Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Sustainability Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 8709

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kamrul Hassan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Accounting and Finance, College of Business, Murdoch Business School, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
Interests: climate economics; energy economics; time series econometrics; risk transmission in financial market; financial crisis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. GM Shafiullah

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
Interests: power systems stability; renewable energy and its enabling technologies; microgrid; smart grid; green hydrogen; clean energy; climate change mitigation and adaptation and sustainability in the energy sector
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Terri Trireksani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Accounting and Finance, Murdoch Business School, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
Interests: sustainability; sustainability reporting; strategic management accounting; management and accounting issues in Indonesia and Australasia

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore how sustainable energy can ensure a low-carbon economy, as well as the various dimensions of the low-carbon economy and sustainable energy itself, such as sources of sustainable energy and the roles of policy, regulations, innovation, and technology in promoting sustainable energy, its economic benefits, and environmental effects.

The role of sustainable energy in achieving a low-carbon economy is vast and continually expanding, encompassing the development and optimisation of renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy. Additionally, low-carbon research includes the study of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which aim to reduce emissions from existing fossil fuel-based power plants. The field’s multidisciplinary nature ensures that it addresses both technical challenges and economic, environmental, and social impacts, aiming to create a future for energy that is both sustainable and resilient. This Special Issue welcomes original research papers on all aspects of sustainable energy and low-carbon research.

This Special Issue is expected to significantly contribute to and supplement the extant research on sustainable energy and the low-carbon economy by addressing the urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate climate change. Potential research papers are expected to expand upon traditional energy studies by exploring sustainable energy sources, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies. Submitted papers are also expected to integrate interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from environmental science, economics, and policy studies to develop comprehensive strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this Special Issue will provide empirical data and case studies that validate theoretical models, offering practical applications and policy recommendations that can be implemented globally. Doing so enriches the academic discourse and supports the transition towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

This Special Issue will accept original research and review articles about novel and innovative approaches that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

The assessment of the potential of renewable and sustainable energy from geographical and geopolitical aspects;
Techno-economic considerations of sustainable and renewable energy transitions;
Energy transition and transformation/decentralisation, digitisation, and decarbonisation;
Sustainable energy consumption and decentralised generation assessments in the industrial sector;
The resilience, cost savings, and sustainability of energy systems;
Directing policies and regulations towards the Sustainable Development Goals;
Energy system design, modelling, and optimisation to achieve SDG 7 targets.

Dr. Kamrul Hassan
Dr. GM Shafiullah
Dr. Terri Trireksani
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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

sustainable energy
low-carbon economy
renewable energy
energy transition
decarbonisation
energy transformation
SDGs
carbon capture
energy strategy
CO₂ emissions
climate change

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.

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 2022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Renewable Energy, Sustainable Business Models, and Decarbonization in the European Union: Comparative Analysis of Corporate Sustainability Reports

by Ningshan Hao and Voicu D. Dragomir

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3646; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083646 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 345

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate the development of sustainable business models (SBMs) of renewable energy companies. To assess the degree of alignment with the European Union Taxonomy for sustainable activities (Regulation 2020/852), the European Green Deal, and the Sustainable Development Goals of five renewable energy companies—Ørsted, Engie, Vattenfall, Iberdrola, and Enel—we have used their sustainability reports from 2023. We have analyzed how each company contributes to the EU climate targets and strategy to achieve a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The results showed the challenges faced by each company in switching from traditional fossil fuel models to renewable models. Due to regulatory constraints and different organizational structures, each company has adopted a specific SBM with respect to power generation and the green transition. The advantages and disadvantages of these SBMs were identified and described comparatively to help regulators, policymakers, and industry associations improve sustainability reporting for the energy sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Economic Indicators on Renewable Energy Consumption in Southern Africa: Evidence from Residual Augmented Least Squares Cointegration and Method of Moments Quantile Regression Models

by Mehdi Seraj, Annette Siakamba and Huseyin Ozdeser

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3496; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083496 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 351

Abstract

Renewable energy has emerged as a transformative and essential alternative in the global energy sector. Many countries are striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations for 2030, particularly the goal of ensuring that all individuals have access to clean and affordable energy. This paper re-examines the impact of economic growth (EG), trade openness (TO), exchange rates (ER), foreign direct investment (FDI), green finance (GF), and oil prices (OL) on renewable energy consumption (REC) across 14 Southern African countries: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius, Kenya, the Comoros, Zambia, Eswatini, Rwanda, Angola, and Mozambique, during the period of 2000 to 2022. This study employed cointegration and unit root tests, as well as the RALS-EG and MMQR models, to estimate the long-run relationships among the variables. The results reveal that renewable energy consumption is positively and directly related to economic growth, trade openness, exchange rates, green finance, and foreign direct investment across all quantiles (q05–q95), with no evidence of asymmetric effects. These findings suggest that economic growth, green finance, and foreign direct investment are crucial for fostering renewable energy innovation in Southern African countries. Policymakers are encouraged to prioritize strategies that enhance these factors as a foundation for achieving sustainable energy solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 2442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Rule-Based Modular Energy Management System for AC/DC Hybrid Microgrids

by Akhtar Hussain and Hak-Man Kim

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030867 - 22 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1064

Abstract

Microgrids are considered a practical solution to revolutionize power systems due to their ability to island and sustain the penetration of renewables. Most existing studies have focused on the optimal management of microgrids with a fixed configuration. This restricts the application of developed algorithms to other configurations without major modifications. The objective of this study is to design a rule-based modular energy management system (EMS) for microgrids that can dynamically adapt to the microgrid configuration. To realize this framework, first, each component is modeled as a separate entity with its constraints and bounds for variables. A wide range of components such as battery energy storage systems (BESSs), electric vehicles (EVs), solar photovoltaic (PV), microturbines (MTs), and different priority loads are modeled as modules. Then, a rule-based system is designed to analyze the impact of the presence/absence of one module on the others and update constraints. For example, load shedding and PV curtailment can be permitted if the grid module is not included. The constraints of microgrid components present in any given configuration are communicated to the EMS, and it optimizes the operation of the available components. The configuration of microgrids could be as simple as flexible loads operating in grid-connected mode or as complex as a hybrid microgrid with AC and DC buses with a diverse range of equipment on each side. To facilitate the realization of diverse configurations, a hybrid AC/DC microgrid is considered where the utility grid and interlinking converter (ILC) are also modeled as separate modules. The proposed method is used to test performance in both grid-connected and islanded modes by simulating four typical configurations in each case. Simulation results have shown that the proposed rule-based modular method can optimize the operation of a wide range of microgrid configurations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Energy Production in Gran Canaria with a Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage Plant (PHES)

by Juan Carlos Lozano Medina, Federico A. León Zerpa, Sebastián Ovidio Pérez Báez, Carlos Sánchez Morales and Carlos A. Mendieta Pino

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020435 - 8 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1052

Abstract

The Canary Archipelago, in general, and the island of Gran Canaria, in particular, operate with an independent energy system (SIE), which depends largely on local power generation. Today, its energy supply comes mainly from two sources: (a) Renewable energy, accounting for 19.90%, and (b) Fossil fuel combustion in thermal power plants, contributing the remaining 80.10%. The existing energy infrastructure faces challenges due to aging technology, requiring either modernization or replacement to prevent a potential energy crisis and ensure a sustainable production cycle. A transformative step to improve the system is the completion and commissioning in 2030 of the Chira-Soria pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) plant. This installation will allow water to be transported to high altitudes by pumping, to be deposited until the right time and to be turbined to generate electricity in optimal conditions. To fully understand the impact of this integration, detailed analyses of annual energy production patterns, equipment performance, and real-time demand data (collected at five-minute intervals) will be conducted. These assessments will provide insights into how the Chira-Soria PHES can be seamlessly integrated into Gran Canaria’s energy network. Furthermore, they will help identify both the strengths and limitations of this storage solution, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient energy future for the island. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Flax Shive Pellet Combustion in Cyclone-Bed Furnace with Bubbling Fluidised Bed

by Fouzi Tabet, Oleg Milovanov, Dmitry Klimov, Artem Ryzhenkov, Sergey Grigoriev, Rafail Isemin and Alexander Mikhalev

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010057 - 25 Dec 2024

Viewed by 788

Abstract

Flax shive is a by-product of flax processing enterprises. It can be used as fuel in municipal and industrial energy enterprises along with other types of agricultural waste (straw, sunflower husk, rice husk, etc.). The use of agricultural waste as fuel is very important for the sustainable development of municipal and industrial energy in small towns and villages, as it allows for the recycling of waste, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of new jobs in the production of pellets from waste. Flax shive has a low bulk density in its initial state. To achieve a significant reduction in transport and storage costs, flax shives should be produced as pellets. The pellets from flax shives can be combusted in a fluidised bed of inert material. To do this, an optimal hydrodynamic structure of the bed should be created, taking into account the rapid heating of pellets placed in the bed, as well as the efficient combustion of coke residue and volatile substances. Studies on a cold model showed that the hydrodynamic structure of the fluidised bed is influenced by the way the inlet air is distributed into the fluidised bed. Studies were carried out with flat inlet air distribution, with convex inlet air distribution (64% of the total amount of air for fluidisation is supplied under the central part of the air distribution grate) and with concave air distribution (80% of the air for fluidisation is supplied under the peripheral part of the air distribution grate). Concave air distribution creates optimum conditions for pellet combustion. Intensive particle circulation is noted in the lower part of the fluidised bed, which prevents the pellets entering the bed from settling on the air distribution grate. At the same time, in the upper part of the bed, conditions for uniform thermal destruction of pellets across the entire cross-section of the furnace are created. Experiments on a pilot furnace with vortex afterburning of volatile substances in the furnace’s disengaging space were carried out using a grid plate, forming a concave inlet air velocity profile. The combustion efficiency of pellets made of flax shive in such a furnace was 98.91–99.84%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Environmental Kuznets Curve Approach: Linking CO₂ Emissions and Electricity Access in India

by Ionuț Nica, Irina Georgescu and Jani Kinnunen

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11278; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411278 - 23 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 767

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), per capita GDP, renewable energy consumption, and urbanization on India’s

C O_{2}

emissions over the period 1990–2023. In the context of rapid economic growth and urbanization, India faces major challenges related to [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), per capita GDP, renewable energy consumption, and urbanization on India’s

C O_{2}

emissions over the period 1990–2023. In the context of rapid economic growth and urbanization, India faces major challenges related to environmental sustainability. Using the ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) model and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), this research analyzes the complex relationships between these factors and

C O_{2}

emissions. The results highlight the existence of an N-shaped EKC curve with two inflection points at GDP values. This study highlights the essential role of renewable energy consumption in reducing emissions and improving access to electricity in promoting sustainable development. The findings provide valuable insights into economic and energy policies, highlighting the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Review and Comparison of Methods for Soiling Modeling in Large Grid-Connected PV Plants

by Marta Redondo, Carlos Antonio Platero, Antonio Moset, Fernando Rodríguez and Vicente Donate

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10998; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410998 - 15 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1056

Abstract

Soiling in PV modules is one of the biggest issues affecting performance and economic losses in PV power plants; thus, it is essential to supervise and forecast soiling profiles and establish the best cleaning program. This paper analyzes different methods for soiling modeling in Large Grid-Connected PV Plants and discusses the different factors influencing soiling. Analytical models from environmental conditions are discussed in detail, comparing the proposed model by the authors (SOMOSclean) with another three relevant models from the literature (Kimber, HSU, and Toth), applying them to 16 PV power plants in Spain (total capacity of 727 MWp). Uncertainty between models and sensors is also measured, presenting the numerical results for a period of 2 years. While simpler models may offer straightforward implementation, they often fail to capture the full complexity of soiling dynamics, leading to increased RMSE error. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

48 pages, 10706 KiB

Open AccessReview

Navigating Sustainability: A Bibliometric Exploration of Environmental Decision-Making and Behavioral Shifts

by Maria Alexandra Crăciun, Adrian Domenteanu, Monica Dudian and Camelia Delcea

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062646 - 17 Mar 2025

Viewed by 498

Abstract

In recent years, the research area around environmental decision-making has drawn more and more interest, driven by a really big global push to achieve net-zero emissions. Significant investments in areas such as electric vehicles and renewable energy, coupled with increasingly limited access to natural resources, have intensified research efforts in this field. New and emerging research is aimed at shifting consumer behavior to make more sustainable decisions. Building on this context, the purpose of this paper is to explore academic publications related to decision-making and behavioral shifts in the context of sustainability. Using an advanced bibliometric tool such as Biblioshiny, the authors analyze an Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science dataset to identify the main authors and affiliated journals and map the academic and thematic evolution of this interdisciplinary field, including the key topics and countries involved. The analysis reveals a 6.68% annual growth rate. Through thematic maps, three field plots, word clouds, and a review of the top 10 most cited papers, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving domain of environmental decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 676 KiB

Open AccessReview

Game Theory and Robust Predictive Control for Peer-to-Peer Energy Management: A Pathway to a Low-Carbon Economy

by Félix González, Paul Arévalo and Luis Ramirez

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051780 - 20 Feb 2025

Viewed by 657

Abstract

The shift towards decentralized energy systems demands innovative strategies to manage renewable energy integration, optimize resource allocation, and ensure grid stability. This review investigates the application of game theory and robust predictive control as essential tools for decentralized and peer-to-peer energy management. Game theory facilitates strategic decision-making and cooperation among prosumers, distributors, and consumers, enabling efficient energy trading and dynamic resource distribution. Robust predictive control complements this by addressing uncertainties in renewable energy generation and demand, ensuring system stability through adaptive and real-time optimization. By examining recent advancements, this study highlights key methodologies, challenges, and emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital twins, which enhance these approaches. The review also explores their alignment with global sustainability objectives, emphasizing their role in promoting affordable clean energy, reducing emissions, and fostering resilient urban energy infrastructures. A systematic review methodology was employed, analyzing 153 selected articles published in the last five years, filtered from an initial dataset of over 200 results retrieved from ScienceDirect and IEEE Xplore. Practical insights and future directions are provided to guide the implementation of these innovative methodologies in decentralized energy networks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

45 pages, 2148 KiB

Open AccessReview

Microalgal Bioeconomy: A Green Economy Approach Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

by Nilay Kumar Sarker and Prasad Kaparaju

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11218; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411218 - 20 Dec 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1964

Abstract

This article delves into the role of microalgae in advancing a green economy, thereby contributing to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Microalgae, as sustainable resources, offer multifaceted benefits across various sectors, including aquaculture, agriculture, food and feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, wastewater treatment, and carbon sequestration. This review highlights the versatility of microalgae in producing biofuels, high-value bioactive compounds, and bioremediation processes. It examines the technical viability and environmental sustainability of microalgae cultivation, emphasizing its low carbon footprint and resource efficiency. This article also explores the integration of microalgae into existing industrial processes, illustrating their potential to mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity, and enhance resource circularity. Challenges such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory frameworks are discussed alongside the prospects for technological innovations and policy support to bolster the microalgae industry. By harnessing the potential of microalgae, this article underscores a pathway towards a more sustainable and greener future, aligning with the global agenda for sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Sustainable Energy: The Path to a Low-Carbon Economy

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI