Search Results (19,224)

Pyrolysis is an environmentally friendly and efficient method for converting biomass into a wide range of products, including fuels, chemicals, fertilizers, catalysts, and sorption materials. This review confirms that scientific research on biomass pyrolysis has remained strong over the past 10 years. The authors examine the operating conditions of different types of pyrolysis, including slow, intermediate, fast, and flash, highlighting the distinct heating rates for each. Furthermore, biomass pyrolysis reactors are categorized into four groups, pneumatic bed reactors, gravity reactors, stationary bed reactors, and mechanical reactors, with a discussion on each type. The review then focuses on recent advancements in pyrolysis technologies that have improved efficiency, yield, and product quality, which, in turn, support sustainable energy production and effective waste management. The composition and yields of products from the different types of pyrolysis have been also reviewed. Finally, a techno-economic analysis has been conducted for both the pyrolysis of biomass alone and the co-pyrolysis of biomass with other raw materials. Full article

In today’s society, sustainability has become a key theme, and utilizing renewable energy is part of sustainability. Under the high proportion of renewable energy access, the conventional grid is gradually shifting to an active and distributed structure, which makes the existing cost apportionment method of transmission and distribution projects unable to match the actual situation. Reasonable apportionment of the costs of different voltage levels is the basis for the evaluation of transmission and distribution projects and is important for the formulation of transmission and distribution tariffs, which in turn have a significant impact on the development of renewable energy. To this end, this paper takes China’s power system as the research object and firstly analyzes the impact of the activization of the grid on the cost apportionment of transmission and distribution projects and then the inadequacy of the existing cost apportionment, which only considers a single factor and part of the cost which should be apportioned downward is still borne by this voltage level, and then combines the activation and the inherent characteristics of the power grid to extract the multiple factors to be considered for cost apportionment, and at the same time takes into account the reverse direction of the power trend, and divides the cost apportionment into two scenarios. The cost sharing model of transmission and distribution projects based on multiple apportionment factors is established. Finally, the feasibility and applicability of the model are verified by the examples of linear and reticulated grids, and the cost sharing results obtained by this method and the traditional method are compared. Using this method for the cost sharing of transmission and distribution projects, lower voltage levels will share more costs, and higher voltage levels will share fewer costs. The results show that the inclusion of the factors affecting cost sharing in the case of an active grid is more in line with the development trend of the new power system; the cost apportionment method based on multiple sharing factors makes the results fairer; and the inclusion of the power trend conduction relationship in the sharing process reflects the essential attributes of the grid. This is conducive to improving the operational efficiency of the power grid and promoting the long-term sustainability of the power system. Full article

The lasting impact of ancestral energy production operations and global manufacturing has not only generated substantial CO₂ emissions, but it has also led to the release of metal-based pollutants into Earth’s water bodies. As we continue to engineer, mine (coal and metals), and now bore into geothermal wells/fracking sites for alternative energy sources, we continue to contaminate drinking water supplies with heavy metals through infiltration and diffusion, limiting progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health and well-being), 6 (Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation), 14 (Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life below water), and 15 (Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on land). This review shows how the research community has designed and developed mesoporous biochars with customizable pore systems, as well as functionalized biochars, to extract various heavy metals from water sources. This article investigates how biochar materials (non-activated, activated, functionalized, or hybrid structures) can be adapted to suit their purpose, highlighting their recyclability/regeneration and performance when remediating metal-based pollution in place of conventional activated carbons. By utilizing the wider circular economy, “waste-derived” carbonaceous materials will play a pivotal role in water purification for both the developed/developing world, where mining and heavy manufacturing generate the most substantial contribution to water pollution. This review encompasses a wide range of global activities that generate increased heavy metal contamination to water supplies, as well as elucidates emerging technologies that can augment environmental remediation activities, improving the quality of life and standard of living for all. Full article

Sewage sludge (SS), a byproduct of wastewater treatment plants, poses significant environmental and health risks if not properly handled. Conventional approaches for SS stabilization often involve costly and energy-consuming processes. This study investigated the effect of promoting native microalgae growth in SS on its stabilization, pathogen bacteria removal, and valuable biomass production. The effect on settleability, filterability, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) was examined as well. Experiments were conducted in photobioreactors (PBRs) without O₂ supply and CO₂ release under controlled parameters. The results show a significant improvement in SS stabilization, with a reduction of volatile solids (VSs) by 47.55%. Additionally, fecal coliforms and E. coli were efficiently removed by 2.25 log and 6.72 log, respectively. Moreover, Salmonella spp. was not detected after 15 days of treatment. The settleability was improved by 71.42%. However, a worsening of the sludge filterability properties was observed, likely due to a decrease in floc size following the reduction of protein content in the tightly bound EPS fraction. Microalgae biomass production was 16.56 mg/L/day, with a mean biomass of 0.35 g/L at the end of the batch treatment, representing 10.35% of the total final biomass. These findings suggest that promoting native microalgal growth in SS could be sustainable and cost-effective for SS stabilization, microalgal biomass production, and the enhancement of sludge-settling characteristics, notwithstanding potential filtration-related considerations. Full article

According to conclusions agreed to in the 1995 Report of the World Summit for Social Development and the 2015 Sustainable Development Summit, seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs) have been ratified and published as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2022, the 8th Environment Action Programme was legally agreed upon, following the six European Green Deal priorities. These SDGs serve as a constant reminder of the importance of globally coordinated actions in compliance with the theory of sustainable development. However, more than a constant reminder, this international agreement should become the foundation for necessary change. On 22 July 2024, the daily global average temperature reached a new record high. The EU treaties signed between 1951 and 2007 laid the foundation for the creation of EU environmental policy. However, those EU treaties, along with environmental policy, form merely a non-binding and minimum set of priorities without any sanctions imposed for illegal practices. In 2021, EU member countries adopted the European Climate Law as the first legally binding document seeking to achieve goals set by the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. Any further EU sustainable development policies are dependent on global cooperation as a key element of survival. With the EU’s dependent on the rest of the world for its energy, the forcing of any obligatory change will be hard to achieve. This proves the importance of the 17th SDG, agreed in 2015. Only global partnership for sustainable development can prevent further damage to our ecosystem and achieve priorities set by the EU and UN agendas. The review aims to present the connection between sustainable development (SD) goals defined by the European Commission, for which the most important aspects are the need to meet the environmental requirements to protect future needs in the long run, and to confront the shortcomings of European law-making practices, in which most crucial reforms are presented as non-binding legal acts. Finally, in 2024 members of the European Parliament established an extended list of environmental crimes to be regarded as punishable offences and replaced the Environmental Crime Directive, making criminal activities and offences potentially legally punishable; however, it is yet to be seen how this initiative will be incorporated within the national legislations of each EU member country and to what extent. Full article

High-voltage initial anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs) promise the maximized energy densities of rechargeable lithium batteries. However, the reversibility of the high-voltage cathode and lithium metal anode is unsatisfactory in sustaining their long lifespan. In this research, a concentrated electrolyte comprising dual salts of LiTFSI and LiDFOB dissolved in mixing solvents of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) with a LiNO₃ additive was formulated to address this challenge. FEC and LiNO₃ regulate the anion-rich solvation structure and help form a LiF, Li₃N-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with a high lithium plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency of 98.3%. LiDFOB preferentially decomposes to effectively suppress the side reaction at the high-voltage operation of the Li-rich Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ cathode. Moreover, the large irreversible capacity during the initial charge/discharge cycle of the cathode provides supplementary lithium sources for cycle life extension. Owing to these merits, the as-fabricated AFLMBs can operate stably for 80 cycles even at an ultrahigh voltage of 4.6 V. This study sheds new insights on the formulation of advanced electrolytes for highly reversible high-voltage cathodes and lithium metal anodes and could facilitate the practical application of AFLMBs. Full article

The contemporary process of economic development necessitates a heightened focus on matters of sustainability, with a particular emphasis on sustainable energy policy. This is of paramount importance for the protection of the natural environment and the achievement of long-term economic growth. In the context of countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland, which have historically relied on high-carbon energy sources, the transition to a more sustainable energy system represents a significant challenge. The objective of this paper is to undertake a comparative analysis of the trends in energy sustainability in the Czech Republic and Poland from 2017 to 2021, with a particular focus on key performance indicators. The analysis, based on data from the OECD database, revealed notable discrepancies in the rate of change between the two countries, with Poland exhibiting a more pronounced surge in the proportion of renewable energy sources (RES). A Student’s t-test confirmed the existence of statistically significant differences in key indicators between the Czech Republic and Poland, thereby underscoring the diverse challenges that both countries encounter in their pursuit of sustainable energy development. The Granger causality test was employed to ascertain whether variables exhibit temporal relationships that may suggest potential correlations. However, it is important to note that this test does not prove direct causality, but rather indicates that the variables are related at a specific point in time. Interpretation of the results must be undertaken with caution, as the test does not account for the full complexity of relationships between variables, including external factors and structural changes in the economy. Meanwhile, the LMDI decomposition analysis identified the principal drivers of alterations in CO₂ emissions. The findings indicate that, despite advancements in sustainable energy development, Poland and the Czech Republic are confronted with distinctive challenges that necessitate the implementation of tailored policy responses. It is therefore recommended that further investment in renewable energy and the modernisation of energy infrastructure be made in order to achieve long-term sustainability goals. Full article

Beyond the technical challenge of using biomass to achieve net zero, non-technical factors also impact the likelihood of biomass succeeding in displacing fossil fuel use, such as social, environmental, and economic challenges. The political bioeconomy in the United Kingdom (UK) has supported a small but significant role for biomass within the country’s energy mix, with policy determining who benefits, and who will continue to benefit, from its use. The revised UK Biomass Strategy of 2023 signalled how the government perceives biomass looking forward, and the commitment to a cross-sectoral sustainability framework has the potential to support a redistributive policy that creates new winners in the UK biomass sector. Maximising the redistributive effects of policy is hindered by the siloed nature of policymaking around biomass and undermined by a lack of social legitimacy, both of which must be addressed to enable biomass to contribute towards decoupling the UK’s economy from fossil fuels and to ensure a sustainable transition. Full article

This paper presents a simulation model for determining the most suitable type of microbiogas plant for small local communities on Slovenian farms, focusing on the efficient processing of organic waste. This model uses various input parameters, including different types and quantities of slurry and corn silage. Four different scenarios were developed to represent potential plant sizes, each evaluated using key economic indicators: net present value, breakthrough price, and internal rate of return. A scenario sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effects of changes in investment costs, fluctuations in energy prices, and the addition of corn silage to the anaerobic digestion process. The results highlight significant differences in economic viability across the scenarios, with some demonstrating positive financial outcomes and shorter payback periods and others indicating potential financial risks and longer recovery times under certain conditions. The analysis suggests that smaller micro biogas plants may struggle to achieve profitability without optimizing input ratios or reducing costs, whereas larger plants show more favorable economic indicators, provided certain conditions are met. Furthermore, the economic efficiency improves when adding maize silage to the fermentor mixture. Full article

This study investigates the process of using multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coatings to enhance lamp heating temperatures for solar thermal absorption applications. The primary focus is studying the effects of the self-organized honeycomb structures of CNTs formed on silicon substrates on different cell area ratios (CARs). The drop-casting process was used to develop honeycomb-structured MWCNT-coated absorbers with varying CAR values ranging from ~60% to 17%. The optical properties were investigated within the visible (400–800 nm) and near-infrared (934–1651 nm) wavelength ranges. Although fully coated MWCNT absorbers showed the lowest reflectance, honeycomb structures with a ~17% CAR achieved high-temperature absorption. These structures maintained 8.4% reflectance at 550 nm, but their infrared reflection dramatically increased to 80.5% at 1321 nm. The solar thermal performance was assessed throughout a range of irradiance intensities, from 0.04 W/cm² to 0.39 W/cm². The honeycomb structure with a ~17% CAR value consistently performed better than the other structures by reaching the highest absorption temperatures (ranging from 52.5 °C to 285.5 °C) across all measured intensities. A direct correlation was observed between the reflection ratio (visible: 550 nm/infrared: 1321 nm) and the temperature absorption efficiency, where lower reflection ratios were associated with higher temperature absorption. This study highlights the significant potential for the large-scale production of cost-effective solar thermal absorbers through the application of optimized honeycomb-structured absorbers coated with MWCNTs. These contributions enhance solar energy efficiency for applications in water heating and purification, thereby promoting sustainable development. Full article

Background/Aims: This study examined the effects of a specially designed energy-restricted diet with alternate carbohydrate intake on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults. The aim was to assess whether the intervention could lead to significant weight loss, improve body composition, and reduce cardiometabolic risks. Methods: Sixty-five participants (34 women, 31 men) with an average BMI of 31.8 ± 9.1 kg/m² (women) and 34.1 ± 6.4 kg/m² (men) participated in a 14-week intervention. The diet included different days of carbohydrate intake and a 20% reduction in total daily energy consumption. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters, including predictive indices of cardiometabolic risk, were determined at baseline and after the intervention. Results: The intervention resulted in a significant reduction in body weight (mean weight loss of 17%, p < 0.001), with 64.6% of participants achieving a weight loss of at least 10%. Muscle mass as a percentage of total body weight increased. Cardiometabolic improvements were observed in fasting blood glucose (from 5.4 to 4.9 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (from 3.38 to 2.81 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Gender-specific differences were found, particularly in HDL-C, which decreased significantly in women (p = 0.013), while there was a non-significant increase in men. Cardiometabolic indices, including the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and the Cardiometabolic Index (CMI), also improved significantly. Conclusions: The alternate carbohydrate diet improved body composition, cardiometabolic health, and treatment adherence through metabolic flexibility. However, the short duration of this study and the lack of a control group suggest that further research is needed to assess long-term sustainability. Full article

Although consumption is the cornerstone of economic growth, it is unquestionably one of the main reasons for the current degradation of the planet. Hence, it is necessary to understand consumers’ different perceptions and behaviors regarding sustainable goods, as the solution will inevitably involve changing behaviors and promoting more sustainable consumption. In light of the challenges posed by sustainability within the wine sector, namely issues related to climate change, chemical exposure, and the availability of water and energy, and considering the industry’s substantial environmental and social impacts, it is important to understand the factors influencing wine consumer behavior. This research explores sustainable wine consumption in Portugal. Based on a sample of 197 valid responses, collected in an online survey that took place from March 20 to April 30 of 2024, and applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, the current study found that consumers’ intention to consume sustainable wine is influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, and sustainability awareness. Regarding the individuals’ consumption of sustainable wine, this behavior is influenced by the intention to consume this wine, and by consumers’ perceived behavioral control. The results also concluded that individuals’ intention to consume sustainable wine is significantly different across marital status, professional occupation, level of education, and age. With these valuable insights, this study aimed to increase the available information on sustainable wine consumption, allowing different stakeholders, namely political decision makers, to develop and implement more efficient measures to promote sustainable wine consumption. Full article

This paper examines the optimal integration of renewable energy (RE) sources, energy storage technologies, and linking Indonesia’s islands with a high-capacity transmission “super grid”, utilizing the PLEXOS 10 R.02 simulation tool to achieve the country’s goal of 100% RE by 2060. Through detailed scenario analysis, the research demonstrates that by 2050, Indonesia could be on track to meet this target, with 62% of its energy generated from RE sources. Solar PV could play a dominant role, contributing 363 GW, or 72.3% of the total installed capacity out of over 500 GW. The study highlights that lithium-ion batteries, particularly with 4 h of storage, were identified as the most suitable energy storage option across various scenarios, supporting over 1000 GWh of storage capacity. The introduction of a super grid is shown to reduce the average energy generation cost to around USD 91/MWh from the current USD 98/MWh. These findings underscore the potential of a strategic combination of RE, optimized energy storage, and grid enhancements to significantly lower costs and enhance energy security, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders for Indonesia’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Full article

The world’s attention is currently focused on the energy transition to sustainable energy. The drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming, energy security, and the generalization of access to energy have contributed to the adoption of the Moroccan Energy Strategy, with a strong focus on renewable energy (RE). Morocco is notoriously poor in conventional primary fossil energy resources, with energy dependence on the order of 90%. In addition, the energy crisis that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, compounded with steady increase in demand, has heavily affected the security and stability of the country’s energy situation. The transition to RE by strongly engaging in the implementation of several solar, wind, and hydro energy projects has made the country the leader in RE in Africa. These projects benefit from the country’s excellent solar and wind energy potential. As a consequence, by 2030, the share of RE in the installed capacity is expected to reach 52%. An overview of the current situation of RE (particularly solar energy) in Morocco is provided, including the potentials, obstacles, challenges, and future perspectives. Thanks to its high solar potential, it is predictable that Morocco’s effort will be focused on this field: the Erasmus plus INNOMED project is a virtuous example of international cooperation, aiming at promoting solar energy through capacity building and the creation of solar energy networks, in synergy with EU Partners. Full article

Meeting renewable energy targets is one of the most significant global challenges to achieving SDG 7—Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This study focuses on the global energy transition to understand the factors that influence success or failure in achieving targets. First, the gap between the stated targets and our predictions was calculated. Next, the roles of economic, political, and environmental variables in determining this gap were analyzed. Data were collected from 63 countries from 2000 to 2022, ensuring the global representativeness and robustness of the results. Many countries may struggle to meet their renewable energy targets. Political stability, regulatory quality, and investment freedom play a remarkable role in helping countries get closer to achieving their targets. More industrialized countries with large populations face greater challenges due to high energy intensity. This paper aims to predict the propensity of countries to meet their energy targets by integrating the forecasting and analysis of the economic, political, and geographical factors that influence a green transition. The results provide new insights into how socioeconomic and geopolitical differences influence the energy transition, offering insights for more effective policies. It is argued that accelerated administrative procedures are needed to reduce investment uncertainty and improve energy systems’ flexibility. In addition, involving local communities in the decision-making process is important to ensure the acceptance of RE projects. Finally, introducing energy markets that reflect the characteristics of renewable sources is recommended to facilitate a more rapid and sustainable transition. Full article