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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 June 2025) | Viewed by 8875

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Dr. Susana Silva

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CEF.UP, Faculty of Economics, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-464 Porto, Portugal
Interests: data analytics regarding economic, social, and environmental issues; policy making; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Erika Laranjeira

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1. COMEGI, Centro Universitário Lusíada Norte, Rua de Moçambique 21 e 71, Aldoar, 4100-348 Porto, Portugal
2. CEF.UP, Faculdade de Economia, Universidade do Porto, R. Roberto Frias, 4200-464 Porto, Portugal
Interests: economics; energy; environment; sustainability; health economics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change and environmental problems are forcing all countries in the world to work together to reverse the situation. Policies worldwide are attempting to minimize, as much as possible, the negative environmental impacts of economic activities, since this is key to detaching economic growth from environmental degradation. Furthermore, the energy sector is one of the main sectors responsible for greenhouse gas emissions; hence, it is under the pressure to take strong and urgent measures to reduce its environmental impact.

This Special Issue will contribute to a better and more comprehensive understanding of the connections between energy, the environment, and the economy.

Topics to be covered in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

Environmental impacts and sustainability of the energy transition;
Renewable energy sources;
Energy efficiency;
Impact on energy markets and energy prices;
Stability of supply and energy security;
Demand-side management;
Energy and the circular economy.

Dr. Susana Silva
Dr. Erika Laranjeira
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.

Keywords

energy
environment
renewable energy
economy
energy transition
sustainability
circular economy

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Related Special Issue

Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy: 2nd Edition in Energies

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 1742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Disparities, Spatial Effects, and the Dynamic Evolution of Distorted Energy Prices in China

by Zhiyuan Gao, Ziying Jia and Yu Hao

Energies 2025, 18(13), 3465; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133465 - 1 Jul 2025

Viewed by 284

Abstract

The distortion of energy prices has become an important obstacle to the high-quality development of China’s economy. Moreover, energy price distortions are not merely a domestic issue. They may trigger carbon leakage by diverting emissions-intensive production to countries with cheaper energy. Although the existing literature has extensively examined the effects of energy price distortions, two significant research gaps remain. First, most studies treat energy price distortions merely as an influencing factor, lacking a systematic analysis that places it at the core. Second, the spatial correlation characteristics of energy price distortions are often overlooked. This study measures the degree of energy price distortions across Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2022 and employs methods such as the Global Moran’s I, Local Moran’s I, and kernel density estimation to systematically analyze the spatial correlation, spatial distribution of coordination indices, and dynamic evolution patterns of these distortions. The results reveal that: (1) the overall degree of energy price distortions in China exhibited a trend of rising first and then declining, with significant regional disparities; (2) the regional gap followed an “expansion-contraction” trajectory; (3) there is notable spatial autocorrelation, with high-distortion areas concentrated in Northeast China, the middle reaches of the Yellow River, and Northwest China; and (4) the dynamic evolution suggests that distortion levels in high- and medium-value regions may continue to decline, while those in low-value regions may increase. This study fills a critical gap in the systematic spatial analysis of energy price distortions and provides new empirical evidence and policy insights for advancing market-oriented reforms in energy markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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23 pages, 1296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gravity Energy Storage and Its Feasibility in the Context of Sustainable Energy Management with an Example of the Possibilities of Mine Shafts in Poland

by Katarzyna Tobór-Osadnik, Jacek Korski, Bożena Gajdzik, Radosław Wolniak and Wieslaw Grebski

Energies 2025, 18(13), 3374; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133374 - 27 Jun 2025

Viewed by 440

Abstract

This paper discusses the viability and efficiency of gravity energy storage (GES) systems utilizing abandoned coal mine shafts in Poland as a new frontier of energy management within the broader framework of sustainable energy transition. After a thorough analysis of shaft infrastructure, economic factors, and regulatory environment, the research demonstrates how GES is in line with circular economy and sustainability principles yet there are certain technical and financial limitations—smaller lifting capacities and expensive adjustments, for instance—that are currently stalling its large-scale adoption. The results highlight the importance of harmonizing such repurposing efforts with the available renewable energy infrastructure and call for aggressive policy, technological, and funding efforts to sustain the conceptual promise with actual fulfilment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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15 pages, 1479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occupant-Centric Load Optimization in Smart Green Townhouses Using Machine Learning

by Seyed Morteza Moghimi, Thomas Aaron Gulliver, Ilamparithi Thirumarai Chelvan and Hossen Teimoorinia

Energies 2025, 18(13), 3320; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133320 - 24 Jun 2025

Viewed by 397

Abstract

This paper presents an occupant-centric load optimization framework for Smart Green Townhouses (SGTs). A hybrid Long Short-Term Memory and Convolutional Neural Network (LSTM-CNN) model is combined with real-time Internet of Things (IoT) data to predict and optimize energy usage based on occupant behavior and environmental conditions. Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) is applied to balance energy efficiency, cost reduction, and occupant comfort. This approach enables intelligent control of HVAC systems, lighting, and appliances. The proposed framework is shown to significantly reduce load demand, peak consumption, costs, and carbon emissions while improving thermal comfort and lighting adequacy. These results highlight the potential to provide adaptive solutions for sustainable residential energy management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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19 pages, 1089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Mobility and Emissions: The Role of the Sale Structure in the Automotive Energy Transition

by Olga Orynycz, Ondrej Stopka, Anna Borucka, Ewa Kulesza, Jerzy Merkisz and Petr Kolařík

Energies 2025, 18(13), 3313; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133313 - 24 Jun 2025

Viewed by 396

Abstract

The aim of this article is to assess the sale structure impact of selected, popular brands of passenger vehicles on total CO₂ emissions in the context of the energy transition in the transport sector. A detailed analysis was conducted of the projected sales of gasoline-, diesel-, hybrid-, as well as electric-powered vehicles over the years 2021–2028. Based on the available empirical data, a mathematical model was developed to estimate emissions over the entire life cycle of vehicles, taking into account the unit carbon footprint of each type of drivetrain and the expected number of vehicles sold. The results indicate a gradual decline in total CO₂ emissions during the analyzed period, mainly due to the increasing share of alternative drivetrains. Despite the growth in electric vehicle sales, their impact on emission reductions remains limited due to the long lifespan of conventional vehicle fleets. The article concludes with a proposal to expand the LCA model to include regional, energy, and recycling components, which could help in formulating more effective climate policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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19 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agricultural Value Added, Renewable Energy, and the Environmental Kuznets Curve: Evidence from Turkey

by Neslihan Koç, Özgür Emre Koç, Florina Oana Virlanuta, Orhan Orçun Bıtrak, Uğur Çiçek, Radu Octavian Kovacs, Valentina-Alina Vasile (Dobrea) and Tincuta Vrabie

Energies 2025, 18(13), 3291; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133291 - 23 Jun 2025

Viewed by 319

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions for the period 1968–2022 in Turkey was evaluated within the framework of the EKC (Environmental Kuznets Curve) hypothesis. In addition, the impacts of renewable energy consumption and agricultural value added on carbon emissions were analyzed using the ARDL bounds testing approach. The validity of the results was also tested using the FMOLS and DOLS methods. The findings confirmed the existence of a cointegration relationship between carbon emissions and per capita income, renewable energy consumption, and agricultural value added. Long-term analyses indicate that renewable energy consumption reduces carbon emissions, whereas growth in agricultural value added leads to an increase in emissions. In addition, it has been determined that the EKC hypothesis is valid in both the long and short terms and that increases in per capita income raise emissions up to a certain threshold and have a mitigating effect when this threshold is exceeded. The results of the short-term analysis showed that the effects of renewable energy consumption vary across periods, and that agricultural value added increases emissions in the short term. This study provides empirical evidence for Turkey by incorporating sectoral variables within the EKC framework and offers meaningful insights for policymakers regarding the environmental impacts of agricultural value added and renewable energy use in the context of a developing country. Accordingly, fiscal policy instruments such as green taxation, carbon credit trading mechanisms, and financial and agricultural subsidies should be more effectively utilized in Turkey to support structural transformation in agriculture and promote the use of clean energy, in line with the findings that suggest the need for targeted agricultural and energy policies aligned with Turkey’s SDG commitments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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21 pages, 4313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Recurrent Neural Networks for Thermal/Electrical Analysis of Non-Residential Buildings Based on Energy Consumptions Data

by Elisa Belloni, Flavia Forconi, Gabriele Maria Lozito, Martina Palermo, Michele Quercio and Francesco Riganti Fulginei

Energies 2025, 18(12), 3031; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123031 - 7 Jun 2025

Viewed by 380

Abstract

Extensive research has focused on optimizing energy consumption in residential buildings based on indoor thermal conditions. However, modeling the energy and thermal behavior of non-residential buildings presents greater challenges due to their complex geometries and the high computational cost of detailed simulations. Simplifying input variables can enhance the applicability of artificial intelligence techniques in predicting energy and thermal performance. This study proposes a neural network-based approach to characterize the thermal–energy relationship in commercial buildings, aiming to provide an efficient and scalable solution for performance prediction. Consumptions trends for a building are generated using the EnergyPlus™ dynamic simulation software over a timespan of a year in different locations, and the data are then used to train neural network models. Uncertainty analyses are carried out to evaluate the behavior effectiveness of the artificial neural networks (ANNs) in different weather conditions, and the root mean square error (RMSE) is calculated in terms of mean air temperatures. The results show that this approach can reproduce the functional relationship between input and output data. Three different ANNs are trained for the northern, central, and southern climatic zones of Italy. The southern region’s models achieved the highest accuracy, with an RMSE below 0.5 °C; whereas the model for the northern cities was less accurate, since no specific trend in plant management was present, but it still achieved an acceptable accuracy of 1.0 °C. This approach is computationally lightweight; inference time is below 5 ms, and can be easily embedded in optimization algorithms for load dispatch or in microcontroller applications for building automation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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25 pages, 1595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Organizational Readiness to Industry 5.0: An EFQM Model Pathway to Net Zero

by Joanna Martusewicz, Kamil Suchorski, Iwona Chomiak-Orsa, Joanna Usyk, Łukasz Bednarowicz and Marcin Łukaszewicz

Energies 2025, 18(11), 2722; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112722 - 23 May 2025

Viewed by 1220

Abstract

The automotive industry faces urgent pressures to transition to carbon-neutral operations amid evolving policies, shifting consumer demands, and stringent environmental regulations. This study examines how implementing the EFQM Model 2020 can drive sustainability-oriented transformation in a leading European automotive plant. Over a two-year period (November 2021–December 2023), the company reduced CO₂ emissions by 17%, decreased water usage by 9.3%, and elevated recycling rates from 93.3% in FY19 to 98.1% in FY23. Although these improvements demonstrate the EFQM Model’s effectiveness in integrating economic, social, and environmental objectives, further progress toward net zero remains challenging due to diminishing returns on efficiency. Sustaining momentum will require continuous innovation such as passive building designs and on-site renewable energy generation supported by robust stakeholder engagement and compliance with evolving ESG reporting standards. These findings affirm the value of the holistic management framework for operational excellence and environmental stewardship, providing a replicable pathway toward carbon neutrality in resource-intensive industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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30 pages, 3562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Entrepreneurship in the Emerging New Globalization: A Macro–Meso–Micro Perspective with Evidence from a Less-Developed Regional Ecosystem

by Dimos Chatzinikolaou and Charis Michael Vlados

Energies 2025, 18(6), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061323 - 7 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1623

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the shifting focus and emerging themes in contemporary energy entrepreneurship research, alongside the challenges and opportunities faced by select energy entrepreneurs in a rapidly transforming global landscape that is driven by sustainability imperatives, resilience, and systemic energy transitions. Employing a semi-systematic and critical literature review, 238 relevant scientific articles from the Web of Science database were identified and analyzed. We then conducted focused case studies of energy entrepreneurs in a less-developed regional ecosystem. The findings reveal two distinct “generations” of energy entrepreneurship research, marked by a clear shift towards sustainability themes, innovative energy business models, and corporate responsibility. Additionally, we introduce the “Energy Innovation Scorecard” (EN.I.SCORE) framework—a comprehensive macro–meso–micro guideline designed to support energy entrepreneurs. Applying this framework to a sample of 89 surveyed and 8 interviewed firms reveals that, especially among microfirms, there is weak integration of strategy–technology–management, limited energy innovation, and poor financial performance prevail—challenges typical of underdeveloped ecosystems. By examining the origins, evolution, and holistic transformation of energy entrepreneurship, and by investigating the selected regional case, this research potentially helps bridge critical gaps in understanding the dynamics of this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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23 pages, 4018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Environmental Sustainability Corridor in South Africa: The Role of Biomass Energy and Coal Energy

by Ahlam Sayed A. Salah, Serdal Işıktaş and Wagdi M. S. Khalifa

Energies 2025, 18(3), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030676 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 835

Abstract

South Africa’s national development plan has outlined aspirations to achieve a sustainable environment. However, the country remains bound for an unsustainable trajectory. Despite this ecological issue, no studies have probed how biomass and coal energy impact ecological quality. In light of this gap, this study inspects the environmental effect of political risk, coal energy, and biomass energy in South Africa. Also, this study integrates economic growth and natural resources into its framework. This study uses the load capacity factor (LC), which is a more aggregate proxy of ecological quality due to its accounting for the demand and supply aspect of the environment. This study uses the dynamic autoregressive distributive lag estimator (ARDL), which is capable of not only providing details of the influence of each determinant on LC in the long and short term but also of capturing the counterfactual shock of positive or negative exogenous variables on the LC. The kernel regularized least squares (KRLS) method is used for a robustness analysis of the dynamic ARDL approach. Furthermore, the findings of the dynamic ARDL simulation estimator disclose the negative impact of economic growth on the LC, thereby contributing to environmental deterioration by 0.552%. Natural resources and coal energy have an adverse impact on the LC, indicating a reduction in environmental sustainability by 0.037% and 0.290%, respectively. Meanwhile, biomass contributes to the LC, thereby promoting ecological quality by 0.421%. Political risk contributes to the reduction in the LC. This research provides pertinent policy considerations for policymakers and governments in South Africa, suggesting that the government of South Africa should invest in biomass energy and sustainable extraction procedures since biomass energy has a vital role in increasing ecological quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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20 pages, 2984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Assessment of Hybrid Waste-to-Energy System in Ghana

by Ekua Afrakoma Armoo, Theophilus Baidoo, Mutala Mohammed, Francis Boateng Agyenim, Francis Kemausuor and Satyanarayana Narra

Energies 2025, 18(3), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030595 - 27 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1152

Abstract

Waste management in most parts of Africa is characterized by the disposal of mixed waste in unengineered landfills. The aim of this study is to assess the environmental impact of mixed waste received at a waste-to-energy plant in Ghana relative to the current model of landfilling. A Life Cycle Assessment was conducted using OpenLCA software version 2.3.1 based on the ReCiPe Midpoint method. For landfilling, LandGEM software version 3.03 was used. The results indicate that waste-to-energy has the potential to provide carbon savings of 3.52 tCO₂eq/ton of waste treated compared to landfilling. Pyrolysis is observed to have high avoided burden across all impact categories, with the lowest Global Warming Potential of −2.3 kgCO₂eq. Anaerobic digestion shows a near neutral environmental impact with the highest value of 47.56 kg 1,4DCB for Terrestrial Ecotoxicity, while Refuse-Derived Fuel and segregation processes show low environmental burdens. The net avoided burden is highest for global warming and non-carcinogenic human toxicity potential. Overall, the hybrid waste-to-energy model is concluded to be an environmentally preferred waste management option compared to conventional landfilling methods, and we recommend that decision-makers facilitate investments into it. It is also recommended for the development of local inventories and databases to encourage more country-specific environmental impact studies and to reduce uncertainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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19 pages, 1462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Quantile Effects of Climate and Global Economic Policy Uncertainties on Renewable Energy Demands in the BRICS Nations: The Role of Green Ecological Policies

by Dima AlAyoubi, Tarik Atan and Majdi Awad

Energies 2025, 18(2), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18020369 - 16 Jan 2025

Viewed by 900

Abstract

Renewable energy has an important role in attaining environmental quality. Numerous studies have determined the factors driving the diminishment or promotion of renewable energy consumption (REC) globally. Despite the findings of prior studies, the specific effects of climate policy uncertainty (CPU) and global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) on REC have not been probed in the case of BRICS economies. Furthermore, fewer considerations have been taken into account to explore whether green environmental policies (EPs) have a moderating role. Therefore, the present work contributes to filling the gap by providing an empirical model and assessing the panel quantile data and fixed-effect methods used between 2010 and 2020. The findings reveal that the expansion of the financial market, inflowing FDI, rising international remittances, developing environmental innovation, and increasing CPU are significant factors promoting REC while unfavorably increasing CO₂, economic activity, and GEPU impact. Notably, the results underscore that EPs have a significant positive effect, and stricter ecological strategies lead to a rise in REC. In addition, the findings highlight that by implementing stricter EPs, the effect of CPU on REC becomes more positive, and the negative effect of GEPU on REC is more controlled. In particular, the significant interaction effects highlight that the beneficial role of EPs is more pronounced in nations with strong EPs relative to low EPs. Overall, EPs have a substantial beneficial role in promoting REC when CPU and GEPU arise. These findings are reliable after using numerous measurements and methods, and several policy recommendations are suggested to governments, policymakers, and regulatory bodies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability and Energy Economy)

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