An ‘energy hub’ is composed of an interaction of energy loads and energy sources that will include different technologies for power generation, energy storage, and energy conversion. These technologies could include transformers, wind turbines, electrolyzers, solar panels, and fuel cells. Hydrogen is an ideal energy vector for use in energy hubs where energy can be produced from multiple energy resources like nuclear and renewable energy sources. It is easily stored and distributed, and it can be used for multiple end-uses such as electrical load levelling or in transportation applications. Nuclear power provides a greenhouse gas free, reliable and stable supply of electricity to an energy hub in an efficient and economic manner and as a result is the preferred base load source of power. In this work a model of a clean energy hub comprising of a nuclear plant, wind turbines, solar panels, and biomass reactors was developed using Matlab/Simulink. The model was used to develop a conceptual design of an energy hub with Nanticoke, Ontario, serving as the case study region. The hub was designed to replace existing coal-based power generating facilities and meet electricity demands, as well as current and future hydrogen demands for local industry and transportation as projected in 2030. Conceptual equipment sizing and costing for solar panels, nuclear plants, wind turbines, biomass reactors, fuel cells, and electrolyzers are considered. The cost for hydrogen storage was considered while phasing in revenue generated, and environmental pollution avoided by using clean electricity and hydrogen powered vehicles. It was observed that nuclear reactors, followed by biomass reactors, followed by off-shore wind turbines, followed by on-shore wind turbines, and finally followed by solar panels represent the sequence of technology adoption in order to maximize environmental and economic benefits, as this represents the cost and energy effectiveness hierarchy for electricity generation as observed while analyzing hub costs for meeting electricity demand. It can also be concluded that the hub for electricity generation is most economical if the nuclear reactor capacity installed is very close to the average yearly electricity demand required by the grid, and the nuclear reactor is operated at full capacity throughout the year while augmented with other renewable technologies. During periods of excess power hydrogen is produced and stored onsite, and hydrogen fuel cells are subsequently used to meet peak electricity demand. Underground hydrogen storage is the most economical option for all energy hubs analyzed. In some scenarios a small amount of coal generation capacity was maintained to assist with peak power demand through a very limited time of the year. The analysis concluded that at this time fuel cells are a more costly option for generating electricity even after considering emissions revenue with the cogeneration of hydrogen for industry and transportation, as well as for electricity. It is more economical to convert excess power into hydrogen using electrolyzers and sell it to industrial sectors and transportation sectors in the early years of an energy hub. A number of scenarios were analyzed that comprise of different combinations of technology in various hub designs. In an ‘electricity cost effective’ scenario the hub was found to meet the electrical demand at a cost of 10.23 cents per KWh, while reducing CO2 emissions by 11.6 million tonnes per year. In a ‘hydrogen economy’ scenario 67 million kilograms of hydrogen were sold to the hydrogen economy per year at $4.82 per kg, while the electrical demand of the hub was met a cost of 11.09 cents per KWh, while reducing CO2 emissions by 13.5 million tonnes per year. In an ‘emission reduction’ scenario 14.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions where reduced, 197 million kg of hydrogen was sold to the hydrogen economy per year at $4.82 per kg, while the electrical demand of the hub was met a cost of 15.64 cents per KWh. Most of the hub design configuration and operational scenarios considered in the analysis become economically viable if electricity prices are approximately $65 per MWh, if gasoline prices average approximately $1.50 per litre over the next 20 years, and if the price of carbon credits or CO2 per tonne goes up to around $ 35 – 40 per tonne. Therefore, these parameters must be closely monitored to determine energy hub profitability.

Title Effects of Demographic Characteristics on Consumer’s Choice of Buying Green Products: An Empirical Study of Swedish Electricity Market. Purpose Purpose of the research to study the consumer behaviour of the Swedish audiences based on  different demographic characteristics i.e. age, gender, income status, educational level and area of residence. The information will be useful to know that how different target groups based on different demographic attributes, perceive and respond the green electricity programmes, which will helpful to study the consumer behaviour and marketing of green electricity in Sweden. Methodology This research is mainly based on quantitative research, method which deals with use of statistical tools and numbers. A part of this research is also based on qualitative research which emphases on in depth analysis of information and finding a conclusion from the information gathered. The data have collected through using both primary and secondary sources. This research is mainly based on quantitative pattern; hence the data have collected using primary sources; the questioners. The questionnaires were distribute among the people of different age groups, income status, number of persons living in a household, residential status and income status. The aim of this survey was to target the audiences from whole Sweden, but due to limited time the data has collected only from the inhabitants of Eskilstuna, Västerås, Kvicksund, Södetalje, Köping, Arboga and Stockholm.   Analysis and findings For finding and analysis we have adopted a conceptual model to study the impacts of demographic characteristics on consumers’ choice of green electricity. This model leads to analysis according to findings from questionnaire and literature. Conclusion After careful compilation and analysing the results of our findings and with reference to the research topic of this thesis we have come to a conclusion that demographic characteristics (gender, age, income, education and area of residence) of Swedish consumers can influence their decision making to purchase green electricity.

An ‘energy hub’ is composed of an interaction of energy loads and energy sources that will include different technologies for power generation, energy storage, and energy conversion. These technologies could include transformers, wind turbines, electrolyzers, solar panels, and fuel cells. Hydrogen is an ideal energy vector for use in energy hubs where energy can be produced from multiple energy resources like nuclear and renewable energy sources. It is easily stored and distributed, and it can be used for multiple end-uses such as electrical load levelling or in transportation applications. Nuclear power provides a greenhouse gas free, reliable and stable supply of electricity to an energy hub in an efficient and economic manner and as a result is the preferred base load source of power. In this work a model of a clean energy hub comprising of a nuclear plant, wind turbines, solar panels, and biomass reactors was developed using Matlab/Simulink. The model was used to develop a conceptual design of an energy hub with Nanticoke, Ontario, serving as the case study region. The hub was designed to replace existing coal-based power generating facilities and meet electricity demands, as well as current and future hydrogen demands for local industry and transportation as projected in 2030. Conceptual equipment sizing and costing for solar panels, nuclear plants, wind turbines, biomass reactors, fuel cells, and electrolyzers are considered. The cost for hydrogen storage was considered while phasing in revenue generated, and environmental pollution avoided by using clean electricity and hydrogen powered vehicles. It was observed that nuclear reactors, followed by biomass reactors, followed by off-shore wind turbines, followed by on-shore wind turbines, and finally followed by solar panels represent the sequence of technology adoption in order to maximize environmental and economic benefits, as this represents the cost and energy effectiveness hierarchy for electricity generation as observed while analyzing hub costs for meeting electricity demand. It can also be concluded that the hub for electricity generation is most economical if the nuclear reactor capacity installed is very close to the average yearly electricity demand required by the grid, and the nuclear reactor is operated at full capacity throughout the year while augmented with other renewable technologies. During periods of excess power hydrogen is produced and stored onsite, and hydrogen fuel cells are subsequently used to meet peak electricity demand. Underground hydrogen storage is the most economical option for all energy hubs analyzed. In some scenarios a small amount of coal generation capacity was maintained to assist with peak power demand through a very limited time of the year. The analysis concluded that at this time fuel cells are a more costly option for generating electricity even after considering emissions revenue with the cogeneration of hydrogen for industry and transportation, as well as for electricity. It is more economical to convert excess power into hydrogen using electrolyzers and sell it to industrial sectors and transportation sectors in the early years of an energy hub. A number of scenarios were analyzed that comprise of different combinations of technology in various hub designs. In an ‘electricity cost effective’ scenario the hub was found to meet the electrical demand at a cost of 10.23 cents per KWh, while reducing CO2 emissions by 11.6 million tonnes per year. In a ‘hydrogen economy’ scenario 67 million kilograms of hydrogen were sold to the hydrogen economy per year at $4.82 per kg, while the electrical demand of the hub was met a cost of 11.09 cents per KWh, while reducing CO2 emissions by 13.5 million tonnes per year. In an ‘emission reduction’ scenario 14.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions where reduced, 197 million kg of hydrogen was sold to the hydrogen economy per year at $4.82 per kg, while the electrical demand of the hub was met a cost of 15.64 cents per KWh. Most of the hub design configuration and operational scenarios considered in the analysis become economically viable if electricity prices are approximately $65 per MWh, if gasoline prices average approximately $1.50 per litre over the next 20 years, and if the price of carbon credits or CO2 per tonne goes up to around $ 35 – 40 per tonne. Therefore, these parameters must be closely monitored to determine energy hub profitability.

The lead-free tin telluride (SnTe) is considered as a potential candidate to substitute lead telluride (PbTe) for thermoelectric power generation based on their similar crystal and electronic structures. However, the relatively high lattice thermal conductivity and low Seebeck coefficient of pristine SnTe are detrimental for real-life applications. This dissertation explored elements-doping/substituting of SnTe to overcome those shortcomings and improve SnTe thermoelectric performance. A series of the Sn1-xGexTe phases were synthesized and studied. When the Ge amount reaches 50% or higher, Sn1-xGexTe undergoes a phase transition from the rock-salt structure (Fm3̅m) to the rhombohedral one (R3m). The Sn0.5Ge0.5Te phase was explored in more details because it delivers the best thermoelectric performance with the Sn1-xGexTe series. The electron-richer Sb and Bi were substituted on the Sn/Ge site to optimize the charge transport properties, and Cu2Te was added into the matrix to improve the thermoelectric performance further. The In/Sb and In/Bi co-doping on the Sn/Ge sites was employed for Seebeck coefficient optimization. A comparative study of the electronic structure of the Sn0.5Ge0.5Te-based samples was performed. The calculations indicated a band convergence and changes in the valence band, thus providing insight into the co-doping effects. Suppression of the lattice thermal conductivity of SnTe was performed via alloying with AgSnSe2 and PbTe, which introduced strong atomic disorder. Additionally, AgSnSe2 showed a hole donor behavior in SnTe, and the increased carrier concentration compensated for the reduction in the carrier mobility, thus rendering a decent electrical conductivity in alloyed samples. As a result, the alloying effectively improved the samples' thermoelectric performance. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / In recent decades, renewable energy has attracted a lot of attention due to an increase in the global energy use and depletion of fossil fuel reserves. Thermoelectric materials are expected to play a vital role as green energy generators to overcome the upcoming energy crisis as they can directly convert waste heat into electricity through the Seebeck effect. In this dissertation, the main goal is optimizing the thermoelectric performance of SnTe for the above room temperature applications. Different doping/ substituting/alloying strategies were applied to improve the performance. The obtained thermoelectric properties of the SnTe-based materials were rationalized in terms of the charge carrier behavior, changes in the electronic structure, and phonon propagation.

There were three big oil crises in twenty century, and all made international political shakes. The global warming triggered the climate change, the rising of sea horizon and other environmental problems. The advanced countries begin to think about decreasing the dependency of fossil fuels as economic grows. Both the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the United Nations Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in 2009 were the evidences that most of the countries in the world are all concerned about climate change and economical environments. Furthermore, the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Climate Change Conferences affected the global economic policies, and also generated new ideas of green economy. Because of the impacts from the environmental and economic view, many countries made new green energy policies to develop renewable energy, promote green industry, wake up environment protection ideas, and broadcast the education of save energy saving and carbon reduction. This thesis uses the historical method, content analysis method and comparative method and the public policy theory as the theory basement. Then the thesis introduces the summary of global green energy industry. Taiwan and Singapore are called as Four Asian Little Dragons, but both lack of nature resources and depend on energy importation. The thesis discusses the policies on green industry of the Taiwan and Singapore, and also discusses the outputs of the policies. The final part is the policy comparisons between the two governments.

Texas – the energy center of the world – is emerging as a pioneer in algae biodiesel research and production. There are a number of reasons for this. Texas is the largest emitter of CO₂ in the country, and efforts are being made to reduce the state's dependence on fossil fuels. Also, algae – robust and promising organisms – need non-arable land, lots of sunlight and brackish/waste water, along with CO₂. Texas has all of these in abundance, plus universities and algae start-ups that are doing crucial R / text

Geothermal Energy is one of the common talks at present. It has the potential to run long term and can provide base-load energy, at the same time it helps to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. It is found almost everywhere on earth. The resources of geothermal energy range from shallow ground to hot water or hot rock, which can be found few kilometers below the surface and even deeper to magma where the temperature is extremely high. Since its discovery from the ancient times, many technologies have been developed to understand or use geothermal energy properly.  This report is based on literature survey of geothermal energy compared to other energy sources in terms of construction, supply energy and the advantage-disadvantage of the system. From this study it has been found that geothermal power plant does not need external fuel to operate, that’s why the price of geothermal energy does not go up like oil and gas, in USA the cost of geothermal electricity ranges from $0.06 to $0.10 per kilowatt-hour and besides it is one of the most clean, reliable and renewable energy source, which is environment friendly and cheaper than other energy sources.

With the global campaign of carbon reduction and sustainable development continue to expand, green environmental conservation has become a vital concern in our modern age. The green energy industry is now very important. The recycling and reuse of fermented organic waste contribute to biomass energy that constitutes a basis for strategies by the green energy industry. In ¡¥Challenge 2008 Six-Year National Development Plan¡XGreen Industry¡XResource Recycle and Reuse Project¡¦, approved by the Executive Yuan and implemented by the Environmental Protection Administration in related policies, a recycle and transport system of household organic waste was established and supported by the efforts of all village and township offices across Taiwan. Diverse developments for the use of biomass energy derived from plants, marsh gas, and organic waste have been achieved through innovative approaches and research among industries, government, and academia. The reuse of organic waste, development of organic fertilizer and livestock fodder, and power generation by marsh gas, and bio-fuels are derivative products of biomass energy. Currently, products made from organic waste have been developed and manufactured in counties and cities all over Taiwan, and related products, such as soil conditioners, organic fertilizers and organic fodder, have been promoted in villages and local communities, forming an excellent green energy cycle and fulfilling the public policy of resource recycle and reuse. Inline with the Green Supply Chain, this study aimed to better understand the measures adopted in the promotion of organic waste in local areas from the perspectives of the concepts regarding the recycling of organic waste and public policy. Through qualitative data collection, including in-depth interviews, focus group and participant observation, this research investigated how the recycling of organic waste can be applied in daily life to reach the target of fully recycling garbage and other waste to improve execution efficiency and how the benefits to the general public who join the efforts can be increased in a relatively simple way.

Over the past two decades, quite a few scientists agree that global warming is real, it¡¦s already happening and that it is the result of our activities and not a natural occurrence. The evidence is overwhelming and undeniable. Carbon dioxide and other gases warm the surface of the planet naturally by trapping solar heat in the atmosphere. Recently, government, non-profit organizations and firms put great emphasis on environmental issues. They also encourage those firms to develop alternative energy technologies. For example, the American government wants to invest $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future. A lot of excellent companies put great emphasis on green supply chain. Some firms try to do some research and development on alternative energy technologies. In this way, these companies can enhance business efficiency and competitiveness, providing better productivity and process. Many manufacturing firms have tried to introduce alternative energy technology to improve its operation performance and to keep its competitive advantages. Nevertheless, introducing and evaluating alternative energy technology are quite demanding, difficulties being both conceptual and operational. At the same time, firms need to adjust the internal processes. In this way, adopting alternative energy technologies become a very challenging task. In this thesis, the criterion was sifted by using an Analysis Hierarchy Process (AHP) to develop a general framework for evaluating and introducing alternative energy technology into a manufacturing firm is presented.

The demand for new services and applications in communication systems, as well as the number of users, are steadily increasing. This growth invoves a great use of energy in information and communications technologies , which contributes significantly to global warming. Furthermore, to satisfy the energy requirements for both wired and wireless networks, new approaches must be developed..Firstly, our researches focus on resources allocation mechanisms in point-to-point systems for two transmission modes (single-carrier and multi-carrier) with the goal of minimizing the energy cosumption. In this part, we present a new approach called ultra wide time (UWT) and a new metric for communication systems. Based on this approach, efficient algorithms for resource allocation are proposed to improve energy efficiency in wireless and wired networks.