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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]

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]

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]

The energy sector situation in Palestine is highly different compared to other countries in the Middle East due to many reasons: non-availability of natural resources, unstable political conditions, financial crisis and high density population. Furthermore, Palestine depends on other countries for 100% of its fossil fuel imports and for 87% of its electricity imports. In addition high growth of population, increasing living standards and rapid growth of industrial have led to tremendous energy demand in Palestine in recent years. The total energy consumption per habitant in Palestine is the lowest in the region (0.79 MW h/inhabitant) and costs more than anywhere else in the Middle East countries. The primary goal of this paper is to analyze the current energy sector situation in Palestine and to highlight the status of the potential of renewable energy as an essential future energy source sector in Palestine. Regarding the main possibilities of RE, the wind speed averages (m/s) for main 5 cities were: Tubas 4.97, Salfeet 4.26, Ramallah 3.09, Hebron 2.90 and Jericho 1.32. With these data, Palestine can be considered as a country of moderate wind speeds. By the other hand, Palestine has a high solar energy potential about 3000 sunshine hours per year with a solar radiation (kW h/m 2 /day) for year 2013 of 8.27 in Ramallah, 7.51 in Hebron, 6.86 in Salfeet and 6.15 in Tubas. These values are encouraging to exploit the solar energy for different applications. This study highlights that the main renewable energy sources in Palestine are solar energy, wind energy and biomass, thereby the energy dependence on neighbouring countries may significantly decrease, when Palestine uses the available renewable energy sources. The renewable energies in Palestine open new perspectives for energy sector in order to prompt practices for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sustainable development requires methods and tools to measure and compare the environmental impacts of human activities for various products (goods and services). Providing society with goods and services contributes to a wide range of environmental impacts. Environmental impacts include emissions into the environment and the consumption of resources as well as other interventions such as land use, etc. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a technique for assessing environmental loads of a product or a system. The aim of this paper is to review existing energy and CO2 life cycle analyses of renewable sources based electricity generation systems. The paper points out that carbon emission from renewable energy (RE) systems are not nil, as is generally assumed while evaluating carbon credits. Further the range of carbon emissions from RE systems have been found out from existing literature and compared with those from fossil fuel based systems, so as to assist in a rational choice of energy supply systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The massive increase in production and consumption of fossil fuels during the 20th century was accompanied by several problems in economic, social and environmental levels. Thus, the energy as it is produced, distributed and consumed currently does not meet the requirements of sustainable development. Hence it is necessary to use RE that do not emit GHG in order to move toward the sustainable development. Since mid-1980s, Tunisia has implemented its national strategy in the field of RE. To revive the market of solar water heating, the government decided to establish, in 2005, an ambitious program called PROSOL. With the help of case study (PROSOL project), the paper shows that the contribution of RE to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a literature review addressing the public acceptance of renewable energy as a replacement for fossil fuels in electricity production. This review was motivated by the global tendency for a substitution of conventional fuels by renewable energy sources (RES) during the global financial crisis. It studies research on the preferences and attitudes of local communities towards investments in renewable energy projects and their perception of the use of new energy technologies in their daily lives, through various case studies worldwide. An effort is made to identify the parameters that influence consumers' energy behaviour, together with their interest, or lack thereof, in the environmental impact of using fossil fuels to produce energy and their willingness to reduce it. Applications of contingent valuation are examined, which are employed to analyse public attitudes towards the use of RES for electricity production. Willingness-to-pay is observed to be correlated to socioeconomic characteristics including education, interest in environmental issues and knowledge of RES. Finally, the profile of a typical green energy consumer and appropriate policy paths for the penetration of RES into the energy market are outlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China is facing a number of challenges such as electricity supply shortages, excessive consumption of fossil fuels and environmental pollution. As a renewable energy, wind power plays a vital role in mitigating these issues. With its unique geographical location and rich resources, China has produced a wind power industry that has achieved rapid growth. However, the complex Chinese market environment presents significant challenges to the industry. This research has adopted a strength, weakness, opportunity and threat analysis approach to examine both the internal and external factors that affect the competitiveness of the wind power industry in China. An extensive and critical review of a wide range of literature (including academic papers, industry reports, statistical data, relevant regulations and policy documents) was conducted. As a result, 19 factors were identified. These factors form part of an integrated framework that provides a useful tool for both policy makers and industry to gain a better understanding of what affects the sustainable development of the wind power industry in China. The results also provide a useful reference for foreign firms that intend to explore the Chinese wind power market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Korea relies on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy consumption demands. As such, there is a need to investigate alternative energy resources such as renewable energy. In this paper, assessments of the potential of various ocean renewable energy resources in the sea around Korea; potential sources of energy including wave energy, tidal energy, tidal current energy and ocean thermal energy. Tidal energy and tidal current energy are likely to play an important role in meeting the future energy needs of Korea, whereas the potentials of wave energy and ocean thermal energy for the same are relatively low. The level of technical development and the renewable energy market in Korea is currently in an early stage. The government will have to be more aggressive in the promotion of renewable energy to achieve sustainable development in Korea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper discusses the opportunity for substituting fossil fuels with biofuels in a Sahelian country, Burkina Faso. Bearing in mind the strong link between energy and development, and given the country''s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, our study showed that the overall economy (private and public companies and basic social services) and the State Budget could be seriously affected if no viable and local alternative is integrated into the national energy strategy. In view of local potential, it is recommended that adequate energy resources be sought in order to ensure sustainable socio-economic development. Biofuel opportunities are discussed taking into account technical, agronomic and land potentials in this country. Diversification of energy resources with biofuels would substantially reduce fuel imports in the short term, improve overall public finances, provide a chance to develop agriculture and provide benefits for the locals. However, if they are to generate development, biofuel projects need to be mindful of food security and economic incentives, and should be part of national agricultural strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The continuous increasing demand for energy and the diminishing tendency of petroleum resources has led to the search for alternative renewable and sustainable fuel. Biodiesel is best substitute for petro-diesel and also most advantageous over petro-diesel for its environmental friendliness. The quality of biodiesel fuel was found to be significant for its successful use on compression ignition engines and subsequent replacement of non-renewable fossil fuels. Conventional biodiesel separation and purification technologies were noticed to yield lower quality biodiesel fuel with resultant excessive energy and water consumptions. Membrane technology showed more potential for effective and efficient separation and purification of biodiesel. This technology need be explored for the attainment of better quality biodiesel fuels. This paper reviews the technologies used for the biodiesel separation and purification, biodiesel quality, and its effects on diesel engines. Biodiesel biodegradability, lubricity, stability, economic importance, and gaseous emissions have been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several biofuel candidates were proposed to displace fossil fuels in order to eliminate the vulnerability of energy sector. Biodiesel and bioethanol produced from terrestrial plants have attracted the attention of the world as potential substitute. However, due to food vs. fuel competition as well as land consumption of these biofuel, they have brought much controversy and debate on their sustainability. In this respect, cultivation of macroalgae such as seaweed at sea water which does not expend arable land and fertilizers provides a possible solution for this energy issue. Carbohydrates derived from seaweeds contain hexose sugars which are suitable materials for fermentation to produce ethanol. Therefore, it is possible to produce fuel ethanol from seaweeds. The potential and prospective of seaweeds to play the role as a sustainable energy provider are demonstrated in this paper. This study offers a conceivable picture of macroalgae-based third-generation bioethanol biorefinery to stimulate the initiation of the exploration in the related field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Turkey is one of the countries with significant potential in geothermal energy. It is estimated that if Turkey utilizes all of her geothermal potential, she can meet 14% of her total energy need (heat and electricity) from geothermal sources. Therefore, today geothermal energy is an attractive option in Turkey to replace fossil fuels. Besides, increase in negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment has forced many countries, including Turkey, to use renewable energy sources. Also, Turkey is an energy importing country; more than two-thirds of her energy requirement is supplied by imports. In this context, geothermal energy appears to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions for sustainable energy development and environmental pollution prevention in Turkey. Since geothermal energy will be used more and more in the future, its current potential, usage, and assessment in Turkey is the focus of the present study. The paper not only presents a review of the potential and utilization of the geothermal energy in Turkey but also provides some guidelines for policy makers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The energy consumed in Ireland is primarily achieved by the combustion of fossil fuels. Ireland''s only indigenous fossil fuel is peat; all other fossil fuels are imported. As fossil fuels continually become more expensive, their use as an energy source also has a negative impact on the environment. Ireland''s energy consumption can be separated into three divisions: transportation, electricity generation and heat energy. Ireland however has a vast range of high quality renewable energy resources. Ireland has set a target that 33% of its electricity will be generated from renewable sources by 2020 [I. Government. Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland; 2007.]. The use of biomass, wind and ocean energy technologies is expected to play a major part in meeting this target. The use of renewable energy technologies will assist sustainable development as well as being a solution to several energy related environmental problems. This paper presents the current state of renewable energy technologies and potential resources available in Ireland. Considering Ireland''s present energy state, a future energy mix is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of power production and its consumption have become a major concern for humanity. This qualitative research identifies contemporary tendencies, specifically biomass among other energy sources. Specialists' opinions were juxtaposed against statistical data and hypotheses. This paper's prospective nature involves qualitative arguments to foresee long-term tendencies. It compares alternative energy sources, ecological policies and geopolitical facts. Two key patterns were found: the fossil-fuel use prevalence and the strengthening of alternative power sources, leading towards achieving sustainable development goals. • Despite global warming concern, interest on renewables lies on oil & gas reserves. • Bioenergy does not play competing return yet states fund crops for biofuels & tech. • Developing green fuels compels efforts to cut costs and economic competitiveness. • Green activists will stimulate the development of new renewable energy sources. • Groups' interests are contrasted: government energy security versus global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]