Technological Innovations and Sustainable Energy Strategies to Combat Climate Change: Advancing Renewable Energy for Urban and Rural Development

This study focuses on the current technological advancements in the field of mechanical engineering systems and sustainable energy policies that can effectively help in combating the problem of climate change with the use of renewable energy sources in urban and rural areas. It brings to the fore such developments as aerodynamic optimization of wind turbines, thermal storage improvements in solar, and Organic Rankine Cycle technology to recover waste heat, all of which can make systems more energy efficient and with lower carbon footprints. The paper also addresses realistic solutions such as rooftop PV, smart inverters, district cooling and rural mini-grids that respond to the energy needs of the various locations. Backed by real-life case studies of India and Kenya, the results highlight the critical importance of mechanical engineering in the transition to a resilient and low-carbon energy future, which provides solutions that are scalable to the local needs, as well as minimizing climate change impacts globally.