Current efforts to make sustainable carbon based fuels and chemical feedstocks is a high priority research area with an urgent necessity due to climate change concerns and depleting petroleum reserves. Upgrading of cellulosic biomass derived C5-6 range feedstocks like furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfual and levulinic acid to bio-fuel feedstocks, biofuels or sustainable monomers is a major thrust area in this effort [1].

Levulinic acid or 2-oxopentanoic acid produced by depolymerization of cellulose to glucose followed by dehydration - rehydration under acid catalysis was used as the renewable feedstock. A low cost catalyst was prepared by pyrolyzing electrode coating material from spent Li-ion laptop battery [2], [3]. The active catalyst was identified as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi_xMn_yCo_zO₂) with an empirical composition of the transition elements with catalytic activity in the ratio: Ni : Mn : Co : 2.02 : 1.00 : 0.73

Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi_xMn_yCo_zO₂) on carbon catalyst is effective in the decarboxylative - dimerization of levulinic acid to a mixture of C6 and C9 fuel precursors. The highest levulinic acid conversion of 94% was observed with 10% (w/w) catalyst loading under 1.24 MPa hydrogen at 140 °C, 15h.

In conclusion we have developed an inexpensive non-noble metal based catalyst system for efficient dimerization of levulinic acid to C6 and C9 compounds through concurrent decarboxylation, with potential applications in producing sustainable fuels or fuel precursors.

Liquid fuel cells, which promise to be a clean and efficient energy production technology, have recently attracted worldwide attention, primarily because liquid fuels offer many unique physicochemical properties including high energy density and ease of transportation, storage as well as handling. However, conventional liquid fuel cells use precious metal catalysts but result in rather low performance. Recently, a novel system using an electrically rechargeable liquid fuel (e-fuel) for energy storage and power generation has been recently proposed and demonstrated. The e-fuel is stated to be attainable from diverse kinds of materials such as inorganic materials, organic materials, and suspensions of particles. In our research, we energize fuel cells with this e-fuel. It is demonstrated that without using any catalysts for fuel oxidation, this fuel cell running on the e-fuel leads to a significant performance boost. 

With the world's population increasing from eight billion currently to approximately nine billion by the year 2040, achieving a healthy lifestyle for all people on earth will depend, in part, on the availability of affordable energy, especially electricity. This presentation considers the various choices, or options, for producing electricity and the consequences associated with each option.  The options are fossil, renewable, and nuclear. The consequences associated with these three options are addressed in five different areas: public health and safety, environmental effects, economics, sustainability, and politics. All options are needed, but some options are better than others when compared in the five areas. This presentation is a brief summary of a short course entitled “Energy Choices and Consequences”, which was initially created by the author several years ago and is continuously updated. The presentation will provide updated information through September of 2024.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a revolutionary technology that has transformed traditional manufacturing processes. This innovative approach has opened up new possibilities across various industries, ranging from aerospace and healthcare to automotive and consumer goods. As far as metals are concerned, along with fusion-based processes such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Electron Beam Melting (EBM), solid-state, friction-based additive manufacturing processes have recently been developed and have caught the attention of several researchers[1]. In this paper two variants of  solid-state friction-based additive processes are presented: (i) Friction Surfacing [2] (ii)  processes based on friction stir welding, known as Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing (FSAM)[3]. In the paper an experimental campaign with varying the main process parameters is presented and the obtained samples are  analyzed from both mechanical properties and resource consumption performance angles. Energy and resource flows are  quantified and analyzed for each process; guidelines for the environmentally friendly process selection are provided.

The core part of the thesis is focused on experimental studies of a single solid oxide cell (SOC) operating in electrolysis mode. It is preceded by theoretical description of most important issues related to electrochemical cells, electrolysis, methods of hydrogen production, power-to-gas systems and the basic principles of operation of solid oxide cells. Three chapters are devoted to theory. The first chapter is a general introduction into the topic. It highlights the importance of energy storage technologies in current, global electric energy economy indicating the related potential role of hydrogen technologies and reversible solid oxide cells. The introduction has been further extended by a brief description of historical background on the process of electrolysis. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 contain the theoretical description. Chapter two presents an overview of most important in industry technologies of hydrogen production. These include primary methods for hydrocarbons reforming (SR, CPOX, ATR) and hydrogen generation from biomass.  Next to that, general process of electrolysis is described with brief description of three main techniques: alkaline electrolysis, proton exchange electrolysis (PEM) and solid oxide electrolysis (SOE). The broadest theoretical chapter is number 3. It is devoted to detailed view on thermodynamics of solid oxide cells, cell construction solutions and materials used. There are also presented basic performance characteristics of cells working in both electrolysis (SOE) and fuel cell (SOFC) modes together with the corresponding losses and efficiencies. Chapter 4 is focused on complete power-to-gas systems including solid oxide cells. It includes description of the design, performance and evaluation of two separate hydrogen electric energy storage systems based on reversible solid oxide cells. The first is theoretical, simulated HYSYS 8.8 software, based on dedicated mathematical model. The second, on the other hand is a real system installed and operation in USA. Finally, chapter 5 is the key part that describes the experimental part of the thesis. The aim of the experiment is clearly stated, then there are presented: design of the experiment, experimental stand, the start-up procedure and graphical representation of the obtained results. The results are extensively discussed. The last chapter includes the final conclusions that are mainly focused on evaluation of the experimental procedure and guidelines for its improvement. 

It is well known that nuclear fusion is regarded as the main driving phenomenon of nucleosynthesis in stars and the source of energy emissions. It is not news any more that nuclear fusion is considered to be a game changer in our quest to achieve sustainable clean energy solution.  So far, the main process being experimented  is the deuteron-triton  reaction resulting in the alphas and neutrons.  More recently, the attention is being paid to aneutronic processes such as proton -boron interactions.

In this talk, we examine the processes such as proton-boron, 3He-deuteron reactions which are cleaner in the sense that there are no neutrons nor radioactive residuals in them. 

There are interesting theoretical complications regarding the plasma temperatures and the statistical physics.  A progress in these aspects will contribute to better models of nuclear astrophysics of stars and also better fusion devices. We will provide an overview of the issues and possible experimental and theoretical investigations. 

Regenerative practice is a new concept for the energy, other industries and all businesses that have practiced a form of resource extraction in one way or another for over a century. We have an unprecedented opportunity to contribute to climate change solutions and help restore the planet to conditions conducive to supporting all life. Regeneration is a natural outcome of resource stewardship and one that needs to be integrated into how we do business

Just as we, in business, strive to be more efficient in our use of time, material and energy, we must also become better stewards of the conditions that enable humans and all living things to thrive on the planet. We're crucial in the creation of a prosperous future. Regenerative practice is the key.

Concepts like the circular economy, bioeconomics, embodied carbon and biomimicry are discussed and practical examples of integration into business operations are provided. The key takeaway for this talk is that we all have a role in a regenerative future.

Stirling machines have been always extensively studied. NASA has suggested Stirling machines for applications is spacecraft [1].Ford considered the Stirling machines for common passenger cars in early 1970s [2]. Stirling machines have been considered a possibility for moving submarines [3]. Many studies considered Stirling machines in connection with solar power [4]. However, with the reduction of the price of solar panels along the last decade,  photovoltaic solar energy became very cheap. At the present time, the cheaper options of energy are onshore wind and photovoltaic solar [5]. 

Another interesting option is given by Stirling machines: As they work on basis of difference of temperature, by preserving the cold of the night and the heat of day, Stirling machines can be activated, thus producing electricity. This enables the application of Stirling machines in homes. For example, small Stirling machines can be used for charging rechargeable batteries (and cell phones), among other applications.

In the ancient time, the resources were very limited. Thus ancient people learned to use ocean currents and wind in their travels. It was a sustainable process, which lasted many centuries. 

There are several examples that may be usefull for the present time.

Wind can push the ships at a significant speed. For example:

Launched in 1869,  the  tea clipper Cutty Sark  was very famous due to its velocity. The Cutty Sark could reach 17.5 knots [1], and it was considerable one of the fastest ships of the XIX Century, however it was made obsolete by steam engines. 

When the Portuguese explored the South Atlantic ocean [2,3], they found that currents pushed them from Africa, and made them arriving in Brazil.

There are also indications that Portuguese also visited North-America, and the names “Newfoundland”  is translation of the Portuguese “Terra Nova”, and “Labrador” comes directly from the Portuguese name “Lavrador” [4]. The Hamy-King worldmap shows the presence fo Portuguese in North-America near the year of 1500.

Wind and ocean currents were very relevant in Ancient world, as also earlier reported by Homer.

For example, the Odyssey of Homer may, in fact, indicate a  travel to the Ballearic Isands, by means of South France ocean currents. For example, the island of Calypso “Ogygya” in fact can be interpreted as  Ibiza.

The war for Troy is due to the fact that, there is a 5 knot current flowing from the Dardanellos to the Agean Sea. Only in summer this strong current could be overcome by wind [6], and only during few days. The Trojans used to ask tribute and mooring fees [6], making the Greeks discontent. In fact, almost every year there as a war in Troy (and in summer time).

These ancient voyages only were possible due to competent use of wind and ocean currents. 

It is discussed how the competent knowledge of wind and ocean currents could be used nowadays for saving fuel in navigation.

With artificial intelligence or AI and cryptocurrency mining expanding globally at a phenomenal rate, data centers are expected to double their electricity consumption from 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2022 to more than 1000 TWh in 2026 [1]. Both have significant cooling needs, with 30 to 55% of the electricity powering the cooling systems [2]. Data centers directly use water in the cooling systems to extract heat, and the humidification systems—maintain 40-60% relative humidity to prevent static electricity buildup, bathrooms, and fire sprinkler systems; and indirectly use water from using thermoelectric energy generation. 

Each year, the world uses more than 4.3 trillion cubic meters (~1.1 quadrillion gallons) of water; and data centers are among the top ten consumers. In 2022, Google’s data centers alone consumed 4.3 billion gallons of water [3]. There are 7,069 hyperscale data centers in 140 countries [4]. In addition, there are hundred-thousands of data centers globally, and their water consumption adds up to a significant amount. We are in the midst of a global drought and it is not sustainable to continue supporting the data centers water needs. We urgently need to find low-water alternatives to data center cooling methods.

In 2023, the global energy mix comprised 60% fossil fuel contribution from 35% coal (10,434 TWh), 23% natural gas (634 TWh), and 2.7% oil & petroleum products (786 TWh), clean energy from 14% hydro (4,210 TWh), 9.1% nuclear (2,686 TWh), 7.8% wind (2,304 TWh), 5.5% solar (1,631 TWh), 2.4% bioenergy (697 TWh), and 0.3% or 90 TWh other renewables—mostly geothermal generation, with tidal and wave energy providing a small fraction [5].

Per the Food & Water Watch Institute, the water withdrawal intensities (and lifecycle water consumption) to produce 1 MWh of electricity using natural gas, coal, and nuclear, wind, and solar are 45.110 m³ (0.600 m³), 84.413 m³ (1.671 m³), 93.600 m³ (2.000 m³), 0.001 m³ (0.001 m³), and 0.040 m³ (0.020 m³) respectively [6]. According to the United Nations Environment Program, some 1.8 billion people will likely face absolute water scarcity by 2025 [7], and for them, power generation is the fourth priority after water for food production, safe drinking water, and sanitation. 

Disregarding the global water crisis, the fossil fuel industry, and nuclear energy continue to expand their energy footprint. Recently, the electric regulatory board in the U.S. State of Georgia approved the construction of 2.4 GW of coal and gas power plants for various utilities [8]. However, there is hope from multiple fronts.

With the rapid expansion of “attribution science” [9] correlating extreme weather to climate change induced by human activity—power generation from nuclear and fossil fuels is facing backlash and litigation for economic and human losses [10]. 

The United States Congress has recently introduced the “Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2024” mandating voluntary reporting of energy and water consumption, pollution, and electronic waste associated with the full lifecycle of artificial models and hardware, etc. [11]. This act is likely to pass and many nations will follow suit. 

We urgently need an expeditiously deployable—viable clean energy—low water utilization alternative to thermoelectric power generation technology and financiers. Here’s an idea.

Install solar microgrids on the municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities to produce the cheapest clean electricity and green hydrogen; and install geothermal district cooling networks to provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC services. Interconnect multiple solar microgrids and district thermal energy networks to meet the data centers' energy and cooling requirements. The data centers would benefit from highly reliable cheapest clean electricity, a noise-free environment, extended operational life of electronic equipment due to the absence of combustion products from geothermal cooling, and significantly reduced operating expenditures and downtime.

Next is routing the high-quality waste heat from the data centers to chemical manufacturing plants to drive their energy efficiency and reduce energy usage. All chemical reactions occur within a temperature and pressure window, whose maintenance is energy-intensive and a source of GHG emissions. The waste heat from chemical manufacturing plants can be transported back to the municipal water & wastewater treatment facilities to aid in temperature control of wastewater during microbial decomposition of sludge, saving significant energy expenditure for this step. This route will drive energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and minimize GHG emissions at the data centers, chemical manufacturing plants, and municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities. The solar microgrids can also meet the electricity needs of the three entities. We can approach the nuclear and fossil fuel industries to finance these projects as they look to pivot.