Prospects for Energy Transition to Hydrogen Fuel: Analysis of World Experience and Russian Practice

A significant depletion of natural energy reserves and a sharp rise in its cost of production amidst a civilizational energy crisis, greenhouse gas issue, and increasing energy consumption have called for an urgent and radical change in the global energy agenda. An idea to promote hydrogen as an alternative energy emerges from the global energy transition agenda. In this article, our aim is to assess the prospect of hydrogen, as a potential, environmentally friendly, yet expensive and technological-demanding resource, to be developed globally. The scientific novelty of the research consists in systematizing the world experience and Russian practice of implementing energy efficiency projects within the framework of public-private partnership (PPP), substantiating, and forecasting the prospects for the use of this resource in order to decarbonize the economy and solve environmental problems, as well as determining the main directions of the national energy strategy in Russia. We have developed recommendations to eliminate the identified problems that impede the increase in the energy efficiency of industrial production and operation of facilities. It is concluded that the use of “green” hydrogen obtained with the help of renewable energy sources is promising in solving environmental problems and building a climate-neutral economy characterized by zero greenhouse gas emissions. The results of the work can be useful in well-supporting hydrogen ecosystem

Fostering environmental innovation programs in Madiun Regency, East Java, Indonesia

Madiun Regency faces numerous challenges in maintaining environmental sustainability amidst economic development in the region. To address these challenges, well-planned collaborative and innovative efforts are required, prioritizing environmental protection and sustainable development. This study examines the implementation of regional innovation programs related to the environmental sector in Madiun Regency. Data collection was conducted through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and primary source searches from relevant local agencies. The study found that the Madiun Regency Government has implemented several regional innovation programs, including turning waste into gold (Merubah Sampah Menjadi Emas/MERAMBAH EMAS), organic fertilizer processing unit (Unit Pengolahan Pupuk Organik/UPPO), recycling waste into handicrafts and public facilities, biological agent, green public open spaces, and the city without slums (Kota Tanpa Kumuh/KOTAKU). These programs have contributed to the promotion of a smart environment which focuses on utilizing technology to manage resources efficiently, promote sustainability, and mitigate environmental impacts. However, to enhance community participation, the Regional Government should increase efforts in socialization and the formation of environmental cadres. This will facilitate the supervision of environmental protection and management functions in Madiun Regency

Characterization and Effect of Ag(0) vs. Ag(I) Species and Their Localized Plasmon Resonance on Photochemically Inactive TiO₂

Commercial TiO2 (anatase) was successfully modified with Ag nanoparticles at different nominal loadings (1%–4%) using a liquid impregnation method. The prepared materials retained the anatase structure and contained a mixture of Ag0 and AgI species. Samples exhibited extended light absorption to the visible region. The effect of Ag loading on TiO2 is studied for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4 in a gas–solid process under high-purity conditions. It is remarkable that the reference TiO2 used in this work is entirely inactive in this reaction, but it allows for studying the effect of Ag on the photocatalytic process in more detail. Only in the case of 2% Ag/TiO2 was the formation of CH4 from CO2 observed. Using different light sources, an influence of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Ag is verified. A sample in which all Ag has been reduced to the metallic state was less active than the respective sample containing both Ag0 and Ag+, indicating that a mixed oxidation state is beneficial for photocatalytic performance. These results contribute to a better understanding of the effect of metal modification of TiO2 in photocatalytic CO2 reduction