Sustainable investing allocates investments based on environmental, social and governance factors (ESG). The societal value of sustainable investment is becoming progressively relevant as investors are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in companies that seek to combat climate change, environmental destruction, while promoting corporate responsibility. Environmental policy and sustainable growth initiatives at a country-level are also being influenced by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Situated within the current trend of declining foreign direct investment flows (FDI), our study examines the role of ESG factors in attracting FDI and enabling progress toward SDGs. We econometrically examine the linkages between ESG and FDI inflows for a sample of 161 counties. We also focus on low- and middle-income emerging economies and low- and middle-income commodity exporters as these countries face unique challenges of mobilizing financing to achieve SDGs and gene... [more]

Sub-Saharan Africa is considered a region with enormous economic and demographic potential. One of the main challenges it faces, included in the “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, implemented by the African Union”, is to provide access to electricity. Currently, 600 million inhabitants of the African continent do not have access to electricity, which is a significant limiting factor for further economic growth and socio-economic development. Moreover, the measures taken by individual Sub-Saharan African countries appear insufficient in the face of rapid population growth. The aim of the article is to analyse the opportunities and challenges of the development of Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy sector. This raises the following research question: to what extent can a sustainable energy transition be achieved in sub-Saharan African countries to ensure access to electricity? The study used Ward’s hierarchical clustering method, classification and regression tree analysis, and the distance-weig... [more]

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) provide two main functions with regards to bridge inspections: (1) high-quality digital imaging to detect element defects; (2) spatial point cloud data for the reconstruction of 3D asset models. With UAS being a relatively new inspection method, there is little in the way of existing framework for storing, processing and managing the resulting inspection data. This study has proposed a novel methodology for a digital information model covering data acquisition through to a 3D GIS visualisation environment, also capable of integrating within a bridge management system (BMS). Previous efforts focusing on visualisation functionality have focused on BIM and GIS as separate entities, which has a number of problems associated with it. This methodology has a core focus on the integration of BIM and GIS, providing an effective and efficient information model, which provides vital visual context to inspectors and users of the BMS. Three-dimensional GIS visualisatio... [more]

This review covers the recent progress in the design and application of microbial biofuels, assessing the advancement of genetic engineering undertakings and their marketability, and lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment issues. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a promising sustainable biofuel feedstock due to its high content of lignocellulosic fiber. In this review, we compared the production of fatty alcohols, alkanes, and n-butanol from residual biogenic waste and the environmental/economic parameters to that of conventional biofuels. New synthetic biology tools can be used to engineer fermentation pathways within micro-organisms to produce long-chain alcohols, isoprenoids, long-chain fatty acids, and esters, along with alkanes, as substitutes to petroleum-derived fuels. Biotechnological advances have struggled to address problems with bioethanol, such as lower energy density compared to gasoline and high corrosive and hygroscopic qualities that restrict its application in present infr... [more]

Mining industry faces new technological and economic challenges which need to be overcome in order to raise it to a new technological level in accordance with the ideas of Industry 4.0. Mining companies are searching for new possibilities of optimizing and automating processes, as well as for using digital technology and modern computer software to aid technological processes. Every stage of deposit management requires mining engineers, geologists, surveyors, and environment protection specialists who are involved in acquiring, storing, processing, and sharing data related to the parameters describing the deposit, its exploitation and the environment. These data include inter alia: geometries of the deposit, of the excavations, of the overburden and of the mined mineral, borders of the support pillars and of the buffer zones, mining advancements with respect to the set borders, effects of mining activities on the ground surface, documentation of landslide hazards and of the impact of m... [more]

This research paper discusses issues regarding the impact of temperature on the tripping thresholds of intrusion detection system detection circuits. The objective of conducted studies was the verification of a hypothesis assuming that the variability of an intrusion detection system’s (considered as a whole) operating environment temperature can impact the electrical parameters of its detection circuits significantly enough so that it enables a change in the interpretation of the state observed within a given circuit fragment from the state of “no circuit violation” to “circuit violation”. The research covered an intrusion detection system placed in a climatic chamber with adjusted temperature (−25.1 ÷ +60.0 [°C]). The analysis of the obtained results enabled determining the relationships that allow selecting detection circuit resistor values. It is important since it increases the safety level of protected facilities through proper resistor selection, thus, correct interpretation of... [more]

Our environment is facing several serious challenges from energy utilization, such as fossil fuel exhaustion, air pollution, deteriorated atmospheric greenhouse effect, global warming, climate change, etc [...]

We examine the motivations behind the electrical energy conservation and smart management at households to verify whether we are observing an ecological breakthrough, or a mere continuation of the well-trodden consumption-growth path. We conducted an online survey in France, Spain, Italy, and Denmark (n = 3200) on the subject of electricity use and generation. We utilized a generalized structural equation model to simultaneously test the direct reasons behind different energy-use behaviors and intentions, as well as their motivating factors. Measures to conserve electrical energy and install renewable energy equipment are not solely driven by ecological concerns; a crucial role is played by openness to new technologies, which correlates with high financial status. Saving electrical energy and new-tech eagerness go hand-in-hand with attachment to consumption and comfort. Social environment is relevant, as it allows users to converse about electricity saving with friends, and to observe... [more]

This paper aims to provide a bibliometric review on the diverse decision approaches in uncertain contexts for clean energy system (CES) assessment. A total of 126 publications are analyzed. Previous reviews on CES have discussed several research questions on the decision methods and the applicability of evaluating CES, along with the factors associated with CESs. In the present study, we focus on the bibliometric aspect that attempts to address questions related to the prominence of authors, countries/regions that focus on the current theme, impact of journals, importance of articles in the research community, and so on. The window considered for the study is from 2018 to 2021, with the motive to extend the review process from the preceding works. A review model is presented to address the questions based on the literature evidence. The results infer that CESs are the most viable mode for sustainable development, and the use of decision approaches is apt for the assessment of CESs.

The production of thermal energy is one of the sources of environmental pollution, especially when it uses traditional fossil fuels (in particular hard and brown coal). Burning conventional fuels contributes to air pollution because of emitting gases and producing waste after the process of burning in the form of ash. The work below was aimed at determining the indirect emission of PAHs in the form of fly ash, depending on the type of fuel burned. The conducted research showed which solid fuel combustion content leaves the lowest content of PAH in the fly ash. This work contains the analysis and assessment of the content of 16 PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in fly ash from the combustion of five selected solid fuels in low-power boilers. The following fuels were chosen for the research: hard coal with granulation above 60 mm, coal with the grain size of 25−80 mm, coal with the grain size of 8−25 mm, pellets with the grain size of 6 mm, and mixed dry wood. The results of the re... [more]

This article presents an assessment of the most suitable compressed air energy storage (CAES) reservoirs and facilities to better integrate renewable energy into the electricity grid. The novelty of this study resides in selecting the best CAES reservoir sites through the application of a multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA) tool, specifically the simple additive weighting (SAW) method. Besides using geographic information systems (GIS) spatial representation of potential reservoir areas, for the MCDA method, several spatial criteria, environmental and social constraints, and positive incentives (e.g., the proximity to existing power generation facilities of renewable energy sources) were contemplated. As a result, sixty-two alternatives or potential reservoir sites were identified, and thirteen criteria (seven constraints and six incentives) were considered. The final stage of this study consisted of conducting a sensitivity analysis to determine the robustness of the solutions obtained... [more]

In the paper, the authors focused on the environmental problems of pollution emissions caused by households using batch boilers fired with solid fuels. The aim of this study is to analyse the course of changes in the actual efficiency and emission of a solid fuel updraft boiler, the most popular type of batch boilers used in Poland in recent years. The subject of analysis is the comparison of the values of atmospheric emissions of harmful substances depending on the type of wood burnt in the boiler. The investigation comprises the combustion characteristics of three types of woody biomass (in billets), i.e., pine, birch, and beech. Based on the carried out research of all billets, the beech has the lowest values of CO (3497 mg/m3) and particulate matter (116.9 mg/m3). Despite this, obtained results exceed the current permissible limits based on the standard PN:EN 303-5:2012. The highest efficiency (54.13%) was obtained for birch billets, the lowest for pine (45.13%). The research has s... [more]

Renewable energy sources and their part in the global energy mix are beneficial to energy diversification and environment protection. However, raw biomass is characterized by low heating value, hydrophilic properties, various mechanical durability, and the logistic challenges related to transportation and storage. One frequently used process of combined biomass valorization is torrefaction and pelletization, which increase the heating value, homogeneity, and hydrophobicity of the fuel. However, industrial clients need fuel characterized by favorable grindability, whereas, the individual clients (householders) need fuel with high mechanical durability. Due to the different expectations of final customers regarding biomass fuel properties, it is necessary to investigate the influence of the torrefaction on the mechanical durability of the pellets. In this paper, five various types of pellets and their torreficates (obtained at a temperature of 200 and 300 °C) were examined. Then the mech... [more]

In this article, we aim to identify the determinants that profoundly impact renewable energy sources development in Poland. To this end, the authors have conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses of Poland’s renewable energy sector. In this paper, we demonstrate an original approach considering the different development levels of the given sector across provinces (voivodeships). It uses panel data from the Local Data Bank of the Statistics Poland on electricity production from renewable energy sources in individual voivodeships in Poland from 2005 through 2019. The study confronts the results of previous studies and sheds light on the situation in Poland—specifically, upon the changes that have happened over the ten years (2010−2019). The qualitative analysis shows a negative correlation between energy consumption and the share of renewable energy sources in total energy production. Evidence shows that favorable changes are underway in the energy production structure: RES share i... [more]

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have become one of the most promising alternative energy sources, as they transform the sun’s energy into electricity. This can frequently be achieved without causing any potential harm to the environment. Although their usage in residential places and building sectors has notably increased, PV systems are regarded as unpredictable, changeable, and irregular power sources. This is because, in line with the system’s geographic region, the power output depends to a certain extent on the atmospheric environment, which can vary drastically. Therefore, artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches are extensively employed to examine the effects of climate change on solar power. Then, the most optimal AI algorithm is used to predict the generated power. In this study, we used machine learning (ML)-based algorithms to predict the generated power of a PV system for residential buildings. Using a PV system, Pyranometers, and weather station data amassed from a station... [more]

The research results presented in the paper show that it is important that not only state institutions and foundations but also energy companies engage in solving environmental problems by introducing specific social innovations. This need results primarily from the fact that in the environment of energy enterprises, problems of a social nature as well as those related to ecology are observed. The occurrence of social and environmental problems is related to the fact that the solutions developed so far to eliminate them are not fully effective, and the currently functioning political and economic systems as well as financial mechanisms do not sufficiently support the interests of society members and the biological systems of the planet. Hence, people constituting a layer of the social environment of energy companies also expect support from them, in the elimination of specific problems. It appears that the active participation of energy enterprises in counteracting or eliminating socia... [more]

In recent years, several researchers have studied the potential use of ammonia (NH3) as an energy vector, focused on the techno-economic advantages and challenges for full global deployment. The use of ammonia as fuel is seen as a strategy to support decarbonization; however, to confirm the sustainability of the shift to ammonia as fuel in thermal engines, a study of the environmental profile is needed. This paper aims to assess the environmental life cycle impacts of ammonia-based electricity generated in a combined heat and power cycle for different ammonia production pathways. A cradle-to-gate assessment was developed for both ammonia production and ammonia-based electricity generation. The results show that electrolysis-based ammonia from renewable and nuclear energy have a better profile in terms of global warming potential (0.09−0.70 t CO2-eq/t NH3), fossil depletion potential (3.62−213.56 kg oil-eq/t NH3), and ozone depletion potential (0.001−0.082 g CFC-11-eq/t NH3). In additio... [more]

Acid gas removal from gaseous streams such as flue gas, natural gas and biogas is mainly performed by chemical absorption with amines, but the process is highly energy intensive and can generate emissions of harmful compounds to the atmosphere. Considering the emerging interest in carbon capture, mainly associated with increasing environmental concerns, there is much current effort to develop innovative solvents able to lower the energy and environmental impact of the acid gas removal processes. To be competitive, the new blends must show a CO2 uptake capacity comparable to the one of the traditional MEA benchmark solution. In this work, a review of the state of the art of attractive solvents alternative to the traditional MEA amine blend for acid gas removal is presented. These novel solvents are classified into three main classes: biphasic blends—involving the formation of two liquid phases, water-lean solvents and green solvents. For each solvent, the peculiar features, the level of... [more]

Today, the problem of energy shortage and climate change has urgently motivated the development of research engaged in improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines (ICEs). Although many constructive alternatives—including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and low-carbon fuels such as biofuels or hydrogen—are being put forward, they are starting from a very low base, and still face significant barriers. Nevertheless, 85−90% of transport energy is still expected to come from combustion engines powered by conventional liquid fuels even by 2040. Therefore, intensive passion for the improvement of engine thermal efficiency and decreasing energy loss has driven the development of reliable approaches and modelling to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. In this paper, literature surveys are presented that investigate the relative advantages of technologies mainly focused on minimizing energy loss in engine assemblies, including pistons and rings, bearings and valves, wat... [more]

An electricity substitution strategy that replaces fossil fuels such as coal and oil with electricity in end-use energy consumption, can effectively contribute to an energy transition and the early achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets. As the benefits of electricity substitution are not synchronized across China’s regions, this paper uses a three-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to measure the efficiency of electric energy substitution in 30 provinces of China in 2017. The results show that both environmental factors and random errors have significant effects on energy efficiency. After eliminating these influences, the efficiency of electrical energy substitution among regions presented the following pattern: “high in the east and low in the west”. According to the evaluation results, this paper proposes corresponding suggestions for the development of electrical energy substitution.

Low carbon city development and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mitigation in urban communities are urgent. There is great potential to improve the GHG inventory at the community level. Meanwhile, building zero-waste cities and improving waste treatment efficiency have been significant environmental issues due to the rapid increase of waste generation. This research aims to develop a community-scale GHG emission inventory of the waste sector and improve its accuracy and consistency through applying the bottom-up approach. This study covers both direct and indirect emissions categories of the waste sector with the goal of building a zero-waste community. Honjo Waseda community, located in Japan, was used as a case study community. Energy consumption waste treatment sectors were evaluated and calculated through first-hand field data. GHG emission estimation of the waste sector included waste incineration, residential wastewater, and waste transport. The highest emissions originated from Be... [more]

Failure of systems applied in machines comprising rolling and slewing bearings usually causes downtime of the entire heavy machine. The problem of failures can be aggravated by extremely difficult operating conditions, such as significant loads or a harsh environment. The entire issue inspired us to develop a method of monitoring the condition of such units. A study was carried out for six different large-scale excavators which examined strain distributions in the tested subassemblies. In order to estimate the technical condition of wheeled bogies, we used the phenomenon of strain propagation caused by the concentrated force acting in the ring girder web. Flamant theory was utilized to describe this phenomenon. Measurements were performed using strain gauges and the obtained results were compared with the FEM model. To determine whether bearing joints were in a good or bad condition, a coefficient of variation and an impulse factor were introduced as diagnostic indicators. It turned ou... [more]

Organic-rich rocks of the Marcellus subgroup in the study area consist of a diverse suite of mudstone lithofacies that were deposited in distinct facies belts. Lithofacies in the succession range in composition from argillaceous to siliceous, calcareous, and carbonaceous mudstone. Heterogeneities in the succession occurs in the form of varying mineralogical composition, slightly bioturbated to highly bioturbated chaotic matrix, organic-rich and organic-lean laminae, scattered fossil shells in the matrix, and fossils acting as lamination planes. Lithofacies were deposited in three facies belts from the proximal to the distal zone of the depositional system. Bedded siliceous mudstone (BSM) facies occur in the proximal facies belt and consists of a high quartz content in addition to clay minerals and pyrite. In the medial part of the facies belt lies the laminated argillaceous mudstone (LAM), bedded calcareous mudstone (BCaM), and bedded carbonaceous mudstone (BCM). The size of detrital m... [more]

Energy storage technologies can reduce grid fluctuations through peak shaving and valley filling and effectively solve the problems of renewable energy storage and consumption. The application of energy storage technologies is aimed at storing energy and supplying energy when needed according to the storage requirements. The existing research focuses on ranking technologies and selecting the best technologies, while ignoring storage requirements. Here, we propose a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for selecting a suitable technology based on certain storage requirements. Specifically, we consider nine criteria in four aspects: technological, economic, environmental, and social. The interval number, crisp number, and linguist terms can be transformed into a probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy set (PDHFS) through the transformation and fusion method we proposed, and a suitable technology can be selected through distance measurements. Subsequently, the proposed method is appl... [more]

Fleet electrification is one of the measures proposed for achieving climate neutrality in the coming years. The replacement of internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles has a positive impact on carbon emission reduction in some countries. However, in countries highly dependent on fossil fuels, such a possibility requires examination with respect to the means of electricity generation and fuel mix used in their power systems. One such country is Poland, selected as an example of an economy strongly dependent on fossil fuels. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of fleet electrification of an individual company located in Poland on the reduction of carbon emissions. The concept and calculations are based on historical data on the single-year mileage and fuel consumption of 619 cars used by this company. Even though the Polish power system is based on fossil fuels, fleet electrification could contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions of 24%. T... [more]