Sustainable energy supply for self-sufficient buildings with seasonal energy storages – parametric study

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the efficiency of energy supply systems must be increased, for example, using renewable energy sources. Since the generation of renewable energy can depend on weather conditions and other parameters, the use of short- or long-term energy storage enables an increase in the covered building energy demand. Due to the large number of available technologies for renewable energy generation and storage, it is possible to combine these systems into different energy supply concepts. By optimizing and comparing the designed concepts, the most suitable one can be determined with respect to the current and future investments. A comprehensive comparison of energy supply concepts must include both economic and energy evaluation criteria. This study focuses on parametric numerical simulations to identify economically feasible and sustainable energy supply concepts for a practical case of new residential buildings. The results show that electrical storage and on-site power generation can provide the greatest benefits. In contrast, large thermal storage systems are not economically viable.

Photoelectrochemical water splitting process using titanium dioxide photocatalyst: A brief overview

Hydrogen (H2) has proved itself as a viable future energy carrier and alternative for fossil fuel in terms of ensuring a clean and sustainable energy supply. However, H2 must be made available at a lower cost so that everyone can benefit from it and prevent causing a worldwide ecological imbalance. The usage of photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC) technology by using TiO2 photocatalyst can produce H2 using renewable solar energy. The essential milestones, as well as the mechanism in PEC H2 generation, are discussed in this article.

Sustainable energy supply and business collaborations for sustainability, resilience and competitiveness in the Zambian copper industry after Covid-19

The mining industry in Zambia is energy-intensive, with hydro energy providing the required energy. But other sources of energy may need to be added, because hydro energy is subject to good rain patterns, threatened by the spectre of climate change, as already indicated by the current prolonged hours of load shedding by state-owned , Zambia Electricity Supply Company. This research looks at state-of-art mining technologies and collaborative business processes that leverage on the expected ramp in copper and cobalt (Cu-Co) global demand post-Covid-19, to help design resilient business systems by manufacturing, source goods and services within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region to lower Cu-Co production costs, and maximise profits through shared resources and bilateral trade agreements. With evidence, projection and predictions by global leaders in the Cu-Co industry, this study evaluates the preparedness and resilience of the Zambian mining industry for sustainable energy supply, environmental sustainability, and suggests some possible business collaborations within the SADC region to share the following resources: metal refineries, transportation of goods and services, expertise and energy supplies within SADC, to enhance business sustainability. The study shows that the resilience of Cu-Co business in resource-rich nations like Zambia is complex and is heavily influenced by investment decisions, stakeholder interests, copper ore grades and extractive process types, reliable power supply, and socio-economic and political issues. The significance of this study is that it proposes some business collaborations within SADC that can increase energy reliability and supply, Cu-Co production, increase business resilience, improve global competitiveness and sustainability by exploring energy efficiency and generation-mix strategy. Highlights A sustainable energy analysis for Zambia. Establishing the role of mine multi-national enterprises concerning environmental sustainability. Proposing copper business resilience collaborations within SADC. Developing a mining business resilience and sustainability model for sustainable power supply, high production, profitability and global competitiveness.