Assessment of challenges and strategies for driving energy transitions in emerging markets:A socio-technological systems perspective

The pursuit of improved quality of life standards has significantly influenced the contemporary mining model in the 21st century.This era is witnessing an unprecedented transformation driven by pressing concerns related to sustainability,climate change,the just energy transition,dynamic operating environments,and complex social challenges.Such transitions present both opportunities and obstacles.The aim of this study is to provide an extensive literature review on energy transition to identify the challenges and strategies associated with navigating transformations in energy systems.Understanding these transformations is particularly critical in the face of the severe consequences of global warming,where an accelerated energy transition is viewed as a universal remedy.Adopting a socio-technological systems perspective,specifically through the application of Actor Network Theory(ANT),this research provides a theoretical foundation while categorising challenges into five distinct domains and outlining strategies across these different dimensions.These insights are specifically tailored for emerging market countries to effectively navigate energy transition while fostering the development of resilient societies.Furthermore,our findings highlight that energy transition encompasses more than a mere technological shift;it entails fundamental changes in various systemic socio-economic imperatives.Through focusing on the role of social structures in transitions,this study makes a significant and innovative contribution to ANT,which has historically been criticised for its limited acknowledgement of social structures.Consequently,we propose an emerging market energy transition framework,which not only addresses technological aspects,but also integrates social considerations.This framework paves the way for future research and exploration of energy transition dynamics.The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights to policymakers,researchers,and practitioners engaged in the mining industry,enabling them to comprehend the multifaceted challenges involved and providing practical strategies for effective resolution.Through incorporating the social dimension into the analysis,we enhance the understanding of the complex nature of energy system transformations,facilitating a more holistic approach towards achieving sustainable and resilient energy transitions in emerging markets and beyond.

Oxygen functionalization-assisted anionic exchange toward unique construction of flower-like transition metal chalcogenide embedded carbon fabric for ultra-long life flexible energy storage and conversion

The metal-organic framework(MOF)derived Ni–Co–C–N composite alloys(NiCCZ)were“embedded”inside the carbon cloth(CC)strands as opposed to the popular idea of growing them upward to realize ultrastable energy storage and conversion application.The NiCCZ was then oxygen functionalized,facilitating the next step of stoichiometric sulfur anion diffusion during hydrothermal sulfurization,generating a flower-like metal hydroxysulfide structure(NiCCZOS)with strong partial implantation inside CC.Thus obtained NiCCZOS shows an excellent capacity when tested as a supercapacitor electrode in a three-electrode configuration.Moreover,when paired with the biomass-derived nitrogen-rich activated carbon,the asymmetric supercapacitor device shows almost 100%capacity retention even after 45,000 charge–discharge cycles with remarkable energy density(59.4 Wh kg^(-1)/263.8μWh cm^(–2))owing to a uniquely designed cathode.Furthermore,the same electrode performed as an excellent bifunctional water-splitting electrocatalyst with an overpotential of 271 mV for oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and 168.4 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)at 10 mA cm−2 current density along with 30 h of unhinged chronopotentiometric stability performance for both HER and OER.Hence,a unique metal chalcogenide composite electrode/substrate configuration has been proposed as a highly stable electrode material for flexible energy storage and conversion applications.

Advanced emerging ambient energy harvesting technologies enabled by transition metal dichalcogenides: Opportunity and challenge

Environmental pollution and global warming caused by fossil fuels have become increasingly serious issues. Therefore, it is urgent to explore novel strategies to obtain sustainable, renewable and clean energy. Fortunately, ambient energy harvesting technologies, which are receiving increasing attention, provide an optimal solution. Additionally, the investigation of two-dimensional (2D) materials represented by transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) significantly facilitates the advancement of ambient energy harvesting technologies due to their unique properties, enabling the application of ambient energy harvesting. Herein, we summarized recent advances in the application of TMDs in thermal energy harvesting, osmotic energy harvesting, mechanical energy harvesting, water energy harvesting and radiofrequency energy harvesting respectively. In the meanwhile, we listed some representative structure and device optimization strategies for enhancing the energy conversion performance of these ambient energy harvesters, aiming to provide valuable insights for future investigations towards further optimization. Finally, we highlight the pressing issues currently faced in the application of the TMDs ambient energy harvesting technologies and propose some potential solutions to these challenges. We aimed to provide a comprehensive review in the applications of the energy harvesting technologies, in order to provide innovative insights for optimizing existing TMDs-based technologies.

Interconnection Gridlock Threatens Transition to Renewable Energy

In October 2023,the International Energy Agency(IEA)released a report identifying inadequate grid infrastructure as a key threat to meeting the climate goals laid out by the Paris Agreement[1],the landmark 2015 international treaty in which 196 parties agreed to limit global warming to well below 2℃ above preindustrial levels[2].Importantly,funding for the treaty’s calledfor transition from fossil fuels to clean energy has accelerated[3],with recently legislated massive governmental subsidies and other incentives(e.g.,the Inflation Reduction Act[4])aimed specifically at promoting renewable energy.However,a commensurate surge in investment in electrical grids has not materialized;instead,it has stagnated for the past decade at around 300 billion USD per year worldwide[1].

From Oil City to Hydrogen Hub Karamay's green transition powered by hydrogen energy

Karamay,a city built on oil in China's far west,is transitioning into a hydrogen hub,marking a significant shift from its 68-year history as a petroleum powerhouse.In 1955,the discovery of oil at Well No.Ⅰin Karamay marked the birth of China's first major oilfield and the city itself.For decades,Karamay was fueled by oil.But in recent years,driven by China's dual carbon goals,it has been actively exploring new pathways for energy transition and low-carbon development.

A Special Issue:“Energy Transition Technology for Emission Peak and Carbon Neutrality”for Global Energy Interconnection

In 2020,China made a solemn commitment to the world:striving to achieve carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.The energy industry is the main source of carbon emissions and the key path to achieving the“dual carbon”goals.The revolution in energy production and consumption has already sparked a wave.However,the energy transition still faces challenges such as a high proportion of fossil fuel usage,multiple constraints on clean energy supply,urgent request to improve the carrying capacity and flexible regulation capability of the power system,and rising energy costs for the entire society.To cope with these difficulties and challenges,it is necessary to balance safety and stability,economic efficiency,and clean and low-carbon development three aspects;strengthen energy technology innovation;and deepen institutional and market reform and innovation.Therefore,the editorial department of Global Energy Interconnection has planned the special issue of“Energy Transition Technology for Emission Peak and Carbon Neutrality”.

Mass-Based Environmental Factor and Energy Assessment of Microwave-Assisted Synthesized Transition Metal Nanostructures

This paper describes mass-based energy phase-space projection of microwave-assisted synthesis of transition metals (zinc oxide, palladium, silver, platinum, and gold) nanostructures. The projection uses process energy budget (measured in kJ) on the horizontal axes and process density (measured in kJg−1) on the vertical axes. These two axes allow both mass usage efficiency (Environmental-Factor) and energy efficiency to be evaluated for a range of microwave applicator and metal synthesis. The metrics are allied to the: second, sixth and eleventh principle of the twelve principle of Green Chemistry. This analytical approach to microwave synthesis (widely considered as a useful Green Chemistry energy source) allows a quantified dynamic environmental quotient to be given to renewable plant-based biomass associated with the reduction of the metal precursors. Thus allowing a degree of quantification of claimed “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” synthesis with regard to waste production and energy usage.

The Impact of the Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Goals on Mineral Resource Availability in Africa

Understanding and predicting the impact of the global energy transition and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on global mineral demand and African supply is challenging. This study uses a resource nexus approach to investigate and analyze the impact of this transition on energy and water demand and CO2 emissions using three annual material demand scenarios. The results indicate that African mining will consume more energy by 2050, leading to an increase in cumulative demand for energy (from 98 to 14,577 TWh) and water (from 15,013 to 223,000 million m3), as well as CO2 emissions (1318 and 19,561 Gg CO2e). In contrast, only a modest increase in energy demand (207 TWh) will be required by 2050 to achieve the SDGs. Therefore, the African mining industry should reduce its energy consumption and invest more in the renewable energy sector to support the global energy transition.

Kinetics and mechanism of the low-energy β-a phase transition of the second kind in 2,4-dinitroanisole

In this work, comprehensive studies of 2,4-dinitroanisole(2,4DNAN) were carried out using powder thermorentgenography of the internal standard. The time of the complete polymorphic transition in the solid phase β→a in 2,4DNAN under various combinations of conditions has been determined. It has been established that, regardless of the season of manufacture of the substance, when it is stored for 8-9months, with a change in ambient temperature from minus 30℃ to plus 30℃, a complete polymorphic transition β→a occurs. When stored in conditions below minus 5℃, polymorphic transition does not occur. When stored in conditions above plus 30℃ in a closed container, polymorphic transition occurs within 3 weeks. The polymorphic transition is accompanied by a decrease in density by 1.3%-1.5% and an increase in melting temperature by 10-12℃, depending on the degree of purity of the starting substance. The activation energy of the molecular rearrangement was 68-70 k J/mol(16.5 ± 3 kcal/mol). The mechanism of polymorphic transition has been evaluated, which is presumably based on internal homodiffusion and energy transfer to the surface of the mass of powder particles and the product. The average activation energy of the polymorphic transition process was 110 ± 6.2 k J/mol(26.2 kcal/mol). In an open container, reactions proceed by a homogeneous mechanism, and in a closed container by a heterogeneous mechanism involving the gas phase.

Sustainable energy transition:Strategies for success

How can we achieve sustainable energy transition and create a fairer and more resilient future for all?How can we let low-income and vulnerable groups afford clean energy?What role can standards play in the sustainable energy transition?To discuss the above questions,a session with the theme“Sustainable energy transition:Strategies for success”took place on September 11 during the ISO Annual Meeting in Colombia,which invited Silvio Dulinsky,Deputy Secretary General of ISO,Vimal Mahendru,IEC Vice President and IEC envoy for the UN SDGs,Marcelo Behar,Senior Advisor to COP30,World Business Council for Sustainable Development(WBCSD),and Jane Cohen,Senior Program Manager of People-Centered Clean Energy Transitions,International Energy Agency(IEA).

Electronic structure engineering of transition metal dichalcogenides for boosting hydrogen energy conversion electrocatalysts

Electrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production is an appealing strategy to reduce carbon emissions and generate renewable fuels.This promising process,however,is limited by its sluggish reaction kinetics and high-cost catalysts.The two-dimensional(2D)transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs)have presented great potential as electrocatalytic materials due to their tunable bandgaps,abundant defective active sites,and good chemical stability.Consequently,phase engineering,defect engineering and interface engineering have been adopted to manipulate the electronic structure of TMDCs for boosting their exceptional catalytic performance.Particularly,it is essential to clarify the local structure of catalytically active sites of TMDCs and their structural evolution in catalytic reactions using atomic resolution electron microscopy and the booming in situ technologies,which is beneficial for exploring the underlying reaction mechanism.In this review,the growth regulation,characterization,particularly atomic configurations of active sites in TMDCs are summarized.The significant role of electron microscopy in the understanding of the growth mechanism,the controlled synthesis and functional optimization of 2D TMDCs are discussed.This review will shed light on the design and synthesis of novel electrocatalysts with high performance,as well as prompt the application of advanced electron microscopy in the research of materials science.

High standards facilitate energy transition and high-quality development of new power system

Guided by SAMR, China's standardization has achieved remarkable results. The State Grid Corporation of China steadily operates the power grid with the highest voltage level, the strongest energy resource allocation capacity, and the largest scale of new energy grid connection. The State Grid thoroughly implements the National Standardization Development Outline, and strengthens the top-level design to build a new pattern of the coordinated development of domestic and international standardization work, which demonstrates the role of standards in supporting the high-quality development of power grid.

Abnormal transition of the electron energy distribution with excitation of the second harmonic in low-pressure radio-frequency capacitively coupled plasmas

The self-excited second harmonic in radio-frequency capacitively coupled plasma was significantly enhanced by adjusting the external variable capacitor.At a lower pressure of 3 Pa,the excitation of the second harmonic caused an abnormal transition of the electron energy probability function,resulting in abrupt changes in the electron density and temperature.Such changes in the electron energy probability function as well as the electron density and temperature were not observed at the higher pressure of 16 Pa under similar harmonic changes.The phenomena are related to the influence of the second harmonic on stochastic heating,which is determined by both amplitude and the relative phase of the harmonics.The results suggest that the self-excited high-order harmonics must be considered in practical applications of lowpressure radio-frequency capacitively coupled plasmas.

New Trends in Oil and Gas Security and Energy Transition

The report on the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposes promoting green development,advancing harmonious coexistence between humans and nature,and ensuring energy security.At COP282023,existing climate targets were reinforced,and a fresh accord was reached for scientifically achieving net-zero carbon emission.The global energy market is being transformed,with oil and gas regaining prominence in energy security.Firms are concentrating on core competencies amidst transitions,though upstream investments show a gradual rebound.The global carbon dioxide capture and storage(CCS)projects has witnessed a significant rise,with Direct Air Capture(DAC)technology gaining attention.Carbon dioxide Capture,Utilization,and Storage(CCUS)is essential as a foundational technology for achieving dual carbon goals.In light of global future development goals and China’s national conditions,this article discusses the evolving trends in the international oil and gas sector alongside China’s domestic energy security landscape.It proposes prospective trajectories for the growth of China’s oil and gas sector and measures to guide and respond to challenges during the energy transition process,providing references for decision-making in the transformation of oil and gas companies.China has a high level of energy self-sufficiency,with the overall energy security situation remaining controllable.China’s oil and gas sector is seeing three-pronged progress:deepening exploration to 10,000s of meters,nano-level reservoir description,and reviving mature fields for a new era.Focusing on deep layer,deepwater,unconventional and mature oilfields,strengthening Belt and Road energy partnerships,enlarging reserves,optimizing pipeline network layout,implementing a smart risk-management ecosystem,and driving the CCUS technology revolution.

The Transition Towards New Energy Accelerates

China’s foreign trade has been facing tremendous pressure since 2023.The export of the“old three”,including clothing,furniture and household appliances,has been declining,while the export of the“New Three”,represented by electric vehicles,lithium-ion batteries and solar cells,has been increasing against the trend,outperforming other type of exports.

World’s Energy Transition and Chinese-style Modern Energy Revolution under Carbon Neutrality (Ⅱ)

Chinese-style modernization emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of man and nature and actively yet prudently promotes carbon peak and carbon neutrality.It delves deeply into the energy revolution,upholding the following principles:the“independence”of energy production,the“green”energy supply,the“security”of energy reserves,the“efficiency”of energy consumption,the“intelligence”of energy management,and the“economy”of energy costs.Efforts are being made to accelerate the planning and construction of a new type of energy system that is green and smart,with new energy,new electricity,new stored energy,and new smart energy as the mainstays,to ensure energy security.Currently,China is an energy power but not an energy superpower,and its energy consumption structure still needs further optimization.China’s new energy security strategy is composed of energy consumption revolution,energy supply revolution,energy technology revolution,and energy system revolution,complemented by comprehensive strengthening of international cooperation.This approach is aimed at advancing China’s energy revolution and transforming the nation’s energy supply pattern and shifting from a consumption mix in 2022.

World's Energy Transition and Chinese-style Modern Energy Revolution under Carbon Neutrality(Ⅰ)

Under global consensus on carbon neutrality and the intensification of regional conflicts,new energy has become the primary direction for various countries to achieve energy security and green development.Represented by wind,solar,geothermal,hydrogen and stored energy,and controllable nuclear fusion,the technological and scale advantages of new energy are being continuously strengthened.Low-cost wind,solar,and stored energy will support the global energy transition.The production and utilization of new energy enter a rapid development phase.In 2022,the average global consumption of new energy accounted for 18.2%,and it is expected to reach around 55%by 2050.The distribution of the world's energy resources,consumption regions,technological development,per capita consumption,energy-saving fields,and carbon emissions is uneven.The acceleration of low-carbon development in fossil fuels,the scale-up of renewable energy,and the intelligentization of energy management drives the rapid transition of global energy.

Unexpected Twinning and Phase-Transition of the Indentation Standards, Their Transition Energies, and Scientific Dichotomy

The general use of aluminium as an indentation standard for the iteration of contact heights for the determination of ISO-14577 hardness and elastic modulus is challenged because of as yet not appreciated phase-changes in the physical force-depth standard curve that seemed to be secured by claims from 1992. The physical and mathematical analyses with closed formulas avoid the still world-wide standardized energy-law violation by not reserving 33.33% (h2 belief) (or 20% h3/2 physical law) of the loading force and thus energy for all not depth producing events but using 100% for the depth formation is a severe violation of the energy law. The not depth producing part of the indentation work cannot be done with zero energy! Both twinning and structural phase-transition onsets and normalized phase-transition energies are now calculated without iterations but with physically correct closed arithmetic equations. These are reported for Berkovich and cubecorner indentations, including their comparison on geometric grounds and an indentation standard without mechanical twinning is proposed. Characteristic data are reported. This is the first detection of the indentation twinning of aluminium at room temperature and the mechanical twinning of fused quartz is also new. Their disqualification as indentation standards is established. Also, the again found higher load phase-transitions disqualify aluminium and fused quartz as ISO-ASTM 14577 (International Standardization Organization and American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for the contact depth “hc” iterations. The incorrect and still world-wide used black-box values for H- and Er-values (the latter are still falsely called “Young’s moduli” even though they are not directional) and all mechanical properties that depend on them. They lack relation to bulk moduli from compression experiments. Experimentally obtained and so published force vs depth parabolas always follow the linear FN = kh3/2 + Fa equation, where Fa is the axis-cut before and after the phase-transition branches (never “h2” as falsely enforced and used for H, Er and giving incorrectly calculated parameters). The regression slopes k are the precise physical hardness values, which for the first time allow for precise calculation of the mechanical qualities by indentation in relation to the geometry of the indenter tip. Exactly 20% of the applied force and thus energy is not available for the indentation depth. Only these scientific k-values must be used for AI-advises at the expense of falsely iterated indentation hardness H-values. Any incorrect H-ISO-ASTM and also the iterated Er-ISO-ASTM modulus values of technical materials in artificial intelligence will be a disaster for the daily safety. The AI must be told that these are unscientific and must therefore be replaced by physical data. Iterated data (3 and 8 free parameters!) cannot be transformed into physical data. One has to start with real experimental loading curves and an absolute ZerodurR standard that must be calibrated with standard force and standard length to create absolute indentation results. .

Templated synthesis of transition metal phosphide electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions

Transition metal phosphides(TMPs)have been regarded as alternative hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)catalysts owing to their comparable activity to those of noble metal-based catalysts.TMPs have been produced in various morphologies,including hollow and porous nanostructures,which are features deemed desirable for electrocatalytic materials.Templated synthesis routes are often responsible for such morphologies.This paper reviews the latest advances and existing challenges in the synthesis of TMP-based OER and HER catalysts through templated methods.A comprehensive review of the structure-property-performance of TMP-based HER and OER catalysts prepared using different templates is presented.The discussion proceeds according to application,first by HER and further divided among the types of templates used-from hard templates,sacrificial templates,and soft templates to the emerging dynamic hydrogen bubble template.OER catalysts are then reviewed and grouped according to their morphology.Finally,prospective research directions for the synthesis of hollow and porous TMP-based catalysts,such as improvements on both activity and stability of TMPs,design of environmentally benign templates and processes,and analysis of the reaction mechanism through advanced material characterization techniques and theoretical calculations,are suggested.

Correction:Impact of Transition Metal Layer Vacancy on the Structure and Performance of P2 Type Layered Sodium Cathode Material

Following publication of the original article[1],the authors reported that the author Hun-Gi Jung should be affiliated as 3,4 and 5 instead of 4 and 5.The author’s name“A.-Yeon Kim”needed to be updated to“A-Yeon Kim”,removing the period.The correct author’s name and affiliation have been provided in this Correction.The original article[1]has been corrected.