Search Results (427)

The transition to green energy in the transport sector is becoming a priority in the context of global climate challenges and the European Green Deal. This paper investigates the development of alternative fuelling stations, particularly electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and hydrogen stations, across EU countries with a focus on Poland. It combines a policy and technology overview with a quantitative scientific analysis, offering a multidimensional perspective on green infrastructure deployment. A Pearson correlation analysis reveals significant links between charging station density and both GDP per capita and the share of renewable energy. The study introduces an original Infrastructure Accessibility Index (IAI) to compare infrastructure availability across EU member states and models Poland’s EV charging station demand up to 2030 under multiple growth scenarios. Furthermore, the article provides a comprehensive overview of biofuels, including first-, second-, and third-generation technologies, and highlights recent advances in hydrogen and renewable electricity integration. Emphasis is placed on life cycle considerations, energy source sustainability, and economic implications. The findings support policy development toward zero-emission mobility and the decarbonisation of transport systems, offering recommendations for infrastructure expansion and energy diversification strategies. Full article

According to the Formula 1 commitment to produce net zero carbon emissions by 2030, the present paper examines the environmental impact of Formula 1 logistics by means of a case study carried out from the point of view of an Italian company, with reference to the European Grand Prix. Logistics accounts for approximately 49% of the sport’s total emissions and accordingly, to reduce its carbon footprint, addressing the logistics activity is vital. Two scenarios are compared in detail: AS-IS, involving only road transport of assets, and TO-BE, in which a combined rail–road approach (i.e., intermodal freight) is implemented. While the AS-IS scenario is more cost-effective, it has a significant environmental impact in terms of CO₂ emissions; in contrast, though more complex and costly, TO-BE offers major advantages for environmental sustainability, including reduced emissions (approximately half compared to AS-IS) and improved efficiency through intermodal transport units. This study stresses that a combined transport system, facilitated by the European rail infrastructure, is a more sustainable option for Formula 1 logistics. However, achieving full carbon neutrality still represents a challenge that will require further innovations and collaboration among the stakeholders of this world. Full article

The primary objective of this paper is to quantify a realistic pathway for Canada to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This study analyzed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada based on the emissions from their economic sectors. A time series analysis was performed to understand the trajectory of the emissions profile from 1990 to 2023. Using the 2023 emissions as the baseline, a linear reduction, based on the GHG proportions from each jurisdiction, was performed and projected to 2050 (except for Prince Edward Island (PEI), where net zero was targeted for 2040). Moreover, a machine learning technique (k-means unsupervised algorithm) was used to group all the jurisdictions into homogeneous regions for national strategic climate policy initiatives. The within-cluster sum of squares identified the following clusters: Cluster 1: Manitoba (MB), New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador; Cluster 2: Alberta (AB); Cluster 3: Quebec (QC) and Saskatchewan; Cluster 4: Ontario (ON); and Cluster 5: PEI, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories. Considering the maximum GHG reductions needed per cluster (Clusters 1–5), the results show that 0.309 Mt CO₂ eq/year, 5.447 Mt CO₂ eq/year, 1.293 Mt CO₂ eq/year, 2.217 Mt CO₂ eq/year, and 0.04 Mt CO₂ eq/year must be targeted from MB (transportation), AB (stationary combustion), QC (transportation), ON (stationary combustion) and PEI (transportation), respectively. The concept of climate stabilization wedges, which provides a practical framework for addressing the monumental challenge of mitigating climate change, was introduced to each derived region to cut GHG emissions in Canada through tangible, measurable actions that is specific to each sector/cluster. The clustering-based method breaks climate mitigation problems down into manageable pieces by grouping the jurisdictions into efficient regions that can be managed effectively by fostering collaboration across jurisdictions and economic sectors. Actionable and strategic recommendations were made within each province to reach the goal of net-zero. The implications of this study for policy and climate action include the fact that actionable strategies and tailored policies are applied to each cluster’s emission profile and economic sector, ensuring equitable and effective climate mitigation strategies in Canada. Full article

With water scarcity becoming worse, and demand increasing, the urgency for the water industry to hit net-zero carbon is accelerating. Even as a multitude of utilities have pledged to reach net-zero by 2050, advancing beyond the energy–water nexus remains a heavy lift. This paper, using a systematic literature review that complies with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), aims to propose sustainable water resource management (SWRM) strategies that may assist water utilities in decarbonizing their value chains and achieving net-zero carbon. In total, 31 articles were included from SCOPUS, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Springer. The findings show that water utilities are responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and could reduce these emissions by more than 45% by employing a few strategies, including the electrification of transport fleets, the use of renewables, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and energy-efficient technologies. A broad-based case study from Scottish Water shows a 254,000-ton CO₂ reduction in the period since 2007, indicative of the potential of these measures. The review concludes that net-zero carbon is feasible through a mix of decarbonization, wastewater reuse, smart systems and policy-led innovation, especially if customized to both large and small utilities. To facilitate a wider and a more scalable transition, research needs to focus on development of low-cost and flexible strategies for underserved utilities. Full article

This paper presents a techno-economic assessment of liquid hydrogen produced from small modular reactors (SMRs) for maritime applications. Pink hydrogen is examined as a carbon-free alternative to conventional marine fuels, leveraging the zero-emission profile and dispatchable nature of nuclear energy. Using Greece as a case study, the analysis includes both production and transportation costs, along with a sensitivity analysis on key parameters influencing the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH), such as SMR and electrolyzer CAPEX, uranium cost, and SMR operational lifetime. Results show that with an SMR CAPEX of 10,000 EUR/kW, the LCOH reaches 6.64 EUR/kg, which is too high to compete with diesel under current market conditions. Economic viability is achieved only if carbon costs rise to 0.387 EUR/kg and diesel prices exceed 0.70 EUR/L. Under these conditions, a manageable deployment of fewer than 1000 units (equivalent to 77 GW) is sufficient to achieve economies of mass production. Conversely, lower carbon and fuel prices require over 10,000 units (770 GW), rendering their establishment impractical. Full article

In pursuit of zero-emission targets, increasing sustainability concerns have prompted urban centers to adopt more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, notably through the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). A prominent manifestation of this shift is the transition from conventional fuel-powered buses to electric buses (e-buses), which, despite their environmental benefits, introduce significant operational challenges—chief among them, the management of battery systems, the most critical and complex component of e-buses. The development of efficient and reliable Battery Management Systems (BMSs) is thus central to ensuring battery longevity, operational safety, and overall vehicle performance. This study examines the potential of intelligent BMSs to improve battery health diagnostics, extend service life, and optimize system performance through the integration of simulation, real-time analytics, and advanced deep learning techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on the estimation of battery state of health (SoH), a key metric for predictive maintenance and operational planning. Two widely recognized deep learning models—Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)—are evaluated for their efficacy in predicting SoH. These models are embedded within a unified framework that combines synthetic data generated by a physics-informed battery simulation model with empirical measurements obtained from real-world battery aging datasets. The proposed approach demonstrates a viable pathway for enhancing SoH prediction by leveraging both simulation-based data augmentation and deep learning. Experimental evaluations confirm the effectiveness of the framework in handling diverse data inputs, thereby supporting more robust and scalable battery management solutions for next-generation electric urban transportation systems. Full article

The growing interest in alternative fuels stems from the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. Despite the dominance of fossil fuels in aviation, pulsejet engines offer a promising platform for testing new fuels due to their simple design and fuel versatility. This study presents a multi-criteria analysis of alternative fuels for use in pulsejet engines, emphasizing environmental impacts. Both gaseous (biogas, ethyne, LPG, and natural gas) and liquid fuels (methanol, ethanol, biodiesel, Jet A-1, and SAF) were examined. Exhaust emissions (CO₂, H₂O, CO) were simulated in Ansys 2025 based on literature data and chemical calculations. Additional factors analyzed included calorific value, production cost, thermal expansion, density, life cycle emissions (LCA), CO₂ emissions per fuel mass, and renewable energy content. Using the zero-unitization method, results were normalized into a single aggregate variable for each fuel. The highest values were recorded for biogas and methanol, respectively, indicating their potential as alternative fuels. The findings support further development of sustainable fuels for pulsejet engines. Future research should address combustion optimization and noise reduction, enhancing viability in aviation and other transport sectors. Integration with the current fuel infrastructure is also recommended to facilitate broader implementation. Full article

Urban bus fleets worldwide face urgent decarbonization requirements, with Germany targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. Current electrification research often addresses individual components—energy consumption, scheduling, or charging infrastructure—in isolation, lacking integrated frameworks that capture complex system interactions. This study presents “eflips-X”, a modular, open-source simulation framework that integrates energy consumption modeling, battery-aware block building, depot–block assignment, terminus charger placement, depot operations simulation, and smart charging optimization within a unified workflow. The framework employs empirical energy models, graph-based scheduling algorithms, and integer linear programming for depot assignment and smart charging. Applied to Berlin’s bus network—Germany’s largest—three scenarios were evaluated: maintaining existing blocks with electrification, exclusive depot charging, and small batteries with extensive terminus charging. Electric fleets need 2.1–7.1% additional vehicles compared to diesel operations, with hybrid depot-terminus charging strategies minimizing this increase. Smart charging reduces peak power demand by 49.8% on average, while different charging strategies yield distinct trade-offs between infrastructure requirements, fleet size, and operational efficiency. The framework enables systematic evaluation of electrification pathways, supporting evidence-based planning for zero-emission public transport transitions. Full article

As hydrogen fuel cell vehicles gain momentum as crucial zero-emission transportation solutions, the urgency to address hydrogen permeability through the polymer liner becomes paramount for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of Type IV hydrogen storage tanks. This paper synthesizes existing research findings, analyzes the influence of different materials and structures on gas permeability, elucidates the dissolution and diffusion mechanisms of hydrogen in plastic liners, and discusses their engineering applications. We focus on measurement methods, influencing factors, and improvement strategies for liner gas permeability. Additionally, we explore the prospects of Type IV hydrogen storage tanks in fields such as automotive, aerospace, and energy storage industries. Through this comprehensive review of liner gas permeability, critical insights are provided to guide the development of efficient and safe hydrogen storage and transportation systems. These insights are vital for advancing the widespread application of hydrogen energy technology and fostering sustainable energy development, significantly contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing the performance and safety of Type IV hydrogen storage tanks. Full article

With the global maritime industry accelerating toward carbon neutrality, the adoption of alternative marine fuels has emerged as a pivotal pathway for achieving net-zero emissions. To identify the most promising fuel transition solution for multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels (MPHLVs), which are widely used for transporting large and complex industrial equipment and have specialized structural requirements, this study conducted a comprehensive techno-economic analysis based on a fleet of 12 MPHLVs. An eight-dimensional technical adaptability framework was established, and six types of marine fuel were evaluated. Concurrently, a total cost assessment model was developed using 2024 operational data of the fleet, incorporating the fuel procurement, the carbon allowances under the EU ETS, the FuelEU Maritime compliance costs, and the IMO Net-Zero penalties. The results show that methanol as an alternative fuel is the most compatible decarbonization pathway for this specialized vessel type. A case study of a 38,000 DWT methanol-fueled MPHLV further demonstrates engineering feasibility with minimal impact on cargo capacity, and validates methanol’s potential as a technically viable and strategically transitional fuel for MPHLVs, particularly in the context of stricter international decarbonization regulations. The proposed evaluation framework and engineering application offer practical guidance for fuel selection, ship design, and retrofit planning, supporting the broader goal of accelerating low-carbon development in heavy-lift shipping sector. Full article

The article explores the capacity of zero-emission urban public transport (PT) and proposes a standardised method for calculating it across different PT corridors (bus, tram, metro and urban railway). As the European Union (EU) tightens regulations on emissions, targeting also PT, cities are increasingly shifting to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. A significant challenge was the lack of a unified methodology to calculate the capacity of zero-emission vehicles, e.g., battery-powered buses carry fewer passengers than diesel ones due to weight restrictions. The article addresses this gap by creating capacity matrices for various vehicle types based on standardised assumptions. Vehicle capacity is calculated based on seating and standing space, with standing passenger space standardised to 0.2 m²/person (E Level of Service). A detailed rolling stock analysis shows how modern designs and floor layouts impact passenger space. Matrices were developed for each mode of transport, showing the number of transported passengers per hour depending on vehicle type and service frequency. The highest capacity is achieved by metro and urban railway systems (up to 95,000+ passengers/hour/direction), while buses offer the lowest (up to 7800 passengers/hour/direction). The authors recommend standardising calculation methods and integrating matrices into planning tools for urban PT corridors. Full article

This research aims to calculate the Carbon Footprint for Organization of a plant manufacturing frozen processed seafood and propose strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions following the Net-Zero Pathway, using 2024 as the baseline year. The findings indicate that Scope 1 emissions amounted to 12,685 tons of CO₂ eq, Scope 2 emissions totaled 15,403 tons of CO₂eq, and Scope 3 emissions reached 31,564 tons of CO₂eq, leading to a combined total of 59,652 tons of CO₂eq across all scopes, with an additional 34,027 tons of CO₂eq from other GHG sources. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, annual reductions of 3.46% per category are required. The short-term target for 2028f aims to reduce emissions to 10,929 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 1, 13,270 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 2, and 27,194 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 3, resulting in total emissions of 51,392 tons of CO₂eq. The proposed reduction strategies include optimizing Scope 1 emissions by preventing leaks in R507 refrigerant systems, replacing corroded pipelines, installing shut-off valves, and switching to low-GHG refrigerants. For Scope 2, measures focus on reducing electricity consumption through energy conservation initiatives, carrying out regular machinery maintenance, installing Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), upgrading to high-efficiency motors, and integrating renewable energy sources such as solar power. For Scope 3, emissions from raw material procurement can be minimized by sourcing from certified suppliers with established product carbon footprints, prioritizing carbon reduction labeling, and selecting nearby suppliers to reduce transportation-related emissions. These strategies will support the organization in achieving carbon neutrality and progressing toward the net-zero goal. Full article

This paper examines the feasibility of transitioning road cargo to waterborne transport in the UK, aiming to reduce emissions and alleviate road congestion. Key objectives include (1) developing a modal shift technology to establish freight highways across the UK, (2) designing a small, decarbonized barge vessel concept that complements the logistics framework, and (3) assessing the economic and environmental viability of a multimodal logistics network. Using discrete event simulation (DES), four transportation scenarios were analyzed to evaluate the efficiency and sustainability of integrating coastal and inland waterways into the logistics framework. Results indicate that waterborne transport is more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable than road transport. A sweeping design study was conducted to optimize time, cost, and emissions. This model was applied to a case study, providing insights into optimal pathways for transitioning to waterborne freight by finding the optimized number of TEUs. Consequently, our study identified 96 TEUs as the optimal capacity to initiate barge design, balancing cost, time, and emissions, while 126 TEUs emerged as the best option for scalability. Findings offer critical guidance for supporting the UK’s climate goals and governmental policies by advancing sustainable transportation solutions. Full article

Achieving global net-zero emissions by 2050 demands integrated and scalable strategies that unite decarbonization technologies across sectors. This review provides a forward-looking synthesis of carbon capture and storage and hydrogen systems, emphasizing their integration through artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, reduce system costs, and accelerate large-scale deployment. While CCS can mitigate up to 95% of industrial CO₂ emissions, and hydrogen, particularly blue hydrogen, offers a versatile low-carbon energy carrier, their co-deployment unlocks synergies in infrastructure, storage, and operational management. Artificial intelligence plays a transformative role in this integration, enabling predictive modeling, anomaly detection, and intelligent control across capture, transport, and storage networks. Drawing on global case studies (e.g., Petra Nova, Northern Lights, Fukushima FH2R, and H21 North of England) and emerging policy frameworks, this study identifies key benefits, technical and regulatory challenges, and innovation trends. A novel contribution of this review lies in its AI-focused roadmap for integrating CCS and hydrogen systems, supported by a detailed analysis of implementation barriers and policy-enabling strategies. By reimagining energy systems through digital optimization and infrastructure synergy, this review outlines a resilient blueprint for the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. Full article

Aviation is widely recognised as one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transport and among the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. The use of green hydrogen (H₂) in airside operations can help reduce emissions from air transport. While the pace and scalability of technology development, including H₂-powered and ground support equipment, will be key factors, other financial, regulatory, legal, organisational, behavioural, and societal issues must also be considered. This paper investigates the key opportunities and challenges of using H₂ in the aviation industry through eleven semi-structured interviews and a virtual expert workshop (N = 37) with key aviation industry stakeholders and academia. The results indicate that, currently, decarbonisation of the aviation sector faces several challenges, including socio-technical, techno-economic, and socio-political challenges, with socio-technical challenges being the most prominent barrier. This study shows that decarbonisation will not occur until the UK government is ready to have all the required infrastructure and capacity in place. Governments can play a significant role in directing the necessary ‘push’ and ‘pull’ to develop and promote zero-carbon emission aircraft in the marketplace and ensure safe implementation. Full article