scholarly journals Renewables and hydrogen energy technologies for sustainable development

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 367-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bent Sørensen
2020 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 1305-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia H. Budnikova ◽  
Vera V. Khrizanforova

AbstractNowadays, hydrogen has become not only an extremely important chemical product but also a promising clean energy carrier for replacing fossil fuels. Production of molecular H2 through electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions is crucial for the development of clean-energy technologies. The development of economically viable and efficient H2 production/oxidation catalysts is a key step in the creation of H2-based renewable energy infrastructure. Intrinsic limitations of both natural enzymes and synthetic materials have led researchers to explore enzyme-induced catalysts to realize a high current density at a low overpotential. In recent times, highly active widespread numerous electrocatalysts, both homogeneous or heterogeneous (immobilized on the electrode), such as transition metal complexes, heteroatom- or metal-doped nanocarbons, metal-organic frameworks, and other metal derivatives (calix [4] resorcinols, pectates, etc.), which are, to one extent or another, structural or functional analogs of hydrogenases, have been extensively studied as alternatives for Pt-based catalysts, demonstrating prospects for the development of a “hydrogen economy”. This mini-review generalizes some achievements in the field of development of new electrocatalysts for H2 production/oxidation and their application for fuel cells, mainly focuses on the consideration of the catalytic activity of M[P2N2]22+ (M = Ni, Fe) complexes and other nickel structures which have been recently obtained.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaela Hillerbrand

This paper reflects on criticisms raised in the literature on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These have been criticized as creating a dichotomy between the environment and human beings that fails to address the multiple interconnections between the two. This paper focuses on SDG7—“affordable and clean energy”—and suggests that there is in fact a tripartite distinction between the environment, human beings and technology underlying the SDGs. This distinction, we argue, does not adequately represent the multiple interconnections among the various SDGs and hampers their implementation. We contend that the formulation of SDG7 produces a circular definition of sustainability, a difficulty that is currently resolved at the level of the targets and indicators in a way that regards energy technologies primarily as artifacts. By contrast, the literature on ethical aspects of energy systems largely agrees that energy is a paradigmatic example of a sociotechnical system. We contend that, by not considering this sociotechnical nature, the SDGs run the risk of implicitly defending a certain variant of technological optimism and determinism. We argue that this is disadvantageous to the environment, human well-being and technological development. In line with recent critical evaluations of the SDGs, we argue that these (and other) shortcomings can be addressed by better connecting the SDGs to human well-being. Building on recent literature that expands the scope of the Capability Approach as an alternative measure of well-being so as to include considerations of sustainability, we articulate a framework that allows us to elucidate this connection and thus to take advantage of synergies between human well-being and the environment. On the basis of the Capability Approach, we argue that equating sustainable energy with renewable energy—as is done in the transition from SDG7’s goal to its targets—is indefensible because, as part of the overarching energy systems, energy technologies cannot be classified as simply right or wrong. Rather, the indicators and targets within a framework focused on sustainability need to be (more) context sensitive, meaning that, among other things, they may vary by country and with the available technology.


Author(s):  
Ademola A. Adenle

Energy was not stated as one of the millennium development goals (MDGs) but played an indirect role in helping meet the MDGs especially in the areas of housing, health, education, and poverty reduction in Africa. In contrast, the United Nations’ 2030 agenda includes 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), one of which is devoted to energy. SDG7 seeks to ensure “access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all,” thereby creating a vital role for the energy sector to join in the task of achieving SDGs. Renewable energy including solar energy will play a significant role in improving energy security in Africa and diversifying the energy mix by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This chapter examines the advantages of solar technologies in the context of social, economic, and environment benefits using case studies from Kenya and South Africa. This chapter also examines some of the key challenges that are associated with the application of solar energy technologies in these countries. Finally, the chapter discusses how solar energy technologies can help meet SDGs and summarizes policy and programs targeting the promotion of solar energy technologies for the implementation of SDGs.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avri Eitan ◽  
Gillad Rosen ◽  
Lior Herman ◽  
Itay Fishhendler

The adoption of renewable energies contributes to sustainable development worldwide. Entrepreneurs are key agents in facilitating their promotion, as they improve the mix of the means of production and thus transform renewable energy technologies into viable energy systems. Nonetheless, the literature tends to treat entrepreneurs as a homogeneous group, thus preventing comprehensive understanding of their motivations, behaviors, capabilities, and effects. This study addresses this research gap by identifying and categorizing the various characteristics of these entrepreneurs and developing an integrated classification method. Four examples of renewable energy entrepreneurs, in China, Denmark, Germany, and India, are analyzed according to the proposed classification method, while demonstrating their differences. Thus, through proposing a new analytical typology, this study improves our understanding of renewable energy entrepreneurs and their significant role in the promotion of renewable energy worldwide.


2017 ◽  
pp. 121-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Petrillo ◽  
Fabio De Felice ◽  
Elio Jannelli ◽  
Mariagiovanna Minutillo

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