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Energy Transition, Energy Economics, and Environmental Sustainability
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Energy Transition, Energy Economics, and Environmental Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2025 | Viewed by 4560

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paulo Rotella Junior

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Production Engineering Department, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
Interests: finance; feasibility analysis; regulation; stochastic analysis; simulation; multiobjective optimization; renewable energy; energy storage systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luiz Célio Souza Rocha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Management, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology—North of Minas Gerais, Almenara 39900-000, MG, Brazil
Interests: finance; feasibility analysis; regulation; stochastic analysis; simulation; multiobjective optimization; design of experiments; renewable energy; energy storage systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability is pleased to announce a  new Special Issue entitled “Energy Transition, Energy Economics, and Environmental Sustainability”.

The world is currently witnessing a process of energy transition, which can be defined as a change from energy matrices based on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This transition is made possible both by technological evolution and the development of public policies and market instruments. As the energy transition increases the complexity of system management, technical–economic feasibility analysis becomes increasingly intricate, requiring innovative and interdisciplinary methodologies. This transition is also inherently linked to environmental sustainability, as it seeks to ensure the preservation of natural resources and reduce environmental damage.

This Special Issue will deal with the energy transition, energy economics, and environmental sustainability. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Financial and economic analysis;
  • Public policies and regulation;
  • Financial Market;
  • Emission trading schemes;
  • Hybrid generation systems;
  • Energy storage systems;
  • Smart grids;
  • Utility-scale technologies;
  • Distributed generation;
  • Planning and optimization;
  • Modeling and simulation;
  • Stochastic studies;
  • Efficiency analysis;
  • Risk analysis and management;
  • Environmental viability;
  • Sustainable development;
  • Green technology;
  • Applications in emerging and developing economies.

Dr. Paulo Rotella Junior
Dr. Luiz Célio Souza Rocha
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

  • renewable energy
  • energy transition
  • regulatory issues
  • energy storage systems
  • hybrid systems
  • economic feasibility
  • optimization techniques
  • environmental sustainability
  • sustainable development
  • green technology

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

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

28 pages, 2339 KiB  
Article
Projection of Photovoltaic System Adoption and Its Impact on a Distributed Power Grid Using Fuzzy Logic
by Kevin López-Eugenio, Pedro Torres-Bermeo, Carolina Del-Valle-Soto and José Varela-Aldás
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5235; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125235 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 552
Abstract
The increasing adoption of photovoltaic systems presents new challenges for energy planning and grid stability. This study proposes a fuzzy logic-based methodology to identify potential PV adopters by integrating variables such as energy consumption, electricity tariff, solar radiation, and socioeconomic level. The approach [...] Read more.
The increasing adoption of photovoltaic systems presents new challenges for energy planning and grid stability. This study proposes a fuzzy logic-based methodology to identify potential PV adopters by integrating variables such as energy consumption, electricity tariff, solar radiation, and socioeconomic level. The approach was applied to a real distribution grid and compared against a previously presented method that selects users based solely on high energy consumption. The fuzzy logic model demonstrated superior performance by identifying 77.03 [%] of real adopters, outperforming the previous selection strategy. Additionally, the study evaluates the technical impact of PV integration on the distribution grid through power flow simulations, analysing energy losses, voltage stability, and asset loadability. Findings highlight that while PV systems reduce energy losses, they can also introduce voltage regulation challenges under high penetration. The proposed methodology serves as a decision-support tool for utilities and regulators, enhancing the accuracy of adoption projections and informing infrastructure planning. Its flexibility and rule-based nature make it adaptable to different regulatory and technical environments, allowing it to be replicated globally for sustainable energy transition initiatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition, Energy Economics, and Environmental Sustainability)
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32 pages, 3233 KiB  
Article
Architecture and Sizing of Systems for the Remote Control of Sustainable Energy-Independent Stations for Electric Vehicle Charging Powered by Renewable Energy Sources
by Jovan Vujasinović, Goran Savić, Ilija Batas Bjelić and Željko Despotović
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5001; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115001 - 29 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 412
Abstract
Air-pollution-related issues, including the rise in carbon dioxide emissions, require, among others, solutions that include using electric vehicles supplied by the energy obtained from renewable sources. These solutions also include the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. However, the existing systems mostly employ independent [...] Read more.
Air-pollution-related issues, including the rise in carbon dioxide emissions, require, among others, solutions that include using electric vehicles supplied by the energy obtained from renewable sources. These solutions also include the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. However, the existing systems mostly employ independent subsystems (such as subsystems for the control of electric vehicle chargers, subsystems for the control of smart battery storage, etc.), leading to hardware redundancy, software complexity, increased hardware costs, and communication link complexity. An architecture of a system for remotely controlling a renewable-energy-source-powered sustainable electric vehicle charging station, which overcomes these deficiencies, is presented in this paper. Consideration is also given to the sizes and combinations of different parts (renewable sources, batteries, chargers, etc.) for various purposes (households, replacing current gas stations, big parking spaces in shopping centers, public garages, etc.). The ability to integrate a wide range of features into one system helps to optimize the use of several subsystems, including the ones that control electric vehicle chargers remotely, smart storage battery remote control, smart electricity meter remote control, and fiscal cash register remote control, creating a sustainable and economically efficient solution. In this manner, consumers of electric vehicles will have easier access to renewable-energy-powered sustainable charging stations. This helps to reduce the amount of air pollution and its harmful effects, including climate change, by promoting the use of electric vehicles that are powered by renewable energy sources. The energy independence and sustainability of the station were considered in such a way that the owner of the station achieves maximum economic benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition, Energy Economics, and Environmental Sustainability)
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23 pages, 693 KiB  
Article
Measuring the Economic Effects and Benefits of Developing a Natural Gas Power Plant in Vietnam
by Min-Ki Hyun, Seo-Young Chung and Seung-Hoon Yoo
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3651; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083651 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
A stable electricity supply is a key factor for sustainable development in Vietnam, a rapidly growing developing country with increasing energy consumption. This article delves quantitatively into the economic effects and benefits arising from the construction of a 1.5 GW capacity natural gas-fired [...] Read more.
A stable electricity supply is a key factor for sustainable development in Vietnam, a rapidly growing developing country with increasing energy consumption. This article delves quantitatively into the economic effects and benefits arising from the construction of a 1.5 GW capacity natural gas-fired power plant (NGPP). Input–output analysis was applied to identifying the economic effects. Specifically, production-inducing effects and value-added creation effects were analyzed separately for the construction and operation of the NGPP. Based on the economic theory, the economic benefits were computed as the sum of the electricity price and consumer surplus resulting from electricity consumption. During the construction period of the NGPP, it is expected to induce USD 2315.60 million of production and USD 414.75 million of value-added for the Vietnamese economy. The production-inducing effects, value-added creation effects, and economic benefits ensuing from the operation of the NGPP in 2030 were estimated to be USD 833.36 million, USD 235.75 million, and USD 1164.33 million, respectively. The cost–benefit analysis revealed a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.45, which is higher than 1, indicating the economic feasibility of the construction. Therefore, the construction of the NGPP can be implemented with social net benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition, Energy Economics, and Environmental Sustainability)
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17 pages, 1680 KiB  
Article
Strategies for Multigeneration in Residential Energy Systems: An Optimization Approach
by Danielle Bandeira Mello Delgado, Iderval Costa e Silva Neto and Monica Carvalho
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031016 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1034
Abstract
With the energy transition, energy supply trends indicate more autonomy for the final consumer, with a more decentralized, intelligent, and low-carbon scenario. Multigeneration technologies offer substantial socioeconomic and environmental advantages by enhancing the efficient utilization of energy resources. The main objective of this [...] Read more.
With the energy transition, energy supply trends indicate more autonomy for the final consumer, with a more decentralized, intelligent, and low-carbon scenario. Multigeneration technologies offer substantial socioeconomic and environmental advantages by enhancing the efficient utilization of energy resources. The main objective of this study is to develop a flexible, easy-to-use tool for the optimization of multigeneration systems (configuration and operation), focused on obtaining minimal annual costs. C++ was used for the implementation of the optimization problem, which was solved using IBM’s ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio solver. The case study is a residential consumer center, with energy demands encompassing electricity (including electric vehicles), sanitary hot water, and coolth (air conditioning). The optimal economic solution indicates the installation of 102 photovoltaic modules and the use of biomass to produce hot water. When compared with a conventional solution, where all energy demands are met conventionally (no renewables nor cogeneration), the optimal economic solution reduced annual costs by 27% despite presenting capital costs 42% higher. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition, Energy Economics, and Environmental Sustainability)
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17 pages, 824 KiB  
Article
Economic Feasibility of Biogas Microgeneration from Food Waste: Potential for Sustainable Energy in Northeastern Brazil
by Iván D. Roa, Jorge R. Henriquez, Emmanuel D. Dutra, Rômulo S. C. Menezes, Monaliza M. M. Andrade, Edvaldo P. Santos Junior, Luiz Célio S. Rocha and Paulo Rotella Junior
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10238; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310238 - 22 Nov 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1293
Abstract
This study evaluates three scenarios’ technical and economic viability for implementing a microgeneration power plant using biogas derived from the anaerobic digestion of food waste. The case study focuses on the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) campus in Recife, northeastern (NE) Brazil, targeting [...] Read more.
This study evaluates three scenarios’ technical and economic viability for implementing a microgeneration power plant using biogas derived from the anaerobic digestion of food waste. The case study focuses on the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) campus in Recife, northeastern (NE) Brazil, targeting the organic fraction of solid waste from food units (restaurants, canteens, and kiosks). The analysis was based on field data, the chemical composition of the waste, and the electric energy consumption. Biogas production of 166 m3/day from 1 ton/day of food waste was estimated using an anaerobic reactor of 126 m3. This amount of biogas could generate about 360 kWh/day of electricity if the plant operates at peak hours using a generator set with an alternative internal combustion engine of 120 kW, with a consumption of 66 m3/h and fuel efficiency of 30%. The system could generate 390 kWh/day of electrical energy using a microturbine, with a consumption of 78 m3/h and 30% efficiency. The scenario utilizing a tubular reactor and an internal combustion engine demonstrated the best economic viability. While this study focuses on financial aspects, the findings suggest significant potential contributions to sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing renewable energy solutions. This model can be adapted for small NE Brazil municipalities, offering economic and environmental benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition, Energy Economics, and Environmental Sustainability)
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