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This paper presents an innovative Fuel Cell Combined Heat and Power (FC–CHP) system designed to enhance energy efficiency in hospital settings. The system primarily utilizes solar energy, captured through photovoltaic (PV) panels, for electricity generation. Excess electricity is directed to an electrolyzer for water electrolysis, producing hydrogen which is stored in high-pressure tanks. This hydrogen serves a dual purpose: it fuels a boiler for heating and hot water needs and powers a fuel cell for additional electricity when solar production is low. The system also features an intelligent energy management system that dynamically allocates electrical energy between immediate consumption, hydrogen production, and storage, while also managing hydrogen release for energy production. This study focuses on optimization using genetic algorithms to optimize key components, including the peak power of photovoltaic panels, the nominal power of the electrolyzer, fuel cell, and storage tank sizes. The objective function minimizes the sum of investment, and electricity costs from the grid, considering a penalty coefficient. This approach ensures optimal use of renewable energy sources, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability in healthcare facilities. • Investigation of innovative FC Micro combined heat and power unit for energy efficiency in a hospital settings. • Intelligent energy management strategy is proposed basing on the energy need, hydrogen production, release, and storage. • Genetic algorithms is applied for optimal use and storage of energy, increasing energy efficiency and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impacts of economic (in)stability on carbon emissions and the role of renewable energy in these effects at the crossroads of accelerated climate change and rising global economic instability. The paper hypothesizes that these implications should be examined not by direct impacts across variables, but rather via indirect effects serially mediated by renewable energy consumption and economic growth. This paper analyzes the United States from January 1980 and April 2022 using manifest structural equation modeling. The paper reaches two major conclusions. First, there are clear distinctions between (i) the direct and indirect effects of economic stability, surrogated by inflation and policy interest rate, on carbon emissions, (ii) the symmetric and asymmetric indirect effects, and (iii) the roles of aggregate renewable energy and its components, such as biomass and hydropower energy use, in mediating these symmetric and asymmetric indirect effects. Second, renewable energy significantly reduces the carbon-increasing effects of inflation and interest rates. The paper contains proper policy suggestions based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has sorted out the general logic of the impact of COVID-19 on energy consumption. In the short term, the epidemic has forced governments to adopt different levels of lockdown measures. The total electricity consumption decreased and the share of renewable energy has increased. Based on the International Energy Agency's (IEA) data on electricity production and consumption, this paper analyzes the long-term effects: The COVID-19 pandemic does affect overall electricity demand and market structure in the short term, but in the long term, the impact of the pandemic is detrimental to the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources. Increased, especially in hard-hit countries. The impact on countries with different levels of development is different, and countries with higher levels of economic development are better able to resist such exogenous shocks. The pandemic is still ongoing, how to steadily promote sustainable development? In this paper we suggest that to cope with climate change, to accomplish energy transformation and upgrading or even sustainable development, we should not only rely on reducing human activities, but give more support to countries with low development levels in realizing sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from conventional energy to clean renewable energy is becoming a global trend, and related issues are attracting widespread attention. Given the possible time-varying energy transition process, this paper proposes a dynamic signed network topology approach for empirical analysis, which is then applied to evaluate the transition from conventional energy to clean renewable energy in G7 countries. The research findings indicate a discrepancy between the positive and negative spillover effects of conventional and clean renewable energy consumption in G7 nations. The transition from conventional energy on clean renewable energy involves alternating positive and negative spillover effects. On average, oil exhibits a positive spillover effect on clean renewable energy consumption. However, the spillover effect of natural gas on clean renewable energy consumption presents an asymmetric relationship across the G7 countries. • This paper presents a symbolic network topology approach. • The approach is applied to the case of energy transitions in G7 countries. • The study employs a historical decomposition methodology. • The study examines the dynamic transition from traditional energy sources to clean and renewable energy. • Based on extracted policy implications led transitioning from dirty energy to clean energy dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their economic success, the BRICS countries have yet to achieve environmental sustainability. On the other hand, these countries will not be able to maintain their economic expansion if they do not protect the natural environment. In this regard, this paper intends to assess the effects of financial integration (globalization) on ecological footprint. The paper also considers other ecological footprint drivers, including economic expansion, urbanization, renewable energy and technological innovation. The research utilizes a dataset spanning from 1990 to 2018. The study employed the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) approach, which is robust to cross-sectional dependence and slope homogeneity issues. The outcomes from the MMQR disclose that the effect of financial globalization on ecological footprint is positive across all quantiles (0.1–0.90), thus validating the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) in the BRICS nations. Furthermore, both renewable energy and technological innovation curb ecological footprint across all quantiles (0.1–0.90). Moreover, technological innovation is proven to impact the environment positively across all quantiles (0.1–0.90) via the path of urbanization. As a result, technological innovation is projected to help the BRICS nations achieve sustainable urbanization. The DOLS, FMOLS, FE-OLS outcomes also validate the outcomes of MMQR. Based on these results, policies were proposed. • MMQR applied to integrate asymmetric effects. • Renewable energy consumption and technological innovation derive ecological sustainability. • Financial integration-led Pollution-haven-hypothesis is confirmed. • Economic growth and urbanization lead to higher ecological footprints. • Technology innovation neutralizes the negative impact of urbanization on ecological sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As stated in Sustainable Development Goals number 6 and 13, clean water and sanitation and energy-related carbon emissions as climate action issues have emerged as serious issues within the United Nations. Around 150 countries rely on seawater desalination plants as their water resource. Reverse osmosis membrane technology is the most widely used seawater desalination technology for water supply. Taking water resources, developing renewable energy, and recycling resources have become the United Nations' core sustainable development goal. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an overview of renewable energy in reverse osmosis, especially newly developed renewable energy such as wave power. This paper includes technical issues, environment, and economic impact. In addition, compared with other energy sources, photovoltaic and hydropower energy utilization leads to a lower carbon footprint. Both energy produce a carbon footprint of around 0.08 kg CO 2 eq/m3. Control systems and energy storage management are the challenges in developing integrated renewable energy with reverse osmosis. Suitable pretreatment and the effect of direct use of renewable energy on the reverse osmosis process, especially on membrane and pump lifetime, should also be considered in future studies. [Display omitted] • Fluctuations and intermittence in wind and PV would affect on the process performance. • Energy storage management helps to keep the system stable • Water storage can assist in having enough water and store extra • PV and hydropower energy produce carbon footprint around 0.08 kg CO 2 eq/m3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy sector prioritizes innovative clean energy production. This research explores a versatile hybrid solar-biomass trigeneration system, integrating organic Rankine cycle (ORC), a heat pump, and a proton exchange membrane electrolyser. Sustainable and adaptable, it produces electricity, heating, and hydrogen for Indian paper and pulp industries. The study assesses the system's thermodynamic, economic, and environmental feasibility. Initially, parametric analysis and first layer multi-objective optimization (MOO) are performed to select the efficient working fluid and operating temperatures. Benzene outperforms other fluids, achieving an energy utilization ratio (EUR) of 0.27 and exergy efficiency of 75 %. A typical heat requirement of 250 kW for processing 150 kg of paper necessitates collector areas of 3500 m2 and 4500 m2 in Aurangabad and Tiruchirappalli, respectively, and biomass waste of 0.05 kg/s. The combined system performance during day time and night time operation was studied by altering the critical solar radiation, ambient temperature and biomass waste flow rate. The second layer MOO revealed an optimum EUR of 0.25 and exergy efficiency of 9 % at the lowest cost of 33 $/h for biomass waste operation. In comparison to the conventional electricity-powered system, the proposed system would reduce CO 2 emissions by 90 kg/h to 270 kg/h. [Display omitted] • Solar and biomass waste powered systems proposed for paper and pulp applications. • ORC integrated heat pump system for heating, electricity, and green H 2 generation. • Collector area and biomass flow rate are designed for daily paper output of 300 kg. • Benzene is an efficient working fluid, produced 815 kW of heat and 3 kg/h of H 2. • The recommended system reduced CO 2 emissions by 90 kg/h to 270 kg/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation of this paper is to investigate the resistance of countries' energy research and development (RD&D) expenditures to random shocks. The analysis includes the five countries (France, Germany, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom) that are the biggest investors in RD&D in fossil fuels, renewables, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy. Thus, economies will be able to take precautions against global shocks in producing sustainable energy policies. To achieve this aim, this paper uses the artificial neural network approach, which uses a distributed computing model that can store and generalize data after a learning period. Empirical results widely depend on countries and distinct energy technology policy fields. The key findings provide evidence that RD&D expenditures, except for renewables, do not tend to mean revert. The economies of Japan, Germany, and the United States should make more renewable investments to reduce the resistance of renewable energy sources to shocks and thus produce policies for both environmental sustainability and energy security. The economies of France and the United Kingdom can ensure energy security by continuing their sustainable energy policies. • Applied SDG policies focused on energy technology RD&D are presented. • The stochastic characteristics of energy technology investments are examined. • Carbon-reducing policies are recommended for the top five economies. • Energy technologies are perused through artificial intelligence approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emission flow is an effective tool to obtain carbon emission distribution in power systems, which can guide the active carbon reductions of consumers through proper incentive schemes. With the increasing penetration of renewable energy, the existing single-valued carbon emission flow model based on deterministic forecasted power outputs cannot describe the impacts of renewable energy uncertainties on carbon flows. Therefore, this paper mainly focuses on the assessment of the probabilistic carbon emission flow through the power systems considering the impacts of load and renewable energy uncertainties. In this paper, the probabilistic carbon emission flow (PCEF) is innovatively proposed. With the PCEF, consumers can make better energy use plans considering their own risk appetites for carbon emission payment. Firstly, the impact factors of the PCEF are modeled, including load and renewable energy uncertainties and integrated carbon intensity of thermal plants. The uncertainties of load, wind power and photovoltaics are modeled based on a p-box method while the uncertainty of hydropower is modeled based on the multi-state model. Besides, the integrated carbon intensity model of thermal plants are proposed considering the carbon intensity variations during the operating, start-up, and shut-down stages. Furthermore, the probabilistic carbon emission evaluation framework is proposed to assess the probabilistic carbon distribution. In this framework, novel probabilistic carbon indices are defined to precisely characterize the carbon emission situation with probabilistic representations. A solution method based on an adaptive interval point estimation (AIPEM) algorithm is proposed to efficiently solve the developed evaluation problem. Tests on an IEEE-30 node system, and a real provincial power system in China validate the effectiveness and application of the proposed model. The results showed that the PCEF can be a useful tool for obtaining the probabilistic representation of carbon emission flow and guiding the consumers' active carbon reduction in power systems. • Probabilistic carbon emission flow is proposed considering multiple uncertainties. • Integrated carbon intensity model for thermal plants is developed. • A p-box model is used to describe the uncertainties of load and renewable energy. • PCEF can help consumers balance the cost and carbon risk when making decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the use of fossil fuels has had a harsh impact on the climate, and the frequency and intensity of various extreme weather events have increased, which has triggered an increased the use of renewable energy sources and reflection on technological advances. Many countries are trying to promote renewable energy to reduce their impact on climate change, but the impact of national energy policies in the climate risk framework remains poorly understood. Based on the panel data of 84 developed/developing countries around the world from 2006 to 2019, this paper studies and analyzes the impact of renewable energy use on climate risk. The study found that the increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce the climate risk, and this result is still robust after undergoing robustness tests such as changing variables, samples, and research methods. The findings offer an important solution for European countries, where climate risks are most acute. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the higher the level of economic development, population density and the lower the level of incorruptibility, the weaker the inhibitory effect of renewable energy use on climate risk. The mechanism analysis also shows that the increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce climate risk by reducing carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), nitrogen monoxide (NO), PM2.5 emissions, and the proportion of fossil fuel use, but it does not reduce climate risk by increasing biodiversity. In particular, we find that technological progress has not played a role in the use of renewable energy to reduce climate risk, breaking the stereotype. The policy recommendation of this paper is that under the increasing pressure of climate change, the transition to clean energy is an indispensable option, and the need to accelerate the energy transition becomes more urgent. There is a greater need to further protect biodiversity and enhance technological progress. • The increase in the proportion of renewable energy use can reduce the climate risk. • The mechanism is to reduce CO 2 , CH 4 , NO, PM2.5 emissions and fossil fuels use. • The use of renewable energy cannot reduce climate risks by increasing biodiversity. • The impact of renewable energy use on climate risk is heterogeneous. • Technological progress has not played a role in the use of renewable energy to reduce climate risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building retrofitting plays a vital role in realising net-zero carbon ambition. Conventional retrofitting solutions are generally based upon decreasing operating energy usage or corresponding costs. However, many of these would increase the embodied carbon and energy. The innovation of this paper is to develop a building retrofitting assessment and optimisation approach to select the optimal combination of retrofitting options to minimise its carbon emissions, economic costs and energy usage over its life cycle. A real-life three-floor real-world office building is implemented to exhibit the behaviour of the newly developed retrofitting assessment and optimisation approach. This paper mainly focuses on passive options, including improving envelope thermal properties (e.g. wall insulations, roof insulations and triple-glazed windows) and installing renewable energy devices (e.g. photovoltaic panel, solar heater and wind turbine). The effects of varying embodied carbon, investment cost, embodied energy, annual salvage ratio, and material recycle ratio on the life cycle behaviour of the retrofitted building is investigated. For cost optimisation, the selection priority is sheep wool for roof insulation, insulation board for wall insulation, solar heater and wind turbine. The selection priority for energy or carbon optimisation would be insulation board for wall insulation, sheep wool for roof insulation, solar heater, triple-glazed window, and wind turbine. The largest achievable reduction in life cycle carbon, cost and energy are 3.9 × 106 kg, £3.6 × 105 and 7.8 × 107 MJ, respectively. The research outcome will benefit the government for policymaking on approach-based net-zero retrofitting guidance and building engineers for designing sustainable retrofitting measures. • A life-cycle point of view of greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy usage • An assessment and optimisation approach to select the optimal combination of options • Passive options, including envelope upgradation and renewable energy devices • Sensitivity analysis of embodied impacts, savage ratio and material recycle ratio • Assist policymaking and retrofitting design to realise net-zero ambition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We employed MRA to specify the authentic empirical effect based on 328 estimation results from 33 primary studies. • Financial development leads to higher renewable energy consumption / use / capacity / production according to the MRA. • There is no publication bias in the existing literature. • The authentic empirical effect may change depending on financial development or renewable energy indicators used, time period covered, the unit analyzed, and the estimation technique employed. • There is an omitted variable bias in the existing literature. The current paper tries to determine and quantify the authentic empirical effect of financial development on renewable energy beyond publication selection bias, if any, based on 328 estimation results from 33 primary studies that were published or presented over the period of 2009-2022. Bivariate and multivariate FAT-PET analyses were used as tools of meta-regression analysis. A positive significant authentic empirical effect of financial development on renewable energy is found as a first contribution. Hence the results support Hypothesis 1; by offering more reliable, efficient, and less costly funds to investors; whether private or public, financial development boosts renewable energy. An absence of publication bias is resulted regarding the overall findings of the primary studies or design characteristics (moderating variables) as a second contribution. Based on the results for moderating variables, the authentic empirical effect may change in direction and magnitude due to the financial development or renewable energy indicators used, the time period covered, the unit analyzed, and/or the estimation technique employed as a third contribution. Omitted variable bias is found in the existing literature analyzing this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the background of exhaustion of the traditional fossil energy sources and environmental deterioration, developing renewable energy has become a strategic choice for countries to achieve energy sustainable utilization and carbon neutrality target. Different renewable energy technical plans have different characteristics under multiple criteria. Therefore, before the further exploitation of renewable energy sources, it is of great significance to evaluate the comprehensive performance of different plans and then determine the best renewable energy sources. However, the commonly used weight calculation methods in the existing renewable energy evaluation have obvious shortcomings, such as the randomness of the subjective method is strong and the gap in the weight allocation of the objective method is too large, which affect the reliability and accuracy of the sorting result. In this paper, a novel weight calculation method based on non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is proposed, and is applied to renewable energy evaluation. The study in this paper focuses on methodology. Firstly, for the linear normalized and Zeros normalized evaluation data, the differences between renewable energy plans in the two normalized evaluation data are measured, and the ranking deviations of the two normalized data are calculated. Then, the multi-objective weight solving model is constructed in terms of plans differences minimization and ranking vectors deviations minimization. The NSGA-II algorithm is applied to the optimization of multi-objective functions to find the Pareto non-dominated solution, so as to determine the weight values of each evaluation index. Finally, the TOPSIS method is used to determine the relative closeness value of each plan, and the rankings of renewable energy technical plans are achieved. Based on the actual renewable energy development data of a province in China, experiments were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed method performs better than some popular renewable energy evaluation methods. [Display omitted] • Propose a novel evaluation method for renewable energy technical plans. • Apply non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II to determine the index weights. • Compared with the existing evaluation method, the proposed method performs better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the factors of renewable energy consumption in the fifth Technology Revolution with specific evidence from ASEAN countries. The study applies an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. The paper also uses the unrestricted fixed and random panel data methods. The manuscript identifies significant factors such as technological innovation, governmental policies, public awareness, electricity consumption, country population, foreign direct investment inflows, imports, exports, and economic growth that have influenced the renewable energy sector in these nations. This study also investigates the determinants that influence renewable energy in the context of international integration and the fifth technology revolution in ASEAN countries. The research analyzes data spanning two decades, from 2000 to 2022, through a combination of econometric modeling and machine learning techniques. Preliminary findings indicate that technological innovation, government policies, and public awareness significantly affect renewable energy consumption in these countries. The empirical results offer insights for policymakers and stakeholders in leveraging technological advancements for sustainable energy development. The findings from this study on the determinants of renewable consumption in the context of the Fifth Technology Revolution in ASEAN countries also have several important policy implications for the sustainable development goal. • This study aims to investigate the factors of renewable energy consumption in the fifth Technology Revolution. • The study uses panel data analysis, and the paper identifies significant factors that have influenced the renewable energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the co-movements between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and CO 2 emissions and GDP per capita in Saudi Arabia, respectively. Using the spectral Granger causality approach, our results suggested that non-renewable energy sources lead to carbon emission expansion in the frequency domain. Taken together, a significant causal relationship from fossil to economic growth is perceived over the long-term horizon while renewable energy source drives economic growth over different frequencies and considerably contributes to carbon emissions reduction. The wavelet plots revealed strong discrepancies in all variables in the time-frequency space. While non-renewable energy sources indorsed the economic growth across short-and medium-term scales and contribute to a polluted environment, renewable energy consumption has a substantial effect on carbon emission drop and on economic growth in the short-term. The multiple wavelet outcomes show that renewable energy may not only stimulate the economic growth but also promote sustainable and cleaner environment. The combined effects of non-renewable energy sources rise the carbon emissions. Thus, Saudi's government is counselled to promote the green energy investments and accelerate the transition to renewable energy production as its use as a substitute of fossil fuels carries advantages and opportunities alternating from environment to social-economic. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the role of renewable energy and alternative and nuclear energy in mitigating CO 2 emissions. Trade openness is added to consider its effect on the environment, as it appears to be a crucial factor in interregional cooperation and development. We adopt a sample of nine signatories to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) from 1971 to 2014. Various time-series econometric methods are utilized including two long-run estimators - fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) - and a Granger-causality test. Several noteworthy findings are achieved from this paper. First , the inverse U-shaped relationship is found in six countries: Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Peru and Vietnam. The U-shaped relationship is found in Japan and Malaysia whereas no evidence is observed in Mexico. Second , the adoption of either renewable energy or alternative and nuclear energy would mitigate CO 2 emissions and trade openness plays an important role in facilitating this effect. Third , the directions of Granger causality among the variables of interests including consumption of renewable energy; consumption of alternative and nuclear energy, trade openness and CO 2 emissions, do vary across countries and between the short term and the long term. • Inverse U-shaped relationship in Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Vietnam. • U-shaped relationship in Japan and Malaysia and no evidence in Mexico. • Consumption of renewable energy, alternative & nuclear energy reducing CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the impact of green finance and renewable energy on energy efficiency in E−7 economies. We analyzed the nonlinear and asymmetric effects of green finance and renewable energy on energy efficiency. We collected data from 1985 to 2017 and applied the NARDL and 2SLS methods. The results reveal that the differences in green finance development in the E−7 region are as follows: China (0.61), Brazil (0.55), India (0.53), Indonesia (0.49), Mexico (0.37), and Russia (0.39). In 2019, the Gini coefficient was the largest in Russia (0.57), followed by Turkey. Based on empirical findings, the largest barrier to green energy efficiency is insufficient private and governmental investment in the energy sector to improve access to power, to increase energy security and promote economic growth in an environmentally sustainable manner. The findings point to a promising but vulnerable future for renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment in E−7 countries. This paper emphasizes that green financing and renewable energy policy limitations must be addressed to realize the funding potential of energy efficiency in E−7 countries. • We have analyzed the barrieres for renewable energy and energy efficiency. • Non-linear and asymmetric effects is observed on energy efficiency. • We have applied NARDL model to examine the relationship among variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower renewable energy is known to be pro-environment: flexible and affordable. Above all, it is compatible with other energy frames and also with the policies that otherwise prove to be inimical towards its future. Where environmental stability is concerned it needs an assiduous study coupled with research by the policymakers to get around knowing the different perspectives of hydropower renewable energy. The study has taken nine different and diverse perspectives of hydropower renewable energy into account to stop the process of environmental degradation. EKC framework has been put to use in a case study of South and East Asia economies. Time period has been selected from 1975 to 2020 to measure the long-term impact. GMM model has been used for the panel estimation besides getting future dynamics. The results which have come about confirmed EKC in the selected countries. Non-renewable energy (coal and gas) had an adverse impact on environmental stability. However, switching towards hydropower renewable energy can mitigate these environmental losses. Empirical findings have proved that more use of clean energy production can bring about a considerable amount of environmental stability. Insofar as East Asia economies are considered they have reached the second stage of EKC with a turning point of $13844 (per capita income). This paper, therefore, suggests that the future depends upon renewable hydropower energies in South and East Asia economies. That being said, there appears to be a dire need to undertake the role of various socioeconomic and geographic factors that influence hydropower renewable energies to check the long-term effect. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation and adaptation of renewable energy technologies significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and increase energy efficiency. Understanding the convergence patterns in renewable energy innovation will enable policymakers to design policies to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. This paper applies the convergence algorithm proposed by Philips and Sul to assess the convergence in renewable energy innovation for 90 countries covering the period between 1993 and 2018. This paper also examines the determinants/factors driving the convergence clubs of the countries using Probit and Logit regression. The convergence analyses suggest that there is no global convergence in renewable energy innovation. Findings highlight two convergence clubs: i) a club comprising more innovative countries and ii) another club that includes less innovative countries. We find that countries with higher income per capita, CO2 emissions per capita, research and development (R&D) investment, better environmental regulations and stronger institutional settings are more likely to be part of the innovative club. Countries should increase their R&D investment and environmental regulations and improve their institutional quality to increase their likelihood of belonging to a more innovative club. Furthermore, less innovative countries could promote policies to transfer renewable energy technologies from innovative countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drive for improved energy efficiency and flexibility has birthed an innovative solution: an energy hub. This hub operates in sync with natural gas and electricity grids, integrating batteries and thermal storage to optimize renewable energy use, reduce costs, and bolster network stability. In addressing these objectives, a mathematical optimization model for energy hub operation is developed in this paper. This model captures the intricate interplays between electricity and natural gas networks, accounting for the intricacies posed by uncertainties and variations in renewable energy sources and demand profiles. Also, this paper uniquely delves into the integration of load response programs, an approach geared towards amplifying the energy hub system's flexibility and reliability. Through these programs, subscribers gain the agency to calibrate their energy consumption based on real-time pricing signals and incentives dispensed by the energy hub. The simulation findings serve as a compelling testament to the efficacy of the proposed system. Operating costs witness a substantial reduction, the adoption of renewable energy sources is markedly heightened, and the stability and reliability of the upstream energy networks are tangibly ameliorated. The integration of load response programs emerges as a particularly effective strategy in mitigating peak demand and augmenting the system's overall energy efficiency. Underpinning the entirety of this innovative solution is the transformation of the challenges into an optimization problem. This catalyzes the employment of a newly developed particle community algorithm, custom-tailored to surmount the challenges of local optima. This algorithm inherently bolsters the system's search capabilities, minimizing the risk of entrapment within localized solutions. Ultimately, the proposed energy hub system encapsulates a promising trajectory toward the realization of a sustainable and adaptable energy landscape. By seamlessly integrating diverse energy sources and storage systems, augmenting energy flexibility and efficiency, and aligning with broader energy transition and decarbonization goals, this solution presents a formidable contender. The simulation outcomes underscore its potential by showcasing a substantial 4.57 % reduction in the cost of procuring energy from the upstream electrical network. • Holistic energy hub engages in upstream electricity and heat markets, optimizing profit. • Empowered energy hub actively influences markets with optimized strategies. • Robust optimization ensures stable operations in uncertain renewable sources. • Advanced load management optimizes profiles, aligning consumption with pricing. • Particle swarm optimization algorithm enhances search for optimal solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings' energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are a major global concern. Healthcare buildings, being crucial to society, pose particular challenges due to their round-the-clock operation and stringent hygiene standards. This paper comprehensively reviews existing literature to promote energy-efficient and comfortable healthcare buildings. The research explores both passive measures, such as orientation, materials, and daylight, and active measures, including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, energy management, and renewable resources. The paper emphasizes the critical role of user behavior in conserving energy and outlines how factors like building size, operation hours, and climate can impact resource consumption. It highlights the importance of solar power as a prominent renewable energy source. It offers design and retrofitting options to enhance healthcare buildings and addresses the lack of research on small-scale healthcare buildings. The paper emphasizes maintaining a balance between user comfort and energy reduction, involving diverse stakeholders, and exploring benchmarks, automated shading, geothermal sources, local materials, and their impact on carbon emissions. This review aims to contribute to environmentally responsible and socially resilient healthcare infrastructure and provide insights for future challenges in creating energy-efficient healthcare buildings. • Literature review of "sustainable", "green", and "smart" healthcare building strategy. • A comprehensive examination of passive and active measures for energy-efficiency. • Findings highlight user behavior's critical role in energy conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SAMA, a new open-source microgrid optimization software, was introduced an validated. • Validation compared SAMA's results with industry-standard, Homer Pro proved accuracy. • Results for different locations and climates, confirming SAMA's reliability and accuracy. • SAMA introduces unique emission optimization and top-down pricing methodology for first time. • SAMA is open-source and free, which ensures accessibility and fosters innovation. • SAMA is broadly applicable for renewable, off-grid, grid-tied, and backup power systems. Although there are many software tools for simulations of hybrid energy systems, Homer Pro and Homer Grid are the only tools offering optimal sizing of hybrid energy systems. Originally developed as open-source software, they have been closed, which limits user-developers abilities to adapt and improve the software. In addition, all current proprietary offering suffer from the following limitations: i) high costs that limit accessibility to low-resource labs and individuals, ii) incapable of conducting multi-objective optimization, iii) constrained on any new innovations in hybrid energy system design and operation, iv) difficulties for users to specifically define prices and costs in inputs, v) inability to model different electric utility billing structures, vi) complex pricing methodology, and vii) the absence of machine learning-based predictive modeling. To overcome these limitations, this paper introduces and validates SAMA (Solar Alone Multi-objective Advisor), an open-source microgrid optimization software program designed to optimize hybrid energy system sizes economically using metaheuristic algorithms based on specific load profiles and meteorological data. Through rigorous validation exercises, SAMA's outcomes are compared against those generated by the Homer Pro software across distinct climatic conditions and geographical locations (i.e., Sacramento, California in the marine west coast and New Bern in humid continental climate zones of U.S., respectively). The results demonstrate congruence between SAMA and Homer Pro. SAMA can be used for a diverse array of applications from renewable energy systems to off-grid and grid-tied configurations, and from policy formulation to feasibility assessment. Unique features of SAMA include multi-objective optimizer, levelized emission optimization, different pre-defined utility billing structures, and a top-down pricing methodology. These features further enhance SAMA's adaptability, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific needs and system configurations. Finally, the paper anticipates future advancements that could refine component modeling, accelerate optimization processes, and incorporate advanced data analysis techniques such as machine learning to predict energy demand and production patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

In the context of the increasing popularity of distributed energy, this paper proposes a home energy management system method considering the working state of flexible load to deal with the problem of mismatch between home energy supply and demand. Specifically, in this paper, the flexible load in the system is studied, and the model of flexible load and its working state are established. On this basis, combined with the real-time electricity price of the grid, the model of home energy management system is constructed to minimize the electricity purchase cost and improve the utilization rate of renewable energy, the genetic algorithm is used to solve it, and the influence of time step, flexible load ratio and whether to use energy storage equipment on the optimization degree of the model are analyzed. The research results show that, while meeting the requirements of human comfort and electricity demand, the daily electricity purchase cost of the system with flexible load scheduling is 22.5% lower than that of the system without flexible load scheduling, and the utilization rate of renewable energy is increased by 16.5%. In terms of model optimization, shortening the prediction time step, increasing the proportion of flexible load and using energy storage equipment can further reduce the electricity purchase cost. The case study confirms the effectiveness of the proposed home energy management system model, which can provide an efficient optimal scheduling scheme for household energy saving. • The optimal scheduling model for home energy management system of rural dwellings with flexible loads is proposed. • Influence of the proportion of flexible load and different time step sizes on the scheduling model are studied. • The operation cost by 26.62% of battery integration strategy based on load scheduling is further reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study makes the following main contributions: • 1) A mathematical layout is developed to include renewable resources for load scheduling in digital twin-based microgrids. • 2) Uncertainty modelling of PV production employing Beta PDF for load scheduling is utilized in digital twin environment. • 3) The load scheduling algorithm employing RL for minimizing the energy bills regarding a renewable resource is developed. Utility companies recognize the importance and necessity of demand response (DR) programs for reducing the increased production costs associated with rising energy demand. The advent of smart information and communication systems has made DR programs on the basis of cost a viable option to control load in smart microgrids. Small domestic consumers are rapidly using stochastic renewable energy resources such as photovoltaic (PV). The study examines an integrated layout for residential load scheduling or load commitment problems (LCP) with renewable energy resources no matter what kind of tariff is applied. Uncertainty-based decision-making problems are effectively solved using reinforcement learning (RL). The paper proposes an RL-enabled solution to the LCP in smart microgrids. An innovative aspect of the study is the development of an integrated layout containing an implementable solution that takes into account user satisfaction, stochastic renewable power, and tariffs. In simulation tests, the suggested layout is tested for its effectiveness and flexibility. An analysis of the algorithm's efficiency using a household user with schedule-able and non-schedulable devices, together with a PV resource, has been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to holistically study hydrogen production options essential for a sustainable and carbon-free future. This study also outlines the benefits and challenges of hydrogen production methods to provide sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels by meeting the global energy demand and net-zero targets. In this study, sixteen hydrogen production methods are selected for sustainability investigation based on seven different criteria. The criteria selected in the comparative evaluation cover various dimensions of hydrogen production in terms of economic, technical, environmental, and thermodynamic aspects for better sustainability. The current study results show that steam methane reforming with carbon capture could provide sustainable hydrogen in the near future while the other technologies' maturity levels increase and the costs decrease. In the medium- and long-terms, photonic and thermal-based hydrogen production methods can be the key to sustainable hydrogen production. [Display omitted] • A holistic study of hydrogen production options for a sustainable and carbon-free future. • It outlines the benefits and challenges of hydrogen production methods. • Sixteen methods are selected for sustainability investigation based on seven different criteria. • It covers economic, technical, environmental, and thermodynamic aspects of sustainability. • It can help stakeholders deploy a hydrogen roadmap for a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessing solar power technical potential in China with high-resolution data. • Quantifying the gap between actual generation and technical potential at plant level. • Actual solar power generation is only 30% of the technical potential. • Technology, construction, and management factors cause the underperformance. Improving the power output of solar photovoltaic (PV) farms is critical to maximize the potential of PV power and reduce extensive land use in the context of large-scale deployment of renewable energy. In this paper we developed an integrated solar power potential assessment framework to quantify the gap between technical potential and actual generation of solar PV farms on national, provincial, and plant scales, and identify the key factors that cause the underperformance of PV farms. Specifically, to assess technical potential, hourly meteorological reanalysis data is adopted and the power generation-related parameters are calculated (i.e. optimal panel tilt, array spacing, packing factor etc.) with consideration of their spatial variability. For actual power generation, a detailed plant-level dataset is first established by this study which integrates technical, operational, and geospatial information from 145 solar farms across seven provinces in China. Our results show that the actual PV power generation per square meter is only 1/3 of the estimated technical potential. Technological factor is the primary factor, accounting for 48.43% of the underperformance, followed by engineering and management factors, accounting for 38.55% and 13.02%, respectively. The novelty of our study is revealing the underperformance level of solar farms in reality, identifying the causing factors, and highlighting the importance of integrating land-use efficiency indicators into solar power planning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy has demonstrated a significantly greater increase in its share of total energy consumption than carbon emissions in recent decades. This rise in renewable energy consumption did not effectively mitigate climate change, as evidenced by the accelerated rate of climate change. This paper aims to determine the cause of this failure by examining the total effect centrality and mediating effects of renewable energy in economic systems in the short run and long run. The total effect centrality and mediating effects of renewable energy illustrate the evolution of its overall impact on the major variables of an economic system and its role in mediating the indirect effects of these variables on carbon emissions, respectively. The study employs a recently developed network analysis that is a pioneer in the estimation of the time-varying total effect centrality and time-varying mediating effects of renewable energy, while also accounting for its cross-associations among all variables in a network. The study derives three conclusions by examining the three countries with the highest carbon emissions in their respective regions: the United States in North America, China in Asia, and Germany in Europe. First, renewable energy has become an essential element of economic systems, having a substantial total effect centrality on macroeconomic systems and, by way of its mediating effects, substantially mitigating the indirect effects of major macroeconomic variables on carbon emissions in the short run. Second, the total effect centrality and mediating effects of renewable energy diminish in the long run, indicating that its capacity to effectively mitigate climate change remains constrained in structural terms. Third, the long-term decline in total effect centrality rises by 0.3, 0.7, and 0.4 for the United States, Germany, and China, respectively. In the same nations, the long-term decline of mediating effects rises by 0.2, 0.4, and 0.2, respectively. The study provides pertinent policy recommendations on how to augment the total effect centrality and mediating effects of renewable energy in economic systems. [Display omitted] • Explains why renewable energy failed in curbing the accelaration of climate change. • Introduces the 'total effect centrality' of renewable energy in economic systems. • Illustrates the time-varying mediation role of renewable energy in economic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multi-microgrid energy real-time optimal control scheduling strategy is proposed. • Energy storage devices can actively participate in optimal energy scheduling. • Improved resilience and flexibility of energy dispatch for multiple microgrid. • Significantly reduce the number of microgrid connections to the distribution grid. • Maximising the full uptake of renewable energy in multi-microgrid systems. With the increasing prominence of the energy crisis and global climate issues, it has become an important cornerstone of the energy revolution to improve the utilization rate of renewable energy and gradually reduce the use of fossil energy. Nonetheless, the erratic fluctuations and instability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy have presented certain obstacles to the effective utilization of renewable energy. In order to maximize the utilization of renewable energy, enhance its utilization efficiency, and reduce the carbon emission of power supply, this paper first proposes a real-time collaborative optimal energy scheduling and dispatching control model for multi-microgrids. Subsequently, it proposes a real-time optimal control and dispatching strategy for multi-microgrid energy based on storage collaborative. This model considers the energy storage device as an energy management controller, enabling it to participate in the energy collaborative dispatch of multi-microgrid. This enables the energy storage device in the microgrid not only to actively participate in the optimal scheduling of energy, but also to make the energy in the storage device be reasonably distributed in the multi-microgrid system, to maximize the full absorption of renewable energy in the multi-microgrid, thereby reducing the dependence of the microgrid on the distribution network, and significantly improving the elasticity and reliability of the multi-microgrid system. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed optimal control scheduling strategy are verified by simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's power sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by various policy initiatives aimed at promoting competition, improving efficiency, and increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the country's energy mix. This manuscript provides an overview of the current state of the Indian power sector and their recent developments. The manuscript discusses the structure of India's power sector, including the role of various players such as generation companies, transmission companies, and distribution companies. The manuscript then analyzes policy initiatives aimed at reforming the sector, these include the Electricity Act of 2003, which introduced competition in the generation and retail segments, the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana program, which aimed at improving the financial health of distribution companies, and, the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme which has been approved by the Government of India to assist DISCOMs in improving their operational efficiencies and financial sustainability. The manuscript also discusses recent developments in the renewable energy sector in India, including the growth of solar and wind power, the implementation of renewable purchase obligations, and the introduction of competitive bidding for renewable energy projects. Finally, the manuscript examines the impact of recent developments on the performance of India's power sector and the power exchange. It finds that while significant progress has been made in promoting competition and increasing the share of renewable energy, challenges such as the high cost of electricity and the financial health of distribution companies persist. The paper concludes by discussing potential areas for further reform and improvement in the sector. • Overview of the current Indian electricity sector and recent developments. • Government initiatives to improve the Electricity Sector. • Discussion on the usage of renewable energy sources in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation and utilisation of solar energy is challenging because of both diurnal and seasonal variation. Seasonal thermal energy storage is a prominent solution to solve the problem of seasonal variation of solar production. This paper investigates both the optimal design and energy management of a renewable energy plant with seasonal thermal energy storage. As a case study, the thermal, cooling and electrical energy demands of a university campus during one year are considered. Three scenarios, characterized by a different available area (20,555 m2, area covered at present; 50,000 m2, potentially available area by exploiting the entire rooftop and parking area; unlimited area) for solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels are investigated. In the first two scenarios, the exploitation of solar energy allows a primary energy saving of 31% and 57%, respectively compared to the use of a conventional plant. The seasonal storage reaches an overall efficiency (thus considering both charging and discharging) up to 84%. Finally, the analysis of the third scenario shows that the feasibility of meeting the energy demands by only exploiting solar energy is technically challenging because a large area equal to about 100,293 m2 is needed for solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses a methodology, specifically for solar power potential areas, to effectively design and develop solar photovoltaic power plants integrated with battery banks connected to the utility grid as an additional backup to maintain power stability and reliability. To prove the effectiveness of this method regarding its use for the design and development of the proposed system, Kinshasa city in Democratic Republic of the Congo with a huge (5425 MWh) energy deficit has been considered as a case study. In fact, the method employed in this study has considered weather data, site selection, hourly load power and energy demand analysis, specifications of PV technologies and other components of the system. Economic analysis has also been carried out for the proposed system viability assessment. With a competitive LCOE, SPP < 10 years, NPV˃0, SIR˃1, and ROI ˃10 %, and a yearly PV energy output greater than the city's energy deficit, the system proposed has been found to be feasible and viable. In a search for better performance, higher efficiency and better economic values, the proposed method is highly recommended and can be regarded as one of the most effective and the easiest for sizing large-scale PV systems. • Grid-connected solar PV plants with storage batteries running as a base unit can much help maintain power supply continuity. • An effective design method is of great interest for the sizing of large-scale grid-connected PV systems. • Using PV systems for utility applications can now be regarded as a cheaper and fast option to address electricity challenges in most African countries, in particular DRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the socio-economic determinants of terrorism are conducted by many researchers using different samples and time spans, the impact of renewable energy consumption on terrorism has been ignored for a long time. To bridge the gap, this paper aims to investigate the impact of renewable energy consumption on terrorism regarding economic growth, non-renewable energy consumption, and income inequality over the period straddling 1990 and 2019 for a panel of the USA, China, India, Iran, Germany, and Russia. We employ the CUP-FM and CUP-BC estimators to reveal the long-run relationship between variables. The empirical findings suggest that renewable energy consumption has a negative impact on terrorism. A 1% increase in renewable energy consumption decreases terrorism by 0.315% and 0.631%, according to the CUP-FM and CUP-BC estimators, respectively. Economic growth also has a negative impact on terrorism, whereas non-renewable energy consumption and income inequality positively affect terrorism. Our empirical findings highlighted that renewable energy consumption and economic growth are crucial for combating terrorism in these countries. Therefore, these countries need to improve comprehensive policies in terms of renewable energy consumption and simultaneously decrease non-renewable energy consumption and income inequality. • Renewable energy consumption helps to lower the terrorism index. • Inequality of income expedites the rise of terrorism. • Terrorism is exacerbated as a result of fossil fuel consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-growth nexus has been explored extensively by researchers and academia; however, the role of cleaner energy, especially in the context of emerging economies, i.e., Nex-11 countries, have been ignored. Therefore, to fill the gap in the literature, this paper considers a non-parametric panel method, to test directly for the importance of renewable energy in economic performance for Next eleven (N-11) countries. The econometric estimations—which focused on a panel of N-11 countries—determined that: (i) renewable energy consumption boosts economic growth in short run only; and (ii) industry value added, human development, and consumption expenditures accelerate economic, whereas globalization decrease it. Hence, all countries need to reduce the risk associated with renewable energy so that to make them effective for economic growth. Moreover, there is a need to provide different types of invested capital for ongoing activities of renewable energy production. In general, this study provides relevant policy implications in the context of renewable energy, globalisation and economic growth for the Nex-11 economies. • Renewable Energy led Economic Growth Hypothesis is tested in the Next-11 countries. • The novel Method of Moments Panel Quantile Regression is employed. • Renewable energy led economic growth is valid in the selected panel economies. • Consumption expenditures, Human Development, Industry Value Added enhances growth. • Globalisation is found to limit economic growth in case of Next-11 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of renewable energy on value-added in the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors is examined. • Renewable energy significantly enhances value-added in the three sectors in the long-run. • Renewable energy does not matter for sectoral value-added growth in the short-run. • One-way causality from renewable energy to agriculture value-added and from service value-added to renewable energy. • No causal relationship between renewable energy and industry value-added. A growing number of studies have investigated the growth-renewable energy nexus with mixed findings. However, they have mostly focused on aggregate growth ignoring the sectoral level differences. Like economic growth, it is been argued that there are sectoral dynamics in the determinants and impact of renewable energy. Hence, this paper examines the effect of renewable energy on value-added in the agricultural, industrial and service sectors in a selected sample of 12 Sub-Saharan African countries from 1985 to 2017. The findings from the PMG - ARDL model show that renewable energy significantly improves value-added in these sectors in the long run with the highest impact in the service sector. In the short run, however, renewable energy does not have a significant effect on sectoral value-added. Also, findings show that nonrenewable energy consumption significantly enhances the service value-added whereas capital and labor spur value-added in the three sectors. Finally, the causality test unveils a unilateral effect from renewable energy to agriculture value-added, from service value-added to renewable energy, and a neutral relationship exists between renewable energy and industry value-added. These findings suggest investments in renewable energy are long-term in nature. In the short term, however, governments could provide financial incentives such as subsidies and/or tax exemptions to boost the adoption of modern and more energy-efficient technologies across economic sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dependence on fossil fuel reduces the hazard of private sector investment in renewable energy sector. • The role of fossil fuel dependence decreases in countries with prior investment projects. • Changes in oil price have competing effects on investment hazard. • Regulatory quality and renewable energy policies stimulate private sector investments in developing countries. Given the rapid population growth and subsequent increase in energy demand in developing countries, private sector investment in renewable energy projects is key for sustainable economic development. However, the current energy mix is still dependent on conventional fossil fuels. The paper examines the time duration to private sector investment in renewable energy projects and how the hazard rate is affected by dependence on fossil fuels. Using data on private sector participation in renewable energy projects in 134 developing and middle-income countries for the (1990–2012) period, this paper applies multiple failure time model. The results show significant negative effects of fossil fuel consumption and fuel rent on investment likelihood. Consistent with literature, a set of socio-economic variables, such as renewable energy policy and energy security concerns, play an important role in increasing the likelihood of private sector investment in renewable energy technologies. The findings of the paper resonate with concerns of the international community regarding the effect of fossil fuel dependence on the rate of adoption of renewable energy sources in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates asymmetric effects of renewable and nuclear energy on economic growth by extending production function along with labor and capital for Pakistan's economy. Paper utilises non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model with the yearly data of 1990–2016 to extract reliable facts. Results reveal the presence of asymmetric co-integration among variables. Results offer evidence of positive and negative shocks to renewable and nuclear energy variables will have positive impact on economic growth. Further, capital formation contributes positive to economic growth. Addition to this, two more conventional models have been constructed to investigate asymmetric impacts of economic growth, oil prices, oil consumption and CO 2 emissions on nuclear and renewable energy consumption. Results reveal that oil consumption leads to a negative impact on renewable energy consumption while it is neutral for nuclear energy consumption. Oil price was having neutral impact on renewable and nuclear energy consumption. Policy suggestions are given based on empirical results. Highlights • Renewable energy consumption has asymmetric positive affect on economic growth. • Nuclear energy consumption shows a positive and asymmetric linkages with economic growth. • Oil consumption has negative impact on renewable energy consumption. • Oil price shows neutral impact on renewable and nuclear energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Renewable energy assessment methods used in 12 GBRSs are analysed and compared. • Methods used in green neighbourhood rating system are also introduced. • Evaluation way, renewable energy types, building characteristics, etc. are analyzed. • The effects by using different methods in one building are analysed. • Suggestions are provided to improve the renewable energy assessment. Green buildings and neighborhoods can help mitigate impacts of buildings on the environment, society and economy. Many rating systems or tools have been developed worldwide to assess and certificate green buildings or green neighborhoods. Renewable energy plays an important role in achieving green buildings/neighborhoods or zero energy buildings/neighborhoods by reducing fuel consumption and pollution emissions. However, substantial differences exist in assessing or quantifying the renewable energy in green building/neighborhood rating systems. This paper therefore provides a comprehensive review on renewable energy assessment methods adopted in green building/neighborhood rating systems, which would be very helpful to understand and then improve the rating systems. These methods are analyzed and discussed regarding to the calculation way, involved renewable energy types, building characteristics and energy conversion. Then a case study is conducted to quantitatively illustrate the difference of typical renewable energy assessment. Suggestions are summarized to improve the assessment methods. This paper will help investors, users and policy makers understand the rating systems more thoroughly and promote the development of green buildings and green neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract African countries are in a unique position to reap the socio-economic and environmental benefits of renewable resources as a means for meeting increasing energy demand in a sustainable way. A critical obstacle for the deployment of renewable energy technologies in Africa is the difficulty of attracting sufficient and affordable finance. This paper compares the impact of financial conditions on the cost of electricity generation across six renewable and three fossil-based technologies in 46 African countries. The results show large cost variations and highlight the extent to which renewables are disadvantaged by current financial practices. The energy-economy-environment model TIAM-ECN is used to show how lowering financing costs results in a much higher deployment of renewables. For example, solar PV could account for 10–15% of total electricity generation by 2050, even without explicit climate policy, thanks to financial de-risking programmes. The results demonstrate that changes in financing schemes could outweigh the impact of technology learning. This paper also demonstrates that, once ambitious climate policies are in place, reducing financing costs for renewables could be an efficient way to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Financial de-risking is thus a key ingredient for unlocking the renewable energy potential in Africa. Highlights • We show how renewables are disadvantaged by today's financial practices in Africa. • We show how lower financing costs result in a higher deployment of renewables. • PV can account for 10–15% of electricity generation by 2050 without climate policy. • Changes in financing schemes could outweigh the impact of technology learning. • Financial de-risking is key for unlocking the renewable energy potential in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive review of 48 studies on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of biogas production from 2006 to 2018 (13 years). The scope of the study, type of feedstock and impact categories used in the reviewed studies were discussed. Although various studies have been carried out to assess the efficiency and potential of wastes for biogas production, however, little attention has been paid particularly in the developing countries to conduct comprehensive analysis related to the environmental performance of biogas generation based on the LCA methodology. In Malaysia, the utilization of palm oil mill effluent (POME) as the source of energy has recently been expanded due to its abundant production at the palm oil mills. Therefore, this paper also highlights and discusses the feasibility of LCA approach on biogas production from POME as well as the opportunities and challenges from the Malaysian perspective. Highlights • Utilization of biogas production from organic waste to provide a clean energy. • Environmental performance of biogas as a renewable energy using an LCA methodology. • The trends of LCA approach in biogas production was reviewed worldwide. • The opportunities of biogas production from POME in Malaysian was discussed. • The feasibility of LCA approach on biogas production in Malaysian was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Climate change and global warming are currently the biggest threat to human society. In Iranian households, buildings expend 33% of the yearly energy consumption. The potential of renewable energy sources in Iran is high and Iranian government is taking steps to increase the use of renewable energy sources. This paper examines the use of renewable energy in two major city buildings in Iran. In this paper, solar radiation in two cities (Tehran and Yazd) is analysed. The average annual sum of solar irradiation in Yazd is 2200 kWh/m2 and in Tehran, the amount is 2000 kWh/m2 [1]. The major task in this paper is to quantify the impact of geographical region and to evaluate the viability of implementing renewable systems in buildings in Iran. To reach this end, the annual average solar radiation is calculated in each city. Hourly Analysis Program is used to design each building and calculate their respective heating and cooling loads. Photovoltaic solar systems and solar-thermal systems are designed for both of the buildings. It is seen that, although Yazd has hot and arid climate compared to Tehran, the cooling and heating load in the building in Tehran is higher, and the higher solar radiation in Yazd reduces the number of solar panels required for the designed building. However, the difference is not significant. It is assessed that in order to have more efficient systems, the grid infrastructure in Iran should be upgraded to enable applying large-scale renewable energy systems for buildings in a neighbourhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Numerous studies have investigated how small vulnerable territories are adapting to climate change, particularly non-interconnected islands with focus on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and self-sufficiency. A key to success is an energy plan with appropriate policy tools. This paper first presents a discussion on barriers to RES deployment. Then, we present the energy situation and the legislative energy framework in Reunion Island. Are the legislative and policy frameworks sufficient to achieve the energy transition? This paper proposes an original view discussing the potential of a territory and available tools to develop RES. Energy transition is also view as an opportunity. Highlights • Reunion Island's potential for achieve the energy transition. • A complex legal context: town planning and energy planning not in phase. • A set of barriers identified and analysed isolated island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The transition to a 100% renewable energy system based on variable renewable energy raises technical but also institutional questions. The smart energy system concept integrates variable renewable energy by addressing the technical challenges through the integration of different energy sectors, but integration of variable renewable energy also entails a change in the cost structures, especially related to electricity. The effect of this change in cost structures on market prices is investigated. This is done through simulation of a 100% renewable energy system that utilises a large degree of cross-sector integration but maintaining the current electricity market structure. The paper uses a 100% renewable energy system scenario for a 2050 Danish energy system. This is reflected in the use of wind energy as the primary renewable energy source. It is concluded that the current electricity market structure is not able to financially sustain the amounts of wind power necessary for the transition to a 100% renewable energy system. Since earlier research shows that neither electricity production costs nor the total system costs is higher for the renewable path than the fossil-based alternatives, the conclusion in this paper points towards a need for reshaping the institutional structure of electricity trade. Highlights • Calculates electricity prices in a renewable energy system with current market design. • Calculates private profitability of wind power investments within such system. • The market design cannot financially sustain wind power in a renewable energy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy extraction from renewable sources like hydrokinetic energy from the flowing water of rivers and canals is one of the affordable and clean energy generation technique. The current work is carried out towards performance enhancement of the Darrieus hydrokinetic turbine for open water channel utilization application. The investigation has been done using the flat and concave shape of blocking plate. Both blocking plates have been analyzed for different sizes as well as location at the upstream side of the turbine. The obtained results are reported after considering appropriate velocity correction. The blocking plates with projected width of 76 mm, 89 mm, 101 mm, 127 mm, 152 mm, and 203 mm are selected for the investigation. It is observed that 101 mm (Width Ratio , WR =0.36) with concave blocking plate provides maximum C p of 0.245 at 0.99 TSR. Also, the optimum region is found between 0.143 and 0.286 Distance Ratio (DR) from the top corner of the acrylic plate. The concave blocking plate enhance the performance more compared to flat blocking plate. The conclusion is made that, the performance with flat blocking plate with optimized width and location improve the power coefficient by 10.92% and that of concave blocking plate by 18.45%. • Energy extraction using Darrieus hydrokinetic turbine is one of the affordable and clean energy generation techniques. • The performance of the Darrieus water turbine has been compared with a bare rotor and with using two different types of blocking plates. • The concave and flat blocking plates have been experimentally analyzed, and its effect has been explored in the paper. • The different sizes of concave and flat blocking plates were placed at the upstream side of the Darrieus turbine to enhance the performance. • The paper also includes the optimum region of the optimized shape concave and flat blocking plates placed at the upstream location of the rotor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A two-layer framework is proposed for building HVAC and associated multi-energy consumption optimization. • 100% renewable complementarities are proposed for building multi-energy supplies. • A R-C thermodynamic network is formulated to model the building HVAC. • AC slow charging and DC fast charging types of EVs are considered and managed via a novel real-time supply–demand pricing. Building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and associated energy consumption make up the more and more important part of the world, whose reduction provides a cost-effective path to the "dual carbon" goal. This paper proposes a two-layer management of HVAC-based multi-energy buildings under proactive demand response of fast/slow-charging electric vehicles (EVs). In this paper, the building HVAC is mathematically formulated via a R-C thermodynamic model, which coordinates with multi-energy converters and storages to form a 100% renewable building. The building management is a challenging optimization problem due to its severe constraints and strong spatio-temporal couplings. In the first layer, a day-ahead multi-energy dispatch is formulated to economically optimize the electrical, heat, gas energy carriers. In the second layer, alternating current (AC) slow charging and direct current (DC) fast charging types of EVs are considered and managed via a novel real-time supply–demand pricing mechanism. After acquiring the economical dispatch references in the first layer, the second layer implements a model predictive control (MPC)-based real-time scheduling to handle the multi-energy supply–demand fluctuations. The original two-layer optimization is further handled via mixed-integer linear program (MILP) reformulation for high-efficient solving. Comparisons have shown the advantageous performances of the proposed two-layer optimization over economics and practicability. Simulations results show that the overall system operating cost can be reduced by at most 3.01% with a higher operational flexibility in building management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environment-friendly, safe and reliable energy supplies are indispensable to society for sustainable development and high life quality where even though social, environmental, political and economic challenges may play a vital role in their provision. Our continuously growing energy demand is driven by extensive growth in economic development and population and places an ever-increasing burden on fossil fuel utilization that represent a substantial percentage of this increasing energy demand but also creates challenges associated with increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resource depletion. Such challenges make the global transition obligatory from conventional to renewable energy sources. Hydrogen is emerging as a new energy vector outside its typical role and receiving more recognition globally as a potential fuel pathway, as it offers advantages in use cases and unlike synthetic carbon-based fuels can be truly carbon neutral or even negative on a life cycle basis. This review paper provides critical analysis of the state-of-the-art in blue and green hydrogen production methods using conventional and renewable energy sources, utilization of hydrogen, storage, transportation, distribution and key challenges and opportunities in the commercial deployment of such systems. Some of the key promising renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen, such as solar and wind, are intermittent; hydrogen appears to be the best candidate to be employed for multiple purposes blending the roles of fuel energy carrier and energy storage modality. Furthermore, this study offers a comparative assessment of different non-renewable and renewable hydrogen production systems based on system design, cost, global warming potential (GWP), infrastructure and efficiency. Finally the key challenges and opportunities associated with hydrogen production, storage, transportation and distribution and commercial-scale deployment are addressed. • A detailed review on hydrogen production methods and utilization. • Green, blue and purple hydrogen production methods are described thoroughly. • Hydrogen storage and infrastructure, transportation and distribution are also covered in utilization. • Recent advancements, challenges and opportunities are described in detail. • Comparative assessment is conducted on the basis of system design, cost, storage, GWP, infrastructure and efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody biomass energy makes up a large share of renewable energy consumption in the EU, and the largest share in countries like Denmark. However, little is known about how the public perceive it. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire-based survey of the public in Denmark focusing on attitudes toward woody biomass for energy. The main findings are that, while more people favor than oppose it, a large proportion are undecided about the use of woody biomass. The survey also revealed a lack of knowledge about this energy source. A Best-Worst Scaling methodology revealed that Danes prioritize environmental sustainability concerns – namely biodiversity loss, the hindering of the development of other renewable energy sources and the climate change mitigation potential of woody biomass – over societal and/or economic ones when it comes to the promotion of woody biomass. Finally, it was found that concern about climate change, belief in the mitigation potential of woody biomass, and being younger explained the formation of positive attitudes toward woody biomass. Policy makers aiming to take public concerns into account in discussions about Denmark's energy future should focus more on minimizing the negative environmental impacts associated with woody biomass rather than on its economic benefits. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the first application of a split-range control technique on a concentrating solar collector to improve an absorption plant production. Solar absorption plants have solar power availability in phase with cooling demand under design conditions. Thus, it is a powerful cooling technology in the context of renewable energy and energy efficiency. These plants need control systems to cope with solar irradiance intermittency, reject irradiation disturbances, manage fossil fuels backup systems and dump closed-loop thermal-hydraulic oscillations. In this work, control techniques are proposed and simulated in an absorption plant in Spain. The plant consists of a concentrating Fresnel solar collector connected to an absorption chiller. The objectives are to operate with 100% renewable solar energy and avoid safety defocus events while reducing temperature oscillations and control actuators effort. Firstly, the current available plant controllers are defined, then two modifications are proposed. The first modification is a split-range controller capable of manipulating both flow and defocus of the Fresnel collector, the second modification is a PI controller to substitute the original chiller on-off controller. The results compare, through validated models, the different control systems and indicate that using both proposed controllers reduces 94% of the sum of actuators effort and 43% of the integral of absolute set-point tracking error compared to the plant's factory pre-set controllers. The suggested controllers increase 66% of energy production and 63% of exergy production. Besides, the split-range technique can be extended to any concentrating solar collector control. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important methodological point that has been over-looked by most of the literature is that renewable energy consumption (REC) is not only correlated in time but also in space. The omission of relevant spatial interaction terms in econometric analysis could be a methodological issue of major importance as it could lead to biased and inefficient estimates. This study accounts for spatial interaction effects to investigate the determinants of REC using a balanced panel of 41 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the period 2002 to 2015. The paper computes the Spatial Moran's I value to explore the spatial agglomeration phenomenon. Then, the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) is applied to investigate the determinants of REC. The result from the Moran's I value indicates positive spatial correlation between REC and the spatial spill-over effect, representing spatial agglomeration. The decomposition of the SDM Model reveals that the direct effect of Gross Domestic Product per capita is negative while the direct effect of quality of governance level is positive. [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]