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26 pages, 972 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Green Location-Oriented Policy Enhance New Energy Technology Innovation? Evidence from Green Industrial Parks

by Mingfang Dong and Jiali Yu

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 4076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18084076 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 279

Abstract

Against the backdrop of China’s “dual carbon” goals and rising global uncertainties, new energy technology innovation plays a critical role in advancing low-carbon transitions and ensuring energy security. However, existing studies mainly focus on single policy instruments, with limited attention to the causal [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of China’s “dual carbon” goals and rising global uncertainties, new energy technology innovation plays a critical role in advancing low-carbon transitions and ensuring energy security. However, existing studies mainly focus on single policy instruments, with limited attention to the causal effects of comprehensive, location-based policies. This study treats the establishment of National Green Industrial Parks (GIPs) as a quasi-natural experiment and employs a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) approach based on panel data from 289 Chinese cities over 2008–2023. The results show that GIPs significantly increase local new energy innovation by approximately 19.1%, and this effect remains robust across multiple tests. Mechanism analysis indicates that fiscal support, green innovation, and industrial agglomeration are the main driving channels. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals stronger effects in the biomass (ρ = 0.243, p < 0.01) and wind energy (ρ = 0.179, p < 0.01) sectors, as well as in cities located southeast of the Hu Huanyong Line, with higher fiscal expenditure, and in non-resource-based cities. These findings provide empirical evidence for optimizing industrial park policies and promoting energy transition through localized policy diffusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 2561 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multidimensional Evaluation and Synergistic Development Strategies for Regional Carbon Neutrality: An Analysis of China’s Provincial Systems

by Dazhi Linghu, Rui Meng, Haicang Yan, Xinli Wu and Li Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3941; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083941 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 317

Abstract

As the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals advance rapidly, grasping the development status and differences in carbon neutrality across China’s provincial regions is crucial for interpreting the regional collaborative governance pattern under the circular economy initiative and promoting responsible production and consumption transformation. [...] Read more.

As the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals advance rapidly, grasping the development status and differences in carbon neutrality across China’s provincial regions is crucial for interpreting the regional collaborative governance pattern under the circular economy initiative and promoting responsible production and consumption transformation. This paper constructs a research framework for the comprehensive evaluation and collaborative strategy of carbon neutrality. Using the Entropy Weight-TOPSIS, K-means clustering, and obstacle factor diagnosis models, the development status of carbon neutrality in 30 Chinese provinces is revealed from the perspectives of green economy, green politics, green culture, green society, and green ecology. Regional differences and critical obstacle factors are identified. Guided by the “Five-sphere Integrated Plan,” this study refines the carbon neutrality evaluation framework and fills an existing gap in the literature regarding the diagnosis of heterogeneous obstacles. It provides empirical evidence for the coordinated advancement of carbon neutrality. We find that (1) China’s overall carbon neutrality capability is relatively weak, showing a spatial pattern of “high in the east and low in the west” and a Matthew effect of “the strong getting stronger and the weak getting weaker.” The development levels of the subsystems vary markedly, with excellent and underperforming subsystems coexisting across different provinces. (2) The 30 provinces are classified as comprehensive leading, balanced-developing, policy-economy dual-driven, ecology-driven, and potential-oriented. (3) Overall, the key obstacle factors are low-carbon transportation, technology, and philosophy, yet these factors vary across the groups. To foster collaborative carbon neutrality promotion, policies should be implemented in the future based on different characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3161 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Core Pricing Mechanism of Shared Energy Storage for Wind Power Systems with Incentive Compatibility

by Zhenhu Liu, Weiqing Wang, Sizhe Yan and Haoyu Chang

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3649; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083649 - 8 Apr 2026

Viewed by 425

Abstract

The rapid growth of renewable energy and the inherent volatility of wind power grid integration have imposed stringent requirements on power system security and economic operation. To address this challenge, energy storage systems (ESSs) are widely adopted as flexible regulation tools; however, their [...] Read more.

The rapid growth of renewable energy and the inherent volatility of wind power grid integration have imposed stringent requirements on power system security and economic operation. To address this challenge, energy storage systems (ESSs) are widely adopted as flexible regulation tools; however, their high capital costs make the shared energy storage model a more efficient and viable solution. This paper proposes an optimal configuration model for wind farms participating in shared energy storage (SES) based on cooperative game theory. First, integrating wind power output forecasting data and market electricity price information, a wind-storage combined optimization model accounting for wind power uncertainty is first established. Subsequently, a core pricing strategy integrating the core allocation rule with the Vickrey–Clarke–Groves (VCG) auction mechanism is proposed to realize the fair allocation of energy storage resources and effective revenue incentives. Finally, comparative experiments between the proposed core pricing mechanism and the fixed pricing mechanism verify its superiority in terms of social welfare, budget balance, and allocation fairness. The results demonstrate that the proposed mechanism not only enhances the overall social benefits of the wind-storage system but also effectively ensures the incentive compatibility of all participants and the stability of the alliance, providing feasible theoretical and methodological support for the economic dispatch of wind-farm-shared energy storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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33 pages, 1101 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Policy Benefit Configurations of Net-Zero Emissions: The Impact of Carbon Trading Policy Synergy on Carbon Neutrality Goals

by Yurui Cheng, Hongda Liu and Xiaoxia Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073362 - 31 Mar 2026

Viewed by 343

Abstract

China’s carbon neutrality plan centers on a carbon trading policy system integrating market economy, guidance, regulation, command-and-control, and fiscal measures into an inter-domain synergy. Based on the system science methodology, by leveraging the gray system evaluation method and the multiple regression model, a [...] Read more.

China’s carbon neutrality plan centers on a carbon trading policy system integrating market economy, guidance, regulation, command-and-control, and fiscal measures into an inter-domain synergy. Based on the system science methodology, by leveraging the gray system evaluation method and the multiple regression model, a carbon neutrality policy analysis system has been formed. This paper constructs a policy synergy model to examine its role in achieving net-zero goals. This article measures the policy synergy and effectiveness of China’s carbon neutrality goals in different years through policy evaluation theory and coupling models. Results show China’s net carbon emissions have passed through three cycles—rapid rise, gradual growth, and slow decline—while policy synergy peaked in 2011, 2014, and 2016, aligning with changes in emission growth rates. The significance of this discovery indicates the pulse effect of China’s green policies. In key starting years such as the 12th and 13th Five-Year Plans, China has invested a significant amount of green policy resources. Synergy levels vary by measure: When applying market economy tools, the deterrent effect of command-and-control should be reduced; command-and-control should be paired only with regulation; fiscal measures should be balanced against guidance to avoid counteracting effects. Internal equilibrium between measures is crucial, with mandatory and flexible tools configured separately to maximize policy effectiveness for net-zero emissions. This study expands the quantitative research on policy coordination and effectiveness analysis. At the same time, it provides policy-level guidance and optimization for the realization of the carbon neutrality goal, avoiding the waste and redundancy of policy resources Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 1325 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Scale to Technology: Pathways to Decarbonization in China’s Photovoltaic Manufacturing Sector

by Bujie Li and Shuxian Zheng

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 3137; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18063137 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 508

Abstract

While critical to the global energy transition, China’s photovoltaic (PV) sector exemplifies the ‘green paradox’ of clean energy supply chains, where the rapid expansion of solar infrastructure generates significant upstream carbon emissions. This study provides a long-term (2000–2022) empirical examination of this tension, [...] Read more.

While critical to the global energy transition, China’s photovoltaic (PV) sector exemplifies the ‘green paradox’ of clean energy supply chains, where the rapid expansion of solar infrastructure generates significant upstream carbon emissions. This study provides a long-term (2000–2022) empirical examination of this tension, investigating the decoupling relationship between industrial growth and embodied carbon emissions. Employing a multi-regional input–output model, we quantify the evolving carbon footprint of China’s PV manufacturing. We then apply the Tapio decoupling framework—which measures whether emissions grow slower than, or decline relative to, economic output—and structural decomposition analysis to identify the key drivers of emission changes over two decades. Finally, we project future decarbonization pathways (2023–2030) under four policy scenarios using Monte Carlo simulations. Our findings reveal a fundamental transition: since 2015, technological progress has become the dominant force for emission reductions, contributing 78% to cumulative reductions and marking a shift from a ‘scale-driven’ to a ‘technology-driven’ growth model. However, rising global demand continues to push total emissions upward, resulting in ‘weak decoupling’ (emissions grow, but slower than output) rather than the ‘strong decoupling’ (absolute emissions decline) required for carbon neutrality. Scenario analysis indicates that strong decoupling is achievable by 2030 under ambitious policy and technology scenarios, with the Technological Breakthrough scenario projecting a 39% emission reduction alongside 103% output growth. Nevertheless, even under optimistic assumptions, approximately 29,000 tons of residual emissions remain due to the inherent energy intensity of upstream processes like polysilicon production. These findings support the development of differentiated policies that balance industrial competitiveness with carbon neutrality goals, highlighting that China’s PV sector—while enabling global decarbonization—must itself undergo a deep decarbonization transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 292 KB

Open AccessArticle

Can Green Finance Policies Promote the Transformation of Urban Energy Consumption Structure? Causal Inference Based on a Double Machine Learning Model

by Fanghui Pan, Zhiyuan Tan, Yutong Liu and Xin Qi

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031452 - 1 Feb 2026

Viewed by 570

Abstract

This study constructs an urban energy consumption structure transformation (UECST) index and utilizes a double machine learning model to investigate the impact and underlying mechanisms of green finance policies on this transformation. Based on panel data from 281 prefecture-level cities in China from [...] Read more.

This study constructs an urban energy consumption structure transformation (UECST) index and utilizes a double machine learning model to investigate the impact and underlying mechanisms of green finance policies on this transformation. Based on panel data from 281 prefecture-level cities in China from 2010 to 2022, we find that green finance policies significantly promote the UECST. This finding holds after a series of robustness checks and endogeneity tests. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that these policies facilitate the transition not only through direct financial support but also indirectly by driving green technological innovation, enhancing green economic efficiency, and promoting industrial upgrading. The positive impact is more substantial in central cities, transportation hubs, non-resource-based cities, non-old industrial bases, and key environmental protection cities. By providing empirical evidence and policy insights, this study contributes to optimizing green finance policy design and addressing specific bottlenecks in energy transition, thereby supporting the achievement of the “Beautiful China” development goal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

26 pages, 3125 KB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Sustainable Development and the Net-Zero Emissions Transition: The Role of Green Technology Innovation, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Taxation

by Xiwen Zhou, Haining Chen and Guoping Ding

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010221 - 25 Dec 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1121

Abstract

In the macro context of promoting sustainable development and achieving net zero emissions, the role of green technology innovation, renewable energy utilization and environmental policy is crucial. However, there is still a lack of consistent empirical evidence regarding the combined emission reduction effect [...] Read more.

In the macro context of promoting sustainable development and achieving net zero emissions, the role of green technology innovation, renewable energy utilization and environmental policy is crucial. However, there is still a lack of consistent empirical evidence regarding the combined emission reduction effect of these three factors in OECD countries. This study aims to empirically examine the combined impact of green technology innovation (GTI), renewable energy consumption (REC), and environmental taxes (ETAX) on carbon dioxide emissions. We expect that the former two will effectively reduce emissions, while the effect of environmental taxes depends on their design. Based on the panel data of 35 OECD economies from 1990 to 2019, this study adopts the augmented mean group (AMG) as the main estimation method, and uses the common correlation mean group (CCEMG) for the robustness test. To control potential endogenous issues, the difference generalized method of moments (GMM) is also employed for estimation. The causal relationship between variables is tested using the Dumitrescu–Herlin method. The results show that, as expected, GTI and REC have a significant negative impact on carbon dioxide reduction. However, ETAX is positively correlated with carbon emissions and does not have statistical significance, which deviates from the ideal policy effect and suggests that there may be efficiency bottlenecks in the current tax design. The causality test further reveals that there is a significant two-way causal relationship between CO₂ emissions and GTI, REC, ETAX, GDP, and fossil fuel consumption (FEC). Therefore, it is recommended that OECD countries give priority to expanding investment in green technologies and renewable energy infrastructure and re-evaluate and optimize environmental tax policies to effectively promote the transition to a low-carbon economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 851 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Green Finance on Urban Energy Efficiency: A Double Machine Learning Analysis

by Yuanpei Kuang and Peiyu Yang

Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 11016; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411016 - 9 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 657

Abstract

Urban areas globally face the critical challenge of meeting growing energy demands while maintaining environmental sustainability. However, existing research provides limited and often inconsistent evidence on how green finance affects urban energy efficiency, largely due to heterogeneous measurement systems, methodological constraints, and insufficient [...] Read more.

Urban areas globally face the critical challenge of meeting growing energy demands while maintaining environmental sustainability. However, existing research provides limited and often inconsistent evidence on how green finance affects urban energy efficiency, largely due to heterogeneous measurement systems, methodological constraints, and insufficient identification of underlying mechanisms. To address these research gaps, this study investigates two core questions: Does green finance significantly improve urban energy efficiency? If so, what are the specific transmission mechanisms driving this impact? Methodologically, this exploration employs a Double Machine Learning (DML) approach to analyze panel data from 210 Chinese cities between 2006 and 2022. The analysis demonstrates a significant and positive impact of green finance on urban energy efficiency, with an estimated coefficient of 0.1910. Further analysis identifies three constructive mechanisms, including environmental regulations, industrial structures, and green technological innovation, which enhance resource allocation and energy utilization efficiency. Moreover, green finance shows a stronger positive impact in non-resource-dependent cities, regions outside traditional industrial bases, and financially developed areas. These findings recommend establishing standardized green finance frameworks, increasing targeted financial support for key regions, and integrating green innovation with industrial restructuring. These measures help consolidate China’s green finance system and improve regional energy efficiency through market expansion, energy transition, and technological advancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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48 pages, 2424 KB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating Sustainability: The Green Transition of the Port of Bar

by Milutin Lakićević and Aleksandar Niković

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310736 - 30 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1466

Abstract

The shift to green ports is essential for meeting worldwide sustainability targets and lowering emissions related to maritime activities. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the Port of Bar in Montenegro and its prospects for transforming into a low-carbon sustainable port hub [...] Read more.

The shift to green ports is essential for meeting worldwide sustainability targets and lowering emissions related to maritime activities. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the Port of Bar in Montenegro and its prospects for transforming into a low-carbon sustainable port hub within the Adriatic region. By a mixed-method approach consisting of empirical data, theoretical modeling, expert interviews, and other relevant methodologies, the study designs a comprehensive roadmap for the port’s multi-phase green transition. The first phase (2026–2030) focuses on partial electrification of cargo handling equipment, installation of on-site photovoltaic systems, and modernization of the Port Community System (PCS) to improve efficiency and environmental monitoring. The second phase (2030–2038) includes full electrification of port operations, Onshore Power Supply (OPS) accessibility for vessels at berth, and full renewable resource adoption. Results indicate the measures can significantly reduce annual CO₂ emissions during the first phase, with a long-term potential to attain net-zero emissions. This transformation is in line with international regulations, European Union policies, as well as Montenegro’s national strategies and policies, positioning the Port of Bar as a regional model for green port development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 254 KB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Energy Transition and Climate Accountability in Wisconsin Firms: A Content Analysis of Corporate Sustainability Reporting

by Hadi Veisi

Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8935; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198935 - 9 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1416

Abstract

Corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is increasingly envisioned as evidence of accountability in the energy transition, yet persistent gaps remain between commitments and practices. This study applied the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework—specifically indicators 302 (Energy) and 305 (Emissions)—to evaluate the [...] Read more.

Corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is increasingly envisioned as evidence of accountability in the energy transition, yet persistent gaps remain between commitments and practices. This study applied the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework—specifically indicators 302 (Energy) and 305 (Emissions)—to evaluate the credibility, scope, and strategic depth of disclosures by 20 Wisconsin (WI) firms in the energy, manufacturing, food, and service sectors. Guided by accountability and legitimacy theory, a comparative content analysis was conducted, complemented by Spearman correlation to examine associations between firm size and disclosure quality. Results show that while firms consistently report basic metrics such as total energy consumption and Scope 1 emissions, disclosures on Scope 3 emissions, renewable sourcing, and energy-efficiency achievements remain partial and selectively framed. Third-party assurance is inconsistently applied, and methodological transparency—such as external audit and coding protocols—is limited, weakening credibility. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between annual revenue and disclosure quality, indicating that greater financial capacity does not necessarily translate into greater transparency. These findings highlight methodological and governance shortcomings, including reliance on generic ESG frameworks rather than climate-focused standards such as Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Integrated reporting approaches are recommended to improve comparability, credibility, and alignment with Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Transition Plan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

28 pages, 791 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Policy Strategies for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in MENA Countries: Integrating Governance, Green Energy, and Oil Rent Management in a Dynamic Modeling Framework

by Osama Alarbi Abo Alaed, Ayşem Çelebi and Serdal Işıktaş

Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8650; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198650 - 26 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1104

Abstract

Carbon neutrality has emerged as a critical issue in the 21st century, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. These nations have demonstrated significant commitment to investing in renewable energy and implementing initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. The global [...] Read more.

Carbon neutrality has emerged as a critical issue in the 21st century, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. These nations have demonstrated significant commitment to investing in renewable energy and implementing initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. The global spotlight on environmental concerns, encompassing the responsibilities of all economic stakeholders, has prompted the convening of COP 27, a pivotal meeting dedicated to reducing carbon emissions on a global scale. However, research on carbon neutrality in the MENA region remains relatively limited, particularly in terms of in-depth analysis of green energy, green technology, oil revenues, and the efficacy of government interventions. This study seeks to address this gap in existing research by investigating the factors influencing the attainment of carbon neutrality in the MENA region from 2000 to 2022. Specifically, the research focuses on the roles of green energy, green technology, oil revenues, and government effectiveness in this context. Utilizing the Method of Moments’ Quantile Regression, this study aims to analyze the impact of location and scale on the conditional distribution of carbon emissions. The findings reveal that investments in green energy, adoption of green technology, increases in service-added value, and oil revenues are associated with decreased carbon emissions, while greater trade openness correlates with emission reductions. However, all governance metrics examined exhibit a positive correlation with carbon emissions. These results underscore the importance of prioritizing investments in green energy and enhancing the effectiveness of governmental initiatives to steer economic growth towards achieving carbon neutrality. Moving forward, policymakers in the MENA region are encouraged to place greater emphasis on sustainable energy solutions and to implement strategies that enhance the efficacy of government interventions to accelerate progress towards carbon neutrality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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27 pages, 2324 KB

Open AccessArticle

The UAE Net-Zero Strategy—Aspirations, Achievements and Lessons for the MENA Region

by Ghassan Zubi, Maximilian Kuhn, Sofoklis Makridis and Stanley Dorasamy

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7510; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167510 - 20 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6818

Abstract

The Middle East and North Africa region has not played a major role in climate action so far, and several countries depend economically on fossil fuel exports. However, this is a region with vast solar energy resources, which can be exploited affordably for [...] Read more.

The Middle East and North Africa region has not played a major role in climate action so far, and several countries depend economically on fossil fuel exports. However, this is a region with vast solar energy resources, which can be exploited affordably for power generation and hydrogen production at scale to eventually reach carbon neutrality. In this paper, we elaborate on the case of the United Arab Emirates and explore the aspirations and feasibility of its net-zero by 2050 target. While we affirm the concept per se, we also highlight the technological complexity and economic dimensions that accompany such transformation. We expect the UAE’s electricity demand to triple between today and 2050, and the annual green hydrogen production is expected to reach 3.5 Mt, accounting for over 40% of the electricity consumption. Green hydrogen will provide power-to-fuel solutions for aviation, maritime transport and hard-to-abate industries. At the same time, electrification will intensify—most importantly in road transport and low-temperature heat demands. The UAE can meet its future electricity demands primarily with solar power, followed by natural gas power plants with carbon capture, utilization and storage, while the role of nuclear power in the long term is unclear at this stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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27 pages, 1567 KB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating Barriers to Decarbonisation of UK’s Aviation Sector Through Green Hydrogen: A Multi-Scale Perspective

by Pegah Mirzania, Nazmiye Balta-Ozkan, Henrik Rothe and Guy Gratton

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5674; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135674 - 20 Jun 2025

Viewed by 2138

Abstract

Aviation is widely recognised as one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transport and among the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. The use of green hydrogen (H₂) in airside operations can help reduce emissions from air transport. While the pace and [...] Read more.

Aviation is widely recognised as one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transport and among the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. The use of green hydrogen (H₂) in airside operations can help reduce emissions from air transport. While the pace and scalability of technology development, including H₂-powered and ground support equipment, will be key factors, other financial, regulatory, legal, organisational, behavioural, and societal issues must also be considered. This paper investigates the key opportunities and challenges of using H₂ in the aviation industry through eleven semi-structured interviews and a virtual expert workshop (N = 37) with key aviation industry stakeholders and academia. The results indicate that, currently, decarbonisation of the aviation sector faces several challenges, including socio-technical, techno-economic, and socio-political challenges, with socio-technical challenges being the most prominent barrier. This study shows that decarbonisation will not occur until the UK government is ready to have all the required infrastructure and capacity in place. Governments can play a significant role in directing the necessary ‘push’ and ‘pull’ to develop and promote zero-carbon emission aircraft in the marketplace and ensure safe implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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Review

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43 pages, 6945 KB

Open AccessReview

Sustainability of the European Energy System: The Evolution of the Energy Transition, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation

by Eugen Iavorschi, Laurențiu Dan Milici, Ioan Taran and Zvika Israeli

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 4046; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18084046 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 311

Abstract

Energy efficiency improvement represents a central strategic objective of the European Union (EU), essential for mitigating climate change and facilitating the transition toward a sustainable energy system. In 2023, renewable energy sources generated approximately 46% of the electricity produced in the EU, becoming [...] Read more.

Energy efficiency improvement represents a central strategic objective of the European Union (EU), essential for mitigating climate change and facilitating the transition toward a sustainable energy system. In 2023, renewable energy sources generated approximately 46% of the electricity produced in the EU, becoming the dominant component of the regional energy mix. This progress has been supported by coherent public policies, dedicated investment programs, and regulatory mechanisms aimed at accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies. However, the existing literature highlights a research gap regarding the relationship between the dynamics of the European energy transition, the operational challenges generated by the rapid increase in the share of renewable energy sources, and the potential for energy savings in the residential sector through non-technological interventions. This paper analyzes the structural transformations of the European energy mix, the limitations of energy systems in the context of accelerated renewable energy integration, and the role of behavioral interventions in supporting the stability of the energy system. The study examines the dynamics of residential energy consumption, behavioral determinants of energy use, and the effectiveness of instruments such as information campaigns, real-time feedback, dynamic pricing, and demand response programs. The results indicate that these interventions can reduce peak loads, increase consumption flexibility, and alleviate pressure on energy networks under conditions of variable renewable energy generation. The integration of energy storage systems and the implementation of low-cost behavioral measures can act as complementary instruments for maintaining the dynamic stability of the energy system and for achieving the EU’s sustainability and climate neutrality objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress of Sustainable Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition)

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