The optimization of hybrid energy systems for sustainable development in remote Arctic communities is crucial to addressing the unique challenges posed by harsh climates, high energy costs, and the environmental impact of traditional energy sources. This study focuses on Arviat, a community in Nunavut, Canada, and utilizes HOMER Pro software to conduct a comprehensive analysis of combined energy solutions. The economic feasibility, environmental impact, and social benefits of integrating renewable energy sources (RES) with existing diesel systems are evaluated. The findings indicate that, while the initial capital investment required for implementing a hybrid microgrid is significantly higher than that for conventional diesel-only systems, the long-term advantages are substantial. These advantages include increased energy resilience, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lower operational and maintenance costs, and the potential for local job creation. Furthermore, the study highlights that hybrid systems, by reducing dependency on fossil fuels, can provide a more reliable energy supply in regions where logistics for fuel delivery are often hindered by extreme weather conditions. The optimization of hybrid energy systems not only aligns with Canada's net-zero emissions targets but also contributes to the economic and social sustainability of remote communities (RCs) by fostering local energy independence and resilience. This research underscores the transformative potential of adopting hybrid microgrids in isolated Arctic regions, advocating for policies and investments that prioritize sustainable and socially responsible energy strategies in line with national and international environmental goals.
The increasing urgency of climate change mitigation necessitates the adoption of renewable energy sources to meet the growing demand for clean energy. Solar energy, in particular, presents a viable solution, contingent on the availability of sufficient land to optimize power generation. River land offers an alternative location for solar power plants, potentially conserving valuable land resources while providing a natural cooling medium for solar panels to enhance efficiency. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of establishing a solar power plant system (PLTS) on river land in Surakarta City, Indonesia, using simulations conducted with the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software. The simulation considers both on-grid and off-grid systems, with a daily energy demand of 2,947.236 kWh projected over a 25-year period at the Tirtonadi Dam site. The On-Grid system demonstrated a total annual energy production of 885,358 kWh, significantly outperforming the off-grid system, which produced 34,400 kWh annually. The Net Present Cost (NPC) for the on-grid system was calculated to be USD 1,805,634.01, while the off-grid system's NPC was substantially lower at USD 1,970.18. The Levelized Cost of Energy (COE) for the on-grid system was found to be USD 0.09 per kWh, compared to USD 0.10 per kWh for the off-grid system, indicating favourable investment potential. The breakeven point (BEP) for the On-Grid system was achieved in the 0.54th year. The initial capital expenditure required to implement the on-grid PLTS at Tirtonadi Dam was estimated at approximately USD 47,782.10, while the off-grid system's initial cost was around USD 1,923.77. These findings suggest that the deployment of solar power plants on river land, particularly with an on-grid configuration, is a technically viable and economically advantageous approach to enhancing renewable energy capacity in Indonesia.
The global economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted development across various regions, including Penang, where supply chain disruptions, restricted cash flow, and delayed progress have led to reduced economic growth for stakeholders and communities alike. This study aims to explore the interconnected economic, social, and ecological (ESE) systems within the context of sustainable waterfront development in Penang, focusing on how these systems contribute to economic resilience and dynamism. The land and water resources of Penang, strategically situated along vital maritime routes, present substantial potential for economic revitalization. A quantitative research approach was employed, gathering data from questionnaire surveys, revealing a positive correlation between ESE variables. Key attributes such as local authority governance, development scale and impact, business operations, place identity, heritage preservation, and waste management were found to play crucial roles in shaping sustainable waterfront initiatives. The study highlights that Penang’s core economic sectors—agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction, and services—have historically driven the local economy, but the growing focus on waterfront development offers new avenues for economic recovery and growth. The results validate the chosen quantitative methodology and underscore the importance of adopting integrated strategies to address land and water management challenges. By aligning with sustainability goals and adopting a holistic approach, Penang's waterfront development can foster resilience, ensuring long-term socio-economic and ecological balance. The insights provided contribute to a broader understanding of sustainable urban development and offer actionable strategies for policymakers and stakeholders involved in Penang's waterfront projects.
The rapid evolution of drone-assisted logistics for urban last-mile (ULM) delivery has garnered significant interest from both academia and industry. This article presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research and practical implementations of ULM systems, focusing on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the final stage of goods and parcel delivery in urban environments. The applicability of UAV-based logistics across various contexts, including urban and rural areas, is examined, with real-world case studies highlighted to demonstrate practical uses. Key methodologies and models employed in optimising UAV routing and operations are discussed, particularly those that enhance the efficiency and reliability of ULM. The critical advantages and limitations of drone-assisted last-mile logistics are analysed, providing insights into the operational, regulatory, and technological challenges. The discussion is further expanded by addressing emerging trends in UAV technology, as well as innovations in drone deployment strategies and the evolving regulatory landscape. In conclusion, potential theoretical advancements and future applications of ULM systems are outlined, with an emphasis on integrating drones into broader logistics networks and smart city frameworks. The insights offered aim to guide future research and practical developments in this rapidly advancing field.
While significant empirical research has examined the use and benefits of designated bus stops in urban settings across Western and Asian countries, the factors influencing commuters' preference for non-designated bus boarding locations in developing cities remain understudied. This study investigates the determinants that lead commuters to board buses at non-designated locations in Enugu, a rapidly urbanizing city in southeast Nigeria. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey involving 424 commuters at 17 non-designated bus stop locations across three local government areas within Enugu metropolis. Descriptive statistics, commuters' perception index (CPI) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to analyze the data. The analysis identified seven key factors influencing the choice of non-designated bus boarding locations: environmental and social conditions, cost-related considerations and diversity of routes, concerns over unsanitary conditions, bus availability and access to information, convenience and time-saving benefits, proximity to the desired destination, and perceived safety and comfort. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners in designing effective and commuter-friendly bus stop infrastructures that encourage the use of designated boarding locations, thereby optimizing the multifunctional benefits of such facilities in Nigerian cities and similar urban contexts globally. It is recommended that targeted strategies be developed to address these factors, enhancing the overall efficiency and attractiveness of public transport systems in developing urban centers.
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