The Role of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Low-Carbon Energy Transition and Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

Achieving a low-carbon energy transition and carbon neutrality is a complex, systematic endeavor that faces numerous challenges and uncertainties. The goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality have given rise to a series of significant interdisciplinary research issues. These encompass not only natural sciences and engineering technologies, such as digital innovations for carbon reduction and the construction of intelligent carbon sinks, but also economic and management concerns, including the optimization of industrial layout, the development of carbon trading and pricing mechanisms, the integration of carbon finance, international cooperation, and digital solutions for climate governance.

In this context, digitalization and intelligent systems play pivotal roles in reshaping low-carbon energy systems and enhancing carbon neutrality efforts. By incorporating data-driven management theories and methodologies, the transition to a low-carbon economy can be supported in several key ways. First, intelligent systems and digital technologies can be leveraged to identify optimal technical pathways, prioritize pollutant and carbon emission reductions, and construct dynamic, real-time carbon emission indicators for industries and regions. Second, digitalization fosters innovation in low-carbon business models and promotes the adoption of sustainable consumption patterns by integrating micro-level entities such as enterprises and individuals into the carbon neutrality process. Third, intelligent systems enable the design of more efficient and transparent carbon markets by enhancing pricing models and facilitating the optimal allocation of carbon emission rights through data analytics and algorithmic solutions.

It is imperative to conduct systematic and in-depth research on how digitalization and intelligence can address the critical challenges of low-carbon energy transition and carbon neutrality. By uncovering the underlying principles and developing new interdisciplinary methodologies, such research can not only advance theoretical understanding but also provide actionable insights for policy and industry.

This Special Issue focuses on the interdisciplinary exploration of digitalization and intelligence in low-carbon energy transitions. We welcome original research articles and review papers, particularly those that present novel theories, methodologies, findings, and perspectives. For empirical studies, we encourage authors to provide comprehensive case contexts, a robust interpretation of results, comparative analyses with similar studies, and discussions on the generalizability of their conclusions. Articles that integrate insights from multiple disciplines, highlight the transformative role of digital and intelligent systems, and offer practical implications for achieving carbon neutrality will receive special consideration.

Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• The role of digitalization and intelligent systems in achieving carbon neutrality: exploring how technologies like big data, artificial intelligence, and IoT can optimize energy systems and drive low-carbon innovation.
• Energy policy and strategic pathways under the carbon neutrality framework: studies focusing on policies and strategies that facilitate low-carbon transitions at local, regional, and national levels.
• Coupling research of economic development, energy consumption, and carbon emissions: investigations into the dynamic relationships among economic growth, energy utilization, and emission patterns, with interdisciplinary approaches.
• Low-carbon energy systems and digital solutions at multiple scales: research addressing the integration of digital technologies in building sustainable energy systems across different geographic or industrial contexts (e.g., cities, industries, or rural areas).
• Behavioral impacts on carbon neutrality: analyzing how organizational or individual energy-saving behaviors and low-carbon lifestyles contribute to achieving carbon neutrality.
• Cultivation of “carbon-related talents” in the digital era: examining innovative education models and skill frameworks for developing talent to meet the demands of a carbon-neutral and intelligent society.
• The implementation path of carbon neutrality in key industries: case studies and strategies for carbon-neutral transitions in sectors such as tourism, transportation, or manufacturing.
• Regional studies on carbon neutrality in ASEAN countries: insights into the unique challenges, opportunities, and policy frameworks for achieving carbon neutrality in ASEAN nations, including the role of digital and intelligent solutions.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

The Journal Sustainability is indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.

Dr. Linwei Ma
Dr. Xiaoyong Zhou
Dr. Chin Hao Chong
Guest Editors

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• carbon peaking
• carbon neutrality
• CO₂ emissions
• energy
• management science
• sustainable energy systems
• low-carbon
• economy development
• energy systems

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