sustainability-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Sustainable Production and the Role of Industry in the Energy Transition and Carbon Neutrality

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 9148

Special Issue Editors

Department for Sustainable Products and Processes, University of Kassel, 34125 Kassel, Germany
Interests: energy efficiency; energy transition; carbon neutrality; industrial cooling; optimisation
Department of Energy System Technologies, Paderborn University, 33098 Paderborn, Germany
Interests: energy transition; carbon neutrality; demand side management; energy system modelling; sector coupling
Department of Energy System Technologies, Paderborn University, 33098 Paderborn, Germany
Interests: process integration; energy efficiency; high-temperature heat pumps; electrification of process heat; energy transition in industry; carbon neutrality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
E.ON Digital Technology GmbH, 80992 Munich, Germany
Interests: energy systems; energy efficiency; carbon neutrality; sector coupling; smart municipalities

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Industry and manufacturing play a major role in our current energy system. A significant portion of the world's energy consumption is needed to meet the needs of industry. However, due to increased efforts to limit the effects of climate change, industrial and commercial consumers are changing their behaviour. In addition to environmental and technological factors, economic factors are also driving this trend. Starting with low-hanging fruit such as simple energy efficiency measures, current developments aim at holistic strategies to realise a climate-neutral company. However, there are still many open research questions to be answered.

This Special Issue will unite experts in the field of sustainable production and the role of industry in the energy transition. Contributions will present new results from case studies, technological developments, and holistic approaches to greenhouse gas accounting and energy planning. The aim is to highlight innovative approaches towards systematically improving energy efficiency, to further develop strategies for climate-neutral companies and related greenhouse gas accounting, and to understand industry and its energy needs as an integral part of renewable energy systems. For the latter, industry can offer potential for flexibility and waste heat. The Special Issue therefore aims to highlight current research and development, particularly in the following areas.

Dr. Ron-Hendrik Hechelmann
Prof. Dr. Henning Meschede
Dr. Florian Schlosser
Dr. Alexander Schlüter
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

  • energy efficiency in industry: measures and benchmarks
  • heat recovery and process integration
  • electrification of process heat
  • industrial heat pumps
  • hydrogen in industrial processes
  • waste heat utilisation in district heating
  • sector coupling
  • demand side management and flexible energy demand
  • life cycle assessment
  • corporate carbon footprint
  • carbon accounting and controlling
  • strategies for climate-neutral business
  • energy monitoring and Industry 4.0
  • energy planning with regard to industrial energy demand

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

18 pages, 1011 KiB  
Article
The Role of Environmental Management Systems and Energy Management Systems in the Adoption of Energy Recuperation Technologies in Central European Manufacturing Companies
by Juraj Šebo, Jasna Prester and Miriam Šebová
Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416913 - 17 Dec 2023
Viewed by 809
Abstract
The diffusion of technologies within an economic system is an intricate process, influenced by a variety of factors, including governmental policies, the characteristics of adopting companies, and the technologies that can be adopted. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the implementation [...] Read more.
The diffusion of technologies within an economic system is an intricate process, influenced by a variety of factors, including governmental policies, the characteristics of adopting companies, and the technologies that can be adopted. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the implementation of environmental management systems (EMSs), such as ISO 14001, or energy management systems (EnMSs), such as ISO 50001, and the adoption of energy recuperation technologies (ERTs), which are a subset of energy efficient technologies (EETs). To achieve this, our research leveraged data from the 2018 European Manufacturing Survey, specifically a subsample of 798 companies across five European countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, and Lithuania. Due to the investigation of relationships and the type of variables used, we employed a two-step ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis. Our analysis uncovered that the current utilization of EMSs and EnMSs within companies is significantly linked to the current use of ERTs. However, upon further examination of the implementation timeline, it became improbable that EMSs or EnMSs have a substantial impact on enhancing the adoption of these technologies in the short term. Moreover, our results show that technological intensity and product complexity does not play a determining role in the adoption of ERTs, but they did show that larger companies tend to invest more in ERTs, which is in line with the findings of previous studies. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 13025 KiB  
Article
Optimal Operation of Distribution Networks Considering Renewable Energy Sources Integration and Demand Side Response
by Ahmed T. Hachemi, Fares Sadaoui, Abdelhakim Saim, Mohamed Ebeed, Hossam E. A. Abbou and Salem Arif
Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16707; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416707 - 10 Dec 2023
Viewed by 706
Abstract
This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of Demand Side Response (DSR) with renewable integration by solving the stochastic optimal operation problem (OOP) in the IEEE 118-bus distribution system over 24 h. An Improved Walrus Optimization Algorithm (I-WaOA) is proposed to minimize costs, reduce voltage [...] Read more.
This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of Demand Side Response (DSR) with renewable integration by solving the stochastic optimal operation problem (OOP) in the IEEE 118-bus distribution system over 24 h. An Improved Walrus Optimization Algorithm (I-WaOA) is proposed to minimize costs, reduce voltage deviations, and enhance stability under uncertain loads, generation, and pricing. The proposed I-WaOA utilizes three strategies: the fitness-distance balance method, quasi-opposite-based learning, and Cauchy mutation. The I-WaOA optimally locates and sizes photovoltaic (PV) ratings and wind turbine (WT) capacities and determines the optimal power factor of WT with DSR. Using Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) and probability density functions (PDF), the uncertainties in renewable energy generation, load demand, and energy costs are represented. The results show that the proposed I-WaOA approach can significantly reduce costs, improve voltage stability, and mitigate voltage deviations. The total annual costs are reduced by 91%, from 3.8377 × 107 USD to 3.4737 × 106 USD. Voltage deviations are decreased by 63%, from 98.6633 per unit (p.u.) to 36.0990 p.u., and the system stability index is increased by 11%, from 2.444 × 103 p.u. to 2.7245 × 103 p.u., when contrasted with traditional methods. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1978 KiB  
Article
Flexible Operation to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions along the Cold Chain for Chilling, Storage, and Transportation—A Case Study for Dairy Products
by Martin Stöckl, Johannes Idda, Volker Selleneit and Uwe Holzhammer
Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15555; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115555 - 02 Nov 2023
Viewed by 716
Abstract
The further expansion of renewable energies in Germany requires flexible consumers to balance fluctuations in electricity production from variable renewable energies. Cold storage warehouses, due to their inherent storage capacity and widespread use, are well-suited for integrating more renewable energies. The potential of [...] Read more.
The further expansion of renewable energies in Germany requires flexible consumers to balance fluctuations in electricity production from variable renewable energies. Cold storage warehouses, due to their inherent storage capacity and widespread use, are well-suited for integrating more renewable energies. The potential of cold storage warehouses is often viewed in isolation and not in conjunction with the cold chain’s upstream and downstream processes. By adjusting the temperatures within the processes, the individual links in the cold chain can be made flexible. To assess the effects of flexibilization on emissions and electricity costs, thermodynamic models of the individual links in the cold chain and of a yogurt pallet are developed and linked together. Due to temperature fluctuations in the products resulting from the flexibilization, emission evaluations must be considered throughout the cold chain. Results of the simulation for the study period show that emissions reductions and electricity cost savings can be achieved in all three links when they are made flexible. However, the savings vary in magnitude. Only minor savings can be achieved in the cooling tunnel. The greatest potential for savings is in refrigerated transport, if deeper cooling occurs in the process before, i.e., in the cold storage warehouse. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3593 KiB  
Article
Using Industrial Waste Heat in District Heating: Insights on Effective Project Initiation and Business Models
by Simon Moser and Gabriela Jauschnik
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10559; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310559 - 04 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1719
Abstract
The recovery of industrial waste heat and its reuse in district heating networks can be economical for both the industry and the district heating operator. While the potential for external use of industrial waste heat remains significant, there are already many implemented practical [...] Read more.
The recovery of industrial waste heat and its reuse in district heating networks can be economical for both the industry and the district heating operator. While the potential for external use of industrial waste heat remains significant, there are already many implemented practical examples. This paper describes an Austria-wide survey of industrial companies that supply waste heat to district heating networks in order to assess the (i) initiation and implementation, (ii) business model design, and (iii) risks and uncertainties associated with external waste heat cooperation. Based on the survey results, good personal relationships are essential, and local politicians can be crucial for initiation. Major changes in the industrial supplier or district heating company are triggers for contact and implementation. For negotiations to be successful, the partners must feel they are being treated fairly, which requires a high degree of transparency. The most commonly used business model is the use of clear interfaces, i.e., a point that separates investment, billing, and responsibility. Billing is usually per kWh, possibly supplemented by other contractual arrangements such as take-or-pay. The lower the industry’s share of the joint investment, the less it receives for the waste heat. Conversely, the more guarantees and risks the industry takes on, the higher the price per kWh. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3573 KiB  
Article
Integrating Prospective LCA in the Development of Automotive Components
by Julian Grenz, Moritz Ostermann, Karoline Käsewieter, Felipe Cerdas, Thorsten Marten, Christoph Herrmann and Thomas Tröster
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10041; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310041 - 25 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1893
Abstract
The development of automotive components with reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is needed to reduce overall vehicle emissions. Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) supports this by providing holistic information and improvement potentials regarding eco-efficient products. Key factors influencing [...] Read more.
The development of automotive components with reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is needed to reduce overall vehicle emissions. Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) supports this by providing holistic information and improvement potentials regarding eco-efficient products. Key factors influencing LCAs of automotive components, such as material production, will change in the future. First approaches for integrating future scenarios for these key factors into LCE already exist, but they only consider a limited number of parameters and scenarios. This work aims to develop a method that can be practically applied in the industry for integrating prospective LCAs (pLCA) into the LCE of automotive components, considering relevant parameters and consistent scenarios. Therefore, pLCA methods are further developed to investigate the influence of future scenarios on the GHG emissions of automotive components. The practical application is demonstrated for a vehicle component with different design options. This paper shows that different development paths of the foreground and background system can shift the ecological optimum of design alternatives. Therefore, future pathways of relevant parameters must be considered comprehensively to reduce GHG emissions of future vehicles. This work contributes to the methodological and practical integration of pLCA into automotive development processes and provides quantitative results. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 16414 KiB  
Article
Heat Load Profiles in Industry and the Tertiary Sector: Correlation with Electricity Consumption and Ex Post Modeling
by Mateo Jesper, Felix Pag, Klaus Vajen and Ulrike Jordan
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4033; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074033 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2196
Abstract
The accurate prediction of heat load profiles with a daily resolution is required for a broad range of applications, such as potential studies, design, or predictive operation of heating systems. If the heat demand of a consumer mainly originates from (production) processes independent [...] Read more.
The accurate prediction of heat load profiles with a daily resolution is required for a broad range of applications, such as potential studies, design, or predictive operation of heating systems. If the heat demand of a consumer mainly originates from (production) processes independent of the ambient temperature, existing load profile prediction methods fail. To close this gap, this study develops two ex post machine learning models for the prediction of the heat demand with a daily resolution. The selected input features are commonly available to each consumer connected to public natural gas and electricity grids or operating an energy monitoring system: Ambient temperature, weekday, electricity consumption, and heat consumption of the last seven days directly before the predicted day. The study’s database covers electricity and natural gas consumption load profiles from 82 German consumers over a period of two years. Electricity and heat consumption correlate strongly with individual patterns for many consumers. Both shallow and deep learning algorithms from the Python libraries Scikit-Learn and Keras are evaluated. A Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model achieves the best results (the median of R2 is 0.94). The ex post model architecture makes the model suitable for anomaly detection in energy monitoring systems. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop