Transitioning the mining sector: A review of renewable energy integration and carbon footprint reduction strategies

IF 10.1 1区工程技术 Q1 ENERGY & FUELS

Applied Energy Pub Date : 2025-02-08 DOI:10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125484

Michael Enemuo, Olumide Ogunmodimu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This review evaluates the critical role of renewable energy (RE) integration and carbon footprint reduction strategies in transitioning the mining sector toward sustainability. The paper first explores current energy practices and available RE sources in mining, highlighting the industry's significant contribution to global carbon dioxide emissions. Subsequently, it analyzes the potential of RE interventions, focusing on doubling renewable capacity and achieving over 50 % RE mix by 2050. Furthermore, the review investigates the impact of energy efficiency improvements, the importance of energy auditing, and the feasibility of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in the mining context. Additionally, the paper compares business-as-usual and aggressive (accelerated) RE integration scenarios, demonstrating the transformative potential of RE adoption. Finally, the review concludes by offering actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders and policymakers and identifying critical areas for future research. In general, this study provides a holistic view of the obstacles and possibilities in decarbonizing the activities in the mining sector, emphasizing the crucial balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability in this energy-intensive industry.

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来源期刊

Applied Energy 工程技术-工程：化工

CiteScore

21.20

自引率

10.70%

发文量

1830

审稿时长

41 days

期刊介绍： Applied Energy serves as a platform for sharing innovations, research, development, and demonstrations in energy conversion, conservation, and sustainable energy systems. The journal covers topics such as optimal energy resource use, environmental pollutant mitigation, and energy process analysis. It welcomes original papers, review articles, technical notes, and letters to the editor. Authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts that bridge the gap between research, development, and implementation. The journal addresses a wide spectrum of topics, including fossil and renewable energy technologies, energy economics, and environmental impacts. Applied Energy also explores modeling and forecasting, conservation strategies, and the social and economic implications of energy policies, including climate change mitigation. It is complemented by the open-access journal Advances in Applied Energy.