Clean Energy Technologies and Assessment, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic, titled “Clean Energy Technologies and Assessment, 2nd Edition”, invites submissions on all aspects and scales of technologies for clean and efficient energy generation and utilization that reduce the environmental impact of energy production and use, from laboratory research to commercial applications.

This Topic’s scope covers, but is not limited to, numerical and experimental investigations into technological development, improvement, and integration, alongside case studies and analyses related to regulations, standards, and policies, covering the following areas:

• Clean energy conversion, utilization, and storage;
• Modeling, simulation, and computational optimization of energy systems;
• Experimental analysis of energy systems;
• Renewable energy sources and technologies;
• Alternative fuel technologies;
• Advanced energy conversion technologies;
• Conventional energy sources in energy transition;
• Energy storage technologies;
• Cogeneration, trigeneration, and polygeneration technologies;
• Distributed generation, smart grids, and local self-sufficiency in energy supply;
• Energy efficiency;
• Hybrid energy systems;
• Smart buildings and energy-saving, passive, and nearly zero-energy buildings;
• Green fuel/energy for mobility;
• Modeling for pollution avoidance;
• Measurements, automation, and monitoring in energy systems;
• Green economy;
• Energy markets;
• Energy policy;
• Renewable energy community;
• Power to x technologies;
• Novel approach for handling the excess of renewable energy as compressed air energy storage or liquid CO₂ energy storage;
• Other topics connected with clean and green energy engineering and related technologies;
• Life cycle assessment of renewable energy plants;
• Power to water;
• Wast to water.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Calise
Dr. Maria Vicidomini
Dr. Rafał Figaj
Dr. Francesco Liberato Cappiello
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	19.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Clean Technologies cleantechnol	4.7	8.3	2019	33.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	7.3	2008	16.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	19.3 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Thermo thermo	2.3	3.9	2021	23 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Solar solar	-	4.3	2021	21.3 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Batteries batteries	4.8	6.6	2015	18.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Applied Sciences Clean Technol. Energies Sustainability Thermo Solar Batteries

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18 pages, 3359 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Hybrid Energy Solutions into Expressway Infrastructure

by Muqing Yao, Zunbiao Wang, Song Zhang, Zhufa Chu, Yufei Zhang, Shuo Zhang and Wenkai Han

Energies 2025, 18(12), 3186; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123186 - 18 Jun 2025

Viewed by 228

Abstract

To explore the feasibility of renewable hybrid energy systems for expressway infrastructure, this study proposes a scenario-based design methodology integrating solar, wind, and hydropower resources within the expressway corridor. A case study was conducted on a highway service area located in southern China, [...] Read more.

To explore the feasibility of renewable hybrid energy systems for expressway infrastructure, this study proposes a scenario-based design methodology integrating solar, wind, and hydropower resources within the expressway corridor. A case study was conducted on a highway service area located in southern China, where a solar/wind/hydro hybrid energy system was developed based on the proposed approach. Using the HOMER Pro 3.14 software platform, the system was simulated and optimized under off-grid conditions, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate performance variability. The results demonstrate that the strategic integration of corridor-based natural resources—solar irradiance, wind energy, and hydrodynamic potential—enables the construction of a technically and economically viable hybrid energy system. The system includes 382 kW of PV, 210 kW of wind, 80 kW of hydrokinetic power, a 500 kW diesel generator, and 180 kWh of battery storage, forming a hybrid configuration for a stable and reliable energy supply. The optimized configuration can supply up to 1,095,920 kWh of electricity annually at a minimum levelized cost of energy of USD 0.22/kWh. This system reduces CO₂ emissions by 23.2 tons/year and NO_x emissions by 23 kg/year. demonstrating strong environmental performance and long-term sustainability potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Clean Energy Technologies and Assessment, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 2357 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of Different Photovoltaic Technologies

by Maria Cristea, Ciprian Cristea, Radu-Adrian Tîrnovan and Florica Mioara Șerban

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6710; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126710 - 15 Jun 2025

Viewed by 423

Abstract

Renewable energy sources are critical to the global effort to achieve carbon neutrality. Alongside hydropower, wind and nuclear plants, the photovoltaic (PV) systems developed greatly, with new PV technologies emerging in recent years. Although the conversion efficiencies are improving and the materials used [...] Read more.

Renewable energy sources are critical to the global effort to achieve carbon neutrality. Alongside hydropower, wind and nuclear plants, the photovoltaic (PV) systems developed greatly, with new PV technologies emerging in recent years. Although the conversion efficiencies are improving and the materials used have a lower impact on the environment, the feasibility of these technologies is required to be assessed. This paper proposes a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) model to assess the feasibility of five PV technologies: high-efficiency silicon heterojunction cells (HJT), N-type monocrystalline silicon cells (N-type), P-type passivated emitter and rear contact cells (PERC), N-type tunnel oxide passivated contact cells (TOPCon) and bifacial TOPCon. The LCOE considers capital investment, government incentives, operation and maintenance costs, residual value of PV modules and total energy output during the PV system’s life span. To determine the influence of PV system’s capacity over the LCOE values, three systems are analyzed for each technology: 3 kW, 5 kW and 7 kW. The results show that the largest PV systems have the lowest LCOE values, ranging from 2.39 c€/kWh (TOPCon) to 2.92 c€/kWh (HJT) when incentives are accessed, and ranging from 6.05 c€/kWh (TOPCon) to 6.51 c€/kWh (HJT) without subsidies. The 3 kW and 5 kW PV systems have higher LCOE values due to lower energy output during lifetime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Clean Energy Technologies and Assessment, 2nd Edition)

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33 pages, 4056 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Anodes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: Advancing Beyond Platinum Scarcity with Low-Pt Alloys and Non-Pt Systems

by Liangdong Zhao and Yankun Jiang

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5086; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115086 - 1 Jun 2025

Viewed by 435

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) represent a promising pathway for energy conversion, yet their reliance on platinum-group metal (PGM)-based anode catalysts poses critical sustainability challenges, which stem from finite mineral reserves, environmentally detrimental extraction processes, and prohibitive lifecycle costs. Current anode catalysts for [...] Read more.

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) represent a promising pathway for energy conversion, yet their reliance on platinum-group metal (PGM)-based anode catalysts poses critical sustainability challenges, which stem from finite mineral reserves, environmentally detrimental extraction processes, and prohibitive lifecycle costs. Current anode catalysts for DMFCs are dominated by platinum materials; therefore, this review systematically evaluates the following three emerging eco-efficient design paradigms using platinum materials as a starting point: (1) the atomic-level optimization of low-Pt alloy surfaces to maximize catalytic efficiency per metal atom, (2) Earth-abundant transition metal compounds (e.g., nitrides and sulfides) and coordination-tunable metal–organic frameworks as viable PGM-free alternatives, and (3) mechanically robust carbon architectures with engineered topological defects that enhance catalyst stability through covalent metal–carbon interactions. Through comparative analysis with pure Pt benchmarks, we critically examine how these strategic material innovations collectively mitigate CO intermediate poisoning risks and improve electrochemical durability. Such fundamental advances in catalyst design not only address immediate technical barriers, but also establish essential material foundations for the development of DMFC technologies compatible with circular economy frameworks and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Clean Energy Technologies and Assessment, 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 3946 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Diffusion Modeling of Carbon Dioxide Concentration from Stationary Sources with Improved Gaussian Plume Modeling

by Yang Wei, Yufei Teng, Xueyuan Liu, Yumin Chen, Jie Zhang, Shijie Deng, Zhengyang Liu and Qian Li

Energies 2025, 18(11), 2827; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112827 - 29 May 2025

Viewed by 321

Abstract

To achieve the precise quantification and real-time monitoring of CO₂ emissions from stationary sources, this study developed a Gaussian plume model-based dispersion framework incorporating emission characteristics. Critical factors affecting CO₂ dispersion were systematically analyzed, with model optimization conducted through plume rise [...] Read more.

To achieve the precise quantification and real-time monitoring of CO₂ emissions from stationary sources, this study developed a Gaussian plume model-based dispersion framework incorporating emission characteristics. Critical factors affecting CO₂ dispersion were systematically analyzed, with model optimization conducted through plume rise height adjustments and reflection coefficient calibrations. MATLAB-based simulations on an industrial park case study demonstrated that wind speed, atmospheric stability, and effective release height constituted pivotal determinants for enhancing CO₂ dispersion modeling accuracy. Furthermore, the inverse estimation of source strength at emission terminals was implemented via particle swarm optimization, establishing both theoretical foundations and methodological frameworks for the precision monitoring and predictive dispersion analysis of stationary-source CO₂ emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Clean Energy Technologies and Assessment, 2nd Edition)

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