Abstract Energy is the essential need for the development, modernization and economic growth of any nation in the industrial sector. About 32–35% of the total energy of the world is used in the industrial sector. Solar thermal energy application is an initiative towards the sustainable and zero-carbon energy future. Solar thermal collectors are recognized as promising alternatives for fossil fuels in the industrial sector for process heat due to energy security, economic feasibility and environmental benefits. This work is an extensive compilation and review of the recent literature concerning research works carried out to solar thermal collectors and its industrial applications, global advancements in solar thermal technologies, collectors and the solar thermal energy storage system with a focus on the sun tracking system, thermal performance, and modeling techniques. In this review paper, current industrial process-heat systems are classified based on solar collector technologies and heat demand temperatures for the identification of typical applications for solar process heat. These classifications are pertinent to every country within the same industry type along with similar weather and economic conditions. Moreover, future prospects to integrate solar heat in the heat supply level of an industrial company in Pakistan is outlined for a sustainable energy system. It is found that solar thermal technologies can be used for a variety of industrial applications for sustainable energy system in industries and these should be used for industrial applications which are more compatible to be integrated.
Mehedi Hassan Pranta, Haeng Muk Cho, Anik Biswas
et al.
This study uses high-fidelity 3D computational fluid dynamics in ANSYS Forte to investigate the combustion and emission characteristics of biodiesel blends (B20, B50, B75) relative to a baseline diesel (D100). Using a well-characterized n-decane/methyl decanoate binary surrogate, the research systematically explores the thermodynamic impacts of a wide compression ratio (CR) sweep (11:1 to 18:1) from the chemical dilution effects of varying exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) levels. Results indicate that higher biodiesel fractions extend the physical ignition delay and reduce brake power, with the B75 blend exhibiting a 17.48% reduction compared to diesel. Increasing the CR to 18:1 significantly elevates peak cylinder pressure and temperature, with B20 reaching 13.59 MPa and 2913 K. Conversely, applying 20% EGR to the B50 blend at the baseline CR effectively suppresses these thermodynamic peaks by 14.01% and 20.62%, respectively. This EGR-induced thermal suppression achieves a minimum NOx emission of 0.61 g/kg-fuel for B50, representing a 99.58% reduction relative to the baseline. Furthermore, the inherent oxygenated nature of the B50 blend demonstrates significant reductions in carbon monoxide (46.3%) and unburned hydrocarbon (50.18%) emissions compared to D100. While elevated CR and EGR levels generally dampen the peak heat release rate (HRR), the B50 blend demonstrates a notable 52.21% HRR intensification at CR 15 due to complex shifts in spatial combustion phasing. Ultimately, these findings highlight the fundamental 3D in-cylinder trade-offs between thermal efficiency and the formation of kinetic emissions, establishing the need to co-optimize CR and EGR strategies for advanced biodiesel-fueled engines.
Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade, Renewable energy sources
This study evaluates the impact of major policy reforms that deregulated Zimbabwe’s oil industry, with particular emphasis on their implications for rural development in Mudzi Rural District, Mashonaland East Province. The research examines how liberalising the importation, distribution, and retailing of oil products has reshaped market structure, pricing dynamics, competitive behaviour, investment trends, fuel accessibility, and foreign exchange utilisation. Findings indicate that deregulation has the potential to greatly improve fuel access and service provision in underserved rural areas by enhancing market efficiency, increasing competition, and diversifying fuel import sources. Consequently, the reforms have also created new investment opportunities for Zimbabweans, especially in rural markets, including roles in infrastructure development, import substitution, storage, and procurement. Emerging models such as containerised fuel stations demonstrate how deregulation can expand rural fuel availability and stimulate local enterprise development. However, the study highlights ongoing challenges—among them regulatory gaps, illicit fuel trading, and inadequate infrastructure—which undermine the full benefits of deregulation. Therefore, to address these issues, the research recommends that there be targeted support for small-scale fuel operators, strengthened regulatory oversight, enhanced community engagement, and local capacity-building initiatives. Overall, the study concludes that with strategic policy refinement, deregulation can play a pivotal role in advancing Zimbabwe’s broader objectives of energy security, inclusive rural development, and sustainable economic growth.
Abstract In recent years, bifacial solar panels are accelerating to replace single‐side PV devices in traditional PV power generation system due to their high utilisation rate and price advantages. This makes the stability and control strategy of grid‐connected bifacial PV systems (GCBPVS) to be different from the traditional method after it is connected to the power systems. This paper fully considers each detailed module in GCBPVS using virtual synchronous generator (VSG) technology and derives the small‐signal model of the fully grid‐connected (GC) system using the linearisation method of each sub‐module. Then, it analyses the small disturbance stability and oscillation mode characteristics of GCBPVS by combining the effects of partial system parameters change on eigenvalues. Especially for the key parameters that affect the control stability of the system, this paper proposes a novel global optimisation design method of key control parameters to reform the distribution of system eigenvalues and improve the stability of GCBPVS. Finally, case simulation and result analysis show that the accuracy of the above small‐signal model is very high and the related stabilisation control method is very effective. In addition, hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) experiments demonstrate that the proposed control method has strong engineering practicability and is better suitable for application.
Production of electric energy or power. Powerplants. Central stations, Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade
Quantifying progress towards achieving the 7th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG7) is essential for tracking global efforts on sustainable energy transition as well as guiding policy development. However, there is a lack of comprehensive assessment frameworks with consideration of temporal-and-regional dynamics. Targeting this research gap, we developed an Energy Sustainability Index (ESI) with 5 dimensions and 12 indicators to measure the progress of SDG7 in 140 countries around the world from 2011 to 2020, with a particular emphasis on its geographical inequality. Results show that while the global average ESI score has increased by 6.7 % from 2011 to 2020, this growth was largely dependent on the rapid development of a few emerging economies, with the growth rate in the rest of the world still lagging. In addition, most of the regions have failed to balance development across the 5 dimensions of the ESI, causing a regression in some dimensions, notably energy reliability. Analysis of inter-population inequality shows that although global inequality in energy development declined by 14.3 % in the period of 2011–2020, the extreme low scores of the Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) remained virtually unchanged, implying that energy development in LDCs needs more attention. This study provides a new paradigm for further exploration in the spatial and temporal characteristics of energy sustainability and highlights the urgency of promoting SDG7 globally in a holistic and synergistic approach.
This paper examines the geopolitical and equity implications of the EU CBAM for four Global South countries—Brazil, South Africa, India and China—through a political economy perspective. Drawing on case studies and thematic analysis, this paper explores how these four countries differ in their adaptive capacities to CBAM implementation. It also examines the opportunities and challenges posed by CBAM and highlights key lessons for other countries in the Global South. The findings show that national responses to CBAM are shaped not only by economic factors, but also by political ideologies and development paradigms. Brazil, South Africa, India, and China each face a “triple burden” of compliance costs, institutional constraints, and social inequalities, compounded by risks of trade retaliation and resource shuffling. These asymmetric impacts highlight the limitations of one-size-fits-all climate mechanisms like CBAM and raise broader concerns about institutional fragmentation and global equity. Despite these challenges, this study identifies a “pressure-opportunity paradox”, whereby external regulatory pressure such as CBAM can also trigger domestic institutional reform, technological innovation, and industrial upgrading, especially under conditions of asymmetric trade dependence. Finally, we propose strategic priorities including climate transition support mechanisms funded by CBAM revenues, developing flexible carbon accounting systems aligned with national capabilities, embedding social protection in green industrial policy, and strengthening South-South cooperation to promote a more inclusive and equitable transition.
Abstract The transformation of mobility and transport infrastructure is emerging as one of the defining societal challenges of the twenty-first century. This editorial introduces the Special Issue on “Sustainable Mobility Transitions: (New) Pathways of Future Energy Systems” from a social science perspective, bringing together interdisciplinary insights on the political, institutional, and communicative dimensions of transport transition. Drawing on case studies from Germany and international contexts, the contributions of this Special Issue critically examine how governance structures—particularly parliamentary oversight and public participation—shape infrastructure planning and mobility policy. The discussion situates transport behavior within broader socio-technical systems and highlights the entrenched dominance of automobility, spatial legacies of car-centered urban planning, and the habitual routines that sustain private car use. At the same time, we identify new pathways for transformation, including innovations in sustainable and multimodal transport, participatory governance tools, and experimental urban interventions. The authors argue that overcoming the inertia of automobility requires not only technological and legal reforms but also compelling narratives, inclusive planning processes, and adaptive regulatory frameworks. In conclusion, the editorial underscores the importance for a renewed commitment to democratic legitimacy, institutional learning, and spatial justice in the governance of mobility and transport infrastructure.
Renewable energy sources, Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade
Cavitation is a critical challenge which significantly affects performance of hydro turbines leading to inefficient operation. Cavitation primarily arises due to improper design and frequent variations in operating conditions. Prediction or maintaining cavitation within controlled limits is crucial and challenging task in turbines yet it is essential for employing effective mitigation strategies to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of turbines. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of Francis turbine runner employed at DulHasti Power Station (DPS) was conducted using Ansys CFX for 3 different loading conditions (Underload, Full load and Over load) to identify and mitigate cavitation prone areas. Blade loading profiles were analysed to detect the sudden pressure drops responsible for manifesting cavitation and Elliptic Ratio, the key blade design parameter was optimized to control sudden pressure drops and enhance cavitation resistance of runner. The effectiveness of the modified design was validated using Thoma’s cavitation number to ensure improved resistance against cavitation. Our study concluded that the modified runner exhibited reduced cavitation intensity demonstrating the potential for improved operational reliability. This novel framework, optimizing the elliptic ratio of blade to mitigate cavitation, establishes a benchmark for cavitation control in Francis turbine and can be extended to other reaction turbines as well.
Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade, Renewable energy sources
[Objective] New energy power generation is expected to continue its development characterized by large scale, high proportion, marketization and high quality in the future. Advancing the energy revolution and accelerating the development of new energy systems are significantly influenced by meteorological issues. [Method] This study analyzed the relationship between key aspects of new energy systems and weather and climate. It highlighted the important role of meteorological work for new energy systems in three fields: support, integration and guarantee. The study presented the development history of wind and solar energy resource assessment technologies in China, covering resource assessment technology, assessment methods for technically available resources and key technical issues for the latest round of wind and solar energy resource censuses. Additionally, it examined the forecast demand and forecast period divisions for wind and solar energy, introduced the technical progress and main products of the China meteorological administration in ultra-short, short, medium, and long-term forecasts, and discussed the implementation of the precise meteorological service demonstration plan for wind and solar power generation (SDP). [Result] Wind and solar energy resource assessment technologies have seen significant improvements; however, they also face challenges posed by large-scale wind turbine generation systems and the diversified utilization of solar energy. Consequently, there is a pressing need to continuously develop new resource assessment technologies to meet the demands of the energy industry. Additionally, enhancing the accuracy of wind and solar energy forecasts requires breakthroughs in methodology. Developing meteorological forecast correction and power prediction models for wind and solar power generation stations, based on the principle of applying a tailored policy to each station, will be a crucial strategy for enhancing forecast accuracy. [Conclusion] Meteorological work should be guided by the Guidelines for High-Quality Meteorology Development (2022-2035) issued by the State Council. It is essential to continually strengthen scientific and technological innovation, as well as social service capabilities, in order to make positive contributions to the high-quality development of new energy systems.
Abstract This research proposes a reinforcement learning-based algorithm and a deep reinforcement learning-based algorithm for energy management of a series hybrid electric tracked vehicle. Firstly, the powertrain model of the series hybrid electric tracked vehicle (SHETV) is constructed, then the corresponding energy management formulation is established. Subsequently, a new variant of reinforcement learning (RL) method Dyna, namely Dyna-H, is developed by combining the heuristic planning step with the Dyna agent and is applied to energy management control for SHETV. Its rapidity and optimality are validated by comparing with DP and conventional Dyna method. Facing the problem of the “curse of dimensionality” in the reinforcement learning method, a novel deep reinforcement learning algorithm deep Q-learning (DQL) is designed for energy management control, which uses a new optimization method (AMSGrad) to update the weights of the neural network. Then the proposed deep reinforcement learning control system is trained and verified by the realistic driving condition with high-precision, and is compared with the benchmark method DP and the traditional DQL method. Results show that the proposed deep reinforcement learning method realizes faster training speed and lower fuel consumption than traditional DQL policy does, and its fuel economy quite approximates to global optimum. Furthermore, the adaptability of the proposed method is confirmed in another driving schedule.
Meetali Bharti, Swathi Baswaraju, Ginni Nijhawan
et al.
In the current time the climate change risk has continued to intensify such that sustainability of the world is difficult, hence urgent emission mitigation actions. An in-depth analysis of GHG emission reduction policies is provided in this paper, with a focus on strategies involving technology, policy, society, and the economy. Regulations play a significant role in reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, which gives a framework for the development of incentives for all sectors. The social cost of carbon is internalized by carbon pricing strategies like carbon taxes and cap-and-trade programs, which promote businesses to invest in greener practices and technological advances. Based on market structures, standards for energy efficiency and mandates for emissions targets may act as catalysts for changes in the market that push towards such low-carbon options. If a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from major economic sectors like agriculture, industry, transportation, or energy is to be achieved, technological advancement will continue to be crucial. Consequently, renewables including solar power wind turbine systems and hydroelectricity plus others replaced fossil fuelled-based sources thereby reducing emission in generation of electrical power. Further, this is to be achieved through efforts in grid modernization, smart infrastructural development and energy storage facilitating the penultimate connection of vast amount of renewable power to electricity grids especially during peak times. Again, industrial sector seems promising as far as decarbonizing production processes and reducing emissions are concerned by adopting clean technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), electrification and sustainable manufacturing processes. Additionally, changes that result into modification in the transport sector like electric vehicles expansion of public transportation systems, promotion of active transport modes amongst others also reduces emission levels whilst enhancing air quality. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy through financing will therefore require significant mobilization of investments towards clean energy infrastructure, sustainable land use practices and climate-resilient development. To direct capital towards low-carbon investment green bonds, carbon markets and public-private partnerships provide innovative financing mechanisms.
Angela Vidya Octaviani, Azra Nabila, Fahmy Mayadi
et al.
This research aims to analyze the impact of the Indonesian government’s coal export restrictions on the national economy, particularly focusing on the effects on trade, industry, and energy supply. The export restrictions, which were implemented to prioritize domestic energy needs, aim to ensure sufficient coal supply for domestic power plants and support energy security. Data shows that despite Indonesia being one of the world's largest coal exporters, the restrictions have resulted in a significant decrease in export revenues, which could potentially reach up to USD 3 billion per month. Furthermore, the policy creates challenges for coal producers due to disruptions in cash flow and rising operational costs, such as demurrage charges. However, the restrictions also serve as a strategic move to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and encourage the development of the domestic coal processing industry. This research highlights the balance between maintaining economic growth through international trade and ensuring national energy sustainability. By managing these policies effectively, Indonesia can strengthen its position in the global coal market while supporting long-term energy resilience and sustainable economic growth.
The urgency of addressing climate change has led to the implementation of various policy measures, with carbon taxation emerging as a significant tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper examines the economic impacts of carbon taxation through advanced deep learning techniques, highlighting the effectiveness of these models in capturing the complex, non-linear relationships between carbon emissions and various economic indicators. The study reveals that carbon taxation has both short-term and long-term economic implications. In the short term, industries reliant on fossil fuels may face increased operational costs and potential job losses, while the renewable energy sector experiences growth as employment opportunities shift. Over the long term, carbon taxation fosters structural changes within the economy, promoting innovation and investment in sustainable technologies. Furthermore, the environmental benefits associated with reduced carbon emissions can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare and environmental remediation, indicating that the advantages of carbon taxation extend beyond economic metrics alone. The study also identifies gaps in the current literature and suggests that future research should refine models to analyze the economic impacts of carbon taxation more effectively. This includes addressing data limitations and exploring the potential biases in existing datasets. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence in economic modeling presents opportunities for real-time data analysis and the exploration of other environmental policies, such as renewable energy subsidies and emissions trading systems. Ultimately, this research contributes to the understanding of how innovative modeling approaches can inform effective and equitable carbon taxation policies, driving sustainable economic growth in the face of climate change.
In the present work, direct contact the refrigerant and the cells was employed for thermal management. This study experimentally investigates cooling the battery pack by allowing the refrigerant to directly contact the cells. Furthermore, it presents the first experimental evaluation of combining this approach with various active and passive cooling methods. According to the results, the cells’ maximum temperature decreased by 34°C at the end of the discharge. In the proposed system, the heatsink served as the only heat transfer path to the environment, where. heat transfer occurred via free convection. To enhance heat dissipation from the heatsink, the system was combined with active or passive Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMSs). Using hydrogel between the fins of the heatsink decreased the cells’ maximum temperature by 0.5°C. However, the use of forced airflow between the fins of the heatsink did not affect the cells’ maximum temperature. The proposed system was also combined with an active forced liquid cooling system, and various water flow rates were investigated. At a flow rate of 200 LPH, the cells’ maximum temperature was reduced by 1.5°C compared to the mode without forced water flow. Additionally, different inlet water temperatures were examined, revealing that increasing the inlet water temperature leads to a significant rise in the cells' maximum temperature.
Anna Traupmann, Matthias Greiml, Josef Steinegger
et al.
Abstract The high emission intensity of coal‐fired power plants (CFPP) leads to the inevitable next step towards energy transition, the coal phase‐out. One challenge is the subsequent use of still‐functioning assets. Re‐purposing these assets avoids value loss and creates new opportunities for coal regions. Therefore, this study considers the sector coupling technologies Power‐to‐Gas (PtG) and Gas‐to‐Power (GtP) as re‐purposing options. First, a multi‐variable Mixed‐Integer Linear Programming optimisation model is established. This model includes the participation of the plant in the current (2020) and future (2030, 2040) electricity and natural gas spot‐markets and the balancing power market while fulfilling existing contracts, and allows for determining the re‐purposing technologies' operating profiles. By applying a techno‐economic analysis, investment recovery periods of the considered re‐purposing technologies are assessed, which range between two (GtP) and over ten (PtG) years. A sensitivity analysis accounting for current energy prices and technological advancements reveals capital expenditure has the highest impact on this Return‐On‐Investment period. Additionally, a case study considering the Austrian energy grids is performed to account for the grid impact of integrating these technologies at former CFPP sites. Thus, it is found that the investigated sector coupling technologies have the potential to compensate for grid congestions even in profit‐optimised operation.
Production of electric energy or power. Powerplants. Central stations, Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade
Abstract Pakistan is facing electricity crises owing to lack of integrated energy planning, reliance on imported fuels for power generation, and poor governance. This situation has challenged governments for over a decade to address these crises. However, despite various conformist planning and policy initiatives, the balance between demand and supply of electricity is yet to be achieved. In this study, Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) is used to develop Pakistan's LEAP modeling framework for the period 2015–2050. Following demand forecast, four supply side scenarios; Reference (REF), Renewable Energy Technologies (RET), Clean Coal Maximum (CCM) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) are enacted considering resource potential, techno-economic parameters, and CO2 emissions. The model results estimate the demand forecast of 1706.3 TWh in 2050, at an annual average growth rate of 8.35%, which is 19 times higher than the base year demand. On the supply side, RET scenario, although capital-intensive earlier in the modeling period, is found to be the sustainable electricity generation path followed by EEC scenario with the lower demand of 1373.2 TWh and minimum Net Present Value (NPV) at an aggregate discount rate of 6%. Conclusion section of the paper provides the recommendations devised from this study results.
Recently, the energy scarcity and environmental pollution have greatly promoted rapid development of the electric vehicles (EV) industry. In this context, we established a scenario analysis using system dynamics model to analyze the development of EV in China under policy incentives. Four scenarios were set in this paper: scenario 1 (Without any policy), scenario 2 (Only direct policy), scenario 3 (Only indirect policy), scenario 4 (Both direct & indirect policy). It is shown that the EV industry was in preliminary stage in 2010. After a period of development, in 2040, the total amount of EVs will reach 4.03, 8.61, 4.2 and 8.85 million in scenario 1–4. The results indicate that China's EV market penetration is mainly dominated by state policies, especially the financial supports. Reducing the governments’ financial supports for EVs will put EV manufacturers at a cost disadvantage in the automobile markets. In addition, because of our emerging carbon market and low average carbon price, participating in carbon trading market cannot promote a rapid growth by stimulating investment passion. In all, cutting the financial supports is not a good option, because the large-scale market penetration still requires the clear and strong policy incentives.