Search Results (3,382)

The evolution of the generation mix towards deep decarbonization poses pressing questions about the role of hydropower and its possible share in the future mix. Most technical–economic analyses of deeply decarbonized systems either rule out hydropower growth due to lack of additional hydro resources or take it into account in terms of additional reservoir capacity. This paper analyzes a generation mix made of photovoltaic, wind, open-cycle gas turbines, electrochemical storage and hydroelectricity, focusing on the optimal generation mix’s reaction to different methane gas prices, hydroelectricity availabilities, pumped hydro reservoir capacities, and mean filling durations for hydro reservoirs. The key feature of the developed model is the sizing of both optimal peak power and reservoir energy content for hydropower. The results of the study point out two main insights. The first one, rather widely accepted, is that cost-effective decarbonization requires the greatest possible amount of hydro reservoirs. The second one is that, even in the case of totally exploited reservoirs, there is a strong case for increasing hydro peak power. Application of the model to the Italian generation mix (with 9500 MWp and 7250 MWp of non-pumped and pumped hydro fleets, respectively) suggests that it is possible to achieve methane shares of less than 10% if the operating costs of open-cycle gas turbines exceed 160 EUR/MWh and with non-pumped and pumped hydro fleets of at least 9200 MWp and 28,400 MWp, respectively. Full article

The building sector is under increasing pressure to lower its environmental impact, prompting renewed interest in raw soil as a low-carbon and locally available material. This study investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of clay-based masonry walls through a comprehensive experimental program on earthen mortars, bricks, and their interfaces, considering both stabilized and non-stabilized formulations. Compressive, bending, and shear tests reveal that strength is strongly influenced by mortar composition, hydration time, and the soil-to-sand ratio. The addition of 5–7.5% cement yields modest gains in compressive strength but increases the carbon footprint, whereas extended pre-hydration achieves similar improvements with lower environmental costs. Thermal characterization of the studied samples (SiO₂ ≈ 61.2 wt%, Al₂O₃ ≈ 11.7 wt%, MgO ≈ 5.1 wt%) revealed that SiO₂-enriched compositions significantly enhance thermal conductivity, whereas the presence of Al₂O₃ and MgO contributes to increased heat capacity and improved moisture regulation. These findings suggest that well-optimized clay-based mortars can satisfy the structural and thermal requirements of non-load-bearing applications, offering a practical and sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials. By reducing embodied carbon, enhancing hygrothermal comfort, and relying on locally available resources, such mortars contribute to the advancement of green building practices and the transition towards low-carbon construction. Full article

Retrofitting existing buildings is regarded as a main driver of decarbonization, yet retrofitting activities are lagging behind their ambitious goals. This study explores 86 German construction practitioners’ perceptions of organizational, policy, and social challenges to sustainable retrofitting and how those perceptions relate to age, attitude, and their interaction. The primary analyses used OLS moderation models with HC3-robust standard errors and ordered-logit models, which served as robustness checks. Across outcomes, more pro-environment attitudes were associated with fewer perceived challenges, and older practitioners (41–56+) reported higher barrier perception. The attitude × age interaction results indicate that the protective link of attitude was weaker among older respondents, which was significant for policy and social challenges but only marginal for organizational challenges. The model fit was reasonable, at an Adj. R² between ≈0.56 and 0.72 with acceptable diagnostics. Our results suggest that even motivated professionals can feel constrained, especially among older, senior staff. Practical implications include early tenant engagement to enhance acceptance and foster internal organizational sustainability capacities. Policy instruments such as adult education programmes need to be leveraged to enhance sustainable construction capabilities and reinforce attitudes and behaviours toward sustainable retrofitting. More salient policy communications and guidance can contribute to increasing sustainability orientation and reducing perceived trade-offs with economic goals. Full article

This paper’s goal was to determine the state of green financing and reveal the main aspects of its regulation and influence on environmental risk management in the conditions of the growth of global uncertainty. Based on the sample that contains the top 10 countries of the world with a higher level of green economic capabilities in 2024, by the assessment for developed and developing countries in isolation, we performed regression analysis of the following: (1) Dependence of environmental costs of GDP on the volume of green investments; (2) Dependence of the volume of green investments on the application of the measures of state regulation of green finance. As a result, we proved that in developed countries, the growth of the activity of green investing in the economy leads to a reduction in the environmental costs of GDP, and in developing countries, an increase in the environmental costs of GDP. Unlike developed countries, in which green investments are not determined by the influence of the factors of state regulation, the implementation of the measures of state regulation of green finance in developing countries ensures the inflow of green investments into the economy. This paper’s novelty, compared to the existing literature, is that it discloses previously unknown differences in the character of the influence of the factors of state regulation of green finance on green investments in the economy and differences in the consequences of the activity of investing for environmental risks in different categories of countries (in particular, differences between developed and developing countries) and at different phases of the economic cycle (in the conditions of relative stability and in the conditions of global instability). The established regularities of the development of green finance under the influence of state regulation measures in developed and developing countries will raise the precision of forecasting and planning of this development in support of green economic growth and decarbonization. The revealed differences between developed and developing countries will allow forming a strategy of development of green finance in each category of countries, given their specifics, and thus, achieving the growth of these strategies’ effectiveness. The proposed policy implications for the reduction in environmental risks through the improvement of state regulation of green finance in developed and developing countries, given their revealed specifics, have practical significance. Full article

Thermo-catalytic decomposition (TCD) presents a promising pathway for producing hydrogen from natural gas without emitting CO₂. This process represents a form of fossil fuel decarbonization where the byproduct, rather than being a greenhouse gas, is a solid carbon material with potential for commercial value. This study examines the dynamic behavior of TCD, showing that carbon formed during the reaction first enhances and later dominates methane decomposition. Three types of carbon materials were employed as starting catalysts. Methane decomposition was continuously monitored using on-line Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The concentration and nature of surface-active sites were determined using a two-step approach: oxygen chemisorption followed by elemental analysis through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Changes in the morphology and nanostructure of the carbon catalysts, both before and after TCD, were examined using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the reactivity of the TCD deposits in relation to the initial catalysts. Partial oxidation altered the structural and surface chemistry of the initial carbon catalysts, resulting in activation energies of 69.7–136.7 kJ/mol for methane. The presence of C₂ and C₃ species doubled methane decomposition (12% → 24%). TCD carbon displayed higher reactivity than the nascent catalysts and sustained long-term activity. Full article

With the global energy transition and decarbonization goals, tower-type solar thermal power generation is increasingly important for dispatchable clean energy due to its high efficiency, thermal storage capacity, and regulation performance. However, current research focuses on ideal conditions, ignoring real geographical constraints on heliostat layout and environmental impacts on receiver performance. More practical scene modeling and performance evaluation methods are urgently needed. To address these issues, we propose a heliostat field simulation algorithm based on heat loss mechanisms and real site characteristics. The algorithm includes optical performance evaluation (cosine efficiency, shading, truncation, atmospheric transmittance) and heat loss mechanisms (radiation, convection, conduction) for realistic net heat output estimation. Experiments revealed the following: (1) higher central towers improve optical efficiency by increasing solar elevation angle; (2) radiation losses dominate at high power and tower height, while convection losses dominate at low power and tower height. Using the Economic-Integrated Score (EIS) optimization algorithm, we achieved optimal tower and receiver configuration with 40.22% average improvement over other configurations (maximum 3.9× improvement). This provides a scientific design basis for improving tower-type solar thermal systems’ adaptability and economy in different geographical environments. Full article

The transition to decarbonized and distributed energy systems has increased interest in flexibility markets as a key tool to manage variability and coordinate distributed energy resources. However, the fast growth and conceptual fragmentation of this field hinder the building of coherent models and scalable solutions. This paper presents a scoping review of 243 peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2025, applying the TEAM Framework and Business Model Canvas. Through a structured data matrix of 35 variables, we analyze how flexibility is defined and modelled, the coordination mechanisms applied, and how business dimensions are integrated. The results reveal major inconsistencies in terminology, actor roles, price formation, and interoperability modelling. We identify critical gaps in cost modelling and business model integration, especially in low-TRL studies. This review provides a comprehensive and cross-cutting synthesis of existing approaches, offering a reference framework for future research, policy design, and market implementation of distributed flexibility mechanisms. Full article

Against the backdrop of an intensifying global climate change and energy crisis, energy system decarbonization constitutes a primary sector for carbon mitigation. Integrated Energy Systems (IES) of district heating systems (DHS), a critical component of district energy networks (DEN), enable energy cascade utilization and enhance renewable energy integration efficiency when coupled with incremental distribution networks (IDN). However, retrofitting coupled systems necessitates significant capital investment and sustained operational expenditures. To evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of system retrofitting and assess cross-sector coordinated optimization potential, this study develops a multi-objective optimization framework for IES transition planning of DHS. Using an operational DHS energy station as a case study, we establish multi-scenario retrofitting strategies and operational protocols with comprehensive feasibility assessments, incorporating sensitivity analysis of cross-sector optimization potential while evaluating how varying electricity-to-heat load ratios affect optimization performance. Results demonstrate that intelligent operation optimization is essential for coordinating multi-equipment operations and maximizing energy conservation. Significant long-term economic and carbon mitigation potential remains untapped in ground source heat pumps and combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems. Coordinated optimization with campus incremental distribution networks further enhances energy cascade utilization in urban energy systems. Full article

This paper investigates the combustion characteristics of promising decarbonized fuel mixtures—methane/hydrogen (CH₄/H₂) and ammonia/hydrogen (NH₃/H₂)—with a focus on how they interact with external electric fields. The key findings are that these flames possess significant electrochemical properties, allowing for non-intrusive control over their stabilization, shape, and structure using relatively weak electric fields. The research combines experimental techniques like volt-ampere characteristic (VAC) measurement and advanced Hilbert visualization to analyze flame deformation, temperature distribution, and species concentration. Two orientations of the electric field were considered: transverse and longitudinal. For the transverse field, an assessment of the degree of flame deformation was made, indicating the preservation of the laminar combustion regime. In the longitudinal electric field, a change in the combustion stabilization mode was observed, which was detected through visualization and current-voltage characteristics (CVC). Full article

The accelerating degradation of the global environment, primarily driven by dependence on fossil fuels, has intensified the urgency for energy transitions toward renewable sources. While the literature on energy transitions is expanding, the role of environmental governance, particularly the stringency of environmental policies, remains insufficiently understood. This study addresses this gap by empirically examining how environmental policy stringency influences national energy transitions. Using a balanced panel of 29 countries over the period 2010–2024, we construct an energy transition indicator and estimate its relationship with policy stringency while controlling for macroeconomic and structural factors such as income, trade openness, and foreign direct investment. To mitigate endogeneity and cross-sectional dependence, we employ robust econometric techniques, including Instrumental Variables (IV) two-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and IV two-stage least squares estimators. The results provide strong evidence that stricter environmental policies significantly accelerate the shift toward cleaner energy sources. Furthermore, the findings highlight the complementary roles of financial innovation in mobilizing green investments and economic complexity in facilitating sustainable energy adoption. These insights underscore the critical importance of stringent environmental governance in achieving global decarbonization goals and inform policymakers on the design of effective regulatory frameworks to foster energy transitions. Full article

This study presents a holistic framework for adaptive thermal energy storage (A-TES) in solar-assisted systems. This framework aims to support a reliable industrial energy supply, particularly during periods of limited sunlight, while also facilitating industrial decarbonization. In previous studies, the focus was not on addressing the framework of the entire problem, but rather on specific parts of it. Therefore, the innovation in this study lies in bringing these aspects together within a unified framework through a data-driven approach that combines the analysis of efficiency, technology, environmental impact, sectoral applications, operational challenges, and policy into a comprehensive system. Sensible thermal energy storage with an adaptive approach can be utilized in numerous industries, particularly concentrated solar power plants, to optimize power dispatch, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce gas emissions. Simulation results indicate that stable regulations and flexible incentives have led to a 60% increase in solar installations, highlighting their significance in investment expansion within the renewable energy sector. Integrated measures among sectors have increased energy availability by 50% in rural regions, illustrating the need for partnerships in renewable energy projects. The full implementation of novel advanced energy management systems (AEMSs) in industrial heat processes has resulted in a 20% decrease in energy consumption and a 15% improvement in efficiency. Making the switch to open-source software has reduced software expenditure by 50% and increased productivity by 20%, demonstrating the strategic advantages of open-source solutions. The findings provide a foundation for future research by offering a framework to analyze a specific real-world industrial case. Full article

Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions offers a sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process, yet remains limited by the inertness of N≡N bonds and sluggish multi-electron/proton transfer kinetics. Nature’s nitrogenase enzymes, featuring the FeMo cofactor and ATP-driven electron cascades, inspire a new generation of artificial systems capable of mimicking their catalytic precision and selectivity. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in bio-inspired photocatalytic nitrogen reduction, focusing on six key strategies derived from enzymatic mechanisms: Fe–Mo–S active site reconstruction, hierarchical electron relay pathways, ATP-mimicking energy modules, defect-induced microenvironments, interfacial charge modulation, and spatial confinement engineering. While notable progress has been made in enhancing activity and selectivity, challenges remain in dynamic regulation, mechanistic elucidation, and system-level integration. Future efforts should prioritize operando characterization, adaptive interface design, and device-compatible catalyst platforms. By abstracting nature’s catalytic logic into synthetic architectures, biomimetic photocatalysis holds great promise for scalable, green ammonia production aligned with global decarbonization goals. Full article

Today, on the island of Gran Canaria, conventional photovoltaic installations are being implemented on the ground, with the excuse that electricity production must be decarbonized. This is located on a highly populated island, with a shortage of flat land, and a high dependence on food, in a biodiversity hot spot on the planet. We would like to point out that agrivoltaics could provide a double solution and allow the carbon footprint of this human settlement to be further reduced. In addition, it provides greater resilience to climate change, and by reducing dependence on the outside, it would minimize the effects suffered by pandemics such as SARS-CoV-2. It would also help mitigate water stress in one area facing serious water shortage problems. The reduction of local CO₂ emissions would be achieved in four ways: production of clean electricity, reduction of the transport of fuel for electricity generation, reduction of the transport of food goods from abroad, and the absorption of CO₂ together with the emission of O₂ by the planted crops. It would also lead to greater job creation, a remedy against great soil desertification, stopping agricultural abandonment, and life in rural inland areas. This study analyzes two possible agrivoltaic installation configurations of equal power in a potato field: one with a vertical bifacial (VB) configuration and another with an optimum angle (OA). The monthly production is examined and, specifically, the economic income in the event of pouring all the production into the grid. All this takes into account the reality of the chosen place, the island of Gran Canaria (Spain). Full article

Green ammonia has emerged as a promising alternative fuel for maritime decarbonization, owing to its carbon-free combustion, favorable volumetric energy density, and well-established logistics infrastructure compared to other alternatives. However, critical gaps persist in the development of an integrated fuel supply framework, which hinders the large-scale adoption of ammonia-fueled vessels. Therefore, this paper proposes an onshore wind-powered green ammonia plant located along the Gaolan–Yangpu feeder route. The plant comprises PEM electrolysis, nitrogen separation, Haber–Bosch synthesis, and storage facilities. An optimal plant configuration is subsequently derived through hourly simulations based on wind power generation and a priority-based capacity expansion algorithm. Key findings indicate that a stable ammonia supply—synchronized with monsoon wind patterns and capable of fueling vessels with 10 MW propulsion systems consuming around 680 tons per fortnight—requires a 72 MW onshore wind farm, a 63 MW PEM electrolyzer, 3.6 MW of synthesis facility, and 3205 tons of storage. This configuration yields a levelized cost of ammonia (LCOA) of approximately USD 700/ton, with wind turbines and electrolyzers (including replacement costs) accounting for over 70% of the total cost. Sensitivity analysis further shows that wind turbine and electrolyzer prices are the primary factors affecting ammonia costs. Although variations in operational parameters may significantly alter final configuration, they cause only minor (±1%) fluctuations in the levelized cost without significantly altering its overall trend. Full article

Heating and cooling (H&C) account for nearly half of the EU’s energy consumption, with significant potential for decarbonization through renewable energy sources (RES) integrated in district heating and cooling (DHC) systems. This study evaluates the environmental and social impacts of RES-powered DHC solutions implemented in three European small-scale demo sites (Bucharest, Luleå, Córdoba) under the Horizon 2020 WEDISTRICT project. Using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodologies, the research compares baseline fossil-based energy scenarios with post-implementation renewable scenarios. Results reveal substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions (up to 67%) and positive environmental trade-offs, though increased mineral and metal resource use and site-specific impacts on water and land use highlight important sustainability challenges. Social assessments demonstrate improvements in gender parity, local employment, and occupational safety, yet reveal persistent issues in wage equity, union representation, and inclusion of vulnerable populations. The findings emphasize that while renewable DHC systems offer significant climate benefits, social sustainability requires tailored local strategies and robust governance to avoid exacerbating inequalities. This integrated environmental-social perspective underscores the need for holistic policies that balance technical innovation with equitable social outcomes to ensure truly sustainable energy transitions. Full article