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Energies
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Development and Efficient Utilization of Renewable and Clean Energy
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Development and Efficient Utilization of Renewable and Clean Energy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2026) | Viewed by 8479

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carlos Felgueiras

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CIETI, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
Interests: energy quality; energy and buildings; energy and environmental indicators; renewable energy systems; sustainable energy systems; engineering education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Nídia Caetano

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
1. LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
2. ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
3. ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biofuels; biomass; biorefineries; LCA; microalgal fuels; waste-to-energy; renewable energy; sustainable buildings; sustainable energy systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Adriano A. Santos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. INEGI—Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
2. ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
Interests: design of the mechatronic (pneumatic and oil-hydraulics) system; maintenance; robotics; AI and mechanical engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Florinda Martins

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
Interests: renewable energy; energy environmental impacts; LCA; life cycle analysis; sustainable energy systems; sustainable cities and communities; optimisation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy is the foundation of civilization. Since the dawn of time, humanity has relied on energy for survival and progress. Technological advancements have enabled the use of various energy sources, providing comfort and well-being while also causing significant environmental impacts. Today, the challenges we face are even greater: traditional energy production sources are no longer sufficient to meet society’s growing demands without compromising ecological balance.

In this context, adopting more efficient, safe, and sustainable technologies is essential. Innovation in the energy sector must focus on clean and renewable solutions, ensuring not only the continuity of human development but also the preservation of the planet for future generations.

This Special Issue aims to serve as a platform for technical and scientific collaboration, fostering knowledge exchange and the dissemination of the latest advancements in the energy field. By bringing together researchers, engineers, and experts, we can contribute to building a more sustainable energy future—one that balances economic growth, environmental responsibility, and quality of life.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Advanced control and monitoring systems;
  • Advanced energy technologies;
  • Energy efficiency;
  • Energy markets;
  • Energy policy, economics, planning, and regulation;
  • Integrated energy systems;
  • Modelling, simulation, and forecasting of energy and carbon markets;
  • Nanotechnology applications to renewable energy;
  • Renewable energy;
  • Risk management issues in the energy sector;
  • Smart grids;
  • Sustainable cities;
  • Sustainable buildings;
  • Building retrofit and refurbishment;
  • Energy-related eco-design and eco-efficiency;
  • Efficient use of energy;
  • Energy impact assessment;
  • Life-cycle analysis methodologies in energy production/consumption;
  • Sustainable communities;
  • Risk assessment;
  • Education for clean energy;
  • Education for rational use of energy;
  • Energy in Sustainable Development;
  • Behaviors supporting energy sustainability.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Felgueiras
Prof. Dr. Nídia Caetano
Dr. Adriano A. Santos
Dr. Florinda Martins
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
  • clean energy
  • energy efficiency
  • energy markets
  • integrated energy systems

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 4724 KB  
Article
How Grid Decarbonization Reshapes Distribution Transformer Life-Cycle Impacts: A Forecasting-Based Life Cycle Assessment Framework for Hydro-Dominated Grids
by Sayed Preonto, Aninda Swarnaker, Ashraf Ali Khan, Hafiz Furqan Ahmed and Usman Ali Khan
Energies 2026, 19(3), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030651 - 27 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 557
Abstract
Rising global electricity demand and the expansion of distribution networks require a critical assessment of component-level greenhouse gas contributions. Distribution transformers, although indispensable, have significant life-cycle carbon impacts due to the use of materials, manufacturing, and in-service losses. This study conducts a life-cycle [...] Read more.
Rising global electricity demand and the expansion of distribution networks require a critical assessment of component-level greenhouse gas contributions. Distribution transformers, although indispensable, have significant life-cycle carbon impacts due to the use of materials, manufacturing, and in-service losses. This study conducts a life-cycle assessment of a single-phase, 75 kVA oil-immersed distribution transformer manufactured in Newfoundland, one of the provinces with the cleanest, hydro-dominated grids in Canada, and evaluates it over a 40-year lifespan. Using a cradle-to-use boundary, the analysis quantifies embodied emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation, alongside operational emissions derived from empirically measured no-load and load losses. All the data are collected directly during the manufacturing process, ensuring high analytical fidelity. The energy efficiency of the transformer is analyzed in MATLAB version R2023b using measured no-load and load losses to generate efficiency, load characteristics under various operating conditions. Under varying load factor scenarios and based on Newfoundland’s 2025 grid intensity of 18 g CO2e/kWh, the lifetime operational emissions are estimated to range from 0.19 t CO2e under no-load operation to 4.4 t CO2e under full-load conditions. A linear regression-based decarbonization model using Microsoft Excel projects grid intensity to reach net-zero around 2037, two years beyond the provincial target, indicating that post-2037 transformer losses will remain energetically relevant but carbon-neutral. Sensitivity analysis reveals that temporary overloading can substantially elevate lifetime emissions, emphasizing the value of smart-grid-enabled load management and optimal transformer sizing. Comparative assessment with fossil fuel-intensive provinces across Canada demonstrates the dominant influence of grid generation mix on life-cycle emissions. Additionally, refurbishment scenarios indicate up to 50% reduction in cradle-to-gate emissions through material reuse and oil reclamation. The findings establish a scalable framework for integrating grid decarbonization trajectories, life-cycle carbon modelling, and circular-economy strategies into sustainable distribution network planning and transformer asset management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Efficient Utilization of Renewable and Clean Energy)
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28 pages, 6116 KB  
Article
A Hybrid Energy Storage System and the Contribution to Energy Production Costs and Affordable Backup in the Event of a Supply Interruption—Technical and Financial Analysis
by Carlos Felgueiras, Alexandre Magalhães, Celso Xavier, Filipe Pereira, António Ferreira da Silva, Nídia Caetano, Florinda F. Martins, Paulo Silva, José Machado and Adriano A. Santos
Energies 2026, 19(2), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19020306 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 739
Abstract
Alternative energies are essential for meeting the global demand for environmentally friendly energy, especially as the use of fossil fuels is being reduced. In recent years, largely due to diminishing fossil fuel reserves, Portugal has been actively promoting investment in renewable energies to [...] Read more.
Alternative energies are essential for meeting the global demand for environmentally friendly energy, especially as the use of fossil fuels is being reduced. In recent years, largely due to diminishing fossil fuel reserves, Portugal has been actively promoting investment in renewable energies to reduce its reliance on energy imports and fossil fuels. However, despite the country’s high daily sunshine hours and utilization of wind and hydropower, energy production remains unstable due to climate variability. Climate instability leads to fluctuations in the energy supplied to the grid and can even partially withstand blackouts such as the one that occurred on 28 April 2025 on the Iberian Peninsula. To address this problem, energy storage systems are crucial to guarantee the stability of the supply during periods of low production or in situations such as the one mentioned above. This paper analyzes the feasibility of implementing an energy storage system to increase the profitability of a wind farm located in Alto Douro, Portugal. The study begins with a demand analysis, followed by simulations of the system’s performance in terms of profitability based on efficiency and power. Based on these assumptions, a modular lithium battery storage system with high efficiency and rapid charge/discharge capabilities was selected. This battery, with less autonomy but high capacity, is more profitable, since a 5% increase in efficiency results in high profits (€84,838) and curtailment (€70,962) using batteries with lower autonomy, i.e., 2 h (power rating of 5 MW combined with 10 MWh energy storage). Therefore, two scenarios (A and B) were considered, with one more optimistic (A) in which the priority is to discharge the batteries whenever possible. In the more realistic scenario (B), it is assumed that the batteries are fully charged before discharge. On the other hand, in the event of a blackout, it enables faster commissioning of the surrounding water installations, because solar and battery energy have no inertia, which facilitates the back start protocol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Efficient Utilization of Renewable and Clean Energy)
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27 pages, 6501 KB  
Article
Design, Modeling, and Experimental Validation of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System with Embedded Control and Monocular Vision
by Adán Acosta-Banda, Verónica Aguilar-Esteva, Eduardo Campos-Mercado, Miguel Patiño-Ortiz, Ricardo Carreño-Aguilera, Jesús Antonio Enriquez-Santiago and Hugo Francisco Abundis-Fong
Energies 2025, 18(22), 5951; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18225951 - 12 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1689
Abstract
The growing demand for renewable energy requires efficient technologies to maximize solar resource utilization. This study presents the development and validation of a novel dual-axis solar tracking system that integrates kinematic modeling, embedded control, and a monocular vision algorithm. Unlike fixed photovoltaic systems, [...] Read more.
The growing demand for renewable energy requires efficient technologies to maximize solar resource utilization. This study presents the development and validation of a novel dual-axis solar tracking system that integrates kinematic modeling, embedded control, and a monocular vision algorithm. Unlike fixed photovoltaic systems, the proposed design dynamically aligns solar panels with the sun’s position using a Denavit–Hartenberg-based model and real-time image analysis. The system was experimentally validated in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico, a high-irradiance region. Results showed reliable sensor calibration with errors below 3%, and an 18% increase in energy capture compared to a fixed panel system. The prototype achieved a maximum output of 800 W using four 205 Wp modules. This work contributes an innovative, replicable approach to enhance solar energy harvesting under real operating conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Efficient Utilization of Renewable and Clean Energy)
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15 pages, 1775 KB  
Article
Design of a Hybrid Wind and Micro-Hydro System for Sustainable Water Treatment
by Hesamaddin Emamipour, Mohammad Javad Eshghi and Ashraf Ali Khan
Energies 2025, 18(18), 4870; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18184870 - 13 Sep 2025
Viewed by 2438
Abstract
Newfoundland and Labrador have strong wind and water resources, making hybrid renewable energy systems an important option for the region. This paper presents the design and simulation of a system that combines wind turbines and micro-hydro power to deliver clean electricity for water [...] Read more.
Newfoundland and Labrador have strong wind and water resources, making hybrid renewable energy systems an important option for the region. This paper presents the design and simulation of a system that combines wind turbines and micro-hydro power to deliver clean electricity for water treatment in remote communities. Many isolated areas still rely on diesel and other conventional sources, which create environmental concerns. Using HOMER Pro 3.17.1 software, the system was modeled based on local climate and resource conditions. Results show that it can produce over 35,000 kWh per year, enough to power a standard water treatment unit serving more than 240 people. By integrating wind and hydro with battery storage, the system ensures stable operation and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. The environmental analysis confirms that it avoids over 9 tons of CO2 emissions annually. The novelty of this work is its site-specific approach, showing how renewable energy can improve both energy security and water quality in remote Canadian communities while providing a model for sustainable rural development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Efficient Utilization of Renewable and Clean Energy)
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19 pages, 2302 KB  
Article
Reserve Planning Method for High-Penetration Wind Power Systems Considering Typhoon Weather
by Huiying Cao, Junzhou Wang, Sui Peng, Wenxuan Pan, Qing Sun and Junjie Tang
Energies 2025, 18(17), 4737; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174737 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1165
Abstract
The large-scale integration of wind power into coastal power systems introduces significant challenges to reserve planning, especially under the threat of typhoons, which can cause extensive generation loss and threaten system security. Conventional reserve planning methods often fail to account for such extreme [...] Read more.
The large-scale integration of wind power into coastal power systems introduces significant challenges to reserve planning, especially under the threat of typhoons, which can cause extensive generation loss and threaten system security. Conventional reserve planning methods often fail to account for such extreme typhoon events. To fill the gap, this paper proposes a novel two-stage reserve planning framework that integrates economic optimization with operational security verification. In the first stage, a diverse set of high-impact typhoon scenarios are generated using a multivariate Markov chain Monte Carlo (MMCMC)–based path reconstruction method, which captures the dynamic evolution of key typhoon characteristics. In the second stage, the economically optimal reserve capacity is identified through cost-benefit analysis and then validated against the typhoon scenarios via N − 1 security verification. A case study on the modified IEEE RTS79 test system indicates that economically optimal reserve may be inadequate for ensuring security under severe typhoon conditions. However, a small increase in reserve capacity can effectively enhance system resilience with minimal additional cost. These results highlight the importance of incorporating typhoon scenario-based security verification into reserve planning especially for high-penetration wind power systems in coastal regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Efficient Utilization of Renewable and Clean Energy)
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Other

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50 pages, 3894 KB  
Systematic Review
Efficiency, Sustainability and Governance of Agrivoltaic Systems: A PRISMA-Based Systematic Review of Global Evidence (2010–2025)
by Carlos Javier Martínez-Hernández, Adán Acosta-Banda, Verónica Aguilar-Esteva, Liliana Hechavarría Difur, Hugo Jorge Cortina Marrero, Miguel Patiño Ortíz and Julian Patiño Ortíz
Energies 2026, 19(6), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19061418 - 11 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 953
Abstract
Agrivoltaic systems integrate solar electricity generation with agricultural production on the same land and have emerged as a promising strategy to address land-use conflicts between food and energy systems. This PRISMA-based systematic review synthesizes evidence from 249 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and [...] Read more.
Agrivoltaic systems integrate solar electricity generation with agricultural production on the same land and have emerged as a promising strategy to address land-use conflicts between food and energy systems. This PRISMA-based systematic review synthesizes evidence from 249 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025, applying an integrated three-dimensional framework that simultaneously examines technical efficiency, environmental sustainability, and institutional governance. The results show that agrivoltaic systems consistently achieve superior land-use performance, with Land Equivalent Ratio values typically ranging between 1.2 and 1.8, indicating 20–80% greater territorial efficiency than separate agricultural and photovoltaic systems. In water-stressed regions, reported improvements in water-use efficiency commonly reach 15–30%, while life-cycle assessments indicate substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. The integrated analysis also reveals important design-dependent trade-offs related to panel density, crop selection, and local agroclimatic conditions. Despite their demonstrated technical and environmental maturity, the large-scale deployment of agrivoltaic systems remains constrained by institutional barriers, including the lack of dedicated regulatory frameworks, fragmented agricultural and energy policies, and the strong geographical concentration of research in the Global North, with limited evidence from Latin America and other regions of the Global South. Overall, the findings indicate that agrivoltaic systems represent a credible component of integrated land-use and energy transition strategies, but their responsible scaling will depend primarily on advances in governance, policy alignment, and context-specific system design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Efficient Utilization of Renewable and Clean Energy)
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