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The Future of Energy Systems: Integration of Energy Technologies in Distribution Grids

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A1: Smart Grids and Microgrids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 501

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), University of Washington, Bothell, WA, USA
Interests: power systems operation and planning; renewable energy systems; smart grids; electric vehicles; electricity market
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the energy industry continues to witness advancements in renewable distributed generation (DG), electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and capacitor banks, it becomes crucial to effectively manage their operational needs, technical characteristics, and economic considerations. Without careful integration and collaboration, we risk complications such as system overloading, equipment failure, voltage deviations, increased losses, and transient stability issues. Therefore, it is imperative that we address these challenges collaboratively to maximize the benefits of these technologies while minimizing their potential risks.

I am therefore pleased to announce a Special Issue that aims to connect researchers from academia and industry, and compile studies that present innovative developments, challenges, and solutions in the field of energy technologies and their integration into electric grids. We invite you to contribute your expertise and insights to this important discussion.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  1. Novel optimization algorithms for the operation and planning of smart electric grids with different energy technologies: We encourage researchers to explore novel algorithms and methodologies that can effectively manage the integration of diverse energy technologies into distribution grids. This includes addressing challenges such as load balancing, demand response, and grid stability.
  2. Micro-grids and state-of-the-art methods for their optimization and control: Micro-grids play a crucial role in the integration of energy technologies. We invite researchers to present their work on the optimization and control of micro-grids, including advanced control strategies, energy management systems, and grid-tied and islanded operation modes.
  3. Innovative solutions for the efficient communication of energy technologies: Communication is vital for the seamless integration of energy technologies. We welcome submissions that propose novel communication protocols, network architectures, and data management techniques to enable efficient and reliable communication among different energy technologies.
  4. Policy and regulatory issues and solutions for the seamless integration of energy technologies: The integration of energy technologies requires a supportive policy and regulatory framework. We encourage researchers to explore policy and regulatory challenges and propose solutions that facilitate the seamless integration of energy technologies into distribution grids.
  5. Big data analytics and data privacy for the collaborative operation of energy technologies: With the increasing deployment of energy technologies, there is a growing need for effective data analytics and privacy protection. We invite researchers to present their work on big data analytics, machine learning, and data privacy solutions for the collaborative operation of energy technologies.
  6. Cybersecurity solutions for the safe and reliable operation of electric grids with energy technologies: As the grid becomes more interconnected, it is crucial to ensure cybersecurity. We welcome submissions that address cybersecurity challenges and propose solutions for safeguarding the operation of electric grids with energy technologies.

We believe that, by sharing knowledge and experiences, our understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of diverse energy technologies into distribution grids can be enhanced. Your contribution to this Special Issue will be invaluable in advancing the field and shaping the future of energy systems.

Dr. Mahmoud Ghofrani
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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.

Keywords

  • smart electric grids
  • micro-grids
  • renewable energy
  • electric vehicles
  • power systems
  • energy storage systems
  • energy management
  • optimization algorithms
  • policy frameworks
  • big data analytics
  • cybersecurity solutions

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1689 KiB  
Article
Smart Grids and Sustainability: The Impact of Digital Technologies on the Energy Transition
by Paola Campana, Riccardo Censi, Roberto Ruggieri and Carlo Amendola
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2149; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092149 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Smart Grids (SG) represent a key element in the energy transition, facilitating the integration of renewable and conventional energy sources through the use of advanced digital technologies. This study analyzes the main research trends related to SG, energy efficiency, and the role of [...] Read more.
Smart Grids (SG) represent a key element in the energy transition, facilitating the integration of renewable and conventional energy sources through the use of advanced digital technologies. This study analyzes the main research trends related to SG, energy efficiency, and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in smart energy management. Following the PRISMA protocol, 179 relevant academic articles indexed in the Scopus database were selected and analyzed using VOSviewer software, version 1.6.20, to identify the main thematic clusters. The results reveal a converging research focus on energy flow optimization, renewable energy integration, and the adoption of digital technologies—including cybersecurity solutions—to ensure grid efficiency, security, and resilience. The study confirms that digitalization acts as a key enabler for building a more sustainable and reliable energy system, aligned with the objectives of the European Union and the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The contribution of this work lies in its integrated approach to the analysis of digital technologies, linking the themes of efficiency, resilience, and infrastructure security, in order to provide valuable insights for future research and sustainable energy policy development. Full article
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23 pages, 1317 KiB  
Article
Sensitivity Analysis of Distribution Network Reconfiguration Optimization for Electric Vehicle and Renewable Distributed Generator Integration
by Mahmoud Ghofrani
Energies 2025, 18(8), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18081903 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
Distribution networks have faced significant efficiency and reliability challenges, balancing the recent integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable distributed generators (DGs). This study proposes a reconfiguration optimization of the distribution system by adjusting the status of switches within the network. This approach [...] Read more.
Distribution networks have faced significant efficiency and reliability challenges, balancing the recent integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable distributed generators (DGs). This study proposes a reconfiguration optimization of the distribution system by adjusting the status of switches within the network. This approach aims to minimize power losses and enhance overall operational efficiency. To model the variability of wind and solar DGs, probability distribution functions (PDFs) are employed, which allow for a more accurate representation of their performance. Additionally, stochastic models and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) are utilized to generate various scenarios that reflect real-world conditions, including the charging and discharging behaviors of EVs. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed reconfiguration strategy across different levels of EV and DG penetration. Full article
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