1.Research on provincial carbon quota allocation under the background of carbon neutralization

Chen, B; Zhang, HY; (...); Liu, SM

Jul 2022 | ENERGY REPORTS 8 , pp.903-915

To achieve the goals of national emission reduction, carbon peak and carbon neutralization, different provinces will face extremely limited and strict carbon emission space. How to allocate these limited carbon emission spaces is not only related to the realization of emission reduction targets, but also the development of the social economy. There are significant differences in resource endowments and development stages among provinces in China, and the industrial structure is very different. The allocation of carbon quotas under the path of carbon neutrality is particularly important. Based on the carbon-neutral path simulated by existing research, this paper selects population size, GDP value, historical cumulative carbon emissions and carbon emission efficiency indicators calculated by the Super-SBM model from the perspective of fairness and efficiency to allocate carbon quotas in each province. The results show that Guangdong has the largest proportion of 8 %, Jiangsu ranks second with 5 %, and Henan ranks third with nearly 5 %. Xinjiang, Qinghai and Ningxia has the lowest proportion of quotas, 1.7 %, 0.88 % and 0.72 % respectively. Overall, well-developed provinces (Guangdong, Jiangsu) and populous provinces (Henan, Shandong, Sichuan) have an advantage in distribution due to higher carbon emission efficiency and larger population size. In some underdeveloped regions, carbon quotas are low due to low economic development levels, small population scale and low carbon emission efficiency. Meanwhile, in some high emission provinces, such as Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shanxi and Xinjiang, due to the high historical cumulative carbon emissions per capita, the quota is less. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

2.Strategies to achieve a carbon neutral society: a review.

Chen, Lin; Msigwa, Goodluck; (...); Yap, Pow-Seng

2022-Apr-08 | Environmental chemistry letters , pp.1-34

The increasing global industrialization and over-exploitation of fossil fuels has induced the release of greenhouse gases, leading to an increase in global temperature and causing environmental issues. There is therefore an urgent necessity to reach net-zero carbon emissions. Only 4.5% of countries have achieved carbon neutrality, and most countries are still planning to do so by 2050-2070. Moreover, synergies between different countries have hampered synergies between adaptation and mitigation policies, as well as their co-benefits. Here, we present a strategy to reach a carbon neutral economy by examining the outcome goals of the 26th summit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26). Methods have been designed for mapping carbon emissions, such as input-output models, spatial systems, geographic information system maps, light detection and ranging techniques, and logarithmic mean divisia. We present decarbonization technologies and initiatives, and negative emissions technologies, and we discuss carbon trading and carbon tax. We propose plans for carbon neutrality such as shifting away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy, and the development of low-carbon technologies, low-carbon agriculture, changing dietary habits and increasing the value of food and agricultural waste. Developing resilient buildings and cities, introducing decentralized energy systems, and the electrification of the transportation sector is also necessary. We also review the life cycle analysis of carbon neutral systems.

3.Smart systems engineering contributing to an intelligent carbon-neutral future: opportunities, challenges, and prospects

Wang, XN; Li, J; (...); Li, JL

Mar 2022 (在线发表) | FRONTIERS OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

This communication paper provides an overview of multi-scale smart systems engineering (SSE) approaches and their applications in crucial domains including materials discovery, intelligent manufacturing, and environmental management. A major focus of this interdisciplinary field is on the design, operation and management of multi-scale systems with enhanced economic and environmental performance. The emergence of big data analytics, internet of things, machine learning, and general artificial intelligence could revolutionize next-generation research, industry and society. A detailed discussion is provided herein on opportunities, challenges, and future directions of SSE in response to the pressing carbon-neutrality targets.

3.Perspective-The Role of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells in Our Carbon-Neutral Future

Tew, DE; Cox-Galhotra, RA; (...); Soloveichik, GL

Feb 1 2022 | JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY 169 (2)

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) offer the potential for compelling value propositions in stationary and transportation applications through their high efficiency and fuel flexibility-two critical characteristics that will allow them to facilitate our transition to a carbon neutral economy. This paper describes the overall integration synergies that can be realized in hybrid systems comprised of an SOFC and an engine bottom-cycle. The development to date is reviewed, and application-specific value propositions are explored. Finally, the environmental impact of hybrid systems are discussed, and key challenges to overcome are examined for this highly efficient conversion technology to achieve commercial success.

4.Review of Global Carbon Neutral Strategies and Technologies

세계탄소중립전략및기술고찰

Cheon, Youngho

2022 | Journal of the Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers (한국자원공학회지) 59 (1) , pp.99-112

Declarations of achieving carbon neutrality are made by world leaders to prevent the climate change crisis and global warming. While direct regulatory measures for reaching carbon neutrality, such as market-based mechanisms, do exist, there may be limits to their use. Governments are now advocating for energy transitions, which involves replacing most of their electricity demand with renewable energy, hydrogen and nuclear power generation instead of fossil fuel power generation, and replacing non-electric energy demand with hydrogen energy. In this paper, we review the projected decline of fossil fuels in the current energy transition period and the characteristics of new and renewable energy predicted to replace them. Further, we review the role of the overseas resource development industries in the era of carbon neutrality, including Carbon capture and storage (CCS), and the overseas development of clean hydrogen energy.

5.Achieving a Carbon Neutral Future through Advanced Functional Materials and Technologies

Chapman, A; Ertekin, E; (...); Sofronis, P

Jan 2022 | BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 95 (1) , pp.73-103

Current greenhouse gas emissions suggest that keeping global temperature increase below 1.5 degrees, as espoused in the Paris Agreements will be challenging, and to do so, the achievement of carbon neutrality is of utmost importance. It is also clear that no single solution can meet the carbon neutral challenge, so it is essential for scientific research to cover a broad range of technologies and initiatives which will enable the realization of a carbon free energy system. This study details the broad, yet targeted research themes being pioneered within the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER). These approaches include hydrogen materials, bio-mimetic catalysts, electrochemistry, thermal energy and absorption, carbon capture, storage and management and refrigerants. Here we outline the state of the art for this suite of technologies and detail how their deployment, alongside prudent energy policy implementation can engender a carbon neutral Japan by 2050. Recognizing that just as no single technological solution will engender carbon neutrality, no single nation can expect to achieve this goal alone. This study represents a recognition of conducive international policy agendas and is representative of interdisciplinary, international collaboration.