Energy nexus最新文献

{"title":"A critical review on enhanced bioethanol production from sweet sorghum using nanotechnology","authors":"Pallavi Punia,&nbsp;Sumeet Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biofuel, a sustainable fuel source, is crucial in the modern day as it reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and helps to reduce CO₂ emissions. The manufacture of biofuels on a wide scale is a difficult process due to the numerous limitations in current technology and the subsequent rise in expenses. Moreover, the processes employed to transform diverse raw materials into the desired biofuel may differ depending on the particular methodologies and substances utilized. The global demand for bioethanol is growing as countries throughout the world enforce legislation requiring the blending of bioethanol with gasoline. Second-generation bioethanol derived from lignocellulosic biomass is rapidly gaining prominence. The biochemical conversion process has various technical, practical, and economic challenges such as pre-treatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation. Nanoparticles (NPs) offer a highly efficient solution for overcoming current challenges in utilizing biomass, thanks to their selectivity, energy efficiency, and time management capabilities, all while reducing prices. Also, the biotechnological significant advancement in revolutionized the sorghum varieties or strains to enhance the yield of ethanol. This article offers a succinct summary of bioethanol from sweet sorghum feedstock and the progress made in using nanotechnology to produce them, with a specific focus on the enzyme immobilization approach. The text offers an in-depth exploration of how nanotechnology is utilized across ethanol production, with a specific focus on comprehending the process by which enzymes immobilized on nanoparticles interact with lignocellulose to enhance the output of ethanol.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100339"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142757268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Energy security assessment in rural communities in Brazil: A contribution to public policies","authors":"Wesly Jean ,&nbsp;Marcel Bursztyn ,&nbsp;Elton S. Oliveira ,&nbsp;Júlia Lopes ,&nbsp;Guadalupe Sátiro ,&nbsp;Saulo Rodrigues Filho ,&nbsp;Diego Lindoso ,&nbsp;Juliana Dalboni Rocha ,&nbsp;Daniela Nogueira","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100350","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Energy security refers to the continuous and reliable access to energy sources at an affordable cost. In rural areas, particularly in Brazil's semi-arid regions, this security is essential for the survival and development of communities. This research analyzes energy security levels and their interfaces with water, food and socioecological security. The <em>nexus+ approach</em> has been used as a theoretical framework. This case study focuses on a settlement of small-scale family farmers in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. An extensive literature review on energy security and energy transition was carried out. Four pilot agri-villages were considered. The methodology of this study employs a multi-criteria analysis using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). This approach supports decision-making across various criteria, both quantitative and qualitative. Additionally, QGIS software was utilized to create thematic maps by categorizing defined classes and using the raster calculator function. To determine the degree of energy security in each agri-village, five classes were defined. Among the scenarios analyzed, the main results indicate that three of the four agro-villages analyzed have very low levels of energy security. Only one of the agri-villages showed a satisfactory level of energy security. These findings are consistent with trends observed in other similar studies in the region. The study concluded that measures involving the use of renewable energies, such as solar energy, can increase energy security. This is crucial for guaranteeing sustainable irrigated agriculture and, as a result, food security, ultimately contributing to improving the family income of socially, economically, and environmentally vulnerable populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100350"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142745792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Framework for evaluating the successful implementation of solar home systems in public housing projects in the United Arab Emirates","authors":"Abdalla Mahmoud Salim ,&nbsp;Saleh Abu Dabous","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100347","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100347","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Successful planning and implementation of solar home systems (SHS) remains a significant challenge for government agencies, particularly from economic and sustainability perspectives. This study aims to develop a stakeholder-based framework for evaluating SHS programs in the public housing sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A mixed-method approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection. A comprehensive review of SHS was conducted to identify the main global success factors for implementing the system in public housing projects. Subsequently, a structured questionnaire was distributed to 56 specialized participants comprising institutional stakeholders involved in SHS implementation in the UAE, leading to the identification of the critical success factors (CSF). Furthermore, 24 domain experts validated the data through focused group interviews. The findings indicate that the success of SHS programs is significantly influenced by regional factors, with stakeholders playing a pivotal role in defining the success factors. The research identified 44 potential CSFs, categorized into six fundamental groups: political, economic, technical, social, environmental, and marketing. Among these, economic factors were the most significant in the UAE, followed by technical, political, environmental, marketing, and social aspects. Government support was identified as the most CSF, followed by annual savings, maintenance and monitoring, installation quality, and payback period. The proposed framework emphasizes the government's role as the primary stakeholder, guiding the evaluation of success based on specific goals and performance metrics. Each stakeholder's unique success factors are weighted to reflect their importance, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is employed to derive key performance indicators (KPI) for consistent success measurement. This study provides a robust tool for stakeholders to assess and compare the success of different SHS programs by considering region-specific factors. It is intended to help UAE policymakers and government authorities make decisions, ensuring more effective SHS implementation, with the potential to be applied in the other Gulf Cooperation Council Countries that share similar environmental, economic, and political conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100347"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142757269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the role of natural resources in BRICS nations: A Path towards sustainable development","authors":"Anshita Sachan,&nbsp;Ashis Kumar Pradhan,&nbsp;Vinita Mohindra","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100345","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100345","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural resource management is crucial in the current scenario from the viewpoint of achieving sustainable development. Emerging economies such as BRICS are rich in natural resources and hence, resource allocation and extraction can impact environmental sustainability. Against this backdrop, we examine the relationship between natural resources rent, renewable energy consumption, agriculture production, human capital index, and carbon emissions for BRICS nations from 1992 to 2019 under the framework of the environmental Kuznets curve and Pollution haven/halo hypothesis. The relationship between the variables is investigated using Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, Feasible Generalised Least Square, and Panel quantile regression approaches. Our results indicate a favourable relationship between natural resources rent, renewable energy consumption, human capital index, and carbon emissions. Whereas, agriculture production has an unfavourable impact on carbon emissions in BRICS nations. It is recommended to use the resources sustainably, invest in clean technologies in industrial practices, expand investment in renewable energy, and introduce sustainable farming practices and awareness programmes for the individuals' skill development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100345"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143178352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microalgal biofuels: Challenges and prospective in the framework of circular bioeconomy","authors":"Sajani Piyatilleke ,&nbsp;Bavatharny Thevarajah ,&nbsp;P.H.V. Nimarshana ,&nbsp;Thilini U. Ariyadasa","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100338","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100338","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microalgae are a promising bioresource, facilitating carbon dioxide sequestration and wastewater bioremediation whilst synthesizing lipids and carbohydrates that could be processed into biofuels such as biodiesel, biochar, biogas, and biohydrogen. Microalgae has the potential to play a major role within a sustainable bioeconomy, through zero-waste, carbon-neutral production of multiple biofuels by valorizing the entire biomass. Despite the multitude of advantages in deriving biofuels from microalgae, techno-economic challenges, such as chemical requirements for cultivation, energy requirements of harvesting, and tradeoffs between efficiency-energy-cost of downstream processing methods act as a barrier to scale-up and economically viable operation under the framework of a circular bioeconomy. Thus, this review aims to discuss the potential of microalgae-derived biofuels in achieving a circular bioeconomy through perspectives of possible integration with wastewater bioremediation as well as multiproduct biorefining operations. Furthermore, the review will detail the encompassing techno-economic and sustainability challenges toward large-scale implementation of microalgal biofuels within the framework of a circular bioeconomy, while assessing the potential solutions and perspectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100338"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of a new plant factory concept with sustainable water and energy supply","authors":"Hana Hebishima ,&nbsp;Shin-ichi Inage","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As the global population exceeds 8 billion and is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for sustainable food production has become increasingly pressing. This study investigates the integration of aquaponics into solar-assisted plant factories as an innovative solution to enhance agricultural productivity and minimize environmental impacts. The aquaponics establishes a closed-loop nutrient cycle, utilizing fish waste to nourish plants and optimize water recycling.</div><div>Employing a two-tiered design, optimized through the Design of Experiments (DOE), the system enables effective resource management and operational efficiency. Operational data reveal the system's ability to maintain favorable temperature and humidity conditions, promoting uniform plant growth. The analysis identifies the mist irrigation method and LED lighting as critical factors that positively influence both root and leaf growth, establishing an optimal combination for sustainable cultivation.</div><div>These findings underscore the potential of renewable energy-powered plant factories as a viable model for sustainable food production, contributing to local food self-sufficiency and regional economic revitalization. This research highlights the importance of advancing innovative agricultural practices to address the dual challenges of population growth and climate change, advocating for the development and implementation of sustainable technologies to secure future food production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100341"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Business Models and Advanced Additive Manufacturing strategies for better sustainability","authors":"Fabrizia Devito ,&nbsp;Giacomo Copani ,&nbsp;Angelo Natalicchio ,&nbsp;Abdul Hai Alami ,&nbsp;Fulvio Lavecchia ,&nbsp;Abdul-Ghani Olabi ,&nbsp;Michele Dassisti","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100337","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article explores the impact of Additive Manufacturing (AM) on business models in the context of manufacturing sustainability. We define two new standards of sustainable business models enabled by AM and discuss their potential advantages in addressing specific manufacturing challenges. The technological advancements brought about by AM have significantly influenced the manufacturing industry, fostering innovation and reshaping market structures and value-creation processes. Notably, AM contributes to sustainability by reducing material waste and transportation costs, establishing itself as a low-impact manufacturing technology. While AM is not positioned to entirely replace traditional manufacturing processes, organizations can leverage its integration with these processes to catalyze business model innovation. To expand the market for AM technologies, it is crucial to examine AM not only from a process and technology perspective but also in terms of its ability to eliminate the need for tooling and dies, which are typically produced through energy-intensive methods. Advanced manufacturing techniques can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and time to market, demonstrating AM's potential energy-saving benefits across various sectors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100337"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142698198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Production economics and carbon footprint of an integrated timber harvesting operation in the Northeastern US","authors":"Ashish Alex ,&nbsp;Anil Raj Kizha ,&nbsp;Libin T. Louis ,&nbsp;Alex K. George","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100336","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100336","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Woody biomass has tremendous potential to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy, however, the high cost, uncertain harvesting carbon footprint, and policies may hinder it from becoming a predominant component of the US renewable energy sector, particularly in the Northeast. The objectives of this study were to a) assess productivity (m³ PMH⁻¹) and cost ($ m⁻³) of a stump-to-truck integrated timber harvesting operation; b) identify and evaluate major factors affecting operational productivity and cost; and c) quantify carbon footprint of the harvesting operation. Detailed time and motion studies were conducted in a softwood dominated forest stand in upstate New York, during the summer of 2021. Stump-to-truck life cycle assessment (LCA) of roundwood harvesting and wood chips production was quantified using USLCI and US-EI 2.2 databases and TRACI method in Simapro 9.3.0.3 software. The functional units were 1 m³ of green roundwood (50 % moisture content) and 1 tonne of green wood chips (moisture content 50 %). The results showed that the harvesting cost was $12.98 m⁻³ and $7.40 tonne⁻¹ for roundwood and wood chips, respectively. Grapple skidder had the lowest productivity (m³ PMH⁻¹) and the highest carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of stump-to-truck timber harvesting operation accounted for 0.726 kg CO₂ eq m⁻³ and 0.818 kg CO₂ eq tonne⁻¹ for roundwood and wood chips, respectively. The chipping cost was $7.40 tonne⁻¹. The harvesting cost decreased by 4.5 % when self-loading truck was used instead of a loader. Estimating operating cost and carbon footprint of integrated timber harvesting operations is essential to promote the forest residues as a major contributor of bioenergy in the changing scenarios of climate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100336"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142572772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cost breakdown indicates that biochar production from microalgae in Central Europe requires innovative cultivation procedures","authors":"Josef Marousek ,&nbsp;Beata Gavurova ,&nbsp;Anna Marouskova","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100335","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100335","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In most current academic thinking, the prevailing consensus underscores the potential of algae as a promising biochar feedstock. Nevertheless, a significant gap exists in the literature, as most assertions conducted outside tropical and subtropical regions lack substantiation through comprehensive analyses on a comparison of the economic benefits and the costs associated with the application of algae biochar is mostly missing. This study reports a meticulous breakdown of production costs for algae biochar derived from 6 various cultivation systems via 2 harvesting techniques under the conditions characteristic of central Europe. The findings revealed that the production costs of the algae biochars always greater than 110 €.kg⁻¹that is much higher than the selling prices of the most common biochars on the market including the most expensive biochars made of hard woods. To achieve social acceptability, it is recommended to prefer higher value-added applications for algae and to implement biochar production as the final stage of the refining process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100335"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142572773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"pH shift extraction technique for plant proteins: A promising technique for sustainable development","authors":"Zainab Sultan ,&nbsp;Alweera Ashfaq ,&nbsp;Kausar Jahan ,&nbsp;Ovais Shafiq Qadri ,&nbsp;Kaiser Younis ,&nbsp;Owais Yousuf","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100329","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100329","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the recognition of animal-derived foods as unhealthy and their association with climate change, researchers are increasingly focusing on plant-based protein as a sustainable alternative. Plant proteins offer versatile functional and dietary benefits, making them suitable for various food applications. This study investigates the influence of alkaline and acidic pH conditions on the extraction yield and the functional and nutritional properties of plant-based proteins. The primary sources of plant protein include cereals, legumes, and oilseeds, which can be used to address essential amino acid deficiencies through blending. Several methods have been employed for protein extraction from plant sources, such as salt extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and micellar precipitation. Among these techniques, the pH shift method stands out due to its non-thermal nature, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. In this method, proteins are solubilized at alkaline pH and then precipitated at their isoelectric point, resulting in a collection of protein precipitate. It is crucial to optimize extraction techniques based on qualitative and quantitative analysis to enhance protein yield, characteristics, and nutritional value. Most conventional protein extraction methods require a large quantity of chemicals, which imposes the issue of safe disposal, compromising environmental sustainability. Traditional methods also produce protein with non-proteinaceous constituents, adding another purification step and resulting in increased overall cost. However, the pH shift method utilizes comparatively less harsh chemicals and has a high protein extraction yield, which makes it comparatively more environmentally and economically sustainable. The sustainable extraction of plant-based proteins addresses the health and environmental concerns associated with animal-derived foods and offers a promising solution to promote sustainability in the food industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100329"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142560594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}