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Renewable and Sustainable Energy for Sustainability Future: Current State, Potential and Perspectives

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 9943

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dimitra Vagiona

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: sustainable development; renewable energy sources; environmental management and planning; project management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eva Loukogeorgaki

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: ocean engineering; marine structures for renewable energy exploitation (offshore wind energy, offshore wind turbines, wave energy, wave energy converters); spatial planning of offshore renewable energy systems; risk assessment of marine structures; artificial neural networks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to introduce this Special Issue on Renewable and Sustainable Energy for Sustainability Future: Current State, Potential and Perspectives.

Renewable energy has emerged as a key solution to meet the growing energy needs. A sustainable future for future generations depends on the continued investment in and promotion of renewable energy sources. Therefore, renewable energy sources have emerged as a major policy issue at the national, European, and international level. Integrated spatial and energy planning approaches can support policies of environmental and climate protection. Spatial dimensions of renewable energy systems as well as restrictions, limitations, challenges, and opportunities in different spatial contexts have become even more important.

The focus of this Special Issue is on research and case studies that examine the issue of renewable and sustainable energy addressing technical/engineering and technological aspects as well as sustainability spatial planning issues at different spatial scales, ranging from national and regional planning policies to planning at the town or local level.

This Special Issue welcomes research, review papers, or case studies that are related, but not limited to, the following topics:

  • Energy and climate change;
  • Environmental, social, and economic impacts of energy policies;
  • Renewable energy legislation and regulations;
  • Renewable energy sources management and planning;
  • Best practices in energy strategy planning and implementation;
  • Communication, participation, and decision making in renewable energy planning;
  • Social dimensions of energy and sustainability;
  • Decision making systems for renewable energy resources management;
  • Indicator-based approaches to energy resources management and planning;
  • Site selection and deployment of renewable energy sources-related developments;
  • Energy saving and efficiency;
  • Energy conversion and management;
  • Integration of energy systems;
  • Low-carbon emissions applications;
  • Zero- and low-carbon standards in planning policy;
  • Cities in transition to a low-carbon economy;
  • Innovative solutions in renewable energy technologies;
  • Green and blue infrastructures;
  • Environmental impact assessment of renewable energy projects;
  • Renewable energy sources and marine spatial planning;
  • Renewable energy communities.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Dimitra Vagiona
Dr. Eva Loukogeorgaki
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

  • renewable energy sources
  • renewable energy policies
  • integrated spatial energy planning
  • renewable energy sources management and planning
  • renewable energy technologies

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 5502 KiB  
Article
Numerical and Experimental Power Output Estimation for a Small-Scale Hinged Wave Energy Converter
by Giovanni Martins, Paulo Rosa-Santos and Gianmaria Giannini
Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8671; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198671 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 913
Abstract
Wave energy converters (WECs) integrated into breakwaters present a promising solution for combining coastal protection with renewable energy generation, addressing both energy demands and environmental concerns. Additionally, this integration offers cost-sharing opportunities, making the overall investment more economically viable. This study explores the [...] Read more.
Wave energy converters (WECs) integrated into breakwaters present a promising solution for combining coastal protection with renewable energy generation, addressing both energy demands and environmental concerns. Additionally, this integration offers cost-sharing opportunities, making the overall investment more economically viable. This study explores the potential of a hinged point-absorber WEC, specifically designed as a floating hinged half-sphere, by assessing the device’s power output and comparing two different breakwater configurations. To evaluate the device’s performance, a comprehensive numerical and experimental approach was adopted. Numerical simulations were carried out using a radiation-diffraction model, a time domain tool for analyzing wave–structure interactions. These simulations predicted average power outputs of 25 kW for sloped breakwaters and 18 kW for vertical breakwaters located at two strategic sites: the Port of Leixões and the mouth of the Douro River in Portugal. To validate these predictions, a 1:14 scale model of the WEC was constructed and subjected to testing in a wave–current flume, replicating different sea-state conditions. The experimental results closely aligned with the numerical simulations, demonstrating a good match in terms of relative error and relative amplitude operator (RAO). This alignment confirms the reliability of the predictive model. These findings support the potential of integrating WECs into breakwaters, contributing to port energy self-sufficiency and decarbonization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable and Sustainable Energy for Sustainability Future: Current State, Potential and Perspectives)
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25 pages, 5609 KiB  
Article
Optimal Wind Farm Siting Using a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process: Evaluating the Island of Andros, Greece
by Dimitris Ioannidis and Dimitra G. Vagiona
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3971; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103971 - 9 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1426
Abstract
In recent decades, fuzzy logic and fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making systems have been applied in several fields. This paper aims to determine the optimal wind farm siting solution in a fuzzy environment. Therefore, the main research question of the present paper is whether and [...] Read more.
In recent decades, fuzzy logic and fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making systems have been applied in several fields. This paper aims to determine the optimal wind farm siting solution in a fuzzy environment. Therefore, the main research question of the present paper is whether and to what extent the uncertainty in the researcher’s judgments affects the ranking of wind farm siting solutions. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy method is applied to an existing case study of wind farm siting on the island of Andros, examining the stability of the final priorities of the alternatives under a regime of gradual increases in ambiguity, as well as whether the introduced ambiguity in the model corresponds to any uncertainty the researcher has during the process of scoring the criteria and alternatives. Five assessment criteria (wind potential, ground slope, distance from road network, distance from high-voltage network, and social acceptance of local population) and eight eligible suitable alternatives (A1–A8) for wind farm siting are considered in the computations. The methodology includes the fuzzification of initial decision-maker judgments, the calculation of fuzzy intermediate priorities (weights), the defuzzification of fuzzy intermediate priorities (weights), and the synthesis of intermediate priorities into final priorities of alternatives, according to the procedures of the crisp AHP (CAHP). Under the assumptions of the initial case study, the results show that the final priorities are quite robust when faced with increased ambiguity. In almost all the examined cases, the alternative initially chosen as the best, A1, is dominant, followed by A3. In addition, in all cases, social acceptance favors alternative A1, and wind velocity favors alternative A8. Therefore, fuzzy multi-criteria methods can be applied to determine an optimal wind farm siting solution when criteria with qualitative characteristics are used and the manifestation of preferences involves strong elements of subjectivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable and Sustainable Energy for Sustainability Future: Current State, Potential and Perspectives)
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23 pages, 8132 KiB  
Article
Influence of Reservoir Heterogeneity on Simultaneous Geothermal Energy Extraction and CO2 Storage
by Mrityunjay Singh, Saeed Mahmoodpour, Cornelia Schmidt-Hattenberger, Ingo Sass and Michael Drews
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010387 - 31 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1538
Abstract
This numerical study delves into the dynamic interaction between reservoir heterogeneity and its impact on the dual objectives of geothermal energy extraction and CO2 sequestration. Employing finite element models, this research scrutinizes the effects of variable porosity, permeability, and capillary entry pressures [...] Read more.
This numerical study delves into the dynamic interaction between reservoir heterogeneity and its impact on the dual objectives of geothermal energy extraction and CO2 sequestration. Employing finite element models, this research scrutinizes the effects of variable porosity, permeability, and capillary entry pressures on fluid dynamics and thermal processes within geothermal systems. Key findings reveal that these heterogeneities significantly dictate fluid behavior and heat distribution, influencing the operational efficiency and environmental sustainability of geothermal–CO2 storage operations. By integrating the nonlinear, temperature-dependent properties of fluids, simulations provide in-depth insights into the coupled fluid–thermal interactions that govern system performance. The outcomes offer a refined understanding of the complex interdependencies within heterogeneous reservoirs, underpinning the optimization of design and operational methodologies for co-optimized geothermal energy and CO2 storage solutions. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies, highlighting further investigative pathways to bolster the efficiency and longevity of two-phase water–CO2 geothermal systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable and Sustainable Energy for Sustainability Future: Current State, Potential and Perspectives)
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Review

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35 pages, 9693 KiB  
Review
Innovations in Wind Turbine Blade Engineering: Exploring Materials, Sustainability, and Market Dynamics
by Ali Akbar Firoozi, Ali Asghar Firoozi and Farzad Hejazi
Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8564; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198564 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 5393
Abstract
This manuscript delves into the transformative advancements in wind turbine blade technology, emphasizing the integration of innovative materials, dynamic aerodynamic designs, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Through an exploration of the evolution from traditional materials to cutting-edge composites, the paper highlights how these developments [...] Read more.
This manuscript delves into the transformative advancements in wind turbine blade technology, emphasizing the integration of innovative materials, dynamic aerodynamic designs, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Through an exploration of the evolution from traditional materials to cutting-edge composites, the paper highlights how these developments significantly enhance the efficiency, durability, and environmental compatibility of wind turbines. Detailed case studies of notable global projects, such as the Hornsea Project One, the Gansu Wind Farm, and the Block Island Wind Farm, illustrate the practical applications of these technologies and their impact on energy production and sustainability. Additionally, the manuscript examines the critical role of regulatory frameworks and industry standards in fostering these technological advancements, ensuring safety, and promoting global adoption. By analyzing the current trends and future directions, this study underscores the potential of modern turbine technologies to meet the increasing global demand for renewable energy and contribute to sustainable development goals. The findings advocate for continued innovation and policy alignment to fully harness the potential of wind energy in the renewable energy landscape. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable and Sustainable Energy for Sustainability Future: Current State, Potential and Perspectives)
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