Sustainable Energy: Efficient Technological Solutions Combining Environmental, Economic, Political and Social Aspects

Abstract submission deadline

closed (15 April 2024)

Manuscript submission deadline

15 June 2024

Viewed by

7101

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Greetings from the Topic Editors. We are inviting submissions to the Topic on the key subject area of the Sustainable Energy.

The energy sector has characterized man at every step of his evolution: from the primordial discovery of fire to the Industrial Revolution up to ICT and IoT, which are already projected to feature an increasingly present use of AI.

Energy has always represented the opportunity to satisfy one’s own needs but first only by exploiting and consuming the resources that the planet had made available to man in tens of thousands of years of transformation processes of organic matter and then by seizing the possibility to use resources without consuming them so that future generations can also satisfy their needs. There is “nothing else” other than sustainability; today, more than ever, the “conditio sine qua non” perspective of development is adopted.

The Topic, also titled “Sustainable Energy”, is focused on the combination of new and efficient technological solutions combining environmental, economic, political, and social aspects turning around humans into this new ecosystem of sustainability.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

• Renewable Sources;
• Conversion Technologies;
• Biofuels;
• Hydrogen and Fuel Cells;
• Energy Storage, Transport, and Distribution;
• Environment;
• Ecology, Biodiversity, and Natural Balances;
• Environmental Impacts Analysis;
• Carbon Footprint;
• Energy Security;
• Integrated Resource Usage Planning;
• Energy Efficiency;
• Energy Systems for Mobility and Infrastructure;
• Energy Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Control;
• Smartification and Intelligent Systems.

This Topic, therefore, seeks to contribute to the energy sustainability agenda through enhanced new and efficient technological solutions combining environmental, economic, political, and social aspects to turning around humans with the knowledge of this new ecosystem of sustainability.

We therefore invite research papers on innovative technical developments, reviews, case studies, analyses, and assessments that are relevant to improve this new ecosystem of sustainability.

Prof. Dr. Fabio Orecchini
Prof. Dr. Adriano Santiangeli
Prof. Dr. Fabrizio Zuccari
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Clean Technologies cleantechnol	3.8	4.5	2019	26.6 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	5.5	2008	16.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Environments environments	3.7	5.9	2014	23.7 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Processes processes	3.5	4.7	2013	13.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

MDPI Topics is cooperating with Preprints.org and has built a direct connection between MDPI journals and Preprints.org. Authors are encouraged to enjoy the benefits by posting a preprint at Preprints.org prior to publication:

1. Immediately share your ideas ahead of publication and establish your research priority;
2. Protect your idea from being stolen with this time-stamped preprint article;
3. Enhance the exposure and impact of your research;
4. Receive feedback from your peers in advance;
5. Have it indexed in Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results

Content type Publication Date

Result details

Normal Extended Compact

Journals

All Clean Technol. Energies Environments Processes Sustainability

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

22 pages, 10890 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Use of Digital Tools (Wikihouse System) in Multi-Local Social Housing

by Doris Esenarro, Emerson Porras, Hardy Ventura, Julio Figueroa, Vanessa Raymundo and Lorena Castañeda

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3231; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083231 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 468

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to formulate a comprehensive digital and physical model, at a scaled level, for a social housing unit utilizing the open-source Wikihouse system. The construction industry is currently grappling with the dual challenges of a real estate [...] Read more.

The primary objective of this study is to formulate a comprehensive digital and physical model, at a scaled level, for a social housing unit utilizing the open-source Wikihouse system. The construction industry is currently grappling with the dual challenges of a real estate crisis and climate change. In response to this scenario, the integration of industrialized methods in construction processes is advocated to enhance the overall quality of the end product, streamline construction timelines, and curtail production costs. The algorithm developed for this purpose leverages Rhino and Grasshopper programs, thereby optimizing material efficiency when compared to traditional individual pieces. Noteworthy among the features of the Wikihouse system is its remarkable versatility, allowing implementation in diverse locations. This flexibility stems from its efficient assembly characteristics, which liberate it from the constraints of rigid modular structures, contributing significantly to architectural design flexibility. The paramount finding of this research is the demonstrated efficiency of the proposed system, requiring 44% less time compared to conventional construction practices and exhibiting a commendable 29% reduction in costs. These outcomes position the Wikihouse-based approach as an appealing and competitive alternative within the real estate sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Energy: Efficient Technological Solutions Combining Environmental, Economic, Political and Social Aspects)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 663 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Dynamic Evolution Game of Government, Enterprise and the Public to Control Industrial Pollution

by Na Yu and Meilin Lu

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2760; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072760 - 27 Mar 2024

Viewed by 555

Abstract

This paper proposes a two-party evolutionary game model of government and enterprise to solve the dilemma of industrial pollution control and explore the mode of government and enterprise collaborative governance. The local equilibrium points of the game model in four cases are calculated [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a two-party evolutionary game model of government and enterprise to solve the dilemma of industrial pollution control and explore the mode of government and enterprise collaborative governance. The local equilibrium points of the game model in four cases are calculated and analyzed, and the results show that government power alone cannot help enterprises achieve an ideal level of pollution reduction, and it is necessary to introduce public power for supervision. Based on the above, a tripartite evolutionary game model comprising the government, the public, and the enterprise is proposed. When the costs and benefits of the tripartite game players meet certain conditions, the system will evolve to a state of equilibrium (0,1,1). Following the current situation of economic development in China, the parameters of the two-party and tripartite evolutionary game are assigned, and the operating path and system’s evolution trajectory of the two-party and tripartite industrial pollution control are simulated by Matlab R2016a software. It is indicated that whether the government participates in supervision or not, an enterprise will actively control pollution under strong public supervision, which can provide feasible suggestions for the selection of industrial pollution control policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Energy: Efficient Technological Solutions Combining Environmental, Economic, Political and Social Aspects)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1380 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Ranking of Independent Small-Scale Electricity Generation Systems

by Janis Kramens, Megija Valtere, Guntars Krigers, Vladimirs Kirsanovs and Dagnija Blumberga

Clean Technol. 2024, 6(1), 140-151; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol6010009 - 02 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1461

Abstract

The EU’s energy targets are to achieve at least 32% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Part of the solution is strengthening consumer rights by empowering individuals to generate their own electricity. The aim of this study was to identify the most [...] Read more.

The EU’s energy targets are to achieve at least 32% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Part of the solution is strengthening consumer rights by empowering individuals to generate their own electricity. The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable energy system for electricity generation of up to 50 kW in the EU residential sector. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis was used to compare four systems: proton exchange membrane fuel cell with photovoltaic panels, photovoltaic panels, biomass-powered Stirling engine, and solar-powered Stirling engine. Based on the results, the most beneficial system for household electricity generation is the biomass-fueled Stirling engine system due to its affordability, reliability, and low environmental impact. Governments and businesses can use these findings to improve information for the residential sector and enable the transition to renewable energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Energy: Efficient Technological Solutions Combining Environmental, Economic, Political and Social Aspects)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2186 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Propensity to Adopt Electric Vehicles in the United Arab Emirates: An Analysis of Economic and Geographic Factors

by Robert Michael Bridi, Marwa Ben Jabra, Naeema Al Hosani and Ahmed Hassan Almurshidi

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020770 - 16 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1892

Abstract

In 2022, the increased utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) curtailed global carbon dioxide emissions by 13 gigatons. While EV ownership has been on the rise in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accounting for approximately 1.3% of passenger car vehicles in 2022, it has [...] Read more.

In 2022, the increased utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) curtailed global carbon dioxide emissions by 13 gigatons. While EV ownership has been on the rise in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accounting for approximately 1.3% of passenger car vehicles in 2022, it has not yet attained a level of economic feasibility compared to petroleum vehicles. The authors examined consumers’ opinions in the UAE toward adopting EVs for light-duty transport from the economic and geographic perspectives. The main research question was the following: to what extent do economic and geographic factors affect consumers’ opinions toward adopting EVs in the UAE? The objectives were to determine if a relationship exists between economic factors, such as saving money on petroleum, the cost of car maintenance, the cost of purchase, and income level, and geographic factors, including 14 cities across the seven Emirates that affect consumers’ opinions toward adopting EVs. We designed a survey that was distributed to a sample of 5459 respondents to examine this relationship. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as PyData analytical techniques complemented by the application of data visualization tools such as Seaborn, Plotly, and Matplotlib were employed to examine the dataset. The findings demonstrated that respondents across all income levels have a positive outlook regarding the appeal of EVs for saving money on petroleum, while their interest in saving money on car maintenance and the initial cost of purchase became more pronounced in the higher income levels. Moreover, there were variations in preferences in highly populated Emirates (e.g., Dubai and Abu Dhabi) compared to Emirates with lower populations (e.g., Ras Al Khaimah and Umm al Quwain), confirming that much more emphasis is required to promote EVs in rural areas. When comparing multiple income groups to determine the impact of different factors, the ANOVA confirmed the prevailing patterns evident in the associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Energy: Efficient Technological Solutions Combining Environmental, Economic, Political and Social Aspects)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3319 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Paving Paths to 2050: Mapping the Mexican Power Sector’s Potential to Build Sustainable Futures

by Manuel Martínez, Juan Carlos Castro, Carlos David Leal-Fulgencio, Santiago Álvarez-Herrero and Karla Graciela Cedano-Villavicencio

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010068 - 20 Dec 2023

Viewed by 925

Abstract

A prospective analysis of the Mexican power system has been carried out, and the possibilities for complying with the National Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments adopted in the Paris Agreement in the National Climate Change Strategy of the General Law for Climate Change are [...] Read more.

A prospective analysis of the Mexican power system has been carried out, and the possibilities for complying with the National Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments adopted in the Paris Agreement in the National Climate Change Strategy of the General Law for Climate Change are presented. A hybrid approach was used, inspired by Foresight Frameworks on one side, and using an accounting and scenario-based modeling platform called Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) with economic optimization on the other, to analyze four possible scenarios to 2050: Trend, also known as Business As Usual (BAU), which only looks at the growth rate of the gross domestic product (GDP) and population, along with the country’s proven potential for renewable resources under the policy framework before 2015; Market, which considers the trend of installation of renewable technologies and the policies of the past administration; Sovereignty, which does the same as the previous scenario but for the policies of the current Mexican government; and Sustainable, which together with GDP and population growth takes into account the possible potential of national renewable resources and characteristics that the country should have to foster this. The research question was: Is there a long-term energy policy for the Mexican power sector to accomplish its NDCs? The study concluded that the best scenario is Sustainable, showing that the possible potential of the country’s renewable resources has the capacity to meet the Mexican commitments adopted in the Paris Agreement if, on one side, techno-economic renewable technologies and electricity storage systems are used, and on the other, if the country’s strategic areas evolve into a more holistically sustainable future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Energy: Efficient Technological Solutions Combining Environmental, Economic, Political and Social Aspects)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2266 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Considering Socio-Technical Parameters in Energy System Models—The Current Status and Next Steps

by Theresa Liegl, Simon Schramm, Philipp Kuhn and Thomas Hamacher

Energies 2023, 16(20), 7020; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207020 - 10 Oct 2023

Viewed by 960

Abstract

The energy transition is a complex development towards a climate-neutral, economic, safe, and fair energy system. Therefore, numerical energy system models, among others, can make a significant contribution by simulating, optimizing and thus demonstrating possible transition pathways. Representative models and forecasting tools are [...] Read more.

The energy transition is a complex development towards a climate-neutral, economic, safe, and fair energy system. Therefore, numerical energy system models, among others, can make a significant contribution by simulating, optimizing and thus demonstrating possible transition pathways. Representative models and forecasting tools are needed to illustrate the next necessary steps and measures for the various target groups. In the literature, such energy system models have been studied and evaluated many times. This paper presents the approaches of previous reviews and analyses of how technical, economic, and social aspects of energy system models have been investigated so far. It is shown that especially recent studies already address this topic, but still receive insufficient recognition. Besides the general structural features, the technical modeling details were evaluated in the previous literature. Thereby, a part of the examined general reviews assesses the representation of consumer behavior in the models as a representative for social system aspects. Only a minor amount of the energy system models analyzed there per se represent consumer behavior. Furthermore, this article identifies possible linking strategies of social science parameters and energy system models from the literature based on their opportunities and challenges. This analysis forms a basis on which the already established majority of techno-economic energy system models can be extended in order to provide a more holistic view of the energy system. To do so, further research and development to improve future interdisciplinary processes are required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Energy: Efficient Technological Solutions Combining Environmental, Economic, Political and Social Aspects)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

 

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

Displaying articles 1-6