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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 February 2024) | Viewed by 31369

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Wen Tong Chong

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Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Interests: renewable energy; green technology; sustainable development; wind turbine design; industrial aerodynamics

Prof. Dr. Michael K. H. Leung

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Guest Editor

Ability R&D Energy Research Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: solar photocatalysis; fuel-cell electrochemistry; hydrogen production; carbon management; carbon capture and storage; advanced refrigeration and air-conditioning
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Prof. Dr. Bernard Saw Lip Huat

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Guest Editor

Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia
Interests: green materials; renewable energy; thermal management; energy storage system and numerical modeling such as CFD, electrochemical modeling and electro-thermal modeling of the energy storage system

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Man

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Guest Editor

Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Interests: supercapacitor; rechargeable batteries; pemfc; mfc; biomass to hydrogen

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on green energy and sustainable development covers research in emerging green technology and energy for sustainable development. It focuses on recent progress and research studies of technologies, processes, methods and materials related to sustainable energy and development applications, particularly in the development of alternatives to traditional approaches that offer technological and environmental advantages. The articles in this Special Issue may present theoretical, numerical or experimental findings within the context of green energy technologies, with an emphasis on the 3Rs in design, manufacturing and application, in order to achieve a sustainable future. Interesting topics considered are including, but not limited to, the following:

Emerging green technologies for sustainable energy and environment;
Innovations for the water–energy–health nexus;
Environment, air quality and climate change;
Sustainable cities, architecture and green buildings;
Material applications related to green energy;
Green design, products and manufacturing processes;
Impact of environmental regulations and energy policy;
Emerging green technology to achieve circular economy;
Environmental and social impacts on energy supply, transportation and production;
Bioresource and bioenergy

Prof. Dr. Wen Tong Chong
Prof. Dr. Michael Leung
Prof. Dr. Bernard Saw Lip Huat
Prof. Dr. Tran Van Man
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

green energy
sustainable development
renewable energy
green technology
waste minimization
environmental-friendly
climate change

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expansion of Next-Generation Sustainable Clean Hydrogen Energy in South Korea: Domino Explosion Risk Analysis and Preventive Measures Due to Hydrogen Leakage from Hydrogen Re-Fueling Stations Using Monte Carlo Simulation

by Kwanwoo Lee and Chankyu Kang

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3583; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093583 - 24 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1166

Abstract

Hydrogen, an advanced energy source, is growing quickly in its infrastructure and technological development. Urban areas are constructing convergence-type hydrogen refilling stations utilizing existing gas stations to ensure economic viability. However, it is essential to conduct a risk analysis as hydrogen has a broad range for combustion and possesses significant explosive capabilities, potentially leading to a domino explosion in the most severe circumstances. This study employed quantitative risk assessment to evaluate the range of damage effects of single and domino explosions. The PHAST program was utilized to generate quantitative data on the impacts of fires and explosions in the event of a single explosion, with notable effects from explosions. Monte Carlo simulations were utilized to forecast a domino explosion, aiming to predict uncertain events by reflecting the outcome of a single explosion. Monte Carlo simulations indicate a 69% chance of a domino explosion happening at a hydrogen refueling station if multi-layer safety devices fail, resulting in damage estimated to be three times greater than a single explosion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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27 pages, 3549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Techno-Environmental Analysis of a Microgrid Energy System in a University Office Complex

by Sulaiman A. Almohaimeed

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12506; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612506 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1605

Abstract

The world is undergoing an irreversible shift towards clean energy. Microgrids are recognized as a key technology that holds significant potential to make a substantial difference in this regard. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of how microgrids work and their impact on climate. The research presented in this paper focuses on reducing carbon dioxide (CO²) in the main campus of Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, through the development and implementation of an engineering model that facilitates the installation of a microgrid system designed to meet the university’s sustainability goals. The study aims to explore possible solutions that can reduce emissions in the administrative building (A7) at Qassim University and meet the university environmental plan. Therefore, a comprehensive study is conducted to investigate the potential reduction in emissions associated with the installation of a microgrid system. This microgrid system operates in a grid-connected mode and comprises three main components: the load, a photovoltaic (PV) system, and batteries. The results of the study indicate that the microgrid reveals a notable transition in the primary sources of electricity. Moreover, the microgrid system proves its capability to meet a substantial portion of the daily energy requirements, highlighting its efficiency and effectiveness in addressing energy needs. The findings of this study highlight the significant potential of the proposed model in curbing carbon emissions, as it demonstrates a reduction from 615.8 to 147.4 Mt of CO². This reduction aligns with the university’s commitment to sustainability and green initiatives. The computed decrease in carbon footprint emphasizes the possibility of the suggested model to encourage sustainable practices among the university community and mitigate the environmental consequences of energy usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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20 pages, 5072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Optimization, Kinetics Model, and Lab-Scale Assessments of Phenol Biodegradation Using Batch and Continuous Culture Systems

by Reem A. Elnahas, Mohab H. Elsabrouty, Sara Shebl, Nourhan N. Hussien, Bassma H. Elwakil, Mohamed Zakaria, Yehia M. Youssef, Essam El Din A. Moussad and Zakia A. Olama

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12405; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612405 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1211

Abstract

Phenol was considered a severe hazard to all ecosystems even at low concentrations. The bioremediation process is an eco-friendly process for complete phenol degradation and bioelectricity generation. In the present study, a consortium of native isolates was used for phenol biodegradation and bioenergy generation using nano-graphite electrodes. The optimization of nutritional and environmental parameters using batch culture revealed that the optimum conditions for maximum phenol degradation and energy generation were inoculum concentration, 1%; incubation period, 48 h; phenol, 6 ppm; MgSO₄, 70 mg/L; K₂HPO₄, 175 mg/L; and CaCl₂, 1 mg/L. Phenol biodegradation reached 93.34% with a power density of 109.419 mW/cm³. A lab-scale bioreactor was used as a continuous culture with aeration rate, agitation speed, and dissolved oxygen of 0.5 v/v/m, 750 rpm, and 30%, respectively. On using the continuous culture, phenol biodegradation and bioenergy production reached 97.8% and 0.382 W/cm³, respectively. A kinetics study using Haldane’s kinetics model reported the best fit to achieve a significant correlation coefficient (R²) value (0.9865) reaching maximum specific growth rate with initial phenol concentration of approximately 9 mg L⁻¹ where the specific growth rates (μ, h⁻¹) varied with different initial phenol concentrations. In conclusion, the native isolated consortium could be considered as an economical and sustainable approach to phenol biodegradation in industrial wastewater as well as bioelectricity generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 3754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward Efficient Continuous Production of Biodiesel from Brown Grease

by Melad Atrash, Karen Molina, El-Or Sharoni, Gilbert Azwat, Marina Nisnevitch, Yael Albo and Faina Nakonechny

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8507; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118507 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

An increase in energy consumption and the extended use of nonrenewable fossil fuels raises the need to develop alternative fuels as an energy supply that can protect the environment from unwanted emissions of pollutants. One alternative renewable fuel is biodiesel. Currently, most biodiesel feed sources are edible oils, but using them leads to the dilution of global food sources. The present study aims to find an effective method of biodiesel production using food industry fatty wastes called brown grease (BG). BG contains fats, mainly linoleic and oleic free fatty acids (FFAs), that can serve as raw materials for biodiesel production using esterification reactions. The esterification and transesterification reactions for biodiesel production were studied using commercial FFAs, commercial glyceryl trilinoleate (trilinolein), soybean oil, and BG. The reactions were carried out under ultrasonic activation using BF₃ and AlCl₃ Lewis acids as catalysts in both free and immobilized forms when immobilization was performed in silica matrices using the sol-gel synthesis route. Biodiesel production was examined in batch and continuous flow reactors. The BF₃ catalyst was more efficient at the initial stages of the continuous operation, reaching a maximum conversion of 90%, with a gradual decrease in efficiency after 15 h of the process. The AlCl₃ catalyst showed better stability, reaching maximum yields of 97% and maintaining efficiency until the end of the experiment. The proposed method offers an efficient and easy way to produce biodiesel from a variety of lipids sources, including fatty wastes (BG). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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12 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greenhouse Gas Emissions-Based Development and Characterization of Optimal Scenarios for Municipal Solid and Sewage Sludge Waste Management in Astana City

by Aknur Temireyeva, Khabiba Zhunussova, Madiyar Aidabulov, Christos Venetis, Yerbol Sarbassov and Dhawal Shah

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15850; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315850 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2450

Abstract

Landfilling is the most applied solid waste management method in developing countries, which leads to a large amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is thus imperative to develop strategies for evaluating different economically viable waste management scenarios to mitigate GHG emissions. According to the Paris Agreement, Kazakhstan planned to decrease GHG emissions by 25% by 2050 as compared to 1990 levels, while reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. In this context, we herein propose four different scenarios for municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment and three scenarios for sewage sludge (SS) treatment with the aim of evaluating the GHG potential for Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, using the (solid waste management) SWM-GHG calculator developed by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research. The MSW treatment scenarios include: (A) 15% recycling of secondary materials and 85% landfilling of remaining MSW; (B) 30% recycling of secondary materials; 70% sanitary landfilling with biogas collection; (C) 30% recycling and 70% biological stabilization and landfilling without biogas collection; and (D) 30% recycling, 20% composting, and 50% (waste-to-energy) WtE incineration. The sewage sludge management scenarios include (1) 100% landfilling; (2) 100% WtE incineration; and (3) co-incineration of sewage sludge and coal. The results reveal that more complex scenarios lead to extensive ecological benefits; however, there are economic constraints. Based on the analysis of the proposed scenarios, we recommend the optimal strategy for MSW treatment to be 30% recycling with biological stabilization that has a total cost of EUR 16.7 million/year and overall GHG emissions of −120 kt of CO₂ eq/year. In terms of sewage sludge management, the addition of coal to sewage sludge simplifies the combustion process due to the higher heat capacity. Considering lower cost and higher energy recovery, it is recommended as a favorable process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 3590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) Concentration of Subway Transfer Stations in Beijing, China

by Xinru Wang, Liang Xia, Fei Pei, Li Chang, Wen Tong Chong, Zu Wang and Song Pan

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031552 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2985

Abstract

Although much research is being conducted on the characteristics of PM2.5 and PM10 at subway stations, there is no research focusing on a complex subway transfer station. In this paper, the characteristics of PM2.5 and PM10 at transfer stations are studied. For comparison, monitoring is performed under different outside conditions at four different transfer stations in the non-peak period during March 2018. The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 on the platform in the transfer stations is approximately 10 μg/m³ lower than in the non-transfer station, when outside PM2.5 is lower than 150 μg/m³. However, the ratio of PM2.5 to PM10 at the transfer stations (lowest: 78.1%) is higher than at the non-transfer station (lowest: 61.2%), indicating that the PM10 content differs from the non-transfer station. In a transfer station with the same depth, the PM concentration is the same or similar. In addition, the concentration of PM2.5 at subway stations has a strong correlation with the outside environment (R² = 0.897), which indicates that an outside condition is important for the subway environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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10 pages, 2637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of SF₆ Green Substitute Gas

by Tao Jiang, Xiangzhao Meng, Qiming Wei, Lijun Jin and Yanjun Sun

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9063; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169063 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2356

Abstract

Due to its high greenhouse effect, the use of SF₆ as the main insulating gas is restricted in the electric power field. Along with the aim of environmental protection, the search for new alternative gases with a lower greenhouse effect and higher insulation strength has received a lot of attention. The properties of alternative gases have a vital impact on the performance of medium-voltage power distribution equipment. Firstly, based on the existing liquefaction temperatures of SF₆/N₂, SF₆/CO₂, and SF₆/CF₄, the calculated liquefaction temperatures were expanded to 0.7 MPa. Combining the Antoine vapor-pressure equation and the basic law of vapor–liquid balance, the vapor pressures of SF₆/N₂, CF₃I/N₂, c-C₄F₈/N₂, C4-PFN/N₂, C4-PFN/CO₂, and C5-PFK/CO₂ were obtained. Secondly, the critical breakdown field strength was analyzed for C4-PFN/CO₂, C5-PFK/CO₂, SF₆, CF₃I/N₂, C5-PFK/Air, and c-C₄F₈/N₂. Finally, the GWPs of SF₆/N₂, C4-PFN/N₂, C4-PFN/CO₂, C5-PFK/CO₂, and C5-PFK/N₂ were discussed. The results show that the liquefaction temperature gradually decreases as the pressure rises; SF₆/N₂ has the highest vapor pressure at −5 °C; the critical breakdown field strengths of several mixtures are higher than that of SF₆. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 1266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Behavioral Models Relating to Renewable Energy in Taiwan

by Cheng-Chih Chou and Liang-Rui Chen

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137296 - 29 Jun 2021

Viewed by 1823

Abstract

This study sought to understand the behaviors and attitudes of people in Taiwan as they relate to the government’s RE policies by analyzing data from a questionnaire-based telephone survey conducted between 2013 and 2015. Demographic attributes in people’s behavioral models were analyzed for two variables: attention and support. Based on the findings, people’s behavioral models relating to RE were classified into five categories: key promotional group, promotional seed group, support-strengthening group, attention-strengthening group, and non-key promotional group. The attributes of these five segments were also analyzed and their corresponding promotional strategies were formulated. The overarching goal was to improve precision in marketing RE policies to various target groups in order to maximize impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 87652 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of Thermal Comfort Performance of a Vertical Garden on a Glazed Façade and Its Effect on Building and Urban Scale, Case Study: An Office Building in Barcelona

by Faezeh Bagheri Moghaddam, Josep Maria Fort Mir, Isidro Navarro Delgado and Ernesto Redondo Dominguez

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6706; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126706 - 12 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4271

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the thermal performance of vertical gardens by comparing the thermal comfort of bare (glazed) and green façades in the Mediterranean climate. The proposal consists of applying a vegetation layer on a glazed façade that could control solar radiation and reduce indoor air temperatures. This study investigates the thermal performance of green façades of an office building in the Mediterranean climate. For this purpose, the Gas Natural Fenosa Office Building as a case study was simulated, that is located on a site next to the coastline in Barcelona. Dynamic building energy simulation was used to determine and assess indoor thermal conditions and, for this reason, the IES VE as a simulation tool has been utilized. Thermal comfort was assessed through the adaptive comfort approach and results were analyzed and presented in the terms of indoor comfort conditions during occupied hours. As a result, the article shows that applying a green façade as a vegetation layer caused a reduction in the internal and external façade surface temperatures, as well as the indoor air temperature of the workplace. Additionally, enhancing indoor comfort in summer is closely associated with reducing the external surface temperature. In winter, it also protects the exterior surface from the low temperature of the outside, and all of this greatly increases thermal comfort performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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Review

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13 pages, 1527 KiB

Open AccessReview

Encapsulant Materials and Their Adoption in Photovoltaic Modules: A Brief Review

by Nadka Tz. Dintcheva, Elisabetta Morici and Claudio Colletti

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9453; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129453 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4954

Abstract

In the last two decades, the continuous, ever-growing demand for energy has driven significant development in the production of photovoltaic (PV) modules. A critical issue in the module design process is the adoption of suitable encapsulant materials and technologies for cell embedding. Adopted encapsulants have a significant impact on module efficiency, stability, and reliability. In addition, to ensure the unchanged performance of PV modules in time, the encapsulant materials must be selected properly. The selection of encapsulant materials must maintain a good balance between the encapsulant performance in time and costs, related to materials production and technologies for cells embedding. However, the encapsulants must ensure excellent isolation of active photovoltaic elements from the environment, preserving the PV cells against humidity, oxygen, and accidental damage that may compromise the PV module’s function. This review provides an overview of different encapsulant materials, their main advantages and disadvantages in adoption for PV production, and, in relation to encapsulant technologies used for cell embedding, additives and the interaction of these materials with other PV components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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22 pages, 10475 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vertical Greening Systems: Technological Benefits, Progresses and Prospects

by Puyi Wang, Yew Hoong Wong, Chou Yong Tan, Sheng Li and Wen Tong Chong

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 12997; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142012997 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4419

Abstract

A vertical greening system is becoming increasingly crucial in resolving the energy crisis and environmental problems in a sustainable ecosystem. Researchers have conducted a comprehensive study on vertical greening systems from technology, functional and architectural perspectives. These include ecological, economic and social functions. Most of the current studies emphasize the benefits of vertical greening systems to the environment, while vertical greening technology and its socio-economic benefits receive insufficient attention. In order to study the vertical greening field in depth, this paper comprehensively and systematically summarizes vertical greening technology and functions. Meanwhile, based on the Web of Science (WOS), CiteSpace was used to analyze the relevant literature in the vertical greening field from 2012 to 2022, to explore the hot spots, development status and future trends of vertical greening technology, and to build a knowledge map in the vertical greening field. The research shows that as a low impact development technology, the vertical greening system has received the most extensive attention in the past few years. Air quality, microclimate regulation and energy have always been the focus and hot issues of people’s attention. The future research directions are cooling effect, active system and indoor space. This study is aimed at promoting the future development of vertical greening system technology and providing reference and direction for researchers, planners and developers, as well as individuals interested in future urban and rural planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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