This study presents a comprehensive ten-year (2015â2024) evaluation of renewable energy development in Cameroon, emphasizing its intersection with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader cross-sectoral development outcomes. Combining time-series analysis of national capacity data, policy content evaluation, and SDG-aligned simulation modeling, the paper assesses both technical and institutional trajectories of the energy transition. Key findings reveal a substantial increase in off-grid installations in underserved regions and a notable rise in grid-connected solar capacityâfrom 0 MW in 2015 to 63 MW by 2024âdriven largely by post-2017 policy decentralization. Hydropower remains the dominant source, but the solar sector exhibited accelerated growth, contributing to enhanced rural electrification and public health infrastructure, with 27 % of rural health institutions now electrified. The renewable energy sector generated an estimated 3500 new jobs over the decade. An SDG alignment index applied across five targets indicates moderate but uneven progress, particularly for Goals 7 (affordable and clean energy), 3 (good health and well-being), and 13 (climate action). Scenario-based simulations underscore that policies promoting decentralized innovation and integrated energy planning significantly enhance rural energy access and socio-economic resilience. However, persistent financing barriers and institutional fragmentation constrain broader impact. The study offers a replicable analytical framework for data-driven, SDG-oriented assessment of energy transitions in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing actionable insights for sustainable energy policy design in low-resource contexts. ⢠Renewable energy in Cameroon grew steadily between 2015 and 2024. ⢠Off-grid solar access expanded, boosting rural electrification progress. ⢠Policy reforms accelerated decentralized energy access and regulation. ⢠RE growth improved health, jobs, and equity across sectors. ⢠A roadmap aligns RE planning with SDG targets for Cameroon.
Nigeria faces an urgent energy challenge marked by chronic electricity shortages, dependence on fossil fuels, and worsening environmental degradation. This study examines the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to renewable energy in Nigeria, adopting a mixed-methods approach that combines a systematic literature review, policy analysis, and synthesis of empirical case studies. Findings reveal that Nigeria possesses vast potential for solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower, capable of transforming its energy landscape. Economically, the adoption of renewable energy can generate employment, stimulate industrial growth, expand rural electrification, attract investment, and stabilize public finances by reducing vulnerability to global oil price shocks. Environmentally, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable waste management, and enhance resilience to climate variability. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of decentralized solar mini-grids, biomass utilization, and hybrid systems in meeting local energy needs; however, persistent barriers, including weak policy enforcement, financing gaps, and infrastructural limitations remain. The study concludes that a comprehensive framework is required, built on policy alignment, financing innovation, institutional strengthening, infrastructure development, and social inclusion. Renewable energy transition thus represents not only a climate responsibility but also a strategic pathway for Nigeriaâs sustainable economic and environmental future.
Rooftop solar (RTS) represents a critical component of Indiaâs clean energy transition, offering decentralized generation, reduced transmission losses, and potential resilience benefits. Yet, despite ambitious national targets and substantial technical potential, RTS adoption has lagged behind expectations. This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature (2019â2025), government program documents, and policy reports to examine the trends, barriers, enablers, economics, regional signals, stakeholder outcomes, and policy implications shaping rooftop solar adoption in India. Findings indicate that commercial and industrial consumers have historically dominated the sector due to favorable tariffs and access to credit, while residential uptake accelerated only after the launch of flagship initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar. Persistent barriers include high upfront costs, affordability gaps, regulatory uncertainty, procedural delays, information asymmetries, and built environment constraints. At the same time, innovations such as simplified subsidy pipelines, digitalized approval portals, DISCOM performance incentives, vendor certification, and emerging business models including RESCO/OPEX and group or virtual net metering demonstrate viable pathways to expand adoption. The review identifies future research needs in program evaluation, financial innovation, grid integration, apartment governance, and quality assurance, and emphasizes the importance of stable regulatory frameworks, inclusive finance, and community-oriented models.
The shift from fossil-based energy systems to renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro presents both opportunities and challenges for developing countries aiming to expand energy access, promote economic growth, and meet climate goals. This study examines the technological, financial, institutional, and governance aspects of clean energy transitions, focusing on regional disparities and implications for low- and middle-income economies. A systematic review of literature was carried out using the SPAR-4-SLR methodology across Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Only peer-reviewed studies published in English from 2009 to 2025 were included, guided by four research questions: (1) technological and resource endowments, (2) capital structuring and financial market dynamics, (3) institutional and policy frameworks, and (4) decentralized, digital energy governance. Search terms were tailored for each theme, and studies were classified by topic, region, and methodology. Results show that decentralized renewable systemsâespecially solar micro-gridsâoffer affordable alternatives to fossil fuels in rural and off-grid areas, enhancing job creation, energy security, and poverty reduction. Examples from Kenya, India, and Southeast Asia highlight the importance of policy consistency, financial innovation, and institutional preparedness in promoting clean energy deployment. Still, ongoing challenges such as high initial costs, infrastructure gaps, and limited technical skills continue to hinder progress in many regions. ⢠Institutional and financial factors outweigh resource availability in clean energy. ⢠Local policy tools often outperform broad international frameworks of clean energy. ⢠Blended finance reduces cost barriers in early-stage clean energy projects. ⢠Inclusive planning links clean energy to health and equity gains. ⢠Technology transfer works best with local training and governance support.
Background and Research Aims Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs) are Ghanaâs decentralized approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource governance. Despite their institutional legality and community support, CREMAs face persistent financial instability, largely due to donor dependency and the absence of sustainable internal funding mechanisms. In contrast, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have emerged as resilient, community-driven financial systems that promote local livelihoods. This study asks: Can communities sustainably finance their own conservation through grassroots mechanisms like VSLAs? Grounded in Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM), collective action theory, and informal rural finance systems, the aim is to explore the feasibility of integrating VSLAs into CREMA governance as a model for localized conservation finance. Methods A qualitative case study was employed across four CREMAs in Ghanaâs Black Volta River and Western Wildlife corridors. Sixteen focus group discussions were conducted with CREMA executive members, community leaders, VSLA participants, and women and youth groups. Thematic analysis identified perceptions, challenges, and opportunities for financing CREMA activities through VSLAs. Results Findings indicate strong community acceptance of CREMAs, but significant underfunding limits their conservation impact. Conversely, VSLAs were described as trusted, inclusive, and capable of supporting household and community needs. Participants advocated integrating VSLAs into CREMA governance with transparency safeguards and shared control mechanisms. Women and youth, central to VSLA operations, were identified as key stakeholders for advancing inclusive conservation finance. Conclusion Integrating VSLAs into CREMA structures presents a promising model for bottom-up, sustainable financing of conservation activities in Ghana. It builds on existing community trust systems, enhances participation, and reduces reliance on external donors. Implications for Conservation This study contributes a novel community-based green financing framework that links informal rural finance with decentralized conservation governance. It offers replicable insights for scaling localized conservation finance in other resource-dependent, tropical contexts across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Open access
Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
Nkanyiso Msweli, Gideon Ude Nnachi, Coneth Graham Richards
Electricity access deficits remain acute in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where more than 600 million people lack reliable supply. Green hydrogen, produced through renewable-powered electrolysis, is increasingly recognized as a transformative energy carrier for decentralized systems due to its capacity for long-duration storage, sector coupling, and near-zero carbon emissions. This review adheres strictly to the PRISMA 2020 methodology, examining 190 records and synthesizing 80 peer-reviewed articles and industry reports released from 2010 to 2025. The review covers hydrogen production processes, hybrid renewable integration, techno-economic analysis, environmental compromises, global feasibility, and enabling policy incentives. The findings show that Alkaline (AEL) and PEM electrolyzers are immediately suitable for off-grid scenarios, whereas Solid Oxide (SOEC) and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzers present high potential for future deployment. For Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH) are in the range of EUR5.0â7.7/kg. Nonetheless, estimates from the learning curve indicate that these costs could fall to between EUR1.0 and EUR1.5 per kg by 2050, assuming there is (i) continued public support for the technology innovation, (ii) appropriate, flexible, and predictable regulation, (iii) increased demand for hydrogen, and (iv) a stable and long-term policy framework. Environmental life-cycle assessments indicate that emissions are nearly zero, but they also highlight serious concerns regarding freshwater usage, land occupation, and dependence on platinum group metals. Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya exhibit considerable promise in the early stages of development, while Niger demonstrates the feasibility of deploying modular, community-scale systems in challenging conditions. The study concludes that green hydrogen cannot be treated as an integrated solution but needs to be regarded as part of blended off-grid systems. To improve its role, targeted material innovation, blended finance, and policies bridging export-oriented applications to community-scale access must be established. It will then be feasible to ensure that hydrogen contributes meaningfully to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 7 in SSA.
This deliverable examines political economy barriers to climate policy through sectoral entry points that can make transitions more just, feasible, and developmentcompatible. It focuses on three areas where governance and politics strongly shape outcomes: coal transition strategies, carbon pricing, and international finance. Across these domains, the report draws on seven peer-reviewed studies and working papers to highlight five strategic entry points: i) decentralized just transition planning, ii) clean industrial development, iii) revenue recycling with social protection, iv) strategic framing and coalition building for carbon taxes, and v) equity-focused international finance reforms. Coal transitions are shown to depend on domestic contexts. Comparative analysis of 12 coal-relevant countries reveals six distinct clusters of political economy dynamics, ranging from civil society-driven transition in South Africa to contested transition pathways in India and Indonesia. Case studies stress the need for regionally tailored approaches. Carbon pricing is politically viable when embedded in broader fiscal or political agendas. Evidence from 46 global policy attempts underlines the role of coalitions, leadership, and framing co-benefits. Microsimulations for 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries show regressive impacts, with many highly affected households lacking social protection. The international finance analysis assesses the G7 pledge and Clean Energy Transition Partnership, tracking shifts in public finance for energy across income groups. While fossil fuel support has declined, clean energy funding has not risen proportionally, remains loan-heavy, and is concentrated in wealthier nations. Low-income countries receive negligible concessional flows, while G7 members continue expanding domestic fossil infrastructure. The study recommends embedding distributive justice into finance governance, scaling grant-based clean energy support for the Global South and aligning domestic actions with international commitments.
Energy access and utilization remain highly unequal across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, despite the region's vast natural resources and growing energy needs. This study examines the differential inequalities in energy access and utilization in selected SSA countries, focusing on demand and supply-side constraints, technological opportunities, and the role of government and private sector interventions. The review paper highlights the persistent energy poverty affecting over 600 million people in SSA, particularly in rural areas, where reliance on traditional biomass remains prevalent. Infrastructure deficiencies, high energy costs, and inadequate policy frameworks further exacerbate these inequalities. The paper underscores the critical role of governments in formulating effective energy policies, implementing subsidies, and fostering public-private partnerships to expand sustainable energy access. The private sector's involvement in financing and deploying decentralized energy solutions is identified as a key driver of progress. Recommendations include strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, expanding regional power pools, investing in decentralized energy solutions, and promoting financial inclusion through innovative funding mechanisms. By addressing these challenges, SSA can move towards achieving equitable and sustainable energy access, fostering economic growth, and improving overall quality of life as key objectives of achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Type of the article: Research Article AbstractDecentralization and renewable energy have gained significant global attention due to their potential to enhance energy security, promote sustainability, and democratize energy access. This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends, key contributors, and thematic developments in the field of the decentralization of energy sources and their renewability. The research methodology involves a bibliometric analysis based on data extracted from the Scopus database, covering publications from 1973 to 2025. The analysis reveals exponential growth in research output, particularly after 2014, with over 3,700 publications recorded in 2023 alone. Citation trends indicate that foundational studies on decentralized microgrids and distributed energy systems remain highly influential, while recent works on blockchain-based energy trading and AI-driven energy management are gaining prominence. The study identifies China (11.7% of total publications), the United States (6.5%), and India (5.7%) as the leading contributors, with significant research activity also observed in European countries. Additionally, journals such as Applied Energy, Renewable Energy, and Energies serve as the primary publication platforms in this domain. Thematic analysis highlights a shift from bioenergy and land-use studies toward smart grids, energy storage, artificial intelligence, and decentralized finance for energy markets. Furthermore, co-authorship and international collaboration have increased significantly, with 25% of papers involving multi-country research efforts. Keyword analysis indicates growing research interest in emerging topics such as hydrogen energy, demand-side management, and digitalization in decentralized energy systems. These findings underscore the increasing interdisciplinary nature of decentralized energy research, integrating technological, economic, and policy dimensions. AcknowledgmentThis study was prepared as part of the project IZURZ1_224119/1 (Swiss National Science Foundation).
This paper examines the challenges hindering rooftop solar (RTS) deployment in India and explores how a U.S.-India partnership can unlock its full potential. RTS, a decentralized and scalable renewable energy solution, is critical to Indiaâs renewable energy goals, including its target of 40 GW of RTS capacity under the National Solar Mission by 2022 which remains unmet with only 10.9 GW installed as of 2023. Key barriers include high upfront costs, limited financing options, policy fragmentation, and resistance from distribution companies (DISCOMs). The paper identifies actionable solutions, leveraging U.S. expertise in innovative financing models, net metering policies, and grid modernization. Collaborative initiatives, such as USAID-backed loan guarantees and green bonds, could alleviate financing gaps, while technical assistance from the U.S. can support DISCOMs in integrating distributed solar. The paper also emphasizes the need for performance-based incentives, consumer awareness programs, and community solar models to accelerate adoption. A successful U.S.-India collaboration can address systemic challenges, enhance RTS scalability, and contribute to global climate goals. By leveraging shared expertise and resources, this partnership offers a pathway to strengthen Indiaâs renewable energy transition while fostering bilateral cooperation in clean energy development.
This study investigates the impact of financial, trade, and economic openness on energy consumption, focusing on renewable, nonrenewable, and fossil energy sources in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) nations. The BRI framework, introduced by China in 2013, emphasizes economic collaboration and infrastructure development, including renewable energy projects. As participating nations navigate energy transitions to address climate change and achieve sustainable development, understanding the role of openness is crucial. Motivated by the dual challenges of energy security and environmental sustainability, this study explores how openness influences energy consumption patterns and identifies pathways for policy intervention. Using data from 2004 to 2020, the study employs advanced econometric techniques, including Cross-Sectionally Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) and Nonlinear ARDL models, to examine short- and long-term relationships. Control variables such as urbanization, financial development, and education are integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics. The analysis reveals that financial openness positively impacts energy consumption across all types, with a significant contribution to renewable energy in the long term. Trade openness facilitates technology transfer and renewable energy adoption, while economic openness through foreign direct investment (FDI) supports clean energy projects but also sustains fossil fuel reliance in some contexts. Urbanization drives nonrenewable energy demand but offers opportunities for renewable integration contingent on governance quality. Education enhances renewable energy consumption by fostering a skilled workforce and knowledge development. The findings suggest key policy implications. First, financial openness should be directed toward green finance and renewable energy investments. Second, trade policies must focus on reducing barriers to renewable technology imports and fostering global collaborations. Third, economic openness should prioritize sustainable FDI in clean energy sectors. Fourth, urban planning must incorporate decentralized energy systems and green technologies. Finally, investing in education and institutional reforms is essential to drive innovation and ensure effective governance. This study contributes to the discourse on energy transitions in BRI nations, emphasizing the critical role of openness and offering actionable policies to balance economic growth with sustainability.
Meselu Tegenie Mellaku, Yibeltal T. Wassie, Pernille Seljom, Muyiwa S. Adaramola
The economy of East Africa (EA) is striving for a structural transformation with a strong focus on expanding the manufacturing sector. However, challenges related to modern and reliable energy supply have hindered the sector's growth performance across the region. This systematic review explores the potential, opportunities, and challenges to integrating decentralized renewable energy solutions to bridge the energy supply-demand gap in the EA's manufacturing sector. It also provides up-to-date insights into the extent of integration of decentralized renewable energy technologies in the EA manufacturing sector. Relevant data and information for the review were retrieved from 46 references, including databases and web-based sources. The findings highlight that the EA region possesses abundant untapped solar, wind, and bioenergy resources that can close the sector's energy supply-demand gap. The review also reveals that renewable energy solutions are becoming increasingly techno-economically competitive with conventional energy sources for hybrid and stand-alone applications in the manufacturing sector. However, several challenges impede the integration of decentralized renewable energy technologies in the sector, including a lack of enabling regulatory frameworks, limited financing options, limited access to renewable technologies , and a lack of skilled labor. Nonetheless, international initiatives aimed at supporting developing countries in combating climate change can help overcome the region's financial and technological constraints by facilitating technology transfer, capacity building, and offering affordable financing options. Furthermore, the ambition of East African nations to expand their manufacturing sectors presents a stimulating opportunity to accelerate the integration of decentralized renewable energy technologies into the sector.
This paper examines the role of advanced biofuels in promoting energy access and economic growth in rural areas, with a focus on developing countries. Advanced biofuels, produced from non-food biomass sources such as agricultural residues, algae, and waste, have the potential to reduce rural energy poverty while creating economic opportunities. Through case studies of successful initiatives in countries like India and Brazil, this study highlights how decentralized biofuel production has improved energy access, created local employment, and enhanced agricultural value chains. Notable findings include the establishment of community-led biofuel plants that reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels and generated sustainable incomes for farmers by utilizing crop residues. The study also identifies key challenges such as limited infrastructure, access to financing, and policy support, while offering actionable recommendations to scale advanced biofuel adoption. Overall, advanced biofuels present a promising pathway to sustainable rural development by enhancing energy security, reducing environmental impact, and fostering economic growth.
Ezinne C Chukwuma-Eke, Olakojo Yusuff Ogunsola, Ngozi Joan Isibor
Access to affordable and reliable energy remains a significant challenge for underserved communities, particularly in developing regions. Financial constraints, lack of investment, and inadequate policy frameworks hinder the widespread adoption of modern energy solutions. This paper explores the role of financial inclusion strategies, driven by technology and policy interventions, in improving energy access for marginalized populations. By integrating digital financial services, decentralized energy systems, and innovative policy measures, this study proposes a comprehensive framework to bridge the energy gap. The proposed framework focuses on leveraging financial technology (FinTech), mobile banking, and blockchain-based microfinancing to enhance accessibility to clean energy solutions. Digital payment platforms and mobile-based credit scoring models facilitate microloans for renewable energy adoption, empowering low-income households and small enterprises. Blockchain technology ensures transparency, security, and accountability in financial transactions, reducing the risks of fraud and inefficiencies in energy financing. Policy interventions play a crucial role in fostering financial inclusion and energy accessibility. Targeted subsidies, regulatory reforms, and public-private partnerships are essential for creating an enabling environment. Governments and financial institutions must collaborate to design policies that incentivize investment in decentralized energy projects, such as mini-grids and off-grid solar solutions. Additionally, carbon credit markets and green bonds can provide sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term energy development. A case study analysis highlights successful implementations of technology-driven financial inclusion models in regions with limited energy access. Results demonstrate that integrating mobile financial services and decentralized energy solutions leads to increased energy affordability, economic empowerment, and improved quality of life. The findings underscore the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, combining technological innovation, policy support, and community engagement to drive sustainable energy inclusion. This study contributes to the discourse on financial inclusion and energy sustainability by proposing a data-driven and policy-oriented approach. Future research should explore the scalability of digital financial services in emerging markets and the long-term impact of financial inclusion strategies on energy equity.
Or Yatzkan, Reuven Cohen, Eyal Yaniv, Orit Rotem-Mindali
Urban energy efficiency and sustainability are critical challenges, as cities worldwide attempt to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy consumption. This systematic review examines the dynamics of urban energy management, focusing on how local authorities navigate energy transitions through efficiency measures, renewable energy adoption, and policy interventions. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following research question: how do local authorities implement energy-efficient practices and adopt renewable energy technologies to reduce emissions, optimize cost-effectiveness, and influence urban policy-making? The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of these approaches in different urban contexts. By reviewing 47 articles, this study identifies the unique characteristics of urban energy management and highlights the need for tailored, context-specific solutions, such as integrating decentralized renewable energy systems, optimizing building energy performance, and developing policy incentives that consider local socio-economic conditions. The findings reveal varying degrees of success among cities, with particular challenges in lower-income municipalities, where financial and institutional barriers hinder the implementation of sustainable energy projects. This study concludes that localized approaches and long-term strategies are essential for achieving sustainable urban energy transitions, offering a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of urban energy systems and their evolving policy landscape. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term impact of municipal energy policies, exploring innovative financing mechanisms for renewable energy integration, and examining the role of digital technologies in optimizing urban energy management.
Abstract: This systematic review of literature bears the objective of exploring the potential of transformative novel blockchain technology, its regulation, and the substantive impact it bears on renewable energy firms' competitive advantage. The study provides a minutiae of the current trends in research, their implications, and blockchain implementation and innovation between 2019 to 2024. The methodology comprised a comprehensive search of scholarly databases, selection, and analysis of the relevant research studies. The findings revealed that Blockchain is essential based on its transparency, traceability, data privacy, and decentralization features which enhance trust, transparency, and traceability across the supply chain. Furthermore, blockchain technology is relevant in the renewable energy sector in Kenya ranging from p2p trading platforms, digitization by IoT, E-mobility, and decentralized trading platforms. The distributed ledger technology is a promising disruption for a wide area of service and product management in the energy sector ranging from the producers, transmitters, regulators, and distributors involved. The review concludes with future research recommendations and the practical implications for the industry players and the regulators.
Abstract Nigeriaâs urban areas continue to face unreliable electricity supply, rising demand, and dependence on costly, polluting petrol and diesel generators. Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) â integrating solar, wind, and battery technologies â offer a viable pathway to provide clean, decentralized, and resilient power. This review critically examines the policy, institutional, and governance factors shaping HRES deployment in urban Nigeria, identifying the key barriers and reforms required to scale adoption. Findings reveal that expansion is constrained by fragmented regulation, weak institutional coordination, limited access to affordable finance, and fossil-fuel subsidies that distort energy prices and discourage renewable investment. Institutional overlap among the relevant agencies further constrains implementation. Technical barriers, such as limited local expertise, high component import costs, and poor grid integration, further elevate project risks and reduce system reliability. The study recommends regulatory harmonization under the new Electricity Act (2023), implementation of performance-based fiscal incentives, and expansion of green financing mechanisms to lower investment risk. Strengthening local manufacturing, research and development, and workforce capacity will be essential to reduce dependence on imports and sustain long-term growth. Finally, promoting gender equity, community participation, and inclusive business models can enhance social acceptance and promote fair distribution of the benefits associated with HRES across all urban populations. Collectively, these measures can accelerate Nigeriaâs transition toward a cleaner, more reliable, and climate-resilient urban energy future.
The development of micro-scale renewable energy power generation systems, such as micro-hydropower (MHP), often needs more consideration for sustainability during the planning stages. Many small-scale renewable energy systems have shorter-than-expected lifespans, jeopardizing Indonesia's Net Zero Emission Target for 2060 or earlier. Despite this, only some studies have examined the long-term viability of installed renewable energy generation projects, particularly MHP plants not managed by state-owned companies or PLN (Pembangkit Listrik Negara). The primary objectives of this research are to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting and assess the potential sustainability of a decommissioned MHP in Banjarnegara, Central Java. A cash flow analysis was performed to assess techno-economic indicators. Additionally, the social-institutional dimension was analyzed through in-depth interviews with 15 stakeholders. Sustainability was evaluated using a framework of 15 indicators across technical, economic, environmental, social, and institutional dimensions. The findings revealed that among the four sustainability aspects, the social-institutional dimension scored the lowest potential sustainability at 26.67%. In contrast, the technical and environmental dimensions showed higher potential sustainability, scoring 83.7% and 87.5%, respectively. The economic dimension was deemed feasible only when the financing model accounted solely for retrofitting costs. It is crucial to consider all dimensions comprehensively. Furthermore, engaging multiple stakeholders and fostering local community awareness is vital to ensure the long-term sustainability of decentralized energy systems. This study enhances the understanding of the sustainability potential of abandoned decentralized energy systems and explores how reusing abandoned MHP facilities can support stakeholders in revitalization efforts, contributing to an increased share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix.
Zhihai Li, Baoju Li, Yi Hua, Jiyue Fu ¡ 6 authors
Solar photovoltaic power generation has become one of the most important means of securing the worldâs energy supply strategy, drastically reducing emissions and ensuring sustainable development by taking advantage of the cleanliness and safety of the energy source. The development of photovoltaic (PV) power stations in pieces and the formation of PV power station clusters have become a new issue. Most traditional methods use ledger data from a single source for feature extraction, and it is difficult to achieve complete extraction of their features. In this paper, a distributed PV plant cluster ledger feature extraction method based on multi-source heterogeneous data fusion is proposed to achieve accurate prediction of PV power cluster power. Firstly, the information integration equipment is used to aggregate the power generation status information of the PV power plant cluster, including natural environment information, module parameters, battery energy storage, shadow coverage, etc. to achieve the collection of heterogeneous data from multiple sources. Secondly, the energy conversion calculation is performed based on the above information, and the unit time failure rate information is integrated to optimize the energy conversion through the failure rate calculation model. Finally, the LSTM neural network is used to process the above information, and the neural network is used to predict the PV power to optimize the operation of the PV power system. The comparison with the linear regression model proves that the model proposed in this paper has a higher prediction effect.
Bitcoin minesâmassive computing clusters generating cryptocurrency tokensâconsume vast amounts of electricity. The amount of fine particle (PM2.5) air pollution created because of their electricity consumption and its effect on environmental health is pending. In this study, we located the 34 largest mines in the United States in 2022, identified the electricity-generating plants that responded to them, and pinpointed communities most harmed by Bitcoin mine-attributable air pollution. From mid-2022 to mid-2023, the 34 mines consumed 32.3 terawatt-hours of electricityâ33% more than Los Angelesâ85% of which came from fossil fuels. We estimated that 1.9 million Americans were exposed to âĽ0.1 Îźg/m3 of additional PM2.5 pollution from Bitcoin mines, often hundreds of miles away from the communities they affected. Americans living in four regionsâincluding New York City and near Houstonâwere exposed to the highest Bitcoin mine-attributable PM2.5 concentrations (âĽ0.5 Îźg/m3) with the greatest health risks. The paper maps air pollution from power plants supplying electricity to US Bitcoin mines. It finds that 1.9 million people in 2022-2023 breathed toxic amounts of Bitcoin mine attributable pollution, particularly around New York City and Houston.
Chinonso Nwanevu, Segun Samuel Oladipo, Abidemi Obatoyinbo Ajayi
Designing effective policy frameworks for the implementation of microgrids in developing countries is crucial for advancing sustainable energy access. Microgrids offer a decentralized and resilient solution to energy challenges, particularly in regions with limited grid infrastructure. However, the successful deployment of microgrids requires a nuanced understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and pathways to integration within the unique contexts of developing nations. This study explores the key factors influencing the design and implementation of microgrid policies, including regulatory environments, financial incentives, and technological innovations. It highlights the potential of microgrids to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic development. At the same time, it addresses the challenges related to financing, regulatory compliance, and the need for capacity-building in local communities. By analyzing case studies from various developing countries, the study identifies best practices and strategic recommendations for policymakers to create supportive frameworks that encourage the adoption of microgrids. The research underscores the importance of international collaboration, public-private partnerships, and adaptive policy mechanisms that can respond to the evolving needs of the energy sector. Ultimately, the study provides a roadmap for leveraging microgrids as a key component of sustainable energy strategies in developing countries, contributing to broader goals of energy equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.
Abstract Energy geography has not scrutinized the role of energy infrastructures and market design for decentralized energy production and local development. The paper addresses this research gap by looking at the emerging greenâhydrogen market in Germany. We argue, first, that the capacity and geography of infrastructures and associated bottlenecks determine how supply and demand can be matched at different scales. Second, market design and associated controversies over infrastructure bottlenecks are important for understanding the greenâhydrogen market and its geography and financing. Conceptually, we draw on the geographyâofâmarkets literature. Empirically, we show how infrastructure bottlenecks and market design link the greenâhydrogen to the renewableâelectricity market. As long as the market design requires greenâhydrogen production in geographical and temporal correlation with renewableâelectricity generation, the geography of greenâhydrogen production follows the geography of renewableâelectricity generation. Moreover, bottlenecks in transportation infrastructures offer a window of opportunity for decentralized production and local development.