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Managing the Low-Carbon Energy Transformation: Strategies and Prospects for 2050

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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 March 2026) | Viewed by 9835

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Henryk Wojtaszek

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College of Economic Sciences and Management, SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, 00-695 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: energy economics; energy policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global transition to a low-carbon energy system is a critical step toward achieving climate neutrality and sustainable development. As nations strive to meet their decarbonization targets by 2050, effective management strategies, policy frameworks, and technological advancements are essential to ensuring a smooth and efficient transformation. This Special Issue aims to explore innovative approaches to managing the low-carbon energy transition, addressing key challenges such as energy security, grid stability, policy integration, and economic feasibility.

We invite original research and review articles covering topics including, but not limited to, renewable energy integration, energy storage solutions, smart grids, carbon capture technologies, and the role of digitalization in energy management. Contributions analyzing policy instruments, economic models, and sector-specific case studies are also welcome. By bringing together insights from academia, industry, and policymakers, this Special Issue seeks to advance knowledge on optimizing the energy transition while balancing sustainability, efficiency, and economic viability.

Dr. Henryk Wojtaszek
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

renewable energy integration
energy storage solutions
smart grids
carbon capture technologies
the role of digitalization in energy management
analyzing policy instruments
economic models
sector-specific case studies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 4631 KB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Cities in the Roadmap Towards Decarbonization: An Example of a Solar Energy Community at Low CO₂ Emissions

by Marco Gambini, Greta Magnolia, Ginevra Romagnoli and Michela Vellini

Energies 2026, 19(3), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030594 - 23 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 693

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of different energy system configurations for Energy Communities (ECs) supplied by multiple renewable-based technologies, with a specific focus on solar solutions in the Mediterranean region. The authors have studied and then proposed the optimal aggregation of different end-user loads within possible energy system configurations (identifying the most adequate combination of prosumers, i.e., households, municipality offices, commercial activity, and others) in order to narrow the gap between peak/off-peak demand and renewable energy availability by also integrating energy storage technologies, and in order to pursue a sustainable energy transition in urban contexts proposing smart cities at low CO₂ emissions. The study demonstrates that increasing the complexity of the generation mix involves a tangible influence on self-sufficiency and self-consumption, as well as on the mitigation of CO₂ emissions. In fact, a more complex system configuration, including heat pumps and energy storage, allows for up to five months of 100% self-sufficiency and almost 100% self-consumption for the entire year. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, relevant CO₂ reduction potential is possible, with up to 50% of CO₂ emission reduction, when heat pumps, solar cooling, and energy storage are installed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing the Low-Carbon Energy Transformation: Strategies and Prospects for 2050)

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43 pages, 5996 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic and Balanced Monitoring of the Path to Carbon Neutrality Among European Union Countries: The DETA Framework for Energy Transition Assessment

by Magdalena Tutak, Jarosław Brodny and Wieslaw Wes Grebski

Energies 2026, 19(2), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19020358 - 11 Jan 2026

Viewed by 472

Abstract

This paper addresses the highly important and timely issue of the energy transition, a topic of particular relevance within the European Union (EU), which has long been a global leader in pursuing climate neutrality. The article proposes a novel framework for monitoring energy transition progress and its temporal dynamics across the EU countries, adopting a decade-long analytical horizon. The research employs the Dynamic Energy Transition Assessment (DETA) method, which is structured around five key pillars of the energy transition: (1) decarbonization and the shift toward clean energy; (2) energy security and system resilience; (3) energy justice, health impacts, and affordability; (4) energy efficiency and energy management; (5) development, innovation, and modernization of energy infrastructure. Applying this method enabled the study to meet its central objective: evaluating the level of development of these pillars, analyzing the balance among them, and examining both the direction and speed of changes over time. This dynamic approach integrates three core components of transformation processes, state, quality (coherence), and pace of change, offering an innovative combination of structural and temporal perspectives. The originality of this framework lies in its ability to capture the multidimensional and evolving nature of the energy transition. The study is based on 19 indicators, with indicator weights determined through Entropy and Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) analytical methods, while pillar weights were assigned using the AHP method in alignment with EU strategic priorities. The findings reveal substantial variation and dynamism in the implementation of energy transition processes across the EU countries. Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, Portugal, and Spain demonstrate the highest performance in terms of both quality and dynamism, whereas Malta, Cyprus, and Luxembourg perform the weakest. The proposed methodology and the resulting assessment of the level, quality, and dynamics of transformation processes offer broad practical applications. In particular, they can support the monitoring of progress toward EU climate and energy policy goals and inform management and decision-making aimed at achieving a resilient, sustainable, and equitable energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing the Low-Carbon Energy Transformation: Strategies and Prospects for 2050)

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41 pages, 1821 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Multi-Barrier Framework for Assessing Energy Security in European Union Member States (MBEES Approach)

by Jarosław Brodny, Magdalena Tutak and Wieslaw Wes Grebski

Energies 2025, 18(18), 4905; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18184905 - 15 Sep 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Assessing energy security in the context of sustainable development, as well as the current geopolitical climate, is a highly important, timely, and complex challenge. Addressing this issue, this paper introduces a new multi-barrier methodological approach to evaluation based on the Multi-Barrier Energy Security System (MBEES) model. This model incorporates five barriers (dimensions) influencing energy security. The MBEES model, along with the developed methodology, was applied to assess the energy security of the EU-27 countries for the period of 2014–2023, in line with EU policy objectives such as Fit for 55 and the Green Deal. The Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation and Entropy methods, combined with the Laplace criterion, were employed to determine the weights of the model’s sub-indicators. This multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach enabled a synthetic overall evaluation of both the general energy security status of the EU-27 countries and the performance of each barrier examined. The study also identified the weakest elements (barriers) within national energy systems that could potentially threaten their stability and resilience. This identification is essential for effective energy risk management and for enhancing the resilience of energy systems against disruptions. Due to its broad scope—covering availability, self-sufficiency, diversification, energy efficiency, energy costs, as well as environmental and social aspects—the study delivered a comprehensive evaluation of energy security in the EU-27 during the examined period. The findings reveal significant spatial and temporal variations in energy security levels among the EU-27 countries. Scandinavian and Western European nations achieved the highest scores, whereas Central, Eastern, and Southern European countries showed lower MBEES index values, reflecting persistent structural, social, and environmental vulnerabilities. The results hold strong potential for practical application, offering guidance for EU policymakers in aligning national strategies with overarching policy frameworks such as REPowerEU and the European Green Deal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing the Low-Carbon Energy Transformation: Strategies and Prospects for 2050)

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27 pages, 1248 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cultural Identity and Social Norms as Drivers of the Low-Carbon Transition: A Comparative Study of Poland and Germany

by Henryk Wojtaszek, Dariusz Budrowski, Ireneusz Miciuła, Anna Kowalczyk, Irena Malinowska, Bartosz Błaszczak, Aneta Pawlińska, Adam Stecyk, Anna Bielawa and Sławomir Ozdyk

Energies 2025, 18(14), 3605; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143605 - 8 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1628

Abstract

This study examines the cultural and social dynamics influencing the low-carbon energy transition in Poland and Germany, highlighting the pivotal role of social norms and environmental identity in shaping public engagement with sustainable energy policies. The research employs a comparative qualitative analysis to understand how cultural underpinnings affect the adoption of sustainable behaviors and policy acceptance in distinct national contexts. Results indicate a profound disparity in environmental identity and social norms between the two countries, with Germany exhibiting a more integrated ecological consciousness and robust social norms that facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices. Conversely, Poland shows emergent behavioral changes influenced primarily by European Union policies and less entrenched ecological norms. The study concludes that effective energy transition strategies require not only technological and policy innovation but also cultural and social adaptability to ensure wide acceptance and implementation. Emphasizing the need for culturally informed policies, the findings suggest that aligning energy transition initiatives with prevailing social norms and identities significantly enhances their efficacy and public support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing the Low-Carbon Energy Transformation: Strategies and Prospects for 2050)

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Review

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31 pages, 1295 KB

Open AccessReview

Clean Energy Transition: Review of Technologies, Material Scarcity, and Operational Challenges in Solar Photovoltaics and Wind Power

by Jun Lyu, Yu Shu and Zhen Han

Energies 2026, 19(5), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19051205 - 27 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 913

Abstract

The global clean energy transition is essential for limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 °C and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed studies, policy reports and industry benchmarks, addressing the three interrelated pillars of the clean energy transition: clean energy technologies, critical material scarcity, and operational challenges. This study highlights that although clean energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaics and wind power, have achieved cost parity with fossil fuels, their widespread deployment is still hindered by technical, material, and system-level challenges. The demand for critical minerals, essential for renewable energy technologies, is growing faster than mining supply chains can respond, exacerbated by high geographical concentration, price volatility, and low recycling rates. Furthermore, lifecycle and operational challenges, including premature asset retirement and grid integration issues, continue to hinder progress. To address these challenges, this review identifies four priority research areas: reducing material intensity through low-scarcity technologies, improving recycling and reuse systems for critical materials, optimizing smart grid frameworks, and promoting coordinated policy frameworks for fair cost allocation and mineral supply chain governance. This review offers a unified analytical framework to inform technology selection, infrastructure investment, and policy design, contributing to a resource-secure, sustainable clean energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing the Low-Carbon Energy Transformation: Strategies and Prospects for 2050)

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18 pages, 866 KB

Open AccessReview

Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to Renewables: A Multifaceted Approach and Related Challenges

by Canan Ozkan, Zehra Bilgen Susanlı and Nesrin Okay

Energies 2025, 18(19), 5068; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195068 - 23 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3954

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an assessment of the current global outlook in the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. This subject is especially important, given the significant economic and environmental impacts associated with continued reliance on fossil fuels, the global commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit the temperature increase, and the growing demand for clean, sustainable energy sources to support sustainable growth. While global renewable capacity more than doubled in the last ten years, the share of renewable sources in total energy consumption remains stable at 17 percent, indicating the multidimensionality of the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. This increase in renewable energy capacity fell short of the stronger rise in global energy consumption, also highlighting the need for an assessment of the outlook. This study proposes a multifaceted approach for a smooth energy transition. The facets addressed in this paper are: technology, innovation and R&D, investment and financing, energy efficiency measures, domestic policy support, and international cooperation and collective effort. Additionally, the challenges related to each facet of transition are presented. Among the facets discussed, this paper proposes that renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency practices are at the heart of the transition, due to the potential synergies. Furthermore, there is a need for an integrated approach that considers technological, economic, and other aspects of the transition in a unified manner. Last but not least, international collective effort for low-carbon transition should not be overlooked. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing the Low-Carbon Energy Transformation: Strategies and Prospects for 2050)

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