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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 (5 February 2026) | Viewed by 9998

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Victor Manuel Ferreira Moutinho

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Guest Editor

1. Intrepid Lab, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Porto, Portugal
2. NECE–Research Center for Business Sciences and Management and Economics Department, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: energy economics; energy policy; transportation research; e-mobility; climate change; econometrics methods
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Henrique Viana Espinosa De Oliveira

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Guest Editor

NECE–Research Center for Business Sciences and Management and Economics Department, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: energy economics; energy policy; econometrics methods; economic growth; economic globalization; macroeconomics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy forms the backbone of our planet's systems, powering ecosystems and driving socio-economic progress. However, the prevailing energy production and consumption patterns are proving to be unsustainable, as evidenced by rising global temperatures and escalating greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these challenges requires a profound shift toward renewable energy sources and the development of innovative policies and economic frameworks to support this transition.

This Special Issue aims to explore the economic and policy dimensions of renewable energy adoption, focusing on the mechanisms required to accelerate its deployment and integration into energy systems worldwide. Topics of interest include the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy technologies, the design of regulatory and incentive-based policies, and the socio-economic implications of transitioning to sustainable energy systems. Contributions that analyze carbon pricing mechanisms, renewable energy market structures, and the challenges of integrating renewable sources into existing grids are highly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Victor Manuel Ferreira Moutinho
Dr. Henrique Viana Espinosa De Oliveira
Guest Editors

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-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

renewable energy economics
sustainable energy transition
greenhouse gas emissions
energy policy
carbon pricing
renewable energy integration
energy market structures
economic impacts of renewable energy
environmental economics
socio-economic aspects of energy transition
renewable energy technologies
energy sustainability strategies
regulatory frameworks for renewable energy
climate change mitigation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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22 pages, 1192 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Grid-Aware Peer-to-Peer Trading Framework Using Power Transfer Distribution Factor Sensitivities and Enhanced Least Squares Method-Based Transmission Loss Modeling on Hyperledger Fabric

by Nikolaos Koutantos and Panagis N. Vovos

Energies 2026, 19(5), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19051114 - 24 Feb 2026

Viewed by 480

Abstract

Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy-trading has emerged as a promising mechanism for decentralized electricity markets, but its practical deployment is often limited by the difficulty of accounting for physical network constraints and transmission losses in real time. This paper presents a decentralized P2P energy trading mechanism that incorporates network constraints and transmission losses directly into the market-clearing process. The framework combines Power Transfer Distribution Factors (PTDFs) for pre-trade feasibility validation with an Enhanced Least Squares Method (ELSM) for loss estimation, enabling loss-aware settlement without computationally intensive and redundant AC power flow calculations. The mechanism is implemented on Hyperledger Fabric using Attribute-Based Access Control, Access Control Lists and Private Data Collections to ensure privacy and auditability. Numerical studies on a 3-bus and the IEEE 39-bus system show that the proposed approach closely reproduces AC Optimal Power Flow dispatch and cost outcomes, while significantly improving simplified DC-based loss models. The results demonstrate that physically feasible and economically efficient decentralized trading can be achieved in a permissioned blockchain environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Economics and Policy)

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16 pages, 297 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Socio-Economic Drivers of Renewable Energy Consumption: A Dynamic Panel Analysis of Rural and Urban Contexts in Europe

by Henrique Viana Espinosa de Oliveira, Ana Cristina Brasão, Victor Moutinho and Luís Marques

Energies 2025, 18(24), 6475; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246475 - 10 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 594

Abstract

This study examines the patterns of renewable energy consumption across 29 European countries from 2000 to 2024. We utilised Bias-Corrected estimation techniques to analyse the relationship between renewable energy consumption, Human Development Index (HDI), labour force, and population dynamics, employing three distinct estimation models: global, rural, and urban. The results indicate that higher levels of human development and a larger labour force are positively associated with renewable energy consumption in the global and rural models, while the urban model shows an opposite effect for the labour force. Conversely, population growth is negatively related to renewable energy consumption in the global and rural contexts but positively in urban areas. These findings underscore the importance of socio-economic and demographic contexts in shaping renewable energy outcomes. They suggest that renewable energy can support economic and social development, but its effectiveness depends on regional structural conditions. From a policy perspective, the renewable transition should be approached as both an environmental and socio-economic strategy, aligning clean energy goals with employment generation, education, and inclusion, particularly in line with SDGs 7, 8, 10, and 13. Policies that promote green skills, innovation, and equitable regional investment can enhance social acceptance, competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Economics and Policy)

23 pages, 15083 KB

Open AccessArticle

A GIS-Based Framework for Evaluating Technical and Economic Prospects of Onshore Wind Energy: Case Study of Poland

by Pablo Benalcazar, Magdalena Trzeciok and Jacek Kamiński

Energies 2025, 18(23), 6230; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236230 - 27 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 864

Abstract

The rapid global expansion of wind energy underscores the need for robust methods to assess its potential under diverse legal, spatial, and technical conditions. This study presents a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based framework designed to analyze land eligibility and evaluate the techno-economic potential of onshore wind energy. The developed approach combines regulatory, spatial, and technological factors to examine how turbine class and setback distances from residential buildings influence both technical feasibility and economic performance. The framework consists of two modules: (1) a land eligibility and turbine allocation module that accounts for spatial, legal, and technological restrictions and (2) a techno-economic assessment module estimating the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) using a standardized formulation consistent with methodologies adopted by international energy agencies. The method’s applicability is demonstrated through a comprehensive national case study of Poland, highlighting its potential for application in other regions and planning contexts. Results for Poland indicate that 3.11–3.72% of the country’s territory is suitable for turbine installation depending on the scenario. Relaxing setback restrictions (e.g., to 500 m) and deploying Class III (IEC) turbines significantly increase both technical and economic potential, reducing average generation costs by approximately €6/MWh compared to Class II turbines. Across all scenarios, the LCOE remains below €46/MWh. The developed GIS-based framework offers a versatile and transferable tool to support evidence-based national and regional strategies for the sustainable expansion of onshore wind energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Economics and Policy)

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21 pages, 925 KB

Open AccessArticle

Complementarity and Substitution Effects of Investments in Renewable Energy and Global Economic Growth: Strategic Planning Opportunities for Development of Rural Areas

by Szczepan Figiel, Zbigniew Floriańczyk and Barbara Wieliczko

Energies 2025, 18(17), 4702; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174702 - 4 Sep 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1404

Abstract

Economic growth and societal well-being are highly dependent on the availability and efficient use of energy resources. This process evolves over time, along with changing developmental challenges, leading to an alteration of the world energy mix. The role of renewable energy sources in addressing these challenges has been widely recognized, but mostly from the ecological and climate change perspectives. Not enough focus has been paid to economic growth effects, such as potential job creation and income increases related to this process, often taking place in rural areas due to the availability of space and raw materials. In this context, the first objective of this study is to analyze the complementarity and substitution effects of investments in renewables and their connectedness with global economic growth. The second is to discuss the importance of effective strategic planning in supporting the growth of rural areas by promoting the production of renewable energy, based on selected international examples, including the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food recently presented by the European Commission. Using various data sources and employing basic statistical tools, we found that investing in renewable energy contributes to global economic growth. We also show how different countries view the indispensable role of rural areas in this process differently in their strategic policy documents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Economics and Policy)

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21 pages, 823 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Comprehensive Quadrilemma Index of Renewable Energy: The Latin American Case

by Vitor C. Benfica and António C. Marques

Energies 2025, 18(15), 3912; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18153912 - 22 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1257

Abstract

This study developed an Energy Quadrilemma Index (EQI) for Latin American countries, analyzing data from six countries from 2014 to 2020. Using the Principal Component Analysis method, this work reduced the dimensionality of 20 indicators grouped into four dimensions: energy security, energy equity, sustainable development, and a new social context axis. The results reveal significant disparities among the countries in the study. For example, Uruguay shows robust indicators, Paraguay exhibits low utilization of the energy it produces, and Chile displays the poorest results in the sustainable development axis. Many countries’ widespread dependence on hydroelectricity makes them vulnerable to water crises. The results show that social, economic, and structural inequalities represent the main barriers to the energy transition, often marginalizing low-income populations. Ensuring a fair and inclusive transition requires implementing targeted policies and solutions adapted to each country’s specific context. Although Costa Rica leads in performance, it faces significant challenges in the field of sustainability. In contrast, Honduras has made some progress with sustainable development but still demonstrates weaknesses in other areas. These results highlight that standardized solutions can exacerbate regional inequalities, demanding approaches more tailored to local needs. This work’s novelty lies in the use of the social context dimension as a feature to assess energy poverty in selected countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Economics and Policy)

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24 pages, 1643 KB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Drivers of Renewable Energy Growth in the European Union: Evidence from a Panel Data Analysis (2015–2023)

by László Török

Energies 2025, 18(13), 3363; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133363 - 26 Jun 2025

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3627

Abstract

The European Union (EU)’s climate policy and energy strategy objectives focus on increasing the share of renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen energy independence, and achieve sustainable economic transformation. This study empirically examines to what extent and in what direction the GDP per capita, investment rate, and energy intensity influenced the development of the share of renewable energy sources in the 27 Member States of the European Union from 2015 to 2023. This research used multiple linear regression, β-convergence analysis, and a fixed-effects panel model to process panel data from official Eurostat databases. The results show that the effect of GDP per capita is structurally positive but not significant in terms of change within a particular country over time. In contrast, the investment rate is positively and significantly related to the share of renewable energy in all models. The results of the fixed-effects model highlight that in years when the investment rate in a given Member State increased, the share of renewable energy sources in gross final energy consumption also typically increased. In the case of energy intensity, no significant relationship was found. However, the literature suggests that improving energy efficiency continues to play a key role in achieving the EU’s sustainability goals. This study concludes that stimulating investment activity and developing country-specific energy strategies in the EU Member States are essential to accelerating the energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Economics and Policy)

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30 pages, 3660 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Managerial and Legal Frameworks in Energy Sector Transformation: A Key Area Review

by Marta Bakun and Adam Sulich

Energies 2025, 18(23), 6309; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236309 - 30 Nov 2025

Viewed by 918

Abstract

In an era prioritizing sustainability, the energy sector plays a pivotal yet complex role in shaping future development. Its transition is strongly influenced by legal and decision-making frameworks, which require adaptation to rapidly changing technological and market conditions. This article investigates national and international legal structures that regulate and facilitate the transformation toward sustainable energy systems. A Systematic Literature Review, complemented by a Classical Literature Review and bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer, is used to identify and visualize key research areas at the intersection of energy policy, environmental law and managerial decision making. The analysis reveals a fragmented legal landscape structured around six main thematic clusters, covering core energy markets, environmental regulation, comparative legal analyses, efficiency and commerce, digital transformation and energy policy and security. These clusters highlight specific regulatory strengths, such as well-developed sectoral market rules, as well as gaps, including uneven enforcement of environmental norms, limited integration of climate objectives into sectoral regulations and a lag between technological innovation and legal frameworks. Building on these findings, this article introduces the concept of a compensatory model of energy law, which combines preventive, corrective and restorative instruments to distribute the costs and benefits of the energy transition more fairly. This study contributes to the academic and policy debate by clarifying how legal governance and managerial strategies jointly shape the trajectory of the energy sector’s transformation and by outlining directions for future research and regulatory reform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Economics and Policy)

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