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Current Dynamics in Energy, Climate and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges, Prospects and Analysis

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "C: Energy Economics and Policy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 March 2026) | Viewed by 10043

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Prof. Dr. Kamel Si Mohammed

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CEREFIGE, Université de Lorraine, F-57000 Metz, France
Interests: econometrics techniques; environmental economics; financial economics; energy economics; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global energy landscape is profoundly transforming as nations and industries strive to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security. The increasing shift toward the use of renewable energy sources, alongside the urgent imperative to cut carbon emissions, has propelled advancements in clean energy technologies, carbon markets, and climate policies. However, this transition is not without its challenges. Trade wars, resource nationalism, and geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning rare earth elements and critical minerals, have disrupted global supply chains, hampering the large-scale implementation of clean energy solutions. Moreover, the growing frequency of extreme weather events driven by climate change poses significant threats to energy infrastructure, making robust adaptation and mitigation strategies essential.

This Special Issue aims to explore and analyze the most recent trends, challenges, and opportunities in energy, climate, and environmental sustainability. It seeks to comprehensively understand the geopolitical, economic, and technological dimensions of energy transition while assessing its impact on global climate policies and sustainable development. This Special Issue will feature cutting-edge research on policy frameworks, market-based solutions, and innovative strategies to enhance resilience amid climate and energy crises.

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

Rare earth elements and geopolitical risk;
Trade wars and energy;
Climate change and energy;
AI and renewable energy;
Emission trading systems and energy;
Innovations in energy storage and grid resilience;
Circular economy and energy production;

Energy transition and net-zero emission economies;

Prof. Dr. Kamel Si Mohammed
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized 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

energy
energy transition
climate change
geopolitical risk

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Related Special Issue

Current Dynamics in Energy, Climate and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges, Prospects and Analysis—2nd Edition in Energies (1 article)

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Research

27 pages, 2273 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Trends and Future Scenarios in Afghanistan: Implications for Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Renewable Energy Potential, and Sustainable Development

by Noor Ahmad Akhundzadah

Energies 2026, 19(4), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19041067 - 19 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1116

Abstract

Although Afghanistan’s contribution to global and regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is minimal, it remains among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation have significantly disrupted the country’s natural resources, including water supplies, agriculture, forests, rangelands, and ecosystems, threatening its agrarian economy and socio-economic stability. Simultaneously, Afghanistan has substantial untapped renewable energy potential, especially in hydropower, solar, wind, and biomass. This study analyzes historical (1970–2014) and projected (2015–2099) climate trends across Afghanistan by examining mean annual temperature and precipitation using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s Slope estimator. Results indicate a significant warming trend, with a 1.58 °C rise in temperature and a 36 mm decrease in annual precipitation over the past five decades. Future projections based on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) suggest continued temperature increases, while precipitation trends vary geographically and over time, showing increases, decreases, or little change. The study also evaluates Afghanistan’s GHG emissions, which are negligible on regional and global scales. Despite its abundant renewable energy resources, the country still depends heavily on electricity imports from neighboring nations, leaving much of its domestic potential untapped. Harnessing these renewable resources can provide a practical path toward energy independence, zero-emission energy generation, and sustainable long-term development. This research emphasizes the urgent need for Afghanistan to strategically develop its renewable energy sector to boost climate resilience, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable economic growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Dynamics in Energy, Climate and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges, Prospects and Analysis)

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20 pages, 302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Inequality and Environmental Transition in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Revisiting the Kuznets Curve

by Hind Alofaysan and Fatma Ahmed Hassan

Energies 2025, 18(24), 6588; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246588 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 617

Abstract

This study explores the effect of Energy Inequality (EINQ) on environmental sustainability within the frameworks of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and the Load Capacity Curve (LCC), while accounting for technological progress (TECH), financial development (FD), and foreign direct investment (FDI). Using annual data for six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2005 to 2024, the analysis applies the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) to capture heterogeneous effects across the distribution of the Load Capacity Factor (LCF). The results show that energy inequality consistently reduces environmental sustainability, indicating that unequal access to efficient and clean energy services heightens ecological pressure. In contrast, technological innovation and financial development enhance sustainability by improving energy efficiency and supporting green investments. Economic growth exhibits an inverted U-shape, validating the EKC and LCC hypotheses. These findings are especially important for the GCC, where hydrocarbon dependence, uneven access to clean energy, and rapid structural change intensify the environmental consequences of inequality. The study underscores the need for policies that promote equitable energy access, innovation-led diversification, and sustainable financial mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Dynamics in Energy, Climate and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges, Prospects and Analysis)

52 pages, 4973 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

TESE-Informed Evolution Pathways for Photovoltaic Systems: Bridging Technology Trajectories and Market Needs

by Jadwiga Gorączkowska, Marta Moczulska and Sergey Yatsunenko

Energies 2025, 18(23), 6216; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236216 - 27 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1429

Abstract

Challenges related to energy security require support for investments in renewable energy sources. One of the most dynamically developing technologies in this area is photovoltaics. The literature provides numerous publications indicating PV development directions; however, strategic development planning remains fragmented between purely technological solutions and market-economic analyses. Systematic integration of both perspectives with customer needs is lacking. This study fills this gap: applying the Trends of Engineering System Evolution (TESE) methodology enables identification of PV system development trends with particular attention to PV user needs and consideration of market-economic and technological conditions. The TESE framework was used to identify the Main Parameter of Value (MPV), which indicates which technology features are important to consumers. Two key MPVs were identified: “profitability” and “independence.” These reflect the fundamental decision criteria of customers in residential and commercial segments. The analysis revealed that profitability is between stages 2 and 3 of the technology S-curve, while independence is at stage 2. As areas worth developing in terms of the indicated MPVs, the authors proposed: increasing panel efficiency, building integrated platforms containing PV, batteries, and an efficient management system (PV + ESS + EMS), and creating PV microgrids with energy storage. The integration of photovoltaic systems with energy storage solutions proved to be the most important strategic direction, simultaneously addressing both MPVs and enabling advanced energy management capabilities. The study provides manufacturers and technology developers with evidence-based recommendations concerning resource allocation in photovoltaic innovation. It combines the technology development approach and market demand through systematically verified evolutionary patterns. This methodology offers a repeatable framework for strategic technology planning in renewable energy sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Dynamics in Energy, Climate and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges, Prospects and Analysis)

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14 pages, 222 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of a Green Economy from the Perspective of Energy Sources in the GCC: The Role of Natural Gas Production

by Talal H. Alsabhan, Shaima Alghannam, Hamed M. Alhoshan and Reem Alshagri

Energies 2025, 18(22), 5979; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18225979 - 14 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 667

Abstract

Investigating the key factors that contribute to the development of a green economy is essential for governments and policymakers as they decide where to allocate their investments. However, the determinants of a green economy, particularly regarding different energy sources, remain an under-researched area, especially in the context of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) economies. This study aims to explore the roles of natural gas production, crude oil production, and electricity production from renewable energy sources in the transition towards green economic transformation. For our estimation, we employed panel data techniques, utilizing data from all six GCC economies covering the period from 2010 to 2023. Our results indicate that both the use of renewable energy sources and natural gas production have significantly contributed to advancing green economic transformation in these economies. In contrast, crude oil production has been found to be an irrelevant factor in explaining the transition to green growth in the GCC. The causality analysis revealed that there is a one-way causal relationship between natural gas production and green economic transformation and a two-way causal relationship between electricity generation from renewable sources and green economic transformation in GCC economies. Based on the study’s findings, we recommend that policymakers in GCC economies embrace green economic transformation by increasing the use of renewable sources and natural gas in production. Green economic transformation would help GCC economies pursue advanced, sustainable economic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Dynamics in Energy, Climate and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges, Prospects and Analysis)

26 pages, 2016 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green vs. Brown Energy Subsector in the Context of Carbon Emissions: Evidence from the United States Amid External Shocks

by Hind Alofaysan and Kamal Si Mohammed

Energies 2025, 18(17), 4530; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174530 - 26 Aug 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1709

Abstract

Using high-frequency financial data, this study investigates volatility spillovers between five renewable energy subsectors (wind, solar, geothermal, bioenergy, and fuel cells), five conventional energy markets (oil, gas, coal, uranium, and gasoline), and carbon emissions for five industrial sectors (power, industry, ground transportation, domestic aviation, and residential) based on a Diebold–Yilmaz VAR-based spillover framework. The results document that the industry and power sectors are the key players in the transmission effects of carbon shocks. In contrast, the reverse is true for the residential and aviation sectors. For renewable energy, fuel cells, and geothermal power, strong forward linkages appear to significantly reduce carbon emissions, while reverse linkages that increase carbon emissions in response to shocks in clean-energy and carbon-intensive industries are relatively high for coal and oil. We also find that the total volatility connectedness exceeds 84%, indicating significant systemic risk transmission. The clean-energy subsectors, particularly wind and solar, now compete in fossil-fuel markets during geopolitical crises. Applying the DCC-GARCH t-copula method to assess portfolio hedging strategies, we find that fuel cell and geothermal assets are the most effective in hedging against volatility in fossil-fuel prices. In contrast, nuclear and gas assets provide benefits from diversification. These results underscore the growing strategic importance of clean energy in mitigating sector-specific emission risks and fostering resilient energy systems in alignment with the United States’ net-zero carbon goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Dynamics in Energy, Climate and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges, Prospects and Analysis)

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