Energy Sustainability

The global shift towards sustainable energy solutions has brought smart grid technology to the forefront of modern electrical engineering. Smart grids represent a revolutionary advancement in power distribution, integrating digital communication and advanced monitoring systems to improve the efficiency, reliability, and flexibility of electricity networks. Traditional power grids, characterized by one-way energy flow, are being
replaced by smart grids that enable two-way communication between consumers and utility providers, thereby optimizing energy distribution and consumption. This transition is driven by the increasing demand for
renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which require dynamic grid management to handle their intermittent nature. Smart grids enhance energy efficiency by utilizing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
to provide real-time data on energy usage, allowing for better load management and reduced energy wastage. Furthermore, these grids incorporate distributed energy resources (DERs), such as residential solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, into the broader grid network, facilitating decentralized energy generation. With the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy integration, smart grids play a pivotal role in minimizing power outages, improving energy security, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite their potential, smart grids face challenges, including cybersecurity risks and the high costs of infrastructure upgrades. However, ongoing research and development aim to address these issues and further enhance grid functionality. This article delves into the technological advancements of smart grids, their benefits, and the obstacles that must be overcome for their widespread adoption in the power sector.

Various solutions enabling the realization of synergies in Industrial Symbiotic Networks have been proposed. However, incorporating intelligence into the platforms that these networks use, supporting the involved actors to automatically find possible candidates able to cover their needs, is still of high importance. Usually, the actors participating in these networks act based on previously predefined patterns, without taking into account all the possible alternatives, usually due to the difficulty of finding and properly evaluating them. Therefore, the recommendation of new matches that the users were not aware of is a big challenge, as companies many times are not willing to change their established workflows if they are not sure about the outcome. Thus, the ability of a platform to properly identify symbiotic alternatives that could provide both economic and environmental benefits for the companies, and the sector as a whole, is of high importance and delivering such recommendati...

development of energy storage systems. The current state of energy storage systems in Ukraine is studied. The capacity of the segment of energy storage systems in the energy market, due to the need to meet the requirements of the European Energy Community on the flexibility of the integrated energy system, renewable energy sources and the objective need to use such systems as system service providers. The sufficiency of market and state incentives for the broad application and development of energy storage technologies in the conditions of quasi-competitive and full-scale electricity market of Ukraine is determined, taking into account the perspective tendencies of energy development. The cost and benefit analysis of investment projects for installation and operation of energy storage systems for three most common and prospective types of applications for the Ukrainian electricity market: participation in the market of ancillary system services, participation in the balancing market...

One of the major problems to design and implement a control/supervision system for a process lies in the need to establish an ad-hoc system for each process installation. On the other side, an open challenge related to the deployment of Intelligent Decision Support Systems (IDSSs) is the interoperability of the different methods used, in order to allow interaction and reuse of different data mining methods and the use of methods based on a model or an expert. Thus, this paper proposes the use of visual workflows, to enable the automation of the design task and the implementation of Intelligent Process Control Systems (IPCSs). The framework will allow the user to specify the design and control of a concrete process as well as the required data-driven and expert models using a graphical workflow environment. The framework is based on a three-layer architecture: first, a comprehensive data science flow description layer (dataflow layer) to produce/discover data-driven models from proce...

We also recognize staff, faculty, and students of the Power Systems Engineering Research Center for their efforts in developing the vision that led to the "Future Grid" project under which this white paper falls. Finally, we express our deepest appreciation to the several reviewers who significantly contributed to the quality of this white paper.

This paper explores the current state of energy decentralization in Oman, emphasizing its importance for the country's energy sector. The primary focus is on the electricity market, examining how decentralization is evolving within this context. The analysis evaluates Oman's regulatory framework to determine its suitability for fostering decentralization and highlights the role of emerging tools and technologies in this transition. This paper reviews the progress made in deploying these innovations, identifies specific regulatory challenges, and provides recommendations to create a more supportive regulatory environment. Additionally, it delves into data protection concerns arising from technologies like smart grids, which collect personal information. By assessing existing data protection regulations, this study identifies gaps and suggests improvements. The methodology involves a textual analysis of the academic literature, offering a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and technological landscape shaping energy decentralization in Oman.

Conducting energy audits is pivotal in assessing industrial plant efficiency and formulating effective energy management plans. It identifies opportunities for efficient energy use, reducing costs and environmental impact. This study employs a techno-economic approach to analyze electricity cost reduction in an industrial facility. Through energy auditing, it explores economic benefits and improved energy quality, yielding favorable outcomes. Focused on a plastic derivative manufacturing plant, the study reveals critical audit findings. The main aim is to identify avenues for electric energy savings, cutting production costs, and enhancing product competitiveness. The audit involves a detailed analysis of consumption patterns, signal quality, and potential energy management strategies, culminating in a cost-cutting plan. The results of an economic assessment of the suggested energy-saving strategies, provide a comprehensive evaluation of their financial implications. It reveals significant cost reduction opportunities, estimating annual energy savings of $45,824.56, which represents a 23.68% decrease in expenses. These initiatives not only boost the plant's financial performance but also strengthen its competitive edge.

One of the major problems to design and implement a control/supervision system for a process lies in the need to establish an ad-hoc system for each process installation. On the other side, an open challenge related to the deployment of Intelligent Decision Support Systems (IDSSs) is the interoperability of the different methods used, in order to allow interaction and reuse of different data mining methods and the use of methods based on a model or an expert. Thus, this paper proposes the use of visual workflows, to enable the automation of the design task and the implementation of Intelligent Process Control Systems (IPCSs). The framework will allow the user to specify the design and control of a concrete process as well as the required data-driven and expert models using a graphical workflow environment. The framework is based on a three-layer architecture: first, a comprehensive data science flow description layer (dataflow layer) to produce/discover data-driven models from proce...

Since my early days of education in the University of Aveiro, in Portugal as a curious Iranian student I became interested in Energy Management subjects and after passing a curriculum course with that theme, I decided to do my dissertation in energy optimization. I started my work by directions of my Energy Management Professor, Dr. Nelson Martins from Mechanical Engineering Department. I decided to use decision making techniques in optimization of energy consumption. With this purpose in mind I chose Professor Dr. Rui Borges, as my supervisor who advised me to explore different methodologies among which was Soft System Methodology (SSM) that concludes the basic theme of this work. My first site visiting in Iran which was from an automobile parts manufacturing industry set near the capital of Iran brought me to the conclusion of a compound model development. My attention to optimize energy management system in that factory was not enough and I understood, according to what I later studied in SSM literature, that any change in an organization should be accompanied by the studies of the system culture. Later conversations and interviews with Professor Ahad Azami active energy sustainability consultant in Iran, and Eng. Saleh Akbarzade director in petrochemical industry in Mahabad city of West Azerbaijan province helped me in model development by SSM. My special thanks to my Professors of University Aveiro who were always ready to help students in their idea developments persistently, and my beloved parents for their continuous protections in my life and during my studies.

The aim of this essay has been to try out Soft Systems Methodology in development of a multidisciplinary framework to launch energy sustainability in Iranian industry sector. A petrochemical industry, one small sized company from the automobile industry and an energy service company are studied due to their diversity in conditions. The petrochemical industry is recognized to possibly have more gains in terms of improving energy consumption. Beyond SSM, the AHP model, MCIR framework, UML, and financial feasibility study methods are used in the development of CSEL framework. The AHP model applied in this study transforms qualitative data into quantitative decision making results. The MCIR framework classifies the barriers which have interrelated nature and identifies the gaps of energy sustainability in industry. NPV and SPB of financial analysis methods are applied in this framework and finally UML diagrams depict the information process in the latter subsystem of this framework.

One of the major problems to design and implement a control/supervision system for a process lies in the need to establish an ad-hoc system for each process installation. On the other side, an open challenge related to the deployment of Intelligent Decision Support Systems (IDSSs) is the interoperability of the different methods used, in order to allow interaction and reuse of different data mining methods and the use of methods based on a model or an expert. Thus, this paper proposes the use of visual workflows, to enable the automation of the design task and the implementation of Intelligent Process Control Systems (IPCSs). The framework will allow the user to specify the design and control of a concrete process as well as the required data-driven and expert models using a graphical workflow environment. The framework is based on a three-layer architecture: first, a comprehensive data science flow description layer (dataflow layer) to produce/discover data-driven models from process data; second, a flowchart of the different components of the process (process-design flow layer) to obtain a simulation model from the design. Finally, the on-line IPCS (process control workflow layer), where the different data-driven models, expert-based models and intelligent reasoning methods interoperate to control and supervise the process. Thus, the resulting system can automatically generate both simulation models of the process and programming code to control and supervise the process, using workflows designed for each particular installation. The case study is focused on the supervision of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located in the Barcelona region.

As energy plays a vital role in the modern lifestyle of any country, understanding how sustainable the energy system of a country remains an important policy issue. This paper reviews the comprehensiveness of existing metrics in tracking and tracing energy sustainability and finds that the existing multi-dimensional indicators do not capture the sustainability dimension adequately. This paper proposes a composite index, SEDI (Sustainable Energy Development Index), to fill the gap. SEDI focuses on establishing the sustainability level of both intra- and inter-generational needs. The paper discusses the methodology, data availability and initial country comparisons. It is found that SEDI has a positive correlation with both the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Energy Development Index (EDI) but provides a better understanding of the different dimensions of energy sustainability.

This is Chapter 1, pages: 1-37, of the book on "Energy: Sources, Utilization, Legislation, Sustainability, Illinois as Model State";, published by World Sci. Pub. Co.;, December 2015 http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/9699 https://doi.org/10.1142/9699

The topic of this paper is the impact of power system restructuring, electricity market introduction, and strengthening of the environmental protection legislation, especially regarding emissions from power plants. Competition in the generation and supply of power provides new business opportunities and strategic business alliances with partners at home and abroad, especially after the introduction of the Energy Community Treaty. A short review of the situation in Croatia regarding liberalization is presented. The analysis of possible variants of the establishment and development of market relations is made, as well as of the corresponding repercussions on short-term and long-term power plant operation and development. Electricity prices are still being regulated by the state and a small share of industrial consumers. Electricity consumption is around 17 TWh which is increasing, supplied by a relatively large share of hydropower plants. This has implications on the development of the power generation sector in Croatia as well as on electricity market operation. Environmental protection in the energy sector implies the primary action in connection with energy efficiency, renewable sources, choice of energygenerating products and application of state-of-the-art protection technologies, quality legislation and supervision, public opinion and education, and promotion of best practices. In this regard the National Environmental Strategy and National Environmental Action Plan has determined its long-term emission reduction objectives for the main air pollutants, in accordance with existing and future obligations related to mitigation of climate change. Hydropower plants and water reservoirs hold high potential for electricity production, but also pose the threat of changing water regimes and negative effects on ecosystems .

The International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea was established by the International Maritime Organisation in 1996. The HNS Convention provides, inter alia, for claims against the shipowner for pure economic loss suffered by victims of contamination under section 1(6)(c) thereof. If South Africa ratifies the HNS Convention, South African courts, could be faced with addressing a number of questions with regard to compensation claims by various people and industries suffering pure economic loss caused by environmental contamination. Accordingly, one of the main issues South African courts may be confronted with, is the interpretation of section 1(6)(c) of the HNS Convention. The purpose of this paper is to highlight possible, relevant and suitable solutions to the interpretation of liability and claims for pure economic loss under section 1(6)(c). A comparative analyses is made by determining the suitability of interpretations of pure economic loss contained in the Vienna Protocol, the Basel Protocol and the International Oil Pollution Fund.

The International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea was established by the International Maritime Organisation in 1996. The HNS Convention provides, inter alia, for claims against the shipowner for pure economic loss suffered by victims of contamination under section 1(6)(c) thereof. If South Africa ratifies the HNS Convention, South African courts, could be faced with addressing a number of questions with regard to compensation claims by various people and industries suffering pure economic loss caused by environmental contamination. Accordingly, one of the main issues South African courts may be confronted with, is the interpretation of section 1(6)(c) of the HNS Convention. The purpose of this paper is to highlight possible, relevant and suitable solutions to the interpretation of liability and claims for pure economic loss under section 1(6)(c). A comparative analyses is made by determining the suitability of interpretations of pure economic loss contained in the Vienna Protocol, the Basel Protocol and the International Oil Pollution Fund.

We study the fleet portfolio management problem faced by a firm deciding which alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to choose for its fleet to minimise the weighted average of cost and risk, in a stochastic multi-period setting. We consider different types of technology and vehicles with heterogeneous capabilities. We propose a new time consistent recursive risk measure, the Recursive Expected Conditional Value at Risk (RECVaR), which we prove to be coherent. We then solve the problem for a large UK based company, reporting how the optimal policies are affected by risk aversion and by the clustering for each type of vehicle.

The "Off-Grid Solar Power Management System Using IoT" project is a solution to address the energy needs of remote and off-grid locations through the integration of renewable solar power and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. In the face of limited access to conventional power sources, this project leverages IoT devices and smart technologies to create a robust energy management system. The system allows for the efficient capture, storage, and distribution of solar energy while enabling real-time monitoring. Key features include data collection on solar panel performance, energy consumption, and user-friendly interfaces accessible through web applications. This project demonstrates the potential to provide sustainable, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy solutions for off grid communities here in Malawi, enhancing their quality of life and contributing to global efforts for clean energy adoption. .

Trinidad and Tobago is considered a small island republic with continentally sized industries such as petroleum refining, methanol and natural gas processing. As a result of the increasing demand for petrochemical products on the worldwide market, the augmented through-put per plant is generating escalating volumes of waste. Although there has been some progress on the definition for hazardous waste generated from local industries, with the development of draft hazardous Waste Management Rules, many issues of concern exist in this interim period. While the country is aimed at supporting other local health, safety and environmental legislation, the management of Hazardous Waste has become an inconvenient oversight in the successful attempts at compliance. At present, there are no major deterrents on pollution prevention with these cost intensive waste streams and environmental degradation has been growing exponentially. This paper examines the environmental feasibility of hazardous waste treatment and disposal for the largest energy company in the Caribbeanan oil refinery, given the throughput, demand for products, amount and type of waste generated, legislative framework and local environment for disposal.

Without a doubt during human life, the role of water in our life is the most vital. Water is necessary for human survival and other kind of existing ecosystems. Due to the increasing population and climate change of the earth, human societies need freshwater sources and conservation more than ever before. According to these rapid changes in the importance of water sources, positive actions by the United Nations (UNs) are increasing around the world. Regarding the dramatic increase in energy demand, especially in the water industry, water management plays a significant role in this industry, especially for urban areas. Hence, water management can be useful as a practical and applicable method to achieve energy sustainability and prevent water waste. The main objective of this study is to investigate the four influential indexes, including policy, economy, environment, social and most important indicators that have an impact on water management based on energy sustainability. A new wa...

Without a doubt during human life, the role of water in our life is the most vital. Water is necessary for human survival and other kind of existing ecosystems. Due to the increasing population and climate change of the earth, human societies need freshwater sources and conservation more than ever before. According to these rapid changes in the importance of water sources, positive actions by the United Nations (UNs) are increasing around the world. Regarding the dramatic increase in energy demand, especially in the water industry, water management plays a significant role in this industry, especially for urban areas. Hence, water management can be useful as a practical and applicable method to achieve energy sustainability and prevent water waste. The main objective of this study is to investigate the four influential indexes, including policy, economy, environment, social and most important indicators that have an impact on water management based on energy sustainability. A new wa...

Unsustainable energy consumption is a systemic problem facing society that requires technical and social innovations and changes. We argue for understanding and using end-user developments as not just another design principle but as a socio-technical intervention to help people make better decisions as they work to solve such systemic problems. We further explore two established EUD frameworks, Meta-Design and Cultures of Participation, to design systems for one such systemic problem: the energy domain. We present the draft for a system that incorporates principles from these frameworks to inform, motivate, and involve end-users in reducing their energy consumption.

The growing interest with the developments of renewable sources owing to less environmental pollution creates challenges for the grid operators. Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a novel concept that will integrate the small distributed energy resources and will act as a single conventional power plant in the electricity market. As a core energy management system in VPP, the energy should be dispatched optimally for achieving the maximum profit. Therefore, smart energy management is developed in this article of VPP with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Internet of Things (IoT) in a unified market environment that integrates the DA and RT market. The cost characteristics for the interruptible load, battery storage system are modelled individually. The PLC and IoT based automation is proposed for optimal dispatch strategy of VPP. The proposed scheme can efficiently handle the energy demand for the VPP domain. Four different scenarios are considered with different loading conditions for validation of the concept of smart energy management. The profitability for each scenario is shown with the experimental results. INDEX TERMS Virtual power plant, programmable logic controller, Internet of Things, unified electricity market, Raspberry-Pi.

Environmental quality indicators increasingly appear a fundamental tool for environmental policy. Among these indicators, greenhouse gas indicators seem particularly suitable to help the negotiating process on the climate change. In fact, the recent developments of the International Convention on the protection of the global climate, one of the focus points of the UNCED '92 conference of Rio, have led the international debate towards the needs of limiting the greenhouse gas emissions, which are considered the most important agents of potential climatic changes. In particular, the introduction of greenhouse gas indicators may help both the definition of the reduction targets of emissions to allocate to the different countries and the distribution of the financial and technological resources necessary for the achievement of the Convention objective. Starting from a review of the greenhouse gas indicators proposed in the international debate and in the framework of the Italian prop...

Regional planning for sustainability is predicated on an ability to create and maintain resilient social-ecological systems that are adaptable in the face of surprise and change. One of the central challenges is to understand, articulate and manage the connections between social systems and the physical environment. Over the last fifty years economic ‘booms’ associated with abundant oil and gas resources have driven rapid regional population growth and large scale landscape change in the Calgary region. However, the region is a semi-arid and temperate area where growth-related land use planning is quite literally water dependent. Climate change modeling suggests even warmer and drier conditions in the region making the critical relationship between land-use and water increasingly acute. A voluntary regional partnership of local municipal governments has emerged over the past six years to address common land use planning concerns emerging from the rapid anthropogenic and natural chan...

Efficient land use is increasingly critical due to rising land costs. In the realm of solar photovoltaic energy, this entails exploring innovative areas for panel installation. A study examined the feasibility of erecting roof structures along national highways to harness the adjacent land for energy production. This approach allows land utilization without substantial additional expenses. By implementing photovoltaic panels along a 200 km stretch of the Bucharest-Constanta national highway, with 2 meters on each side, and incorporating an electric car charging station in the middle, we promote electric vehicle adoption, curbing fossil fuel emissions. Our initiative addresses charging concerns and fosters clean energy sharing, thus reducing carbon footprints.

This paper presents a newly founded research project that is conceived as an integrated socio-technological study about the manufacturing and use of household energy consuming appliances (often referred to as EuPs). This project will examine how standards and ecodesign could take into account the different kinds of users and their role in the use phase in terms of energy consumption. The paper presents the motives to study the use phase of EuPs. It presents these products as embodying conflicts and trade-offs of constraints pertaining to different categories of requirements: technology, economy, ergonomics, social and cultural aspects, health and safety, ecology, ethics. What do EuPs tell us about a culture of energy that is needed for a sustainable development?

Coal is one of the three fossil fuels which are the main source of energy in the world. The other fossil fuels are crude oil and natural gas. Coal exists in situ in a number of countries and it contributes 39% of the total electricity generation in the world. In South Africa coal is the primary source of energy producing the country's 88% of electricity and a third of liquid fuels. The coal production in the world is geared to maintain the energy supply even with the rising energy demand and cost emanating from rising global population and industrialisation. Hence, the need for sustainable energy supply for the present and the future. The global phenomenon of climate change or global warming which emerged in the early 1990s blames the weather pattern change partly to human development using non-renewable energy (fossil fuels) that provide high carbon emissions into the atmosphere. As a result, United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) was formed to lead the global campaign for the development of cleaner energy (producing less carbon emissions) and intensifying the use of renewable energy sources (produce cleaner energy) in an effort to slow down the climate change. During the last quarter of 2013 scientists reached a consensus by providing a 95% proof that carbon emissions into the atmosphere contribute significantly to the climate change. Therefore, the pursuance of energy sustainability is in development of clean energy from renewable sources and the use of technologies that reduces carbon emissions from the existing sources. The United Nations require all the nations in the world to adapt to the energy sustainability initiative. The South African government has reciprocated by introducing legislations supporting the initiative and has provided funds in support of projects involved in energy saving and development of renewable sources of energy.

Coal is one of the three fossil fuels which are the main source of energy in the world. The other fossil fuels are crude oil and natural gas. Coal exists in situ in a number of countries and it contributes 39% of the total electricity generation in the world. In South Africa coal is the primary source of energy producing the country's 88% of electricity and a third of liquid fuels. The coal production in the world is geared to maintain the energy supply even with the rising energy demand and cost emanating from rising global population and industrialisation. Hence, the need for sustainable energy supply for the present and the future. The global phenomenon of climate change or global warming which emerged in the early 1990s blames the weather pattern change partly to human development using non-renewable energy (fossil fuels) that provide high carbon emissions into the atmosphere. As a result, United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) was formed to lead the global campaign for the development of cleaner energy (producing less carbon emissions) and intensifying the use of renewable energy sources (produce cleaner energy) in an effort to slow down the climate change. During the last quarter of 2013 scientists reached a consensus by providing a 95% proof that carbon emissions into the atmosphere contribute significantly to the climate change. Therefore, the pursuance of energy sustainability is in development of clean energy from renewable sources and the use of technologies that reduces carbon emissions from the existing sources. The United Nations require all the nations in the world to adapt to the energy sustainability initiative. The South African government has reciprocated by introducing legislations supporting the initiative and has provided funds in support of projects involved in energy saving and development of renewable sources of energy.

Energy consumption per capita is a kind of indication of the development for a society. Energy sources, today, are mainly fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) which can cause severe environmental problems such as acid rains, global warming and climate changes. In addition to severe environmental problems, the sources of fossil fuels are finite. Because of increasing need of energy, researchers are forced to search for renewable energy sources such as hydro, biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tide and so on. Hydrogen (H2) seems to be more promising for a clean energy source. In fact, it is a clean energy carrier with a role to save environment. H2 is universally accepted as a clean energy carrier because of its high energy density. It does also reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by using it as fuel in fuel cells or in combustion engines directly. For usage of H2 as fuel, it is necessary either to compress or to liquefy it. Both processes are difficult and costly. Metallic and nonmetallic hydrides have received considerable research interest in recent years. NaBH4, is the one of the most prospective H2 storage materials as it stores 10.8 w % hydrogen. H2 is generated by hydrolysis reaction of NaBH4 in the presence of a suitable catalyst. Another important fact with fuel cells is that one can bypass the 2 nd Law of Thermodynamics. In this paper, we will mainly review the negative effects of fossil fuels and the positive effects of fuel cells as far as environment is concerned.

Background: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using micro-renewable energy sources. However, planning has not yet developed methodological approaches (1) for spatially optimizing residential development according to the different renewable energy potentials and (2) for integrating objectives of optimized energy efficiency with other environmental requirements and concerns. This study addresses these topics by firstly presenting a new concept for the regional planning. Methods: The methodological approach for the evaluation of spatial variations in the available energy potential was based on the combination of existing methods adapted to the local scale and data availability. For assessing the bioenergy potential, a new method was developed. Other environmental criteria for deciding about sustainable locations were identified through a survey of more than 100 expert respondents. This survey involved pairwise comparisons of relevant factors, which were then translated into relative weights using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. Subsequently, these weights were applied to factor maps in a Geographical Information System using a weighted linear combination method. Results: In the test region, the eastern metropolitan area of Cagliari, Sardinia, this analysis resulted in the designation of suitable areas for new settlements and preferred locations for micro-renewable technologies. Based on expert preferences, a number of alternatives for future housing development were identified, which can be integrated in the early stages of land use or development plans. Conclusions: The method proposed can be an effective tool for planners to assess changes and to identify the best solution in terms of sustainable development.

Regional planning for sustainability is predicated on an ability to create and maintain resilient social-ecological systems that are adaptable in the face of surprise and change. One of the central challenges is to understand, articulate and manage the connections between social systems and the physical environment. Over the last fifty years economic 'booms' associated with abundant oil and gas resources have driven rapid regional population growth and large scale landscape change in the Calgary region. However, the region is a semi-arid and temperate area where growth-related land use planning is quite literally water dependent. Climate change modeling suggests even warmer and drier conditions in the region making the critical relationship between land-use and water increasingly acute. A voluntary regional partnership of local municipal governments has emerged over the past six years to address common land use planning concerns emerging from the rapid anthropogenic and natural changes affecting the region. In this paper we explore some of the critical socialecological couplings that have emerged as drivers for sustainability and resilience in the Calgary region of southwestern Alberta, Canada. We posit critical social-ecological and spatial couplings involving: 1) the intersection of built infrastructure (transportation, irrigation and utility corridors) and ecological infrastructure (landscape connectivity), and 2) regional ecohydrology and human water use.

The extensive use of heat exchangers in the industry makes its optimization be crucial for raising efficiency and energy conservation. In the context of cleaner production and energy sustainability of the industrial sector, energy efficiency is a cornerstone to reduce fuel consumption. In this way the performance of the heat exchanger is a key factor. This work aims to contribute to energy efficiency, for this purpose a multiobjective optimization of the thermal and hydraulic design of heat exchangers of shell and tubes is implemented. A meta-heuristic technic of genetic algorithm, using two fitness functions, number of entransy dissipation and total cost was programed. Finally it is obtained the Pareto front with multiple solutions, these solutions where adjusted to the operating conditions.

The extensive use of heat exchangers in the industry makes its optimization be crucial for raising efficiency and energy conservation. In the context of cleaner production and energy sustainability of the industrial sector, energy efficiency is a cornerstone to reduce fuel consumption. In this way the performance of the heat exchanger is a key factor. This work aims to contribute to energy efficiency, for this purpose a multiobjective optimization of the thermal and hydraulic design of heat exchangers of shell and tubes is implemented. A meta-heuristic technic of genetic algorithm, using two fitness functions, number of entransy dissipation and total cost was programed. Finally it is obtained the Pareto front with multiple solutions, these solutions where adjusted to the operating conditions.

In the built environment, the distance created between the (environmental) problem and its solution leads to more and more complexity. The process of changing the interrelated public and private services, systems and infrastructures is becoming more and more complicated and less predictable. Together with the increased scaling, the convergence of utilities and the growing number of parties and techniques involved, the end users' (consumers') subjective dependence (heteronomy) has increased. This asks for a simplification of the processes, products (or rather, services). A larger concentration on integral provision of services, or, in other words, the supply and management of integral packages, offers possibilities. This seems to be reinforced by the ongoing liberalization processes. This paper will focus on an innovative concept of integrated decentralised technologies for wastewater and organic waste treatment with energy and nutrients recovery. The concept is called Sustainable Implant (SI). Principally, the concept is based on a small-scale biogas installation (with treatment of blackwater and organic waste), Combined Heat Power (CHP) and accompanying closed glasshouse with 'hanging gardens'. These 'hanging gardens' are situated in a non-ventilated space with heat (and water) recovery, heat/cold storage (in an underlying aquifer) and with injection of the surplus CO 2 of the biogas plant. The SI will be realized as a part of this semi-public building and has an interconnecting role between both district and building, inhabitants and visitors. The system layout and the dimensioning backgrounds are explained in this paper. Additional emphasis is put on maintenance, conservation and administration of the integrated whole, and the possible consequences for the district and its inhabitants.

Environmental quality indicators increasingly appear a fundamental tool for environmental policy. Among these indicators, greenhouse gas indicators seem particularly suitable to help the negotiating process on the climate change. In fact, the recent developments of the International Convention on the protection of the global climate, one of the focus points of the UNCED '92 conference of Rio, have led the international debate towards the needs of limiting the greenhouse gas emissions, which are considered the most important agents of potential climatic changes. In particular, the introduction of greenhouse gas indicators may help both the definition of the reduction targets of emissions to allocate to the different countries and the distribution of the financial and technological resources necessary for the achievement of the Convention objective. Starting from a review of the greenhouse gas indicators proposed in the international debate and in the framework of the Italian proposal to the negotiating, we suggest some indicators which seem to us the more suitable and acceptable from all the Parties. Furthermore, we present a preliminary proposal to utilize these indicators for the definition of national strategies for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For this purpose, we consider the indicators as a helpful tool both to individuate the economic sectors more responsible of emissions and to individuate the sectors that are more sensitive with respect to policies suitable to limit emissions.

Climate change and the depletion of fossil energy resources pose a serious threat to many parts of the world. The northern region of the Netherlands, partly below sea level and currently depending importantly on the exploitation of natural gas, is a clear example of this. This paper discusses the studies undertaken to propose a radical change to the region, leading to a different approach to spatial planning, based on local potentials and the exergy principle. So far, energy has hardly been an influence in regional and urban planning. Nevertheless, smart deployment of local potentials for energy provision, based on the vernacular characteristics, will mean a new paradigm for spatial planning. Thorough analysis of the local climatic, landscape, geophysical, cultural, and technical characteristics with a focus on energy potential leads to better insight into the most effective energy provision opportunities in the areas of a region. In addition, the concept of low-exergy design-based on using high-quality energy for high-grade processes, and re-using the residual waste energy from these in lower-grade processes-will lead to serving more processes and functions by the same amount of primary energy, implying significant benefits for sustainability. Converting the deployment of local potentials and low-exergy design to regional planning, the spatial arrangement of functions will differ from the conventional approach. The new approach will be exemplified by the Grounds for Change project and its mapping results for the Northern Netherlands.

Today's power systems are based on Tesla's design principles developed in the 1880s and have evolved over time to become the current aspect. Although communication technology is developing very fast, the development of power systems has not been able to keep up with it. Because the structure of the power system used is generally far behind and is unable to respond the needs of the 21st century. With the rapid development of today's technology, it has become possible to make the electricity network better by utilizing the computer and network technologies in the electricity networks. Thus, the electricity networks will provide a sustainable, safe and uninterrupted energy to the consumers by providing bi-directional data and electricity flow. The grids that can do this are called smart grids. One of the most important features of smart grid is that; in the case of a possible outage or fault, self-healing by continuing to provide energy flow.The lower the self-healing time, the less energy will remain in the network and the less time the system will continue to work to renew itself. The methods and tools used to achieve this are discussed in this article.self-healing algorithms and their application areas were surveyed using publications between 2003 and 2017. In the concept of self-improvement, especially transmission, distribution, micro grids, transient stability and cyber attack are explained.

Sustainability goals imply not only economic and environmental components, but also a social one. The energy business around the world is profitable and economically viable, but it does not always bring appropriate benefits to a society. Besides, some governments, instead of protecting the interests of the population, turn a blind eye and generate injustice in relation to some parts of society in collaboration with energy companies. This paper examines one of the cases when the authorities pursue an unfair policy and contribute to the growth of inequality in society through regulating the natural gas tariffs. The paper considers a case of natural gas consumption and its unfair taxation by the Ukrainian government, which the authors called “gas tax”. A statistical analysis of this case revealed that honest middle-income taxpayers (middle class) are at the most disadvantageous position because they have to pay for utilities at the highest price. The paper also discusses a number of ch...

1086 respondents to define the most significant customer behavior parameters related to buying alternative fuel vehicles. The questionnaire hence involves various variables such as financial considerations at the time of purchase, Long term financial concerns, gasoline and efficiency, fuel consumption, external and internal design characteristics, cargo capacity, and climate change.

In area development the implementation of sustainability measures is often considered difficult and subject to devaluation of the original ambitions. One of the main reasons for this concerns the costs and benefits of those measures. Some measures require high initial investments, while the return on those investments sometimes takes up to several decades. Another reason is that some measures require investments of stakeholder A, while stakeholder B receives the benefits, and stakeholder C will be confronted with the negative environmental impacts. In such cases making decisions is not always easy. This paper presents the first outcomes of a Climate KIC PhD study. The goal of the study as a whole is to support climate proof area development by systematically analyzing the role of costs and benefits of measures in the design, development and decision making process, and-based upon the results-by formulating recommendations for improvement. Questions to be answered include, how should the various stakeholders, as mentioned above, be taken into account? Besides this, the study tries to find answers related to impacts beyond the geographical boundaries and/or the timeframe of a project. The first part of the study concerns an evaluation of two Dutch reference cases in which sustainability has been one of the leading goals. The first case is the (re)development of a large part of the city of Delft. The second case concerns Schiphol Trade Park, a new industrial area to be developed the coming years nearby Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

This study aims at providing an overview of the application of nano-fluid in nuclear reactors, and the statement of practical meeting points between the basic processes in the nuclear reactors and the field of the use of nano-particles in these processes. The conclusion derived from this study suggests a wide scope for scientific research in the field of the use of nano-particles of different types in the cooling processes of the heart of the reactor and in the heat exchange in the process of electricity production or improving the exploitation of hot water in other areas.

development of energy storage systems. The current state of energy storage systems in Ukraine is studied. The capacity of the segment of energy storage systems in the energy market, due to the need to meet the requirements of the European Energy Community on the flexibility of the integrated energy system, renewable energy sources and the objective need to use such systems as system service providers. The sufficiency of market and state incentives for the broad application and development of energy storage technologies in the conditions of quasi-competitive and full-scale electricity market of Ukraine is determined, taking into account the perspective tendencies of energy development. The cost and benefit analysis of investment projects for installation and operation of energy storage systems for three most common and prospective types of applications for the Ukrainian electricity market: participation in the market of ancillary system services, participation in the balancing market...

Waste collection and separation rests with the involvement, participation and consciousness-raising of its supporters. In the Netherlands separate collection of the 'flows' of paper, glass and batteries is relatively accepted and well functioning. Depending on district differences percentages up to 80% of the paper and glass amount are being collected. Today's problem is to further increase these three flows (paper, glass and batteries). Even more important, however, is the need to start separating the waste flow in other raw material flows, such as plastics, metals, clothmg, 'tetra packages', shoes, cork and etceteras. To achieve h s goal in several cities and villages in the Netherlands local governments and private entities have introduced concepts of decentralised waste separation andcollection, mostly in little buildings w i t h city districts. These buildings often are combined with supermarkets, shopping centres or other public buildings. They are mostly named 'Retourette' or 'Recycle shop'. Inside these Retourettes people can separate items into 16 different fractions of waste. Some of these fractions or 'flows' are connoted to deposit money, most of them, however, still are not. The background of these new buildings is the belief that it will be easier to realise and maintain further going waste separation and the pursued replacement of the existing (centralised) technologies by introducing decentralised solutions like the Retourette. The introduction nearer to the people inside a well-designed building tries to support the needed shift in acting and thinking: Waste needs to be treated

This study reviews sustainable development (SD) elements through a holistic literature review to consider the relationship between SD indicators in the renewable energy (RE) sector, to identify critical drivers and methodologies needed to solve sustainability problems in RE. Through a systematic review, some compatible articles are selected from the electronic libraries. Driven information is employed to make a database that gives themes, dimensions, and indicators. Afterward, the sustainability evaluation of RE systems is investigated as an objective. Scopes and themes regarding SD and RE are investigated. As a result, SD indicators, RE systems, energy and sustainability, environmental sustainability assessment, energy security, electricity/power production, and energy geopolitics are the most existing scopes. Eleven sustainability frameworks, which scholars have used to consider RE sustainability, are identified appropriately. As a result, key dimensions are environmental, economi...

Sustainability goals imply not only economic and environmental components, but also a social one. The energy business around the world is profitable and economically viable, but it does not always bring appropriate benefits to a society. Besides, some governments, instead of protecting the interests of the population, turn a blind eye and generate injustice in relation to some parts of society in collaboration with energy companies. This paper examines one of the cases when the authorities pursue an unfair policy and contribute to the growth of inequality in society through regulating the natural gas tariffs. The paper considers a case of natural gas consumption and its unfair taxation by the Ukrainian government, which the authors called “gas tax”. A statistical analysis of this case revealed that honest middle-income taxpayers (middle class) are at the most disadvantageous position because they have to pay for utilities at the highest price. The paper also discusses a number of ch...

Wind energy is an attractive renewable sources and its prediction is highly essential for multiple applications. Over the literature, there are several studies have been focused on the related researches of synthetic wind speed data generation. In this research, two reconstruction methods are developed for synthetic wind speed time series generation. The modeling is constructed based on different processes including independent values generation from the known probability distribution function, rearrangement of random values and segmentation. They have been named as Rank-wise and Step-wise reconstruction methods. The proposed methods are explained with the help of a standard time series and the examination on wind speed time series collected from Galicia, the autonomous region in the northwest of Spain. Results evidenced the potential of the developed models over the state-of-the-art synthetic time series generation methods and demonstrated a successful validation using the means of mean and median wind speed values, autocorrelations, probability distribution parameters with their corresponding histograms and confusion matrix. Pros and cons of both methods are discussed comprehensively. INDEX TERMS Energy sustainability, synthetic data, time series, wind speed, wind energy.