Progress in Energy - IOPscience

Progress in Energy - IOPscience
Purpose-led Publishing
is a coalition of three not-for-profit publishers in the field of physical sciences: AIP Publishing, the American Physical Society and IOP Publishing.
Together, as publishers that will always put purpose above profit, we have defined a set of industry standards that underpin high-quality, ethical scholarly communications.
We are proudly declaring that science is our only shareholder.
ISSN:
2516-1083
SUPPORTS OPEN ACCESS
Progress in Energy
(PRGE) is a highly selective, high-impact and multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing groundbreaking new research and authoritative invited reviews of the highest quality and significance across all aspects of the global energy transition.
NOW OPEN FOR ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Progress in Energy
is now part of the
Progress In
journal series and is open for original research submissions with an open access option for all authors.
Read the announcement
Submit
an article
opens in new tab
Track my article
opens in new tab
RSS
Sign up for new issue notifications
Median submission to first decision before peer review
13 days
Median submission to first decision after peer review
104 days
Impact factor
9.8
Citescore
20.1
Full list of journal metrics
The following article is
Open access
A review of direct air capture (DAC): scaling up commercial technologies and innovating for the future
Noah McQueen
et al
2021
Prog. Energy
032001
View article
, A review of direct air capture (DAC): scaling up commercial technologies and innovating for the future
PDF
, A review of direct air capture (DAC): scaling up commercial technologies and innovating for the future
Direct air capture (DAC) can provide an impactful, engineered approach to combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide (CO
) from the air. However, to meet climate goals, DAC needs to be scaled at a rapid rate. Current DAC approaches use engineered contactors filled with chemicals to repeatedly capture CO
from the air and release high purity CO
that can be stored or otherwise used. This review article focuses on two distinctive, commercial DAC processes to bind with CO
: solid sorbents and liquid solvents. We discuss the properties of solvents and sorbents, including mass transfer, heat transfer and chemical kinetics, as well as how these properties influence the design and cost of the DAC process. Further, we provide a novel overview of the considerations for deploying these DAC technologies, including concepts for learning-by-doing that may drive down costs and material requirements for scaling up DAC technologies.
The following article is
Open access
A review of pumped hydro energy storage
Andrew Blakers
et al
2021
Prog. Energy
022003
View article
, A review of pumped hydro energy storage
PDF
, A review of pumped hydro energy storage
The need for storage in electricity systems is increasing because large amounts of variable solar and wind generation capacity are being deployed. About two thirds of net global annual power capacity additions are solar and wind. Pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) comprises about 96% of global storage power capacity and 99% of global storage energy volume. Batteries occupy most of the balance of the electricity storage market including utility, home and electric vehicle batteries. Batteries are rapidly falling in price and can compete with pumped hydro for short-term storage (minutes to hours). However, pumped hydro continues to be much cheaper for large-scale energy storage (several hours to weeks). Most existing pumped hydro storage is river-based in conjunction with hydroelectric generation. Water can be pumped from a lower to an upper reservoir during times of low demand and the stored energy can be recovered at a later time. In the future, the vast storage opportunities available in closed loop off-river pumped hydro systems will be utilized. In such systems water is cycled repeatedly between two closely spaced small reservoirs located away from a river. This review covers the technology, cost, environmental impacts and opportunities for PHES. The key motivations for this review are firstly that large amounts of variable wind and solar generators are being deployed; and secondly that there are vast opportunities for low-cost pumped hydro storage that do not require interference with rivers (with the associated environmental cost).
The following article is
Open access
A continuum of physics-based lithium-ion battery models reviewed
F Brosa Planella
et al
2022
Prog. Energy
042003
View article
, A continuum of physics-based lithium-ion battery models reviewed
PDF
, A continuum of physics-based lithium-ion battery models reviewed
Physics-based electrochemical battery models derived from porous electrode theory are a very powerful tool for understanding lithium-ion batteries, as well as for improving their design and management. Different model fidelity, and thus model complexity, is needed for different applications. For example, in battery design we can afford longer computational times and the use of powerful computers, while for real-time battery control (e.g. in electric vehicles) we need to perform very fast calculations using simple devices. For this reason, simplified models that retain most of the features at a lower computational cost are widely used. Even though in the literature we often find these simplified models posed independently, leading to inconsistencies between models, they can actually be derived from more complicated models using a unified and systematic framework. In this review, we showcase this reductive framework, starting from a high-fidelity microscale model and reducing it all the way down to the single particle model, deriving in the process other common models, such as the Doyle–Fuller–Newman model. We also provide a critical discussion on the advantages and shortcomings of each of the models, which can aid model selection for a particular application. Finally, we provide an overview of possible extensions to the models, with a special focus on thermal models. Any of these extensions could be incorporated into the microscale model and the reductive framework re-applied to lead to a new generation of simplified, multi-physics models.
The following article is
Open access
High energy burden and low-income energy affordability: conclusions from a literature review
Marilyn A Brown
et al
2020
Prog. Energy
042003
View article
, High energy burden and low-income energy affordability: conclusions from a literature review
PDF
, High energy burden and low-income energy affordability: conclusions from a literature review
In an era of U.S. energy abundance, the persistently high energy bills paid by low-income households is troubling. After decades of weatherization and bill-payment programs, low-income households still spend a higher percent of their income on electricity and gas bills than any other income group. Their energy burden is not declining, and it remains persistently high in particular geographies such as the South, rural America, and minority communities. As public agencies and utilities attempt to transition to a sustainable energy future, many of the programs that promote energy efficiency, rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and home batteries are largely inaccessible to low-income households due to affordability barriers. This review describes the ecosystem of stakeholders and programs, and identifies promising opportunities to address low-income energy affordability, such as behavioral economics, data analytics, and leveraging health care benefits. Scalable approaches require linking programs and policies to tackle the complex web of causes and impacts faced by financially constrained households.
The following article is
Open access
REMIND-PyPSA-Eur: integrating power system flexibility into sector-coupled energy transition pathways
Adrian Odenweller
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
025001
View article
, REMIND-PyPSA-Eur: integrating power system flexibility into sector-coupled energy transition pathways
PDF
, REMIND-PyPSA-Eur: integrating power system flexibility into sector-coupled energy transition pathways
The rapid expansion of low-cost renewable electricity combined with end-use electrification in transport, industry, and buildings offers a promising path to deep decarbonisation. However, aligning variable supply with demand requires strategies for daily and seasonal balancing. Existing models either lack the wide scope required for long-term transition pathways or the spatio-temporal detail to capture power system variability and flexibility. Here, we combine the complementary strengths of REMIND, a long-term integrated assessment model, and PyPSA-Eur, an hourly energy system model, through a bi-directional, price-based and iterative soft coupling. REMIND provides pathway variables such as sectoral electricity demand, installed capacities, and costs to PyPSA-Eur, which returns optimised operational variables such as capacity factors, storage requirements, and relative prices. After sufficient convergence, this integrated approach jointly optimises long-term investment and short-term operation. We demonstrate the coupling for two Germany-focused scenarios, with and without demand-side flexibility, reaching climate neutrality by 2045. Our results confirm that a sector-coupled energy system with nearly 100% renewable electricity is technically possible and economically viable. Power system flexibility influences long-term pathways through price differentiation: supply-side market values vary by generation technology, while demand-side prices vary by end-use sector. Flexible electrolysers and smart-charging electric vehicles benefit from below-average prices, whereas less flexible heat pumps face almost twice the average price due to winter peak loads. Without demand-side flexibility, electricity prices increase across all end-users, though battery deployment partially compensates. By integrating hourly power system dynamics into multi-decadal energy transition pathways, our approach addresses the fundamental trade-off between the wide scope needed for climate policy analysis and the spatio-temporal detail needed for power system planning.
The rise of electric vehicles—2020 status and future expectations
Matteo Muratori
et al
2021
Prog. Energy
022002
View article
, The rise of electric vehicles—2020 status and future expectations
PDF
, The rise of electric vehicles—2020 status and future expectations
Electric vehicles (EVs) are experiencing a rise in popularity over the past few years as the technology has matured and costs have declined, and support for clean transportation has promoted awareness, increased charging opportunities, and facilitated EV adoption. Suitably, a vast body of literature has been produced exploring various facets of EVs and their role in transportation and energy systems. This paper provides a timely and comprehensive review of scientific studies looking at various aspects of EVs, including: (a) an overview of the status of the light-duty-EV market and current projections for future adoption; (b) insights on market opportunities beyond light-duty EVs; (c) a review of cost and performance evolution for batteries, power electronics, and electric machines that are key components of EV success; (d) charging-infrastructure status with a focus on modeling and studies that are used to project charging-infrastructure requirements and the economics of public charging; (e) an overview of the impact of EV charging on power systems at multiple scales, ranging from bulk power systems to distribution networks; (f) insights into life-cycle cost and emissions studies focusing on EVs; and (g) future expectations and synergies between EVs and other emerging trends and technologies. The goal of this paper is to provide readers with a snapshot of the current state of the art and help navigate this vast literature by comparing studies critically and comprehensively and synthesizing general insights. This detailed review paints a positive picture for the future of EVs for on-road transportation, and the authors remain hopeful that remaining technology, regulatory, societal, behavioral, and business-model barriers can be addressed over time to support a transition toward cleaner, more efficient, and affordable transportation solutions for all.
The following article is
Open access
Pumped hydro energy storage to support 100% renewable energy
Andrew Blakers
et al
2025
Prog. Energy
022004
View article
, Pumped hydro energy storage to support 100% renewable energy
PDF
, Pumped hydro energy storage to support 100% renewable energy
The rapidly growing scale of solar photovoltaics and wind energy coupled with electrification of transport, heating and industry offers an affordable pathway for achieving deep decarbonization. Massive integration of variable solar photovoltaics and wind energy requires large-scale adoption of short (seconds-hours) and long (hours-days) duration energy storage. Currently, long-duration pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) accounts for about 95% of global energy storage for the electricity sector. This paper discusses the Global PHES Atlases developed by the Australian National University which identify 0.8 million off-river (closed-loop) PHES sites with a combined 86 million Gigawatt-hours of storage potential, which is about 3 years of current global electricity production. These Atlases show that most global jurisdictions have vast potential for low-cost PHES with small water and land requirements, and that do not require new dams on rivers. The low capital cost of premium PHES systems ($ per kilowatt-hour) is pointed out. Methods for creating shortlists of promising PHES sites from the Atlases for detailed investigation are developed.
The following article is
Open access
Review of parameterisation and a novel database (LiionDB) for continuum Li-ion battery models
A A Wang
et al
2022
Prog. Energy
032004
View article
, Review of parameterisation and a novel database (LiionDB) for continuum Li-ion battery models
PDF
, Review of parameterisation and a novel database (LiionDB) for continuum Li-ion battery models
The Doyle–Fuller–Newman (DFN) framework is the most popular physics-based continuum-level description of the chemical and dynamical internal processes within operating lithium-ion-battery cells. With sufficient flexibility to model a wide range of battery designs and chemistries, the framework provides an effective balance between detail, needed to capture key microscopic mechanisms, and simplicity, needed to solve the governing equations at a relatively modest computational expense. Nevertheless, implementation requires values of numerous model parameters, whose ranges of applicability, estimation, and validation pose challenges. This article provides a critical review of the methods to measure or infer parameters for use within the isothermal DFN framework, discusses their advantages or disadvantages, and clarifies limitations attached to their practical application. Accompanying this discussion we provide a searchable database, available at
www.liiondb.com
, which aggregates many parameters and state functions for the standard DFN model that have been reported in the literature.
The following article is
Open access
Hard carbons for sodium-ion batteries and beyond
Fei Xie
et al
2020
Prog. Energy
042002
View article
, Hard carbons for sodium-ion batteries and beyond
PDF
, Hard carbons for sodium-ion batteries and beyond
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to the much more abundant resources of Na compared with Li in the world. Developing SIB technology to satisfy the increased demand for energy storage
is therefore a significant task
. However, one of the biggest bottlenecks is the design of high-performance and low-cost anode materials, since the graphite anode in commercial LIBs is not suitable for SIBs due to thermal dynamic issues. Hard carbon materials have been regarded as having the greatest potential as anodes in commercial SIBs owing to their excellent cost-effectiveness, but their relatively limited performance compared to the graphite in LIBs as well as the dimness of the sodium storage mechanisms still need further investigation. In this review, we summarize the progress of recent research into hard carbons for SIB applications, including the fundamentals of SIBs, sodium storage mechanisms, structures and the electrochemical performances of different types of hard carbons in SIBs and other types of sodium-based energy storage as well as the main challenges in this field. We aim to provide a general insight into hard carbons and their applications in SIBs, opening up future perspectives and possible research directions.
The following article is
Open access
Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
Emmanuel Aramendia
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
025003
View article
, Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
PDF
, Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
The transition to a low-carbon economy is expected to increase material requirements, as low-carbon technologies (LCTs) typically require more materials than fossil fuel-based energy systems. Here, we extend the MEDEAS-Spain Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) to improve the representation of material requirements, stocks, and flows. Key novelties are: (i) the use of sectoral material demand intensities for each economic sector, (ii) the consistent representation of material stocks and flows, (iii) for an exhaustive list of 43 mineral materials covered. We perform an impact analysis on the material requirements and associated environmental impacts (final energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and material footprint) of a baseline and three decarbonisation scenarios (reaching a 100% renewable electricity mix) to 2050. First, the PNIEC-LTDS scenario represents the national energy and climate plan (consistent with a green growth paradigm). Second, the CappedEcon scenario presents a final demand capped to its 2025 level (moderate demand-side measures). Third, the Sufficiency scenario is parametrised by downscaling monetary final demand across sectors to a level sufficient to provide decent living standards for the entire Spanish population; a novel approach within IAMs that aligns well with a postgrowth paradigm.
The results show that the material requirements of LCTs deployment are substantial. For the PNIEC-LTDS scenario, LCTs are responsible for more than 30% of total cumulative (2025–2050) requirements for copper (36%), chromium (70%), cobalt (84%), graphite (81%), lithium (66%), and nickel (82%). The material footprint increases by 47% between 2025 and 2050 for the PNIEC-LTDS scenario. However, material requirements are mostly driven by final consumption for the rest of economic activities (74% of the cumulative material footprint for the PNIEC-LTDS scenario). In contrast, the Sufficiency scenario achieves a large reduction in GHG emissions (fossil-fuel emissions are reduced by 93% compared to 2025) and in material footprint compared to the other scenarios (and reduced by 55% compared to 2025). The robustness of the results is ensured through a range of uncertainty analyses. Our results therefore suggest that reducing the level of final demand (with sector-specific reductions), in line with the transition to a postgrowth paradigm, could be crucial to reconcile a rapid and large deployment of LCTs with a reduction in material footprint.
Advances in two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials: from integration to applications
Caijuan Xia
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
022003
View article
, Advances in two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials: from integration to applications
PDF
, Advances in two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials: from integration to applications
Recent advancements in integrated two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials open new avenues for photonic technologies. This structure of 2D materials leads to strong light–matter interaction, high carrier density, quantum confinement effect and tunable bandgap, which contribute to their high NLO coefficients, ease tuning of their NLO properties, and ease of integration with micro-optoelectronic devices. This review focuses on recent advances in 2D NLO materials for integrated optical platforms. We first discuss the various strategies for integrating 2D NLO materials with photonic structures such as waveguides, optical fibers, microcavities, and metasurfaces. Next, we highlight the NLO phenomena exhibited by these integrated systems, including harmonic generation, multiphoton processes, and nonlinear refraction and absorption. Finally, we highlight emerging applications in areas such as nonlinear light sources, ultrafast pulse generation, optical frequency combs, photodetectors, terahertz generation, and optical computing. By highlighting recent breakthroughs, this review aims to provide a roadmap for advancing integrated 2D materials toward high-performance photonic technologies.
Third-order rectification in centrosymmetric metals
Sanjay Sarkar and Amit Agarwal 2026
Prog. Energy
025004
View article
, Third-order rectification in centrosymmetric metals
PDF
, Third-order rectification in centrosymmetric metals
Rectification, the conversion of AC fields into DC currents, is crucial for optoelectronic applications such as energy harvesting and wireless communication. However, it is conventionally absent in centrosymmetric systems due to vanishing second-order optical responses. Here, we demonstrate significant rectification and photogalvanic currents in centrosymmetric metals via third-order nonlinear optical responses, driven by finite Fermi surface and disorder-induced contributions. We unveil distinct band geometric mechanisms—including Berry curvature quadrupole, Fermi surface injection, and shift effects—and classify all symmetry-allowed rectification responses. Using graphene as an example, we illustrate rectification tunability via light polarization and helicity, enabling rectification engineering in centrosymmetric materials for energy-efficient photodetection and terahertz applications.
The following article is
Open access
Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
Emmanuel Aramendia
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
025003
View article
, Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
PDF
, Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
The transition to a low-carbon economy is expected to increase material requirements, as low-carbon technologies (LCTs) typically require more materials than fossil fuel-based energy systems. Here, we extend the MEDEAS-Spain Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) to improve the representation of material requirements, stocks, and flows. Key novelties are: (i) the use of sectoral material demand intensities for each economic sector, (ii) the consistent representation of material stocks and flows, (iii) for an exhaustive list of 43 mineral materials covered. We perform an impact analysis on the material requirements and associated environmental impacts (final energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and material footprint) of a baseline and three decarbonisation scenarios (reaching a 100% renewable electricity mix) to 2050. First, the PNIEC-LTDS scenario represents the national energy and climate plan (consistent with a green growth paradigm). Second, the CappedEcon scenario presents a final demand capped to its 2025 level (moderate demand-side measures). Third, the Sufficiency scenario is parametrised by downscaling monetary final demand across sectors to a level sufficient to provide decent living standards for the entire Spanish population; a novel approach within IAMs that aligns well with a postgrowth paradigm.
The results show that the material requirements of LCTs deployment are substantial. For the PNIEC-LTDS scenario, LCTs are responsible for more than 30% of total cumulative (2025–2050) requirements for copper (36%), chromium (70%), cobalt (84%), graphite (81%), lithium (66%), and nickel (82%). The material footprint increases by 47% between 2025 and 2050 for the PNIEC-LTDS scenario. However, material requirements are mostly driven by final consumption for the rest of economic activities (74% of the cumulative material footprint for the PNIEC-LTDS scenario). In contrast, the Sufficiency scenario achieves a large reduction in GHG emissions (fossil-fuel emissions are reduced by 93% compared to 2025) and in material footprint compared to the other scenarios (and reduced by 55% compared to 2025). The robustness of the results is ensured through a range of uncertainty analyses. Our results therefore suggest that reducing the level of final demand (with sector-specific reductions), in line with the transition to a postgrowth paradigm, could be crucial to reconcile a rapid and large deployment of LCTs with a reduction in material footprint.
The following article is
Open access
Assessing open-pit mine-site photovoltaic (PV) and floating PV potential using vision large model
Guohao Wang
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
025002
View article
, Assessing open-pit mine-site photovoltaic (PV) and floating PV potential using vision large model
PDF
, Assessing open-pit mine-site photovoltaic (PV) and floating PV potential using vision large model
The extraction and utilization of fossil fuels from mining areas worldwide have led to significant CO
emissions. Post-mining landscapes also present challenging environmental conditions that can hinder effective land use. In recent years, the installation of photovoltaic (PV) and floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems in abandoned mining areas has emerged as a promising solution. However, large-scale solar energy potential assessment methods in these areas are still lacking. To address these challenges, SolarMiner is presented, combining the approaches of both computer vision model and satellite imagery. By segmenting and identifying different types of mining areas and calculating their respective surface areas, the installation potential of both traditional PV and FPV systems is calculated. The model performance is validated using data from a province of China, Shanxi. Results reveal that there is a substantial solar energy potential in the mining areas, exceeding 1446 TWh annually, which was 6.52 times the total electricity consumption of Shanxi in 2023. The levelized costs of electricity range from 0.023 to 0.042 USD/kWh.
The role of grid-forming inverters in enabling high penetration of renewable energy in power systems: standards, ancillary services, current deployment, and future perspectives
Ali Q Al-Shetwi
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
022002
View article
, The role of grid-forming inverters in enabling high penetration of renewable energy in power systems: standards, ancillary services, current deployment, and future perspectives
PDF
, The role of grid-forming inverters in enabling high penetration of renewable energy in power systems: standards, ancillary services, current deployment, and future perspectives
As the global energy landscape undergoes a significant transformation toward increased integration of renewable energy sources (RESs), the stability and resilience of power systems face new challenges. Traditional grid stability mechanisms, heavily reliant on synchronous generators, are becoming less effective in systems with high-RES penetration. Grid-forming inverters (GFMIs) have emerged as a crucial technology to address these challenges by enabling inverter-based resources to not only inject power into the grid but also support critical grid functions, such as frequency and voltage regulation. While most literature focuses on GFMI control strategies, a critical gap remains in the understanding of their ancillary services, emerging standards, and real-world deployment. This paper provides a holistic review to bridge this gap, synthesizing the state of the art in GFMI ancillary services, international standards, grid codes, and global pilot projects. This review confirms that GFMIs are essential for providing a wide range of ancillary services beyond simple voltage and frequency regulation. It further demonstrates that although standards are emerging worldwide, they remain insufficiently harmonized, and it systematically identifies the key technical features and validated outcomes of leading real-world deployments. The findings indicate a critical need for updated market mechanisms and regulatory frameworks to fully realize the potential of GFMIs and ensure a stable transition to a power system dominated by renewable energy. Finally, the paper highlights future developments, challenges, and recommendations based on a thorough review of existing literature and real-world case studies.
Advances in two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials: from integration to applications
Caijuan Xia
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
022003
View article
, Advances in two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials: from integration to applications
PDF
, Advances in two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials: from integration to applications
Recent advancements in integrated two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials open new avenues for photonic technologies. This structure of 2D materials leads to strong light–matter interaction, high carrier density, quantum confinement effect and tunable bandgap, which contribute to their high NLO coefficients, ease tuning of their NLO properties, and ease of integration with micro-optoelectronic devices. This review focuses on recent advances in 2D NLO materials for integrated optical platforms. We first discuss the various strategies for integrating 2D NLO materials with photonic structures such as waveguides, optical fibers, microcavities, and metasurfaces. Next, we highlight the NLO phenomena exhibited by these integrated systems, including harmonic generation, multiphoton processes, and nonlinear refraction and absorption. Finally, we highlight emerging applications in areas such as nonlinear light sources, ultrafast pulse generation, optical frequency combs, photodetectors, terahertz generation, and optical computing. By highlighting recent breakthroughs, this review aims to provide a roadmap for advancing integrated 2D materials toward high-performance photonic technologies.
The role of grid-forming inverters in enabling high penetration of renewable energy in power systems: standards, ancillary services, current deployment, and future perspectives
Ali Q Al-Shetwi
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
022002
View article
, The role of grid-forming inverters in enabling high penetration of renewable energy in power systems: standards, ancillary services, current deployment, and future perspectives
PDF
, The role of grid-forming inverters in enabling high penetration of renewable energy in power systems: standards, ancillary services, current deployment, and future perspectives
As the global energy landscape undergoes a significant transformation toward increased integration of renewable energy sources (RESs), the stability and resilience of power systems face new challenges. Traditional grid stability mechanisms, heavily reliant on synchronous generators, are becoming less effective in systems with high-RES penetration. Grid-forming inverters (GFMIs) have emerged as a crucial technology to address these challenges by enabling inverter-based resources to not only inject power into the grid but also support critical grid functions, such as frequency and voltage regulation. While most literature focuses on GFMI control strategies, a critical gap remains in the understanding of their ancillary services, emerging standards, and real-world deployment. This paper provides a holistic review to bridge this gap, synthesizing the state of the art in GFMI ancillary services, international standards, grid codes, and global pilot projects. This review confirms that GFMIs are essential for providing a wide range of ancillary services beyond simple voltage and frequency regulation. It further demonstrates that although standards are emerging worldwide, they remain insufficiently harmonized, and it systematically identifies the key technical features and validated outcomes of leading real-world deployments. The findings indicate a critical need for updated market mechanisms and regulatory frameworks to fully realize the potential of GFMIs and ensure a stable transition to a power system dominated by renewable energy. Finally, the paper highlights future developments, challenges, and recommendations based on a thorough review of existing literature and real-world case studies.
Advances in carbon-based quantum dots for sustainable diesel engine applications: a critical review of combustion, performance and emissions
Chee Choy Chow
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
022001
View article
, Advances in carbon-based quantum dots for sustainable diesel engine applications: a critical review of combustion, performance and emissions
PDF
, Advances in carbon-based quantum dots for sustainable diesel engine applications: a critical review of combustion, performance and emissions
Carbon-based quantum dots (CbQDs), encompassing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), are an emerging class of nanomaterials with strong potential to serve as multifunctional fuel additives for compression ignition engines. This study presents the first focused critical review that consolidates and evaluates experimental findings reported in the literature on the combustion, performance, and emissions impacts of CbQDs in diesel-based fuels. Compared to broader carbonaceous nanomaterials, CbQDs offer unique advantages, including tunable surface functionality, nanoscale dispersion stability, and catalytic radical-generation potential. The review systematically analyzes experimental findings on the influence of CQDs and GQDs on ignition delay, fuel reactivity, brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and key exhaust emissions including carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (UHC), particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NO
). Results indicate that CbQDs can reduce BSFC and emissions of CO, UHC, and PM by up to 6.8%, 31%, 45% and 90% respectively, while enhancing BTE by up to 6.6% depending on formulation and dosing. However, NO
behavior remains formulation-dependent and often presents trade-offs. Despite encouraging outcomes, the review identifies major gaps in mechanistic understanding, standardization, long-term durability, and real-world validation. Key directions for future work are proposed, including deeper diagnostics, techno-economic analysis, and environmental risk assessments to support scalable deployment. This synthesis offers essential guidance for researchers and developers advancing next-generation, nanotechnology-enhanced diesel engine technologies.
Quantum materials based energy harvesting: a comprehensive review of energy conversion, storage, and saving technologies
Love Bansal
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
012001
View article
, Quantum materials based energy harvesting: a comprehensive review of energy conversion, storage, and saving technologies
PDF
, Quantum materials based energy harvesting: a comprehensive review of energy conversion, storage, and saving technologies
The worsening of climate adversity and the depletion of fossil fuels have led to an alarming situation, requiring urgent intervention to develop greener energy generation and conversion methods. The accelerated development of renewable energy conversion, storage, and conservation technologies is anticipated to play a pivotal role in addressing the looming global energy crisis. Quantum materials (QMs) are proving to be powerful new tools for advancing research and applications. Over the past two decades, QMs have been found to exhibit size-dependent tunable optical, electronic, and electrochemical properties. To date, QMs have demonstrated applications across electronics, energy-related domains, and communication technologies. However, despite the rapid growth of the field, several aspects concerning the synthesis and energy-related applications of QMs have not yet been systematically reviewed in prior studies. In this work, a systematic study has been consolidated on the design of QMs (including quantum dots, quantum wires, and quantum sheets/wells), through various synthesis techniques, with particular emphasis on their size-dependent characteristics. Recent developments in QMs and their applications in energy conversion (solar cells, photodetectors, LEDs, nanogenerators, and electrocatalysis), energy storage (batteries and supercapacitors), and energy saving (electrochromism) have been highlighted. In addition, the current challenges and future prospects of emerging QMs for potential multifunctional applications have been systematically summarized.
Ethanol in Brazil: a review of its potential impact on the energy transition
Beethoven Narváez-Romo
et al
2025
Prog. Energy
042002
View article
, Ethanol in Brazil: a review of its potential impact on the energy transition
PDF
, Ethanol in Brazil: a review of its potential impact on the energy transition
Brazil is a global leader in ethanol production from sugarcane, with corn-based ethanol emerging as a significant alternative. Understanding the technical potential of ethanol production is essential for supporting decarbonization in the energy transition. Therefore, the current study aims to comprehensively review sustainable ethanol production in Brazil, focusing on sugarcane processing and the emerging role of corn-based ethanol. The review includes a brief overview of ethanol production, details on first-generation and second-generation ethanol production, mapping of sugarcane production and biorefineries, an analysis of ethanol carbon intensity (CI), conversion factors for second-generation ethanol production, co-products, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and finally, an estimate of the ethanol production perspective along with the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The review indicates that co-products are important, and sustainable ethanol production can be increased by converting degraded pasturelands into agricultural crops or by utilizing second-crop corn in tropical climates. Results show that up to 351.6 M m
of sugarcane-based ethanol, equivalent to 7.51 EJ or 3.36 M barrels per day of crude oil, can be produced using 28 M ha when both 1G and 2G ethanol production are considered, while 98 M m
of corn-based ethanol can be produced using corn as a rotational crop, with full allocation for ethanol production. Additionally, implementing BECCS during the fermentation process could lead to cumulative net-negative emissions of 136.6 M tonnes of CO
, considered as carbon dioxide removal, when assuming an ethanol CI of 15.0 g CO
2-eq
/MJ. Finally, an additional reduction of 526 M tonnes of CO
per year can be achieved due to the displacement of fossil fuels by ethanol.
Addressing water usage challenges for electrolyzer operations in arid areas
Sinha et al
View accepted manuscript
, Addressing water usage challenges for electrolyzer operations in arid areas
PDF
, Addressing water usage challenges for electrolyzer operations in arid areas
Water is a globally abundant and low-cost feedstock for chemical and fuel production, but is not distributed homogeneously. Water electrolysis projects in arid regions are considering alternative water supply strategies such as reclaimed wastewater and desalination. A systematic approach to addressing water usage challenges in arid regions is to evaluate water usage over the life cycle of an electrolysis plant. Demand and supply-side water strategies can then be applied to address the life cycle hotspots. Cradle-to-grave water withdrawal has been evaluated for a 100 megawatt proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) plant operated with renewable (wind) power in order to identify engineering approaches for mitigating water use. Over 99% of direct and 85% of life cycle (direct and embodied) water withdrawal occurs during plant operation, with the remainder primarily attributable to stack manufacturing and replacement. Dry cooling reduces water withdrawal by a factor of ~3 compared to evaporative (wet) cooling. During plant operation, direct water withdrawal with dry cooling is 13 L/kg H2, with 9 L/kg H2 consumed for H2 production. The difference is mainly reject water (3.5 L/kg H2) from the reverse osmosis and deionization system, which can be reduced by ~half with an additional brine recovery unit. Direct primary water withdrawal can also be reduced by alternative water supply such as treated municipal wastewater, subject to considerable project siting and contracting constraints. Utilizing dry cooling, cradle-to-grave direct and life cycle water withdrawal for the PEMWE plant (13.10 and 21.93 L/kg H2, respectively) are comparable to values for conventional H2 production via natural gas steam methane reforming (10.29 and 17.75 L/kg H2, respectively) and to low carbon fossil fuel H2 from natural gas autothermal reforming with carbon capture and sequestration (16.98 and 34.66 L/kg H2, respectively).
Recent progress in iontronic power sources based on nanoconfined ion modulation
Peng et al
View accepted manuscript
, Recent progress in iontronic power sources based on nanoconfined ion modulation
PDF
, Recent progress in iontronic power sources based on nanoconfined ion modulation
Iontronic power sources exploit the coupled transport of ions and electrons within liquids, gels, and nanoconfined architectures to realize energy harvesting, conversion, and storage beyond the scope of conventional electronics. Unlike systems governed solely by electron flow, iontronics harnesses the dynamic, selective, and fieldresponsive nature of ionic transport, offering unique advantages in flexibility, biointegration, and multifunctionality. This review delineates the nanoconfined ion dynamics and the principal mechanisms underlying iontronic power sources, including osmotic gradients, moisture-driven nanoconfined ion transport, and field-modulated ionic dynamics. We then examine recent technological advances that leverage nanoconfined ion modulation to enhance performance metrics. Finally, we outline emerging opportunities and future directions for iontronic power sources, highlighting their potential to transform energy technologies at the interface of materials science, bioelectronics, and nanotechnology.
Transient Coherent Perfect Absorption Enables Efficient Wireless Power Transfer
Hu et al
View accepted manuscript
, Transient Coherent Perfect Absorption Enables Efficient Wireless Power Transfer
PDF
, Transient Coherent Perfect Absorption Enables Efficient Wireless Power Transfer
Coherent perfect absorption (CPA) has long been regarded as the time-reversed analogue of lasing, but its realization has been fundamentally constrained to steady-state interference under impedance-matching conditions. Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of transient coherent perfect absorption (TCPA), achieved by harnessing interference between a steady mode and a self-excited evanescent mode in a non-Hermitian resonant circuit. By shifting the focus from the frequency domain to the time domain, we uncover a new mechanism that enables perfect absorption in mismatched systems, thereby overcoming a key limitation of conventional CPA. We further show that TCPA can be systematically controlled through circuit switching, validated by theory, simulation, and experiment, and leveraged to establish a pulse-driven wireless power transfer (WPT) scheme. This approach sustains high transfer efficiency even in weak-coupling regimes, outperforming conventional steady-state and adaptive-frequency designs. Our results introduce a previously unexplored class of timedomain non-Hermitian interference, laying the foundation for dynamically reconfigurable wave systems and opening new avenues for efficient WPT, high-sensitivity sensing, and integrated photonic control.
The following article is
Open access
Negative redispatch power for green hydrogen production: Game changer or lame duck? A German perspective
Brandt et al
View accepted manuscript
, Negative redispatch power for green hydrogen production: Game changer or lame duck? A German perspective
PDF
, Negative redispatch power for green hydrogen production: Game changer or lame duck? A German perspective
Following years of controversial discussions about the risks of market-based redispatch, the German transmission network operators finally installed regional redispatch markets by the end of 2024. Since water electrolysers are eligible market participants, the otherwise down-wards redispatched renewable energy can be used for green hydrogen production in compli-ance with European Union law. This article investigates whether and under which conditions the regional redispatch markets provide an economic incentive for electrolyser participation. We introduce a model of a green hydrogen production project sourcing electricity from differ-ent power purchase options in order to supply a green hydrogen off-taker. By using recreated historic redispatch time series, we evaluate various power purchase scenarios, taking differ-ent regulatory conditions, market price levels and production system configurations into ac-count. Our results show that low redispatch price levels can lead to notable production cost reductions, potentially counteracting uncertainties in redispatch power availability and thus incentivising system-beneficial electrolyser siting and market participation. The magnitude of possible cost reductions depends mainly on project sizes, storage cost and off-taker flexibility. Besides providing an incentive for system-beneficial siting, the cost reductions could increase the competitiveness of German and European green hydrogen compared to fossil-based al-ternatives. In contrast, the possibility of high redispatch price levels can nullify possible cost reductions and discourage market participation.
A Climate-Driven Generative Scenario Framework for Optimizing Integrated Energy Systems with Hybrid Storage Solutions
Tan et al
View accepted manuscript
, A Climate-Driven Generative Scenario Framework for Optimizing Integrated Energy Systems with Hybrid Storage Solutions
PDF
, A Climate-Driven Generative Scenario Framework for Optimizing Integrated Energy Systems with Hybrid Storage Solutions
As renewable energy sources (RES), particularly wind and solar, become increasingly integral to the urban energy mix, optimizing integrated energy systems (IES) is essential to ensuring sustainability and resilience. The inherent variability and intermittency of RES pose significant challenges for urban energy planning, demanding robust methods to simulate local climate patterns and support reliable energy storage strategies. This study presents a generative model based on adversarial learning to produce realistic wind and solar generation scenarios. Embedded within a Monte Carlo-based optimization framework, the model facilitates climate-responsive planning of urban IES. A case study conducted in a high-RES potential region demonstrates the model's effectiveness in supporting informed system design and operational strategies. Results reveal the complementary roles of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hydrogen storage in addressing short-term variability and longterm balancing needs. Notably, annual renewable generation can deviate by over 40.5% under extreme climate conditions, highlighting the necessity of hybrid storage strategies. The proposed approach significantly enhances system reliability and economic viability under diverse climate scenarios. Key contributions include: (1) the development of a climate-informed generative model for RES scenarios,(2) its integration into a optimization framework for IES, and (3) a hybrid storage strategy that reinforces the resilience and sustainability of urban energy systems. These findings offer practical insights for advancing low-carbon, climate-adaptive urban infrastructure in the transition toward sustainable cities.
The following article is
Open access
Negative redispatch power for green hydrogen production: Game changer or lame duck? A German perspective
Jonathan Brandt
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
View article
, Negative redispatch power for green hydrogen production: Game changer or lame duck? A German perspective
PDF
, Negative redispatch power for green hydrogen production: Game changer or lame duck? A German perspective
Following years of controversial discussions about the risks of market-based redispatch, the German transmission network operators finally installed regional redispatch markets by the end of 2024. Since water electrolysers are eligible market participants, the otherwise down-wards redispatched renewable energy can be used for green hydrogen production in compli-ance with European Union law. This article investigates whether and under which conditions the regional redispatch markets provide an economic incentive for electrolyser participation. We introduce a model of a green hydrogen production project sourcing electricity from differ-ent power purchase options in order to supply a green hydrogen off-taker. By using recreated historic redispatch time series, we evaluate various power purchase scenarios, taking differ-ent regulatory conditions, market price levels and production system configurations into ac-count. Our results show that low redispatch price levels can lead to notable production cost reductions, potentially counteracting uncertainties in redispatch power availability and thus incentivising system-beneficial electrolyser siting and market participation. The magnitude of possible cost reductions depends mainly on project sizes, storage cost and off-taker flexibility. Besides providing an incentive for system-beneficial siting, the cost reductions could increase the competitiveness of German and European green hydrogen compared to fossil-based al-ternatives. In contrast, the possibility of high redispatch price levels can nullify possible cost reductions and discourage market participation.
The following article is
Open access
Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
Emmanuel Aramendia
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
025003
View article
, Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
PDF
, Reducing material requirements while decarbonising the Spanish economy: from a green growth to a postgrowth paradigm
The transition to a low-carbon economy is expected to increase material requirements, as low-carbon technologies (LCTs) typically require more materials than fossil fuel-based energy systems. Here, we extend the MEDEAS-Spain Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) to improve the representation of material requirements, stocks, and flows. Key novelties are: (i) the use of sectoral material demand intensities for each economic sector, (ii) the consistent representation of material stocks and flows, (iii) for an exhaustive list of 43 mineral materials covered. We perform an impact analysis on the material requirements and associated environmental impacts (final energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and material footprint) of a baseline and three decarbonisation scenarios (reaching a 100% renewable electricity mix) to 2050. First, the PNIEC-LTDS scenario represents the national energy and climate plan (consistent with a green growth paradigm). Second, the CappedEcon scenario presents a final demand capped to its 2025 level (moderate demand-side measures). Third, the Sufficiency scenario is parametrised by downscaling monetary final demand across sectors to a level sufficient to provide decent living standards for the entire Spanish population; a novel approach within IAMs that aligns well with a postgrowth paradigm.
The results show that the material requirements of LCTs deployment are substantial. For the PNIEC-LTDS scenario, LCTs are responsible for more than 30% of total cumulative (2025–2050) requirements for copper (36%), chromium (70%), cobalt (84%), graphite (81%), lithium (66%), and nickel (82%). The material footprint increases by 47% between 2025 and 2050 for the PNIEC-LTDS scenario. However, material requirements are mostly driven by final consumption for the rest of economic activities (74% of the cumulative material footprint for the PNIEC-LTDS scenario). In contrast, the Sufficiency scenario achieves a large reduction in GHG emissions (fossil-fuel emissions are reduced by 93% compared to 2025) and in material footprint compared to the other scenarios (and reduced by 55% compared to 2025). The robustness of the results is ensured through a range of uncertainty analyses. Our results therefore suggest that reducing the level of final demand (with sector-specific reductions), in line with the transition to a postgrowth paradigm, could be crucial to reconcile a rapid and large deployment of LCTs with a reduction in material footprint.
The following article is
Open access
Assessing open-pit mine-site photovoltaic (PV) and floating PV potential using vision large model
Guohao Wang
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
025002
View article
, Assessing open-pit mine-site photovoltaic (PV) and floating PV potential using vision large model
PDF
, Assessing open-pit mine-site photovoltaic (PV) and floating PV potential using vision large model
The extraction and utilization of fossil fuels from mining areas worldwide have led to significant CO
emissions. Post-mining landscapes also present challenging environmental conditions that can hinder effective land use. In recent years, the installation of photovoltaic (PV) and floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems in abandoned mining areas has emerged as a promising solution. However, large-scale solar energy potential assessment methods in these areas are still lacking. To address these challenges, SolarMiner is presented, combining the approaches of both computer vision model and satellite imagery. By segmenting and identifying different types of mining areas and calculating their respective surface areas, the installation potential of both traditional PV and FPV systems is calculated. The model performance is validated using data from a province of China, Shanxi. Results reveal that there is a substantial solar energy potential in the mining areas, exceeding 1446 TWh annually, which was 6.52 times the total electricity consumption of Shanxi in 2023. The levelized costs of electricity range from 0.023 to 0.042 USD/kWh.
The following article is
Open access
REMIND-PyPSA-Eur: integrating power system flexibility into sector-coupled energy transition pathways
Adrian Odenweller
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
025001
View article
, REMIND-PyPSA-Eur: integrating power system flexibility into sector-coupled energy transition pathways
PDF
, REMIND-PyPSA-Eur: integrating power system flexibility into sector-coupled energy transition pathways
The rapid expansion of low-cost renewable electricity combined with end-use electrification in transport, industry, and buildings offers a promising path to deep decarbonisation. However, aligning variable supply with demand requires strategies for daily and seasonal balancing. Existing models either lack the wide scope required for long-term transition pathways or the spatio-temporal detail to capture power system variability and flexibility. Here, we combine the complementary strengths of REMIND, a long-term integrated assessment model, and PyPSA-Eur, an hourly energy system model, through a bi-directional, price-based and iterative soft coupling. REMIND provides pathway variables such as sectoral electricity demand, installed capacities, and costs to PyPSA-Eur, which returns optimised operational variables such as capacity factors, storage requirements, and relative prices. After sufficient convergence, this integrated approach jointly optimises long-term investment and short-term operation. We demonstrate the coupling for two Germany-focused scenarios, with and without demand-side flexibility, reaching climate neutrality by 2045. Our results confirm that a sector-coupled energy system with nearly 100% renewable electricity is technically possible and economically viable. Power system flexibility influences long-term pathways through price differentiation: supply-side market values vary by generation technology, while demand-side prices vary by end-use sector. Flexible electrolysers and smart-charging electric vehicles benefit from below-average prices, whereas less flexible heat pumps face almost twice the average price due to winter peak loads. Without demand-side flexibility, electricity prices increase across all end-users, though battery deployment partially compensates. By integrating hourly power system dynamics into multi-decadal energy transition pathways, our approach addresses the fundamental trade-off between the wide scope needed for climate policy analysis and the spatio-temporal detail needed for power system planning.
The following article is
Open access
Expert views of power electronics in the future high voltage power system
Spyridon Pavlidis
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
015003
View article
, Expert views of power electronics in the future high voltage power system
PDF
, Expert views of power electronics in the future high voltage power system
To assess the current and likely future role of power electronics in high-voltage transmission, detailed structured technical interviews were conducted with 13 leading experts. Thyristors were seen as a mature technology for which major performance improvements are unlikely because of limited market pull for line commutated converter (LCC-based) systems. In contrast, the performance of Si insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) used in voltage source converter (VSC-based) systems was predicted to improve due to continued and growing demand. Packaging and reliability of IGBTs were seen as particularly promising areas for improvement. While silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs were seen by many as a likely successor to Si IGBTs, the experts’ opinions of the timing for this transition varied. The major hurdles to be overcome include achieving high current/power operation, as well as systematically establishing high reliability that can compete with very mature Si technology. A diversity of views was expressed about present and likely future relative costs of LCC and VSC systems. Several experts argued that the cost of VSC-based converter stations is now at or below the cost of LCC stations. The cost of devices was assessed to be a larger fraction of total cost for VSC than for LCC stations, suggesting that device improvements could further reduce the overall cost of VSC-based high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. Most experts suggested that high future demand for power electronic devices from transportation and other sectors is unlikely to be a serious impediment to the future growth of HVDC.
The following article is
Open access
Sampling to analysis: simultaneous quantification of siloxanes and sulfur compounds in biogas for cleaner energy
Ayush Agarwal
et al
2026
Prog. Energy
015001
View article
, Sampling to analysis: simultaneous quantification of siloxanes and sulfur compounds in biogas for cleaner energy
PDF
, Sampling to analysis: simultaneous quantification of siloxanes and sulfur compounds in biogas for cleaner energy
The use of biogas as a renewable energy source is expanding rapidly, propelled by increasingly stringent climate policies that reduce fossil-fuel reliance and greenhouse gas emissions. However, trace impurities, particularly siloxanes and sulfur compounds, pose significant challenges to biogas utilization in energy systems. While regulatory standards like EN 16723 set strict limits on these impurities, the absence of standardized, validated methods traceable to reference standards complicates compliance, especially for small- and medium-scale biogas plants without advanced analytical capabilities. This study introduces an accessible method for the simultaneous quantification of siloxanes and condensable sulfur compounds in biogas, utilizing gas chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC-ICP-MS). A liquid quench sampling system (LQ) is employed to preconcentrate and store analytes, enabling biogas plants without specialized analytical tools to collect samples for centralized analysis. By consolidating sulfur and siloxane measurements into a single procedure, the method streamlines the process, reducing both time and complexity compared to conventional approaches. Validated across multiple biogas sources, including digesters and wood gasifiers, this methodolgy improves the understanding of impurity variations due to feedstock, seasonality, and operational factors. By streamlining compliance and plant optimization, the method supports policy goals for renewable gas, while helping valorize biowaste through reliable biomethane production, thereby advancing a circular, low-carbon economy.
The following article is
Open access
Retail rate design for decarbonized and resilient electricity systems
Madalsa Singh
et al
2025
Prog. Energy
043001
View article
, Retail rate design for decarbonized and resilient electricity systems
PDF
, Retail rate design for decarbonized and resilient electricity systems
This perspective examines trade-offs in designing residential electricity rates that improve economic efficiency while ensuring feasible and distributionally favorable outcomes. We analyze rate structures across three key dimensions: improving economic efficiency by reflecting social marginal costs; ensuring affordability, technology access, and residual cost recovery; and simplicity in customer understanding and implementation. While real-time pricing based on social marginal costs is the most economically efficient choice, intermediate approaches like time-of-use rates or critical peak rates may better balance competing objectives. We recommend that decision-makers (1) move towards pricing environmental externalities in time-varying electricity rates, (2) introduce time-varying rates with predictable price periods gradually, (3) expand access to flexibility enabling technologies for low-income customers, and (4) carefully design fixed charges for residual cost recovery to avoid distributionally regressive impacts. These findings are particularly relevant as utilities nationwide consider rate reforms to support electrification while maintaining ratepayer affordability.
The following article is
Open access
Water production by renewable energy powered desalination for meeting climate change induced water supply-demand deficits in the United States
Zhuoran Zhang
et al
2025
Prog. Energy
045002
View article
, Water production by renewable energy powered desalination for meeting climate change induced water supply-demand deficits in the United States
PDF
, Water production by renewable energy powered desalination for meeting climate change induced water supply-demand deficits in the United States
Water demand in the United States is projected to increase by up to 140% by 2050 and 220% by 2070 while climate change will reduce the availability of freshwater in large parts of the country. Here we quantify the magnitude of this challenge and define pathways of sustainable water desalination that can satisfy projected deficits between supply and demand on a US county-level. Simulations were conducted using the SEDAT and WaterTAP-REFLO platforms, validated using performance data from pilot or commercial plants (e.g. desalination plants in Plataforma Solar de Almería, Spain and crystallization plants by Veolia Water) and based on publicly available datasets from the US Geological Survey, Sandia National Laboratories, and National Renewable Energy Laboratories. The results showed the potential of desalination technologies with zero liquid discharge, mainly powered by solar and wind energies, sustainably meeting the needs of the municipal, thermoelectric and industrial sectors. This analysis offers a new reference point for supplemental social studies addressing issues and perceptions regarding the sustainability of producing freshwater via desalination.
The following article is
Open access
Estimating the climate impacts of hydrogen emissions in a net-zero US economy
Ansh N Nasta
et al
2025
Prog. Energy
045001
View article
, Estimating the climate impacts of hydrogen emissions in a net-zero US economy
PDF
, Estimating the climate impacts of hydrogen emissions in a net-zero US economy
Hydrogen is not a greenhouse gas, but its interactions with other species in the atmosphere indirectly induce radiative forcing. This study evaluates the relative impacts of hydrogen emissions across 23 different net-zero scenarios from five prominent US economy-wide analyses. Hydrogen emissions associated with venting and leakages across energy supply chains are considered. The magnitude of these energy-related hydrogen emissions is estimated and compared to the remaining positive energy-related carbon dioxide and methane emissions in the 23 US net-zero scenarios. This methodology facilitates consideration of the potential magnitude of hydrogen emissions relative to the other emissions reductions and/or carbon dioxide removal strategies that would be required to balance those hydrogen emissions across a wide range of possible net-zero scenarios. Magnitudes of energy-related hydrogen and methane emissions are estimated for each scenario across a range of possible emissions rates (Low, Central, and High) and global warming potentials based on literature. The results indicate that when evaluated over a 100 year horizon, hydrogen emissions span a range of 0.02–0.15 Gt
CO2e
yr
−1
and are lower than remaining positive carbon dioxide emissions in the Central emissions case of all 23 scenarios. In the 19 scenarios that do not constrain fossil fuels, hydrogen emissions (0.02–0.11 Gt
CO2e
yr
−1
) account for less than 14% of combined hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide emissions. The four scenarios that constrain fossil fuels have higher levels of hydrogen consumption and correspondingly higher levels of hydrogen emissions (0.10–0.15 Gt
CO2e
yr
−1
). These results suggest that hydrogen emissions are non-negligible in net-zero energy systems; however, the potential climate impacts associated with hydrogen emissions can be balanced through relatively small reductions in remaining positive emissions and/or increases in carbon dioxide removal. Further effort is needed to advance hydrogen emissions measurement, quantification, and mitigation strategies to maximize the potential climate benefits of hydrogen for decarbonization.
The following article is
Open access
Climate-optimal use of green hydrogen
Kiane de Kleijne
et al
2025
Prog. Energy
034001
View article
, Climate-optimal use of green hydrogen
PDF
, Climate-optimal use of green hydrogen
Green hydrogen is projected to play a key role in achieving net-zero emissions, with applications across various sectors. While hydrogen applications have been assessed on costs, competitiveness and feasibility, it is unclear which applications are most favourable for the climate. Here, we use prospective life cycle assessment to compare the greenhouse gas emissions of green hydrogen use in various applications with: (i) their fossil counterparts, and (ii) low-emission alternatives for these applications, which are other mitigation technologies that provide the same service. Specifically, we look at methanol, ammonia, steel, aviation fuel, passenger cars, long-term grid balancing, and domestic and industrial heat production for the year 2030. We demonstrate that green hydrogen production, transport and application leads to emissions savings compared to their fossil counterparts, but emissions are similar or higher than those of the low-emission alternatives. Only with very low hydrogen production emissions and without transport do the green hydrogen-based applications result in net emissions savings compared to the low-emission alternatives for: ammonia, steel, long-term grid balancing, and industrial and domestic heat. We conclude that for green hydrogen to fulfil its anticipated role in the net-zero transition, emission reductions are needed across the supply chain, as well as a prioritisation of hydrogen use in different applications that accounts for and optimises climate benefits.
More Open Access articles
The following article is
Open access
A review of direct air capture (DAC): scaling up commercial technologies and innovating for the future
Noah McQueen
et al
2021
Prog. Energy
032001
View article
, A review of direct air capture (DAC): scaling up commercial technologies and innovating for the future
PDF
, A review of direct air capture (DAC): scaling up commercial technologies and innovating for the future
Direct air capture (DAC) can provide an impactful, engineered approach to combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide (CO
) from the air. However, to meet climate goals, DAC needs to be scaled at a rapid rate. Current DAC approaches use engineered contactors filled with chemicals to repeatedly capture CO
from the air and release high purity CO
that can be stored or otherwise used. This review article focuses on two distinctive, commercial DAC processes to bind with CO
: solid sorbents and liquid solvents. We discuss the properties of solvents and sorbents, including mass transfer, heat transfer and chemical kinetics, as well as how these properties influence the design and cost of the DAC process. Further, we provide a novel overview of the considerations for deploying these DAC technologies, including concepts for learning-by-doing that may drive down costs and material requirements for scaling up DAC technologies.
The following article is
Open access
A review of pumped hydro energy storage
Andrew Blakers
et al
2021
Prog. Energy
022003
View article
, A review of pumped hydro energy storage
PDF
, A review of pumped hydro energy storage
The need for storage in electricity systems is increasing because large amounts of variable solar and wind generation capacity are being deployed. About two thirds of net global annual power capacity additions are solar and wind. Pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) comprises about 96% of global storage power capacity and 99% of global storage energy volume. Batteries occupy most of the balance of the electricity storage market including utility, home and electric vehicle batteries. Batteries are rapidly falling in price and can compete with pumped hydro for short-term storage (minutes to hours). However, pumped hydro continues to be much cheaper for large-scale energy storage (several hours to weeks). Most existing pumped hydro storage is river-based in conjunction with hydroelectric generation. Water can be pumped from a lower to an upper reservoir during times of low demand and the stored energy can be recovered at a later time. In the future, the vast storage opportunities available in closed loop off-river pumped hydro systems will be utilized. In such systems water is cycled repeatedly between two closely spaced small reservoirs located away from a river. This review covers the technology, cost, environmental impacts and opportunities for PHES. The key motivations for this review are firstly that large amounts of variable wind and solar generators are being deployed; and secondly that there are vast opportunities for low-cost pumped hydro storage that do not require interference with rivers (with the associated environmental cost).
The following article is
Open access
Hard carbons for sodium-ion batteries and beyond
Fei Xie
et al
2020
Prog. Energy
042002
View article
, Hard carbons for sodium-ion batteries and beyond
PDF
, Hard carbons for sodium-ion batteries and beyond
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to the much more abundant resources of Na compared with Li in the world. Developing SIB technology to satisfy the increased demand for energy storage
is therefore a significant task
. However, one of the biggest bottlenecks is the design of high-performance and low-cost anode materials, since the graphite anode in commercial LIBs is not suitable for SIBs due to thermal dynamic issues. Hard carbon materials have been regarded as having the greatest potential as anodes in commercial SIBs owing to their excellent cost-effectiveness, but their relatively limited performance compared to the graphite in LIBs as well as the dimness of the sodium storage mechanisms still need further investigation. In this review, we summarize the progress of recent research into hard carbons for SIB applications, including the fundamentals of SIBs, sodium storage mechanisms, structures and the electrochemical performances of different types of hard carbons in SIBs and other types of sodium-based energy storage as well as the main challenges in this field. We aim to provide a general insight into hard carbons and their applications in SIBs, opening up future perspectives and possible research directions.
The rise of electric vehicles—2020 status and future expectations
Matteo Muratori
et al
2021
Prog. Energy
022002
View article
, The rise of electric vehicles—2020 status and future expectations
PDF
, The rise of electric vehicles—2020 status and future expectations
Electric vehicles (EVs) are experiencing a rise in popularity over the past few years as the technology has matured and costs have declined, and support for clean transportation has promoted awareness, increased charging opportunities, and facilitated EV adoption. Suitably, a vast body of literature has been produced exploring various facets of EVs and their role in transportation and energy systems. This paper provides a timely and comprehensive review of scientific studies looking at various aspects of EVs, including: (a) an overview of the status of the light-duty-EV market and current projections for future adoption; (b) insights on market opportunities beyond light-duty EVs; (c) a review of cost and performance evolution for batteries, power electronics, and electric machines that are key components of EV success; (d) charging-infrastructure status with a focus on modeling and studies that are used to project charging-infrastructure requirements and the economics of public charging; (e) an overview of the impact of EV charging on power systems at multiple scales, ranging from bulk power systems to distribution networks; (f) insights into life-cycle cost and emissions studies focusing on EVs; and (g) future expectations and synergies between EVs and other emerging trends and technologies. The goal of this paper is to provide readers with a snapshot of the current state of the art and help navigate this vast literature by comparing studies critically and comprehensively and synthesizing general insights. This detailed review paints a positive picture for the future of EVs for on-road transportation, and the authors remain hopeful that remaining technology, regulatory, societal, behavioral, and business-model barriers can be addressed over time to support a transition toward cleaner, more efficient, and affordable transportation solutions for all.
The following article is
Open access
A continuum of physics-based lithium-ion battery models reviewed
F Brosa Planella
et al
2022
Prog. Energy
042003
View article
, A continuum of physics-based lithium-ion battery models reviewed
PDF
, A continuum of physics-based lithium-ion battery models reviewed
Physics-based electrochemical battery models derived from porous electrode theory are a very powerful tool for understanding lithium-ion batteries, as well as for improving their design and management. Different model fidelity, and thus model complexity, is needed for different applications. For example, in battery design we can afford longer computational times and the use of powerful computers, while for real-time battery control (e.g. in electric vehicles) we need to perform very fast calculations using simple devices. For this reason, simplified models that retain most of the features at a lower computational cost are widely used. Even though in the literature we often find these simplified models posed independently, leading to inconsistencies between models, they can actually be derived from more complicated models using a unified and systematic framework. In this review, we showcase this reductive framework, starting from a high-fidelity microscale model and reducing it all the way down to the single particle model, deriving in the process other common models, such as the Doyle–Fuller–Newman model. We also provide a critical discussion on the advantages and shortcomings of each of the models, which can aid model selection for a particular application. Finally, we provide an overview of possible extensions to the models, with a special focus on thermal models. Any of these extensions could be incorporated into the microscale model and the reductive framework re-applied to lead to a new generation of simplified, multi-physics models.
The following article is
Open access
High energy burden and low-income energy affordability: conclusions from a literature review
Marilyn A Brown
et al
2020
Prog. Energy
042003
View article
, High energy burden and low-income energy affordability: conclusions from a literature review
PDF
, High energy burden and low-income energy affordability: conclusions from a literature review
In an era of U.S. energy abundance, the persistently high energy bills paid by low-income households is troubling. After decades of weatherization and bill-payment programs, low-income households still spend a higher percent of their income on electricity and gas bills than any other income group. Their energy burden is not declining, and it remains persistently high in particular geographies such as the South, rural America, and minority communities. As public agencies and utilities attempt to transition to a sustainable energy future, many of the programs that promote energy efficiency, rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and home batteries are largely inaccessible to low-income households due to affordability barriers. This review describes the ecosystem of stakeholders and programs, and identifies promising opportunities to address low-income energy affordability, such as behavioral economics, data analytics, and leveraging health care benefits. Scalable approaches require linking programs and policies to tackle the complex web of causes and impacts faced by financially constrained households.
The following article is
Open access
Magnesium- and intermetallic alloys-based hydrides for energy storage: modelling, synthesis and properties
Luca Pasquini
et al
2022
Prog. Energy
032007
View article
, Magnesium- and intermetallic alloys-based hydrides for energy storage: modelling, synthesis and properties
PDF
, Magnesium- and intermetallic alloys-based hydrides for energy storage: modelling, synthesis and properties
Hydrides based on magnesium and intermetallic compounds provide a viable solution to the challenge of energy storage from renewable sources, thanks to their ability to absorb and desorb hydrogen in a reversible way with a proper tuning of pressure and temperature conditions. Therefore, they are expected to play an important role in the clean energy transition and in the deployment of hydrogen as an efficient energy vector. This review, by experts of Task 40 ‘Energy Storage and Conversion based on Hydrogen’ of the Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme of the International Energy Agency, reports on the latest activities of the working group ‘Magnesium- and Intermetallic alloys-based Hydrides for Energy Storage’. The following topics are covered by the review: multiscale modelling of hydrides and hydrogen sorption mechanisms; synthesis and processing techniques; catalysts for hydrogen sorption in Mg; Mg-based nanostructures and new compounds; hydrides based on intermetallic TiFe alloys, high entropy alloys, Laves phases, and Pd-containing alloys. Finally, an outlook is presented on current worldwide investments and future research directions for hydrogen-based energy storage.
The following article is
Open access
Hydrogen storage in complex hydrides: past activities and new trends
Erika Michela Dematteis
et al
2022
Prog. Energy
032009
View article
, Hydrogen storage in complex hydrides: past activities and new trends
PDF
, Hydrogen storage in complex hydrides: past activities and new trends
Intense literature and research efforts have focussed on the exploration of complex hydrides for energy storage applications over the past decades. A focus was dedicated to the determination of their thermodynamic and hydrogen storage properties, due to their high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage capacities, but their application has been limited because of harsh working conditions for reversible hydrogen release and uptake. The present review aims at appraising the recent advances on different complex hydride systems, coming from the proficient collaborative activities in the past years from the research groups led by the experts of the Task 40 ‘Energy Storage and Conversion Based on Hydrogen’ of the Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme of the International Energy Agency. An overview of materials design, synthesis, tailoring and modelling approaches, hydrogen release and uptake mechanisms and thermodynamic aspects are reviewed to define new trends and suggest new possible applications for these highly tuneable materials.
The following article is
Open access
Progress and prospects of thermo-mechanical energy storage—a critical review
Andreas V Olympios
et al
2021
Prog. Energy
022001
View article
, Progress and prospects of thermo-mechanical energy storage—a critical review
PDF
, Progress and prospects of thermo-mechanical energy storage—a critical review
The share of electricity generated by intermittent renewable energy sources is increasing (now at 26% of global electricity generation) and the requirements of affordable, reliable and secure energy supply designate grid-scale storage as an imperative component of most energy transition pathways. The most widely deployed bulk energy storage solution is pumped-hydro energy storage (PHES), however, this technology is geographically constrained. Alternatively, flow batteries are location independent and have higher energy densities than PHES, but remain associated with high costs and short lifetimes, which highlights the importance of developing and utilizing additional larger-scale, longer-duration and long-lifetime energy storage alternatives. In this paper, we review a class of promising bulk energy storage technologies based on thermo-mechanical principles, which includes: compressed-air energy storage, liquid-air energy storage and pumped-thermal electricity storage. The thermodynamic principles upon which these thermo-mechanical energy storage (TMES) technologies are based are discussed and a synopsis of recent progress in their development is presented, assessing their ability to provide reliable and cost-effective solutions. The current performance and future prospects of TMES systems are examined within a unified framework and a thermo-economic analysis is conducted to explore their competitiveness relative to each other as well as when compared to PHES and battery systems. This includes carefully selected thermodynamic and economic methodologies for estimating the component costs of each configuration in order to provide a detailed and fair comparison at various system sizes. The analysis reveals that the technical and economic characteristics of TMES systems are such that, especially at higher discharge power ratings and longer discharge durations, they can offer promising performance (round-trip efficiencies higher than 60%) along with long lifetimes (>30 years), low specific costs (often below 100 $ kWh
−1
), low ecological footprints and unique sector-coupling features compared to other storage options. TMES systems have significant potential for further progress and the thermo-economic comparisons in this paper can be used as a benchmark for their future evolution.
The following article is
Open access
Review of electrofuel feasibility—cost and environmental impact
Maria Grahn
et al
2022
Prog. Energy
032010
View article
, Review of electrofuel feasibility—cost and environmental impact
PDF
, Review of electrofuel feasibility—cost and environmental impact
Electrofuels, fuels produced from electricity, water, and carbon or nitrogen, are of interest as substitutes for fossil fuels in all energy and chemical sectors. This paper focuses on electrofuels for transportation, where some can be used in existing vehicle/vessel/aircraft fleets and fueling infrastructure. The aim of this study is to review publications on electrofuels and summarize costs and environmental performance. A special case, denoted as bio-electrofuels, involves hydrogen supplementing existing biomethane production (e.g. anaerobic digestion) to generate additional or different fuels. We use costs, identified in the literature, to calculate harmonized production costs for a range of electrofuels and bio-electrofuels. Results from the harmonized calculations show that bio-electrofuels generally have lower costs than electrofuels produced using captured carbon. Lowest costs are found for liquefied bio-electro-methane, bio-electro-methanol, and bio-electro-dimethyl ether. The highest cost is for electro-jet fuel. All analyzed fuels have the potential for long-term production costs in the range 90–160 € MWh
−1
. Dominant factors impacting production costs are electrolyzer and electricity costs, the latter connected to capacity factors (CFs) and cost for hydrogen storage. Electrofuel production costs also depend on regional conditions for renewable electricity generation, which are analyzed in sensitivity analyses using corresponding CFs in four European regions. Results show a production cost range for electro-methanol of 76–118 € MWh
−1
depending on scenario and region assuming an electrolyzer CAPEX of 300–450 € kW
elec
−1
and CFs of 45%–65%. Lowest production costs are found in regions with good conditions for renewable electricity, such as Ireland and western Spain. The choice of system boundary has a large impact on the environmental assessments. The literature is not consistent regarding the environmental impact from different CO
sources. The literature, however, points to the fact that renewable energy sources are required to achieve low global warming impact over the electrofuel life cycle.
Journal links
Submit an article
About the journal
Editorial Board
Author guidelines
Review for this journal
Publication charges
Awards
Journal collections
Pricing and ordering
Journal information
2018-present
Progress in Energy
doi: 10.1088/issn.2516-1083
Online ISSN: 2516-1083