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.

Thesis (M. Sc. (Chemistry)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017. / In order to meet the great demand of energy supply globally, there must be a transition from dependency on fossil fuel as a primary energy source to renewable source. This can be attained by use of hydrogen gas as an energy carrier. In the context of hydrogen fuel cell economy, an effective hydrogen generation is of crucial significant. Hydrogen gas can be produced from different methods such as steam reforming of fossil fuels which emit greenhouse gases during production and from readily available and renewable resources in the process of water electrolysis. Hydrogen generated from water splitting using solar energy (photocatalysis) or electric energy (electrocatalysis) has attracted most researchers recently due to clean hydrogen (without emission of greenhouse gases) attained during hydrogen production. In comparison with photocatalytic water splitting directly using solar energy, which is ideal but the relevant technologies are not yet commercialized, electrolysis of water using catalyst is more practical at the current stage. The platinum group noble metals (PGMs) are the most effecting electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) but their scarcity and high cost limit their application. In this study, we presented the noble metal free organic-inorganic hybrid composites and their HER electrocatalysis performances were investigated. Polyaniline-metal organic framework (PANI/MOF) composite was prepared by chemical oxidation of aniline monomer in the presence of MOF content for hydrogen production. The properties of PANI, MOF and PANI/MOF composite were characterised for their structure and properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), square wave (SWV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). There was a clear interaction of MOF on the backbone of the PANI matrix through electrostatic interaction as investigated by both Raman and FTIR. The MOF exhibited irregular crystals with further wrapping of MOF by PANI matrix as evidenced by both SEM and TEM analyses. The PANI composite exhibited some nanorods and microporous structure. x The determined energy band gap of the composite was in good agreement with previously reported catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The thermal stability of PANI increased upon addition of MOF. Experiments probing the electrochemical, HER and photophysical properties revealed that the composite was very stable and robust with significant improvement in properties. The resulting composite is a promising low-cost and environmentally friendly hydrogen production material. In this work we also reported about novel poly (3-aminobenzoic acid)-metal organic framework referred as PABA/MOF composite. Spectroscopic characterisations (UV-vis and FTIR) with support of XRD and TGA revealed a successful interaction between PABA and MOF. Morphological characterisation established that PABA is wrapping MOF and the amorphous nature of the materials were not affected. The catalytic effect of PABA and PABA/MOF composites on HER was studied using exchange current density and charge transfer coefficient determined by the Tafel slope method. A drastic increase in catalytic H2 evolution was observed in PABA and composite. Moreover, they merely require overpotentials as low as ~-0.405 V to attain current densities of ~0.8 and 1.5 Am-2 and show good longterm stability. We further demonstrated in the work the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction of MOF decorated with PABA. These novel MOF/PABA composites with different PABA loading were synthesised via in situ solvothermal synthesis of MOF in the presence of PABA. It was deduced that PABA with different loading amount have an influence on the morphologies, optical properties and thermal stabilities of MOF. Interestingly, the MOF/PABA composites exhibited the great significant on the HER performance and this is potentially useful in HER application for hydrogen fuel cell. / Sasol Inzalo foundation and National Research Foundation of South Africa

The City of Stockholm’s energy and climate goals are analyzed and projected in several scenarios. Using the year 2015 as the baseline year, a database covering the energy performance and fuel use within the City is created. This starting point is used to project the performance of the City until the year 2050. The projection is made with the use of scenarios and the simulation software LEAP by formulating scenarios that combine ongoing, planned and conceivable measures. All these scenarios aim to the reduction of emissions with the long term aim to set the City of Stockholm a fossil fuel free city by 2050. Various paths can be followed towards that goal and these are analyzed and classified based on cost and applicability. According to the simulation of scenarios, the immediate action and the long-term planning are shown to play an essential role in achieving the City’s goals. In addition, the significance of policy, the behavioral aspect and the continuous gradual development are found to be three basic pillars towards the target that the City has set. Specifically, the City should focus on energy efficiency in both generation and utilization. Available technology can help to this direction at an affordable cost and with remarkable potential. However, in order to achieve the target of an entirely fossil fuel free city by the year 2050, the City of Stockholm needs to support a shift of transportation modes towards public transport. Currently, the transportation sector has a low share of clean fuels and is likely going to be the most challenging sector to affect. Among the challenges in the transportation sector comes the fact that there is always a given risk when trying to introduce a new dominant fuel, based on assumptions of future car fleets and volatility of markets. Biofuels may for instance lead to a shortage in the market with higher biofuel and food prices as a result while changing the entire vehicle fleet takes 20 years on average. The best possible scenario does demonstrate one possible path toward a fossil fuel free City of Stockholm 2050 by taking a number of aggressive actions. This does not account for possible new technologies nor changes in the economy at large.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / With the rapid rise in energy demand and ever-escalating environmental hazards, the need for transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources is of paramount importance, requiring better and efficient energy storage devices such as supercapacitors. Supercapacitors are energy storage devices with high power density and long cycle life, but relatively low energy density when compared to batteries. New and advanced electrode materials are required to improve the energy density requirements of next-generation supercapacitors. However, the search for new types of active materials to be used as supercapacitors' electrodes continues to be a tough challenge. Herein, ruthenium antimony oxide (RuSbO) and ruthenium antimony oxide graphene (RuSbO-G) were synthesized via the microwave-assisted method for the first time and tested as a possible electrode material for an asymmetric supercapacitor. Graphene oxide prepared by modified Hummer’s method was exfoliated at low temperature and used for the synthesis of RuSbO-G. / 2025

A stylised analytical framework is used to show how the global carbon tax and the amount of untapped fossil fuel can be calculated from a simple rule given estimates of society's rate of time impatience and intergenerational inequality aversion, the extraction cost technology, the rate of technical progress in renewable energy and the future trend rate of economic growth. The predictions of the simple framework are tested in a calibrated numerical and more complex version of the integrated assessment model (IAM). This IAM makes use of the Oxford carbon cycle of Allen et al. (2009), which differs from DICE, FUND and PAGE in that cumulative emissions are the key driving force of changes in temperature. We highlight the importance of the speed and direction of technological change for the energy transition and how time impatience, intergenerational inequality aversion and expected trend growth affect the time paths of the optimal global carbon tax and the optimal amount of fossil fuel reserves to leave untapped. We also compare these with the adverse global warming trajectories that occur if no policy actions are taken.

O problema da poluição do ar se constitui em uma das mais graves ameaças à qualidade de vida de homens, animais, vegetais e a todo ambiente. O aumento da concentração de poluentes atmosféricos é gerado devido à crescente urbanização e ao aumento da frota de veículos automotores, principalmente. As emissões causadas por veículos carregam diversas substâncias tóxicas como: monóxido de carbono (CO), óxidos de nitrogênio (NOx), compostos orgânicos voláteis (COV), hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPA) e outros que produzem vários efeitos negativos sobre a saúde. Tendo em vista essa situação, o objetivo deste trabalho foi a análise de gases poluentes emitidos por motores por Cromatografia Gasosa de Alta Resolução (CGAR). Foram analisados compostos orgânicos voláteis (benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno, o-xileno, m-xileno e p-xileno) nas emissões de motores empregando diesel de petróleo como combustível, B10 e etanol. Para estes combustíveis, compararam-se os teores dessas emissões (substâncias poluentes) variando-se alguns parâmetros dos motores. Também, foram feitas determinações dessas substâncias tóxicas nas emissões de motores empregando etanol como combustível. Nas emissões deste tipo de motor variando-se os parâmetros qualidade da mistura e rotação detectou-se benzeno na concentração 0,129 &#177 0,021, 0,124 &#177 0,020 e 0,132 &#177 0,007 &#956g/mL (mistura rica, estequiométrica e pobre, respectivamente); 0,134 &#177 0,017, 0,129 &#177 0,007 e 0,133 &#177 0,044 &#956g/mL (1700 rpm, 2200 rpm e 2700 rpm, respectivamente) que podem ser provenientes do óleo lubrificante. Em geral, para o motor de ignição por compressão, comparando-se as emissões tanto por diesel de petróleo como com mistura B10 observou-se uma redução significativa nas emissões dos poluentes aromáticos quando se emprega a mistura B10. Principalmente, para o benzeno, notou-se diminuição nas concentrações de até 24,5%. Apesar de ter obtido um valor de concentração abaixo de 1 &#956g/mL tanto na utilização do diesel quanto na de B10, esta redução é extremamente significante, por ser o benzeno, um composto carcinogênico. Além disso, a adição de biodiesel ao diesel mostrou-se eficiente na redução das emissões de poluentes. / Air pollution\'s is one of the most serious environment problems concerning human animals and vegetables life. The increase of concentration of atmospheric pollutants is generated mainly due to increasing urbanization and the increase on the number of motor vehicles. The emissions caused by vehicles contain several toxic substances as: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and others substances ending quite negative effect on health. Considering this situation, this study described the procedures of analysis of pollutant gases emitted by engines, such as volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethilbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene and p-xylene) by using High Resolution Gas Chromatography (HRGC) applied to diesel, B10 mixture, and ethanol emissions analysis. Considering the use of diesel and B10 as fuel, a comparative studies has been performed for fossil fuel (diesel) and biodiesel by varying some parameters of the engines. Also, determination of these toxic substances in the emissions of engines had been made using ethanol as fuel. In the emissions of this type of engine varying the parameters as mixture quality and rotation had been detected benzene at concentration values 0,129 &#177 0,021, 0,124 &#177 0,020 e 0,132 &#177 0,007 &#956g/mL (rich, stoichiometry and lean mixture); 0,134 &#177 0,017, 0,129 &#177 0,007 e 0,133 &#177 0,044 &#956g/mL (1700 rpm, 2200 rpm and 2700 rpm, respectively) that can be proceeding from the lubricant oil. In general, for CI engine burning diesel or B10 mixture it has been observed drastically reduction in the emissions of the aromatic compounds by using B10. Especially for benzene the reduction of concentrations occurs on the level of about 24.5%. Although, it has obtained a concentration value below 1 &#956g/mL as much as in the using diesel and B10, this reduction is, extremely significant, to being benzene a carcinogenic compound. Moreover, the addition of biodiesel to the diesel has been showed efficient in the reduction of the pollutants emissions.

The increase of petroleum cost as well as global warming and climate change result in investigation to discover new renewable energy resources. Bioenergy is one of the most important sources that is concerning the scientists and industrial sector. Although bioethanol had to be known as one of the most important renewable energy sources in order to reduce greenhouse gases and global warming, there is a limited number of publications reporting on them. In this review, a brief overview is offered about bioethanol production from algae. It can be given a deeper insight in dificulties and promising potential of bioethanol from algae. / Sự gia tăng giá nhiên liệu hóa thạch cùng với cảnh báo toàn cầu về biến đổi khí hậu hướng đến việc nghiên cứu tìm ra những nguồn năng lượng có thể tái tạo. Năng lượng sinh học là một trong những nguồn quan trọng được các nhà khoa học và doanh nghiệp quan tâm. Mặc dù ethanol sinh học đã được biết đến như là một trong những dạng năng lượng tái tạo quan trọng nhất để giảm thiểu các khí nhà kính và cảnh báo toàn cầu, nhưng chỉ có một số ít bài báo về nó. Trong bài tổng quan này, chúng tôi giới thiệu vắn tắt việc sản xuất ethanol sinh học từ tảo. Nó đưa ra cái nhìn sâu hơn về những khó khăn và tiềm năng hứa hẹn của sản xuất ethanol sinh học từ tảo.

An experimental apparatus was designed and built to study the thermal autoxidative carbon deposition, or coking, in the fuel injection nozzles of small gas turbine engines. The apparatus is a simplified representation of an aircraft fuel system, consisting of a preheating section and a test section, which is a passage that simulates the geometry, temperatures, pressures and flow rates seen by the fuel injection nozzles. Preliminary experiments were performed to verify the functionality of the apparatus. Pressure drop across the test section was measured throughout the experiments to monitor deposit buildup, and an effective reduction in test section diameter due to deposit blockage was calculated. The preliminary experiments showed that the pressure drop increased more significantly for higher test section temperatures, and that pressure drop measurement is an effective method of monitoring and quantifying deposit buildup.

An experimental apparatus was designed and built to study the thermal autoxidative carbon deposition, or coking, in the fuel injection nozzles of small gas turbine engines. The apparatus is a simplified representation of an aircraft fuel system, consisting of a preheating section and a test section, which is a passage that simulates the geometry, temperatures, pressures and flow rates seen by the fuel injection nozzles. Preliminary experiments were performed to verify the functionality of the apparatus. Pressure drop across the test section was measured throughout the experiments to monitor deposit buildup, and an effective reduction in test section diameter due to deposit blockage was calculated. The preliminary experiments showed that the pressure drop increased more significantly for higher test section temperatures, and that pressure drop measurement is an effective method of monitoring and quantifying deposit buildup.

The fossil fuel divestment movement is a directed-network campaign that strategically uses economic and ethical arguments to challenge the social license of the fossil fuel industry. Fossil fuel divestment campaigns have become an induction point for the youth climate movement in North America (Grady-Benson & Sarathy, 2015; Rowe et. al., 2016). The analytical and operational approaches to social change employed by the fossil fuel divestment movement are having a ripple effect on the political orientation of a new generation of activists and environmental leaders. This thesis explores concepts and practices of climate justice in the fossil fuel divestment movement on Canadian university campuses, as a flashpoint in the shifting terrain of environmentalism. The research uses qualitative methods to analyze three case study campaigns, as well as supplemental interviews from additional campaign members and national coordinating organizations like 350.org and the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition. This project contributes to a growing body of literature concerned with applied political theory (Rowe et. al., 2016; Schifeling & Hoffman, 2017) and the social impacts of fossil fuel divestment (Bratman et al, 2016; Grady-Benson & Sarathy, 2015; Mangat et al., 2018), providing new insight into the potential of divestment organizing to disrupt dominant narratives of mainstream environmentalism. Fossil fuel divestment organizers are articulating climate justice analysis that calls for transformative system change, including critiques of neoliberal capitalism that are predominantly grounded in climate justice approaches. / Graduate