Article
Energy & Fuels
Laura Talens Peiro, Nick Martin, Gara Villalba Mendez, Cristina Madrid-Lopez
Summary: This paper introduces possible pathways for integrating material-specific life cycle assessment outputs and material metabolism indicators into energy system models. The results show considerable variation between and within different technologies, and offer a methodology for using data from both approaches.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nick Martin, Cristina Madrid-Lopez, Gara Villalba-Mendez, Laura Talens-Peiro
Summary: This article introduces methods for quantifying three key indicators related to raw material supplies and demonstrates their application through a case study on electricity production scenarios in the European Union. The results indicate that renewable energy sources may exacerbate supply risks and environmental issues, with all three indicators likely to rise significantly systemwide by 2050.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Economics
Humberto Campodonico, Cesar Carrera
Summary: Peru faces serious challenges in promoting renewable energies, with only about 5% of current electricity generation coming from renewable sources. The difficulties include slower economic growth, excess installed capacity, deficiencies in the regulatory framework, and the need for institutional changes. Building a new consensus between the government, companies, and civil society is crucial to achieving climate change objectives in Peru.
Article
Environmental Studies
Zhengzhen An, Yue Zhao, Yanfei Zhang
Summary: This study discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mineral prospecting in the context of the green transition, focusing on the mining sector in the Asian region. The research highlights the importance of mineral exploration for low-carbon and renewable energy technologies and emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and community involvement in the mining sector. The study also points out the higher sustainability standards set by financial institutions for mining corporations and the potential of technical advancements like big data and artificial intelligence for the industry.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seyed Salar Hoseini, Alireza Seyedkanani, Gholamhassan Najafi, Agus P. Sasmito, Abdolhamid Akbarzadeh
Summary: Before replacing fossil fuels, it is important for renewable energy options to address the challenges of conversion and storage. This necessitates the development of advanced materials that can enhance the effectiveness of energy conversion and storage systems. Multiscale architected porous materials offer opportunities for optimized energy conversion and storage due to their controllable porosity and other desirable characteristics. This comprehensive review explores the advancements in utilizing such materials for renewable energy storage and conversion applications, providing valuable insights and research guidance for their future implications in renewable energy systems.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Alena Fernandes de Freitas, Mathias Jehling
Summary: Energy research often categorizes energy systems into the Global South and the Global North. However, this differentiation limits our understanding of energy transitions and hinders the identification of change opportunities for sustainable energy supply. Instead, we propose using a socio-technical perspective and the concept of expanding energy systems to guide empirical research, focusing on the inherent characteristics of energy systems rather than predefined country categories. By analyzing the energy system in Peru, we found that expansion processes have significant implications for energy transition, acting as windows of opportunity for socio-technical change. We advocate for further development of the concept and its integration into the understanding of energy transitions.
ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dirk Schindler, Leon Sander, Christopher Jung
Summary: The success of the German electricity mix transformation depends on the development and utilization of renewable energies. However, the current consumption of electricity exceeds the generation from renewable sources, leading to a supply-demand imbalance and significant residual loads. The natural variability of solar and wind power is identified as a major challenge for meeting Germany's electricity consumption in the near future.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Magnus de Witt, Hlynur Stefansson, Agust Valfells, Joan Nymand Larsen
Summary: The Arctic currently relies on diesel as the dominant energy source for electricity generation, but its high cost presents a challenge for residents. Research suggests that renewable energy resources can provide a feasible and cost-competitive alternative in the Arctic, with the optimal mix varying for different communities. Stakeholder responses indicate a general acceptance of renewables in the case study communities.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Olatz Azurza-Zubizarreta, Izaro Basurko-PerezdeArenaza, Enaut Zelarain, Estitxu Villamor, Ortzi Akizu-Gardoki, Unai Villena-Camarero, Alvaro Campos-Celador, Inaki Barcena-Hinojal
Summary: Achieving Europe's ambitious targets for 2050 will require a radical change in the energy system, with much of the key action happening at the local level. However, data availability for energy transition at the local level is low, and local authorities are facing challenges in reducing carbon emissions. One key factor in successful energy transition is the number of people employed in the field, indicating the importance of a dedicated workforce.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefano Caserini, Niccolo Storni, Mario Grosso
Summary: This study assesses the availability and localizations of different raw materials for ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE). Carbonate resources are abundant and widely distributed, with pure carbonates not being a constraint for large-scale OAE development. Olivine resources are relatively limited and provide only a minor contribution to ocean-based carbon removal strategies.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ariel Macaspac Hernandez, Yudhi Timor Bimo Prakoso
Summary: This article examines the significance of Indonesia in the energy transition process and suggests that new insights and values can be gained through teaching Indonesia as a case study. The paper also discusses how the lessons can be more valuable when achieved through stages of reflection, interaction, and action.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie-Theres Kuegerl, Michael Hitch, Katharina Gugerell
Summary: The Paris Agreement and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the importance of global energy transitions. However, the increasing demand for minerals and metals due to evolving energy generation and renewable energy infrastructure raises concerns about negative environmental, social, and economic impacts. Responsible Sourcing (RS) has been adopted as a management approach to address these concerns in supply chains, but its contribution to Natural Resource Justice (NRJ) in energy transitions is questioned. This study examines the current literature on RS and NRJ and finds that debates on RS in renewable energy sectors are limited and fragmented, with few discussions on justice considerations. The findings highlight the need for more holistic and just approaches to energy transitions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Economics
L. Battisti
Summary: This study evaluates future greenhouse gas emissions from 2020 to 2050, taking into account various scenarios for growth in electric energy in the world's current energy system. The results show that relying solely on renewables as a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will only partially succeed and achieving zero emissions targets is not feasible. The study also highlights the challenge of ensuring that renewable penetration programs can be matched with the technical feasibility of conversion technologies.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Andres Lorente de las Casas, Ivelina Mirkova, Francisco J. Ramos-Real
Summary: Through the use of Q methodology, this study involved 31 experts from various fields related to energy to identify four profiles of stakeholders' mindsets and propose an integrative energy transition strategy for the hotel sector of the Canary Islands. The strategy includes self-consumption using renewable energies, simplification of administrative procedures, and promotion of heat pump usage among other measures. An interesting consensus among experts is their uncertainty regarding the post-COVID-19 reality.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shuguang Wang, Luang Sun, Sajid Iqbal
Summary: The study highlights the importance of renewable energy dependence in facilitating energy transition in E7 settings. Factors such as renewable energy demand and supply ratio, energy consumption to GDP ratio are crucial in promoting renewable energy transition through green financing. The shift towards renewable energy in E7 economies is partly attributed to investments in renewable energy sources supported by green finance.
Article
Ecology
Antonio Valero, Barbara Palacino, Sonia Ascaso, Alicia Valero
Summary: Soil degradation is a major global issue that affects food supply, and a new methodology using exergy as an indicator has been proposed to evaluate soil fertility and degradation. The study establishes theoretical parameters for comparing topsoil degradation and fertility levels, validating exergy as a rigorous indicator through laboratory tests.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Jorge Torrubia, Antonio Valero, Alicia Valero
Summary: Rising energy and raw material prices, as well as shortages of critical raw materials, pose a threat to the transition to a low-carbon economy. Managing scarce resources is crucial, and the thermodynamic rarity (TR) indicator can assess the scarcity of materials. The study finds that mobile phone printed circuit boards (PCBs) have a high energy intensity and use valuable materials. Additionally, PCBs have the potential to be an important source of secondary resources due to their short lifespan.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guiomar Calvo, Jose-Luis Palacios, Alicia Valero
Summary: This paper presents a computational model developed with specialized software, HSC Chemistry, to analyze the relationship between ore grade decline and energy consumption during the processing of metals using gold as a case study. The study found that as ore grade decreases, the specific energy consumption and associated environmental impact will experience exponential growth.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jorge Torrubia, Alicia Valero, Antonio Valero, Anthony Lejuez
Summary: The path toward energy transition requires various metals, some of which are scarce or controlled by a few countries. The European and Spanish situations are vulnerable due to the scarcity of critical geological mineral resources. However, the recovery of metals from waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) presents a significant opportunity to alleviate this situation. The study shows the potential of urban mining in Spain, with 1.4 million tons of metals, valued at $2.43 billion, available for recovery.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marta Iglesias-Embil, Alejandro Abadias, Alicia Valero, Guiomar Calvo, Markus Andreas Reuter, Abel Ortego
Summary: This paper identifies the most critical parts of a car using a thermodynamic approach and assesses their recyclability potential using dedicated software. By developing a general metallurgical process, valuable metals in these parts can be effectively extracted. The study shows that 7 out of 11 selected car parts have a recyclability potential higher than 85%. This approach can guide eco-design and recycling efforts in the automotive industry.
Article
Environmental Studies
Javier Felipe-Andreu, Antonio Valero, Alicia Valero
Summary: This study develops a methodology to assess the territorial, ecological, and material impacts of energy transition on regions and applies it to a case study in the Cantabrian-Mediterranean Bioregion in Spain. The results reveal an imbalance between energy producer-consumer communities and an ecological and material deficit in the region. Two alternative scenarios are proposed to achieve a balanced and sustainable energy transition.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Guiomar Calvo, Beatriz Carrasquer-Alvarez, Javier Martinez-Aznar
Summary: This research aims to analyze the historical production and conservation status of the salt evaporation ponds in Naval and Peralta de la Sal (Huesca, Spain), as well as their potential for education. These saltworks are associated with clay and gypsum layers from the Upper Triassic period and have been used for salt production since the Bronze Age. The well-preserved remains of these ponds make them highly valuable for educational purposes.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Abel Ortego, Sofia Russo, Marta Iglesias-Embil, Alicia Valero, Ricardo Magdalena
Summary: The use of plastic materials in light-duty vehicles is increasing to achieve lightweight designs and reduce production costs. However, the recycling of these plastics is often challenging due to their incompatibility. This study analyzes critical car parts based on the plastics used and assesses their embodied exergy. The findings indicate that, on average, a vehicle contains 222 kg of plastic, accounting for 17.7% of its total weight. Understanding the criticality of these car parts and their associated plastics can enhance recycling efforts and promote circularity within the automotive industry.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Eugenio Fernandez, Abel Ortego, Alicia Valero, Juan J. Alba
Summary: So far, the measurement of NOx emissions in vehicles has only been conducted during the type-approval process. High-precision gas measurement laboratory equipment and Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS) are currently used for this purpose. However, these equipment are costly and complex, making them unsuitable for Periodic Technical Inspections (PTIs). In this study, simultaneous measurements were performed using both laboratory and PTI gas analyzers, and the latter showed an average deviation of 2.6 ppm and 9% rel. with respect to the high-precision laboratory equipment for concentrations below 700 ppm NOx.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ricardo Magdalena, Guiomar Calvo, Alicia Valero
Summary: This study analyzes the energy cost of reprocessing tantalum and niobium from tailings rich in these metals. It found that recovering tantalum from rich tailings would be cost-effective, while niobium recovery would not be favored unless market prices increase.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Edmund B. Mabhuye
Summary: Climate change poses a critical challenge to human well-being, particularly in terms of vulnerability and livelihood impact on communities. This study reveals the high vulnerability of communities in the western highlands of Tanzania to climate change and non-climate stress factors, including seasonal changes in rainfall and temperature, as well as the decrease in crop production and income.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiahui Qiu, Sharon Seah, Melinda Martinus
Summary: With ASEAN's rapid population and economic growth, its medium-term climate ambition becomes crucial to global mitigation efforts. Although all ASEAN Member States have communicated their ambitions through NDCs, the region still falls short of a 1.5 or 2-degree scenario. Assessing and comparing the NDCs is complex due to varying types of targets and actions. Through an assessment framework, AMS' strategies for raising mitigation ambition are examined, with the need for stronger economy-wide targets identified. Different groups with varying stages of progress in climate ambition among AMS are clarified, along with specific recommendations for each group.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi Cai, Wene Qi, Famin Yi
Summary: This study evaluates the treatment effects of ICT-based extension service (IES) use on fertilizer knowledge and use efficiency among litchi farm households in southern China. The results show that IES use significantly improves fertilizer effectiveness, procedural and declarative knowledge, and increases fertilizer use efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
(2024)
