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Combatting Global Warming through Sustainable Electronics

30 September 2024
Introduction

Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth’s temperature and the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This phenomenon leads to a rise in global pollution levels, significantly impacting people’s lives both now and in the future. For instance, the average temperature has increased by approximately 1.15 degrees over the last decade, from 2013 to 2023, compared to the period between 1850 and 1990. Projections indicate that temperatures may increase by 1 to 5.5 degrees during this century, as per the latest UN report in 2023. This temperature rise is expected to bring about various issues, including food and water shortages leading to famines in different parts of the world. Additionally, coastal areas may face submersion due to rising sea levels caused by the melting of icebergs in the Earth’s polar regions. Consequently, many countries are currently implementing policies to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote eco-friendly practices.

Current Research Trends in the Field of Sustainable Electronics
There is a critical need to improve sustainable practices in various aspects of life to address climate change and the increasing global temperature. Internationally, governments are focusing on creating sustainable technologies and products to combat global warming. These efforts involve significant initiatives to produce energy from renewable sources and implement eco-friendly technologies such as wind and solar power generation, electric vehicles, and sustainable electronics. The advancement of sustainable electronics and the reduction of harmful effects of electronic devices on the environment are key research areas widely acknowledged and backed by governments of industrialized nations.

According to the most recent UN report issued in 2022, 53 million tons of electronic waste were discarded in 2019, including unusable electronic devices with reusable raw materials valued at 57 billion dollars. The amount of electronic waste generated is staggering, equivalent to 4500 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower or all commercial airplanes ever built. It is projected that electronic waste will reach 76 million tons by 2030, presenting a significant challenge and contributing to environmental pollution and resource wastage.

According to the most recent UN report issued in 2022, 53 million tons of electronic waste were discarded in 2019, including unusable electronic devices with reusable raw materials valued at 57 billion dollars. The amount of electronic waste generated is staggering, equivalent to 4500 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower or all commercial airplanes ever built. It is projected that electronic waste will reach 76 million tons by 2030, presenting a significant challenge and contributing to environmental pollution and resource wastage.
The shift towards green and sustainable electronics involves more than just reducing electronic waste and recycling devices. It also includes using environmentally friendly materials in manufacturing electronic devices and electrical circuits. Many companies and research centers are currently focusing on redesigning electric device components with non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable materials that naturally decompose after the device’s lifecycle ends. These efforts aim to revamp manufacturing processes in electronic device factories to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious. This can be achieved by adopting clean and efficient technology that incorporates cost-effective manufacturing practices to minimize waste production, enhance energy efficiency, and rely on renewable energy sources. These initiatives effectively help reduce the environmental impact of electronic factories.
Silk and paper play a crucial role in manufacturing components for electronic devices. Silk, a natural and biodegradable material, is safe for medical use as it does not trigger any immune system reactions. It can be utilized in implantable medical and electronic devices within the human body. Recent scientific advancements have led to the creation of a silk-based electronic device that can be implanted in the body and controlled wirelessly. This device can administer drugs to specific areas of the body and adjust the medication dosage wirelessly. Once the treatment is complete, the device dissolves harmlessly in the body. These devices are particularly beneficial in treating certain types of cancer while minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy. By delivering medication directly to diseased cells and organs in smaller, more efficient doses compared to traditional methods, patients can avoid many harmful side effects associated with prolonged treatment and high doses of chemical drugs. Additionally, silk and paper (derived from wood pulp cellulose) can be used in developing various electronic device components, including transistors and sensors, especially those used in biomedical applications. [2]-[6]

My Experience in Electronics

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the George Green Institute for Electromagnetics Research, University of Nottingham, UK. My research focuses on developing electronic devices for various communication applications, particularly in the field of millimeter-wave technology. With over a decade of experience, my interdisciplinary work spans areas like 3D printing, utilizing liquid metals like gallium for innovative device creation, and material sciences for telecommunications devices such as antennas, mm-wave, and microwave-reconfigurable devices. Apart from conducting scientific research, I have authored over 55 peer-reviewed journal articles and international conference papers.

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the George Green Institute for Electromagnetics Research, University of Nottingham, UK. My research focuses on developing electronic devices for various communication applications, particularly in the field of millimeter-wave technology. With over a decade of experience, my interdisciplinary work spans areas like 3D printing,

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the George Green Institute for Electromagnetics Research, University of Nottingham, UK. My research focuses on developing electronic devices for various communication applications, particularly in the field of millimeter-wave technology. With over a decade of experience, my interdisciplinary work spans areas like 3D printing, utilizing liquid metals like gallium for innovative device creation, and material sciences for telecommunications devices such as antennas, mm-wave, and microwave-reconfigurable devices. Apart from conducting scientific research, I have authored over 55 peer-reviewed journal articles and international conference papers.

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the George Green Institute for Electromagnetics Research, University of Nottingham, U.K. My research focuses on developing electronic devices for various communication applications, particularly in the field of millimeter-wave technology. With over a decade of experience, my interdisciplinary work spans areas like 3D printing,

utilizing liquid metals like gallium for innovative device creation, and material sciences for telecommunications devices such as antennas, mm-wave, and microwave-reconfigurable devices. Apart from conducting scientific research, I have authored over 55 peer-reviewed journal articles and international conference papers.

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the George Green Institute for Electromagnetics Research, University of Nottingham, UK. My research focuses on developing electronic devices for various communication applications, particularly in the field of millimeter-wave technology.
With over a decade of experience, my interdisciplinary work spans areas like 3D printing, utilizing liquid metals like gallium for innovative device creation, and material sciences for telecommunications devices such as antennas, mm-wave, and microwave-reconfigurable devices. Apart from conducting scientific research, I have authored over 55 peer-reviewed journal articles and international conference papers.
Solar Energy: Capabilities and Challenges

The use of clean and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial for sustainable electricity provision, combating climate change, and achieving sustainable development, especially in the MENA region. This shift will help lessen the impact of global warming and climate change in the area, meeting most of its energy requirements in the near future, even before the era of oil and gas ends. Both theoretically and practically, the Islamic and Arab regions show great potential for energy self-sufficiency through solar power. Moreover, they can export this energy to various countries worldwide, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. While the southern states of the US are known as the “US Sun Belt” due to their sunny climate, the MENA region is often referred to as the “Global Sun Belt” because of its extensive sunlight exposure, exceeding 4300 hours annually in most countries.

The use of clean and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial for sustainable electricity provision, combating climate change, and achieving sustainable development, especially in the MENA region. This shift will help lessen the impact of global warming and climate change in the area, meeting most of its energy requirements in the near future, even before the era of oil and gas ends. Both theoretically and practically, the Islamic and Arab regions show great potential for energy self-sufficiency through solar power.
Moreover, they can export this energy to various countries worldwide, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. While the southern states of the US are known as the “US Sun Belt” due to their sunny climate, the MENA region is often referred to as the “Global Sun Belt” because of its extensive sunlight exposure, exceeding 4300 hours annually in most countries.
The use of clean and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial for sustainable electricity provision, combating climate change, and achieving sustainable development, especially in the MENA region. This shift will help lessen the impact of global warming and climate change in the area, meeting most of its energy requirements in the near future, even before the era of oil and gas ends. Both theoretically and practically, the Islamic and Arab regions show great potential for energy self-sufficiency through solar power.

Moreover, they can export this energy to various countries worldwide, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. While the southern states of the US are known as the “US Sun Belt” due to their sunny climate, the MENA region is often referred to as the “Global Sun Belt” because of its extensive sunlight exposure, exceeding 4300 hours annually in most countries. Additionally, the region’s capacity to generate more than 2000 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square meter is impressive. By considering the MENA region’s vast area of over 11 million square kilometers and the global electricity consumption rate of 26500 terawatt-hours in 2022, it becomes evident that the region could meet over 825 times the global electricity demand. For instance, a recent study demonstrated that just 1% of the Arab states in North Africa could produce 12000 terawatt-hours of electricity each year using solar energy, accounting for nearly half of the world’s current electricity demand. [8]-[10]

The use of clean and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial for sustainable electricity provision, combating climate change, and achieving sustainable development, especially in the MENA region.

This shift will help lessen the impact of global warming and climate change in the area, meeting most of its energy requirements in the near future, even before the era of oil and gas ends. Both theoretically and practically, the Islamic and Arab regions show great potential for energy self-sufficiency through solar power.
Moreover, they can export this energy to various countries worldwide, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. While the southern states of the US are known as the “US Sun Belt” due to their sunny climate, the MENA region is often referred to as the “Global Sun Belt” because of its extensive sunlight exposure, exceeding 4300 hours annually in most countries. Additionally, the region’s capacity to generate more than 2000 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square meter is impressive. By considering the MENA region’s vast area of over 11 million square kilometers and the global electricity consumption rate of 26500 terawatt-hours in 2022, it becomes evident that the region could meet over 825 times the global electricity demand. For instance, a recent study demonstrated that just 1% of the Arab states in North Africa could produce 12000 terawatt-hours of electricity each year using solar energy, accounting for nearly half of the world’s current electricity demand. [8]-[10]

Additionally, the region’s capacity to generate more than 2000 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square meter is impressive. By considering the MENA region’s vast area of over 11 million square kilometers and the global electricity consumption rate of 26500 terawatt-hours in 2022, it becomes evident that the region could meet over 825 times the global electricity demand. For instance, a recent study demonstrated that just 1% of the Arab states in North Africa could produce 12000 terawatt-hours of electricity each year using solar energy, accounting for nearly half of the world’s current electricity demand. [8]-[10]

The countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are currently facing various challenges in expanding the generation of solar and renewable energy. These challenges stem from the lack of clear strategic visions, a dedicated workforce, and skilled individuals in decision-making roles. Additionally, technical issues and the high costs associated with the infrastructure needed for generating, transmitting, distributing, storing, and potentially exporting excess energy in the future pose significant obstacles. An exemplary project in the region is the Benban Solar Park in Aswan, Egypt, which aims to produce 2000 megawatts of electricity at a total cost exceeding 4 billion dollars. Once completed, this project’s output will be equivalent to 91% of the High Dam’s production, meeting nearly 5% of Egypt’s electricity demand. The project’s high cost is mainly due to relying partially or entirely on foreign technology for designing and implementing transportation and distribution networks, as well as power plants.

Recommendations for Transitioning to Renewable
Energy Sources

In the MENA region, policymakers need to create a conducive environment for a complete shift towards renewable energy. This involves more than just setting up new plants; it also means localizing the production of power plant components, enhancing the efficiency of existing components, creating cost-effective and highly efficient energy storage technology, and improving energy transportation and distribution for export purposes. By fostering investment and supporting local companies in developing and manufacturing this technology, the energy sector can become fully localized in these countries. Additionally, these nations and their universities should invest in scientific research to facilitate collaboration between research institutions and the industry sector, enabling universities and academic centers to provide technology and expertise.

In the MENA region, policymakers need to create a conducive environment for a complete shift towards renewable energy. This involves more than just setting up new plants; it also means localizing the production of power plant components, enhancing the efficiency of existing components, creating cost-effective and highly efficient energy storage technology, and improving energy transportation and distribution for export purposes. 

By fostering investment and supporting local companies in developing and manufacturing this technology, the energy sector can become fully localized in these countries. Additionally, these nations and their universities should invest in scientific research to facilitate collaboration between research institutions and the industry sector, enabling universities and academic centers to provide technology and expertise.

In the MENA region, policymakers need to create a conducive environment for a complete shift towards renewable energy. This involves more than just setting up new plants; it also means localizing the production of power plant components, enhancing the efficiency of existing components, creating cost-effective and highly efficient energy storage technology, and improving energy transportation and distribution for export purposes.

By fostering investment and supporting local companies in developing and manufacturing this technology, the energy sector can become fully localized in these countries. Additionally, these nations and their universities should invest in scientific research to facilitate collaboration between research institutions and the industry sector, enabling universities and academic centers to provide technology and expertise.

In the MENA region, policymakers need to create a conducive environment for a complete shift towards renewable energy. This involves more than just setting up new plants; it also means localizing the production of power plant components, enhancing the efficiency of existing components, creating cost-effective and highly efficient energy storage technology, and improving energy transportation and distribution for export purposes.

By fostering investment and supporting local companies in developing and manufacturing this technology, the energy sector can become fully localized in these countries. Additionally, these nations and their universities should invest in scientific research to facilitate collaboration between research institutions and the industry sector, enabling universities and academic centers to provide technology and expertise.

[1] retrieved from: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Environment/Pages/Spotlight/Global-Ewaste-Monitor-2020.aspx

[2] F. Torricelli, I. Alessandri, E. Macchia, I. Vassalini, M. Maddaloni, L. Torsi 2100445, Green Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Organic Transistors. Adv. Mater. Technol. 2022, 7, 2100445. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202100445

[3] H. Tu, et. al. “Silk-based resorbable electronic devices for remotely controlled therapy and in vivo infection abatement”, PNAS, Vol. 111, No. 49, Nov. 2014.

[4] J. A. Chiong, H. Tran, Y. Lin, Y. Zheng, Z. Bao, Integrating Emerging Polymer Chemistries for the Advancement of Recyclable, Biodegradable, and Biocompatible Electronics. Adv. Sci. 2021, 8, 2101233. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202101233

[5] M. Kirschner, Why the Circular Economy Will Drive Green and Sustainable Chemistry in Electronics. Adv. Sustainable Syst. 2022, 6, 2100046. https://doi.org/10.1002/adsu.202100046

[6] C. Lee, S. Kim, Y.-H. Cho, Silk and Paper: Progress and Prospects in Green Photonics and Electronics. Adv. Sustainable Syst. 2022, 6, 2000216. https://doi.org/10.1002/adsu.202000216

[7] Wang, C.-H., Hsieh, C.-Y. and Hwang, J.-C. (2011), Flexible Organic Thin-Film Transistors with Silk Fibroin as the Gate Dielectric. Adv. Mater., 23: 1630-1634. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201004071

[8] Awal, M.R., Yahya, M.S., Ahmad, R.B., Ibrahim, M.Z., Dagang, A.N., Aziz, M.F.A. (2022). Hot Spots Identification for Global Solar Energy Potential: A Future Perspective. In: Isa, K., et al. Proceedings of the 12th National Technical Seminar on Unmanned System Technology 2020. Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, vol 770. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2406-3_83

[9] Maryam K. Abdelrazik, Sara E. Abdelaziz, Mariam F. Hassan, Tarek M. Hatem,”Climate action: prospect of solar energy in Africa”, Energy Reports, Vol. 8, 2022. pp. 11363-11377, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.08.252

[10] Solar Radiation Maps: Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI), Solar GIS