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Sustainable Development in the Context of Renewable Energy at Different Scales

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 20291

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Maurice B. Dusseault

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Interests: subsurface geomechanics; geothermal energy; oil and gas production and reservoir geomechanics; subsurface energy storage (H2, CAES, heat, CH4…); deep waste liquids and solids disposal; hydraulic stimulation; earth stresses; induced seismicity; solution mining and salt cavern design; carbon storage; drilling and borehole stability; deep leach mining; leaking legacy wellbores; mathematical modeling of subsurface thermo-hydro-mechanico-chemical processes; monitoring of subsurface processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. SeyedBijan Mahbaz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Interests: geothermal energy; geomechanics; geophysics; sustainability; renewable energy; hybrid energy systems; sustainable development
Dr. Alireza Dehghani-Sanij

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Interests: clean and renewable energy; energy sources and production; energy conversion and storage; energy management and optimization; hybrid energy systems; sustainable development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pursuing sustainability goals means facing real global challenges such as transitioning from fossil fuels, equitable provision of renewable energy, and mitigating global warming and climate change issues. Energy demand is increasing because of population growth and a desire for a better quality of life that involves heating and air conditioning, travel, and consumer goods. Developing and using efficient, cost-effective, and practical solutions to address sustainability of energy supplies is necessary, while also maintaining and advancing life quality. Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, biofuel, hydro, etc.) can help meet global energy needs and diminish the negative consequences of climate change and the threat of global warming.

This Special Issue aims to explore sustainability in the context of renewable energy provision to various communities, at different scales. We are soliciting original research articles, review articles, and technical notes for the Special Issue. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Solar energy issues, photovoltaic technology conversion, and solar thermal applications
  • Wind energy technology and wind turbines
  • Novel small-scale hydro-power provision approaches
  • Geothermal energy (shallow, deep, or combinations) technology and applications
  • Bio-energy (e.g., biomass, biogas) technology and conversion
  • Wave, tide, and ocean thermal energy sources
  • Hybrid renewable energy systems
  • Energy storage technologies
  • Climate change mitigation through renewable energy management
  • Sustainable utilization of renewable energy resources
  • Socio-economic and policy issues surrounding renewable energy provision

Published articles will address energy aspects of sustainable development, and we hope authors will focus on sustainable energy provision for applications in isolated, disadvantaged, or development-deficient communities. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Maurice B. Dusseault
Dr. SeyedBijan Mahbaz
Dr. Alireza Dehghani-Sanij
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Renewable energy sources and production
  • Renewable energy conversion and storage
  • Hybrid and integrated renewable energy systems
  • Energy and exergy analyses of renewable energy susyems
  • Sustainable development in energy sources and access
  • Novel energy use configurations for cooling in hot climates
  • Life cycle analysis (LCA) of renewable energy systems
  • Environmental risk assessment (ERA) of renewable energy systems
  • Social, economic, and political aspects of renewable energy
  • Applications of renewable and clean energy
  • Renewable energy and climate change

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 950 KiB  
Article
Market-Specific Barriers and Enablers for Organizational Investments in Solar PV—Lessons from Flanders
by Wim Van Opstal and Anse Smeets
Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13069; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013069 - 12 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3162
Abstract
Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is an important contributor to a sustainable energy transition and consists of an increasingly affordable and accessible technology. Although solar PV policies in industrialized countries have mainly benefited affluent households, non-homeowner market segments often remain underdeveloped. In this paper, we [...] Read more.
Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is an important contributor to a sustainable energy transition and consists of an increasingly affordable and accessible technology. Although solar PV policies in industrialized countries have mainly benefited affluent households, non-homeowner market segments often remain underdeveloped. In this paper, we review barriers and enablers for solar PV investments in non-homeowner market segments and investigate sustainability aspects of its institutional environment. We use focus group data from Flanders (Belgium) to investigate non-homeowner residential markets (including social, rental, and collective housing), public sector markets (including schools, and health and social care facilities), and commercial markets. They have in common that they are mostly governed or mediated by organizations, and that very specific regulatory and institutional conditions apply. Our main finding is that, even in times of high energy prices, the energy savings potential of solar PV is often not a sufficient condition for organizations to engage in solar PV investments. Major barriers include diseconomies of scale, split incentive problems, internal organizational barriers, and legal uncertainty. Important enablers are energy sharing frameworks and framework contracts for group purchasing. We conclude with recommendations on institutional quality, organizational capacity building, market development, mechanism design, and social justice to ensure sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in the Context of Renewable Energy at Different Scales)
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19 pages, 3403 KiB  
Article
Drinking Water Supply in Rural Africa Based on a Mini-Grid Energy System—A Socio-Economic Case Study for Rural Development
by Joern Falk, Björn Globisch, Martin Angelmahr, Wolfgang Schade and Heike Schenk-Mathes
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9458; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159458 - 2 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3227
Abstract
Water is an essential resource required for various human activities such as drinking, cooking, growing food, and personal hygiene. As a key infrastructure of public services, access to clean and safe drinking water is an essential factor for local socio-economic development. Despite various [...] Read more.
Water is an essential resource required for various human activities such as drinking, cooking, growing food, and personal hygiene. As a key infrastructure of public services, access to clean and safe drinking water is an essential factor for local socio-economic development. Despite various national and international efforts, water supply is often not guaranteed, especially in rural areas of Africa. Although many water resources are theoretically available in these areas, bodies of water are often contaminated with dangerous pathogens and pollutants. As a result, people, often women and children, have to travel long distances to collect water from taps and are exposed to dangers such as physical violence and accidents on their way. In this article, we present a socio-economic case study for rural development. We describe a drinking water treatment plant with an annual capacity of 10,950 m3 on Kibumba Island in Lake Victoria (Tanzania). The plant is operated by a photovoltaic mini-grid system with second-life lithium-ion battery storage. We describe the planning, the installation, and the start of operation of the water treatment system. In addition, we estimate the water prices achievable with the proposed system and compare it to existing sources of drinking water on Kibumba Island. Assuming a useful life of 15 years, the installed drinking water system is cost-neutral for the community at a cost price of 0.70 EUR/m3, 22% less than any other source of clean water on Kibumba Island. Access to safe and clean drinking water is a major step forward for the local population. We investigate the socio-economic added value using social and economic key indicators like health, education, and income. Hence, this approach may serve as a role model for community-owned drinking water systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in the Context of Renewable Energy at Different Scales)
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17 pages, 2421 KiB  
Article
Renewable Energy Acceptance by Households: Evidence from Lithuania
by Dalia Štreimikienė, Vidas Lekavičius, Gintare Stankūnienė and Aušra Pažėraitė
Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8370; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148370 - 8 Jul 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3047
Abstract
Although renewable energy adoption in the residential sector has increased significantly in the EU due to the governmental policies, aiming to reduce the barriers of renewable energy penetration, the full potential of renewable energy deployment in households is still not realized due to [...] Read more.
Although renewable energy adoption in the residential sector has increased significantly in the EU due to the governmental policies, aiming to reduce the barriers of renewable energy penetration, the full potential of renewable energy deployment in households is still not realized due to the behavioral and other barriers. One of the most important factors in the adoption of renewable energy technologies in households is the decision-making to implement renewables; therefore, the behavioral economics insights should be taken into account during the analysis of renewable energy acceptance by households. The paper provides a systematic literature review on renewable energy use in households by analyzing policies and measures, which could increase the use of renewable energy in households by overcoming the major barriers. The dynamics of renewable energy consumption in EU households was performed by applying Eurostat data, and the empirical case study was conducted in Lithuania to understand the main reasons of renewable energy acceptance by the household. Even though the use of renewable energy sources has increased significantly in the EU member states during the recent years, the study has found the following most common barriers that the traditional policies are unable to overcome: (1) high upfront cost and long pay-back period, (2) a lack of information and knowledge, (3) low priority of environmental concern, (4) resistance to change; human habits. The case study shows that the majority of Lithuanian households would like to use renewable energy technologies in their homes, but they encounter financial difficulties and lack of infrastructure. The policy recommendations were developed based on the results of the conducted study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in the Context of Renewable Energy at Different Scales)
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11 pages, 8464 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Evaluating Beneficial Matches between Excess Renewable Power Generation and Non-Electric Heat Loads in Remote Alaska Microgrids
by Grace Bolt, Michelle Wilber, Daisy Huang, Daniel J. Sambor, Srijan Aggarwal and Erin Whitney
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3884; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073884 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2226
Abstract
Many Alaska communities rely on heating oil for heat and diesel fuel for electricity. For remote communities, fuel must be barged or flown in, leading to high costs. While renewable energy resources may be available, the variability of wind and solar energy limits [...] Read more.
Many Alaska communities rely on heating oil for heat and diesel fuel for electricity. For remote communities, fuel must be barged or flown in, leading to high costs. While renewable energy resources may be available, the variability of wind and solar energy limits the amount that can be used coincidentally without adequate storage. This study developed a decision-making method to evaluate beneficial matches between excess renewable generation and non-electric dispatchable loads, specifically heat loads such as space heating, water heating and treatment, and clothes drying in three partner communities. Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Electric Renewables (HOMER) Pro was used to model potential excess renewable generation based on current generation infrastructure, renewable resource data, and community load. The method then used these excess generation profiles to quantify how closely they align with modeled or actual heat loads, which have inherent thermal storage capacity. Of 236 possible combinations of solar and wind capacity investigated in the three communities, the best matches were seen between excess electricity from high-penetration wind generation and heat loads for clothes drying and space heating. The worst matches from this study were from low penetrations of solar (25% of peak load) with all heat loads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in the Context of Renewable Energy at Different Scales)
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17 pages, 6379 KiB  
Article
Proposal of a Facile Method to Fabricate a Multi-Dope Multiwall Carbon Nanotube as a Metal-Free Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
by Sara Bakhtavar, Mehdi Mehrpooya, Mahboobeh Manoochehri and Mehrnoosh Karimkhani
Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020965 - 15 Jan 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2174
Abstract
In this study, a one-pot, low-temperature synthesis method is considered for the fabrication of heteroatom dope multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Doped MWCNT is utilized as an effective electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Single, double, and triple doping of boron, nitrogen and sulfur [...] Read more.
In this study, a one-pot, low-temperature synthesis method is considered for the fabrication of heteroatom dope multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Doped MWCNT is utilized as an effective electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Single, double, and triple doping of boron, nitrogen and sulfur elements are utilized as the dopants. A reflux system with temperature of 180 °C is implemented in the doping procedure. Actually, unlike the previous studies in which doping on the carbon structures was performed using a furnace at temperatures above 700 °C, in this green and sustainable method, the triple doping on MWCNT is conducted at atmospheric pressure and low temperature. The morphology and structure of the fabricated catalysts were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. According to the results, the nanoparticles were encapsulated in the carbon nanotubes. Aggregated clusters of the sulfur in the case of S-MWCNT are considerable. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disk electrode, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and chronoamperometry electrochemical tests are employed for assessing the oxygen reduction activity of the catalysts. The results illustrate that by using this doping method, the onset potential shifts to positive values towards the oxidized MWCNT. It can be deduced that by doping the N, B, and S atoms on MWCNTs, the defects in the CNT structure, which serve as active sites for ORR application, increase. The N/S/B-doped graphitic layers have a more rapid electron transfer rate at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Thus, this can improve the electrochemistry performance and electron transfer of the MWCNTs. The best performance and electrochemical activity belonged to the NB-MWCNT catalyst (−0.122 V vs. Ag/AgCl). Also, based on the results gained from the Koutecky–Levich (KL) plot, it can be said that the ORR takes place through the 4 e− pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in the Context of Renewable Energy at Different Scales)
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25 pages, 6862 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of a Modified Single-Slope Solar Still with an External Solar Water Heater
by Naseer T. Alwan, Sergey E. Shcheklein, Obed Majeed Ali, Milia H. Majeed and Ephraim Bonah Agyekum
Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12414; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212414 - 10 Nov 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2420
Abstract
One of the key impediments to the wide utilization of solar water desalination systems is limited production. Hence, this study aims at increasing the thermal performance of a single-slope solar still by increasing the surface area of evaporation and absorption exposed to sunlight. [...] Read more.
One of the key impediments to the wide utilization of solar water desalination systems is limited production. Hence, this study aims at increasing the thermal performance of a single-slope solar still by increasing the surface area of evaporation and absorption exposed to sunlight. A hollow rotating cylinder was installed inside the still structure; this modified system was then joined with an outside solar water heater for productivity improvement. The obtained results show that a 0.5 rpm rotational speed ensured that the cylinder’s surface was kept wet. A mathematical model has been formulated using the finite difference method and the Fortran 90 programming language to assess the thermal performance productivity of two solar stills (conventional solar still (CSS) and modified solar still (MSS)) modelled under different conditions. The experimental and theoretical results are well agreed, with an error of 6.14%. The obtained results show that the maximum productivity recorded in July 2019 was about 11.1 L/m2 from the MSS and 2.8 L/m2 from the CSS, with an improvement rate ranging between 286% and 300% during June, July, August, and September 2019. The production cost per liter of distilled water from the modified and conventional solar stills was 0.0302 USD/L and 0.0312 USD/L, respectively, which indicates a noticeable reduction in the cost of distillate water production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in the Context of Renewable Energy at Different Scales)
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18 pages, 3837 KiB  
Article
Techno-Economic Analysis and New Design of a Photovoltaic Power Plant by a Direct Radiation Amplification System
by Hamed Khodayar Sahebi, Siamak Hoseinzadeh, Hossein Ghadamian, Mohammad Hadi Ghasemi, Farbod Esmaeilion and Davide Astiaso Garcia
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11493; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011493 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2576
Abstract
Today, photovoltaic panels are used in various applications, and increasing their efficiency is of interest to many researchers. In this research, we try to increase the radiation density by increasing direct radiation to finally increase the energy production in photovoltaic power plants. The [...] Read more.
Today, photovoltaic panels are used in various applications, and increasing their efficiency is of interest to many researchers. In this research, we try to increase the radiation density by increasing direct radiation to finally increase the energy production in photovoltaic power plants. The direct radiation amplification system is used to improve the photovoltaic efficiency. In this proposed system, energy and economics are analyzed by MATLAB software. Also, prototype testing and photovoltaic power plant testing are examined. The results show that by implementing this system in photovoltaic power plants, annual energy production can be increased. By adding this system to a photovoltaic power plant, the price of electricity produced in photovoltaic power plants will be increased from 13 ¢/kWh to 9 ¢/kWh, which shows a 31% reduction in the price of electricity per kilowatt-hour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in the Context of Renewable Energy at Different Scales)
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