Search Results (480)

The introduction of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) into the electricity grid is changing the price dynamics of the electricity market and creating room for flexibility on the consumption side. This paper investigates different aspects of the interaction between the RES share, electricity spot prices, and electric vehicle (EV) charging strategies. Based on empirical data from Germany, France, and the Czech Republic for the period 2015–2025, four research hypotheses are tested using correlation and regression analysis, cost simulations, and classification algorithms. The results confirm a negative correlation between the RES share and electricity prices, as well as the effectiveness of smart charging in reducing costs. At the same time, it is shown that the occurrence of negative prices is significantly affected by a high RES share. The correlation analysis further suggests that higher production from RESs increases the potential for price optimisation through smart charging. The findings have implications for policymaking aimed at flexible consumption and efficient RES integration. Full article

Ecosystem services—the benefits humans derive from nature—are foundational to environmental sustainability and economic well-being, with carbon sequestration and storage standing out as critical regulating services in the fight against climate change. This study presents a comprehensive financial valuation of the carbon sequestration, storage and product substitution ecosystem services provided by the Hungarian forest-based sector. Using a multi-scenario framework, four complementary valuation concepts are assessed: total carbon storage (biomass, soil, and harvested wood products), annual net sequestration, emissions avoided through material and energy substitution, and marketable carbon value under voluntary carbon market (VCM) and EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) mechanisms. Data sources include the National Forestry Database, the Hungarian Greenhouse Gas Inventory, and national estimates on substitution effects and soil carbon stocks. The total carbon stock of Hungarian forests is estimated at 1289 million tons of CO₂ eq, corresponding to a theoretical climate liability value of over EUR 64 billion. Annual sequestration is valued at approximately 380 million EUR/year, while avoided emissions contribute an additional 453 million EUR/year in mitigation benefits. A comparative analysis of two mutually exclusive crediting strategies—improved forest management projects (IFMs) avoiding final harvesting versus long-term carbon storage through the use of harvested wood products—reveals that intensified harvesting for durable wood use offers higher revenue potential (up to 90 million EUR/year) than non-harvesting IFM scenarios. These findings highlight the dual role of forests as both carbon sinks and sources of climate-smart materials and call for policy frameworks that integrate substitution benefits and long-term storage opportunities in support of effective climate and bioeconomy strategies. Full article

As a key enabling technology for energy transition, the smart grid is propelling the global power system to evolve toward greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Based on the three-dimensional analysis framework of “technology–policy–application”, this study systematically sorts out the technical architecture, regional development mode, and typical application scenarios of the smart grid, revealing the multi-dimensional challenges that it faces. By using the methods of literature review, cross-national case comparison, and technology–policy collaborative analysis, the differentiated paths of China, the United States, and Europe in the development of smart grids are compared, aiming to promote the integration and development of smart grid technologies. From a technical perspective, this paper proposes a collaborative framework comprising the perception layer, network layer, and decision-making layer. Additionally, it analyzes the integration pathways of critical technologies, including sensors, communication protocols, and artificial intelligence. At the policy level, by comparing the differentiated characteristics in policy orientation and market mechanisms among China, the United States, and Europe, the complementarity between government-led and market-driven approaches is pointed out. At the application level, this study validates the practical value of smart grids in optimizing energy management, enhancing power supply reliability, and promoting renewable energy consumption through case analyses in urban smart energy systems, rural electrification, and industrial sectors. Further research indicates that insufficient technical standardization, data security risks, and the lack of policy coordination are the core bottlenecks restricting the large-scale development of smart grids. This paper proposes that a new type of intelligent and resilient power system needs to be constructed through technological innovation, policy coordination, and international cooperation, providing theoretical references and practical paths for energy transition. Full article

Modern utilities face unprecedented pressures as trends in digital transformation and democratized energy choice empower consumers to engage in peak shaving, flexible load management, and adopt grid automation and intelligence solutions. A powerful confluence of architectural, technological, and socio-economic forces is transforming the U.S. electricity market, triggering significant changes in electricity production, transmission, and consumption. Utilities are embracing digital twins and repurposed Utility 2.0 concepts—distributed energy resources, microgrids, innovative electricity market designs, real-time automated monitoring, smart meters, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced data and predictive analytics—to foster operational flexibility and market efficiency. This analysis qualitatively evaluates how digitalization, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), and adaptive strategies to mitigate rebound effects collectively advance smart duck curve management. By leveraging digital platforms for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, utilities can optimize energy flows and make data-driven decisions. BESS technologies capture surplus renewable energy during off-peak periods and discharge it when demand spikes, thereby smoothing grid fluctuations. This review explores the benefits of targeted digital transformation, BESSs, and managed rebound effects in mitigating the duck curve problem, ensuring that energy efficiency gains translate into actual savings. Furthermore, this integrated approach not only reduces energy wastage and lowers operational costs but also enhances grid resilience, establishing a robust framework for sustainable energy management in an evolving market landscape. Full article

Smart cities leverage digital marketing to promote sustainability and build a distinctive global branding. Despite its growing significance, the role digital marketing in smart city development remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by employing bibliometric analysis of 1908 articles indexed in the Scopus database (2000–2024), using the Bibliometrix R-Studio (version 1.4.1743) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). The analysis reveals two thematic clusters: (1) “Digital Innovation and Sustainability”, which emphasizes technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data for energy efficiency and green urban development; and (2) “Governance and Policy”, which highlights digital marketing’s role in enabling participatory governance, citizen engagement, and inclusive urban policies. Findings underscore that digital marketing is not only a strategic communication channel but also a driver of sustainable urban transformation. By synthesizing insights from urban planning, technology, and sustainability, this paper provides a novel perspective on the intersection of digital marketing and smart cities. The results provide valuable guidance for policymakers, city planners, and researchers to harness digital marketing in promoting sustainability and further develop the smart city concept. Full article

Today’s power grids are being modernized with the integration of new technologies, making them increasingly efficient, secure, and flexible. One of these technologies, which is beginning to make great contributions to distribution systems, is solid-state transformers (SSTs), motivating the present technical and economic study of local level 2 distribution systems in Colombia. Taking into account Resolution 015 of 2018 issued by the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG), which establishes the economic and quality parameters for the remuneration of electricity operators, the possibility of using these new technologies in electricity networks, particularly distribution networks, was studied. The methodology for developing this study consisted of creating a reference framework describing the topologies implemented in local distribution systems (LDSs), followed by a technical and economic evaluation based on demand management and asset remuneration through special construction units, providing alternatives for the digitization and modernization of the Colombian electricity market. The research revealed the advantages of SST technologies, such as reactive power compensation, surge protection, bidirectional flow, voltage drops, harmonic mitigation, voltage regulation, size reduction, and decreased short-circuit currents. These benefits can be leveraged by distribution network operators to properly manage these types of technologies, allowing them to be better prepared for the transition to smart grids. Full article

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems coupled with energy storage systems offer promising solutions to reduce the dependency of buildings on non-renewable energy sources and provide the building sector with environmental benefits by reducing the buildings’ environmental footprint. Hence, the economic viability of such energy systems must be further assessed, particularly regarding the market price and required initial investments. This paper aims to evaluate the net present cost (NPC) and saving-to-investment ratio (SIR) of the electrical storage system coupled with BIPV in smart residential buildings with a focus on optimum sizing of the battery systems under varying market price scenarios. Therefore, a parametric energy model of a residential building, a life cycle cost analysis approach, and a Monte Carlo analysis are carried out to elaborate the dynamism between the storage size, market price, and net present cost of the system over its life cycle. The results provide a decision-support tool to find the cost-optimum size of the battery systems and to realize the interplay between the battery system size, the market price, and the economic feasibility of the electrical storage system coupled with residential BIPV. In more detail, the results reveal that the economic viability thresholds of the battery systems’ market price are in the range of 250–300 €/kWh depending on the chosen life cycle cost indicators, while the cost-optimum size of the battery systems varies noticeably according to the market price of battery systems. Furthermore, the paper provides insight to designers, policymakers, manufacturers, and the market for developing scenarios to accelerate the implementation of energy storage systems in the building sector. Full article

The transition to low-carbon heating systems is fundamental to achieving climate neutrality, particularly within the building sector, which accounts for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Among various technologies, heat pumps have emerged as a leading solution due to their high energy efficiency and potential to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, especially when powered by renewable electricity. This systematic review synthesizes findings from the recent literature, including peer-reviewed studies and industry reports, to evaluate the technical performance, environmental impact, and deployment potential of air source, ground source, and water source heat pumps. This review also investigates life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, the influence of geographical energy mix diversity, and the integration of heat pumps within hybrid and district heating systems. Results indicate that hybrid HP systems achieve the lowest specific GHG emissions (0.108 kgCO₂eq/kWh of heat delivered on average), followed by WSHPs (0.018 to 0.216 kgCO₂eq/kWh), GSHPs (0.050–0.211 kgCO₂eq/kWh), and ASHPs (0.083–0.216 kgCO₂eq/kWh). HP systems show a potential GHG emission reduction of up to 90%, depending on the kind of technology and energy mix. Despite higher investment costs, the lower environmental footprint of GSHPs and WSHPs makes them attractive options for decarbonizing the building sector due to better performance resulting from more stable thermal input and higher SCOP. The integration of heat pumps with thermal storage, renewable energy, and smart control technologies further enhances their efficiency and climate benefits, regardless of the challenges facing their market potential. This review concludes that heat pumps, particularly in hybrid configurations, are a cornerstone technology for sustainable building heat supply and energy transition. Full article

For European competitiveness, energy efficiency must be increased. An important part of energy efficiency depends on an efficient building stock—the sector with the greatest potential for energy savings, as more than a third of all primary energy is consumed in buildings. A new instrument, the smart readiness indicator (SRI), is being prepared to accelerate the implementation of smart solutions in buildings and establish a market that would require and accelerate the implementation of such solutions. In this paper, we examine how the SRI score of a shopping center (with an already relatively advanced automation system) changes if we perform an energy optimization worth approximately 6.6 million EUR. As all the upgrades suggested by the SRI methodology cannot be implemented, this paper is the first of its kind to define the maximum feasible SRI score. The necessary measures are elaborated comprehensively, analyzed, and evaluated both technically and financially (IRR, ROI, and payback time). This type of approach is suitable for less developed EU markets without smart grids, DSM, and predictive functions. Full article

Functioning as a smart aggregation entity that combines distributed energy resources, energy storage systems, and flexible loads, virtual power plants (VPPs) serve as a pivotal technology in advancing the decarbonization and flexibility enhancement of modern power systems. Initially, we summarize the developmental context, evolutionary trajectory, and conceptual framework of VPPs. The architecture is functionally partitioned into three tiers: the aggregation layer, communication layer, and dispatch optimization layer (central layer). The dispatch optimization layer of VPPs serves as the “intelligent brain” connecting physical resources with electricity markets, whose core lies in achieving “controllable, adjustable, and optimizable” distributed resources through algorithmic and data-driven approaches, driving the energy system transition towards low-carbon, flexible, and efficient directions. Next, we critically examine core technologies in the dispatch optimization layer, particularly the response capacity assessment and optimal resource scheduling. Its content mainly focuses on the latest research on the aggregated resource response capability evaluation, virtual power plant dispatching optimization models, and dispatching strategies. Conclusively, we analyze prevailing technical bottlenecks and summarize significant advancements, concluding with prospective insights into future research frontiers and developmental priorities for VPPs. In the future energy system transition, VPPs will play an increasingly important role. It is foreseeable that the utilization efficiency of renewable energy will be significantly enhanced, and the energy market will become more diverse and vibrant. We look forward to VPPs integrating more quickly and effectively into daily life, transforming lifestyles and helping people collectively step into a low-carbon, green future. Full article

The rapid adoption of smart technologies is increasingly evident in both personal and business contexts. The ‘post-pandemic’ economic recovery of 2022 and 2023 coincided with a global energy supply shortage driven by heightened energy demand and supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The implementation of smart metering systems is a central component of European policies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of energy markets. However, limited research exists on the acceptance of Smart Meter Technology (SMT) in general, specifically in Norway, as compared to other nations. SMT devices offer the potential for real-time energy consumption monitoring, enabling users to track and modify their usage patterns for optimized consumption. This study employs a mixed-methods research design to gather insights from both SMT consumers and vendors. Findings underscore the pivotal roles of familiarity, cost, social influence, and perceived usefulness in shaping consumer adoption of SMT. This article provides critical insights and implications for researchers, network operators, electricity companies, and government agencies. Full article

This paper presents an overall concept developed by ENEA (the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) in the Italian framework of renewable energy communities (RECs). The proposed work is driven by the idea that RECs are part of a long-term vision aimed at achieving the broader concept of smart communities (SCs) through smart energy communities (SECs). SECs are, therefore, the evolution of RECs toward SCs, where ICT (information and communications technology) and digitalization play a pivotal role in fostering and boosting the energy transition and addressing societal challenge goals by 2050. In this scenario, the proposed approach is based on three dimensions, as follows: digital tools, use cases, and the observatory. Digital tools can be utilized at different stages of the creation of RECs, ranging from the design and engagement phase to evaluation, analysis, and the token economy. The second dimension refers to some selected different business cases that are used to test and demonstrate the proposed tools and provide support to specific RECs in the different phases of their creation. Lastly, the EC observatory was created by ENEA to provide necessary support to the market and stakeholders on different aspects, such as data management, economics, legal issues, communication, and regional governance. Full article

Ensuring the safe, reliable, and energy-efficient provision of electricity is a complex task for smart grid (SG) management applications. Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing-based SG applications have been proposed for time-responsive monitoring and controlling tasks related to power systems. Recent studies have provided valuable insights into the potential of machine learning algorithms in SGs, covering areas such as generation, distribution, microgrids, consumer energy market, and cyber security. Integrated IoT devices directly exchange data with the SG cloud, which increases the vulnerability and security threats to the energy system. The review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of privacy-preserving machine learning (PPML) applications in IoT-Integrated SGs, focusing on non-intrusive load monitoring, fault detection, demand forecasting, generation forecasting, energy-management systems, anomaly detection, and energy trading. The study also highlights the importance of data privacy and security when integrating these applications to enable intelligent decision-making in smart grid domains. Furthermore, the review addresses performance issues (e.g., accuracy, latency, and resource constraints) associated with PPML techniques, which may impact the security and overall performance of IoT-integrated SGs. The insights of this study will provide essential guidelines for in-depth research in the field of IoT-integrated smart grid privacy and security in the future. Full article

With the increasing liberalization of energy markets, the penetration of renewable clean energy sources, such as photovoltaics and wind power, has gradually increased, providing more sustainable energy solutions for energy-intensive industrial sectors or parks, such as iron and steel production. However, the issues of the intermittency and volatility of renewable energy have become increasingly evident in practical applications, and the economic performance and operational efficiency of localized microgrid systems also demand thorough consideration, posing significant challenges to the decision and management of power system operation. A smart microgrid can effectively enhance the flexibility, reliability, and resilience of the grid, through the frequent interaction of generation–grid–load. Therefore, this paper will provide a comprehensive summary of existing knowledge and a review of the research progress on the methodologies and strategies of modeling technologies for intelligent power systems integrating renewable energy in industrial production. Full article

The growing complexity of distributed energy systems and the rise of peer-to-peer energy markets demand innovative solutions for efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy management. However, existing research often remains fragmented, with limited integration between control strategies, optimization frameworks, and practical implementation. This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review, following the PRISMA methodology, that synthesizes findings from 94 high-quality studies and addresses the lack of consolidated insights across technical, operational, and architectural layers. This review highlights advancements in six key areas: optimization and modeling, multi-agent systems, simulations, blockchain and smart contracts, robust frameworks, and electric machines. Despite progress, several studies reveal challenges related to scalability, data privacy, computational complexity, and system adaptability, particularly in dynamic and decentralized environments. Stochastic–robust optimization and multi-agent systems improve decentralized coordination, while blockchain enhances security and automation in peer-to-peer trading. Simulations validate energy strategies, bridging theory and practice, and electric machines support renewable integration and grid flexibility. The synthesis underscores the need for unified frameworks that combine artificial intelligence, predictive control, and secure communication protocols. This review aims to provide a roadmap for advancing distributed energy systems toward scalable, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions. Full article