ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study is to analyse the effects of renewable energy and non-renewable energy on sustainable development. This study is pioneering in this respect because it analyses the effect of renewable energy on adjusted net savings, which is a good sustainable development variable. For this purpose, the data of 40 developed and 73 developing countries were included. According to the estimation results obtained in the study, renewable energy has a positive and statistically significant effect on sustainable development both in developed countries and in developing countries. The impact of renewable energy on sustainable development is greater than the impact of non-renewable energy. In this respect, as the renewable energy amount increases, the level of sustainable development increases. According to these results, the fact that countries use renewable energy more than non-renewable energy sources is extremely important in terms of making progress towards sustainability of development and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The application of renewable energy resources in a power system has received significant attention owing to the environmental impacts and fluctuations of fossil fuel prices. Consequently, renewable energy resources have become important sources to generate power at the commercial level due to their various benefits, coupled with the government incentives and public supports. This research work is focused on the evaluation of the reliability, economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy resources in a microgrid system. The lifecycle analysis of a microgrid system that consists of the photovoltaic, wind turbine generator, electric storage system and diesel generator is implemented in this study to test their commercial prospects in rural communities that have no access to electricity due to economic and technical constraints. The objective of this research work is to minimize the cost of energy, lifecycle cost, the annual cost of load loss and lifecycle greenhouse gas emission cost as well as to improve the overall benefit of green technologies in the proposed microgrid system. This objective is achieved by utilizing the basic probability concept to obtain the reliability performance indicators such as expected energy not served, loss of load expectation and loss of load probability, in addition to utilizing an fmincon optimization tool in the MATLAB environment to investigate the environmental and economic effects of renewable energy resources in a power system. The suitability of the model is tested on six case studies by using the same load profile, wind speed and irradiation of the site and diesel generator power capacity. The market factors such as interest rate and price of diesel fuel as well as forced outage rate, annual peak load variation and distributed generation penetration level are utilized to study their impacts on the operation of a microgrid system. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the optimal feasibility of renewable energy resources in a microgrid system. This indicates that it offers a significant reduction in the values of lifecycle cost, cost of energy, greenhouse gas emission cost and the annual cost of load loss when compared with case study 1. This research work shows that the utilization of green technologies in a microgrid system optimizes the reliability, cost savings, lifecycle cost and environmental impact. The technique adopted in the study can serve as a reference for rural electrification projects and solve socioeconomic problems that are associated with power outages.
The study explores the importance of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on CO2 abatement in Africa from 1990 to 2014 with available balanced panel data for selected 19 countries employing the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimation technique. The study adopts both first-and-second-generation unit root and cointegration tests. Findings affirm cointegration among the variables. Results from the AMG estimate reveal that while renewable energy inhibits CO2 emissions insignificantly in Africa, non-renewable energy increases CO2 emissions significantly. Country-specific results reveal that the influence of both types of energy sources on CO2 emissions vary in terms of the nature of the relationship, the magnitude of influence and the level of significance. We further observed a one-way causality from renewable & non-renewable energy to CO2 emissions. Based on findings, policies for enhancing growth and curtailing environmental degradation with a view to achieving sustainable development were suggested.
A major challenge facing humans in the 21st century is how to strike a balance between the mitigation of environmental degradation and the achievement of sustainable economic growth. On this note, this investigation applies an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) methodology to a panel data of 28 European Union (EU-28) countries over the period 1995–2015. The study confirms the existence of positive and significant long-run nexus among environmental sustainability, renewable energy consumption and economic growth in the EU-28 countries. In addition, empirical results indicate that real gross fixed capital formation, carbon emissions and other environmental factors are principal determinants of long-run growth in the EU. Using Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) Granger non-causality in heterogeneous panel, results show long-run bidirectional causal relationships among renewable energy consumption, economic growth and other growth determinants. Based on these results, we infer that the exploitation of renewable energy sources in the EU-28 countries is a reliable pathway toward environmental pollution mitigation. Consequently, achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) by the year 2030 through renewable energy consumption and carbon emission mitigation is very much achievable in the EU-28 countries, and should also be adopted by all countries as an effective global policy.
Abstract This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the drivers of renewable energy production by employing variables of technological factors, economic factors, and environmental factors for two panels of developed and developing countries. Using GLS (Generalized Least Square) panel data estimation method, this paper finds that the determinants towards renewable sources vary in accordance with the level of income. The results reveal that renewable energy production is significantly determined by high technology export in developed countries, while high technology export is not statistically significant in explaining the use of RE sources in developing countries. Oil price has the smallest impact on renewable energy production in both groups. Although GDP per capita yields a positive impact on renewable energy production per capita in both groups, per capita CO2 emission shows considerably different impacts in developed and developing countries.
Shifting from fossil to clean energy sources is a major global challenge, but in particular for those countries with substantial fossil-fuel reserves and economies depending on fossil-fuel exports. Here we introduce an improved framework for renewable energy planning and decision-making to help such countries to more effectively harness their abundant renewable energy resources. We use Iran as a case for the analysis. The framework includes identifying and removing barriers that prevent the use of renewables. It is based on combining two models: Benefit, Opportunity, Cost, Risk (BOCR) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) models. In the analyses, the mutual weight of strategic criteria is employed such as technology, economy, energy vulnerability, security, global effects, and human wellbeing. Using the integrated model, we find that solar energy would be the preferential renewable energy source for Iran. Also, the role of infrastructures, policies, and administrative structures in renewable energy to facilitate their development was analyzed. The renewable energy policy-making framework presented is applicable to other countries as well.
Indre Siksnelyte-Butkiene, E. Zavadskas, D. Štreimikienė
Different power generation technologies have different advantages and disadvantages. However, if compared to traditional energy sources, renewable energy sources provide a possibility to solve the climate change and economic decarbonization issues that are so relevant today. Therefore, the analysis and evaluation of renewable energy technologies has been receiving increasing attention in the politics of different countries and the scientific literature. The household sector consumes almost one third of all energy produced, thus studies on the evaluation of renewable energy production technologies in households are very important. This article reviews the scientific literature that have used multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods as a key tool to evaluate renewable energy technologies in households. The findings of the conducted research are categorized according to the objectives pursued and the criteria on which the evaluation was based are discussed. The article also provides an overview and in-depth analysis of MCDM methods and distinguishes the main advantages and disadvantages of using them to evaluate technologies in households.
Abstract Renewable energy sources have gained prominence due to sustainability and less environmental impacts. With increasing energy consumption and depleting fossil fuel sources, emphases have been given to develop environmental-friendly energy systems and expand renewable energy penetration. In this regard, energy integration systems, that can satisfy energy demands in various forms, are considered as a viable approach for increasing the utilization of renewable resources and improving the efficiency of generation. Over the past decades, combined heat and power systems have been associated with energy savings and less environmental consequences. To this end, these systems attracted research community for further investigations and developments of renewable-based combined heat and power configurations in residential as well as industrial sector. In this study, energy generation by means of renewable resources including: solar, wind, and geothermal when operated as a cogeneration system, or integrated with a combined heat and power system is reviewed. The primary objectives of this study are to analyze the performance of most recent state-of-the-art designs, and present a comprehensive review that underlines the current research trends in the field of solar, wind, and geothermal energies. This review attempts to elaborate on integration of single or multiple renewable energies in combined heat and power systems. In this regard, preliminary research works are classified based on utilization of renewable resources in single and multiple integration. Further classifications are carried out based on the most cited research trends in that particular renewable energy field, in order to realize the current research objectives and the challenges every renewable field is facing today. Every presented system is evaluated in terms of implemented components, employed methods, and the objectives as well as key findings. This method of classification results in three primary research focuses including: model development and application in solar-integrated systems, thermo-economic optimization in geothermal-integrated systems, and scheduling and minimizing curtailment in wind-integrated systems. Finally, the future perspective of this field is proposed based on the current status of renewable integration to facilitate more effective and feasible operation in the future.
Abstract Renewable and sustainable energy systems and policies have globally been promoted to transition from fossil fuel sources to environmentally friendly renewable energy sources such as wind power, photovoltaic energy, and fuel cells. Wind and solar energy sources are erratic and difficult to implement in renewable energy systems, therefore, circumspection is needed to implement such renewable energy systems and policies. Accordingly, this study develops an energy forecasting model with renewable energy technologies on which policy can be based, using the Korean energy policy as a case study. Deep learning-based models forecast fluctuating variation in electricity demand and generation, which are necessary in renewable energy system but not possible with conventional models. The gated recurrent unit shows the best prediction performance among the forecasting models evaluated, and is therefore selected as the base model to evaluate four different renewable energy scenarios. The scenarios are evaluated according to economic-environmental cost assessment. The optimal scenario uses an integrated gasification combined cycle, onshore and offshore wind farms, photovoltaic power stations, and fuel cell plants; in particular, this scenario shows the lowest economic-environmental costs, generates stable electricity for demand, and achieves a policy with 100% renewable energy. The optimal scenario is assessed by considering its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis while also considering techno-economic-environmental domestic and global energy circumstances.
As a natural refrigerant, CO<sub>2</sub> shows significant potential in sustainable thermal engineering due to its environmental safety and economic viability. While the transcritical CO<sub>2</sub> cycle demonstrates strong performance in heating, low-temperature applications, and integration with renewable energy sources, its widespread adoption is hindered by key challenges at the application level. These include: high sensitivity of system efficiency to operating conditions, which creates an “efficiency hump” and narrows the optimal operating window; increased component costs and technical challenges for key devices such as multi-channel valves due to high-pressure requirements; and complex system control with limited intelligent solutions currently integrated. Despite these challenges, the transcritical CO<sub>2</sub> cycle holds unique value in enabling synergistic energy conversion. Its ability to efficiently match and cascade different energy grades makes it particularly suitable for data center cooling, industrial combined cooling and heating, and solar–thermal hybrid systems, positioning it as an indispensable technology in future low-carbon energy systems. To fully realize its potential, development efforts must focus on high-value applications and key technological breakthroughs. Priority should be given to demonstrating its use in fields where it holds a distinct advantage, such as low-temperature refrigeration and high-temperature industrial heat pumps, to establish commercially viable models. Concurrently, core technologies—including adaptive intelligent control algorithms, high-efficiency expanders, and cost-effective pressure-resistant components—must be advanced. Supportive policies, encompassing energy efficiency standards, safety regulations, and fiscal incentives, will be essential to facilitate the transition from demonstration projects to widespread industrial adoption.
Abstract The anthropogenic impact of conventional energy sources encourages the utilization of renewable energy, as it has become a strategic commodity for economic growth. On the other hand, institutional stability is the pre-requisite without which environmental quality cannot be assured and the economy cannot function. However, in recent literature, very little consideration has been given to this important phenomenon. This study is set to analyze the energy-institutional stability-economic growth nexus, as well as the energy-institutional stability-environmental quality nexus, by incorporating the Cobb Douglas production function and the Diet and Rosa environmental function respectively. The sample consists of the D-8 countries and the time period spans 1990 to 2016. To analyze the developed models, Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL), Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) tests are applied, along with other econometric techniques. The panel ARDL statistics indicate significant cointegration among all variables of both functions, while the FMOLS test reveals that consumption of both nonrenewable and renewable energy has a positive impact on economic growth, as well as on environmental degradation. Further, results indicate that institutional stability is crucial for establishing a nation on a sound footing and protecting environmental quality. Based on these results, the study suggests a blend of both types of energy and a gradual transition toward renewable energy sources, with better implementation of policies and technological advances, to produce, preserve, and transmit renewable energy production.
Yustisia Serfiyani Cita, Hermono Budi, Sulistiyowati Eny
et al.
AI data centers are a vital necessity that is inevitable in the era of AI development, which is growing very rapidly today, even though the aspects of technological development and environmental preservation are two sides that often cannot go hand in hand if not accompanied by a commitment to ecological conservation. The integration of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) into the management of AI data centers in Indonesia is a progressive idea but not easy to implement because it clashes with climate crisis issues, especially related to the use of clean drinking water that is used massively by data center operator companies everywhere, including in Indonesia, so that it has the potential to cause a clean water crisis if not balanced with the strengthening of government policies that involve the environment. A comparative study of the concept of sustainable AI data center management applied to Australia. This study recommends REC as a mandatory certification that AI data center operators must possess before being permitted to invest in AI data centers in Indonesia. The REC requirement mechanism includes the ability or commitment to provide energy sources other than clean water, which technological readiness or cooperation contract documents can prove.
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), as an emerging class of nascent carbon-based materials, demonstrate remarkable promise in fluorescence sensing applications. Those potentials stem from several factors, including their favorable photoluminescence (PL) characteristics, feasibility of surface functionalization, excellent biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity. This review concentrates on the fundamental optical properties of GQDs, with specific reference to the manipulation of intrinsic characteristics both by heteroatom doping and surface/edge functionalization. These modifications permit the alteration of optical properties, thereby rendering GQDs more versatile for an array of applications. Subsequently, we then delve into the recent applications of GQDs in fluorescence sensing, encompassing both turn-off and turn-on mechanisms. Finally, it presents a systematic assessment of the current state of research on GQDs, along with discussions on challenges and prospects for expanding and improving their applications.
Marius Manolache, Alexandra Ionelia Manolache, Gabriel Andrei
Excessive reliance on traditional energy sources such as coal, petroleum, and gas leads to a decrease in natural resources and contributes to global warming. Consequently, the adoption of renewable energy sources in power systems is experiencing swift expansion worldwide, especially in offshore areas. Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) technology is gaining recognition as an innovative renewable energy option, presenting benefits like minimized land requirements, improved cooling effects, and possible collaborations with hydropower. This study aims to assess the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) associated with floating solar initiatives in offshore and onshore environments. Furthermore, the LCOE is assessed for initiatives that utilize floating solar PV modules within aquaculture farms, as well as for the integration of various renewable energy sources, including wind, wave, and hydropower. The LCOE for FPV technology exhibits considerable variation, ranging from 28.47 EUR/MWh to 1737 EUR/MWh, depending on the technologies utilized within the farm as well as its geographical setting. The implementation of FPV technology in aquaculture farms revealed a notable increase in the LCOE, ranging from 138.74 EUR/MWh to 2306 EUR/MWh. Implementation involving additional renewable energy sources results in a reduction in the LCOE, ranging from 3.6 EUR/MWh to 315.33 EUR/MWh. The integration of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems into green hydrogen production represents an emerging direction that is relatively little explored but has high potential in reducing costs. The conversion of this energy into hydrogen involves high final costs, with the LCOH ranging from 1.06 EUR/kg to over 26.79 EUR/kg depending on the complexity of the system.
Khamraev Sardor, Kodirov Jobir, Yuldoshov Laziz
et al.
This study analyses the use of solar energy in the heating systems of residential buildings and various sectors of the economy, based on scientific research conducted both in foreign countries and in Uzbekistan. The data show that there is significant potential for efficient utilization of solar energy in the southern regions of the country, considering the available solar resources and climatic conditions. However, there are challenges related to the integration of solar-based heating systems into combined configurations. Studies have focused on the effectiveness of using solar eneray throuah the integration of solar collectors, photovoltaic panels, and heat pumps as well as on reducing energy consumption and optimizing production processes. Special attention is given to methods and directions for the efficient use of solar energy that are suitable for Uzbekistan's specific climatic conditions.
Conventional energy source based on coal, gas, and oil are very much helpful for the improvement in the economy of a country, but on the other hand, some bad impacts of these resources in the environment have bound us to use these resources within some limit and turned our thinking toward the renewable energy resources. The social, environmental, and economical problems can be omitted by use of renewable energy sources, because these resources are considered as environment-friendly, having no or little emission of exhaust and poisonous gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monooxide, sulfur dioxide, etc. Renewable energy is going to be an important source for power generation in near future, because we can use these resources again and again to produce useful energy. Wind power generation is considered as having lowest water consumption, lowest relative greenhouse gas emission, and most favorable social impacts. It is considered as one of the most sustainable renewable energy sources, followed by hydropower, photovoltaic, and then geothermal. As these resources are considered as clean energy resources, they can be helpful for the mitigation of greenhouse effect and global warming effect. Local employment, better health, job opportunities, job creation, consumer choice, improvement of life standard, social bonds creation, income development, demographic impacts, social bonds creation, and community development can be achieved by the proper usage of renewable energy system. Along with the outstanding advantages of these resources, some shortcomings also exist such as the variation of output due to seasonal change, which is the common thing for wind and hydroelectric power plant; hence, special design and consideration are required, which are fulfilled by the hardware and software due to the improvement in computer technology.