Optimization of the Operation of Industrial Energy and Power Plants

Dear Colleagues,

You are warmly invited to submit original research, review papers, and overview articles to this Special Issue of Energies, which is dedicated to “Optimization of the Operation of Industrial Energy and Power Plants”.

The operational optimization of these plants is a fundamental aspect of the transition towards a sustainable and resource-efficient energy sector with reduced environmental impact. It involves the integration of advanced technologies for the real-time monitoring, control, and management of energy flows, significantly contributing to reductions in energy losses and decreases in greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy resources play a crucial role in optimizing and decarbonizing industrial and energy systems. These clean resources significantly contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions and ensure sustainable energy production in the long term. Solar and wind energy, in particular, have experienced rapid growth in recent decades and are increasingly integrated into smart grids and industrial microgrids, facilitating the optimal management of the supply and demand for energy.

A key element in operational optimization is the integration of green hydrogen into the industrial energy mix. Hydrogen produced by electrolysis using renewable energy has the potential to balance energy supply and demand, especially during periods of renewable energy overproduction. It can be efficiently stored and later used for electricity generation or industrial processes, thereby reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to the decarbonization of the power sector. Integrating hydrogen into hybrid power plants alongside renewable resources enhances the flexibility and resilience of energy systems.

Another major contribution to operational optimization comes from carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. These technologies enable the capture of CO₂ emissions directly at the source, such as power plants and industrial units, preventing their release into the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ is either stored in secure underground geological formations or used in industrial processes, such as the production of synthetic fuels or construction materials. Thus, CCS contributes not only to reducing the carbon footprint of industry but also to enhancing its operational sustainability.

An essential concept in the sustainable optimization of industrial operations is the circular economy. This involves the reuse, recycling, and recovery of resources to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. In the energy sector, the circular economy is manifested through the recovery and reuse of residual energy, the transformation of industrial by-products into useful resources, and the implementation of zero-waste systems. For example, waste heat generated in industrial processes can be recovered and reused for heating or electricity generation, thereby reducing the need for fossil fuels and optimizing resource consumption.

All these components of operational optimization are supported and enhanced by emerging digital technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies enable the analysis of large volumes of operational data, the identification of anomalies, and the optimization of energy distribution. Intelligent systems can anticipate fluctuations in energy demand, optimizing generation and distribution processes to minimize fuel consumption and maximize the use of renewable sources. For example, predictive algorithms can automatically adjust the operating parameters of power plants based on weather conditions, demand variations, or energy market prices.

The integration of renewable energy sources, the adoption of green hydrogen, the deployment of CCS technologies, and the implementation of circular economy principles—combined with the support of AI and ML—position operational optimization as a vital strategy for meeting international climate targets. Industrial energy systems and power plants can thus become cleaner, more efficient, and better equipped to withstand global challenges, all while enabling a secure and sustainable shift toward a low-carbon future with optimized resource management.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Operational optimization of industrial energy;

- Operational optimization of power plants;

- Integration of renewable energy into power systems;

- Green hydrogen in industrial energy optimization;

- Advanced control systems for real-time energy management;

- Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies;

- Circular economy applications in power generation;

- Energy storage solutions for enhanced grid stability;

- Data-driven optimization of power plant operations;

- Decarbonization strategies for industrial power plants;

- Policy and regulatory frameworks for sustainable industrial energy;

- Cybersecurity in optimized industrial energy systems;

- Emerging technologies in industrial energy optimization.

Dr. Raluca Andreea Felseghi
Dr. Ioan Aschilean
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• energy optimization
• industrial power plants
• green hydrogen integration
• renewable energy integration
• carbon capture and storage (CCS)
• smart grids and microgrids
• predictive maintenance
• circular economy in energy
• real-time energy management
• digital twins for power plants