Continuously increasing demand of microgrids with high penetration of distributed energy generators, mainly renewable energy sources, is modifying the traditional structure of the electric distribution grid. Major power consumer countries are looking for alternative energy sources to avoid the impact of higher fossil fuel consumption. Thus, different policies have been promulgated to promote renewable energy technologies (RETs) and distributed energy resource (DER) deployment and are encouraging technological innovation. These policies aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieve energy security and independence to meet an ever-increasing electricity demand. Many studies have been performed on the successful integration of RET and DER operation and control, protection and stability issues, all simultaneously and satisfactorily implemented during feasible microgrid operation. However, apart from the technical challenges, few microgrid studies exist on effective policies and incentives for microgrid promotion and deployment. This survey investigates the policy, regulatory and financial (economical and commercial) barriers, which hinder the deployment of microgrids in the European Union (EU), United States (USA) and China. In this paper, a clear view on microgrid policy instruments and challenges are investigated to aid future developments.

The textile industries utilize number of dyes, chemicals, and other materials to suffuse the characteristic of fabric qualities. A huge quantity of effluents is produced during the process. However, toxicity from synthetic dyes has become a cause of severe environment concern. Chlorophenols are...

This study investigates the conversion of textile wastewater sludge (TWS) and textile cotton waste (TCW) into solid biofuels through pelletization and torrefaction, addressing the growing need for sustainable waste management and alternative fuels in the textile sector. Blended feedstocks were conditioned to ~10% moisture, pelletized into 8 mm cylinders, and thermally upgraded at 200–240 °C for 30–90 min. Proximate and ultimate analyses, calorific value measurements, compressive strength testing, bulk and true density assessment, and TGA–DTG were used to evaluate fuel properties, while response surface methodology (RSM) optimized torrefaction parameters. The TCW-rich 20:80 (TWS:TCW) blend with 5% starch exhibited the most favorable overall performance, achieving a calorific value of 3377 kcal kg⁻¹, ash of 10.3%, bulk density of 554 kg m⁻³, and maximum compressive strength of 14.9 N mm⁻². Torrefaction at 200 °C for 60 min increased the GCV to 4083 kcal kg⁻¹ with a high mass yield of 92%, indicating mild thermal decomposition and good energy retention. Further Torrefaction at 220–240 °C increased GCV to 4362–4565 kcal kg⁻¹, accompanied by expected mass-yield reductions due to increased devolatilization. TGA–DTG confirmed faster and cleaner decomposition for TCW-rich pellets and higher residues for sludge-rich blends. RSM indicated temperature as the dominant factor governing mass and energy yields. These findings demonstrate that optimized co-pelletization and mild-to-moderate torrefaction can effectively transform textile residues into energy-dense, mechanically stable biofuels suitable for industrial heat applications.

Energy is considered as a vital sign of any country. The energy resource of any country is governed by their owned resources either through fossiliferous or alternative/renewable energy reserves. Due to depleting reserves of fossil fuel, countries including Pakistan are now focusing and converting themselves on renewable energy sources. Out of the different renewable sources, Hydel Power is among those indigenous sources which are considered as cheap, efficient and environmentally friendly. Pakistan is among those countries, which have the largest irrigation system which portrays a huge hydel potential within it. Government of Pakistan has also identified different potential sites where Hydel Energy can be obtained. However, apart from the recognized potential sites, there are still many streams/canals/ drains that can also be studied for their hydro potential and estimated generation capacity using mini/micro hydropower plant. Different studies have been carried out in calculating the energy potential of canals. In this paper, Hydropower Potential (HPP) of a Drainage System that is Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD), at Sindh has been calculated using field-based data parameters such as hydraulic depth, the width of the canal and flow velocity. Other studies were also reviewed for data collection. Based on the calculated HPP, five types of turbines with their benefits have been identified and proposed. This study concludes that different locations of LBOD can be considered for setting up a micro hydropower plant; however, a vertical head through extended penstock or weir needs to be considered for an effective hydropotential.

The increasing generation of textile cotton waste (TCW) and textile wastewater sludge (TWS) presents significant environmental management challenges. This study evaluates the conversion of TCW and TWS into biofuel pellets for waste recovery and coal substitution. Pellets were prepared at TWS ratios of 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, and 80:20 and assessed through combustion emission analysis, ash characterization, cradle-to-gate carbon assessment, and equal-energy cost comparison with imported bituminous coal. Increasing the TWS fraction prolonged combustion duration and increased SO₂ and NO_x emissions; however, all oxygen-normalized emissions remained within Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS) limits under the tested conditions. The 20:80 blend exhibited the lowest emission factors, with CO, SO₂, NO_x, and CO₂ emissions of 1.03 g kg⁻¹, 3.81 g kg⁻¹, 1.57 g kg⁻¹, and 1.42 kg kg⁻¹, respectively. Ash analysis showed that Cd and Pb were not detected, while measured heavy-metal concentrations remained below U.S. EPA regulatory limits and relevant EU limit values. The 20:80 pellet achieved a cradle-to-gate carbon intensity of 6.6 g CO₂e MJ⁻¹, approximately 59% lower than upstream coal production. Equal-energy fuel-cost savings relative to imported coal were 37.6% for the binder-based 20:80 pellet and 83.1% for the binder-free 40:60 pellet. Overall, the results indicate that TCW–TWS pellets, particularly those containing 20–40% TWS, can support textile waste utilization and partial coal substitution while reducing fuel costs.