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Based on recent developments, hydrogen-based combustion systems have received wide attention, mainly due to increasing awareness of enduring environmental pollutants and restricted access to fossil fuel usage. In the relevant literature, there are evidences of the possibilities on the partial or total replacement of hydrocarbon fuels with hydrogen in power plants and vehicle engines. However, some challenging issues particularly on hydrogen storage are remained to be resolved. This paper reviews and comments on addressing the effectiveness of hydrogen-enrichment on the engines and burners׳ performance includes the chemical kinetic analysis, the flame propagation structures and the effects of inhibitors on global burning velocity of hydrogen–hydrocarbon mixtures in different combustion bombs, chambers and vessels. It is recommended that future researches should aim towards the different application of hydrogen–hydrocarbon i.e. transportation and clean energy carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a substantial potential of renewable energy sources, the current energy supply system in Iran relies almost entirely on fossil fuel resources. It has imposed significant financial burden on the country and has led to considerable GHG emissions. Moreover, the country is confronting several challenges for harnessing alternative clean energy sources and promoting rational energy policies over the recent decades. To probe the root cause of these problems, this paper first provides an overview on the previous energy planning attempts in Iran. It shows that adequate commitment to a long-term energy planning could have meaningfully prevented these serious challenges. However, the previous studies have had some limitations in terms of employing appropriate planning tools, comprehensive evaluations, and scenarios definition and ranking. This paper thus proposes a power planning framework to assess the sustainability of future electricity scenarios for the period 2015–2050. MESSAGE, a systems engineering optimization model, is employed to evaluate the potential impacts of transitioning to a low-carbon electricity supply system. Using a combined AHP-TOPSIS method, the scenarios are then ranked based on 18 different techno-economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. The results indicate that scenario Cl_32, in which the share of non-hydro clean energy for electricity generation reaches 32%, is ranked best. • Iran's energy planning studies are reviewed. • A suitable link between energy planning and policy making is necessary for Iran. • A framework for sustainable development of the power sector is proposed. • MCDM is used to assess the sustainability of different scenarios. • The share of non-hydro clean energy technologies should increase up to 32% by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present work investigates solid biofuel, derived from household food waste (food residue biofuel, FRB) as a potential bioenergy source in cement manufacturing. Up-to-date investigations of household food waste as a solid fuel focused on composition and heating value, yet no results are available regarding impact on plant efficiency and emissions upon utilization. A multidimensional model based on fundamental principles (mass and enthalpy balances) is used together with actual data from fossil fuel operation to identify and quantitatively asses the impacts on plant performance, product quality and atmospheric emissions. Τhe energy needed to prepare low moisture FRBs is determined and suitable processes are singled out. Key issues of cement plant operation are identified and quantitatively assessed via simulation in an actual dry-process plant, when FRBs substitute 20% of thermal energy (provided by petcoke). The facility utilizes 1.65 × 105 tpa of fossil fuels to produce 1.5 × 106 tpa clinker. It is found that energy efficiency falls and clinker production diminishes by about 0.5 t clinker/t FRB. Refractory thermal rating and main blower capacity constraints remain satisfied. Non-biogenic green-house-gas emissions are reduced by ~60 kg/t clinker. Emitted concentrations slightly increase for several pollutants, mainly nitrogen oxides (NO x) hydrogen chloride (HCl) and metals; they decrease for sulphur dioxide (SO 2) and particulates. Maximum emission limits are observed for all regulated pollutants but NO x. Incombustible chlorine and inclusions of alkalis in cement increase by ~9%. To reap the bioenergy benefits and mitigate impacts, blends of FRB (~80%wt) with paper residues (~20%wt) are investigated. Conforming to plant operational constraints and product specifications, the blends ensure production level, environmental compliance and reduced emission rates. The results direct towards customer-tailored FRB blends with lignocellulosic residues, that best suit the design, specific quarry raw materials, operating conditions and individual parameters of the cement plant towards more sustainable cement manufacturing. Highlights • Food waste can be valorized to biochemicals and biofuels, including solid fuels. • Drying to ≤ 15% moisture gives stable, nonhazardous food residue biofuels (FRBs). • Substitution of petcoke by FRBs in cement kilns decreases clinker level. • Lower CO 2 , SO 2 and mercury but higher chlorines and NO x emissions result. • Superior blends of FRB with paper residues improve clinker production and emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this research, we aim at exploring the influence of renewables on industrial production (Ip) in the US by following continuous wavelet coherence and partial continuous wavelet coherence analyses. To this end, we observed the co-movements between, biofuels and Ip, solar and Ip, wind and Ip, geothermal and Ip, wood and Ip, and, waste and Ip in the US for the monthly period from January 1989 to November 2016. The primary motivations behind this research are twofold. Firstly, it attempts to reach the co-movements, if exists, between renewables' consumption and industrial production by following time domain and frequency domain analyses. Secondly, it aims at observing the potential co-movements between renewable energy sources (geothermal, solar, wind, biofuels, wood, and, waste) and Ip by adding some control variables (fossil fuels, total biomass etc.) into the wavelet models to understand clearly the responses of the industrial production to the impulses in renewables in both short term and long term periods. The paper hence eventually reveals significant effects of geothermal, wind, solar, biofuels, wood, and, waste on US industrial production in short term cycles and long term cycles. Thereby, following this paper's results of continuous wavelet analyses which depict the impact of renewables on US economy at 1–3-year frequency and 3–8-year frequency for the time period from January 1989 to November 2016, one might provide policy makers with relevant current and future efficient renewables' energy policy for the US and other countries which have similar structures with the US. Highlights • Explores the influence of renewables on industrial production (Ip) in the US. • Employs continuous wavelet coherence and partial continuous wavelet coherence analyses. • Observes the co-movements between, biofuels-Ip, solar-Ip, wind-Ip, geothermal-Ip, wood-Ip, and, waste-Ip pairs. • Reaches strong co-movements between renewables and Ip both in short run and in the long run. • Can claim that renewable energy sources can influence positively the US industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A continually growing awareness of the finiteness of fossil fuel availability coupled with an ever better understanding of the negative effects of fossil fuel consumption has motivated a search for fuels that can be used in place of fossil fuels, but which can be derived from sustainable sources such as growable organic matter. The effects of using biodiesel in existing gas turbines has received less attention than the effects of its use in more traditional internal combustion engines, due to the challenges of using this fuel in the typical aviation environment. This paper will provide a basic knowledge of biodiesel production and qualities, some of the limitations of its use, and modeling techniques for determining its performance within certain applications. A significant part of this paper is focused on reviewing the current state of experimental validation of our understanding of biodiesel performance in gas turbines. Particularly the experiments conducted to date that have measured the gaseous emissions of gas turbines operated with biodiesel as a fuel are reviewed and discussed. The outcome of this study is that turbines are shown to operate quite similarly when operated with biodiesel as they do with jet fuel, but there are significant challenges concerning material compatibility, energetic content, and low temperature characteristics that must be overcome when using biodiesel for aviation purposes. These challenges are less substantial when turbines are operated at ground level, since ground level operations are not generally hindered by extremely low temperatures and limited volume and weight requirements. Unfortunately, very few experiments have been conducted and published concerning this subject. The paper also proposes further research to better understand and optimize the application of biodiesel to gas turbines. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Previous experimental works on utilizing biodiesel in gas turbines are summarized and discussed. • Flue gas composition and engine performance is very comparable between Jet-A and biodiesel in gas turbines. • Biodiesel fuel consumption is higher than Jet-A due to lower comparative heating value. • Several challenges need to be addressed in order to use biodiesel as a fuel replacement for aviation gas turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Since fossil fuel subsidies entail significant economic, fiscal, social and environmental costs, more and more attention is being paid to phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. The OECD has recently completed a report quantifying the amount of both producer and consumer subsidies for their member countries, and some work has been implemented on analyzing the effects of consumer subsidy removal. However, there is hardly any investigation of the consequences of producer subsidies. In this paper, we focus on oil and gas producer subsidies of OECD countries and their effects. First, we describe the transfer mechanisms indicated by the OECD report for producer subsidies. In order to recommend models to analyze the influence of removing producer subsidies, we review upstream oil and gas models and provide a taxonomy for them. From them we recommend the most appropriate models for each type of producer subsidy to model upstream decision making. Our contribution in this paper is to categorize the upstream models we have found, compare their main features, as well as recommending best in class models for analyzing the effects of each type of upstream producer subsidy. Highlights • Reviewed and categorized upstream oil and gas optimization and econometric models. • Reviewed and categorized upstream oil and gas process and bottom-up models. • Categorized the producer subsidies and their transfer paths. • Recommended models for analyzing the effects of phasing out producer subsidies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Renewable energy targets announced in 2014 present an opportunity to reform Indonesia's electricity sector which is dominated by fossil fuels. In this paper we discuss Indonesia's current renewable energy policies and future outlook for achieving the targets. This paper serves as a literature review of Indonesia's changing energy policy landscape, as part of a broader research investigating renewable energy targets and the role of the private sector. Despite Indonesia's wealth of renewable energy resources, numerous studies have identified multiple constraints to the development of renewable energy, including geographical, institutional and investment factors. Influential groups are calling for the Indonesian Government to put in place a clear policy framework that facilitates private sector investment. Therefore, interventions to facilitate investment in energy infrastructure in Indonesia must address the monopolised power market system that oversees a changing, complex malaise of electricity pricing regulations which make investment risky and uncertain. This study will enrich the existing literature on renewable energy policy which emphasises the importance of engaging the private sector. It is based on a rigorous qualitative assessment of Indonesia's changing policy that affects the progress of the renewable energy targets. The lessons from Indonesia's experience may provide insights for policymakers notably in developing countries.Keywords: energy in Indonesia, private sector investment, renewable energy Highlights • Indonesia's renewable energy targets show awareness of the need for renewable energy to solve the energy trilemma challenge. • The targets represent forward thinking policy that moves from the abstract to measurable targets. • Private sector participation is imperative to address today's under investmentin Indonesia's electricity infrastructure. • Indonesia needs to reinforce its commitment to renewable energy to resolve constraints impeding private sector investment. • Indonesia needs to embark on electricity sector reform that encompasses decarbonisation as part of its strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Growing concerns over the environmental impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, uncertainty of future fossil fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and consumer preferences are a few factors driving the development and use of biomass as a source of renewable energy. Government mandates and policy frameworks have further built consensus for effective utilization of sustainable resources for energy. As a result, biomass derived densified solid biofuels have experienced a phenomenal growth in the last decade and are expected to grow by 56% during the three decades from 2010 to 2040. Solid biomass represents the largest share of biomass used for heat and electricity generation. Biomass sources range from agricultural, municipal, and commercial wastes, to forest-litter, and energy crops. Because of the varied nature of these sources, harvesting practices and the cost of transportation, several methods have been developed to densify the biomass. The long-term viability and growth of biobased energy products hinges on the technical innovation and wider societal acceptance of these products. This paper reviews multiple biomass feedstock, processing characteristics, product properties, transportation, and storage options. The paper also discusses the economics of densifying biomass, the impacts to regions where biomass utilization is implemented, outstanding challenges, and national and global trends in biomass utilization. Highlights • Biomass feedstocks are major source for densified solid biofuels. • Environmental concerns, GHG gases emission and government mandates driving biomass utilization. • Woody and non-woody biomass represent largest share of biomass for heat and electricity generation. • Biomass feedstock type, preprocessing, densification, and transportation are critical factors for adoption of biomass for energy applications. • Technical innovation and wider societal acceptance important for growth of solid biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small island developing states of the Pacific suffer from both the high cost of fossil fuel imports and from numerous climate-related disasters. These vulnerabilities will worsen unless there is a substantial global shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy (RE) sources, coupled with significant improvements in energy efficiency. Apart from traditional biomass-fuelled cooking, the most substantial uses of RE in the Pacific in 2016 were hydropower in some of the hillier island countries and the thousands of household photovoltaic (PV) systems in the remoter parts of island countries. This paper considers also the prospects for grid PV, geothermal, and biofuels – all of which have good technical potential in at least some islands. Barriers to wider use of RE in the region are mostly institutional and financial, but also include opportunity costs, environmental factors, and the limited skills base in small island states. The paper examines the mixed progress since the 1990s towards overcoming these barriers. The Fiji Electricity Authority has a reasonably realistic plan to have 81% of its supply from RE by 2020, drawing on hydropower (~ 50% in 2015), biomass (including bagasse), and some solar and wind. Tonga has its Renewable Energy Roadmap with clear milestones. Several other Pacific Island countries have ambitious RE targets but some are rather vague about how they are to be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of demands in primary energy, utilization coupled with fossil fuel is increasing in the world for the application of thermal comforts. The energy consumption and relative problem need attention to search renewable energy. Energy consumption and demand are high for air conditioning mainly in hot and humid climates. Many previous studies have confirmed that technical and economical deficits associated with conventional air conditioning systems can be eliminated using liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) technologies. This paper reviews studies on liquid desiccant air conditioning. The objective of this paper is to use liquid desiccant based air conditioning regenerated by renewable energy. Thermo-physical properties liquid desiccants are first realized to use as air conditioning. Regeneration temperature of saline salt and newly organic compound viz. Glycol-water solution desiccants is in a decreasing order of LiBr, LiCl, CaCl 2 , LiCl-CaCl 2 mixture and glycol water solution, while the dehumidification is in an increasing order of CaCl 2 , LiCl-CaCl 2 mixture, LiCl, LiBr and Glycol-water solution respectively. Main problems using liquid desiccant saline salt solutions are corrosiveness and crystallization and these can be resolved by using glycol water solutions and ionic liquids (ILs) which are attracting attention due to low regenerative temperature, non-corrosiveness, and higher dehumidification but these are volatile, viscous, and costly than the saline salt solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By year 2030, the world's energy demand is expected to increase by over 60% of current demand. Thus, the potential of renewable energy should be investigated. Renewable energy is the energy from natural and unnatural available forms including wind, biomass, solar, and waste heat energy generated through various human activities. Solar energy is an available and clean form of renewable energy used as an alternative to fossil fuel in generating energy. However, the maximum extraction of thermal energy from the sun is most challenging. This study focuses on energy generation using the parabolic trough collector (PTC). This review contains geometrical analysis including the thermal approach of the PTC model, heat transfer, and method of enhancing thermal efficiency on the PTC receiver. This paper also includes performance analysis, thermal efficiency, and applications of the solar-powered PTC and the history of PTC evolution. The PTC applications include desalination process, air heating system, power plants, refrigeration, and industrial heating purposes. This paper benefits researcher that focus on the solar-powered PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the barriers that inhibit the deployment of renewable energy technologies to achieve long-term reductions in carbon emissions from the use of fossil fuels is paramount to Barbados. Although there are targets towards renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal) uptake, the share of these technologies in the energy mix does not exist in Barbados due to the total dependence on fossil fuels. In this paper, a review of potential challenges and the main problems for deployment of alternative energy sources is presented. Through interviews, questionnaires with a focus group of key personnel's, the paper documents the lack of renewable energy sources (with emphasis on solar energy) as one of the main alternatives to meet the carbon emission targets set by the country. The barriers and challenges facing the implementation of solar energy deployment have been clarified. From the results, it is evident that significant policy barriers still exist at the country level, which has reduced the effectiveness of a concerted national effort to deploy renewables. The current policy landscape which benefits from fossil fuel imports, the lack of technical know-how and the lack of research and development in the renewable energy space are amongst the key barriers identified. The paper also outlines the key policy's frameworks, regulatory environment and the lack of incentives, which encompasses the renewable energy sector, and presents a critical analysis of the barriers faced by the industry. A mitigation framework is proposed to bridge the gap of solar energy (renewable energy) deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar thermal technology to supply process heat in different industrial sectors has become very promising in recent years. Industries can reduce their consumption of fossil fuels by replacing them with solar process heat with non-conventional system integration and using clean energy. In this paper, a systematic review of 10 countries is presented which demonstrated extensive use of solar industrial process heating systems in their manufacturing sectors. This country-wise analysis is then used to compare with current Australian scenario and identify future prospects of integrating solar process heating in Australian industrial sectors. The choice of countries is based on a database where promising industrial sectors and solar process heating applications are currently using incident solar energy. These are analyzed for their potential of integration to developing solar heat in industrial processes (SHIP) and a number of potential industrial sectors that have the highest potential like Motor vehicles, Textiles, Printing, Wood, Paper, Fabricated metal, Rubber and plastics, chemicals, Food, beverages, electrical equipment, machinery, and equipment are being identified. An overview of available studies is discussed in this paper focused on specific countries and the industrial heat demand of existing operational plants. Future trends due to solar energy potential are also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are believed to be the main factor for alarming rise in global temperatures. Conference of Parties 21 held at Paris in the year 2015 strictly warned and asked the nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emission level. This makes the nations to adopt renewable energy technology to substitute burning fossil fuels. Solar energy due to its accessibility and affordability leads the renewable energy application race. Even though Photovoltaic (PV) technology is mature but the effect of temperature on its efficiency is considerable, which opens up new front of research where combination of PV and thermal absorber is focussed to harness thermal energy which otherwise negatively affect the PV electrical efficiency. In the proposed study starting from the effect temperature on PV electrical efficiency, construction of Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV/T) module, historical development of PV/T, about different types of PV/T's developed around the globe along with performance of developed PV/T's, effect of operating parameters and methods of thermodynamic management are reviewed and presented. The study emphasised on the use of nano fluid and phase change material to harness maximum thermal energy from the system, also includes an insight into commercially available PV/T modules across the globe. This paper presents enviro-economic evaluation of PV/T systems developed by various researchers and also enumerated thermodynamic methods for evaluating system efficiency, which includes both energy and exergy analysis. This paper also provides the necessary information about the requirement of future research in PV/T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing energy demands worldwide, the consumption of fossil fuels has increased unprecedently which are scarce in nature. This has led to environmental degradation and global warming which is a matter of concern. These factors lead to the rise in renewable energy sector in last decade. Among various renewable energy sources, solar energy is most exclusively used because of its ease of availability and least impact on the environment. Flat plate solar collector is most widely used solar collector but is less efficient (low capability to convert solar energy to thermal energy). The use of nanofluid (fluid obtained by mixing nanoparticle in base fluid) in place of base fluid has improved effect on thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity. The use of nanofluid on flat plate solar collector (FPSC) & direct absorption solar collector (DASC) can be identified as an effective way to enhance the performance of solar collector. With the advancement in nanotechnology and growing thrust over increasing the performance of solar devices a lot of work has been done in this regard. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the various research work done on the application of nanofluid in solar thermal devices. This review paper identifies the effect of various parameters and the optimum working condition. This paper also identifies the probable challenges we ought to face while developing thermal collector using nanofluids thus identifying the opportunities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy problem is one of the most important and serious problems that humanity is faced with it and this is while the fossil fuels are running out, so finding new sources of energy is one of the challenges of modern man. Solar energy is an available, newable and almost eternal energy which can be converted directly to electrical energy by photovoltaic (PV) cells. Although the use of sunlight costs nothing but PV cells are relatively expensive so it's necessary to extract maximum power from these cells because of economic reasons. To achieve the maximum power point, there are many techniques and also many review papers but just few papers have compared these techniques from economical and technical point of view. This paper presents a review of MPPT techniques using of comprehensive and relatively new classification with emphasizing on comparison of methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, industries and manufacturing sectors consume a major portion of the total consumption of energy, where most of the energy is used for low, medium or high temperature heat generation to be used for process applications known as process heat. The necessity to commercialize clean, cheap and efficient renewable sources of energy in industrial applications emerges from increasing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and global warming and decreasing fossil fuel use in commercial sectors. As an abundant source of energy, solar energy technologies have proven potential. Recent research shows currently only a few industries are employing solar energy in industrial processes to generate process heat while replacing fossil fuels. Solar thermal power generation is already very well-known and getting popular in recent years while other potential applications of the concentrated heat from solar radiation are little explored. This review paper presents a detailed overview of the current potential and future aspects of involving solar industrial process heating systems in industrial applications. In order to keep pace with this emerging and fast growing sector for renewable energy applications, it is necessary to get in depth knowledge about the overall potential of industrial processes in individual industrial sector where solar process heat is currently in use and identifying industrial processes are most compatible for solar system integration depending on temperature level and the type of solar collector in use. Furthermore, the promising sectors needs to be identified for the use of solar heat using industrial processes for the integration of solar heat, so that countries with immense solar energy potential can use those technologies in future to reduce fossil fuel consumption and develop sustainable industrial systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the potential industrial processes that can adopt solar process heating systems and thus driving towards sustainable production in industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric energy is an important ingredient for the development of industrial and it also makes our lives comfortable. The electric energy from conventional generation system is mainly obtained by conversion from fossil fuels, nuclear and other non-renewable energy. In the last few decades, due to the environmental pollution and energy exhaustion, more and more researchers began to study the renewable energy (wind power, solar energy, biomass energy, etc.) generation system. However, the random features of the new energy generation system may cause system easily failure. Thus related researchers emphasize on the renewable generation system's reliability and stability problem. The aim of this paper is mainly to explore the research contents of major countries, institutions and authors in the power system reliability research based on the Web of Science dataset and related software. And this paper further studies the collaboration network and cooperative contents among them. In addition, using the analysis of the cited frequency is to find the highly influential countries, institutions and authors. Author keywords frequency analysis and co-occurrence analysis are applied to explore the current hot topics, and predict future development direction. This study provides a useful perspective for the related researchers to undertake power system reliability research in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy demands, environmental impacts of energy conversion, and the depletion of fossil fuels are constant topics of discussion in the energy industry. Renewable energy technologies have been proposed for many years to address these concerns. However, the transformation from traditional methods of power generation, usually based on fossil fuels, to power generation based on renewable resources presents many challenges associated with emerging, or less established, technologies. This paper examines the role of renewable energy in the U.S. and its potential to meet current and future energy needs in a way that is technically and economically sound. Renewable energy technologies, ranging from well-developed and established to new and emerging technologies, are presented in terms of their technical potential, current state of the technology, potential for further growth, and economic potential. While renewable energy sources are abundant across the U.S., issues of dispatchability, variability, scalability, energy storage, geographic limitations, and investment costs are critical in determining future progress. The analysis in this paper can be used to guide the integration of renewable energy systems toward becoming a larger share of energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green fuels also called green hydrocarbons, biofuels, are fuel produced from biomass sources through a variety of biological and thermochemical processes. These products are similar to petroleum gasoline and diesel fuels and are therefore considered fully infrastructure compatible fuels. They can be utilized in engines without engine modification. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the potential of biodiesel from different waste feedstock biodiesel such as waste cooking oil and waste plastic oil. Furthermore, the effect on the engine performance, combustion and exhaust emissions including details of engine and operating condition also review in this paper. The main goal of this paper is to provide information to the engineers, industrialists and researchers who are interested on waste biodiesel and to prominence waste biodiesel as a promising alternative replacement for fossil fuels. A large number of literatures from highly rated journals in scientific indexes are reviewed including the most recent publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, alternative fuel studies have been conducted thoroughly by researchers through their experimental work. Depletion of fossil fuel raised the attention of researchers to investigate renewable energy sources such as biodiesel and alcohol. There is a lack of literature review study on the viability of alcohol acting as additive in biodiesel-diesel fuel blends. Thus, this review paper studies on the effects of various alcohol additives in biodiesel-diesel fuel blends on combustion behaviour, performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines. The physicochemical properties of alcohol and biodiesel are rigorously discussed, in which they are the main factors in determining the quality of the blended fuel. The aim of this paper is to identify the potential of alcohol fuel as an additive in the blended biodiesel and diesel fuel in correspond to the type of alcohol, blending ratio and engine operation conditions. Wide range of results from previous research studies with different types of compression-ignition engine, different engine operation conditions and varieties of alcohol-biodiesel-diesel fuel blending ratios were collected in this literature review study. Combustion behaviour such as coefficient of variations (COV), in-cylinder pressure, ignition delay, heat release rate and combustion duration are presented. Low cetane number and high latent heat of vaporization of alcohol cause a longer ignition delay, produce higher rate of heat release and lower in-cylinder pressure when compared with that of diesel fuel. Low density and viscosity of alcohol improve the spray characteristics and enhance air-fuel mixing process. In terms of engine performance analysis, the presence of oxygen in alcohol fuel promotes a more complete combustion; hence, resulting in an increase of thermal efficiency. In turn, emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and particulate matter (PM) are decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Society's dependence on fossil fuels to meet energy demands has resulted in an enormous release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere, thereby perpetuating global climate change. The consequences of climate change have prompted progressive governments such as British Columbia to establish legislative GHG emission reductions targets, which have lead to energy conscience municipalities within the province voluntarily committing to helping achieve such targets. Best practices examined from European municipalities share a common theme of renewable energy adoption and municipally-owned utilities. An emerging renewable energy technology are tidal current turbines (TCTs), which function to extract kinetic energy from the lateral movement of the tides in areas with considerable tidal velocities. This paper examines the history, physics, operational parameters, and plausible environmental impacts of TCTs in order to make a case for their sustainable implementation. The feasibility of the municipalities of North Pender Island, South Pender Island, and Saturna of the Southern Gulf Islands Region (SGIR), British Columbia, to help meet established GHG emissions reduction targets through the implementation of TCTs is analyzed, demonstrating that the deployment of 10 TCTs can produce 38,266,602 kWh/yr of electricity, mitigating 1138 t of CO2e, achieving 9.9% of the cumulative municipal GHG emissions mitigation targets. The paper then examines a case study in the Shetland Islands and Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters, Scotland, suggesting that jurisdictional regulatory powers over TCT installation and operation be devolved from the British Columbia government to the municipal governments of North Pender Island, South Pender Island, and Saturna, so that such communities can reap the benefits associated with a municipally-owned utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global anthropogenic activities resulting in the emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere have increased the challenges faced from climate change. The greater awareness of the need to mitigate climate variability has brought about intense focus on the adverse impacts of fossil-fuel based energy on the environment. Being the single largest source of carbon emissions, energy supply has attracted much attention and more so that, climate change impacts extend beyond national boundaries. Since energy use is sine qua non to economic development, scientists have reiterated the necessity of developing and utilising renewable energy. Although, past and present CO 2 emissions have and are majorly caused by industrialized countries, it is envisaged that future GHGs emissions would be mostly from developing countries as they industrialize. Renewable energy sources that include biomass, hydroelectric, wind, solar and hydrothermal systems, are carbon-neutral, releasing relatively no emissions. This paper discusses the initiatives associated with the provision of renewable energy to the energy mix in Nigeria as an indication of the country’s commitment to adopt a sustainable development strategy in shaping the economy. It reviews the literature and employs a discourse analysis to examine the limited use of renewable energy sources in Nigeria and the factors prevailing against their development. The paper concludes by identifying social and political obstacles as most significant roadblocks towards rapid implementation of a green economy through the deployment of renewable energy for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews methods that measure mineral resource depletion based on cumulative exergy consumption approaches. It focuses on the exergy replacement cost (ERC), which measures the amount of exergy society would have to consume in order to re-concentrate an extracted and processed mineral to the point that it can be once more exploited by future generations. The ERC, which was originally only suitable for non-fuel minerals, was adapted and extended in 2016, by changing the focus of the ERC from the chemical composition of the resource to its function, to include fossil fuel depletion. This paper discusses the impact of these new developments and identifies conceptual and methodological weaknesses that need to be addressed for the ERC to find widespread use in exergy analysis and in order to assess the sustainability of mineral policy from the grave to the cradle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiji is an island country with just over 300 small islands and approximately 853,000 people. It is a small island developing state (SIDS) that is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuel for its energy needs. The paper attempts to determine the past and current energy situation in Fiji, challenges faced and strategizes to overcome these challenges. In 2014, Fiji generated 859 GW h of grid electricity from 259.8 MW of power plants. Here, 45.4% of grid electricity was produced by hydro, 50.9% by diesel generators and the remaining by biomass. However, Fiji's transport sector is completely dependent on fossil fuels with fuel import bill equivalent to an average 58% of export earnings and taking up 21% of total import bill. The smallness of Fiji and dispersed islands within Fiji group leads to many challenges to have accessible, affordable and sustainable energy supply. These challenges are comprehensively discussed in this paper. Strategies such as increasing private-public partnership in renewable energy projects, changing customer behavior, setting up a credible feed-in tariff structure, developing locally owned business in renewable energy and energy efficiency, setting up of risk mitigation facilities and strengthening institutions supporting energy sector are discussed to overcome or minimize challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is a hugely populated country in South Asia. The country produces its electricity mainly from natural gas followed by liquid fuels. Although the installed electricity generation capacity of the country has been increased to 12,261 MW, there is scarcity of electricity in the hot summer season which is a barrier to industrial development as well as socio-economic development. Combustion of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere which causes global warming. Bangladesh can be badly affected by greenhouse effect and global warming. These problems can be mitigated by incorporating renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, biomass, etc.) to the country's electricity generation. Renewable energy resources are considered as clean and can serve the electricity demand in the remote areas where grid connection is not possible. The potential of solar energy and biomass is enormous in Bangladesh and people have already started to harness energy from these sources. The government and the policy makers should come forward to encourage the people of rural areas as well as urban areas to use renewable based electricity. The government of Bangladesh has set up a plan to generate 5% of the country's total electricity from renewable sources within 2015 and 10% within 2020. However, within 2015 the country has been able to generate only 3.5% of the total electricity from renewable sources. This paper presents a thorough review of the current status and future potentials of renewable energy sector in Bangladesh. In this paper the updated information is provided for the overall renewable energy sector of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a substantial literature using life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, the extent to which second and third generation biofuels are more sustainable than the first generation remains a subject of debate. Although the existence of limitations due to LCA variability and uncertainty, this paper intends to determine global tendencies based on a statistic and critical interpretation of previously published study results, reviewing 61 recent papers addressing an environmental evaluation of microalgae biofuels. Such information is compared to the same impact indicators for fossil fuels and for ethanol and biodiesel from terrestrial crops in Europe and Brazil. For each case, the system boundaries and the methodological choices were precisely described. The sustainability potential of all biofuels was evaluated by the Global Warming Potential (GWP), the Energy Ratio (ER) and the Land Use (LU), allowing a broad estimation of the biofuels’ contribution to climate change mitigation, their net energy efficiency and their competiveness with food production chain. The results highlight that algae-derived biodiesel is, by far, the most efficient alternative in terms of land use compared to other biofuels, avoiding competition with food crops. Some biodiesel pathways can also satisfactorily perform in terms of greenhouse gases emissions reduction, but some others can be even worst than fossil diesel. Nevertheless, in terms of energy efficiency, algae biofuels cannot compete with other biofuels or fossil fuels. They present very low performances, even demanding more energy for its production then the energy they can deliver. Moreover, no pathway can be conclusively selected as preferable between the two main technologies available for microalgae biodiesel due to high uncertainties. However, open raceway pounds technology seems to be preferable as it looks less GHG intensive, requiring lower energy input and land use. Energetic and GWP performances can be improved if production pathways are carefully chosen and optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the finite stock of fossil fuels and its negative impact on the environment, many countries across the world are now leaning toward renewable sources energies like solar energy, wind energy, biofuel, hydropower, geothermal and ocean energy to ensure energy for the countries development security. Biodiesel is one kind of biofuel that is renewable, biodegradable and has similar properties of fossil diesel fuel. The aim of this paper is to provide the substantial information on biodiesel to the researchers, engineers and policy makers. To achieve the goal, this paper summarizes the information on biofuel development, feedstocks around the world, oil extraction technic, biodiesel production processes. Furthermore, this paper will also discuss the advantages of biodiesel compared to fossil fuel. Finally, the combustion behavior of biodiesel in an internal combustion engine is discussed and it will help the researchers and policy maker and manufacturer. To determine the future and goal of automotive technology the study found that, feedstock selection for biodiesel production is very important as it associates 75% production cost. Moreover, the test of fuel properties is very important before using in the engine which depends on the type of feedstocks, origin country, and production process. Most of the researchers reported that the use of biodiesel in diesel engine reduces engine power slightly but reduces the harmful emission significantly. Finally, the study concludes that biodiesel has the potential to be used as a diesel fuel substitute in diesel engines to solve the energy and environment crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing concerns about environmental issues and depletion of fossil resources lead to a global need for producing more clean energy from renewable sources. For coastal areas or some remote islands, marine tidal current energy is a promising renewable power source due to its high predictability. During the last decades, prototypes of various horizontal and vertical axis marine current turbines (MCT) have been developed around the world. Although reviews on MCTs can be found in some state-of-the-art research papers in the last few years, many of the reported MCT projects were only at the planning/design stage when the papers were written. In fact, some projects do not have any further developments during the several years after their first reporting; and others have already upgraded their original designs and adopted up-scaled versions. In this paper, up-to-date information on large tidal turbine projects over 500 kW is focused. The newest achievements of these large tidal current turbine technologies with their developing histories are presented. These technologies represent the industrial solutions for several pre-commercial MCT farm projects in the coming years. New developments in floating MCT technologies are also included. This paper provides a useful background for researchers in the tidal current energy domain and allows them to know the newest developments in large MCT projects around world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global environmental pollution and fossil energy shortage problems getting increasingly serious, renewable energy sources (RES) are drawing more and more attention. In China, RES are experiencing rapid development. However, because of the randomness of RES and the volatility of power output, energy storage technology is needed to chip peak off and fill valley up, promoting RES utilization and economic performance. So to speak, energy storage is the precondition of large-scale integration and consumption of RES. However, China's energy storage industry is at the exploration stage and far from commercialization. This restricts the development of RES to certain extent. For this reason, this paper will concentrate on China's energy storage industry. First, it summarizes the developing status of energy storage industry in China. Then, this paper analyzes the existing problems of China's energy storage industry from the aspects of technical costs, standard system, benefit evaluation and related policies. Finally, solutions are proposed based on the above problems to promote the sound development of China's energy storage industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combustion of fossil fuels for purposes of energy production has accelerated the rate at which the planet is warming, thereby causing adverse effects on natural ecosystems across the globe. The consequences of climate change arising from the use of conventional fuels such as coal, oil, and gas demands a shift towards the use of sustainable, emissions-free renewable energy technologies. When planning for the implementation of new energy systems, several factors must be examined in order to determine the viability of a system to meet energy demands in a sustainable and efficient manner. This paper provides an overview of tidal current turbines (TCTs), examining how they function to produce electricity, the possible environmental impacts surrounding large-scale implementation, associated economic factors, and public acceptability. A case study of the Gulf of St. Lawrence is presented as an implementation site, demonstrating the potential for TCTs to assist in phasing out the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation on the Newfoundland island interconnected electricity system. A multi-criteria decision making matrix is presented to discern the benefits of TCTs compared to fossil fuels for the purpose of electricity generation. The paper concludes by examining the potential future of TCTs in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct use of Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) as fuel is very attractive to reduce fossil fuels utilization and increase sustainability. WVO incorrect disposal causes serious damages to sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants. Moreover, if WVO reaches natural ecosystems, such as rivers, aquifers or subsoil, the environmental consequences can be severe. In recent years, the main reuse of WVO has been in biodiesel production, which is remunerative under current tax allowance policies. However, biodiesel production requires complex physical–chemical treatments, while direct use of WVO just needs mechanical treatment. As a consequence, WVO direct use in energy conversion systems lower the impact, from the economic, energetic and environmental points of view, with respect to biodiesel production. Moreover, as concerns the environmental impact, it should be considered that the direct use of WVO as fuel produces less polluting emissions when considering the whole life cycle: carbon dioxide produced during combustion, in fact, can be partially absorbed by crops used for oil production. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the work done to evaluate the effects of direct use of WVO in internal combustion engines. Many authors have shown the advantages of using straight vegetable oils or biodiesel produced from WVO as fuel, while the benefits of WVO direct use have not yet been clearly presented. The available literature still presents few papers about this topic, therefore also the use of vegetable oil, that presents physical chemical characteristics very similar to those of WVO, has been taken into account. After a brief introduction, the characteristics of WVO most affecting its use as fuel have been studied. Then several applications of WVO direct use in internal combustion engines and the available fuel supply technologies have been considered. Finally, the energetic performance and the pollutant emissions reported in literature have been deeply analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a popular fact that the world's dependency on fossil fuel has caused unfavourable effects, including lessening crude oil reserve, decreasing air quality, rising global temperature, unpredictable weather change, and so on. As the effort to promote sustainability and independency from fossil fuel, bioethanol is now favoured as the blend or fossil petrol substitute. However, the feedstock functionality of first generation bioethanol production is restricted due to its edibleness since it would clash the feeding purpose. Second generation bioethanol production fulfils the impractical gap of first generation since it employs non-edible feedstock sourced from agriculture and forestry wastes. Lignocellulosic and starchy materials in them are convertible to fermentable sugars that are able to be further processed, resulting anhydrous bioethanol as the end product. This paper critically reviews the existing variance of second generation bioethanol production methodologies, namely pre-treatment, hydrolysis, fermentation and distillation, as well as the worth of second generation production for future reference. The discussions in this paper are also fit as the fundamental for feasible planning of second generation bioethanol production plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, renewable energies are more preferable to fossil fuels because of being free, widely available and producing minimal pollution. One of the disadvantages of renewable energy systems is that using only one type of renewable energy cannot guarantee a continuous power generation. To overcome this problem, two or more renewable energy systems should be used simultaneously to compensate for times when one of them is not available or the renewable system should be used aligned with the generator. In addition, another weakness is that they are not accessible in every geographical position and location. It is clear that renewable energy systems can be exploited to their fullest capacity when used in the proper place. Therefore, given the importance of finding suitable places for co-utilization of several renewable energies, present paper attempted to find the ideal locations for construction of hybrid solar-wind power stations in Middle-East using Boolean model in GIS software. The Boolean method is, in a way, a more stringent method compared to the other positioning methods. Therefore, the selected locations will definitely have greater energy potential by using the Boolean method. Data obtained by RETScreen4 software from 400 stations in Middle-East were used for collecting monthly weather information. Results of the current paper may be helpful in creating prospects for sustainable energy development for systems based on natural resources and facilitating the national power transmission and sustainable environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran's energy system is extremely dependent on fossil fuels which, in turn, have led to problems such as fossil fuels depletion, social, economic and environmental damage and territorial imbalance. The country should therefore design a sustainable energy system based on clean energy a s well as renewable energy. Accordingly, and given that Iran's rural areas suffer from the unsustainable energy system, it is necessary to integrate renewable energy into comprehensive development programs in general, and into rural development programs, specifically. This review paper answers the following questions: Why is renewable energy important for Iran at national and rural levels? How is renewable energy related to sustainable rural development? and What are the challenges in the promotion of renewable energy technologies in Iran? The paper concludes that although renewable energy has potential for development in Iran's rural areas due to environmental, social and economic advantages, it could face some infrastructural, managerial, socio-cultural and economic challenges. Accordingly, aggressive and innovative policy making is required to meet these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world’s rapid economic growth has contributed to the ever increasing demand for energy which results in the increase of fossil fuels usage. On the other hand, renewable energies, which are considered environmentally friendly, cannot replace the fossil fuels in the short term. For this, CO 2 capture and storage (CCS) technologies could work as transitional technology. To ensure a meaningful underground storage, well integrity is potentially the greatest challenge. On one hand, the injected CO 2 may cause severe corrosion to metallic tubulars and cement in the wellbore. Identification, quantification and mitigation of this corrosion are the key to achieve satisfactory well conditions. On the other hand, the mechanical integrity loss due to cyclic and thermal loading in the well life will also occur, so to investigate and evaluate well integrity is of paramount importance to ensure a safe operation and storage. This paper presents a definition of well integrity in the scope of CSEGR as well as the mechanisms of well integrity loss. Overview on corrosion issues of metallic and cement corrosion along with the remedial measures is discussed. Through a thorough literature review, well integrity criteria for new and old wells are introduced to provide a guidance for material selection for the usage in CSEGR. Moreover, in order to evaluate the integrity of operational and abandoned wells, this paper provides a review on the existing monitoring methods, as well as risk based methods such as FEPs analysis, Performance and Risk Management, CO 2 -PENS, and put forward a new concept of well integrity evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear power has gradually become one of the key parts in power supply structure due to its environmental benefits, effective productivity and steady operation. However, complicated system, high investment and derivative security issues make it difficult to develop in a large scale. Nowadays, faced with serious challenges from environment protection, fossil fuel lacking and upgrading of industrial structure, China are taking measures to promote nuclear power industry to realize sustainable development. China׳s nuclear power industry has achieved large achievements in industrial policy, technical and economic condition during the last three decades. However, there still exist problems impeding its future development. Therefore, this paper first analyzes the external environment and historical stages of nuclear power industry in China. Then, it summarizes its current situation and points out the existing problems. In the end, to deal with the above problems, this paper proposes relative solutions from the aspects of industrial distribution optimization, regional resources integration, technical standard system, industrial organization mode and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuels productions from microalgae received wide attention recently and have high potential to replace fossil fuels. This paper served as a platform to critically review current production technologies of microalgae, ranging from cultivation, harvesting, extraction and several biofuels conversion processes. In addition, due to the high photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae, mass cultivation of microalgae is believed to be able to efficiently reduce the carbon dioxide emission to atmosphere and thus, reducing the impact of global warming. This is because microalgae have high growth rate and is able to develop maximum of 70% of lipid content within their cells depending on species. Apart from that, microalgae have the ability to survive under harsh condition and occupied smaller cultivation land area than other land crops. The harvested microalgae biomass can be used for electrical generation, while its crude lipid can be used as transportation fuel as it has 80% average energy content of petroleum. In the present paper, a detailed discussion to produce biodiesel, fuel gas, bio-oil, methane, hydrogen and alcohol from microalgae biomass are also included. Besides, updated research, challenges and the way forward of microalgae biofuels are also presented. In future, biofuels production from microalgae can be economical viable at some scale, which is then profitable in terms of economics and also environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvesting energy from the wind as an alternative to fossil fuels has many advantages in terms of protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. However, the increasing penetration of wind power in electrical networks presents many challenges such as the intermittency of wind power, its relative high cost as compared to conventional sources, and technical impacts on the distribution systems. Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) are fast becoming integral components of the 21st century electrical grid at all levels including the generation, transmission, distribution and even at the consumer level. The use of ICT in the modern wind power plants has also become the norm and offers numerous benefits in addressing the challenges of wind power integration. ICT can support the efficient scheduling of wind power generation and energy dispatch, and can be used in automation, protection, and even in reactive power control applications. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has been playing a key role in the transition to a modernized ICT-based electrical grid by developing many communication standards. These standards have opened the path to a unified and interoperable communication platform in different aspects of the power system network. This paper provides an in depth overview of the relevant wind power communication standards and presents a review on their worldwide applications. The key focus is on the application of the two most relevant IEC standards, the IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25, in wind power systems, the current status of the literature and ongoing research projects. The paper also identifies potential research directions for future development in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses competing outlooks for energy mix in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting the paradox of its fossil fuel-dominated outlooks when contrasted with its aspirations to move toward a green energy mix, and reviews green energy strategies using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis method. The paper argues that despite the looming brown outlooks due to the expected surge of coal, the ASEAN region has many advantages in providing cleaner energy for its green vision. However, reduction of CO 2 emissions has not been explicitly set in the region’s policy agenda and thus green energy potential is underdeveloped. To achieve a greener energy mix, ASEAN needs to make further efforts such as cleaner use and removal of subsidies of fossil fuels, promotion of renewables and energy efficiency, regional market integration and connectivity, and execution of existing plans by nations. Ultimately, each of these strategies will require sustained leadership, political determination, and concrete actions from stakeholders, in particular, national governments across the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol is an alternative, renewable, environmentally and economically attractive fuel; it is considered to be one of the most favorable fuels for conventional fossil-based fuels. Methanol has been recently used as an alternative to conventional fuels for internal combustion (IC) engines in order to satisfy some environmental and economical concerns. Because of a number of relatively large research projects that have been ongoing recently, much progress has been made that is worth reporting. This paper systematically describes the methanol productions, including the productions from coal, natural gas, coke-oven gas, hydrogen, biomass etc. It introduces the potentials of methanol as a renewable resource taking into account the world supply and demand, economic benefits and the effects on human health and the environment. Thirteen methods of application such as methanol/gasoline, methanol/diesel blends which can be used on the IC engines are summarized. Finally, this paper puts forward some new suggestions on the weakness in the researches of methanol engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present global energy scenario, in which fossil fuels play a preponderant role, faces significant energy and environmental challenges. To help address these challenges, countries across the world are increasing the contribution made by renewable energy (RE) resources to their energy supplies. Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is one of the most effective incentive policies used to promote the RE sector especially at the micro-generation level. The key objective of the FiT schemes is to provide financial support to residential, industrial and commercial consumers to encourage them to become RE producers. Solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the most promising RE technologies. This paper provides an overview of the solar PV developments in the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries. It reflects upon the RE trends in the world as well as providing an introduction to the ASEAN countries. It reviews the progress of solar PV in each of the ASEAN countries especially in terms of RE policies, growth in terms of PV installations and research and development activities. Finally, the paper presents conclusions and a set of recommendations. Out of the 10 ASEAN countries, 5 have implemented FiT as a key policy incentive to stimulate the progress of RE. It is found that the ASEAN countries have great potential for solar PV in term of their annual solar insolation levels, which ranging from 1460 to 1892 kWh/m 2 per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extended version of the IPAT model and the ‘Kaya identity’ is used to assess the contribution of drivers of CO 2 emissions for the 1995–2009 period. The paper carries out a multisector analysis based on the Log-Mean Divisia Index Method (LMDI I). The decomposition factors used are the Carbon Intensity factor (CI), the Energy Intensity factor (EI), the structural composition of Spain׳s economy (Economy Structure, ES), the Economic Activity factor (EA) and Population (P), respectively. Data came from the World Input–Output Database (WIOD) and determined the period under consideration. The paper focuses on the 35 productive sectors included in the WIOD. Major findings show that RES acted in detriment to the drivers of CO 2 emissions. This may be stated for the last few years under consideration. The positive trend for the share of RES in Spain׳s energy matrix, together with the negative tendency in the use of fossil fuels, leads us to be optimistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insatiable appetite for non-renewable fossil fuels in the past has resulted in a plethora of anthropogenic climate changes and pollution across the globe, causing serious threats to human beings and the environment. To avoid this contention, greater use of wind energy could be the solution for economic growth and sustainable environment, in the long run. This paper discusses the ways in which India has started the growth of wind energy and the country’s potential to expand its contribution to meet ever-increasing energy needs. The paper lucidly presents India’s progress to become the top five wind energy producers in the world. This paper also discusses the major achievements, programs, policy, and incentives for the installation of wind power in India. Opportunities and challenges have been discussed along with the ways to remove barriers to achieve higher growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the coming decades the energy sector will have to face three major transformations concerned with climate change, security of supply and energy poverty. The first two have been extensively analysed, but less attention has been paid to the third, even though it has a great influence on the lives of millions of people. This paper presents an overview on energy poverty, different ways of measuring it and its implications. According to the WHO, indoor pollution causes an estimated 1.3 million deaths per annum in low income countries associated with the use of biomass in inadequate cookstoves. Although energy poverty cannot be delinked from the broader, more complex problem of poverty in general, access to energy infrastructures would avoid its most serious consequences and would help to encourage autonomous development. According to the IEA, the cost of providing universal access to energy by 2030 would require annual investment of $35 billion, i.e. much less than the amount provided annually in subsidies to fossil fuels. Finally, the paper argues that energy and energy poverty need to be incorporated into the design of development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, utility has started to consider the green power technology for having a healthier environment. The green power technologies reduce combustion of fossil fuels and the consequent CO 2 emission which is the principle cause of global warming. By maximising the use of the renewable energy, the usage of diesel generator for powering the base transceiver stations could be reduced or removed. This paper aims to investigate the economic, technical and environmental performance of various hybrid power systems for powering remote telecom. Simulations using Hybrid Optimisation Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) software are performed to determine the Initial Capital, the Total Net Present Cost (TNPC), the Cost of Energy (COE) as well as the system Capacity Shortage of the different supply options. The simulation results suggest a suitable hybrid system which would be the feasible solution for generation of electric power for remote telecom. A detailed analysis, description and modelling of the system are also presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel engine is one of the most efficient and reliable energy conversion devices available till date. During the beginning of twentieth century, the plenty of low cost diesel have engrossed people to run diesel engines with diesel. However, after more than a century, the scenario has just been reversed. The frantic use of diesel has now led to a situation where the global fossil diesel storage may last merely for a few decades. As a result, the price of diesel has reached to a momentous height. This is coupled with the serious environmental pollution created by its burning. These facts have stimulated researchers around the globe to search for suitable, sustainable, renewable, and cheap alternative to diesel fuel, which is environmentally benign too. Among many solutions proposed, emulsified fuel is one of them, which comes under the fuel modification techniques. In this method, two or more mutually immiscible fluids are mixed together, which is expected to run a diesel engine and replicate its performance, combustion and emission characteristics. The most explored emulsified fuel in a diesel engine is the water in diesel emulsion. Alongside, the emulsions prepared with animal fat, methanol, ethanol and few studies with emulsified biodiesels have also been reported. The present paper attempts to accumulate most of these studies under a single shed. Efforts have been made to analyze the numerous studies on emulsified fuel both qualitatively and quantitatively. The paper starts giving an introduction to the types of emulsion, their characteristics, and the criteria of preparing an effective emulsion, followed by the review of their performance, combustion, emission and spray characteristics when run in a diesel engine. At the end, some of the significant points have been addressed based on the extensive review on the state-of-the-art literature, followed by some possibilities of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil-fueled transportation is the main type of transportation used all over the world. Transportation in the United States consumes almost one third of global transportation energy and is one of the major contributors to CO 2 emissions. To deal with ever increasing environmental pollution and reduce energy consumption, a solar Trike design is presented in this paper to offer an alternative means of transportation. The solar Trike offers a higher occupancy rate, speed and travel range that can satisfy the needs of the local commute. The design, economics, sustainability and performance analysis of the solar Trike is presented in this paper. The dimension and power requirement of the solar-powered tricycle was determined based on aerodynamic force, rolling resistance, expected payload, travel velocity and distance and solar irradiance. A CAD model was built and analyzed for sustainability before building the prototype. Test run results of the prototype suggested the technical feasibility and practical applicability of the design. An LCA was performed to evaluate environmental impacts during various stages of the product life: manufacturing to disposal using SolidWorks Sustainability software. Manufacturing, operating and environmental costs are analyzed for economic viability of the design. The annual costs of CO 2 emissions, design and installation, annual maintenance, and costs to store the power for one full charge amount to $417. With a travel range of 37.1 km on a full charge, the proposed solar-powered tricycle is able to meet more than 90% of all trip distances in the USA. The proposed solar powered tricycle reduces energy consumption by more than 41%, as well as decreases CO 2 emissions by more than 75%, in comparison with the railroad, the best mode of existing transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy sources and considered as a green source of energy. Solar energy benefit ranges from low carbon emission, no fossil fuel requirement, long term solar resources, less payback time and other. However like other power generation sources, solar energy has also some Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) concerns. This paper presents the overview of solar energy technologies and addresses the SHE impact of solar energy technologies to the sustainability of human activities. This paper will also recommend the possible ways to reduce the effect of potential hazards of widespread use of solar energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore wind is one of the most fascinating industries in the renewable energy sector and it is experiencing a remarkable growth. Offshore wind energy generation offers an opportunity in the race to decrease the dependence on fossil fuels, reduce green house emissions, increase energy security and create employment opportunities. UK has proven success in offshore wind and has been enjoying the economic benefits of offshore wind since over a decade. Offshore wind energy is an emergent renewable energy industry in the United States. The United States is coping up with the challenges and heading up fast to catch up with the industry. India is still in its infancy stage where the policy frameworks are framed by MNRE government and getting ready with the tools to enter into the offshore market. This paper researches the current situation and trend of offshore wind industries in UK and US, from aspects of policy, grid connections, operation and maintenance and cost reduction and analyses the proper direction and pathways of the industry to India. Therefore this paper highlights the scenario as to how these three countries UK, USA and India, respectively, are enabling offshore wind, to make a vital and sizeable contribution to the low carbon economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]