scholarly journals Biomass Production in Agroforestry Systems: V.E.Ri.For Project

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 58-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea R. Proto ◽  
Giuseppe Zimbalatti ◽  
Lorenzo Abenavoli ◽  
Bruno Bernardi ◽  
Soraya Benalia
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Local System ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Woody Perennials ◽  
Marginal Areas

The biomass for energy purposes, coming from agroforestry systems and timber industry, can provide various environmental and socio-economic benefits. Among all renewable energy sources, agroforestry biomass represents both an important alternative source to fossil fuels and an opportunity for the socio-economic development of various marginal areas in Italy. In particular, agroforestry is a collective name of land use systems in which woody perennials are grown in association with herbaceous plants and/or livestock in a spatial arrangements, a rotation, or both in which there are both ecological and economic interactions between the tree and the non-tree components of the system. Estimating availability of biomass resources is important to assess bioenergy production potential and so bioenergy contribution to annual energy demand. In the supply of biomass to energy use, the planning of operations is the basis for sustainable development of agroforest system. Most existing forest practice rules and recommendations did not anticipate this increased extraction of woody biomass and offer no specific guidance on how much removal is healthy for ecosystems. Intensification of biomass utilization, particularly for energy and fuel needs, presents a range of potential environmental risks. Therefore, the research focuses on development of guidelines for increasing a sustainable biomass supply chain at local scale, in order to facilitate energy planning that considers the local system carrying capacity and the potential of substitution of fossil fuels.

Nigeria: Advancing the Cause of Renewable Energy in Nigeria’s Power Sector Through its Legal Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 433-444
Author(s):  
Olusola Joshua Olujobi ◽  
Temilola Olusola-Olujobi
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Power Sector ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Oil Sector

Fossil fuels have been the mainstream of energy supply and a major source of foreign exchange earnings for the Federal Government of Nigeria, in spite of being an unrenewable and unsustainable source of energy. Nigeria is yet to tap into the full benefits after privatising its power sector, including the new global evolution in the energy sector and the resulting increasing demand for renewable energy sources, which some consider to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels and their allied products. Energy security is a challenge to socio-economic development in Nigeria, due to the country’s over-dependency on fossil fuels. In terms of their impact and the potentials to preserve energy sources for longevity and sustainability, however, fossil fuels will come to be seen as an out-dated alternative in the power sector as the energy industry evolves. The implications for Nigeria’s oil sector will not be limited to dwindling crude oil prices. The concerns include poor energy utilisation in Nigeria and the need to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. They have led to the formulation of new energy policies around the world to serve as a vehicle for translating solutions into reality. This study has adopted a library-based legal research method with a comparative approach. The study reveals that it is the lack of a coherent legal framework with incentives for using renewable energy that is largely seen as the key issue causing slow uptake of renewable energy as an alternative source of energy in Nigeria. As well as the need for a coherent legal framework on energy and incentives for using renewable energy sources, the study advocates stringent enforcement of existing energy regulatory policies.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanocomposite Calcium Doped Ceria Electrolyte With Alkali Carbonates (NK-CDC) for SOFC

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghazanfar Abbas ◽  
Rizwan Raza ◽  
Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhry ◽  
Bin Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Electrochemical Impedance ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Precipitation Method ◽  
Molar Ratio ◽  
Doped Ceria ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Calcium Doped ◽  
Co Precipitation

The entire world’s challenge is to find out the renewable energy sources due to rapid depletion of fossil fuels because of their high consumption. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are believed to be the best alternative source which converts chemical energy into electricity without combustion. Nanostructured study is required to develop highly ionic conductive electrolyte for SOFCs. In this work, the calcium doped ceria (Ce0.8Ca0.2O1.9) coated with 20% molar ratio of two alkali carbonates (CDC-M: MCO3, where M = Na and K) electrolyte was prepared by co-precipitation method in this study. Ni based electrode was used to fabricate the cell by dry pressing technique. The crystal structure and surface morphology was characterized by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The particle size was calculated in the range of 10–20nm by Scherrer’s formula and compared with SEM and TEM results. The ionic conductivity was measured by using AC Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) method. The activation energy was also evaluated. The performance of the cell was measured 0.567W/cm2 at temperature 550°C with hydrogen as a fuel.

The Role of Renewable Energy Sources in a Sustainable World

1992 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruud Pleune
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Conservation ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
World Energy ◽  
World Concept

Present energy use - largely dependent on fossil fuels - is incompatible with the sustainable world concept. In a sustainable world, energy sources are renewable and used in a way that damage to the environment is minimalized. This study investigates the possibility of a sustainable world using renewable energy sources. It appears that - when strict energy conservation is applied - such a sustainable world seems to be attainable. This requires, however, drastic changes in most parts of society.

scholarly journals Analysis of Energy System in Norway with Focus on Energy Consumption Prediction

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Hamlehdar ◽  
Alireza Aslani
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Energy System ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Regression Result ◽  
Industry Growth ◽  
The Status

Abstract Today, the fossil fuels have dominant share of energy supply in order to respond to the high energy demand in the world. Norway is one of the countries with rich sources of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. The current work is to investigate on the status of energy demand in Norway. First, energy and electricity consumption in various sectors, including industrial, residential are calculated. Then, energy demand in Norway is forecasted by using available tools. After that, the relationship between energy consumption in Norway with Basic economics parameters such as GDP, population and industry growth rate has determined by using linear regression model. Finally, the regression result shows a low correlation between variables.

scholarly journals The Potential of Using Renewable Energy Sources in Poland Taking into Account the Economic and Ecological Conditions

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 7525
Author(s):  
Mariusz Niekurzak
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Technical Specification ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Renewable Sources ◽  
Starting Point

The aim of the manuscript was to present the collective results of research on the profitability of using various renewable sources in Poland with the greatest development potential. In the paper, the economic parameters of various investment projects were determined and calculated, i.e., Net Capital Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and the Period of Return on Invested Capital (PBT). The economic assessment of the use of RES technologies was supplemented with the assessment of environmental benefits. The ecological criterion adopted in the study was the assessment of the potential and costs of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a result of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy technologies. On the basis of the constructed economic model to assess the profitability of investments, it has been shown that the analyzed projects will start to bring, depending on their type and technical specification, measurable economic benefits in the form of a reduction in the amount of energy purchased on an annual basis and environmental benefits in the form of reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Moreover, the calculations show a high potential for the use of certain renewable sources in Poland, which contributes to the fulfillment of energy and emission obligations towards the EU. The analyzes and research of the Polish energy market with the use of the presented models have shown that the project is fully economically justified and will allow investors to make a rational decision on the appropriate selection of a specific renewable energy source for their investment. The presented economic models to assess the profitability of investments in renewable energy sources can be successfully used in other countries and can also be a starting point for a discussion about the direction of energy development. Due to the lack of collective, original and up-to-date research on the domestic market, the manuscript provides the reader with the necessary knowledge regarding the legitimacy of using renewable energy sources, investment and environmental profitability.

Renewable Energy Sources

2016 ◽  
pp. 238-269
Author(s):  
Mahmure Övül Arıoğlu Akan ◽  
Ayşe Ayçim Selam ◽  
Seniye Ümit Oktay Fırat
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Global Organizations ◽  
Detailed Review ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Near Future

Sustainability concerns resulting from the consumption of natural resources, life-threatening levels of pollution, global warming, climate change and the ever-increasing worldwide energy use have brought renewable energy sources to forefront. Given the possibility of depletion of fossil fuels in the near future, the utilization of clean and renewable energy sources have become inevitable. Consequently, governments and global organizations adopted respective regulations to ensure the production and use of renewable energy and promote the respective new investments. In the light of these developments, the aim of this study is to conduct a detailed review and evaluation on the current literature and global energy statistics. The respective projects, binding regulations, incentives, and pricing mechanisms have also been studied to analyze and compare the renewable energy policies adopted worldwide. Ultimately, the goal is to make certain suggestions and lay out possible solutions regarding global energy problems.

Action for increasing energy-saving behaviour in student residences at Rhodes University, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Ancha Lindelwa Bulunga ◽  
Gladman Thondhlana
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Behaviour ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In response to increasing energy demand and financial constraints to invest in green infrastructure, behaviour change energy-saving interventions are increasingly being considered as a tool for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour in campus residences. This paper aims to report on a pilot programme aimed at reducing energy consumption via behaviour change interventions, variably applied in residences at Rhodes University, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via structured questionnaires, energy consumption records and post-intervention programme focus group discussions. Findings Participant residences that received a mix of different interventions in the forms of pamphlets, face-to-face discussions, incentives and feedback recorded more energy reductions of up to 9 per cent than residences that received a single or no intervention. In post-experiment discussions, students cited personal, institutional and structural barriers to pro-environmental energy-use behaviour. Practical implications Overall, the results of this study suggest that information provision of energy-saving tips combined with regular feedback and incentives can result in energy-use reductions in university residences, which may yield environmental and economic benefits for universities, but addressing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour might maximise the results. Originality/value Given the lack of literature on energy conservation in the global South universities, this study provides the basis for discussing the potential for using behavioural interventions in universities for stirring pathways towards sustainability.

Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts of Adopting Clean Energy Use

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 29-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Razi ◽  
Yousaf Ali
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Crucial Issue ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Alternative Solutions

These days, the excessive industrialization, elevated levels of pollution, and the increased energy crisis has led nations towards the use of renewable energy sources. Through the use of renewable energy sources, global warming can also be decreased, which is currently the biggest environmental issue worldwide. Pakistan, being a developing country, relies on the use of fossil fuels for the generation of electricity. The alarming increase in population, energy consumption per capita and energy wastages lead to a shortfall. To resolve this crucial issue, the alternative solutions considered include the use of renewable sources of energy such as hydro, solar and wind. The use of these renewable energy sources is governed by various environmental, economic and social parameters. The influence of these parameters on the use of renewable energy sources is studied through the use of DEMATEL and revised DEMATEL techniques.

scholarly journals Economic perspective of hybrid wind-diesel technology for commercial loads of Dhahran Saudi Arabia: A step towards sustainable future

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-178
Author(s):  
S.M. Shaahid
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Hybrid Systems ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Commercial Building

The governments world-wide are deliberating to promote renewable energy sources such as wind to mitigate increasing demand of energy and to overcome effects of pollution due to to use of fossil fuels. Integration of wind turbine generators (WTG) with the diesel plants is pursued widely to reduce dependence on fossil-fuels and to reduce carbon emissions. Literature indicates that commercial/residential buildings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (K.S.A) consume an estimated 10 - 40% of the total electric energy generated. The aim of this study is to analyze wind-speed data of Dhahran (East-Coast, K.S.A.) to assess the economic feasibility of utilizing hybrid wind-diesel power systems to meet the load requirements of a typical commercial building (with annual electrical energy demand of 620,000 kWh). The monthly average wind speeds range from 3.3 to 5.6 m/s. The hybrid systems simulated consist of different combinations of 100 kW commercial WTG supplemented with diesel generators. NREL?s (HOMER Energy?s) HOMER software has been employed to perform the techno-economic analysis. The simulation results indicate that for a hybrid system comprising of 100 kW wind capacity together with 175 kW diesel system, the wind penetration (at 37 m hub-height, with 0% annual capacity shortage) is 25%. The cost of generating energy (COE, $/kWh) from this hybrid wind-diesel system has been found to be 0.121 $/kWh (assuming diesel fuel price of 0.1$/liter). The study exhibits that for a given hybrid configuration, the number of operational hours of diesel gensets decreases with increase in wind farm capacity. Emphasis has also been placed on wind penetration, un-met load, energy production and COE, excess electricity generation, percentage fuel savings and reduction in carbon emissions (relative to diesel-only situation) of different hybrid systems, cost break-down of wind-diesel systems, COE of different hybrid systems, etc.

scholarly journals Intimately Coupling Photocatalytic Optical Fibers and Biofilm for Rapid and Sustainable Degradation of 4-Chlorophenol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jilin Yuan ◽  
Linyang Li ◽  
Chuanbao Xiao ◽  
Nianbing Zhong ◽  
Dengjie Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Fibers ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Scenedesmus Obliquus ◽  
Wastewater Remediation ◽  
Microalgal Biomass ◽  
Biofilm Growth ◽  
H 41

Abstract The need for wastewater treatment is progressively rising as the release of copious amounts of industrial wastewater is increasing. Likewise, there is an urgent requirement for renewable energy sources because of the growing energy demand and depletion of fossil fuels. The use of microalgae to convert toxic phenolic wastewater to lipid-enriched biofuel has recently been proposed. Here, we report a new strategy for coupling N-doped TiO2-coated photocatalytic optical fibers and a microalgal biofilm to degrade 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and produce biomass. In the combined photocatalysis and biodegradation system, the photocatalytic products were directly biodegraded by the heterotroph-enriched (Salinarimonas and Pseudomonas) biofilm, promoting biomass production; O2 produced by the phototrophs (Scenedesmus obliquus) promoted the generation of hydroxyl free radicals using N-doped TiO2. Thus, the combined photocatalysis and biodegradation system rapidly and sustainably degraded 4-CP while maintaining the growth of the microalgal biomass. The 4-CP removal, dechlorination, and biofilm growth rates reached ~78 µM/h, ~41 µM/h, and 1.8 g/h/m2, respectively. Overall, we present a useful synergy between an optical catalyst and a bioreactor that has implications for both wastewater remediation and sustainable microalgal biomass production.

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