Post COVID-19 ENERGY sustainability and carbon emissions neutrality. (15th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chong, Cheng Tung; Fan, Yee Van; Lee, Chew Tin; Klemeš, Jiří Jaromír
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 241(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15
• Subjects: Smart energy -- Energy efficiency -- Emission neutrality -- Novel material -- Energy sustainability; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122801
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: This review covers the recent advancements in selected emerging energy sectors, emphasising carbon emission neutrality and energy sustainability in the post-COVID-19 era. It benefited from the latest development reported in the Virtual Special Issue of ENERGY dedicated to the 6th International Conference on Low Carbon Asia and Beyond (ICLCA′20) and the 4th Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory Scientific Conference (SPIL′20). As nations bind together to tackle global climate change, one of the urgent needs is the energy sector's transition from fossil-fuel reliant to a more sustainable carbon-free solution. Recent progress shows that advancement in energy efficiency modelling of components and energy systems has greatly facilitated the development of more complex and efficient energy systems. The scope of energy system modelling can be based on temporal, spatial and technical resolutions. The emergence of novel materials such as MXene, metal-organic framework and flexible phase change materials have shown promising energy conversion efficiency. The integration of the internet of things (IoT) with an energy storage system and renewable energy supplies has led to the development of a smart energy system that effectively connects the power producer and end-users, thereby allowing more efficient management of energy flow and consumption. The future smart energy system has been redefined to include all energy sectors via a cross-sectoral integration approach, paving the way for the greater utilization of renewable energy. This review highlights that energy system efficiency and sustainability can be improved via innovations in smart energy systems, novel energy materials and low carbon technologies. Their impacts on the environment, resource availability and social well-being need to be holistically considered and supported by diverse solutions, in alignment with the sustainable development goal of Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and other related SDGs (1, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17), as put forth by the United Nations. Highlights: Review on emerging energy sectors, carbon emission neutrality and energy sustainability. Advancement in energy efficiency modelling, novel materials for energy storage and conversion. Recent trend in smart renewable energy systems and assessment of energy sustainability. Holistic and diverse solutions to address environmental impacts, resource availability and social well-being.