The transition from traditional fuel-dependent energy systems to renewable energy-based systems has been extensively embraced worldwide. Demand-side flexibility is essential to support the power grid with carbon-free generation (e.g., solar, wind.) in an intermittent nature. As extensive energy consumers, commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers can play a key role by extending their flexibility and participating in demand response. Onsite renewable generation by consumers can reduce the consumption from the grid, while energy storage systems (ESSs) can support variable generation and shift demand by storing energy for later use. Both technologies can increase the flexibility and benefit by integrating with the demand response. However, a lack of knowledge about the applicability of increasing flexibility hinders the active participation of C&I consumers in demand response programs. This survey paper provides an overview of demand response and energy storage systems in this context following a methodology of a step-by-step literature review covering the period from 2013 to 2023. The literature review focuses on the application of energy storage systems and onsite renewable generation integrated with demand response for C&I consumers and is presented with an extensive analysis. This survey also examines the demand response participation and potential of wastewater treatment plants. The extended research on the wastewater treatment plant identifies the potential opportunities of coupling biogas with PV, extracting the thermal energy and onsite hydrogen production. Finally, the survey analysis is summarised, followed by critical recommendations for future research.

Transitioning to clean energy in off-grid remote locations is essential to reducing fossil-fuel-generated greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy growth. While hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), including multiple renewable energy (RE) sources and energy storage systems are instrumental, it requires technical reliability with economic efficiency. This study examines the feasibility of an HRES incorporating solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuel energy at a remote location in Australia. An electric vehicle charging load alongside a residential load is considered to lower transportation-based emissions. Additionally, the input data (load profile and solar data) is validated through statistical analysis, ensuring data reliability. HOMER Pro software is used to assess the techno-economic and environmental performance of the hybrid systems. Results indicate that the optimal HRES comprising of photovoltaic, wind turbines, fuel cell, battery, and biodiesel generators provides a net present cost of AUD 9.46 million and a cost of energy of AUD 0.183, outperforming diesel generator-inclusive systems. Hydrogen energy-based FC offered the major backup supply, indicating the potential role of hydrogen energy in maintaining reliability in off-grid hybrid systems. Sensitivity analysis observes the effect of variations in biodiesel price and electric load on the system performance. Environmentally, the proposed system is highly beneficial, offering zero carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions, contributing to the global net-zero target. The implications of this research highlight the necessity of a regional clean energy policy facilitating energy planning and implementation, skill development to nurture technology-intensive energy projects, and active community engagement for a smooth energy transition. Potentially, the research outcome advances the understanding of HRES feasibility for remote locations and offers a practical roadmap for sustainable energy solutions.

Price hikes, stringent emission regulations and the global demand for sustainable energy use have forced fuel researchers and vehicle manufacturers to explore sustainable fuels for internal combustion engines. In recent years, the exploration of waste‐to‐energy (WtE) derivations has attracted increasing interest. This study explored the derivation of pyrolysis oil from three waste biomasses: waste macadamia nutshell (WMN; macadamia integrifolia ), waste tree mulch (WTM) and waste marine biomass (WMB; Undaria pinnatifida ). The waste biomass‐derived pyrolysis oils were characterised by key fuel properties with a target to recommend them for use as fuels in internal combustion engines. Simultaneous and detailed characterisation of three unique biomass‐derived oils has not been widely examined and reported earlier in the literature. All tested properties of the three waste biomass‐derived oils were compared with those of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), European (EN), Australian diesel and EN biodiesel standards. The properties of the three oils were aligned with diesel and biodiesel fuel standards. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) data indicate that all three pyrolysis oils contain aliphatic (alkanes and alkenes) and aromatic (mono‐, di‐ and polyaromatic) compounds. Among the three biomasses, a maximum of 53% bio‐oil was produced with WTM, followed by 52% with MNS and 44% with WMB. The cetane index, density, viscosity and boiling range of the three pyrolysis oils were comparable to those of traditional diesel fuel and EN biodiesel standards. It is interesting to note that the bio‐oil from WTM showed the highest cetane index of 55 among all the tested fuels and biodiesel and diesel standards. However, the other properties, including sulphur, carbon and ash content, indicate that the oils need upgradation before they can be used as a replacement for diesel fuel in internal combustion engines.

In recent years, waste-to-fuel technologies have gained interest due to both environmental and economic concerns. Pyrolysis offers a sustainable method for converting waste tires and plastics into high-energy hydrocarbons. In this study, a small-scale laboratory pyrolysis system was fabricated to convert waste tires and plastics into pyrolysis oils. The reactor's performance and efficiency were assessed, and the produced oils were analyzed based on ASTM standards to determine their suitability as engine fuels. Various fuel properties, including density, viscosity, heating values, flash and fire points, pour and cloud points, cetane number, GC-MS, FTIR spectroscopy, and elemental composition (CHONS) were examined. The findings indicated that the properties of both tire- and plastic-derived oils closely resemble those of diesel fuel. The novelty of this investigation lies in the comprehensive evaluation of fuel properties and their relationship with molecular mechanisms influencing compression ignition engine's performance, combustion and exhaust emissions. Both GC-MS and FTIR analyses indicate the details of alkanes, alkenes and aromatics, ranging carbon numbers from 6 to 33. Additionally, engine performance and exhaust emissions were evaluated using fuel blends containing 10 % tire oil with 90 % diesel (10T) and 10 % plastic oil with 90 % diesel (10P), and the results were compared to pure diesel. Simultaneous reductions in both CO and NOx emissions with only 10 % bends (10P and 10T) is additional novelty of this investigation. Although 10P and 10T demonstrated some good results, further investigation under additional engine loads is required.