Abstract
This review examines the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to a sustainable energy future, highlighting the crucial role of clean, affordable, and reliable energy in promoting global prosperity and economic growth. The work provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in transportation and electricity generation, highlighting innovative technologies and research pathways crucial for achieving sustainability. In transportation, strategies to improve energy efficiency, such as adopting lightweight materials (e.g., advanced steels, aluminum, and carbon-fiber composites) and reducing friction-related energy losses, are discussed. It considers the ongoing relevance of internal combustion engines (ICEs), with potential efficiency gains through technologies such as direct injection and waste heat recovery. Battery-based electrification, including plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, is presented as a practical option, with significant improvements in battery performance (such as energy density and cost reduction). Fuel-cell-based electrification is also examined, focusing on cost reductions and hydrogen storage solutions, like high-pressure carbon-fiber tanks. The use of natural gas, both in compressed (CNG) and liquefied (LNG) forms, is highlighted as an economically feasible alternative, especially for heavy-duty vehicles, alongside the development of alternative liquid fuels such as biofuels, which face challenges related to cost and scalability. For electricity generation, the review assesses the potential of renewable sources such as solar and wind energy, noting substantial cost reductions (e.g., solar module prices dropping from $4 W?¹ to $1 W?¹ between 2008 and 2012) and emphasizing the need for improved efficiency and grid integration. Decarbonizing fossil-fuel emissions through carbon capture and storage (CCS) is recognized as a crucial step in reducing emissions from existing power plants, with a focus on optimizing sorbents and lowering costs. Nuclear power is regarded as an essential carbon-free baseload option, with discussions about safety enhancements (e.g., passive cooling systems) and the economic challenges of building a new plant. Integrating variable renewable energy sources into the grid requires advances in energy storage technologies, such as next-generation batteries, to ensure stability and reliability. The study stresses the importance of sustained research and development, supported by policy and international collaboration, to overcome technical and economic barriers and realize a sustainable, secure energy future.
Keywords
Sustainable energy, fossil fuel, challenges, future energy, CNG, LNG.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Ikeh Lesor, Osigwe Uche Stanley "A Review of Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Energy Development" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 4 2025 Page 1305-1308
IEEE:
Ikeh Lesor, Osigwe Uche Stanley
"A Review of Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Energy Development" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(4)
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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