How to Achieve Comprehensive Carbon Emission Reduction in Ports? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Under the mounting pressure to make changes to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable, port authorities have been exploring effective solutions to reduce CO2 emissions. In this regard, alternative fuels, innovative technology, and optimization strategies are key pathways for ports to transition toward a low-carbon pattern. In this review work, the current development status and characteristics of renewable and clean energy in ports were meticulously analyzed. The CO2 emission reduction effects and limitations of port microgrids, carbon capture, and other technological operations were thoroughly examined. Lastly, the emission reduction optimization strategies ports could adopt under different scenarios were evaluated. The research findings showed that (1) combining the characteristics of the port and quantifying the properties of different renewable energy sources and low-carbon fuels is extremely necessary to select suitable alternative energy sources for port development; (2) technological advancements, multi-party interests, and policy impacts were the primary factors influencing the development of emission reduction technology methods; and (3) the coordinated optimization of multiple objectives in cross-scenarios was the main direction for ports to achieve sustainable development. This study provides theoretical guidance to ports that are transitioning to a greener pattern, as well as pointing out future research directions and development spaces for researchers.

Energy–Logistics Cooperative Optimization for a Port-Integrated Energy System

“…Combined with hydrogen production equipment based on electrolysis, it can help improve the consumption rate of renewable energy. Holder et al [7], Kelmalis et al [12], and Zhang et al [13] propose the electrification of logistics equipment, which will also help to improve the consumption rate of renewable energy. From the perspective of energy production, ports utilize abundant renewable energy sources such as wind and light to generate electricity and integrate multiple forms of energy, combined with electrical coupling [14,15] and electric thermal coupling [16][17][18][19], to form an integrated energy supply system, which can effectively improve the energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption and reduce air pollution and carbon emissions [20,21].…”