Sustainable Energy Systems and Renewable Generation—Second Edition

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled "Sustainable Energy Systems and Renewable Generation—Second Edition", aims to present the results of completed and conducted research works, both in technical and social and economic terms, based on the future directions of the development of sustainable and renewable energy technology and operations.

Energy is sustainable if it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Definitions of sustainable energy consider environmental aspects, such as greenhouse gas emissions, and social and economic aspects, such as energy poverty. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydroelectric power, solar, and geothermal energy, are generally far more sustainable than fossil fuel sources, yet some renewable energy sources, such as the clearing of forests to produce biofuels, can cause severe environmental damage. The role of nonrenewable energy sources in sustainable energy is also controversial. Nuclear power is a low-carbon source whose historic mortality rates are comparable to those of wind and solar, but its sustainability has been debated over concerns about radioactive waste, nuclear proliferation, and accidents. Similarly, transitioning from coal to natural gas does carry some environmental benefits, such as a lower climate impact, but it may lead to a delay in switching to more sustainable options. Furthermore, carbon capture and storage can be built into power plants to remove their CO₂ emissions, but this method is very expensive.

This Special Issue aims to showcase multi- and cross-disciplinary studies that address the systemic and strategic implementation and application of renewable and sustainable energy generation. To achieve the long-term goals of a sustainable future and carbon neutrality, core systems and technologies must change rapidly and dramatically. Energy sustainability has many dimensions, including both production and utilization as well as the way in which they are connected to sustainable development. Sustainability also consists of three distinct aspects: economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The development of renewable energy generation and sustainable energy systems is a highly researched and debated topic. Renewable energies can be harnessed economically and in an environmentally friendly manner to produce heat and electricity. Along with the declining costs of renewable energy technologies, economic opportunities for the employment of renewable technologies are increasing globally. Therefore, reducing GHG emissions and fostering sustainability should both be considered as opportunities and societal priorities.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Renewable energy technologies;
• Renewable energy applications and implementation;
• Renewable energy policy, management, and governance;
• Technical innovations and economic feasibility;
• Marine and offshore energy systems;
• Onshore energy systems;
• Case studies encompassing renewable and sustainable energy development;
• Sustainable energy systems in buildings;
• Smart grids and microgrids for green electricity;
• CO₂ capture and storage;
• Future high-capacity energy storages.

Dr. Sean Loughney
Dr. Eduardo Blanco-Davis
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-anonymized 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.

• renewable energy generation
• sustainable energy
• technology implementation
• renewable application areas
• cross- and multi-discipline sustainability

• Sustainable Energy Systems and Renewable Generation in Sustainability (6 articles)