Abstract Background Moving away from fossil towards renewable resources to create a sustainable future is possible through the transition to a bioeconomy. Like any system, bioeconomy entails risks such as overexploitation of biotic resources, land and water, loss of biodiversity or social trade-offs. To understand and tackle challenges, systemic monitoring is demanded in the German bioeconomy strategy. Although several studies already analyse, review, develop or propose new indicators, they disregard the considerable number of existing monitoring initiatives that regularly report over longer periods, documenting actual developments. This study reviews such established monitoring systems related to the bioeconomy in Germany, which provide information and data about biomass-producing and processing sectors, energy, ecosystems, natural resources, biodiversity, climate change, and social developments. Main text From a variety of 100 identified monitoring initiatives related to bioeconomy in Germany on national, European and global levels, 71 were identified that regularly provide up-to-date, publicly available information. These were classified by their covered sectors, sustainability pillars, and goals of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. The current monitoring landscape comprehensively encompasses biomass production, climate change, and environmental aspects such as ecosystem conservation. However, when considering the specific target areas named in the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, there are weaknesses in the representation of resource utilisation pathways, circularity, innovation and resource efficiency. When building a bioeconomy monitoring system more emphasis should be placed on blue bioeconomy and the protection of marine life, as well as social issues such as food security and clean water. Especially, social aspects are essential for a fair and inclusive transition to a bioeconomy. Conclusions The collected bioeconomy-related monitoring initiatives do not cover the bioeconomy as a whole, but they provide insights into specific aspects and could potentially facilitate the selection of indicators in the preparation of a bioeconomy monitoring system. Establishing links between existing initiatives could provide more comprehensive, holistic monitoring adapted to stakeholder needs while reducing monitoring efforts. This review can provide a foundation for identifying synergies and guiding future bioeconomy monitoring efforts.
The ongoing threat of climate change necessitates a comprehensive restructuring of national energy systems, shifting them from a fossil-fuel basis toward low-carbon pathways to achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, this work examines the effects of national and global events on climate change mitigation policy, taking the German energy transition, also known as “Energiewende” as a case study. By tracing shifts in political discourse, this study examines changing prioritizations among energy policy targets and explores the circumstances that shaped discourse developments during periods of crisis and transformation, as well as the role of key triggers or pre-existing “windows of opportunity” presented by political and social events. The analysis places particular emphasis on specific systemic factors, including the Fridays For Future demonstrations, the 2021 government change, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. Using a mixed qualitative/semi-quantitative discourse analysis of Bundestag plenary sessions from 2017 to 2022, the study evaluates the ongoing relevance of the energy triangle approach’s qualitative targets. The energy triangle retained its focus on the three primary energy policy objectives despite the occurrence of various significant systemic events. However, the relative prominence of these targets changed over time and temporally coincided with major systemic developments. Within the energy triangle approach, security of supply in particular assumed a distinctive role within the evolving discourse framework. Examining Germany’s political discourse provides insight into the dynamics of energy policy debates during periods of crisis and transformation. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how analyzing parliamentary debates can inform comparative assessments of energy policy developments in various European countries and beyond.
Abstract Background Sufficiency is a critical but often overlooked decarbonization strategy. A significant challenge in promoting sufficiency is the difficulty in assessing its social co-benefits, such as improved health outcomes. This study presents a multistaged, iterative methodology designed to facilitate empirical investigations into the direct and indirect causal effects of sufficiency interventions. The primary purpose is to bridge the gap between an ex-ante impact hypothesis, potential impact models and evidence for plausible causal pathways. It helps to identify relevant variables and guides their statistical control. Results The methodology employs a four-step heuristic approach combining Inferences-to-the-Best-Explanation logic, Theory-of-Change models, Bayesian epistemology, and causal diagrams. Using the improvement of public transport systems as a case study, the methodology identifies two main pathways to health co-benefits: the reduction of pollutants leading to cleaner air and the increase in physical activity from walking or cycling to transit points. Bayesian credence assessments reveal that while the health benefits from reduced pollution and increased activity are highly credible, the initial “modal shift” from cars to public transport is not a trivial outcome. The results highlight that this shift is heavily moderated by the specific preferences and capabilities of car users. Causal diagrams further enable the distinction between direct and indirect effects, allowing researchers to identify which parameters must be controlled for in empirical studies to accurately predict health outcomes. Conclusions The proposed methodology provides a robust blueprint for establishing plausible impact relations in social impact assessments. It successfully closes the gap between qualitative case-oriented research and quantitative population-oriented evaluations. It follows a probabilistic epistemology and is thus open to different types of impact assessment methods, including both impact modelling and conventional statistics. By re-evaluation of pathways in light of evidence, the approach helps researchers avoid causal fallacies and biased expectations. Beyond transport, this iterative framework is adaptable to various sectors, including sustainable finance and scenario analysis, offering a versatile tool for designing more effective decarbonization policies and impact models.
Environmental challenges like sea level increases, droughts, and floods are escalating globally due to rising temperatures. To achieve carbon neutrality and mitigate human-induced climate change and environmental degradation, the BRICS-11 countries, as major contributors to global CO2 emissions, must implement substantial climate action measures. This study examines the impact of financial technology (FIN), natural resource rents (NRR), green energy (GEN), and economic growth (GDP) on CO₂ emissions from 1990 to 2023, employing advanced panel econometric techniques, namely CS-ARDL and the AMG test. The westerlund cointegration test confirms a stable long-run relationship among the variables, while the cross-sectional dependence test highlights significant interdependencies across countries. The CS-ARDL model reveals that, in the long run, 1
The Human Development Index serves as the primary benchmark for measuring progress across its three dimensions: education, health, and income. However, it relies on limited education indicators, with the economic aspect being significantly more prominent. This dominance restricts the capacity of the Human Development Index to adequately reflect development that focuses on sustainability. Education for Sustainable Development is underrepresented within Human Development Index frameworks, which can be attributed in part to a lack of comprehensive global data. This research utilizes Transformative Learning Theory to contend that the exclusion of Education for Sustainable Development overlooks essential competencies needed to tackle sustainability challenges and risks. This omission exacerbates inequalities in access to quality education among countries with different Human Development Index levels. The inadequate quality of education and the absence of responsible educational approaches in certain countries pose substantial barriers to the development of effective long-term strategies for sustainability. Using panel regression analysis across 15 emerging economies globally for the period 2000–2023, this study examines how Education for Sustainable Development-related indicators can be integrated into the Human Development Index. Findings consistently indicate that all education variables—pre-primary, secondary, and tertiary—alongside adult literacy rate and internet penetration, are statistically significant Human Development Index drivers. Results remain robust and show consistent positive effects across the sample, while inefficient education spending and closely related labor market indicators show structural challenges that may hinder development. Among all education variables, adult literacy arises as the most substantial contributor. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating Education for Sustainable Development into the education component of the Human Development Index. This integration is crucial for accurately reflecting inclusive and sustainable development pathways. Strengthening Education for Sustainable Development enhances human development outcomes and tackles inequalities in both the quality and accessibility of education. This approach is particularly relevant for countries at various stages of development and with differing priorities. This study offers insights for governments, educational institutions, and other organizations on how to integrate Education for Sustainable Development into national and international developmental strategies. It also highlights the need for future research focused on measuring competencies related to Education for Sustainable Development and understanding long-term sustainability transitions, which will ultimately benefit future generations. Furthermore, the study underscores the necessity for future policymakers and experts across diverse fields to acquire relevant knowledge and skills, as well as the importance of engaging the broader community in this initiative.
The integration of heterogeneous energy hubs with renewable generation, demand response, and local energy trading has emerged as a promising strategy for improving the sustainability and operational efficiency of future distribution systems. However, coordinating residential, commercial, and industrial energy hubs under renewable uncertainty while maintaining network feasibility remains a challenging task. This study proposes a coordinated energy management framework that integrates demand response programs (DRP), peer-to-peer energy trading, renewable energy resources, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems within an AC optimal power flow (ACOPF)-based environment. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model was developed in GAMS and solved using CPLEX, while MATLAB/MATPOWER was employed to validate network feasibility. Uncertainties associated with renewable generation and electricity market prices were modeled using Monte Carlo simulation with 1000 scenarios. The proposed framework was validated on a modified IEEE 33-bus distribution network under four operating conditions: Base, Trading, PV, and Trading+PV. The results demonstrate that the coordinated Trading+PV strategy provides the best overall performance. Average network losses decreased from 209.73 kW to 198.45 kW, corresponding to a 5.38
The war in Ukraine has caused severe damage to the national power grid, significantly impacting social welfare through the loss of electricity for civilian households, healthcare, and water supply infrastructure. This study examines the urgent need for a sustainable recovery that integrates energy security with European Union decarbonization objectives and environmental resilience. The novelty lies in linking real-time wartime outage dynamics with empirically grounded decentralized recovery pathways, offering a framework to “build back better” under active conflict. The purpose is to evaluate the conditions under which a centralized energy system can be reconstructed to reduce military vulnerability while remaining compatible with long-term climate goals. The study applied an integrated analytical approach by adapting internationally recognized Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment and Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment frameworks to an active-war context. Data were synthesized from over 100 verified sources supplemented by Geographic Information System based mapping to visualize damage intensity across 24 administrative regions. The analysis relies on cross-referencing state reports with international assessments. Findings show that Ukraine’s effective electricity generation capacity fell by approximately 61
Rural communities in Malawi remain highly vulnerable to livelihood shocks due to limited access to reliable and affordable energy. Strengthening energy resilience requires participatory approaches that integrate technical, social, and economic dimensions. This study presents a case study of a co-design project conducted in the Bondo Community, Southern Malawi, which focused on improving the existing Bondo mini-grid operated by the Mulanje Electricity Generation Agency. The project aimed to explore how community-driven co-design can enhance both community resilience and the energy system. Using semi-structured key informant interviews, focus group discussions), and three iterative co-design workshops, community members and project stakeholders collaboratively identified, prioritised, and refined locally appropriate interventions. The co-design process generated a range of ideas linking energy use to improving livelihoods. The community prioritised increasing power generation capacity and establishing a fruit-processing factory to promote income generation and productive use of electricity. Due to feasibility, financial constraints, and overlap with existing development projects, the initiative shifted from increased generation and the fruit-processing factory to clean cooking interventions, particularly the distribution of electric pressure cookers, which were new to the community. Although electric cooking would have limited direct economic benefits, it would increase awareness of sustainable energy practices, strengthen community ownership of the mini-grid, and reduce deforestation. The Bondo co-design case study shows that participatory, community-led processes can generate realistic, context-specific energy solutions that improve both livelihoods and energy-system sustainability. Although not all proposed interventions were implemented, the process effectively met its research objective by showing how co-design can be applied to improve an existing mini-grid while deepening community engagement and resilience. The findings confirm that successful co-design requires iterative learning, equitable collaboration between developers and communities, and a clear link among energy access, socioeconomic development, and resilience. The process also exposed underlying tensions between personal and collective interests, underscoring the importance of transparent and inclusive participation in co-design.
The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) installations worldwide will significantly increase PV waste, posing environmental and economic challenges. The prime objective of this study is to analyze PV recycling regulations, identify challenges, and report conclusions regarding the current preparedness level to handle PV waste. The study examines the regulatory frameworks for PV recycling in Europe, the United States, China, and India, highlighting the economic, social, and environmental challenges, assessing the readiness of large-scale PV waste management systems, and developing a long-term vision for PV recycling. The article further covers recycling regulations, solutions for sustainable PV waste management implementation strategies, technological gaps, and the effectiveness of current policies. This study highlights the need for synchronized regulatory frameworks, recycling processes, and sustainable ways to enhance the ecological benefits of PV. Europe’s comprehensive Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, the varied federal and state regulations in the US, China’s government-led initiatives, and India’s emerging guidelines are compared to identify best practices and areas for improvement. The results indicate that the primary bottleneck is the creation of interconnected material loops, analogous to natural cycles of decomposition and nourishment. Implementing recycling measures and proactive policies will help maintain a sustainable supply of materials for new products. Importantly, the central task is to ensure advanced preparedness and to promote societal and sustainable strategies for managing large volumes of end-of-life modules and material recovery. The comprehensive review suggests that further regulatory frameworks and the development of recycling infrastructure are urgently needed to manage the anticipated surge in PV waste effectively. The results conclude that existing recycling capacities are insufficient to effectively manage the upcoming end-of-life PV waste, while logistical and technical barriers continue to limit the material recovery. Expanding recycling capability and implementing synchronized uniform policy technological innovations will be critical for improving circularity and achieving sustainable development goals (SDG-7 and 13).
Offshore wind energy is widely recognised as a key contributor to the green energy transition and sustainable development. However, as offshore wind development accelerates across the globe with plans for larger offshore wind farms, concerns are being raised about how to balance development and sustainability goals. This systematic literature review focuses on identifying the sustainability-related tensions, dilemmas, and paradoxes emerging from the transition to offshore wind energy and the scaling up of its installations. Furthermore, the article synthesises sustainability concepts in offshore wind energy studies. The results of the study show that the development of offshore wind energy may spark tensions between economic, environmental, and social demands. However, the flexibility in defining ‘sustainability’ and the inherent paradox within the concept of ‘sustainable development’ may also intensify the competition between different sustainability demands. This study contributes to the growing body of research on sustainability in renewable energy development settings by emphasising the necessity of adopting holistic, interdisciplinary approaches and alternative frameworks that transcend existing paradigms in order to advance sustainability research concerning offshore wind power development.
Abstract Background The sustainable energy transition is one of the most complex long-term transformations required to achieve climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. In the Western Balkans, this transition is shaped by coal dependence, weak institutional capacity, high levels of public distrust, youth emigration and uneven environmental awareness. Young people will be among the generations most affected by the long-term outcomes of transition policies, yet their participation in local decision-making processes remains limited, fragmented and often insufficiently institutionalized. This article examines how youth engagement in the local sustainable energy transition can be strengthened in the Western Balkans, drawing on relevant lessons from the Visegrad countries and wider European practices. Methods The article applies a policy-oriented critical narrative review and a best-practice analysis. It synthesizes academic literature, policy documents and institutional sources on youth participation, the sustainable energy transition, just transition, local governance and climate awareness in the Western Balkans and the Visegrad countries. The analysis is organized around four themes: institutional mechanisms for youth participation; climate and energy literacy; trust, legitimacy and public acceptance; and socio-economic conditions, including youth emigration and green employment. Results The review identifies a systemic participation gap. Young people are expected to support and contribute to the sustainable energy transition, but the institutional, educational and socio-economic conditions for meaningful participation remain weak. Barriers include limited access to information, weak or symbolic youth participation mechanisms, low trust in institutions, insufficient practical skills, economic insecurity, social exclusion and the limited visibility of youth-led initiatives. Visegrad and selected European practices suggest that local-level coordination, participatory mechanisms, civic education, cross-sectoral cooperation and transparent governance can strengthen youth involvement. Conclusions Meaningful youth engagement should be treated as a core element of a just and locally legitimate energy transition, not merely as an awareness-raising activity. Local governments, youth offices, educational institutions, civil society organizations and private-sector actors should develop structured mechanisms for youth participation, link the energy transition to green skills and employment, and create transparent platforms through which young people can influence local sustainability policies. Further country-specific and municipality-level research is needed to better capture youth perspectives and design context-sensitive policy instruments for the Western Balkans.
Greenhouse gas emissions are among the serious threats to the sustainability of the global economy. In an effort to curb the environmental impact of economic activities, the European Union (EU) has proposed and implemented various policies. One example is the carbon pricing policy. This study examines the impact of carbon pricing and non-carbon pricing policies on the decoupling of economic growth from carbon emissions in the EU. We examine the EU because it has adopted Emissions Trading Systems and renewable energy (non-carbon pricing) policies to reduce the environmental impacts of economic activities. The results of our decoupling analysis reveal that the EU has achieved strong and weak decoupling effects in most years where an impact of carbon pricing and non-carbon pricing policies is seen. Our modelling results suggest that carbon pricing is positively correlated with decoupling elasticity. The non-carbon pricing factor has a significant and negative correlation with the dependent variable (decoupling elasticities). This finding suggests that non-carbon pricing policies (renewable energy) have a greater effect on strengthening the decoupling of carbon emissions and economic growth than carbon pricing does. Research and development strengthen this decoupling as well. We find that fossil fuel, governance effectiveness, urbanization, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered the main variables that weaken the decoupling of carbon emissions and economic growth. Our analysis provides input into policy/decision-making regarding the impact of carbon pricing and non-carbon pricing policies on the environmental health of the EU. They indicate that non-carbon pricing measures have a greater effect on strengthening the decoupling of carbon emissions and economic growth than carbon pricing policies do. With respect to policy recommendations, our results suggest that the EU should emphasize non-carbon pricing as well as carbon pricing policies. However, the former approach has a more prominent influence on achieving sustainable economic growth.
This study examines ignorance and its strategic management in the context of new energy technologies, focusing on hydrogen technologies in Poland. Given the development of the energy transition in Poland and the national Polish Hydrogen Strategy, this research investigates how laypeople perceive hydrogen technologies and address gaps in their knowledge. Ignorance management is framed as individuals’ strategies to understand new or unfamiliar technologies. We highlight how different forms of non-knowledge, ignorance, knowledge gaps, and misconceptions shape technology acceptance and opposition to the energy transition. This study draws on focus group narratives organised as part of the project on developing a hydrogen technology safety strategy for Poland and is situated in a mix-method research design. The analysis reveals several key mechanisms of ignorance management. First, when confronted with unfamiliar technologies, individuals seek connections to everyday life, relying on analogies and associative reasoning. Second, participants construct extended “networks”/chains of associations grounded in pre-existing knowledge frameworks, which may include both optimistic narratives about hydrogen as a modern and green energy source and sceptical imaginaries concerning hidden risks and economic costs. Third, chains of associations frequently express distrust toward officially presented information about the technology. Finally, ignorance is produced at an ontological level when decisions and investments are confined to expert circles, sidelining public engagement. Despite only 38
As energy systems undergo rapid decarbonization and decentralization, coordination between electricity sector actors becomes increasingly complex. In Switzerland, the federal structure, regional diversity, and emerging forms of distributed energy resources and actors present unique challenges for aligning stakeholder roles and responsibilities. This study investigates how stakeholders across the Swiss electricity sector envision the future of the electricity grid, their roles within it, and the coordination mechanisms needed to support the transition, with particular attention to the evolving role of distribution system operators (DSOs). Drawing on interviews with stakeholders from across the Swiss electricity sector, the application of the socio-technical imaginaries framework reveals a broad consensus on the aspiration for a highly decentralized and flexible electricity grid with a large share of renewable energy, united by the ultimate goal of national decarbonization while maintaining grid stability. However, diverging visions exist regarding the role of local electricity communities, as some stakeholders are optimistic about their potential for decentralization and public engagement, while others express skepticism regarding their viability, limited financial incentives, and the administrative complexity they impose on DSOs. The Swiss electricity sector’s transition is not solely a technical undertaking but also a deeply institutional and social challenge. Coordinating system actors requires attention to differing expectations, governance structures, and resource capabilities. This study highlights the importance of fostering shared visions through structured dialogue, intermediary platforms, and capacity-building measures, especially for local actors and smaller DSOs. While grounded in the Swiss context, the insights are relevant to other decentralized energy systems, particularly considering the ongoing European efforts to support energy communities.
This article proposes an integrative approach to assess the relationship between climate risk exposure and performance of sustainable development within the regional framework of the European Union (EU27), offering a novel economic and geopolitical perspective on the green transition. The research primarily aims to classify European regions according to their climate vulnerability and macroeconomic responsiveness, with a focus on the impact of green finance on socioeconomic convergence and long-term sustainability between 2010 and 2023. The analysis is structured around two significant timeframes: 2010, which is representative of the period following the global economic crisis, and 2023, which is marked by the consolidation of the European Green Deal and the recent challenges faced in the energy sector, as well as the pressures exerted by the global geo-economic landscape. Using advanced analytical techniques, such as heat maps, correlation analysis and cluster analysis, the study identifies distinct patterns and clusters of countries regarding climate resilience and socioeconomic performance for the period from 2010 to 2023. The results highlight clear differences between Western/Northern Europe and Eastern/Southern Europe. In the west and north, the green infrastructure is well developed, climate policies are robust, and sustainability is firmly embedded in economic plans. In contrast, the south and east face greater climate risks, rely heavily on polluting industries, and struggle with weak infrastructure and limited access to green funds. This research study emphasizes the need for targeted public policies and fair distribution of resources to support the green transition, taking regional differences into account. It highlights the fact that green finance benefits not only the environment, but also strengthens economic and social ties within the EU. It is crucial to ensure that everyone has equal access to technology, innovation and green knowledge in order to make the transition fair and effective across all regions of Europe. These findings suggest that bridging the gap between regional capacities and sustainability objectives is essential for the long-term success of the European Green Deal.
Abstract Background Heating is a key challenge for Europe’s decarbonisation goals, accounting for a large share of energy use and emissions while shaping everyday life, comfort, and vulnerability. This article compares home heating transitions in Finland, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom through an integrated framework combining energy democracy, energy citizenship, and energy justice. The study examines how ownership, everyday practices, and inequality intersect to shape citizen roles in heating transitions across diverse political and infrastructural contexts. Results Based on archival and secondary material, the analysis reveals strong contextual variation in how citizens engage with heating systems. In Finland and Sweden, municipally owned district heating offers collective stability but limited direct agency. In Romania, the collapse of state-controlled networks has left households dependent on individual and often inefficient systems. In the United Kingdom, liberalised markets promise consumer choice but deepen vulnerability through cost pressures and weak accountability. Across all cases, household participation is structured by infrastructures, welfare regimes, and historical legacies rather than by individual choice. Integrating democracy, citizenship, and justice highlights how governance models, daily practices, and inequalities interact in shaping heating transitions. Conclusions Citizen-centred heating transitions require policy approaches sensitive to national contexts and social realities. Empowerment must go beyond rhetoric to include participatory governance in collective systems, equitable regulation in liberalised markets, and targeted support for vulnerable households. The study contributes an analytical framework that captures the social depth of decarbonisation and supports the design of heating transitions that are democratic, participatory, and just.
Lipases from Rhizopus oligosporus and their mutant variants have significant potential for industrial applications, particularly in biodiesel production and biotechnology. This study has focused on optimizing lipase production and evaluating its performance in biodiesel synthesis, as well as on investigating the effects of fermentation methods, mutagenesis, and enzyme applications. A comparative analysis of solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF) revealed that SmF, at 30 °C, pH 6.5, with 1
Abstract Background The transition to low-carbon energy systems is essential for climate change mitigation, but it involves new land use pressures, posing potential risks to biodiversity and local communities. This study estimates the land area required for six onshore wind power-based hydrogen production scenarios in Finland, using empirical data from existing wind power plants. By doing so, it contributes to broader discussions on the socio-ecological impacts of energy transitions. It emphasizes the importance of better understanding and addressing land use pressures affecting ecosystems and communities in decision-making, in an effort to build sustainable, low-carbon societies. Results The analysis is based on 24 wind power areas in Finland, with capacities ranging from 90 to 416 MW. Their direct land use (km2), turbine spacing area (km2), installed capacity density (MW/km2), length of the edge between industrial production sites and their surroundings (km and m/MW), and annual energy production potentials (TWh) were calculated. Using the calculated installed capacity densities and comparing them with the capacity density values obtained from literature, we analyzed the hydrogen value chain from variable wind power production to pressurized hydrogen. Since there are losses at each conversion step, much more wind power, and thus land area, is needed than what the hydrogen output alone indicates. When scaling these findings to fit hydrogen economy scenarios, the land area required for wind power and the infrastructure associated with hydrogen production becomes substantial. To achieve the hydrogen production targets set by the Finnish government using onshore wind power, it might be necessary to install wind power plants covering more than 8% of Finland’s total land area, including the spacing area, a figure comparable to the country’s arable land area. Conclusions These findings highlight the scale of land use change associated with hydrogen production powered by onshore wind energy. Standardized, transparent land use assessments, distinguishing between direct, spacing, and total land use, are needed to understand socio-ecological impacts across scales. Expanding assessments beyond techno-economic considerations and individual projects to landscape scales, along with prioritizing energy efficiency, is essential to aligning renewable energy expansion with socio-ecological sustainability and broader sustainable development.
Abstract Background European countries have implemented strategies to improve energy resilience, such as promoting local energy supplies through energy communities. In this study, we explore the barriers and drivers that affect vulnerable individuals’ and groups’ participation in energy community projects in Norway and Denmark, as well as the factors influencing the development of inclusive energy communities. There is an interplay between the two objectives: the implementation and development of inclusive energy communities require, among other things, strategies to minimise barriers and amplify drivers for the participation of vulnerable individuals and groups. Results A qualitative approach was employed, starting with twenty interviews as a pilot study and progressing to thirty-four semi-structured interviews with project leaders, community members, and local authorities in four energy communities. Then, an online workshop was held among selected energy communities and policy stakeholders to exchange experiences and policy recommendations to facilitate the development of such projects. As a result, several key enablers have been identified, such as community engagement, fair participation, a sense of belonging, environmental behaviours, motivations, and awareness of energy communities. Conversely, barriers such as inadequate supportive policies, language, financial burdens, and a lack of trust in the project plan can hinder vulnerable individuals’ and groups’ participation in energy communities. Conclusions The findings offer several recommendations, including the need for financial support, clear policy definitions regarding energy vulnerability and energy poverty, and specific legislation to ensure the participation of vulnerable groups in energy communities. Additionally, the researchers suggest forming partnerships to develop these energy communities, creating multilingual platforms to enhance public knowledge, and sharing stories and risk assessments throughout the process. These steps aim to foster inclusive energy communities and facilitate the development of related projects.
Abstract Background The residential building sector is a major contributor to Germany’s greenhouse gas emissions. Over 60 % of the energy used for space and domestic hot water heating comes from fossil fuels sources and remains the predominant energy choice in this sector. In order to achieve greenhouse gas emission targets, it is imperative to develop new energy systems for buildings. Energy system modeling is an effective tool for evaluating different energy systems. The evaluation process should encompass an analysis of both costs and greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of minimizing the two objectives in order to identify suitable energy systems. As these goals are anticipated to conflict with each other, a multi-objective optimization approach is employed. Results This study simulates a multifamily residential building constructed in Germany prior to 1918. The energy system comprises: - photovoltaic-thermal roof tiles; - a battery energy storage system; - an air source heat pump; - a warm water storage; - a natural gas boiler with the option of replacement by a hydrogen-fueled boiler; - an energy management software for the electric vehicle battery. In addition, optimization enables the selection of six distinct energy renovation measures. AGE-MOEA, an evolutionary algorithm, is used for multi-objective optimization with the objectives being a reduction in total annual system costs and carbon dioxide ( $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ ) emissions. The resulting Pareto front provides an optimized range of solutions, each with a specific system design, ranging from 49 to 116 €/(m2a) for annuity costs and 74 to 4 kg/(m2a) for annual $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ emissions. Conclusions The outcomes of the proposed model demonstrate an appropriate representation of the expected behavior of a real-world energy system. The first step in the resulting energy system configurations can be classified as ’business as usual’. The second lowest cost option is characterized by self-sufficiency, offering a balanced trade-off between costs and $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ emissions, as well as hydrogen heating to minimize $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ emissions. While increased levels of renovation were observed to contribute to a reduction in $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ emissions, the cost reduction does not offset the respective investment costs. Consequently, in the analysed example case, it can be inferred that improving energy efficiency through renovation only offsets associated costs if fuel prices are rising.
