 MWh, respectively, and their capacities for generating electricity are 1.5 KWh, 1182.5 KWh, 1.7 KWh, 1.5 KWh, 1.55 KWh, and 3.6 MWh, respectively. Securing global energy leads to strong hope for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as those for hunger, health, education, gender equality, climate change, and sustainable development. Therefore, renewable energy can be a considerable contributor to future fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through their consumption behavior, households are responsible for more than 70% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the GHG emission reduction potential due to the household behavior is very high. Energy consumption is the main source of the GHG emission in households. There are two main ways to reduce GHG emissions in households: use of renewable energy, energy efficiency improvement, and energy conservation due to changes in the energy use patterns. The highest energy saving potential in households is linked with building renovation, followed by the use of energy efficient appliances (including lighting). Renewable energy microgeneration technologies in households also provide opportunities for GHG emission reduction. Although there have been many policies developed to reduce GHG emissions from energy consumption in households, they still need to be more effective. This paper aims to assess willingness of Lithuanian households to reduce GHG emissions from energy consumption in households by embarking on energy renovation of buildings, use of energy efficient appliances and use of renewable energy technologies. The willingness to pay for these GHG emission reduction measures allows to compare household preferences with respect to available support measures and assess the adequacy of such measures. The paper also discusses household attitudes toward the main policies and measures for GHG emission reduction. The results show the highest willingness to pay for energy efficient appliances, followed by renewable energy technologies. The willingness to pay for energy renovation is the lowest one and such s measure requires significant state support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt has the potential to generate a significant amount of energy from renewable technologies, in particular solar PV, concentrated solar power (CSP), and onshore and offshore wind. The energy sector is reliant on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, for electricity production and is at risk of locking itself into a high carbon pathway. Globally, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with national energy sectors is a target outlined in the UN's Paris Agreement. To reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with a higher dependence on fossil fuels, Egypt must consider upscaling renewable energy technologies (RETs) to achieve a clean energy transition (CET). This research modelled six scenarios using clicSAND for OSeMOSYS to identify the technologies and policy target improvements that are needed to upscale RETs within Egypt's energy sector. The results showed that solar PV and onshore wind are key technologies to be upscaled to contribute towards Egypt's CET. The optimal renewable target is the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) target of 53% of electricity being sourced from RETs by 2030, which will cost USD 16.4 billion more up to 2035 than Egypt's current Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES) target of 42% by 2035; it also saves 732.0 MtCO2 over the entire modelling period to 2070. Socio-economic barriers to this transition are considered, such as recent discoveries of natural gas reserves combined with a history of energy insecurity, political instability impacting investor confidence, and a lack of international climate funding. The paper concludes with policy recommendations that would enable Egypt to progress towards achieving a CET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing need for energy, issues related to using energy efficiently in buildings and employing renewable energy technologies are gaining significance. The building production process is intricate, involving numerous stakeholders, multiple decisions, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. This process necessitates decision making based on specific requirements. The objective of this study is to identify effective criteria in decision making concerning the use of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in buildings in Turkey. It aims to highlight the importance of these criteria and compare them, and it also aims to define a recommendation decision-making model for the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies. This study employed qualitative and quantitative research methods. Based on information gathered from the literature, the main criteria and sub-criteria for RET utilization were determined through in-depth interviews with an expert group, including individuals influencing the building design process (architects, engineers, consultants, employers, and users). A recommendation model was developed using the analytic hierarchy process method to highlight the significance of the identified criteria, compare the criteria and technologies, and facilitate the selection of the most-appropriate technology. This study demonstrates that the decision-making model can be utilized in determining RET-related criteria in the building production process, establishing their weights, and make informed decisions regarding the appropriate technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A slew of economic, environmental, and social concerns has pushed policymakers and governments to embrace renewable energy (RE) technologies in order to ensure a sustainable energy future. RE technologies have a beneficial effect on the environment and social well-being. Therefore, this study presents a method for systematically determining and ranking the benefits of adopting RE technologies in remote areas and possible solutions. The present analysis is structured into four distinct levels. The benefits of RE technologies were identified through a comprehensive review of relevant literature. The Delphi technique was employed to reach a consensus and classify the advantages. Fourteen benefits were determined and classified according to seven primary criteria. Furthermore, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process was employed to determine the weights and rankings. The Fuzzy VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje method was ultimately used to evaluate the potential alternatives. The integrated method result significantly reveals that the environmental criteria are the most critical factor, with a weight of (0.1727), and are followed by the quality of energy aspect, with a weight of (0.1617). Moreover, the global weights show that Sustainability is ranked highest, followed by Skill development, then the other sub-benefits within different categories. These two benefits have relative weights of (9.9164%) and (9.4924%), respectively. Furthermore, the most effective solution facilitating local and foreign investors was the most promising among the four recommended alternatives. The quote has proven that it benefits the government and policymakers in deploying RE technologies and resolving energy challenges in remote areas of developing nations like Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community acceptance is considered a prerequisite for successful energy transitions and the uptake of renewable energy technologies (RET). While policy and research often focus on acceptance as an outcome, the process of acceptance remains a black box, especially in uncontested RET implementation contexts. We study the dynamic process of community acceptance where (1) different actor groups can have (2) different roles and (3) different active and passive responses towards (4) different objects of acceptance within the RET project implementation. Results show that community acceptance occurs over time and goes beyond citizen or resident acceptance alone. By unpacking different dimensions of acceptance, we show that even in uncontested cases, acceptance is ambiguous and includes various responses toward various objects. Furthermore, we see that roles can influence and interact dynamically with responses and that preferences for roles are heterogeneous. To move beyond acceptance as a merely coincidental outcome, but a widely embraced and intentional process, this process should meet the participatory needs of different actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, more than 90% of the electricity produced in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia originates from fossil fuels. Under the Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom aims to derive 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation and ranking of renewable energy technologies for a selection of cities across the country using an integrated methodology that combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The focus is on four renewable sources, namely Photovoltaic (PV), Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Wind Energy, and Fuel Cell, each with a capacity of 10 MW. The performance of these renewable sources is assessed in five different cities of Ar'Ar, Ha'il, Riyadh, Najran, and Al Baha. The evaluation considers multiple criteria that encompass climate, environment, and social aspects, providing a holistic assessment of the alternatives. The AHP method is employed to determine the relative weights of the criteria, ensuring consistency in the pairwise comparisons. The TOPSIS method is then applied to rank the alternatives based on their performance scores. The results highlight the preferences and relative performance of the different renewable energy technologies across the considered cities. Fuel Cell technology emerges as the most favorable option in all the cities with a score higher than 0.68, demonstrating superior capacity factor (92.4%), minimal environmental impact, and reliable power generation but with a negative net present value (NPV) of − 12.22 M$. Wind Energy and CSP technologies followed in ranking, indicating their competitiveness and suitability as renewable energy options by producing in excess of 25,000 MWh/year. PV technology demonstrates competitiveness across all cities with the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) (4.33 C/kWh) and quickest payback period (12.4 years). The findings of this study provide valuable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders involved in the selection of appropriate renewable energy technologies. The rankings serve as a valuable tool in informing decision-making processes and facilitating the transition to sustainable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper conducts an extensive exploration of onshore, offshore, and floating offshore wind turbines, pivotal components in the landscape of sustainable energy generation. The study thoroughly investigates various wind energy systems, shedding light on their distinct attributes, advantages, and limitations. The examination of onshore wind turbines encompasses aspects such as installation procedures, size considerations, wind dynamics, accessibility challenges, and visual impact assessments. Similarly, the analysis of offshore wind turbines covers considerations such as location selection, installation complexities, size variations, wind conditions, environmental impacts, and visual aesthetics. The paper also delves into the emerging technology of floating offshore wind turbines, highlighting their unique features, advantages, and technological advancements. A thorough comparative examination is conducted to assess the economic, environmental, and social aspects of onshore, offshore, and floating offshore wind turbines. The research paper concludes by offering insights into policy considerations, addressing research gaps, and outlining prospects for the seamless integration and advancement of these diverse wind energy systems. This comprehensive review aspires to contribute to the existing knowledge base in sustainable energy generation, fostering informed decision-making for a greener and more sustainable future.

Selecting the appropriate desalination and renewable energy technologies is crucial for the success of desalination projects, as each technology offers distinct advantages and disadvantages tailored to specific project requirements. This research investigates the application of both the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy logic techniques to develop four decision-making models: two for selecting the optimal desalination technology and two for selecting the optimal renewable energy technology in coastal communities. For desalination technology selection, the analytic hierarchy process model is structured into four hierarchical levels: the main goal, criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives. The criteria level encompasses four groups, while the sub-criteria level comprises 26 factors. The alternatives considered are reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and multi-stage flash. In parallel, the analytic hierarchy process model for renewable energy technology selection is similarly structured, with four criteria groups and 24 sub-criteria factors. The alternatives evaluated include photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, and wind energy. Additionally, fuzzy logic models are developed for both desalination and renewable energy technology selection. These models enhance the decision-making framework by incorporating the uncertainty and vagueness that are inherent in real-world scenarios. The integration of analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy logic methodologies provide a robust approach to identifying optimal technologies, thereby supporting sustainable development in Egypt’s water–energy nexus. The research outcomes highlight the effectiveness of integrating analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy logic in decision-making processes, offering decision-makers systematic and reliable approaches for selecting the most suitable technologies to achieve sustainability in water–energy nexus projects. The results of the research indicate that the best alternative for desalination was reverse osmosis, and for renewable energy was photovoltaics.

African nations encounter difficulties enforcing regulations and providing incentives for using renewable energy sources. However, several nations are making efforts to encourage renewable energy through financial and tax advantages. Therefore, a shift to renewable energy is essential for African nations to experience sustainable growth and lessen environmental deterioration. Similarly, the extant literature examining green taxes' influence on renewable energy technology has documented equivocal findings. Hence, there is a need for a more thorough investigation. This study, therefore, explores the influence of green taxation on renewable energy technologies of emerging countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. We employed data from a sample of 28 countries of 54 African countries spanning 21 years from 2001 to 2021, providing a panel of 588 country-year observations. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank Dataset provided all the study's data. A heterogeneous dynamic panel data modelling using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) has been adopted. The study found that green taxes might be used to mitigate the adverse effects of non-renewable energy activities on the environment in Africa. Considering the findings of the components of green taxes, it was recognised that an increase in energy-related tariffs would lead to a growth in Africa's use of renewable energy. It was further established that an increase in transport taxes increases the adoption of renewable energy technologies in Africa. A comparative analysis between the commonwealth and non-commonwealth countries showed that green taxes of commonwealth countries in Africa significantly contribute to the growth of renewable energy technologies compared to non-commonwealth countries in Africa. Primarily, the results of this study can be a valuable resource for African governments and policymakers as they develop policies and evaluate legislation about the usage of renewable energy sources and other green practices. Finally, the study can shed light on creating and using efficient tax laws that support renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to generate, evaluate, and recommend possible national policies for the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to implement to most effectively boost growth and investment in renewable energy technologies (RETs) through 2065 using Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS). The novelty of this study stems in-part from the scarcity of RET modelling completed for specific West African countries rather than for broader regions. Market-based instruments were identified as the policy type most practical for DRC. From modelling the resulting energy systems for policy pathways involving a 16% RET subsidy, a 70% fossil fuel tax, and both in combination relative to no-policy baseline scenarios, the scenarios including the tax had the lowest net costs (USD304–306 B) and the highest proportion of RETs (above 90%). Additionally, despite the current reliance on hydropower to fulfil 98% of its energy needs, hydropower played a very minor role in all of a modelled scenarios (no future investment beyond residual capacity). Finally, a post-modelling market potential assessment was performed on the technology that dominated off-grid supply across policy pathways: a 0.3 kW small solar home system (SHS). Based on learning rates for solar photovoltaics (PV), demand for a small SHS in DRC (>160 million units in total) was found to be sufficient to substantially reduce the unit cost as deployment scales. Ultimately, this study yielded four recommendations for the DRC government: (1) Pursue financial incentives to catalyse DRC's renewable energy supply. (2) Tax fossil fuel energy production. (3) Re-evaluate focus on hydropower. (4) Promote DRC as a healthy market for solar home systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of the environment in China is accelerating along with economic expansion. Adoption of renewable energy technologies (RETs) is crucial for reducing the adverse impacts of economic growth on the environment and fostering sustainable development. This study attempts to identify the green innovation drivers and sub-drivers that affect the adoption of RETs in China and provide solutions for boosting their implementation. The study prioritized the drivers, sub-drivers, and strategies of green innovation by combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) methods. In the study, the triple bottom line (TBL) approach has been used to determine the economic, societal, and environmental driving forces. The study also suggests strategies for encouraging the use of RETs. The results of the AHP method revealed that economics is the most crucial driver, with a weight of 0.376, followed by environmental (0.332), and social (0.291) drivers. The findings of the SAW method indicated that government green innovation initiatives, consumer initiatives, and industry initiatives are the most significant strategies for deploying RETs in China. This study has important theoretical and practical ramifications for encouraging China to adopt RETs. The suggested approaches can help researchers, business professionals, and policymakers promote sustainable development in China.

Integrated photovoltaic-fuel cell (IPVFC) systems have the potential to contribute to sustainable energy production for grid and off-grid applications. While there are studies focusing on fundamental science and designs for IPVFC systems, there are few studies that have focused on the manufacturability of IPVFC systems, which is certainly the pathway for the commercialisation of the systems. This study explores manufacturing strategies that can be considered for exploiting a family of eleven IPVFC systems. A survey and systems thinking approach were used to investigate the potential modularisation and supply chain management of the systems to achieve an optimal lean and agile manufacturing strategy. Results show that the Photovoltaic-Thermal-Separate Converter-Inverter-Battery System received 25% of the responses. The optimal manufacturing strategy depends on the overall business strategy of the firm. The 17% preference for System 1 was significant compared to four members of the family of IPVFC systems (Systems 2, 6, 8 and 9) that received only 2% of the responses, and there is a likelihood that the demand for System 1 will be among the top 42% of the total demand of all the systems. Overall, this study provides new insights into how the family of IPVFC systems can contribute to realising greater access to cleaner energy, by extension contributing to net-zero efforts using solar energy and solar hydrogen.

This study provides an assessment of renewable energy technology utilization in hotel buildings, which are significant structures in terms of energy consumption. The aim of the study is to determine suitable renewable energy technologies (RETs) for hotel buildings by defining criteria for evaluating RETs, assessing the relative importance of these criteria, and proposing a multi-criteria decision-making framework to solve the problem of selecting the most appropriate RETs during the design stage. The alternatives for RETs and the criteria for their evaluation are gathered through a literature review and expert consultations. Eight fundamental RETs used in hotel buildings (such as heat pumps, solar panels, biomass boilers, etc.) are examined, and nine selection criteria are analyzed. According to the weights determined by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, the initial investment cost is the most influential decision criterion, with a weight of 0.314. As a result of applying the AHP and VIKOR (Multi-Criteria Optimization and Compromise Solution) methods for technology selection, photovoltaic panels emerge as the top-ranked choice. This comprehensive evaluation provides stakeholders in the building production process of hotel buildings with detailed analyses and multi-criteria decision-making methods for selecting RETs.

The availability of energy-bearing resources is a key determinant of the development strategy of the world’s energy systems. In the case of Poland, the wind energy potential of the Baltic Sea provides the basis for the development of offshore wind energy in the country. The processes of transforming solutions towards green technologies require appropriate legislation, significant financial outlays, as well as public support for this dimension of activities. The latter strand requires continuous measurement to dynamically model the energy transition strategy. In the author’s opinion, the available literature does not sufficiently explain this theme in relation to Polish conditions. Hence, it was considered reasonable to investigate the impact of offshore wind energy development in Poland on public opinion in a selected region of Poland, in order to diagnose the current scale of support for the changes taking place, and to identify the main expectations and fears related to this activity, which was assumed as the main objective of the study. The added value of the survey is the analysis of changes in public opinion over time. The methodology used for the research was a study of the scientific literature, with analysis of the results of own and secondary research conducted in Poland. In terms of in-depth research, statistical survey techniques supported by the PQstat programme were used. The results of the survey confirmed significant public support in the surveyed area for offshore wind energy development in Poland (68%). The overall percentage of support for offshore development increased by 5% y/y. Economic considerations for the support of the activities in question with the potential vision of lowering energy prices in the domestic market were confirmed with a result of 65%. It was further confirmed that a key aspect of support for the offshore development strategy in the surveyed region of Poland is the potential for development of the region in relation to offshore farm investments, with a focus on the labour market, with indications of 53% for both themes. Interestingly, there was no concern in relation to the risk of landscape change in an undesirable direction in 2024.

This paper navigates the critical role of hydrogen in catalyzing a sustainable energy transformation. This review delves into hydrogen production methodologies, spotlighting green and blue hydrogen as pivotal for future energy systems because of their potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through a comprehensive literature review and a bibliometric analysis, this study underscores the importance of technological advancements, policy support, and market incentives in promoting hydrogen as a key energy vector. It also explores the necessity of expanding renewable energy sources and international cooperation to secure a sustainable, low-carbon future. The analysis highlights the importance of scalable and cost-effective hydrogen production methods, such as solar-thermochemical and photo-electrochemical processes, and addresses the challenges posed by resource availability and geopolitical factors in establishing a hydrogen economy. This paper serves as a guide for policy and innovation toward achieving global sustainability goals, illustrating the essential role of hydrogen in the energy transition.

SMEs are asked to incorporate sustainable energy solutions into their organizations’ processes to be environmentally friendly and operate more effectively. In this regard, IoT-based technologies seem to have the potential to monitor and optimize energy use. However, more extensive research is required to assess the efficacy of such solutions in the context of SMEs. Despite the growing interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) for renewable energy, there is a lack of information on how well these solutions work for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While much of the existing literature addresses the application of new technologies in SMEs, the social background underlying their transformation received relatively little attention in previous years. The present research adopts a quantitative approach, employing time series forecasting, specifically long short-term memory networks (LSTM). This paper uses IoT-based approaches to collect and preprocess an energy consumption dataset from various SMEs. The LSTM model is intended to forecast energy consumption in the future based on experience. In terms of analysis, the study adopts Python for data preprocessing, constructing, and assessing models. The main findings reveal a strong positive correlation (r = 0.85) between base energy consumption and overall energy usage, suggesting that optimizing base consumption is crucial for energy efficiency. In contrast, investment in RETs and staff training demonstrate weak correlations (r = 0.25 and r = 0.30, respectively) with energy consumption, indicating that these factors alone are insufficient for significant energy savings. The long short-term memory model used in the study accurately predicted future energy consumption trends with a mean absolute error of 5%. However, it struggled with high-frequency variations, showing up to 15% of mistakes. This research contributes to the literature in line with IoT-based sustainable energy solutions in SMEs, which has not been widely addressed. The findings highlight the critical role of integrating renewable energy technologies (RETs) and fostering a culture of energy efficiency, offering actionable insights for policymakers and business owners. With the application of Python in data analysis and model creation, this research shows a real-world approach to handling issues in sustainable energy management for SMEs.

The escalating global demand for energy has coincided with economic development, while Bangladesh's reliance on renewable energy remains modest at 4.59%. Investigating economically viable solutions such as solar, biomass, and other renewable sources, the research underscores the pivotal role of sound policies and a strategic plan in transforming the current energy landscape. Despite facing various challenges, particularly in technology, the implementation of sound policies and a strategic plan can substantially alter the current landscape. By reviewing the Renewable Energy Policy of 2008 and incorporating recommendations from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2023, this paper not only delves into challenges and future prospects but also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aimed at achieving affordable and clean energy. This study contributes valuable insights by proposing methodologies to generate renewable energy by offering a comprehensive overview of the present energy scenario in Bangladesh, with a focus on strategic policy recommendations, thus surpassing previous efforts in the literature. The paper, in its entirety, strives to foster the adoption of renewable energy while concurrently mitigating reliance on conventional fossil fuels.

As our world continues to rapidly industrialize and our population grows at an unprecedented rate, the energy demands have become one of the primary drivers for economic growth. However, the availability of traditional fossil fuels is limited and their use leads to serious environmental problems. Recently, in the last few decades, many developments have been made in the area of energy efficiency driven by non-conventional energy sources. So, inclination towards renewables such as solar (PV) energy, wind power, hydro energy, bio-fuels, bio/green-hydrogen, etc., seems to be a feasible alternative in the coming future. Technology alternatives dealing with fuel cells appears to be a promising approach to fulfil the ever-exceeding energy requirements. The purpose of the present research is to extract information about the working principle and applications of renewable energy technologies such as photo-electrolysis, photovoltaic power, wind power, electrolyzer for hydrogen generation, fuel cells for power generation and also to gain knowledge for the future research and improvements for the renewable technology systems. All the experiments are conducted with the help of Heliocentric, the kit for green and clean energy trainer technology. Here the energy efficiency for the system is found to be ∼86% with a hydrogen volume of 30 cm3 and a time of 174 s (∼3 min). Similarly, for a system with 25 cm3 of hydrogen volume and a time of 110 s, the efficiency calculated is around ∼36%. The research work outcomes are anticipated to help in the clear understanding of renewable energy technologies and their integration to produce sustainable, green and clean energy. Graphical abstract showing renewable energy sources for green hydrogen production and energy utilization. [Display omitted] • Electrical power generation and load profile simulation for green hydrogen production. • The application of renewable energy technologies such as photo-electrolysis and photovoltaic power for hydrogen generation. • Energy efficiency for the system was found to be ∼86% with a hydrogen production rate of 0.17 cm3/s. • The system efficiency was calculated to be around ∼36% at a hydrogen production rate of 0.23 cm3/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many nations have taken steps to encourage renewables through environmental policy frameworks; however, they still account for a small portion of global power output. This fact suggests that there are still some gaps between the potential advantages of renewables and their implementation, and these gaps must be investigated. Thus, the present study examines the effect of finance for the expansion of renewable energy technologies (RETs) by empirically assessing the sources of finance in facilitating the expansion of RETs on four renewable energy sectors; hydroelectric, biomass, solar photovoltaic and wind. This study applies a fixed effects estimator with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors on private and public sources of finance (financial market, banking sector and public debt) in selected Asia‐Pacific countries between 1998 and 2016. This study has shown that not all sources of finance have the same effect on the clean‐energy sector. The financial market plays a critical role in supplying financial capital for risky and uncertain technologies that require a high degree of financing, which could be particularly helpful for technology deployment in high‐tech industries. Investigations into the effectiveness of source of finance for RETs also indicate that banks discourage their deployment of RETs in the Asia‐Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ageing of coal-fired power stations in South Africa has led to regular power outages. Therefore, the country will need to urgently increase its electricity capacity to meet further energy demand from growing urbanization and population growth. This challenge has increased interest in alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy (RE). South Africa is gradually implementing appropriate renewable energy practices, reducing carbon emissions, cleansing the air, and assuring a more sustainable future. This paper summarizes the availability, current state, and future potential of renewable energy choices in South Africa. This paper also evaluates specific policy measures and government actions aimed at eliminating barriers and increasing renewable energy deployment in the future. It also considers the South African network's specialized techno-economic analysis. The findings show that South Africa is still heavily reliant on coal, with 78% of the current installed capacity coming from coal power in 2022, compared to 9.3% for solar and wind energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main problem confronting the world is human-caused climate change, which is intrinsically linked to the need for energy both now and in the future. Renewable (green) energy has been proposed as a future solution, and many renewable energy technologies have been developed for different purposes. However, progress toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the role of renewable energy in 2050 are not well known. This paper reviews different renewable energy technologies developed by different researchers and their potential and challenges to date, and it derives lessons for world and especially African policymakers. According to recent research results, the mean global capabilities for solar, wind, biogas, geothermal, hydrogen, and ocean power are 325 W, 900 W, 300 W, 434 W, 150 W, and 2.75 MWh, respectively, and their capacities for generating electricity are 1.5 KWh, 1182.5 KWh, 1.7 KWh, 1.5 KWh, 1.55 KWh, and 3.6 MWh, respectively. Securing global energy leads to strong hope for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as those for hunger, health, education, gender equality, climate change, and sustainable development. Therefore, renewable energy can be a considerable contributor to future fuels.

With the increasing need for energy, issues related to using energy efficiently in buildings and employing renewable energy technologies are gaining significance. The building production process is intricate, involving numerous stakeholders, multiple decisions, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. This process necessitates decision making based on specific requirements. The objective of this study is to identify effective criteria in decision making concerning the use of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in buildings in Turkey. It aims to highlight the importance of these criteria and compare them, and it also aims to define a recommendation decision-making model for the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies. This study employed qualitative and quantitative research methods. Based on information gathered from the literature, the main criteria and sub-criteria for RET utilization were determined through in-depth interviews with an expert group, including individuals influencing the building design process (architects, engineers, consultants, employers, and users). A recommendation model was developed using the analytic hierarchy process method to highlight the significance of the identified criteria, compare the criteria and technologies, and facilitate the selection of the most-appropriate technology. This study demonstrates that the decision-making model can be utilized in determining RET-related criteria in the building production process, establishing their weights, and make informed decisions regarding the appropriate technology.

Egypt has the potential to generate a significant amount of energy from renewable technologies, in particular solar PV, concentrated solar power (CSP), and onshore and offshore wind. The energy sector is reliant on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, for electricity production and is at risk of locking itself into a high carbon pathway. Globally, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with national energy sectors is a target outlined in the UN’s Paris Agreement. To reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with a higher dependence on fossil fuels, Egypt must consider upscaling renewable energy technologies (RETs) to achieve a clean energy transition (CET). This research modelled six scenarios using clicSAND for OSeMOSYS to identify the technologies and policy target improvements that are needed to upscale RETs within Egypt’s energy sector. The results showed that solar PV and onshore wind are key technologies to be upscaled to contribute towards Egypt’s CET. The optimal renewable target is the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) target of 53% of electricity being sourced from RETs by 2030, which will cost USD 16.4 billion more up to 2035 than Egypt’s current Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES) target of 42% by 2035; it also saves 732.0 MtCO2 over the entire modelling period to 2070. Socio-economic barriers to this transition are considered, such as recent discoveries of natural gas reserves combined with a history of energy insecurity, political instability impacting investor confidence, and a lack of international climate funding. The paper concludes with policy recommendations that would enable Egypt to progress towards achieving a CET.

The potential of renewable energy technologies to mitigate climate change while meeting the energy demand of future generations is recognised globally. In South Africa, occupations such as wind turbine technicians and solar photovoltaic installers are in high demand. In response to these needs, Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) subjects were developed as specialised electives within the Electrical Infrastructure Construction programme that is off ered by technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges. The focus of this study is the knowledge that underpins the RET subjects. The guiding research question is: What forms of knowledge underpin the RET curricula, and what is the relationship between these knowledge forms? The semantic dimension of Legitimation Code Theory was used to explain the knowledge forms underpinning the RET subjects. The study uncovered gaps and imbalances across the range of knowledge forms selected, while the relationships between the knowledge forms constrained cumulative knowledge building. The contribution made by the study is a principled understanding of how knowledge selection and sequencing in technical curricula could enable cumulative learning and build valued competencies within the renewable energy field.

AbstractBenin’s rapid population, economic, and industrial growth will increase energy demand. Hence, Benin’s government is keen to increase its power capacity to meet future demand. Renewable energy sources are significant options that governments could explore when developing their sustainable energy strategies. Prioritizing energy sources for a country’s sustainable development requires a decision-making process. In this study, multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are used to prioritize alternatives such as solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), wind energy, hydropower, and bioenergy suitable for sustainable electrification in Benin. The study employed eighteen (18) criteria classified under the four pillars of sustainability (technical, social, economic, and environmental) to evaluate the alternatives. Thereafter, the criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC) and entropy methods, which were employed to compute criteria weights and incorporated into the evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) method to rank the alternatives. The findings from the EDAS rankings show that solar PV is the optimal alternative, ranking in the first position, followed by wind energy in the second position. CSP, hydropower, and bioenergy rank in the third, fourth, and fifth positions. In addition, EDAS findings correlated fully with those of other MCDM approaches evaluated on the same decision matrix. This indicates that solar PV is Benin’s optimal technology for sustainable electricity generation. The study’s findings are critical for policymakers developing Benin’s renewable energy sector.

With the goal of becoming a regional leader in clean energy, Morocco has invested heavily in renewable energy mega-projects over the last decade, including the Noor-Ouarzazate complex, the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in the world. To continue accelerating its energy transition and achieve renewable energy targets by 2030, Morocco should focus on small-, medium-, and large-scale projects. However, choosing the most sustainable renewable energy technology (RET) is a complex decision-making problem. This study proposes a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework for the sustainability assessment of RETs in Morocco. By evaluating the existing RETs (wind, CSP, solar PV, hydro, and biomass) in terms of environmental, economic, technical, and social criteria, the study aims to assist decision-makers in selecting the most sustainable option. The cardinal (CAR) method was used to elicit criteria weights, with economic (30.7% of weight) and environmental (29% of weight) criteria being prioritized. The PROMETHEE method was then used to rank the alternatives, with solar PV emerging as the most sustainable technology, followed by wind, hydro, CPS, and lastly biomass. It should be noted that the PROMETHEE I partial ranking indicated that wind and hydro were both ranked second in terms of sustainability, highlighting the need for careful consideration when choosing between these two options. The study also found that the rankings were similar using both linear and Gaussian preference functions with different thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is based on achieving modular solutions for photovoltaic solar systems (PVSS) in buildings. Several studies tend to inadequately address the analysis of photovoltaic (PV) module orientation, often relying on the conventional south-facing orientation. The objective is to analyze and compare the influence of PV module orientation. Therefore, two proposed PVSS were analyzed, incorporating module orientation and inclination variations. A hotel electrical consumption study was conducted in 2018-2019. The incidence of shadows over the roofed surfaces of the building was analyzed from a three-dimensional model using Sketchup software. The annual and monthly generation, as well as the performance of the installation, were estimated using PVsyst software for each projected arrangement. An economic and environmental study was carried out for these proposals to remark on their feasibility and influence on environmental protection. As a result, the east-west oriented PV system is the most efficient and feasible with a peak power of 113.24 kWp and a Performance Ratio (PR) of 0.80. The east-west oriented proposal allows avoiding emissions of 301 421 TCO2 into the atmosphere. These promising results were due to both PV modules physical orientation and their lower daily working temperature. Also, an increase in electrical production per module and an optimization of the surface are achieved. These results highlight the significance of this research as they encourage the adoption of these systems, leading to improved investment recovery periods and enhanced environmental conservation efforts.