Research

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12 pages, 439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Renewable Energy and Ranking 17 Autonomous Communities in Spain: A TOPSIS Method

by Danial Esfandiary Abdolmaleki, Shoeib Faraji Abdolmaleki and Pastora M. Bello Bugallo

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12259; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612259 - 11 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1286

Transitioning to renewable energy is becoming increasingly imperative, particularly for countries with limited energy supplies. To achieve this transition, all sectors must cooperate and coordinate to focus on renewable energy as a pillar of sustainable development. This study evaluates the status of renewable [...] Read more.

Transitioning to renewable energy is becoming increasingly imperative, particularly for countries with limited energy supplies. To achieve this transition, all sectors must cooperate and coordinate to focus on renewable energy as a pillar of sustainable development. This study evaluates the status of renewable energy in each Spanish community, considering policies, frameworks, and elements of sustainable development. Using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodology, seventeen autonomous communities of Spain were analyzed based on ten selected indicators. The results show that Castile and León, La Rioja, Murcia, and Aragon are in the top ranks of the first sustainable group, while Navarre, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Asturias are in the less sustainable group. This research presents novel contributions towards the adoption of sustainability-oriented policies aimed at enhancing energy systems, stimulating economic growth, and achieving zero-carbon energy targets in Spain. By enhancing the self-sufficiency of energy communities, they can attain demand-side energy independence, decreasing the requirement for government intervention, and mitigating concerns regarding the adequacy of energy resources. This can ultimately enhance social well-being, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy systems for regional development in Spain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals and Role of Energy)

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19 pages, 6831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Realistic Home Energy Management System Considering the Life Cycle of Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems

by Zaid A. Al Muala, Mohammad A. Bany Issa, Daniel Sansó-Rubert Pascual and Pastora M. Bello Bugallo

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11205; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411205 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1426

Abstract

Home Energy Management Systems (HEMSs) have become necessary due to energy security and climate change concerns. Scheduling the operating time of household appliances is one of the most effective strategies used by HEMSs to reduce electricity costs, with several studies proposing optimization strategies [...] Read more.

Home Energy Management Systems (HEMSs) have become necessary due to energy security and climate change concerns. Scheduling the operating time of household appliances is one of the most effective strategies used by HEMSs to reduce electricity costs, with several studies proposing optimization strategies for scheduling home appliances to reduce the grid energy usage cost. This work considers energy usage costs from Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) in the appliance-scheduling strategy and energy flow management. The objectives are reducing the real electricity cost while maintaining a longer battery lifespan, reducing battery charging/discharging losses, and using PV power efficiently. To achieve this, we developed a pricing model of battery energy usage, in addition to modeling the PV energy usage cost based on the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for PV systems. PV-battery energy usage cost models were introduced into the optimization problem solved using the Augmented Grey Wolf Optimization (AGWO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms in MATLAB. We developed an efficient energy flow management algorithm. We collected real data from a home in Vigo, Spain, and simulated four scenarios. The results show that the proposed system using AGWO and PSO reduced the real cost by 25.87% and 25.98%, respectively. Compared with an existing energy-usage-pricing model, the AGWO reduced the energy losses by 40.429% and extended the battery lifespan by 68.282%. Similarly, the PSO reduced the energy losses by 45.540% and extended the battery lifespan by 84.56%. Moreover, the proposed system reached the breakeven point of the system in a shorter time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals and Role of Energy)

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22 pages, 2163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finding Sustainable Countries in Renewable Energy Sector: A Case Study for an EU Energy System

by Shoeib Faraji Abdolmaleki, Danial Esfandiary Abdolmaleki and Pastora M. Bello Bugallo

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10084; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310084 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1294

Abstract

This study aims to identify sustainable countries within the European Union in terms of renewable energy. The objective is to support renewable alternatives and enhance sustainability in the renewable sector among the top economic countries. The study reviews key drivers of sustainable development, [...] Read more.

This study aims to identify sustainable countries within the European Union in terms of renewable energy. The objective is to support renewable alternatives and enhance sustainability in the renewable sector among the top economic countries. The study reviews key drivers of sustainable development, establishes criteria for each dimension, and selects up-to-date indicators. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and expert judgments are employed to rank the countries, ensuring unbiased results, and reducing uncertainty. The findings indicate that Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy exhibit their positions from the most advanced to the lower sustainable countries, respectively. Energy and environmental indicators play a primary role as the most influential drivers. Economic factors contribute as tertiary drivers, while social and institutional indicators have a relatively minor influence. Notably, Sweden, Belgium, and Ireland, despite being among the last three in terms of economic ranking, emerge as the most sustainable countries in renewable energy, surpassing stronger economies such as France, Germany, and Spain. On the other hand, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy, as middle economy countries, rank lower in terms of sustainability. These results provide insights for harnessing renewable energy in high-growth economies and offer valuable policy advice for implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals and Role of Energy)

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16 pages, 3827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overviewing Global Surface Temperature Changes Regarding CO₂ Emission, Population Density, and Energy Consumption in the Industry: Policy Suggestions

by Chien-Liang Chiu, I-Fan Hsiao and Lily Chang

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 7013; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15087013 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1214

Abstract

The focus of this study is to investigate the causal relationships between global surface temperature changes and various relevant economy-related factors and to provide a clearer regime for authorities. The study reveals that the growth rate of production-based CO₂ productivity and energy [...] Read more.

The focus of this study is to investigate the causal relationships between global surface temperature changes and various relevant economy-related factors and to provide a clearer regime for authorities. The study reveals that the growth rate of production-based CO₂ productivity and energy consumption in industrial, service, and transport sectors positively correlates with global surface temperature changes, aggravating the problem in the long run. However, it is evident that, on the one hand, the energy efficiency of industrial and service sectors needs to be highly scrutinized to address the mitigation issues of global surface temperature change. On the other hand, the contributions of the agricultural and transport sectors are not obvious due to their bidirectional causal relationships with respect to global surface temperature changes. Thus, improving energy efficiency and consumption in these sectors should also be a significant concern. Furthermore, the study highlights the positive causal relationship between population density and the contribution of renewable energy to global surface temperature change. Although population density aggravates the issue, the use of renewable energy confronts it. The contribution from empirical evidence presented in this study emphasizes the need for industries to improve their energy efficiency and consumption in order to mitigate global surface temperature changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals and Role of Energy)

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32 pages, 6440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Directions for Sustainable Development of China’s Coal Industry in the Post-Epidemic Era

by Lijuan Zhang and Tatyana Ponomarenko

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6518; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086518 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2888

Abstract

China’s energy structure is dominated by fossil fuels, especially coal consumption, which accounts for a relatively high share. In January 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak affected the global coal market, and many countries experienced negative economic growth. Economic development requires energy consumption. In 2021, [...] Read more.

China’s energy structure is dominated by fossil fuels, especially coal consumption, which accounts for a relatively high share. In January 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak affected the global coal market, and many countries experienced negative economic growth. Economic development requires energy consumption. In 2021, China set a target of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 in order to phase out the dependence of carbon emissions on economic development. Therefore, the aim of this article is to develop directions for the sustainable development of China’s coal industry. Based on the macroenvironment and situation analysis, the article concludes that, under the influence of geopolitics, China’s shortage of imported coal resources and China’s continuous rise in coal demand, the share of coal in China’s energy structure will not decrease significantly in the long-term. The main directions for the sustainable development of China’s coal industry are to ensure the safety of coal energy storage and improve the level of safety supervision; coordinate the development of regional energy; increase the clean, efficient, and low-carbon utilization of coal; and strengthen international coal strategic cooperation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals and Role of Energy)

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15 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allocation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using the Fairness Principle: A Multi-Country Analysis

by Laura Rodríguez-Fernández, Ana Belén Fernández Carvajal and María Bujidos-Casado

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5839; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145839 - 20 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3237

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions based on a comparison of criteria for 66 countries and fairness-based indicators. The academic literature contains very few broad multi-country studies. The large sample of countries included in our analysis has [...] Read more.

This study presents an analysis of the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions based on a comparison of criteria for 66 countries and fairness-based indicators. The academic literature contains very few broad multi-country studies. The large sample of countries included in our analysis has allowed us to make a more comprehensive, holistic comparison than other studies with similar characteristics. The United States and China must make the greatest effort to fight climate change worldwide, but all countries have a responsibility, including some that are not usually analyzed in this type of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals and Role of Energy)

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22 pages, 4847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Methodology for Sustainable Power Supply in Emerging Countries

by Elisa Peñalvo-López, Ángel Pérez-Navarro, Elías Hurtado and F. Javier Cárcel-Carrasco

Sustainability 2019, 11(19), 5398; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195398 - 29 Sep 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2438

Abstract

Electricity has become one of the main driving forces for development, especially in remote areas where the lack of energy is linked to poverty. Traditionally, in these areas power is supplied by grid extension projects, which are expensive, or stand-alone systems based on [...] Read more.

Electricity has become one of the main driving forces for development, especially in remote areas where the lack of energy is linked to poverty. Traditionally, in these areas power is supplied by grid extension projects, which are expensive, or stand-alone systems based on fossil fuels. An actual alternative to these solutions is community micro-grid projects based on distributed renewable energy sources. However, these solutions need to introduce a holistic approach in order to be successfully implemented in real cases. The main purpose of this research work is the definition and development of a comprehensive methodology to encourage the use of decentralized renewable power systems to provide power supply to non-electrified areas. The methodology follows a top-down approach. Its main novelty is that it interlinks a macro and micro analysis dimension, considering not only the energy context of the country where the area under study is located and its development towards a sustainable scenario; but also the potential of renewable power generation, the demand side management opportunities and the socio-economic aspects involved in the final decision on what renewable energy solution would be the most appropriate for the considered location. The implementation of this methodology provides isolated areas a tool for sustainable energy development based on an environmentally friendly and socially participatory approach. Results of implementing the methodology in a case study showed the importance of introducing a holistic approach in supplying power energy to isolated areas, stating the need for involving all the different stakeholders in the decision-making process. Despite final raking on sustainable power supply solutions may vary from one area to another, the implementation of the methodology follows the same procedure, which makes it an inestimable tool for governments, private investors and local communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals and Role of Energy)

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Review

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21 pages, 2777 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Obstruction and Advancement in Sustainable Energy Sector to Achieve SDG in Bangladesh

by M. A. Munjer, Md. Zahid Hasan, M. Khalid Hossain and Md. Ferdous Rahman

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053913 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1795

Abstract

For a developing country such as Bangladesh, renewable energy is immensely important for its entire development and advancement. Bangladesh has taken steps to increase the development capacity in the renewable energy sector and to fulfill the target of achieving one hundred percent electrification. [...] Read more.

For a developing country such as Bangladesh, renewable energy is immensely important for its entire development and advancement. Bangladesh has taken steps to increase the development capacity in the renewable energy sector and to fulfill the target of achieving one hundred percent electrification. The goal of this study is to determine the present scenario of the capability of the sustainable energy sector, the advancement as well as achievement of adopted plans, obstacles to achieving goals, and to discuss overall issues with necessary suggestions. In this article, according to qualitative research, data have been collected about the steps taken by Bangladesh in the renewable sector, potential achievements, and various progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in the renewable energy sector. The most important things that have been discussed in this article are what obstacles Bangladesh faces in increasing the capacity of renewable energy and what steps should be taken to overcome those obstacles. To present the obstacles in this article, some important points are discussed including the lack of coordination among the institutions that are responsible for implementing ongoing projects and the lack of adequate maintenance. In addition to increasing public awareness of the mentioned obstacles, valuable advice has also been given in making the loan system accessible to entrepreneurs and customers, increasing the capability of renewable energy, and encouraging conducting research on the overall subject. Nevertheless, for technological advancement in the sustainable energy sector, it has been suggested to reduce imports and to make renewable energy equipment available by increasing the production of the equipment that is necessary. To enrich this renewable energy sector in a sustainable manner, the analysis of the current state of the energy division of Bangladesh, taken steps, obstacles, and given proposals presented in this article will play an important role in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals and Role of Energy)

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