Integrated Approaches to Sustainable Energy Technologies: Life Cycle Assessment, Circular Economy, and Energy Transition

Dear Colleagues,

The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change, ensure energy security, and promote sustainable development. This Special Issue, “Integrated Approaches to Sustainable Energy Technologies: Life Cycle Assessment, Circular Economy, and Energy Transition”, focuses on advancing research that supports a scientifically grounded and systems-level understanding of sustainable energy pathways.

We invite original research and comprehensive reviews that explore technological solutions, methodological approaches, and integrative frameworks aimed at reducing the environmental and social impacts of energy systems—both renewable and non-renewable. A particular emphasis is placed on life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) tools, circular economy principles, and energy efficiency innovations that enable a just and low-carbon transitions.

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

• Quantitative sustainability assessment of renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar PV, wind, tidal) using LCA, S-LCA, and integrated indicators;
• Advanced enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategies evaluated from life cycle, socio-environmental, and economic perspectives;
• Integration of variable renewable energy sources into existing power systems, including hybridization, control strategies, and the role of storage technologies;
• Circular economy approaches in energy systems, including critical raw materials assessment, end-of-life strategies, and designs for sustainability;
• Energy efficiency and waste valorisation in industrial and utility sectors (e.g., waste heat recovery, CHP, process integration);
• Comparative analyses of decarbonization pathways across regions, sectors, or technologies using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA).

By combining engineering, policy, and sustainability science, this Special Issue aims to highlight actionable insights and interdisciplinary approaches that can inform policy, industry, and research communities working toward a sustainable energy future.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Natalia Cano
Guest Editor

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