Control and Optimization of Distributed Energy System and Microgrid

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid transition toward low-carbon energy systems has led to the increasing deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids, integrating renewable energy sources, energy storage systems (ESS), and smart loads. Microgrids and distributed energy systems (DES) have emerged for improving energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. However, their integration introduces significant operational complexity due to the stochastic nature of renewable resources, multi-scale dynamics, and the need for real-time control and optimization.

Recent studies highlight that advanced control strategies and optimization techniques are important to ensure stable, reliable, and economically efficient operation of microgrids and power distribution networks. These systems require sophisticated energy management frameworks capable of handling uncertainties, nonlinearities, and multi-objective decision-making processes. Moreover, the increasing penetration of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT), is reshaping the monitoring and controlling strategies of distributed energy systems and microgrids.

Regardless of significant progress, several challenges remain open. These include optimal coordination of multi-microgrid systems, integration of renewable energy sources, cybersecurity concerns, scalability of control architectures, and the development of robust optimization techniques under uncertainty. In addition, the need increases for efficient simulation, modeling, and validation frameworks, particularly for real-time and large-scale applications.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research contributions addressing the control, optimization, and intelligent management of distributed energy systems and microgrids. Both theoretical developments and practical applications are welcome, with an emphasis on innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.

Topics of Interest (but not limited to):

• Advanced control strategies for microgrids (centralized, decentralized, distributed control);
• Optimization techniques for energy management systems (EMS);
• AI, machine learning, and data-driven approaches in DES and microgrids;
• Multi-objective and stochastic optimization under uncertainty;
• Integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems;
• Demand response and load forecasting techniques;
• Cybersecurity and resilience in smart grids and microgrids;
• Multi-microgrid coordination and virtual power plants (VPPs);
• Modeling, simulation, and digital twin technologies for energy systems;
• Power quality, stability, and reliability analysis;
• Real-time control and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) applications;
• Techno-economic and environmental assessment of distributed energy systems.

This Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers and practitioners to present innovative solutions and emerging trends that will shape the future of decentralized energy systems such as multi-microgrid systems.

Prof. Dr. Hamid Bentarzi
Prof. Dr. Abdelmadjid Recioui
Guest Editors

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• microgrids
• distributed energy systems (DES)
• distributed energy resources (DERs)
• energy management systems (EMS)
• optimization techniques
• advanced control strategies
• renewable energy integration
• smart grids and intelligent energy systems
• multi-microgrid coordination
• artificial intelligence in energy systems