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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 17905

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jianli Zhou

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Guest Editor

1. School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
2. Engineering Research Center of Northwest Energy Carbon Neutrality (ERCNECN), Ministry of Education, Urumqi 830046, China
3. Strategy and Decision-making Research Center of Xinjiang Energy Carbon Neutrality (Xinjiang University), Urumqi 830046, China
Interests: energy management; energy planning for sustainability; integrated energy system; electricity–hydrogen coupling and conversion; GIS analysis and mapping
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Shenbo Yang

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Guest Editor

School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Interests: energy management; integrated energy system; optimal dispatching of energy system; benefit distribution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yao Tao

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Guest Editor

School of Management, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Interests: power engineering project management; energy system planning and operation optimization; sustainability assessment; electric-carbon coupling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy systems are a guarantee for social development, and these have transitioned from traditional fossil fuel usage to the current high proportion of renewable energy utilization methods under the context of sustainable development. Analyzing the energy system from the perspective of sustainability is an urgent scientific task which needs addressing. Firstly, we ought to analyze the dilemmas and challenges of the energy transition, offering scientific solutions and strategies from a sustainable development standpoint. Secondly, we ought to focus on the planning and operation issues brought about by multi-energy coupling within the energy system, as well as the synergy among energy providers–transmitters–users. Integrating sustainability theory with management decision-making methods, including mathematical modeling and optimization, to derive practical solutions for energy system management and guide practitioners in their activities, is another goal. Thirdly, we must pay attention to the impact of emerging technologies on the energy system, like low-carbon, zero-carbon, and negative-emission technologies. Assessing the effectiveness of these technologies in the evolution of the energy system expedites the construction of clean and efficient energy systems. Lastly, we must also focus on the influence of energy policies on the sustainability of the energy system, such as subsidy reductions, electricity pricing mechanisms, and the carbon market. It will also be helpful to evaluate the effects of such policies and conduct simulation studies to provide references for managers to create macro-policies and help the overall improvement of energy systems. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome for submission. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

New energy system
Energy transformation
Integrated energy system
Energy system sustainability analysis
Planning, optimization, and benefit evaluation methods for energy system
Low/zero/negative carbon emission technology
Reuse of waste from energy systems
Energy policy and environment modeling.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Jianli Zhou
Dr. Shenbo Yang
Dr. Yao Tao
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

energy system engineering
sustainability analysis
multi-energy coupling
management theories and methods in energy system
energy policy and economics

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 228 KB

Open AccessArticle

How the Transformation of Digital–Carbon Integration Is Empowering Sustainable Development: Theoretical Logic and Practical Pathways

by Yu Cao, Xinyao Li, Hao Zhang, Mingyang Zhai, Haidong Wu, Chang Su and Rui Qi

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 3159; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18063159 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 708

Abstract

The paper proposes a groundbreaking strategy for merging corporate digitalization and low-carbon transition (digital–carbon integration) for Chinese companies, using data from A-share listed companies in China from 2013 to 2022. The deep integration of the digital transformation and green low-carbon development has emerged as a crucial route by which to enhance sustainable development and attain high-quality development, due to the quick iterations of digital technology and the growing severity of global climate challenges. The study uses a dual fixed effects model for regression analysis and gathers 24,074 sample observations. The findings show the following: (1) The level of digital–carbon integration has been gradually increasing, which has had a major positive impact on sustainable development. Several robustness tests confirm the validity of this conclusion. (2) Mechanism analysis shows that, by encouraging green technology innovation and increasing operational management efficiency, digital–carbon integration can improve sustainable development. (3) According to heterogeneity analysis, non-state-owned businesses and high-technology corporations are more affected by digital–carbon integration on sustainable development. This study gives a path reference for improving sustainable development and attaining high-quality growth, in addition to offering a theoretical foundation for advancing digital–carbon integration in Chinese businesses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Energy Systems from the Perspective of Sustainability)

38 pages, 3628 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization Model of an Integrated Energy System Operation Considering the Utilization of Hydrogen Energy and the Coupling of Carbon-Green Certificates Trading

by Chenguang Li, Feng Liang, Dawei Liu, Yang Liu, Xiufeng Xie and Yao Tao

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18063065 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 443

Abstract

The energy system is transforming in clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient directions. As a key carrier of energy consumption, the operation optimization of the integrated energy system (IES) in industrial parks has become an important lever for facilitating energy transformation. This paper focuses on the modeling of the operation optimization of the IES, pays attention to the impact of electricity–carbon–green certificate coordination, and studies the operation optimization of the IES considering hydrogen energy utilization. Firstly, the topological structure of IES is analyzed, and a model of the integrated energy system in industrial parks covering multiple energy links, such as electricity, heat, and gas, is constructed. Hydrogen energy conversion units such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, and methane reactors are introduced. Secondly, the impact of electricity, carbon, and green certificate markets on the operation of IES is analyzed, and a green certificate-carbon trading integration mechanism is designed, along with the establishment of a corresponding market trading model. Then, with the system’s energy purchase and sale costs, electricity curtailment costs, carbon market transaction costs, green certificate transaction revenues, and equipment operation and maintenance costs as the core, an IES daily optimization scheduling model is constructed to minimize the overall cost. Finally, the feasibility of the model constructed in this paper is verified through a case study in the industrial park in the north of Dezhou, Shandong Province, and the result shows that the cost of IES is 15,013.7 yuan under the optimal operation schedule. The utilization rate of new power energy reaches 89.6%, and the 2.135 green certificates are converted into the carbon market. Meanwhile, comparative analysis across multiple scenarios and sensitivity analysis of single factors are conducted to discuss the necessity and effectiveness of the factors considered in this paper, providing a decision-making basis and inspiration for managers to carry out IES operation scheduling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Energy Systems from the Perspective of Sustainability)

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18 pages, 2274 KB

Open AccessArticle

Using the InVEST-PLUS-GeoDetector Model to Predict and Analyze the Pattern of Ecosystem Carbon Storage in the Dongting Lake Basin, China

by Qi Liu, Jing Zhou, Falin Liu, Huan Xia, Cui Zhou and Jianjun Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052543 - 5 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 404

Abstract

Guaranteeing the ecological security of the Dongting Lake Basin is of paramount importance for national-scale programs, such as the Yangtze River Economic Belt and aquatic conservation projects. Within this framework, carbon storage and its determining drivers act as essential indicators of regional ecological stability. However, the historical trajectory of carbon pools and their response to future multi-scenario land-use transitions remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aims to quantify the spatiotemporal evolution of carbon storage in the Dongting Lake Basin from 2000 to 2020 and project its future dynamics under diverse development pathways. This study, utilizing land use data from 2000 to 2020 and the carbon density database of the Dongting Lake Basin, assessed land use changes over two decades and determined the spatiotemporal distribution of carbon storage. Additionally, using 17 driving factors and various spatial policies, the study projected the land use and land cover changes (LUCC) for 2030 under four scenarios: natural development, ecological protection, economic development, and planned development. The spatiotemporal distribution of carbon storage and its response mechanisms were analyzed for each scenario. The results showed that carbon storage was directly impacted by LUCC, with an overall “decrease-increase-decrease” trend from 2000 to 2020, resulting in a net increase of 3.685 × 10⁶ t. By 2030, the changes in carbon storage under the natural development, ecological protection scenario, economic development, and planned development scenarios were projected to be −1.008 × 10⁷ t, 1.276 × 10⁷ t, 3.292 × 10⁸ t, and −1.200 × 10⁵ t, respectively. Notably, the ecological protection scenario showed a significant positive growth in carbon storage, primarily driven by an increase in forest and wetland areas. Additionally, the spatial distribution of carbon storage exhibited a pattern of “high in the west and low in the east”. These results imply that to achieve the “Dual Carbon Strategy”, future land use planning in the Dongting Lake Basin should prioritize ecological protection and planned development models, including strict control of construction land expansion, increasing ecological land area, and enhancing carbon storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Energy Systems from the Perspective of Sustainability)

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22 pages, 322 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Green Finance on Energy Transition Under Climate Change

by Zhengwei Ma and Xiangli Jiang

Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7112; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157112 - 6 Aug 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3167

Abstract

In recent years, growing concerns over environmental degradation and deepening awareness of the necessity of sustainable development have propelled green and low-carbon energy transition into a focal issue for both academia and policymakers. By decomposing energy transition into the transformation of energy structure and the upgrading of energy efficiency, this study investigates the impact and mechanisms of green finance on energy transition across 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China, with the exception of Tibet. In addition, the impact of climate change is incorporated into the analytical framework. Empirical results demonstrate that green finance development significantly accelerates energy transition, a conclusion robust to rigorous validation. Analysis of the mechanism shows that green finance promotes energy transition through the facilitation of technological innovation and the upgrade of industrial structures. Moreover, empirical evidence reveals that climate change undermines the promotional influence of sustainable finance on energy system transformation. The magnitude of this suppression varies nonlinearly across provincial jurisdictions with differing energy transition progress. Regional heterogeneity analyses further uncover marked discrepancies in climate–finance interactions, demonstrating amplified effects in coastal economic hubs, underdeveloped western provinces, and regions with mature eco-financial markets. According to these findings, actionable policy suggestions are put forward to strengthen green finance and accelerate energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Energy Systems from the Perspective of Sustainability)

21 pages, 1335 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Shallow Geothermal Development Potential Based on the Entropy Weight TOPSIS Method—A Case Study of Guizhou Province

by Yiqirui Deng, Mengyu Chen and Yujie Hu

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4312; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104312 - 9 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1508

Abstract

Shallow geothermal energy is a renewable and clean resource, yet its potential varies significantly across different regions of China. The disparity in resource conditions, technology development, and the level of regional understanding regarding its potential hinder efficient utilization. This study applies the entropy weight method, combined with the TOPSIS model, to assess the shallow geothermal utilization potential across various regions of the country, with a case study in Guizhou Province employed to evaluate the actual development potential. Additionally, SWOT analysis is employed to assess regional development and provide recommendations for the future growth of shallow geothermal energy in Guizhou. The findings indicate a high potential for shallow geothermal energy in East China, with significant resource potential and conceivable economic benefits in Guizhou Province. This research not only evaluates the development potential for shallow geothermal energy in different regions but also proposes strategic recommendations to enhance its effective development and contribute to the high-quality transformation of the energy industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Energy Systems from the Perspective of Sustainability)

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13 pages, 1471 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Inefficient to Efficient Renewable Heating: A Critical Assessment of the EU Renewable Energy Directive

by Jan Rosenow, Duncan Gibb and Samuel Thomas

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4164; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094164 - 5 May 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4691

Abstract

The accounting methodology for renewable energy in the European Union’s (EU) renewable heating and cooling targets is often treated as a mere technical detail, yet it has profound implications for the effectiveness of climate policies. This paper highlights a critical misalignment within the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), which inadvertently disincentivises the deployment of more efficient heating technologies. By accounting for the energy harnessed to produce the useful heat, rather than the useful heat itself, the current metrics disproportionately credit the least efficient heating systems with generating the most renewable heat. An electric heat pump with a seasonal performance factor of 3 producing 100 units of renewable heat gets credited with 100 units of heat, despite using only 33 units of input energy, whereas a wood fireplace with an efficiency of 50% gets credited with 200 units of heat. The less efficient the device, the more renewable credits it receives for producing the same amount of useful heat. This misalignment undermines decarbonisation efforts by over-crediting inefficient technologies while failing to fully recognise high-efficiency solutions like heat pumps. This paper proposes revising the RED to account for useful energy output, ensuring a more accurate reflection of technology contributions. We also propose increasing the binding heating and cooling targets of 0.8 pp/year and 1.1 pp/year so that they reflect the needed contribution of the heating and cooling sector to reach the binding headline target of 42.5% by 2030. This shift would incentivise efficiency, better align with EU climate goals, and support the transition to a low-carbon heating and cooling sector in line with the 2030 emissions reduction target. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Energy Systems from the Perspective of Sustainability)

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22 pages, 808 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ultra-High-Voltage Construction Projects and Total Factor Energy Efficiency: Empirical Evidence on Cross-Regional Power Dispatch in China

by Yubao Wang, Junjie Zhen and Huiyuan Pan

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8083; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188083 - 16 Sep 2024

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5864

Abstract

Optimizing cross-regional energy dispatch is crucial for addressing regional energy resource imbalances and significantly enhancing energy utilization efficiency. This study aims to analyze the potential impact of China’s ultra-high-voltage (UHV) construction on firms’ total factor energy efficiency and provide empirical evidence supporting the role of cross-regional energy dispatch in improving firms’ energy efficiency. The construction of UHV infrastructure has become a vital part of China’s “New Infrastructure” projects, presenting a “Chinese solution” to the global challenge of regional energy resource mismatches. This study employs an enhanced two-step stochastic frontier method to quantify firms’ total factor energy efficiency and utilizes a difference-in-differences model to evaluate the impact of inter-regional electricity dispatch on this efficiency. The empirical analysis results indicate that UHV construction projects increase the total factor energy efficiency of regional firms by an average of 0.45%, which significantly contributes to firms’ total factor productivity. This conclusion remains valid after a series of robustness tests. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis results indicate that the UHV construction project increases the total factor energy efficiency of non-energy-intensive industries by 0.49%, and significantly enhances the total factor energy efficiency of the manufacturing industry by 0.94%. However, it has no significant effect on energy-intensive industries or non-manufacturing enterprises. Additionally, the mechanism analysis shows that UHV construction projects affect total factor energy efficiency through three pathways: industrial structure adjustment, urban innovation, and clean energy transition. This study offers insights for addressing regional energy spatial mismatches and provides policy recommendations for developing a new energy system aligned with regional needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Energy Systems from the Perspective of Sustainability)

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