CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Topic “CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies” represents a collection of high-quality engineering-based research articles and reviews that address the critical need for countries to transition toward low emissions and climate resilient economies at a pace across any scale.

CO₂ emission reduction concepts provide active technical pathways for businesses, industry, and communities as well as regions, nations, and continents to avoid, minimize, and eliminate the release of greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants. The scope of acceptable research is limited to science- and engineering-based approaches supported by credible evidence that the concepts can have a positive impact with substantial scale-up potential.

Integration of zero-to-low carbon technologies has a particular focus on renewable energy technology on both the supply (e.g., wind farms, solar PV) and demand side (e.g., process integration, heat pumps). Special emphasis in this Topic is given to heat pump technologies that address challenges in medium-to-high temperature applications (>80 °C), retrofit solutions for existing systems, high-temperature heat pump design and optimization, integration methods for heat pumps, and the potential scale of heat pump uptake as a low-to-zero carbon technology.

We look forward to reviewing your manuscripts and sharing those of the highest quality with the research community.

Dr. Tim Walmsley
Dr. Florian Schlosser
Dr. Benjamin Hung Yang Ong
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
C carbon	3.9	1.6	2015	23.7 Days	CHF 1600
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600
Environments environments	3.5	5.7	2014	22.8 Days	CHF 1800
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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27 pages, 724 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Carbon Footprint Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation: A Review of the Approaches, Technologies, and Implementation Challenges

by Nikolay V. Lobus, Maria A. Knyazeva, Anna F. Popova and Maxim S. Kulikovskiy

C 2023, 9(4), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/c9040120 - 15 Dec 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8242

Abstract

Since the Industrial Revolution, human economic activity and the global development of society in general have been heavily dependent on the exploitation of natural resources. The use of fossil fuels, deforestation, the drainage of wetlands, the transformation of coastal marine ecosystems, unsustainable land [...] Read more.

Since the Industrial Revolution, human economic activity and the global development of society in general have been heavily dependent on the exploitation of natural resources. The use of fossil fuels, deforestation, the drainage of wetlands, the transformation of coastal marine ecosystems, unsustainable land use, and many other unbalanced processes of human activity have led to an increase both in the anthropogenic emissions of climate-active gases and in their concentration in the atmosphere. It is believed that over the past ~150 years these phenomena have contributed to an increase in the global average temperature in the near-surface layer of the atmosphere by ~1 °C. Currently, the most pressing tasks facing states and scientific and civil societies are to reduce anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and to limit the global air temperature increase. In this regard, there is an urgent need to change existing production systems in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to sequester them. In this review, we consider up-to-date scientific approaches and innovative technologies, which may help in developing roadmaps to reduce the emissions of climate-active gases, control rising temperatures, decarbonize economies, and promote the sustainable development of society in general. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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24 pages, 6765 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Medium- and Long-Term Prediction of Airport Carbon Emissions under Uncertain Conditions Based on the LEAP Model

by Wenjing Ye, Lili Wan, Zhan Wang, Wenhui Ye, Jinhui Chen, Yangyang Lv, Zhanpeng Shan, Huazhong Wang and Xinyue Jiang

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15409; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115409 - 29 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1999

Abstract

As important nodes in the air transport system, it is of great significance for airports to achieve the carbon-peaking goal before 2030 under the target of peaking carbon emissions in China’s civil aviation industry. However, it remains unknown whether airports will be able [...] Read more.

As important nodes in the air transport system, it is of great significance for airports to achieve the carbon-peaking goal before 2030 under the target of peaking carbon emissions in China’s civil aviation industry. However, it remains unknown whether airports will be able to realize this ambitious goal due to a variety of uncertain factors, such as the social economy, epidemic impact, and emission reduction measures. According to the possibilities of uncertain factors, 12 uncertain scenarios were constructed. Using the case of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), this study predicted medium- and long-term carbon emission trends under 12 uncertain scenarios based on the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) model. Furthermore, the effects of carbon abatement measures and emission reduction responsibilities were analyzed. The results show that CAN cannot guarantee that it will realize the goal under the established abatement policy. If socioeconomic development is rapid, carbon emissions will peak at about 90 kt tons in 2030, and if socioeconomic development is slow, it will plateau at about 1 million tons between 2030 and 2035. What is more, airlines bear the greatest responsibility for reducing emissions, and technological progress measures have the highest abatement potential. This study provides decision support for airport stakeholders in abatement work so as to ensure that airports can achieve the carbon-peaking goal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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17 pages, 1766 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Influencing Factors of Carbon Emission from Typical Refining Units: Identification, Analysis, and Mitigation Potential

by Hongju Da, Degang Xu, Jufeng Li, Zhihe Tang, Jiaxin Li, Chen Wang, Hui Luan, Fang Zhang and Yong Zeng

Energies 2023, 16(18), 6527; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16186527 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2470

Abstract

As the global third-largest stationary source of carbon emissions, petroleum refineries have attracted much attention. Many investigations and methodologies have been used for the quantification of carbon emissions of refineries at the industry or enterprise scale. The granularity of current carbon emissions data [...] Read more.

As the global third-largest stationary source of carbon emissions, petroleum refineries have attracted much attention. Many investigations and methodologies have been used for the quantification of carbon emissions of refineries at the industry or enterprise scale. The granularity of current carbon emissions data impairs the reliability of precise mitigation, so analysis and identification of influencing factors for carbon emissions at a more micro-level, such as unit level, is essential. In this paper, four typical units, including fluid catalytic cracking, Continuous Catalytic Reforming, delayed coking, and hydrogen production, were chosen as objects. A typical 5-million-ton scale Chinese petroleum refinery was selected as an investigating object. The Redundancy analysis and multiple regression analysis were utilized to explore the relationship between the process parameters and carbon emissions. Three types of influencing factors include reaction conditions, processing scale, and materials property. The most important mitigation of carbon emission, in this case, can be summarized as measures of improving energy efficiency via optimizing equipment parameters or prompting mass efficiency by upgrading the scale for material and energy flow. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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19 pages, 2457 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Main Pathways of Carbon Reduction in Cities under the Target of Carbon Peaking: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

by Mingyue Chen, Chao Zhang, Chuanming Chen, Jinsheng Li and Wenyue Cui

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8917; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118917 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2247

Abstract

As a designated national low-carbon pilot city, Nanjing faces the challenge of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions while experiencing rapid economic growth. This study developed a localized Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) model specifically for Nanjing and constructed four different development [...] Read more.

As a designated national low-carbon pilot city, Nanjing faces the challenge of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions while experiencing rapid economic growth. This study developed a localized Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) model specifically for Nanjing and constructed four different development scenarios. By utilizing the Log Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition, the Tapio decoupling elasticity coefficient, and comparing the emission reduction effects of individual measures and their cross-elasticity of carbon reduction, this study investigated the key factors and their carbon reduction path characteristics in Nanjing toward its carbon peak target by 2030. The results indicate that: (i) Nanjing could reach its peak carbon target of about 3.48 million tons by 2025 if carbon reduction measures are strengthened; (ii) The main elements influencing Nanjing’s carbon peak include controlling industrial energy consumption, restructuring the industry, promoting the construction of a new power system, and developing green transportation; (iii) Controlling industrial energy consumption and changing industrial structure have a greater impact on reducing carbon emissions than other measures, and both have a synergistic effect. Therefore, Nanjing should prioritize these two strategies as the most effective methods to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, to slow down the growth of urban carbon emissions, policies aimed at reducing the energy intensity and carbon intensity of energy consumption should be formulated. For instance, the integration and innovation of green industries within the city region, such as new energy vehicles, new energy materials, and big data, should be accelerated, and the proportion of clean energy consumption in urban areas should be increased. The LEAP (Nanjing) model has successfully explored Nanjing’s low-carbon pathway and provided policy guidance for the optimal transformation of industrial cities and early carbon peaking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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24 pages, 2048 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Prospective Scenarios in Life Cycle Engineering: Case Study of Lightweight Structures

by Moritz Ostermann, Julian Grenz, Marcel Triebus, Felipe Cerdas, Thorsten Marten, Thomas Tröster and Christoph Herrmann

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3371; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083371 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2894

Abstract

Lightweight design is a common approach to reduce energy demand in the use stage of vehicles. The production of lightweight materials is usually associated with an increase in energy demand, so the environmental impacts of lightweight structures need to be assessed holistically using [...] Read more.

Lightweight design is a common approach to reduce energy demand in the use stage of vehicles. The production of lightweight materials is usually associated with an increase in energy demand, so the environmental impacts of lightweight structures need to be assessed holistically using a life cycle assessment. To estimate the life cycle environmental impacts of a product in its developmental stage, for example, by life cycle engineering, future changes in relevant influencing factors must be considered. Prospective life cycle assessment provides methods for integrating future scenarios into life cycle assessment studies. However, approaches for integrating prospective life cycle assessment into product development are limited. The objective of this work is to provide the methodological foundation for integrating future scenarios of relevant influencing factors in the development of lightweight structures. The applicability of the novel methodology is demonstrated by a case study of a structural component in a steel, aluminium, and hybrid design. The results show that appropriate decarbonisation measures can reduce the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 percent until 2050. We also found that shifts in the environmentally optimal design are possible in future scenarios. Therefore, the methodology and data provided contribute to improved decision-making in product development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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29 pages, 6509 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Criterial Assessment of Electric Vehicle Integration into the Commercial Sector—A Case Study

by Robert Pietracho, Christoph Wenge, Przemyslaw Komarnicki and Leszek Kasprzyk

Energies 2023, 16(1), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010462 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2766

Abstract

Transforming the transport sector to zero emission is an integral part of changes to the energy sector worldwide. This effects not only the electrification of the private sector but also the commercial sector. The aim of this study is to develop methodologies, algorithms [...] Read more.

Transforming the transport sector to zero emission is an integral part of changes to the energy sector worldwide. This effects not only the electrification of the private sector but also the commercial sector. The aim of this study is to develop methodologies, algorithms and associated requirements for the integration of electric vehicles into a logistics application with a possible reduction in operating costs. The most favorable solution for a company was evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process algorithm considering three main aspects: economic, environmental and technical. An analysis of the environmental impact of the vehicle fleet in terms of atmospheric emissions was also conducted, based on the data available for combustion and electric vehicles, considering the well-to-tank approach. The costs associated with operating an electric vehicle were identified and compared to the current costs associated with operating a standard diesel-based fleet. Incorporating the identified costs of electrifying the vehicle fleet, an algorithm was implemented to reduce the number of vehicles in the company and, thereby, significantly reducing the costs associated with fleet maintenance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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22 pages, 2085 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

How to Assess the Carbon Footprint of a Large University? The Case Study of University of Bologna’s Multicampus Organization

by Roberto Battistini, Fabrizio Passarini, Rita Marrollo, Claudio Lantieri, Andrea Simone and Valeria Vignali

Energies 2023, 16(1), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010166 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3501

Abstract

University campuses represent a heterogeneous ecosystem as to social, economic, energetic, and personal travel planning with a huge impact on hosting cities and territories. Sustainable policies are thus fundamental to reduce this impact and to adopt ecological behaviors. The measures for any University [...] Read more.

University campuses represent a heterogeneous ecosystem as to social, economic, energetic, and personal travel planning with a huge impact on hosting cities and territories. Sustainable policies are thus fundamental to reduce this impact and to adopt ecological behaviors. The measures for any University Sustainability Plan should be evaluated in terms of GHG emissions, as well as the overall impact of the university itself. Carbon footprint (CF) calculation is a relevant Decision Support tool that allows university organizations to measure and communicate the environmental effects of their activities. The aim of this paper is to present a carbon footprint methodology specifically designed to calculate the carbon footprint of large universities. The methodology was applied to calculate the CF of the University of Bologna by following international standards—i.e., the GHG protocol, the ISO 14064, and the ISO/TR 14069 guide—to understand the environmental impact caused by greenhouse gas emissions from direct and indirect university activities. The study was conducted upon the data available in 2020 and then was compared to the 2018 data, with the aim to recognize if the effect of the pandemic could have altered the results. In 2020, the University of Bologna emitted 16,467 tCO₂e which became 15,753 tCO₂e considering the offset and avoided emission provided by the internal production of energy from renewable sources. Comparison between 2020 and 2018 shows how, in 2018, most of the emissions came from transportation, representing 74% of the total emissions, while in 2020 almost 50% of total emissions derived by IT procurements. The case application demonstrates the way with which the methodology may be applied to assess environmental impact for complex university campuses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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31 pages, 6769 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Decarbonizing Thailand’s Economy: A Proposal

by Hon Chung Lau

Energies 2022, 15(24), 9498; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15249498 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2770

Abstract

This paper proposes decarbonization pathways for Thailand based on a review of the status of renewable and fossil energies, technology evaluation and scenario studies. Results show that renewable electricity generation needs to grow at a 7.1% average annual growth rate (AAGR) between now [...] Read more.

This paper proposes decarbonization pathways for Thailand based on a review of the status of renewable and fossil energies, technology evaluation and scenario studies. Results show that renewable electricity generation needs to grow at a 7.1% average annual growth rate (AAGR) between now and 2050 for the power sector to achieve net-zero by 2050. This would require it to reach 400 TWh, exceeding its technical potential. We propose a more achievable scenario of between 5% and 6% AAGR wherein renewable electricity will grow from 51 TWh to 217–291 TWh between 2020 and 2050. Gas-powered electricity will grow from 127 TWh to 185–111 TWh, requiring carbon capture and storage (CCS) to mitigate 75–45 Mtpa CO₂ by 2050. For the transport sector, electric vehicles have the highest decarbonization potential, but they would add 45 TWh of electricity demand by 2050. For the industry sector, installing CCS in existing plants has the highest decarbonization potential. Overall, CCS is a key decarbonization technology and its large-scale implementation will be needed for Thailand to achieve net-zero by 2050. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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16 pages, 1740 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Does Smart City Construction Decrease Urban Carbon Emission Intensity? Evidence from a Difference-in-Difference Estimation in China

by Eryu Zhang, Xiaoyu He and Peng Xiao

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16097; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316097 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2679

Abstract

Climatic changes and environmental pollution caused by traditional urban development models have increased due to accelerated urbanisation and industrialisation. As a new model of urban development, smart city construction relies on digital technology reform to achieve intelligent urban governance, which is crucial for [...] Read more.

Climatic changes and environmental pollution caused by traditional urban development models have increased due to accelerated urbanisation and industrialisation. As a new model of urban development, smart city construction relies on digital technology reform to achieve intelligent urban governance, which is crucial for reducing carbon emission intensity and achieving regional green development. This paper constructs a multi-period DID model based on panel data from 283 cities from 2007 to 2019 to explore the impact of smart city construction on urban carbon emission intensity. This study found that smart city construction decreased urban carbon emissions intensity significantly and decreased carbon emissions per unit GDP in pilot areas by 0.1987 tonnes/10,000 CNY compared to that in non-pilot areas. According to a heterogeneity analysis, the integration of smart city developments could decrease carbon emission intensity in northern China’s cities and resource-based cities significantly but had an insignificant influence on carbon emission intensity in southern China’s cities and non-resource-based cities. The reason for this finding is that northern cities and resource-based cities have a higher carbon emission intensity and enjoy more marginal benefits from smart city construction. Based on an analysis of the influencing mechanisms, smart city construction can decrease urban carbon emission intensity by stimulating green innovation vitality, upgrading industrial structures, and decreasing energy consumption. These research conclusions can provide directions for urban transformation and low-carbon development, as well as a case study and experience for countries that have not yet established smart city construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Emission Reduction Concepts and Zero-to-Low Carbon Technologies)

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