Background: Energy is a fundamental requirement in economic growth and is directly related to almost all aspects of global development. The global energy demand is increasing daily due to the expanding economy, industrialization, and population growth. Countries have adopted the trend of renewable energy over non-renewable energy due to the sustainability of renewable energy sources. Bloom energy server is a renewable energy source that utilizes solid oxide fuel cell [SOFC] technology to convert fuel into electricity through an electrochemical reaction with high efficiency and without combustion. Oman, however, still relies on non-renewable energy sources, namely oil and gas. Countries continuously apply the most efficient and cost-effective energy sources with the other different energy sources available. Objective: This paper aims to investigate the different available energy sources, both renewable and non-renewable and compare them and the bloom energy server and make conclusions that Oman can adopt. Method: The methodology used was a comprehensive literature search of the Google Scholar database, ProQuest database and Google search. The energy sources investigated are SOFC, solar power, wind energy, hydropower, crude oil energy, coal energy and natural gas. The variant energy sources were compared based on the following parameters: capacity capital cost, reliability and availability, sustainability, lifetime, environmental concerns, efficiency, and long-term cost-effectiveness. Results: showed that renewable energy sources are superior to non-renewable energy sources. Of the renewable sources, SOFC was the most reliable, hydropower the most efficient with the longest lifetime, and solar and wind energy provided a long-term, cost-effective energy option. Conclusion: In conclusion, perhaps bloom energy servers are not the best option for Oman, but the adoption of renewable energy sources is strongly urged
Background: The fibers of date palm [DPFs] were used as a raw material to isolate cellulose nanofibers [CNFs] to assess their potential as reinforcements of composite materials in producing Bioplastic. The isolation of Nano cellulose [NCs] from DPF is still lacking, and the authors are not aware of any previous publication concerning the isolation of NCs from DPF. Objective: The date palm has huge potential in the application as a reinforcement agent to manufacture bio-nano composites and can be considered a renewable source of nanofibers with an etymology to agro-waste. Method: High-purity cellulose nanofibers were isolated from DPFs through an environmentally friendly treatment process that combined chemical [alkali & bleaching] and mechanical [ball milling]. Results: A high yield of CNFs was successfully extracted, with 50% CNFs from overall DPFs. Scanning electron microscopy [SEM] results revealed the effects of isolation treatments on fiber morphology and showed long, loose nanofiber bundles with 8–100 nm in diameter. FTIR results showed that noncellulosic components were effectively removed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the improved crystallinity of the processed fibers with a high crystalline index of 69.78%. Conclusion: TGA results showed an enhancement in the thermal properties of the nanofibers. The removal of hemicellulose and lignin increased the crystallinity of the fibers, and the extracted CNFs were used in the synthesis of Bioplastic by using glycerol as a plasticizer and corn starch as a matrix using the casting method. The feasibility study proved that NC production is feasible in Oman and was successfully yielding cellulose nanofibers with potential in advanced applications. The availability of raw materials is sufficient to sustain the plan with a total capital investment of OMR 9,694,127, an operating cost of OMR 10,058,976, and a total annual net profit of OMR 2,235,445.926 which shows an ROI of 23%/year with a payback period of 4.34 years.
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