Search Results (4,217)

Water utilities use a significant amount of electrical energy due to the rising demand for wastewater treatment driven by environmental and economic reasons. The growing demand for energy, rising energy costs, and the drive toward achieving net-zero emissions require a sustainable energy future for the water industry. This can be achieved by integrating onsite renewable energy sources (RESs), energy storage, demand management, and participation in demand response (DR) programs. This paper analyzes the energy profile and load flexibility of water utilities using a data-driven approach to reduce energy costs by leveraging RESs for regional water utilities. It also assesses the potential for DR participation across different types of water utilities, considering peak-load shifting and battery storage installations. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as bushfires, heatwaves, droughts, and prolonged cold and wet season floods, regional water industries in Australia serve as a relevant case study of sectors already impacted by these challenges. First, the data characteristics across the water and energy components of regional water industries are analyzed. Next, barriers and challenges in data acquisition and processing in water industries are identified and recommendations are made for improving data coordination (interoperability) to enable the use of a single platform for identifying DR opportunities. Finally, the energy profile and load flexibility of regional water industries are examined to evaluate onsite generation and battery storage options for participating in DR operations. Operational data from four regional sites across two regional Australian water utilities are used in this study. Full article

Bio-oil energy use in agricultural systems provides sustainable solutions for powering machinery operations and heating and cooling environments in facilities. However, its potential in South Africa is constrained by the limited availability of energy substrate that does not compromise food production, land use, and water resources. This study investigated the physical and chemical properties of six invasive alien plant species (IAPs), three woody species (Acacia mearnsii, Eucalyptus grandis, and Pinus patula), and three nonwoody species (Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, and Solanum mauritianum) to assess their suitability for bio-oil production. Key analyses included structural, elemental, proximate, atomic ratio, higher heating value (HHV), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses. The results showed that woody IAPs had a significantly higher structural composition (p < 0.05), improving bio-oil yield. The bio-oil can be blended with diesel for agricultural use, while lignin-derived biochar serves as a soil amendment. Higher carbon and hydrogen contents enhanced HHV and combustion, while lower nitrogen and sulfur levels reduced emissions. Despite oxygen hindering pyrolysis, its bioactive properties support crop protection. Compared to South African coal, IAP-derived bio-oil shares similarities with peat coal and could be used for greenhouse heating. This study promotes energy efficiency in agriculture, reduces fossil fuel dependence, and supports environmental sustainability by repurposing IAPs. Additional studies should focus on lignin pretreatment and bio-oil upgrading to reduce oxygenated compounds. Full article

The Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and self-consumption frameworks defined in Directive (EU) 2023/2413 and Directive (EU) 2024/1711 are currently being integrated into national regulations across EU member states, adapting legislation to incorporate these new entities. These regulations establish key principles for individual and collective self-consumption, outlining operational rules such as proximity constraints, electricity sharing mechanisms, surplus electricity management, grid tariffs, and various organizational aspects, including asset sizing, licensing, metering, data exchange, and role definitions. This study introduces a model tailored to optimize investment and energy-sharing decisions within RECs, enabling multiple members to invest in solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind generation assets. The model determines the optimal generation capacity each REC member should install for each technology and calculates the energy shared between members in each period, considering site-specific constraints on renewable deployment. A case study with a four-member REC is used to showcase the model’s functionality, with simulation results underscoring the benefits of CSC over ISC. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries are essential for electric vehicles, requiring critical resources such as lithium and cobalt. Paraguay’s integration into the electric vehicle supply chain presents an opportunity to leverage its renewable energy and strategic location. This study evaluates potential partners for Paraguay to establish a lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle assembly plant in the Chaco region. A multi-criteria decision analysis using the Analytic Hierarchy Process and expert opinions assessed Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile based on economic, energy, environmental, social, political, and geopolitical factors. The results indicate Chile as the most favorable partner (29.5%), followed by Argentina (25.9%), Bolivia (22.8%), and Brazil (21.6%). Chile’s strengths lie in its environmental policies and political stability, while Argentina offers logistical advantages and resource availability. The findings highlight strategic pathways for Paraguay’s integration into the electric vehicle supply chain and the importance of targeted collaboration to enhance regional lithium-ion battery production and commercialization. Full article

Green hydrogen plays a vital role in facilitating the transition to sustainable energy systems, with stable and high-capacity offshore wind resources serving as an ideal candidate for large-scale green hydrogen production. However, as the capacity of offshore wind turbines continues to grow, the increasing size and weight of these systems pose significant challenges for installation and deployment. This study investigates the application of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials in the generator and the power conducting cables as a promising solution to these challenges. Compared to conventional wind turbines, HTS wind turbines result in significant reductions in weight and size while simultaneously enhancing power generation and transmission efficiency. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of mainstream electrolysis-based hydrogen production technologies and advanced hydrogen storage methods. The main contribution of this research is the development of an innovative conceptual framework for a superconducting offshore wind-to-hydrogen energy system, where a small amount of liquid hydrogen is used to provide a deep-cooling environment for the HTS wind turbine and the remaining liquid hydrogen is used for the synthesis of ammonia as a final product. Through functional analysis, this study demonstrates its potential for enabling large-scale offshore hydrogen production and storage. Additionally, this paper discusses key challenges associated with real-world implementation, including optimizing the stability of superconducting equipment and ensuring component coordination. The findings offer crucial insights for advancing the offshore green hydrogen sector, showing that HTS technology can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of offshore wind-to-hydrogen systems. This research provides strong technical support for achieving carbon neutrality and fostering sustainable development in the offshore renewable energy sector. Full article

Due to the limited availability of land resources, offshore wind turbines have become a crucial technology for the development of deep-water renewable energy. The multi-floating body platform, characterized by its shallow draft and main body located near the sea surface, is prone to significant motion in marine environments. The proper chamfering of the heave plate can effectively enhance its resistance during wave action, thereby improving the stability of the floating platform. The optimal chamfer angle is 35°. Considering the complexity of the floating body’s motion response, this study focuses on the damping characteristics of the heave plate with 35° chamfered perforations. Using the NREL 5 MW three-column semi-submersible floating wind turbine platform as the research model, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the floating body with a perforated heave plate are systematically studied through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and physical tests. The amplitude of vertical force under various working conditions is measured. Through theoretical analysis, the additional mass coefficient and additional damping coefficient for different working conditions and models are determined. The study confirms that the heave plate with 35° chamfered perforations significantly reduces heave in the multi-floating body. Full article

In the face of acute water scarcity and sanitation challenges emblematic of arid and semi-arid regions (ASARs), this study investigated the transformative upgrade of the Aqaba Conventional Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plant (CAS-AWWTP) in Jordan. The project, expanding capacity to 40,000 m³/day, integrated sustainable features including renewable energy and repurposed natural treatment ponds functioning as artificial wetlands. The plant’s treatment performance, byproduct valorization, and alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs) were assessed. Comparative analysis revealed that the upgraded CAS-AWWTP consistently outperforms the previous natural and extended activated sludge systems. CAS-AWWTP average removal efficiencies of BOD₅, COD, TSS, and T-N were 99.1%, 96.6%, 98.7%, and 95.1%, respectively, achieving stringent reuse standards and supplying approximately 30% of Aqaba Governorate’s annual water budget, thus conserving freshwater for domestic use. Furthermore, the plant achieved 44% electrical self-sufficiency through renewable energy integration, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The creation of artificial wetlands transformed the site into a vital ecological habitat, attracting over 270 bird species and becoming a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, drawing over 10,000 visitors annually. This transformation underscores the plant’s dual role in wastewater treatment and environmental conservation. The AWWTP upgrade exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable development, impacting multiple SDGs. Beyond improving sanitation (SDG 6), it enhances water reuse for agriculture and industry (SDG 6.4, 9.4), promotes renewable energy (SDG 7), stimulates economic growth (SDG 8), strengthens urban sustainability (SDG 11), fosters resource efficiency (SDG 12), and supports biodiversity (SDG 14/15). The project’s success, facilitated by multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17), provides a replicable model for water-scarce regions seeking sustainable wastewater management solutions. Full article

The transformation of the aeronautical industry towards sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing is essential for enhancing aircraft performance while reducing environmental impacts and production costs. This study integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and machine learning to enhance sustainable design in aeronautics. A Multi-disciplinary Optimization (MDO) approach was applied to a composite airframe panel, revealing that increased panel mass elevates the impacts of Climate Change (CC) and Resource Use (fossils), largely due to carbon fiber and energy-intensive manufacturing. A Random Forest model predicted LCA/LCC outcomes, facilitating real-time, sustainability-driven decisions. Optimization reduced environmental impacts by 15%. Recommendations include bio-based composites and renewable energy use to further lower environmental costs. Full article

The global demand for transportation systems is growing due to the rise in passenger and cargo traffic, predicted to reach twice the current level by 2050. Although this growth signifies social and economic progress, its impact on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions cannot be overlooked. Developments in the transportation industry must align with advancements in emerging energy production systems. In this regards, UNSDG 7 advocates for “affordable and clean energy”, leading to a global shift towards the electrification of transport systems, sourcing energy from a mix of renewable and non-renewable resources. This paper proposes an integrated hybrid renewable energy system with grid connectivity to meet the electrical and thermal loads of a tourist complex, including an electric vehicle charging station. The analysis was carried on in nine locations with different weather conditions, with various components such as wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, diesel generators, boilers, converters, thermal load controllers, and battery energy storage systems. The proposed model also considers the effects of seasonal variations on electricity generation and charging connectivity. Sensitivity analysis has been carried on investigating the impact of variables on the techno-economic parameters of the hybrid system. The obtained results led to interesting conclusions. Full article

Progressing soil degradation worldwide is a complex socio-environmental threat. Implementing environmental policies and actions such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the Renewable Energy Directive III regarding environmental protection aims to protect, conserve, and enhance the EU’s natural capital, focusing on soil protection. As assumed in the Green Deal, the European economy has to be turned into a resource-efficient and green economy with zero net emission of greenhouse gases. Since soil quality strongly influences all ecosystem elements, soil remediation is increasingly promoted as a sustainable option to enhance soil quality and, at the same time, help achieve overarching goals set out in European climate law. Biomass in phytoremediation is particularly important in regenerative agriculture, as it emphasizes improving soil quality, increasing biodiversity, and sequestering carbon. Selected plants and microbes can clean degraded agricultural areas, removing heavy metals and pesticides, thus lowering soil toxicity and improving food and feed security. Moreover, the post-phytoremediation biomass can be processed into biofuels or bioproducts, supporting the circular economy. This article summarizes the role of plants and microbial biomass in the struggle to achieve EU environmental goals, enabling the regeneration of degraded ecosystems while supporting sustainable development in agriculture. Full article

This paper presents an innovative approach to wind energy forecasting through the implementation of an extended long short-term memory (xLSTM) model. This research addresses fundamental limitations in time-sequence forecasting for wind energy by introducing architectural enhancements to traditional LSTM networks. The xLSTM model incorporates two key innovations: exponential gating with memory mixing and a novel matrix memory structure. These improvements are realized through two variants, i.e., scalar LSTM and matrix LSTM, which are integrated into residual blocks to form comprehensive architectures. The xLSTM model was validated using SCADA data from wind turbines, with rigorous preprocessing to remove anomalous measurements. Performance evaluation across different wind speed regimes demonstrated robust predictive capabilities, with the xLSTM model achieving an overall coefficient of determination value of 0.923 and a mean absolute percentage error of 8.47%. Seasonal analysis revealed consistent prediction accuracy across varied meteorological patterns. The xLSTM model maintains linear computational complexity with respect to sequence length while offering enhanced capabilities in memory retention, state tracking, and long-range dependency modeling. These results demonstrate the potential of xLSTM for improving wind power forecasting accuracy, which is crucial for optimizing turbine operations and grid integration of renewable energy resources. Full article

The challenge of meeting the increasing global food demand has driven a shift toward controlled-environment agriculture, particularly in plant factories. However, the high energy consumption associated with these systems raises concerns about their long-term sustainability and economic feasibility. A comprehensive review was conducted to identify existing and potential technologies and strategies that can enhance the energy efficiency of plant factories. Data regarding environmental conditions, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and space efficiency were also extracted to facilitate comparison across studies. Findings indicate that optimizing crop yields and reducing energy consumption are key to improving the efficiency of plant factories. These can be achieved by integrating advanced environmental control technologies, energy-efficient system designs, modular plant factory configurations tailored to local climatic conditions, and effective management practices. While adopting renewable energy alone is insufficient to meet total energy demands, it significantly reduces energy costs and carbon emissions. Furthermore, strategically integrating plant factories with other industries will promote the efficient use of residual resources, fostering a circular economy and enhancing resource efficiency within plant factory systems and the broader economic framework. The insights provided in this review will contribute to developing sustainable and economically viable plant factory systems, supporting future advancements in controlled-environment agriculture. Full article

With recent technological advancements, advanced communication technology, sensors and distributed generation (DG), it is an undeniable fact that modern power systems are flooded with massive amounts of data. These vast amount of generated data are difficult to interpret and comprehend, and are slow to sort through and explain. With ever increasing renewable power generation, grid operators should gain insights on identifying the vulnerabilities, behaviour and interactions of various power system components and anticipate challenges to enhance power system resiliency. Visualisation offers a means to reveal patterns, trends and connections in data that speed up and present information to a power system operator in a way that can be well understood topographically and provide an ability to accommodate increasing DG resources. Hence, this paper presents a comprehensive literature review of several visualisation techniques that can be embedded for improving operational efficiency and resiliency in modern power grids embedded with distributed and renewable energy resources. Full article

The swift global proliferation of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has significantly contributed to the acceleration of the transition to renewable energy. Projections indicate a significant rise in installed capacity by 2050, suggesting that the extensive implementation of solar panels is transforming energy systems while simultaneously highlighting important issues regarding end-of-life waste management and long-term sustainability. The environmental advantages of photovoltaic (PV) systems are overshadowed by the prevalent reliance on landfilling and inadequate recycling practices, revealing a substantial deficiency in sustainable waste management, especially in areas with underdeveloped policy frameworks. This research study examines the solar panel supply chain, highlighting critical stages, sources of waste generation, existing management practices, and potential areas for enhancement. Waste is classified into four categories, solid, hazardous, electronic (WEEE), and environmental, each necessitating specific management strategies. Regions such as Europe exhibit comprehensive legal frameworks and advanced recycling technologies, whereas others, including Latin America and certain areas of Asia, continue to encounter deficits in policy and infrastructure. The research highlights the implementation of the 6R principles—Recycle, Recover, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Refine—within a circular economy framework to improve sustainability, optimize resource utilization, and reduce environmental impact. The findings highlight the necessity for coordinated policies, technological innovation, and international collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for solar energy. This study offers important insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers focused on enhancing circularity and sustainability within the photovoltaic sector. Full article

Gravity energy storage, a technology based on gravitational potential energy conversion, offers advantages including long lifespan, environmental friendliness, and low maintenance costs, demonstrating broad application prospects in renewable energy integration and grid peak regulation. This paper reviews the technical principles, characteristics, and application progress of liquid gravity energy storage (LGES), like pumped hydro storage (PHS) and solid gravity energy storage (SGES) systems—tower-based (T-SGES), shaft-type (S-SGES), rail-mounted (R-SGES), and mountain gravity energy storage (M-SGES). PHS, the most mature technology, is widely deployed for large-scale energy storage but faces significant geographical constraints. T-SGES and R-SGES exhibit higher flexibility for diverse terrains, while S-SGES leverage abandoned mines for resource reuse. Despite advantages such as high round-trip efficiency and extended lifecycle, challenges remain in efficiency optimization, high initial investments, and land utilization. Future development of gravity energy storage will require technological innovation, intelligent dispatch systems, and policy support to enhance economic viability and accelerate commercialization. Full article