energies-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Economics and Policy

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 (10 January 2025) | Viewed by 7357

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Regional and European Studies, West Pomeranian University of Technology, 70-310 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: energy development economics; forecasting; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Regional and European Studies, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 70-310 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: energy sources economics; sustainable development; energy sources policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Economics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 70-310 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: economic development; theory of economics; sustainable development; ERP systems

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decade, scientific discussion of the idea of sustainable development has been limited to the need to reduce the negative impact of modern economies on the natural environment. In recent years, however, there has been a change in the narrative and the idea of sustainable development has gained a fuller understanding, emphasising the importance of several key factors: energy economics and policy, the challenges and opportunities of respecting the environment, combined with social progress and economic growth, among others. It is important to emphasise that the concept of sustainable development is now increasingly entering the mainstream of scientific discussion among researchers worldwide, undoubtedly providing an inexhaustible topic for the research and analysis of socio-economic development, directly reflected in the discussion of development policies in all areas of the modern world. This is in line with the propagated idea that the needs of the present generation can be met without diminishing the chances of future generations to meet them.

The aim of the Special Issue is to focus on issues relating to the various problem areas associated with the idea of sustainable development, in particular in terms of the problem areas for economics and finance and management. The keywords listed suggest only a few of the many possibilities. It is important for all potential authors that this Special Issue provides a venue for discussing this research problem from an interdisciplinary perspective. It also responds to the increased interest in this problem and in scientific conferences and symposia around the world. This includes the conference to be held in Poland in 2024 on 9–10 May, entitled 'The New Sustainable Economy—Challenges and Dilemmas'.

Dr. Katarzyna Cheba
Dr. Agnieszka Brelik
Dr. Janusz Myszczyszyn
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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 economics
  • policy development
  • innovation
  • research and development
  • competitiveness
  • green economy
  • concept of sustainable development
  • economics of sustainable development
  • management of sustainable development
  • financing of sustainable development
  • challenges and opportunities for sustainable development

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

22 pages, 24215 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Light Electric Flying-Wing Unmanned Aerial System Energy Consumption During Holding Maneuver
by Artur Kierzkowski, Bartłomiej Dziewoński, Krzysztof Kaliszuk and Mateusz Kucharski
Energies 2025, 18(5), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18051300 - 6 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 504
Abstract
This study evaluates the energy consumption of a light electric flying-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) during low-altitude holding maneuvers. Two flight patterns were investigated: circular holding at a specified altitude and a figure-eight trajectory. Test flights were conducted under varying meteorological and wind [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the energy consumption of a light electric flying-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) during low-altitude holding maneuvers. Two flight patterns were investigated: circular holding at a specified altitude and a figure-eight trajectory. Test flights were conducted under varying meteorological and wind conditions, including scenarios where wind aligned and crossed the flight path. Key flight parameters such as pitch, yaw, heading deviation, flight altitude, ground speed, and airspeed were monitored. Concurrently, current and battery voltage were measured to compute the instantaneous power consumption of the propulsion system. This approach allowed for the determination and comparison of energy consumption across the two holding patterns. The outcomes contribute to a better understanding of power efficiency during prolonged flight maneuvers, supporting advancements in autonomous low-altitude UAS operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Economics and Policy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1911 KiB  
Article
Renewable Energy Policies in the USA: A Comparative Study of Selected States
by Anna Fache, Mahadev G. Bhat and Tiffany G. Troxler
Energies 2025, 18(3), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030607 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 903
Abstract
Policies concerning renewable energy transition are the primary responsibilities of individual states in the United States. This article aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of state-level renewable energy policies, focusing on identifying key factors driving successful energy transitions and offering actionable insights for [...] Read more.
Policies concerning renewable energy transition are the primary responsibilities of individual states in the United States. This article aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of state-level renewable energy policies, focusing on identifying key factors driving successful energy transitions and offering actionable insights for policymakers. The research investigates: What are the critical indicators and strategies contributing to an effective renewable energy transition at the state level? To ensure meaningful comparisons, states were selected based on top and bottom performance across various energy parameters, including renewable energy share, solar and wind capacity, electricity costs, and policy adoption (RPS, EERS, and net metering). A rubric, structured around environmental, institutional, social, and techno-economic criteria, was developed to measure policy effectiveness across 15 indicators. Scores for each state were weighted based on their contextual relevance, determined through consultations with energy professionals and the adaptation of existing weighting frameworks. Washington state emerges as the frontrunner, achieving the highest scores for both weighted and unweighted transition performance, closely followed by California. Conversely, Kentucky, Texas, and Florida exhibit the lowest scores. A correlation analysis reveals relationships among performance indicators, such as the impact of stakeholder diversity on energy equity and the link between policy integration and energy demand. This study provides a roadmap for prioritizing renewable policy integration, showing how technology and policy drivers collectively influence the rate of energy transitions. It offers essential insights for shaping state-level renewable energy policies, fostering partnerships, and steering states toward a greener and more resilient energy future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Economics and Policy)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 4590 KiB  
Article
The Effectiveness of the EU ETS Policy in Changing the Energy Mix in Selected European Countries
by Małgorzata Błażejowska, Anna Czarny, Iwona Kowalska, Andrzej Michalczewski and Paweł Stępień
Energies 2024, 17(17), 4243; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174243 - 25 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1782
Abstract
In the field of economic analysis, the study of the EU ETS policy has primarily focused on the impact of renewable energy consumption on economic growth, as well as the role of legal and fiscal instruments in the development of clean energy. This [...] Read more.
In the field of economic analysis, the study of the EU ETS policy has primarily focused on the impact of renewable energy consumption on economic growth, as well as the role of legal and fiscal instruments in the development of clean energy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the EU ETS policy in altering the energy mix of selected European countries, providing both cognitive and applicational value. The evaluation of the effectiveness of this policy focused on the structure of the energy mix and the relationship between rising CO2 emission allowance prices and the decreasing share of coal in the energy mix. The goal was achieved through statistical analysis of secondary sources, primarily sourced from Bloomberg (2016–2024). The research findings indicated that changes in the structure of energy sources varied across the studied European countries, due to the adopted energy source utilization strategy, resource availability, and geopolitical situations. Additionally, different correlation values were noted between rising CO2 emission allowance prices and the expected reduction in fossil fuel use. Therefore, the EU ETS policy does not fulfill its assigned role—its implementation contributes to disparities in the economic situations of European economies and creates conditions for unequal competition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Economics and Policy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1565 KiB  
Article
Conditions for the Development of Wind Energy for Individual Consumers: A Case Study in Poland
by Łukasz Augustowski and Piotr Kułyk
Energies 2024, 17(14), 3358; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143358 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1198
Abstract
This article presents the economic viability of using 10 m wind turbines in households with financial support from the government. The aim of this study was to indicate whether and how state subsidies affect the efficiency and estimated payback periods of wind energy [...] Read more.
This article presents the economic viability of using 10 m wind turbines in households with financial support from the government. The aim of this study was to indicate whether and how state subsidies affect the efficiency and estimated payback periods of wind energy investments for individual households. The research conducted thus far has focused on the analysis of effectiveness, feasibility, and economic profitability, but it has not taken into account government support for the investment readiness of households, which constitutes a research gap in the literature and economic practice. In addition, this study analyzed a new program that is scheduled to come into force this year. The analysis used the Homer Pro software (ver. x64) module, and simulations were performed for three locations in Poland. Due to differences in the location of wind zones, as well as the location of two locations on the Baltic Sea, an additional factor characterizing the studied voivodeships was introduced. Government support may therefore constitute a mechanism for correcting the geographical location and local wind potential. It has been shown that financial support significantly accelerates the payback period, even in locations with weaker wind potential. Complementary and substitutive possibilities for renewable energy sources, such as sun and wind, were indicated. The conclusions from this research can be used by decision makers and individual households to take advantage of government support to shorten the return on investment in wind energy and the validity of this support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Economics and Policy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1466 KiB  
Article
A Cooperation Model for EPC Energy Conservation Projects Considering Carbon Emission Rights: A Case from China
by Haiyan Luo, Junlin Pan, Yan Han, Zheng Li and Zhuo Cai
Energies 2024, 17(13), 3071; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133071 - 21 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 998
Abstract
This paper introduces an innovative cooperative model for energy efficiency retrofitting that incorporates carbon emission rights, addressing critical financial constraints in Energy Performance Contracting (EPC). By employing the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) to evaluate risk assessment indicators and stakeholder contributions and utilizing [...] Read more.
This paper introduces an innovative cooperative model for energy efficiency retrofitting that incorporates carbon emission rights, addressing critical financial constraints in Energy Performance Contracting (EPC). By employing the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) to evaluate risk assessment indicators and stakeholder contributions and utilizing the enhanced Shapley method for equitable benefit distribution, the model demonstrates significant improvements in financing and efficiency for energy conservation projects. The findings are as follows: (1) the energy efficiency retrofit model, which integrates carbon emission rights, effectively alleviates the financial constraints and fosters energy conservation and emission reduction in guaranteed-savings EPC projects; (2) the enhanced Shapley method is deemed appropriate for the equitable distribution of energy-saving benefits among stakeholders; (3) when compared with the traditional model and the benefit allocation-absent carbon rights, the energy-saving benefits of the energy efficiency retrofit model incorporating carbon emission rights are higher in individual and overall terms. The findings of this study offer a viable solution to financing challenges faced by stakeholders in such projects and delineate a pragmatic approach for enterprises to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Economics and Policy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 921 KiB  
Article
The Significance of the Financial Situation of Local Government Units for Their Energy Transition Activities: The Case of the Podkarpackie Region
by Ryszard Kata, Magdalena Cyrek and Małgorzata Wosiek
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2761; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112761 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 974
Abstract
This paper discusses the financial determinants of the efforts of local government units (LGUs) to invest in the area of energy transition (ET). The main objective is to verify the links between the scale, directions, and funding sources of LGUs’ investments in ET [...] Read more.
This paper discusses the financial determinants of the efforts of local government units (LGUs) to invest in the area of energy transition (ET). The main objective is to verify the links between the scale, directions, and funding sources of LGUs’ investments in ET and their budgetary situation described by the level of income independence, budget result, and debt level. The general research hypothesis assumes that the ET investment activity of LGUs is associated with their financial situation. The analysis covers the period 2019–2022 and uses data from the questionnaire-based survey conducted in 2023 among 181 LGUs in the Podkarpackie region in southern Poland. Non-parametric tests were employed to verify the association between the LGUs’ ET investment activity and their financial situation: the Chi2 test, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Kendall’s Tau correlation. Financial aspects were shown to influence the scale of municipal ET investments, as well as the type of projects implemented. Among the analysed financial indicators, the debt level was the most important constraint for LGUs to make their own ET investments. The debt level not only determined the scale of municipal ET investment, but also influenced decisions on the type of investments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Economics and Policy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop