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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A: Sustainable Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 19205

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sergey Zhironkin

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Economics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
2. Department of Economy and Planning, Siberian Federal University, 660075 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Interests: sustainable development; neo-industrial economy; Industry 4.0; environmental risks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Michal Cehlar

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Guest Editor

Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia
Interests: green economy; Industry 4.0 in basic industries; sustainable development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are proud to present a new Special Edition of Energies—“Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development”, which demonstrates the continuity from the previous Special Edition “Green Economy and Sustainable Development”.

Without a doubt, the events of 2021 indicate the significant potential of green technologies for a post-pandemic recovery of the national and world economies. Public demand for sustainable development facilitates structural changes in the global economy, propelling the countries and companies that are most active in promoting environmental innovations to the top of the competition. Advanced industrial countries are facing the challenge of not only preserving the environment, but also ensuring sustainable development as a comprehensive satisfaction of human needs in modern goods and improving the ecosystem. An important role in this process belongs to the development of alternative energy, recycling and lean production, ESG transformation and responsible investment, green jobs and biodiversity restoration. At the same time, for the sustainable development of the global economy and modern society, it is important to search for new forms of interaction between business and state, science and society to accelerate the introduction of green technologies and attract investments in the environmental modernization of industry. Quadruple and Penta Helix models of innovation development are intended to make modern economies truly sustainable, based on economic and technological advances of greening.

The purpose of the Special Issue is to unite the efforts of researchers from all over the world to expand a pluralistic vision of the problems of economic and technological background of sustainable development. Today, it is important to join the efforts of researchers from different countries in order to accelerate scientific thought in economic, engineering and environmental vision of sustainable development.

Articles selected for the Special Issue on “Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development” will be subject to a peer-review procedure with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of fundamental and practical research results.

We invite you to submit your original papers to this Special Issue on “Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development” and look forward to receiving your outstanding research.

Prof. Dr. Sergey Zhironkin
Prof. Dr. Michal Cehlar
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. Energies 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 2600 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

sustainable development
green economy
innovations in green energy
industry 4.0 technologies
ESG transformation
environment protection

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 206 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development: The Overview

by Sergey Zhironkin and Michal Cehlár

Energies 2023, 16(10), 4193; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104193 - 19 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 911

Abstract

Currently, global science is at the forefront of discussions concerning the transition to sustainable development [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

Research

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28 pages, 6271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of Renewable Energy in Mineral Resource Clusters—The Case of the Siberian Federal District

by Sergey Zhironkin, Fares Abu-Abed and Elena Dotsenko

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3843; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093843 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2031

Abstract

This article presents a study of the specific features and development factors of renewable energy in macro-regions that combine extractive and industrial clusters with rural, sparsely populated areas. While in some countries—leaders in energy transition (the EU, China)—the growth of investments in solar, wind, and hydropower production is taking place systematically within the framework of an increasing number of national and international strategies and programs, in the Russian Federation there is a lack of renewable generation capacity. Particular difficulties are experienced in regions that, on the one hand, have a developed fuel and raw material complex and, therefore, fuel generation (which makes a significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions), and, on the other hand, many rural, sparsely populated areas that are in need of new distributed generation. The aim of the study is to analyze the factors of transition to renewable energy in mineral-resource regions, such as the Siberian Federal District (Siberia), as well as to identify measures to enhance their effectivity. The article shows the place of Siberia in the national energy system and considers the factors related to its energy transition in detail, e.g., the saturation with main powerlines, the control of air pollution caused by fuel energy facilities, its provision with fuel resources, investments in renewable energy, and ways of improving the health and well-being of the local population. Attention is drawn to the challenges and obstacles related to the development of renewable energy in the Siberian Federal District, associated, on the one hand, with Russia’s lagging behind other countries in the dynamics of energy transition, and on the other hand, with external and internal technological and investment restrictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 2574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Use of Low-Emission Power Supply for Means of Transport

by Tomasz Neumann

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3536; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083536 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1034

Abstract

The paper presents the possibilities of low-emission-powered vehicles based mainly on compressed hydrogen. It shows currently used forms of powering vehicles based on their genesis, process of obtention, and popularity. They are also compared to each other, presenting the advantages and disadvantages of a given solution. The share of electricity in transport, its forecasts for the future, and the possibilities of combination with conventional energy sources are also described. Based on current technological capabilities, hydrogen plays a crucial role, as presented in the above work, constituting a fundamental basis for future transport solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Efficiency of Enterprises: Trends, Strategy, Innovations

by Mohammad Asif

Energies 2023, 16(6), 2683; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062683 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1326

Abstract

This study examines the impact of green process innovation (GPI), green entrepreneurial orientation (GPO), and proactive sustainable strategy (PSS) on environmental performance (EP). Data were collected from 294 Indian agriculture technology firms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data using Lisrel 8.80. This study aimed to analyze how green entrepreneurial orientation, sustainability strategies, and green process innovation improve the environmental performance of agricultural technology firms. The results show that green process innovation, sustainability strategy, and entrepreneurial orientation play a significant role in enhancing agricultural technology firms’ environmental performance. Agricultural technology firms achieve high environmental performance primarily through strategy or sustainability. In every green process, innovation is crucial and essential. This research offers several practical implications that can be utilized by managers of agricultural technology firms to develop systems with cleaner production techniques in agribusiness. The novelty of the study lies in analyzing the direct relationships among green entrepreneurial orientation, strategy, and innovation in promoting the environmental performance of agricultural technology firms by drawing data from an agriculturally oriented developing country such as India. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 19301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fulfillment of EU Goals in the Field of Waste Management through Energy Recovery from Waste

by Peter Tauš, Zuzana Šimková, Michal Cehlár, Ivana Krajňáková and Július Drozda

Energies 2023, 16(4), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041913 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1721

Abstract

Is it really necessary for the more than 200 million tons of municipal waste produced by the EU to end up in landfills? Nowadays, there are many methods for using the raw materials and energy potential of waste in ways that are economical and environmentally acceptable. But first it is necessary to understand what waste is being produced, the possibilities for recycling, and the amount of waste deposited in landfills. Many studies show that, with the ever-increasing standard of living, which is accompanied by increasing consumption as well as increasing waste production, increasing separation of waste is a positive trend. However, it is essential to realize that many materials cannot be recycled indefinitely. Therefore, in our research, we focused on reducing the share of waste that goes into landfill with the goal of zero waste to landfill, so as to increase recycling and the amount of energy obtained from waste. We focused on the analysis of waste production in individual EU states, using the available data for the years 1995–2019. For a more detailed analysis, EU countries were evaluated in terms of individual waste management processes, according to available statistical data. We found that Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Austria put the least amount of waste into landfills, which means that they obtain the most energy and raw materials from waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 7908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Greenhouse Gas Emission and Evaluation of Carbon Resource Use in Chosen EU Countries

by Lucia Domaracká, Marcela Taušová, Katarína Čulková, Peter Tauš and Peter Gomboš

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031254 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1056

Abstract

The EU presently orientates its policy to a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy. In this paper, we evaluate the current situation and the developments in greenhouse gas emissions, and we will evaluate carbon resource usage in chosen EU countries from the viewpoint of greenhouse gas emission per capita, energy production in the EU, energy dependence of EU countries, and final energy consumption. We will analyze and evaluate the data available from the Eurostat database through regression and cluster analysis using JMP 15 statistical software. The results show significant differences in the individual countries, and they can be used for determination of the energy policy in the individual states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 1750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Eco-Innovation and Green Economy in EU Countries

by Lucia Domaracká, Andrea Seňová and Dominik Kowal

Energies 2023, 16(2), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020962 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2300

Abstract

A businesses with a green label is associated with resources that are sustainable. This business is linked to the green economy, which can be described as a form of economy that is responsible in relation to the environment and economic growth, and thus complementary. In this type of economy, viable products are created, but also solutions and practices that take the environment into account. It is well known that eco-innovation activities are closely linked to the development of an eco-business. The research sample consisted of 10 countries, namely the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, and Finland, which were selected by purposive sampling. In this article, we look at eco innovations in selected countries, specifically ranking them, where we have divided countries into different levels, from countries that are at the super eco-innovation level, to countries that are in the middle zone, to countries that are significantly lagging in this trend. To classify countries into each level, we looked at the following variables: eco-innovation inputs, eco-innovation activities, environmental outcomes, socio-economic outcomes, and the eco-innovation index itself. Taking these sub-results into account, we determined where countries are, in other words, which level they have reached. We found that there are significant differences between countries. As we conclude, there are several reasons for this, but one of them is the lack of communication, coordination, and synergy between institutions, government, and SMEs, which are the drivers of eco-innovation. The supporting quantitative data collection method was data collection and structured observation, which is more precise and therefore provides more detailed information about the reality under study. For the purpose of this thesis, data were obtained from the Statistical Office of the European Union, that is, Eurostat, which is responsible for publishing pan-European statistics and indicators that allowed us to compare countries. In the survey, we compared the five most recent years for which Eurostat data were available, namely 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. The overall score of a European Union member state is calculated as the unweighted average of 16 sub-indicators. It shows how well each Member State performs in terms of eco-innovation compared to the European Union average of 100. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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11 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Efficiency of Solar and Rainwater Systems—A Case Study

by Lucia Bednárová, Henrieta Pavolová, Zuzana Šimková and Tomáš Bakalár

Energies 2023, 16(1), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010504 - 02 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2037

Abstract

The study deals with the analysis of data from a selected tourism facility and the implementation of a solar system and a rainwater system, which are an alternative to commonly used energy sources. The objective is to evaluate the potential savings from the use of the solar system for water heating and the rainwater system for purposes other than potable use with respect to local conditions of sunlight and rainwater variability. The facility holds 257 beds allocated in 124 rooms on 5 floors. The result of the contribution is an economic evaluation of the efficiency of investments in the proposed systems and the resulting recommendations in the field of energy flows in the selected facility. Appropriate formulas including the consumption of hot water, the amount of energy needed to heat water, the cost of the consumed energy necessary for heating and the average annual rainfall in the location, water consumption for clearly identified purposes of alternation with rainwater, the initial investment costs and operating costs of the solar and rainwater systems, were used for an economic evaluation of the investment into the solar and rainwater systems. Based on the economic evaluation, the economic efficiency of the proposed systems and the return on investment was calculated. The payback periods for the solar system used for hot water heating and the rainwater system used for non-potable purposes, accepting the local conditions, are 7 and 15 years, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 12197 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Numerical Analysis of the Thermal Energy Storage Based on Porous Gyroid Structure Filled with Sodium Acetate Trihydrate

by Martin Beer, Dušan Kudelas and Radim Rybár

Energies 2023, 16(1), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010309 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1901

Abstract

The present paper deals with the evaluation of the unique design of the thermal energy storage unit and its impact on the overall heat exchange efficiency. The proposed thermal energy storage unit consists of a gyroid thermally conductive structure, the voids of which are filled with sodium acetate trihydrate. The presented concept is focused on the use in the field of heavy machinery, where it is possible to accumulate and re-use waste heat from internal combustion engines from the cooling liquid or lubricating products. The evaluation of designs took place through numerical simulations on three models characterized by different levels of the introduction of the gyroid structure into the design. From the design point of view, the gyroid structure was considered as an object produced by additive manufacturing methods from a thermally conductive filament based on a thermoplastic polymer, which enables considerable simplification of production compared to the use of suitable anti-corrosion metals. A comparison of the essential thermophysical parameters in the process of charging and discharging of the proposed thermal energy storage unit quantified a significant increase in the rate of the charging, respectively, of the discharging process, manifested by a rapid increase in the temperature of the sodium acetate trihydrate volume, respectively, of the output temperature of the heat transfer medium that removes the accumulated heat for further use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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11 pages, 5950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Water Resources through Efficiency Index and Water Productivity in EU

by Marcela Taušová, Katarína Čulková, Dušan Kudelas, Ľubomíra Gabániová, Ján Koščo and Ibrahim Mehana

Energies 2022, 15(23), 9123; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15239123 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1106

Abstract

Water presents one of the earth resources as a component of environmental change, demanding the research of water use. A nusmber of authors analyzed water use from different perspectives, in different regions, not including the water efficiency index and water productivity in the whole of the EU. The presented contribution is orientated to the evaluation of water resources through the development of efficiency and productivity indexes in EU member states. The research is made by a single analysis of the index in time development, followed by countries’ comparison according to the available data and software support, accessing the sustainability features in water supply that are the three-fold-goals of economic feasibility, social responsibility, and environmental integrity, linked to the purpose of the water use. The results of the contribution show the countries with a positive indexes trend, and countries with a negative indexes trend. Such results can be used for improving measurements to increase water productivity, as well as to make measurements to decrease water use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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Review

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31 pages, 14686 KiB

Open AccessReview

Development of Surface Mining 4.0 in Terms of Technological Shock in Energy Transition: A Review

by Sergey Zhironkin and Ekaterina Taran

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3639; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093639 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2400

Abstract

The expansion of end-to-end Industry 4.0 technologies in various industries has caused a technological shock in the mineral resource sector, wherein itsdigital maturity is lower than in the manufacturing sector. As a result of the shock, the productivity and profitability of raw materials extraction has begun to lag behind the industries of its deep processing, which, in the conditions of volatile raw materials markets, can provoke sectoral crises. The diffusion of Industry 4.0 technologies in the mining sector (Mining 4.0) can prevent a technological shock if they are implemented in all segments, including quarrying (Surface Mining 4.0). The Surface Mining 4.0 technological platform would connect the advanced achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (end-to-end digital artificial intelligence technologies, cyber-physical systems and unmanned production with traditional geotechnology) without canceling them, but instead bringing them to a new level of productivity, resource consumption, and environmental friendliness. In the future, the development of Surface Mining 4.0 will provide a response to the technological shock associated with the acceleration of the digital modernization of the mining sector and the increase in labor productivity, which are reducing the operating costs of raw materials extraction. In this regard, the given review is an attempt to analyze the surface mining digital transformation over the course of the diffusion of Industry 4.0 technologies covered in scientific publications. The authors tried to show the core and frontiers of Surface Mining 4.0 development to determine the production, economic, and social effect of replacing humans with digital and cyber-physical systems in the processes of mineral extraction. Particular attention was paid to the review of research on the role of Surface Mining 4.0 in achieving sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Technological Advances of Green Energy and Sustainable Development)

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