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Rapid growth in population and economic development in Iran and its neighboring countries has resulted in a dramatic increase in electricity demand over the past few years. A substantial amount of electricity must be produced to meet this growing demand in this region. By installing conventional fossil power plants, using renewable energy, and interconnecting with neighboring countries, this growing demand can be accomplished. The main aim of this research is to identify prospects and challenges in the electrical sector around Iran. To this end, this paper evaluates the existing and future state of the electrical sector in Iran and its neighboring countries. Despite the fact that there is still a long way to go in terms of renewable energy in this region, there are some promising targets for the future that will allow fossil fuels to be replaced effectively. Notwithstanding this, we should point out that a number of cross-border interconnection projects are being pursued by Iran and its neighbors in order to integrate their networks and supply this growing demand. Finally, this study presents an overview of the future prospects and challenges of electricity capacity expansion, cross-border interconnections, and electricity transmission corridors in this region. The review results provide comprehensive background knowledge to all the researchers in order to investigate further into the field. This paper assists energy policy makers regarding the development of sustainable energy planning. • •In addition to providing a general overview of the geographical location, population growth, and economic indicators of Iran and its neighboring countries, this paper presents the current state of the Iranian electricity sector and its neighboring countries in light of the trends in electricity production, energy mix, price, and exports and imports. • •This paper explores the existing and future states of electricity capacity expansion in the region, specifically focusing on renewable energy sources. • •The existing and future states of cross-border electricity interconnections are examined to present a comprehensive overview of the cross-border interconnections in this region. • •This region's potential electricity transmission corridors are proposed to create the opportunity to transmit electricity across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of solar power plants has begun to have an impact on utility grid operation, stability, and security. As a result, several governments have developed additional regulations for solar photovoltaic grid integration in order to solve power system stability and security concerns. With the development of modern and innovative inverter topologies, efficiency, size, weight, and reliability have all increased dramatically. This paper provides a thorough examination of all most aspects concerning photovoltaic power plant grid connection, from grid codes to inverter topologies and control. The reader is guided through a survey of recent research in order to create high-performance grid-connected equipments. Efficiency, cost, size, power quality, control robustness and accuracy, and grid coding requirements are among the features highlighted. Nine international regulations are examined and compared in depth, exposing the lack of a worldwide harmonization and a consistent communication protocol. The latest and most innovative inverter topologies that help to enhance power quality are compared. Modern control approaches are evaluated in terms of robustness, flexibility, accuracy, and disturbance rejection on both the DC and grid sides. The purpose of this review paper is to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of alternatives and performance, highlighting lacks and deficiencies of recent technologies and critically discussing and proposing new solutions paving the way for future investigations and developments. • The proliferation of solar plants have an impact on grid operation and stability. • Nine international regulations are examined and compared in depth. • PV power system architecture, topologies, and control are examined. • Cutting-edge solutions that handle all facets of PV system design are examined. • The reader obtain a comprehensive grasp of most relevant challenges and concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is one of the leading producers and exporters of oil palm, and the industry contributes significantly to the growth of the national economy. Nonetheless, the consequential oil palm biomass (OPB) with a potential yield of ∼97 million tonnes annually presents both challenges and opportunities, demanding innovative waste management solutions. This paper explores the feasibility of converting OPB into valuable commodities by employing concentrated solar-driven pyrolysis. A detailed overview of the biomass produced from oil palm plantations and mills is provided, along with a discussion of the industry stakeholders and associated biomass management challenges. The pyrolysis of OPB is explored, emphasizing benefits, potential barriers, and techniques. The focus then shifts to Malaysia's solar potential, which ranges from 1470 to 1900 kWh/m2 annually. The potentials of solar pyrolysis are explored, encompassing discussions on solar concentrator types, reactors, and the distribution of solar and OPB resources throughout Malaysia. The paper then recommends Tawau in Sabah, as an ideal location for OPB solar pyrolysis, due to its solar availability (up to 1873 kWh/m2), potential OPB resources from 19 mills and 241 plantations, and supportive infrastructure. The paper proposes solar-driven pyrolysis as a sustainable solution for Malaysia's OPB management, offers insights for policy initiatives and technological innovations in optimizing OPB and solar energy utilization. • Analyzes oil palm biomass potential for solar pyrolysis in Malaysia. • Explores solar resources in Malaysia for solar-driven pyrolysis. • Examines solar concentrators and reactors for pyrolysis. • Identifies potential city, as the optimal location for solar pyrolysis. • Discusses commercialization challenges of solar-driven pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a framework for a financial, economic, and stakeholder analysis of a residential rooftop solar net-metering program. The empirical focus of the paper is the net-metering program in Ontario, Canada, but the methodology is applicable to evaluating other public programs. The results highlight that without the Federal Government's subsidy for the initial investment cost, net-metered solar systems are not financially viable for representative households. Moreover, the stakeholder analysis reveals that for each additional net-metered system installed in Ontario, non-net-metered households experience financial losses of six times the benefits to the net-metered households. The net losses to the Federal Government of Canada and the Canadian economy are five and nine times the benefit to the net-metered households, respectively. The only stakeholder who benefits marginally is the Government of Ontario. In terms of environmental benefits, our estimate of the cost of greenhouse gas abatement by residential net-metered solar is 325 CAD per ton of CO 2 , which is significantly higher than the current (65 CAD in 2023) and future (170 CAD by 2030) national carbon price set by the Government of Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for renewable energy continues to rise, the significance of electrocatalysis research for hydrogen production has also increased. To explore the developmental trends in this field, a scientometric-assisted review was conducted using clustering analysis of keywords from 43,564 papers published between 2013 and 2022. The results of the study demonstrate a globally diverse research landscape, with contributions from Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. China emerges as the most prolific contributor, with consistent growth in research productivity over the past decade. The USA, South Korea, India, and Germany were among the top five leading countries in electrocatalysis research. Singapore, USA, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Germany lead research impact, measured by total citations per total paper. China has the highest collaboration in electrocatalysis research, with collaborations with the USA, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the UK, Germany, Canada, Korea, and India. Importantly, the study reveals six clusters of electrocatalysis research, with different author keywords, each covering a range of topics and materials. The implications of each of the six clusters in electrocatalysis are examined critically. This study offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and funding organizations in making critical decisions by identifying the main themes and trends in hydrogen evolution through electrocatalysis research. • To explore the developmental trends in this field, a scientometric-assisted review was conducted on renewable energy • The results of the study demonstrate a globally diverse research landscape. • This study offers valuable insights in hydrogen evolution through electrocatalysis research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the banner of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), governments, industry, and civil society organisations have supported many energy access projects since 2015. Notably, funding and investments allotted to renewable energy are regarded not only to provide 'energy for all' but also support the delivery of other SDGs related to climate change, food security, health, and poverty reduction, among others. With less than 10 years left to meet the SDG 7 targets, it is timely to take stock and examine how the provision of access to energy is driving development initiatives, impacting local communities, and influencing governance processes. This paper offers a critical review and analysis of the impact of access to energy projects based on empirical work from eight country case studies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It interrogates how these projects contribute towards achieving SDG 7 and other sustainable development goals, highlights challenges, and then draws lessons for research, policy, and development practice. To advance SDGs, it recommends action in four areas: addressing rural-urban disparities, ensuring that energy is linked to sustainable outcomes, balancing top-down and bottom-up agendas, and appraising implications of techno-economic factors. [Display omitted] • Energy access has been constrained by multiple factors outside of policy decisions. • Governance decisions have overlooked local actors who are key to project sustainability. • Improved efficiency is more vital to energy security and access than increased generation. • Alignment between policies, governance processes, and institutional commitments is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy scarcity and environmental pollution from biogenic residues and wastes are major challenges in the 21st century, which can be converted to useful renewable energy and reduce environmental threats. In Bangladesh, a tremendous amount of biogenic residues is generated which remains largely underutilized. Mono-digestion, which is a common practice in Bangladesh for biogenic residue processing, resulted in low biogas yield. However, Bangladesh has a vast source of biogenic residues which can be utilized through anaerobic co-digestion to increase biogas production. In this paper, a desk study and comprehensive review has been conducted in finding potentiality of biogenic residues in biogas production from available biogenic residues in Bangladesh. Research studies on co-digestion of biogenic residues were reviewed critically, and their practices and benefits on energy production and impact on the environment were stipulated in this study. The study shows that co-digestion of biogenic residues in appropriate ratio increases the biogas production, improves digested quality and reduces GHG emissions. [Display omitted] • Biogas production potential from agricultural and livestock sectors were analyzed. • State of art co-digestion options of animal dung as main feedstock was reviewed. • Co-digestion of crop residues and animal dung lessened environmental burden. • Digestate can be used as bio fertilizer or converted into other forms of fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional petrol vehicles emit a substantial quantity of greenhouse gases, leading to increasingly serious global warming problems. The expansion and development of renewable power generation technologies is conducive in promoting the use of electric vehicles, which are more environmentally friendly. This paper proposes a multi-objective power expansion model considering renewable energy policy objectives. The model regards the problem as a multi-period optimisation task, taking the newly installed capacity and the power generation capacity of each power generation technology as decision variables, and simulating the uncertain factors in the planning process using Geometric Brownian Motion and Monte Carlo approaches. The optimisation objective of the model is to minimise expected costs, reduce risk and environmental impacts, and incorporate changing policy objectives into the constraints to meet policy makers' expectations for renewable energy development. Then, a decentralised target search-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is proposed to solve the model. Its effectiveness is verified by a numerical example using real data from the Chinese power system. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm exhibits improved performance compared with benchmark algorithms and provides high quality and diverse Pareto-optimal solutions to decision makers. Finally, the optimal plans for power expansion and generation mix under different preferences and policy objectives are discussed and corresponding recommendations are made. [Display omitted] • Planning for the expansion of power generation under uncertainties is determined. • Strategies for the expansion of power generation towards renewable energy are optimised. • A novel multi-objective evolutionary algorithm with a constraint handling method is developed. • The impact of multiple renewable energy policies on power generation expansion planning is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For twenty years, social scientists have used place concepts to understand energy infrastructure siting. Much of this research stemmed from attempts to provide theoretical explanations that avoid pejorative NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) assumptions about community objections. Despite a burgeoning literature, a comprehensive review of place-related energy infrastructure research is lacking. This paper addresses this gap for the first time by collating and systematically reviewing a corpus of 190 articles published between January 1999 and March 2022, using search terms combining 'energy' and five place concepts (place attachment, sense of place, place identity, identity of a place, place-technology fit). Content analysis revealed the application of place concepts most frequently to wind energy, as well as nuclear power, fossil-fuel extraction and energy distribution; a high number of journal outlets (n = 76); a prevalence of single case study and survey methods; geographical concentration in developed countries, and a high prevalence of female authors. Bibliometric analysis of key words indicated a hub and spoke structure centered on the term place attachment, with low levels of coherence. 8 research clusters were identified comprising disparate technologies, geographical contexts, concepts and methods. Two of the search terms (identity of a place, place-technology fit) had low prevalence. Analysis revealed the application of place concepts to be highly varied, with 15 place concepts identified that are often not the primary focus of research, and sometimes used superficially. To improve coherence, cumulative learning and rigour in future studies, a lexicon of place definitions and specific recommendations are provided. • A corpus of 190 articles draws on place concepts to research energy infrastructure. • This literature spans diverse technology sectors, countries and numerous journals. • Studies on renewable energy, in particular wind energy, are most prevalent. • Eight clusters with weak coherence are identified, indicating a fragmented literature. • Recommendations to improve coherence, cumulative learning and rigour are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual power plants possess the capability to effectively manage the inherent conflict between dispersed electricity generation and user demand, hence optimising market advantages. Nevertheless, the presence of severe weather conditions, geopolitical factors, the phenomenon of global warming, and several other global concerns greatly enhance the level of uncertainty related to the establishment of sustainable energy sources and the corresponding demand from users. Consequently, these factors expose the limitations of virtual power plants in effectively controlling power supply. The active involvement of community members has the potential to invigorate the process of development. This study presents a novel model, referred to as the CE-based cVPP (CE-cVPP) model, that combines the principles of circular economy (CE) and community-based virtual power plant (cVPP). The objective of this model is to enhance the effectiveness of sustainable development efforts. This research redefines the concept of a CE-cVPP, elucidates its defining features, scopes, and classification, and constructs a technological framework, together with an explanatory community case structure. The CE-cVPP energy life cycle framework is constructed based on the principles of the circular economy paradigm. This study investigates the enduring and sustainable benefits of the CE-cVPP across four dimensions: energy, environment, economics, and society. In conclusion, this paper provides a comprehensive examination of the energy, digital, and circular economy perspectives, encompassing critical analysis, problems, prospective analysis, and future directions. • Circular economy and community-based Virtual Power Plant (CE-cVPP) is a paradigm for the future energy sector. • CE-cVPP is a novel sustainable pattern that combines circular economy and community virtual power plants. • CE-cVPP features renewable energy, electricity, gas, cold, heat, and biodegradable waste. • CE-cVPP promotes economic, social, and ecological sustainability. • CE-cVPPs enhance the power and energy system's adaptability, versatility, and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community renewable energy is increasing globally, but many northern and remote Indigenous communities remain energy insecure. Community appropriate sustainable energy solutions requires more than building renewable energy projects – it requires local socio-technical capacity to design, implement, and maintain renewable energy projects. Yet, notwithstanding advances in renewable energy technology there is limited understanding of the socio-technical capacity of northern and remote Indigenous communities to engage in energy transitions. Based on a review of energy transitions scholarship and northern contexts and informed by a workshop engaging northern and Indigenous community members from Canada and Alaska, this paper presents foundational pillars for assessing the socio-technical capacity needs of communities to pursue and sustain local energy transitions. These pillars are inter-dependent and emphasize the importance of local energy champions and inter-local energy networks to enable innovation and capacity building; community values that articulate immediate and longer-term goals for energy transition, including the social and economic opportunities to be realized by a more sustainable energy system; community knowledge of local energy resources, technologies, and opportunities, and embedded skills to support transitions; and the skills innovation to pursue and manage new energy systems, coupled with youth engagement as future community energy leaders. The proposed framework is intended to support the early stages of community energy transition planning. • Energy transition in remote communities involves more than building new projects. • Socio-technical capacity is critical to renewable energy security in remote off-grid areas. • Seven pillars are proposed to guide local capacity assessment for community energy. • Renewable energy in remote communities means self-sufficiency and self-determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving high sustainability levels in the energy sector is at the heart of the United Nations and European Union goals. One of the main paths to achieve this is to adopt sustainable practices in energy supply chains (SCs). In this study, a systematic literature review has been carried out to analyze the triple-bottom-line of sustainability in the SCs of energy production. The main results show that the literature on the topic is scarce and unbalanced. For instance, the analysis of different energy sources is biased towards biomass. Moreover, key SC management aspects like inter-organizational coordination and certain stakeholder involvement i.e., customers, universities and/or research centers, are underrepresented in the analyzed literature. The study's main contribution is to identify and critically review the current key topics and gaps in the literature on sustainability in energy SCs. Based on the findings, a two-level research agenda is proposed that outlines six critical avenues that bring research, private actors, and decision-makers altogether to enhance the sustainability of energy SCs. The suggestions for future research included in the agenda are based on the gaps presented in the results of the literature review, as well as on the research directions highlighted in the analyzed literature. This study offers guidance to managers regarding best practices and fields of improvement, as well as to scholars by suggesting paths to fill gaps in the current body of literature and elaborate more sustainable energy SCs. [Display omitted] • The first holistic systematic literature review on SSCM in energy production. • Identifying and categorizing ninety-seven papers on the topic. • Outlining a set of key topics and gaps and proposing a future research agenda. • Helping decision-makers to assess and benchmark sustainability in the energy SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African continent is endowed with massive energy resources such as hydropower, solar, wind, natural gas, wave energy, and many more, yet it is the continent with the least energy supply in the world thereby resulting in a lack of sufficient energy to meet its growing energy demand. Though the continent holds 100 GW of wind capabilities, the current installed capacity as at 2018 was 5.7 GW with countries in northern Africa as well as South Africa capturing over 90% of the wind energy share on the continent. Therefore, this paper reviews the wind energy industry in Africa by identifying the current installed and potential capacity of wind energy on the continent. The challenges faced by the wind energy industry such as policy, competition, technical and economic are also reviewed. Transitions, technological innovation systems, and strategic niche management theoretical sustainability transition framework as well as proposed pathways to overcome these prevailing challenges hindering the full exploration of the wind energy sector in Africa are also highlighted in order to uplift the continent's socio-economic status. Basically, this can be achieved through the adoption of strong 'political-will' by African national governments to drive wind energy development. There is also the need for institutional frameworks to ensure the practical adoption of new wind energy technologies. Furthermore, the major benefits Africa stands to gain from investment in wind energy are enumerated by comparing with the benefits realized by other countries' economies as a result of investing in the wind energy industry. For instance, cheap electricity, job creation, industrial growth, and eco-friendly energy source. • Reviewing wind energy industry in Africa and existing challenges. • The challenges faced by African's wind energy industry can be categorized under policy, competition, technical and economic. • Framework for transiting Africa's wind energy industry from small-scale production to large-scale commercial industry.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewables around the globe, provide fuel diversification, energy security and produce little or no emissions during the electricity generation. The unavailability of rotating masses prohibits on-grid renewable energy generation systems from providing inertia during a frequency disruption. This would be extremely unsettling and impactful when the proportion of energy in the grid due to renewables is high. India currently, has a 28.04% share of on-grid renewable energy. The grid infrastructure systems of India would face severe challenges when the share of on-grid renewables leaps past 50% in the future. Thus, this paper primarily addresses the repercussions of increasing share of on-grid renewables in terms of inertia and frequency response in India. The energy scenario of 2040 in India under 80% proliferation of on-grid renewables has been well reviewed in this paper. The novelty of this paper is the narrative literature review of the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) on frequency response which is unique and exclusive to this manuscript. It demonstrates the current strategies prevalent in the grid system of India towards frequency response and inertia support. This paper also explains the diverse control strategies and energy storage technologies required for adoption with the on-grid renewables in India for frequency response. The other novelty in this paper is the insight about the inertia lost due to an on-grid 100-kW p solar photovoltaic system to explain the readers about the impact when the integration is hundreds to thousands of kilowatts. • Share of renewables in the Indian grid network is 28.04% (113.226 GW) as of 2022. • India aspires to achieve 54% share of on-grid renewables by 2030 and 80% by 2040. • Indian Electricity Grid Code indicates need for expansion in active power reserves. • India requires diverse control strategies and energy storages for inertia support. • On-grid 100-kW p solar photovoltaic system loses inertia of 100-kW for 4.44 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a comprehensive review on the status of renewable energy developments and hydrogen economy in the Middle East and North Africa region. This region is heavily reliant on fossil fuels for its domestic energy supply and is also considered a global energy exporter. In this regard, an overview of the current state of energy sector in the region is provided. Moreover, the region possesses great potential for renewable energy exploitation due to its climatic advantages. Therefore, the current status of renewable energy utilization within the region's various countries is reviewed by presenting several operational renewable energy-based plants and future projects for deployment of renewable power in the region. Green hydrogen is an important sustainable clean fuel, and its utilization is essential for both environmental preservation and energy security. Thus, the status of hydrogen production and utilization in the region is discussed considering the various operational systems and future hydrogen generation projects. The concept of source, system and service is also incorporated which considers the utilization of clean energy sources for sustainable hydrogen production through environmentally benign pathways. The potential deployment opportunities for the renewable hydrogen production are also discussed based on available renewable sources in the region. Moreover, this paper discusses the challenges of increasing renewable energy utilization in the region. Furthermore, this paper provides a road map for achieving renewable hydrogen economy including a reduction in domestic utilization of oil and gas sources, subsidization of renewable production sector, and financial support to hydrogen production and transportation infrastructure. • Providing an overview of the status of energy sector in the region. • Providing an overview of the status of renewable energy utilization in the region. • Discussing the challenges and opportunities of renewable and hydrogen energy development in the region. • Providing a road map for renewable hydrogen development in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobased products are complete or partial derivatives from naturally occurring/growing materials such as agricultural, plants, and forest materials and serve as an alternative to traditional product derivatives of petroleum. Technically, biobased product counterparts can replace almost every fossil resource-based industrial material. Adopting life cycle analysis and circular economy concepts has also accelerated the move towards biobased products. It meets the criteria for easy recycling and can facilitate the shift from linear fossil-based productions to a greener circular economy. In line with the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) policy, this Virtual Special Issue (VSI) published two types of articles, high-quality review papers and original research papers with a strong review component. After a rigorous peer-review process, 32 articles were accepted and published in this VSI. This editorial overview these articles and examines their contribution to the field. This RSER VSI has contributed with new insights on value-added biobased products from various bioresources to their applications, technical challenges and advancement in a sustainable manner. • VSI is focused on the recent development of biobased biorefineries. • Greener technologies offering biobased products. • Sustainable bioprocesses and bioproducts development from bioresources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a viable technique to address food waste (FW) problems by converting FW into sustainable energy. Despite the advantages of the AD process, large-scale AD plants like in Germany and the USA have not been developed in Australia. Therefore, this paper aims to study the technological, economic, and environmental feasibility of sustainable energy production from household FW in Australia. In addition, this paper discusses the different waste to energy (WtE) technologies along with the operational parameters as well as the challenges in developing a biogas plant. The energy and economic potential analysis of the AD process indicates that the processing of 10% FW from Australian states and territories can generate 1.22 GWh to 35.4 GWh electricity which can subsequently earn AUD 0.54 million to AUD 15.7 million revenue per year. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis indicates that conversion of the 10% of Australian FW has the potential to lower GHG emissions by 639,852 tonnes per annum. Hence, it can be said that FW plays a vital role as a promising source of sustainable energy and is capable of benefiting the country's economy significantly and reducing GHG emissions. • FW is a potential source of sustainable energy. • AD is a useful waste to energy process for producing clean energy. • Conversion of FW into energy can significantly lower GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Union countries sharing the same goal of carbon reduction have created a complex array of different strategies, policies and instruments to provide a supportive framework for navigating and accelerating the energy transition. The paper assumes that different mixes of policy instruments influence the European Union's efforts to become a low-carbon economy. However, instead of examining a policy instrument mix in isolation at the country-level, this paper uses hierarchical cluster analysis to detect the extent of similarities and patterns across European countries, considering the types of policy instruments that target energy efficiency and renewable energy. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis is then applied to explore different combinations of specific policy instruments for each cluster in managing the energy transition. The application of hierarchical cluster analysis detected the existence of three country clusters, which makes the European policy landscape less complex and suitable for developing more effective energy transition policies. The application of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis confirmed that there is no single instrument necessary to make the energy transition a success. On the contrary, only a configuration of specific policy instruments targeting both energy efficiency and renewable energy can promote sustained success in the energy transition. • EU countries are heterogeneous in terms of their policy mix and energy transition success. • Integration of EE ff concerns into RNW policies and vice versa is necessary for the energy transition. • Three country clusters were formed based on EE ff and RNW policy instrument types. • No single instrument is necessary to make the energy transition a success. • Combinations of EE ff and RNW policy instruments promote greater energy transition success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal Districts have been presented globally as an efficient alternative to supply the demand for cooling and heating in urban areas. The development of thermal districts has been slow due to the uncertainty of demand and the lack of methods for estimating potential demands. However, the information needed for estimating district cooling potential is scarce in many cities, and the existing methodologies need to be adapted to specific conditions. This paper develops a methodology to estimate the potential for developing district cooling based on cities' climate and economic activities. The proposed methodology is applied in 13 Colombian metropolitan areas to identify potential clusters for district cooling according to the geographical distribution of buildings. The results show that the total potential demand for cooling in the 13 cities in Colombia is almost 650 MW. This paper concludes that demand for cooling that could be supplied with the implementation of tailor-made district cooling designed using the local economic characteristics of the cities through the 37 emerging clusters. • Introduction of methodology to estimate the potential demand for cooling. • Potential demand for cooling estimated based on climate and economic activities. • The methodology evaluates the potential demand for cooling in seven economic sectors. • The 13 Colombian cities have potential demand for cooling of 650 MW. • Colombian cities have the potential to install 37 cooling districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve climate goals, unprecedented amounts of new clean energy capacity need to be deployed at a rapid rate. Project finance is crucial to achieve clean energy (CE) capacity targets in order to rapidly decarbonise economies. However, current project finance commitments are far from sufficient, particularly in greenfield settings. To accelerate decarbonisation efforts therefore, it is essential to understand the barriers to CE financing in greenfield settings in order to guide public policy and to direct future research in the greenfield and cross-border investment literature. To date, few studies have focused on mobilising private capital to develop and build greenfield investments. This paper reviews recent literature to identify the barriers to CE investment focusing on greenfield renewable generation projects using a systematic quantitative review. A total of 45 studies published between 2010 and 2022 were included in the review. The results identified 36 barriers grouped into 7 categories: business/market; construction, technical and operational; environmental; financial; legal and ownership rights; policy and regulatory; and political and social barriers. Over the study period, environmental barriers declined the most, while construction, technical and operational, and political and social barrier categories increased significantly. Financial barriers were consistent throughout the years. Although these barriers are likely due to ineffective policy and immature CE investment in host countries, they provide insights for governments to boost greenfield investments and to develop local industry capacity and expertise. This paper also provides directions for future research and concludes with policy recommendations to address the barriers. • Identified barriers to greenfield renewable generation projects. • A total of 36 barriers grouped into 7 categories for analysis. • Environmental barriers declined but financial barriers remained. • Provide insights for governments to boost greenfield investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the recent developments in Renewable Energy Systems for building heating, cooling and electricity production with thermal energy storage. Due to the needed Clean Energy Transition in the many countries and regions and the goal of closing Net Zero Energy Buildings, it is crucial to provide efficient Renewable Energy Based heating/cooling systems for buildings. The buildings contribute about 40% of total energy consumption, with significant potential for primary energy savings. The application of various Renewable Energy based systems is discussed including: the presentation of Hybrid Renewable Energy bases systems, methodology for their design and methods for the optimisation of Buildings RES. At present, mostly the systems based on heat pumps and photovoltaics are applied in buildings. However, the sources of those energy systems are unstable, and they are influenced by the climate environment. It makes it necessary to combine thermal and electrical energy storage, to achieve high efficiency. The recently developing electrical energy and chemical storage are Battery Energy Storage Systems and Hydrogen Energy Systems, through it is urgently necessary to overcome the difficulties of high cost, relatively low efficiency and demanding storage environment and so on. For the thermal energy storage, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) show great potential for application – with their use the thermal energy can be accumulated at the time of low energy demand or availability and recovered during a high consumption period. This review also presents the recent developments in PCMs for their application in buildings, both for heating and cooling. Finally, it sorts out some challenging issues of the RES today and guides future development. • The recent developments in Renewable Energy Systems for buildings accessed. • Reviewed papers relevant to the Integration of Renewable Energy Systems in buildings. • The recent developments in PCM thermal energy storage in buildings are evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layout optimization of wave energy offshore parks is a challenging task, as it encompasses various design objectives and constraints attributed to the complex hydrodynamic interactions. The wave energy converter (WEC) park performance is affected by local environment and device characteristics. To solve this challenge, advanced numerical algorithms, including artificial intelligence, have been applied to a wide range of case studies. Nevertheless, this process remains incomplete, which keeps it as a pertinent research topic in the field of WEC development. The present paper provides an overview of the current state and research trends of offshore WEC park layout optimization. To analyze the state-of-the-art, the paper targets the last decades' research on this topic, summarizing the studies, addressing the optimization objective and the employed methods and separating them according to the corresponding technique. The review showed that the results strongly depend on the methodologies applied. Furthermore, a preferential use of computational intelligence techniques has been observed in recent years. • Introduction on computational intelligence techniques for WEC park layout optimization. • Analytical and Semi-Analytical methods applied on layout optimization. • Shares of applied optimization techniques in the literature for WEC parks. • Around 50% of the last decade research used computational intelligence. • Comparison of computational costs and reliability between methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the abundant availability of resources, the market potential, and their cost competitiveness, onshore wind farms and photovoltaic units are expected to drive the overall growth of renewable energy sources in the next decade. However, Europe is a small and densely populated continent, which results in many countries experiencing a severe shortage of suitable land sites for installing new wind and photovoltaic facilities. This, combined with the fact that many existing wind turbines and photovoltaic units reach the end of their operational lifetime, has laid the groundwork for 'repowering'. Repowering includes upgrading or retrofitting renewable energy sources' components and exploits existing land sites, in which renewables are operating for years. This paper intends to emphasise the multiple dimensions of repowering, also delving in its surrounding socio-economic context in various European countries, to identify its barriers and allies as well as gather best practices and lessons learnt from its implementation. Considering data availability, extent of spatial use and bulk equipment, and consequent attention in literature and practice, the analysis mainly orbits around repowering of wind projects, rather than solar photovoltaics. Finally, the paper presents key directions toward wider future exploitation of repowering. • Land scarcity problem with high renewable energy potential addressed by repowering. • In-depth socio-economic extensions of repowering are discussed. • Semi-quantified evaluation highlighting main implementation pillars of repowering. • Best practices and lessons learnt from the implementation of repowering. • Legislative barriers against the wider implementation of repowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of distributed renewable energy sources has increased concerns about the fairness of electricity pricing, particularly in the residential sector. Hence, many recent studies have focused on topics of equity in residential electricity tariffs. This paper reviews such studies and places them in a historical context of the study of electricity tariffs and the study of pricing fairness. Studies of scenarios with attention to distributed renewables growth tend to focus primarily on one of three matters: (a) normative concerns, (b) quantifying tariff (or more generally, policy) fairness, and (c) quantifying the transitional fairness of pricing decisions over multi-year timespans. After the review, research gaps in each category are illustrated. This paper also provides stringent comparisons of common methodological choices regarding their influence on fairness calculations. These comparisons highlight choices that ensure rigor and comparability in future studies of tariff fairness. This review provides researchers and policy-makers with a wider perspective of the current state of understanding of the effects of D-RES increases on distributional concerns in residential electricity pricing. • Research on equity in electricity tariffs falls into one of three categories. • Normative aspects of electricity tariffs under high D-RES are weakly understood. • Some research quantifies the equity aspects of different D-RES relevant tariff designs. • Some research considers such tariffs as they evolve over longer time horizons. • Much variety in assumptions, methods, and data exists in studies of tariff equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments' net zero emission target aims at increasing the share of renewable energy sources as well as influencing the behaviours of consumers to support the cost-effective balancing of energy supply and demand. These will be achieved by the advanced information and control infrastructures of smart grids which allow the interoperability among various stakeholders. Under this circumstance, increasing number of consumers produce, store, and consume energy, giving them a new role of prosumers. The integration of prosumers and accommodation of incurred bidirectional flows of energy and information rely on two key factors: flexible structures of energy markets and intelligent operations of power systems. The blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) are innovative technologies to fulfil these two factors, by which the blockchain provides decentralised trading platforms for energy markets and the AI supports the optimal operational control of power systems. This paper attempts to address how to incorporate the blockchain and AI in the smart grids for facilitating prosumers to participate in energy markets. To achieve this objective, first, this paper reviews how policy designs price carbon emissions caused by the fossil-fuel based generation so as to facilitate the integration of prosumers with renewable energy sources. Second, the potential structures of energy markets with the support of the blockchain technologies are discussed. Last, how to apply the AI for enhancing the state monitoring and decision making during the operations of power systems is introduced. • The use of blockchain and artificial intelligence for facilitating prosumers to be integrated into smart grids and decarbonising the power systems. • Review how policy designs price of carbon emissions to facilitate the integration of prosumers with renewable energy sources. • Future energy markets with blockchain technologies. • How to apply artificial intelligence technologies for enhancing the control and decision-making in smart grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind power is one of the main sources of renewable energy. New applications of this technology are currently under development through small vertical axis wind turbines, allowing energy production in small spaces even at low wind speeds. Therefore, creating an effective turbine design methodology tailored to these operating conditions has been the subject of extensive research. The Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine is one of the most widely used due to its low cost and easy manufacturing. Several works have examined the effect of various geometric parameters on the performance of the Savonius-type wind turbine. However, there are no published overarching conclusions about these works. Thus, this paper aims to review and discuss in a concise way experiments and simulations carried out by several authors evaluating the effect of some geometric parameters on the maximum power and torque coefficient of Savonius vertical axis wind turbines. The paper also discusses additional experiments that should be performed in future work. • The effect of geometrical parameters of Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine rotor on its efficiency is reviewed. • Power and torque coefficients response to variation of four geometrical parameters are discussed. • Geometrical parameters as aspect ratio, twist angle, overlap ratio, number of blades, and number of stages are explored. • Diverse experimental and numerical researches are explored and maximum power and torque coefficients found are graphically presented as function of each geometrical parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blades are critical components in wind turbines (WTs) for power generation, and condition monitoring (CM) of WT blades is a crucial and challenging issue under operating conditions. Several methods have been developed to assess blade health status, and some of them have the potential to achieve in-situ CM. Nevertheless, there is a lack of critical and comprehensive survey concerning CM techniques for operational WT blades, as well as unsolved problems and research prospects. In this paper, typical causes and types of blade damage that deserve to be considered during the running time are presented. Besides, in-situ CM techniques for WT blades are reviewed in terms of four sub-targets: damage detection, localization, classification, and evaluation. Further, the investigation and development timeline of in-situ CM methods and types of damage that have been verified to be recognizable in field tests are concluded for the first time. The paper ends with discussions on research impediments and prospects that indicate promising development tendencies. • In-situ condition monitoring methods for wind turbine blades are reviewed. • Typical causes and types of blade damage are discussed. • Damage detection, localization, classification, and evaluation are considered. • Relationships between techniques and detectable damage are revealed. • Research challenges and development tendencies are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeast Asia is a significant stakeholder in the global action against climate change, given its growing population, rising greenhouse gas emissions, and vulnerability to climate change impacts. Public policy makers in this region are faced with the challenge of transitioning to cleaner energy sources to enable the attainment of Paris Agreement goals, while also expanding access to affordable and reliable energy supplies. Southeast Asia has one of world's fastest growing rates of greenhouse gas emissions due to rising fossil fuel combustion, second only to South Asia. As such, it is imperative to decouple its energy consumption from emissions growth. This paper reviews Southeast Asia's energy sector trends, with a focus on electricity supply and demand vis-à-vis global decarbonization efforts. Based on global and regional best practices, the paper highlights the crucial role that governments and public policy can play in accelerating the region's clean energy transition, namely through the establishment of mandatory long-term climate and renewable energy targets and binding policies; use of iterative and adaptive power system planning; support for effective market development; financing of pioneering investments and trunk infrastructure; and support for a just and equitable transition. • Countries of Southeast Asia need to accelerate the clean energy transition. • Governments and public policy play a key role in the energy transition. • Policy prescriptions provided based on global and regional best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing transformation of the world's energy system requires detailed power-system models that help plan a cost-effective and reliable integration of variable renewables and demand-side resources. The quality and depth of the results of these models depend on the existence of trustworthy, complete, and high-resolution data on extant electric power assets and the demand they serve, wind and solar resources, and projections on costs and performance of technologies that could be developed during the next three decades. This paper assesses the quality of China's power system's publicly available data compared to the U.S. It concludes that despite growing use of power system models to inform and analyze Chinese energy policy, the availability of necessary data is still a significant barrier that severely limits the transparency, replicability, relevance, and usefulness of their results. • Ongoing energy system transformation requires detailed power-system models. • Usefulness of models' results depends on reliable, complete high-resolution data. • Paper proposes criteria to assess the quality of publicly available data for models. • Publicly available data for China's electric power system is scant and low quality. • Filling data gaps will inform decisions for a sustainable electric power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating offshore wind turbines have arisen as a promising option to access massive wind energy resources in deep water, where the existing fixed-type offshore wind turbine is no longer practical. However, due to the nature of the oceanic environmental conditions, large uncertainties are involved in the aerodynamic/hydrodynamic calculations, which are coupled with those within the structures and materials. This not only threatens its reliability but also drastically increases the manufacturing cost of floating offshore wind turbines. To understand the uncertainty within the system and properly predict its reliability, first, the uncertainties involved in the environments and subsystems need to be defined. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an extensive review of the uncertainty models involved in the structural design of floating offshore wind turbines. The presented uncertainties within the structures include those inherent in the material and geometrical/mechanical properties of the wind turbine, floating structures, and mooring lines. The uncertainties within hydrodynamics include empirical parameters and nonlinearities involved with the hydrodynamics modeling of the floaters. Within the environmental loads, the parameter uncertainties as well as the randomness of wind and wave loads are presented. The uncertainties growing over time caused by fatigue, corrosion, and climate hazards are also discussed. In addition, the correlation between the random variables, such as the correlation of the wind and wave, is presented. Finally, the method of treating those uncertainties is discussed, including the probabilistic model which incorporates the uncertainties and the correlations between the random variables, as well as modeling errors. • Various sources and types of uncertainties that affect the structural reliability of floating offshore wind turbines are presented. • An extensive review of the uncertainty models for the parameters involved in the estimation of the reliability of the floating offshore wind turbines is provided. • The correlations between the parameter uncertainties are discussed when applicable. • Growing uncertainties over the lifecycle, including those caused by fatigue and corrosion, are discussed along with their impact on structural reliability. • Various existing reliability analysis methods, that can be used for the floating offshore wind turbine structures are reviewed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gamut of geothermal energy research encompasses the studies aimed at harnessing the abundant and inexhaustible thermal energy within the Earth, and it ranges from heat transfer to the activity of thermophilic microorganisms, 3D printing, and additive manufacturing and impacts the NET ZERO endeavour of humanity. In this paper, computational social network analysis has been employed to discover the subfield clusters of geothermal energy research and further trace the key evolutionary routes from the research corpus. The development, limitations, and opportunities of each cluster are examined, and it becomes evident that the focus of research ranges from geothermal evaluation, long-term effects of borehole heat exchangers, shallow systems that employ urbanisation's ground heating, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) for district heating, combined and hybridised geothermal power generating models, including multi-generation and poly-generation, geothermal fluids, reinjection and their dual nature, environmental effects in geothermal water and mineral scaling, enhanced geothermal systems aiming to increase permeability without causing seismicity, and finally to social acceptability. We address significant questions, such as whether the waste heat is compatible with the idea of green geothermal heat and the elimination of pollutants and find that further R&D and technological advancements are required for this ubiquitous clean energy to get wider acceptance and employment. The future of this energy depends on the rational and scientifically sound exploration and use of the resources, just as in the case of fossil fuels, and thus precludes geothermal energy as a win-all solution to the energy needs of the whole world. • Computational analysis of geothermal energy research themes and linkages. • Algorithmic theme identification rather than expert-based analysis. • Tracing the key-routes of domain evolution. • Subdomain-specific status, limits, emerging fronts and future research agenda. • Impact analysis of contemporary technologies such as AI and 3D printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study utilizing carbon tax revenue to the renewable energy generation with Learning-by-doing (LBD) in the CGE model. This investigation demonstrates how induced technologically change (ITC) in the power sector offsets negative impacts on economic growth caused by the carbon tax in China. Business-as-usual scenario (without carbon tax) shows a significant impact of LBD on GDP growth and CO 2 emission reduction. Under a policy scenario with carbon tax, the results show that the negative impact on economic growth can be alleviated to less than 0.12%. If total carbon tax revenue was used for the subsidy to wind and solar power, even a positive impact on GDP growth will occur in the long-term. Therefore, the results verified and demonstrated the synergic effect of carbon pricing and the LBD process that economic loss caused by carbon tax could be offset by ITC in the renewable energy power sector. GDP decomposition shows that unexpensive electricity affected by ITC is beneficial to drive development of low-carbon energy, which can mitigate shock of carbon tax on heavy dependence on fossil fuel. This paper also provides policy implications that the LBD process will positively play a key role in energy structural shift under climate policy, making a great effort to climate mitigation. [Display omitted] • Combining bottom-up CGE model with top-down module Learning-by-Doing. • Utilizing carbon tax revenue to subsidy to renewable energy generation. • Providing optimistic impacts of carbon tax and subsidy on economic growth and reduction of carbon emission. • Learning-by-doing describes pathway of improved renewable energy. • Giving implication that Learning-by-doing can be boosted by environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To stop the spread of COVID-19, governments have implemented confinement measures unprecedented in modern society. One of the main consequences has been the paralysis of commercial and industrial sectors worldwide, primary electricity consumers. This paper examines the impact of these measures on the electricity sector through a literature review accompanied by fieldwork on the impact of COVID-19 in Ibero-America and its energy regulatory response. First, we will review the causes of the reduction in electricity demand due to the confinement measures and their technical and financial consequences in the electricity sector. Second, we will examine the impact of COVID-19 on the wind and solar PV energy sectors, mainly affected by the paralysis of production and export of materials and components. Third, we will revise the regulatory measures implemented by the countries to avoid the interruption of electricity supply to households. This paper will end by reviewing economic recovery plans and their relationship to the energy transition. Although there are no fundamental differences between developed and developing countries in their regulatory reaction to this crisis in the energy sector, there are significant differences in economic recovery planning. While developed countries aim for a green economic recovery and the creation of green jobs, developing countries are allocating least resources to social protection and general economic stimulus programs, postponing climate objectives. In Latin America, this adds to the high levels of debt faced by utilities and the possible resurgence of social crises that were stopped by the COVID-19 outbreak, making a green recovery even more difficult. [Display omitted] • The reduction in electricity demand has caused technical challenges in the grid. • Electric utilities are facing growing and long-term financial problems. • Renewable energy projects have been delayed and financially harmed. • The measure to ban disconnection for non-payment has been implemented worldwide. • Latin American social crisis tempered by COVID-19 could hinder economic recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parametric uncertainties inherent in the models of renewable and sustainable energy systems (RSESs) make the associated decision-making processes of integrated resource operation, planning, and designing profoundly complex. Accordingly, intelligent energy management strategies are recognised as an effective intervention to efficiently accommodate the variability inherent in various input data and integrate distributed demand-side flexibility resources. To identify the key methodological and content gaps in the area of stochastic dispatch and planning optimisation of RSESs in the presence of responsive loads, this paper systematically reviews and synthetically analyses 252 relevant peer-reviewed academic articles. The review reveals that academic studies have utilised a wide variety of methods for the joint quantification of uncertainties and procurement of demand response services, while optimally designing and scheduling RSESs. However, to minimise simulation-to-reality gaps, research is needed into more integrated energy optimisation models that simultaneously characterise a broader spectrum of problem-inherent uncertainties and make behaviourally-founded use of flexible demand-side resources. More specifically, the review finds that while the research in this area is rich in thematic scope, it is commonly associated with strong simplifying assumptions that disconnect the corresponding approaches from reality, and thereby obscure the real challenges of transferring simulations into the real world. Accordingly, based on the descriptive analyses conducted and knowledge gaps identified, the paper provides useful insights into myriad possibilities for new research to more effectively utilise the potential of responsive loads, whilst simultaneously characterising the most salient problem-inherent parametric sources of uncertainty, during the investment planning and operational phases of RSESs. [Display omitted] • A systematic review of stochastic energy optimisation with demand response is conducted. • 252 relevant publications are identified in the literature and synthetically analysed. • Relevant research is rich in thematic scope, but involves strong simplifying assumptions. • Challenges ahead and opportunities for future research in the area are discussed. • Computational burden remains the most significant barrier to minimising reality gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal combustion engines power the great majority of automobiles on the road today. However, the challenges of complying with other propulsion systems and near-zero-emission standards are inevitable. Current stringent emission standards are becoming universal and globally harmonized test cycles are being recommended. As per the BS-VI norms, PM and NOx emissions are to be reduced by 80% and 70%, respectively for diesel engines. Indian OEMs are integrating the Euro-VI emission control technologies into their vehicle and also limiting the production of diesel engines, especially in the passenger sector. In this respect, it is necessary to enhance the current understanding of the improvements in combustion chambers, after-treatment devices, and potential low-carbon fuels for sustainable transport mobility. This paper comprehensively outlines the prospects of future fuels, modified combustion systems, and after-treatment devices. The fuel composition of both fossil and biofuels plays a vital role in altering the exhaust soot and NOx characteristics. Thus an overview of hydrogen formulated fuels, the optimal combinations of the fuel–engine–after-treatment systems are also highlighted. In the end, a brief discussion concerning the total life cycle analysis is also presented in this paper. The review concludes by suggesting potential fuels and technologies for lowering the emission levels and provides directions for future work to address the challenges facing alternate energy resources for automotive applications, particularly in India. • Comprehensively outlines the prospects of future fuels, combustion systems and after-treatment devices. • Fuel composition affects the emissions of NOx and soot formation. • Biodiesel operation enhances the filter regeneration rate and the conversion efficiency of the diesel oxidation catalyst. • Displacing 50% diesel with hydrogen is found to lower the total GHG by 47%. • Implications for technology development roadmap in India are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the system integration costs for wind and river type hydropower generation in the Turkish electricity market, which mainly covers system imbalance costs, congestion management costs and ancillary services costs. The paper also shows that reflecting the imbalance costs to the renewable generators themselves reduced their generation forecast errors drastically. By using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, we find that wind and river type hydro generations cause significant imbalances in the Turkish electrical system. On average 1 MWh hydro and wind generation increases imbalance costs by 12.04 TL ($2.10) and 4.03 TL ($0.7), respectively. Most of the renewable imbalance effect stems from the congestion between the main consumption areas and the generation zones of river-type hydro. These costs are socialized and reflected to all consumers through transmission tariffs. It seems reasonable to reflect the congestions costs to the ones causing them which will create the necessary incentives to curb them. Defining new price zones that consider the persistent congestions in the system is recommended for this problem as it is a market-friendly and efficient solution. • The research examine the system integration costs of river-type hydro and wind generation. • These generations caused significant imbalances between 2012 and 2019 in Turkey. • They raised imbalance costs by 12,0 TL ($2.1) and 4,0 TL ($0.7) per MWh respectively. • Most renewable imbalance stems from the congestions due to river type generation. • New price zones should be defined considering congestions for this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is a small country with its large population struggled with several challenges over the last few decades, including overpopulation, power grid disruptions, floods, and global warming. Sufficient rate of energy production is must for a developing country, but quickly expanding population and overall economic growth interrupt the energy sector. Renewable energy plays a vital role to contribute in this sector. For becoming an agricultural country biomass is an important sustainable energy source for this country. Organic crop residues, animal waste, and municipal solid waste are the most accessible biomass energy sources in this country. On the other hand, by using the membrane gas separation technology the quality biogas can be improved and it helps the environment from the toxic CO 2 which is a major element of biogas. This study represents the extension, potential and innovations identified with the utilization of biomass assets. Besides the improvement of biogas also discussed in this paper. This paper also represents the various initiatives conducted by the government that are all relevant to biomass energy. This work further can be studies to innovate different biomass technology and to improve the quality of biogas. [Display omitted] • Biomass is an alternative and sustainable renewable energy source in Bangladesh. • Thermal and bio-chemical methods are widely used for changing over biomass to energy. • Government plan is to produce electricity by utilizing natural gas, liquid fuel, and peat. • Membrane gas separation technology is used to increase the quality of gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of Energy System Analysis (ESA) has experienced exponential growth in the number of publications in the last two decades. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on ESA by employing different statistical techniques to investigate the underlying science's structure, characteristics, and patterns. The focus of results is on quantitative indicators relating to the number and type of publication outputs, collaboration links between institutions, authors and countries, and dynamic trends within the field. The five and twelve most productive countries have 50% and 80% of ESA publications, respectively. The dominant institutions are even more concentrated within a small number of countries. A significant concentration of published papers within countries and institutions was also confirmed by analysing collaboration networks. These show dominant collaboration within the same university or at least the same country. There is also a strong link among the most successful journals, authors and institutions. Within the field, the Energy journal has had the most publications, its editor-in-chief is the author with both the highest overall number of publications and the most highly cited publications. In terms of the dynamics within the field in the past decade, recent years have seen a higher impact of topics related to flexibility and hybrid/integrated energy systems alongside a decline in individual technologies. This paper provides a holistic overview of two decades' research output and enables interested readers to obtain a comprehensive overview of the key trends in this active field. • A review of more than 12,000 papers in the field of Energy System Analysis (ESA). • Five countries with 50% of publications: USA, China, UK, Germany, Italy. • Strong link among the most successful journals, authors and institutions. • Collaboration networks predominantly include only institutions within the same country. • Strong Nordic influence related to region's energy culture and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) are an innovative, promising and environmentally friendly way of renewable bioelectricity generation. The method of PMFCs consists in electrode systems installation into substrate with developing plants through the collecting of bioelectricity, produced by the rhizosphere electroactive microorganisms as a result of consuming excreted via the roots products of photosynthesis and also feeding by plant decomposition products and substrate compounds. This paper focuses on the role of microbiome and plants as the main drivers of electrobiotechnology in the performance of PMFCs to form approaches their improving. The brief analysis of species diversity of electroactive microorganisms, such as model exoelectrogens, pathogens and extremals, cable bacteria and eukaryotes was carried out. Microbial community of PMFCs, including anode microorganisms, biocathode and microorganisms of interelectrode space was considered. The contribution of syntrophic and competitive microorganisms in the electrogenesis was discussed. The paper highlights diversity of PMFCs based on more than ninety species of plants such as wetland and arid plants, salt-tolerant and frost-resistant plants, invasive weeds and food crops, ornamental garden and indoor plants, local and widespread plant species. The role of photosynthesis, root excretion and hydrolysis of dead plant residues on which PMFC efficienсy depends were evaluated. The application of PMFC being a source of green energy which could also be used for remediation of wastewater and polluted water, soil and air, biosensing, food and feed production, green roofs arrangement, outdoor and indoor landscaping, powering of electrical devices and elimination of greenhouse gases was presented. [Display omitted] • The performance of PMFC depends on the electrogenic efficiency of its microbiome, microbial synthropy and competittion. • Microbial community of PMFC include rhizosphere microorganisms of anode, biocathode and microbes of interelectrode space. • Using of stress-resistant plants with powerful rhizodeposits and/or developed root system can improve PMFC technology. • Novel PMFCs serve as power supply of LEDs and digital clocks, wireless sensors and batteries of mobile phone. • PMFCs promote antibiotics, heavy metals and benzo[a]pyrene removal and also provide wastewater treatment and herbicides detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart energy transition includes a widespread deployment of clean energy technologies and intelligent energy management with information and communication technologies (ICTs). In this paper, the smart energy transition is studied from the viewpoint of the technology convergence of renewable energy sources (RESs) and ICTs. Two important, fast-growing and weather-dependent renewable energy generation technologies: wind power and solar PV (photovoltaic) are studied. This paper provides technology convergence analyses of RES and ICT inventions based on international patent data. Digitalisation is changing the whole of society, and according to the results, this transition can also be seen in the studied renewable energy generation technologies. The digitalisation of RES production covers technologies that control, manage and optimise electricity production in different intelligent ways. Differences between wind power and solar PV technologies are found: in the case of wind power, the development from virtually no ICT solutions to partial technology convergence with the ICT sector is straightforward. However, in the case of solar PV, the development of basic technologies has been even faster than the development of the solar PV ICT solutions, which may indicate the immature nature of solar PV technologies during the studied years. The digitalisation of the renewable energy sector poses challenges for RES companies in following and predicting ICT development and opportunities for innovations and collaborations with ICT companies. This conclusion can also be expanded to society and policy levels because focusing on only a narrow field when planning innovation policy instruments can negatively impact the country's competitiveness. • Digitalisation and ICT solutions are impacting on wind power and solar PV technologies. • The prominent RES technologies with ICT solutions control, manage and optimise electricity production. • Wind power patent data shows a straightforward technology convergence trend with ICT. • Basic inventions in solar PV have increased more rapidly than solar PV ICT solutions. • Digitalisation in wind power and solar PV has been driven by the US, Germany, Denmark and Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review of the application of model predictive control strategies to active thermal energy storage systems. To date, model predictive control has been used to manage such energy systems as heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment or power generation plants. In all cases, the aim of the strategy has been to anticipate both production and consumption decisions to optimize the system performance, reducing the final energy cost. This ability of the strategy to forecast weather conditions and predict demand requirements in advance exceeds the performance of conventional control methods and made the strategy a very effective option to be coupled with active thermal energy storage systems. In this regard, this review paper presents the progress and results of the combination of these two technologies. The key contributions consist of a summary of the technical parameters employed, such as the prediction horizon length, the computational architecture approaches, the thermal energy storage material used and the influence of renewables in this kind of system. Additionally, the review summarises the latest enhancements to overcome computational issues and an analysis of the objective functions employed in each study, which were mainly focused to minimize the energy cost, the peak power and CO 2 emissions. A discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of this technology is provided, highlighting the difficulty of the strategy to operate with complicated physical models as the key limitation to overcome. Finally, some future guidelines to enhance the application of this strategy to control different sort of systems are detailed. • A review on MPC applied to heating, cooling, and power generation systems with TES. • MPC demonstrated to be a promising technology to minimize the operation cost. • Combining MPC and active TES increases the global system performance. • More research is needed on validating MPC strategies upon active TES systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following literature review sets out the state-of-the-art research relating to smart building principles and smart energy systems in UK higher education university campuses. The paper begins by discussing the carbon impact of the sector and the concept of 'smart campuses' applied to the sector in the context of decarbonisation. Opportunities and challenges associated with integrating smart energy systems at the university campus from a policy and technical perspective are then discussed. This is followed by a review of building and campus-scale frameworks supporting a transition to smart energy campuses using the BPIE' Smart Buildings' framework. The paper finds that the complexity of achieving net-zero carbon emissions for new and existing higher education buildings and energy systems can be addressed with the adoption of 'smart building principles' and integrating 'smartness' into their energy systems. Several universities in the UK and worldwide are integrating smart services and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their operations following the smart campus premise. At the building level, existing frameworks often create conceptual roadmaps for the smart building premise or propose technical implementation and assessment methods. At university campus scale, implementation typically comes through single-vector interventions, and only few examples exist that propose a multi-vector approach. Comparisons of the drivers and the decision-making process are made, with carbon and cost reduction being the most prominent from leveraging distributed energy generation. Therefore, this study identified the need for a comprehensive technical or policy framework to drive the uptake of the smart energy campus, aiming to bring together the holistic value of smart energy campuses. • Systematic literature review of smart energy systems at university campus-scale. • UK Policy and technical pathways to smart energy integration. • A critical review of the existing building and university campus-scale frameworks. • A holistic decision-making framework for the integration of multi-vector smart energy system at university campus scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the use of sustainable energy sources is becoming a major policy strategy in several nations to mitigate climate change and improve energy security. The achievement of a policy objective needs information about consumer preferences and attitudes towards renewable energy. This research presents a synthesis of estimates of the consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for electricity generated from renewables. The paper applies meta-regression analysis to 509 observations of WTP from 91 renewable energy studies in 27 countries. The paper also explores the influence of institutions and other important factors on WTP values. The results suggest that institutions, with their country-specific and survey-specific factors, has a great influence on WTP. Consumers in more democratic and capitalistic countries assign higher values for renewable energy. Further, higher GDP per capita countries result in higher WTP estimates, while larger CO 2 emitter countries lead to lower WTP for green electricity. • The more liberal and democratic are nations, the higher consumers value renewable energies. • Renewable energy values are income elastic. • A larger CO 2 emitter country is less likely willing to support green electricity adoption. • A country with a larger share of renewable energy of total energy production assigns higher values for green electricity. • A country with a larger share of natural gas of total electricity production seemingly prefers the status quo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) systems are thermal energy storage systems which take electrical and thermal energy as inputs, create a thermal energy reservoir, and regenerate electrical and thermal energy output on demand. These systems have been suggested for use in grid scale energy storage, demand side management and for facilitating an increase in renewable power integration into the current power network. This paper presents a comprehensive review of LAES systems, ranging from the first known mention of LAES systems in literature to the most recent studies. This review covers liquefaction systems, power generation systems, integrated systems (combining LAES with other industrial processes) and physical LAES plant demonstrations. Although significant analysis of LAES systems has been done to date, there remains a gap between published LAES literature, and how LAES systems would operate optimally at large scale. To bridge this gap, future LAES research should involve multivariate analysis of LAES systems under dynamic, transient conditions, with the aim of identifying and potential design implications, and to further assess the operational and economic viability of LAES systems in use at large scale. This paper aims to achieve a holistic, critical review of all published work relating to LAES systems. • LAES systems have the potential to be a competitive local and grid scale energy storage technology. • LAES systems can facilitate the penetration of renewable energy technologies. • Further analysis of dynamic conditions should be done, with the aim of identifying any potential design implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous years, much research has been carried out to specify eco-innovations determinants. In most studies, eco-innovation was analyzed at a general level. From the perspective of climate change and the aim of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal objectives, the issue of innovations that replace the share of fossil fuel energy with renewable energy sources in the European Union appears to be particularly important. Therefore, this paper has two purposes. First, using a systematic literature review, it examines the key factors driving decisions taken by European Union enterprises to create innovations with environmental benefits. Second, it estimates the impact of these factors on introducing innovations that replace the share of fossil fuel energy with renewable energy sources. Specifically, using the logistic regression model, it analyses microdata from thirteen European Union Member States collected during the 2014 Community Innovation Survey. The effects show that six out of seven drivers under assessment positively affect the introduction of innovations that replace fossil fuel energy with renewable energy sources. These are (1) the high cost of energy, water, or materials, (2) environmental regulations or taxes expected in the future, (3) existing environmental taxes, charges, or fees, (4) government grants, subsidies, or other financial incentives for environmental innovations, (5) current or expected market demand for environmental innovations, and (6) voluntary actions or initiatives for good environmental practice within a sector. • Innovations that replace fossil fuel energy depend on a few drivers. • The most important is the high cost of energy, water, or materials. • Existing environmental regulations have no effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many places are dealing with the problem of water scarcity, especially in the summer months. This occurs mostly in the dry areas with hot climates that are exposed to intensive solar insolation which are the main driver for the evaporation of water. Some companies that are in charge of water service, and are operating open water reservoirs, have developed a solution to cover the water with floating balls to limit the solar insolation and to mitigate the evaporation of water. Another good approach is using floating solar panels for the same cause, which will provide an additional power source. It can enhance the productivity of hydropower plants with reservoirs. An additional benefit of the solution is the amount of the available water surfaces for placing the solar panels, instead of potentially useful areas for other purposes (agriculture, buildings ...). This paper reviews the current development of the technology, potentials, and best practices. It shows that this technology is feasible and can compete with other power sources, considering the cheapest LCOE being 46 USD/MWh for a 50 MW power plant in Uttar Pradesh, India. [Display omitted] • FPV is feasible, with LCOE as low as 46 USD/MWh for a 50 MW power plant in Uttar Pradesh, India. • FPV improves water retention in open reservoirs while improving efficiency of PV panels. • Asian countries have recognized potentials of FPV and have the largest plants (150 MW construction in Huainan, China). • Developers from EU have key knowledge for development of FPV projects, why their development should be supported there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy and climate crises have accelerated the decarbonization of electric power systems. An important part of this decarbonization process, along with the incorporation of renewable and alternative energies, is the emergence of Carbon-neutral, intelligent systems technologies, coupled with digital transformation. These have brought new dynamics to the electric power systems transformation. Significant amounts of renewable energy, massive power electronics, changes in market planning, policy influence, demand response, and emerging technologies all become the essential components of new power systems, bringing remarkable changes to this new power systems' enabling technologies: IntelliSense. A novel IntelliSense framework driven by new power system requirements is proposed. The development status, classification characteristics, the application of intelligent sensors, intelligent sensor flexible charging, and multisource plus multidimensional big data processing are all discussed in detail. They are interspersed with discussions of critical features of new power systems, the uncertainties inherent in big data about power, wireless power transfer technologies, edge-fog-cloud collaborative computing, intelligent algorithms, and other core elements of IntelliSense. Finally, ten core IntelliSense technology challenges and five major future opportunities are summarized and are expected to serve as a reference and spark new ideas for low-carbon power system development. • This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art research on IntelliSense in NPS. • A novel technology-driven framework is proposed for the key role of IntelliSense in NPS. • New features of NPS are discussed, as well as their impact on IntelliSense. • The challenges and future directions for IntelliSense of NPS are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered global energy consumption, particularly affecting investment in renewable energy projects. In India, strict shelter-in-place orders enforced during March 2020 have since led to a considerable change in public and private sector investments in planned renewable energy installations. In this paper, we attempt to highlight trends in energy consumption and installed renewable energy capacity noted in India during a period concurrent with the shelter-in-place orders. We discuss recent policy measures and additions to installed renewable energy capacity, and propose key policy recommendations that may help the sector adopt a growth trajectory similar to one noted pre-pandemic. This paper is organized into four main parts. In the first section, we draw focus to India's renewable energy policies and pay special emphasis on recent interventions and campaigns targeted towards achieving high growth rates in the sector. We briefly discuss the need for effective public-private partnerships in order to meet these targets. In the second part, we quantitatively characterise the growth of renewables in India. We present an overview of several mechanisms and missions the government has launched in line with their policy to mitigate the environmental impact of India's energy mix. In the third part, we analyse the decrease in electricity demand in India from 24 March to 30 June 2020, a period concurrent with shelter-at-home orders issued by the Government. We also characterise changes in installed renewable energy capacity between March to December 2016–2020 to provide causal evidence of the effect of the pandemic on the growth of renewables. In this section, we also compile and analyse data on state-wise stressed assets across renewable energy generators in the country. Lastly, in the fourth and final portion of this paper, we highlight policy recommendations that may help the sector overcome logistical and financial bottlenecks in the short-term. We do this with the hope of outlining key measures that decision makers may employ to achieve pre-COVID sectoral growth in the long term. Our recommendations cover three different policy instruments: investment subsidies, operational subsidies, and recommendations for DISCOMs. • The increase in Indian renewable energy capacity installations between February to May 2020 hasseen an increment of 0.75%. • Daily electricity demand has decreased by 18.8% after the announcement of the shelter at home orders. • Immediate effects of the pandemic on the Indian renewable energy sector have been quantified. • A 3 tier system may be adopted to regulate incentives among renewable energy power producers. • Key policy recommendations to improve the fitness of the renewable energy sector have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, the demand for data center and network services has increased dramatically. To meet this demand, global average rack power density has risen from 2.4 kW/rack in 2011 to 8.4 kW/rack in 2020 with the aid of technological advancements. About 36% of global data centers have racks above 30 kW/rack. Average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) dropped from 2.5 in 2007 to 1.65 in 2013, but has been almost flat since then, at 1.59 in 2020. The depletion of finite fossil fuel reservoirs, adverse impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global warming, recyclability of electronic waste, and the rising cost of energy are pushing the datacom industry toward more energy-efficient and sustainable technologies including renewable energy, highly efficient electronics cooling, waste heat recovery, passive cooling systems, and energy storage, which are broadly reviewed in this paper. Use of renewable energy resources through power purchase agreements rose by 346% from 2.4 GW in 2017 to 10.7 GW in 2020. Air-side economizers can reduce PUE by 30–50% and water-side economizers by 10–30%. The server/rack outlet is an ideal spot for waste heat recovery and can be coupled with a multi-stage heat pump to save significant energy if coupled to a district heating system. Active and passive deployment of thermal energy storage can save more than 20% of cooling energy and reduce temperature fluctuations by more than 60%. Edge computing, decentralization, and virtualization can lead to lower latency, higher scalability, and reliability during failure. [Display omitted] • Average data center rack power has risen from 2.4 kW/rack in 2011 to 8.4 in 2020. • Average data center PUE went from 2.5 in 2007 to 1.65 in 2013 - has been flat since. • Data center renewable use grew 346% from 2017 to 2020 to 10.7 GW. • Air-side economizers can reduce PUE by 30–50% and water-side economizers by 10–30%. • Thermal storage can reduce data center cooling 20% and temperature fluctuations 60%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As power-electronics is playing a major role in modernization of the existing electrical grid towards renewable energy rich smart grid , isolated medium-voltage AC–low-voltage DC (MVAC-LVDC) power conversion has gained popularity for grid-connected applications. In this paper, an initial discussion is provided on existing solutions related to grid-connected MVAC-LVDC conversion, which briefly describes the shortcomings of the line-frequency-transformer (LFT) based conversion solutions and then discusses the various categories of isolated power-electronic conversion solutions based on modularity. A qualitative comparison of the isolated power-electronics based conversion solutions reveals the obvious merits of the cascaded modular conversion strategy over the modular multilevel, semi-modular and single-cell conversion strategies. Subsequently, comprehensive descriptions for each of the available single-phase isolated AC–DC conversion submodules in the literature are provided, along with pertinent illustrations of circuit diagrams and important electrical quantities' wave-shapes. Finally, a quantitative comparative evaluation of a 22 kV grid-connected 1 MVA power-rated MVAC-LVDC isolated converter's three-phase submodule possibilities along with comparable LFT based MVAC-LVDC solution is presented, while considering the criteria of efficiency (η), power density (ρ), cost (σ), failure rate (λ), number of components (N o C) and control complexity (C. C.). This multi-criteria comparative evaluation demonstrates the merits of single-stage isolated AC–DC submodules over the conventional two-stage isolated AC–DC submodules, and reveals that the direct matrix-based dual-active-bridge (MB-DAB) type submodule is the most pertinent power conversion topology for cascaded modular isolated MVAC-LVDC power conversion application. • An initial discussion is provided on existing solutions related to grid-connected MVAC-LVDC conversion. • A brief description is provided on the shortcomings of the LFT based conversion solutions. • Subsequently, the various categories of isolated power-electronic conversion solutions are discussed based on modularity. • A qualitative comparison of the isolated power-electronics based conversion solutions reveals the merits of the cascaded modular conversion strategy. • Comprehensive descriptions for each of the available single-phase isolated AC–DC conversion submodules in the literature are provided. • A quantitative comparative evaluation of MVAC-LVDC isolated converter's 3-phase submodule possibilities and LFT-based MVAC-LVDC solution is presented. • The comparison criteria are efficiency (η), power density (ρ), cost (σ), failure rate (λ), number of components (NoC) and control complexity (C.C). • This multi-criteria comparative evaluation demonstrates that a direct matrix-based dual-active-bridge (MB-DAB) type submodule is the most suitable topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]