District cooling is a system in which chilled water (typically at 4 to 7 degree Celsius) is distributed in pipes (usually underground) from a central cooling plant to several buildings for space cooling and process cooling. By replacing individual cooling systems in each building, the district cooling system can deliver economies of scale in terms of capital, energy and maintenance costs.
Geographical Information System (GIS) Mapping serves as a framework to organize and analyze data, and communicate information using the science of geography. It also reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations, helping users make smarter decisions [1]. Before the introduction of GIS for resource assessment, site suitability was carried out through site surveys, paper maps, and other time-consuming, inefficient, and costly field sampling methods.
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) is an innovative business model where energy service companies sell or lease solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, usually solar home systems (SHS), to customers in exchange for regular payments via mobile money, cash or scratch cards [1]. Due to the range of packages available, customers can choose from starter kits that supply a few lights and charge cell phones, to larger systems that can power TVs, radios, stoves and small fridges [1][2]. In some cases, if a customer cannot make payments, the energy service provider is able to switch off the system remotely, and switch them on again once payment is made [2
Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas produced through a process called electrolysis, using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. It’s called “green”” because the energy used in its production comes from sustainable and clean sources, resulting in minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions. The process of creating green hydrogen involves splitting water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) through electrolysis. During electrolysis, an electric current passes through water, causing the water molecules to dissociate into their constituent elements: hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced in this way can be stored and used as a clean energy carrier in various sectors, such as transportation, industry, and power generation.”
Sector coupling is defined as the process of interconnecting power generating resources with energy consuming sectors such as the heating, transport, gas, and other. This is in order to economically optimize operations of the energy system and facilitate the integration of the intermittent renewables through enhanced energy system flexibility. There are two main strategies: first, through electrification by promoting electric mobility and replacing traditional heating systems with electric heat pumps, to use renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels. The second strategy is through “Power-to-X”, whereby synthetic fuels are produced from renewable electricity through transformation into heating (P2H) or cooling, gas (P2G), or liquid (P2L) for use in final consumption. The generated fuels and carriers such as hydrogen, methane, gasoline, or kerosene can also reduce CO2 emissions using the existing gas and heat infrastructure.
The impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide, ranging from extreme weather events to long-term challenges. To strengthen urban resilience, sub-national governments can adopt nature-based solutions (NbS). NbS are defined as cost-effective solutions inspired and supported by nature that provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience.
