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Renewable and Sustainable Energy

ISSN: 2959-0760 (Print)

ISSN: 2959-0779 (Online)

CODEN: RSEEC9

Article
Open Access
En-communiting: framing renewable energy communities as territorial asset for environmental and social well-being
Monica Bernardi

DOI:10.55092/rse20250002

Received

11 Dec 2024

Accepted

19 Mar 2025

Published

26 Mar 2025
PDF
Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are increasingly recognized as key actors in the energy transition, promoting decentralized governance, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The article introduces the concept of en-communiting to describe the dynamic social process through which communities coalesce around shared energy practices, fostering collective agency, trust, and participatory governance. Grounded in the eco-welfare paradigm, en-communiting highlights the role of RECs as territorial assets that integrate renewable energy with social well-being. To systematically assess these dynamics, the article shapes a 7-point analytical framework and applies it in a comparative analysis of four case studies across different socio-economic and geographical contexts. The findings reveal that while RECs hold significant potential for fostering energy democracy and community resilience, their actual impact is shaped by structural barriers, governance models, and community engagement dynamics. The conclusion highlights the discrepancy between the envisioned potential of the en-communiting process and its actual capacity to drive transformative change, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to bridge this gap and strengthen the role of RECs in fostering a just and inclusive energy transition.
Review
Open Access
A review of thermoelectric applications in photovoltaic modules: structure, performance, and optimization
Tao LiXinyu PengShiyang Zhou

DOI:10.55092/rse20250001

Received

18 Nov 2024

Accepted

08 Feb 2025

Published

18 Feb 2025
PDF
As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, photovoltaic modules (PV) have attracted much attention as an important clean energy technology. The combination of thermoelectric generator (TEG) with photovoltaic (PV) systems offers significant benefits, such as using waste heat from PV to produce electricity, reducing the operating temperature of PV to extend its service life, and enhancing the efficiency of overall energy use. This review analyzes four main types of structural combinations: photovoltaic hybrid thermoelectric generation components (PV-TEG), split-spectrum photovoltaic hybrid thermoelectric generation components (SSPV-TEG), concentrating photovoltaic hybrid thermoelectric generation components (CPV-TEG), and photovoltaic/thermal hybrid thermoelectric generation components (PV/T-TEG) in order to obtain the latest relevant research developments. The structural design of the coupled system aims to optimize the integration of the TEG with the PV module for enhancing the heat transfer efficiency and power generation performance. The advantages of the PV/T-TEG system, which combines photovoltaic and thermoelectric conversion technologies, are likely to occupy an important position in the future solar energy market. While progress has been made in the application of TEG in PV, the challenges of efficiency, cost, and thermal management need to be overcome, and the opportunity to take advantage of developments in policy, innovation, and market demand will continue to improve performance through structural optimization.
Editorial
Open Access
Foreword of the Special Issue “Advances in Bioenergy and Biomass—Effects on Green Transition”
Donald Huisingh

DOI:10.55092/rse20240010

Received

07 Sep 2024

Accepted

10 Sep 2024

Published

19 Sep 2024
PDF
Review
Open Access
Progress in constructing stable dendrite-free sodium metal anode via artificial electrolyte-electrode interface layer
Xiaowei ZhuWenwu MoHuanyu LiShaojie HuLijuan Zhang

DOI:10.55092/rse20240009

Received

05 Jul 2024

Accepted

25 Aug 2024

Published

09 Sep 2024
PDF
With the advantages of high theoretical specific capacity (1166 mAh·g-1) and low redox potential (–2.71 V), as well as be abundant in resources and low in cost, metallic Na is expected to be used as a promising candidate for the anode material in next-generation high performance secondary batteries. However, factors such as the unstable solid electrolyte interface, unpredictable dendritic growth, and substantial volume change during plating/stripping have hampered the development of sodium metal anodes. A reasonably designed artificial interfacial layer can better stabilize the sodium metal anode, which has been extensively investigated by researchers. This paper reviews the recent advances in the protection of sodium metal anodes by constructing different types of artificial interfacial layers, including inorganic, organic, and hybrid interface layers. Additionally, it discusses the issues and underlying causes associated with sodium metal anodes, and offers an outlook on their future development.
Review
Open Access
An overview of the recent development and prospects of renewable energy in Italy
Asif RaihanJunaid Rahman Tipon TanchangtyaMohammad RidwanSamanta Islam

DOI:10.55092/rse20240008

Received

12 Jun 2024

Accepted

25 Aug 2024

Published

06 Sep 2024
PDF
The study examines recent developments in Italy's renewable energy industry, focusing on advancements, challenges, and prospects. Using secondary data, the research analyzes Italy's progress in renewable energy adoption, particularly in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, and its alignment with the European Union's climate targets. Italy has made significant strides in increasing its renewable energy capacity, driven by favorable government policies, financial incentives, and technological innovations. The analysis highlights key projects and investments that have contributed to Italy's renewable energy growth, as well as regulatory frameworks that have facilitated this transition. Despite these advancements, the industry faces challenges such as regulatory hurdles, grid integration issues, and public opposition to certain projects. Italy is on track to meet its renewable energy targets, yet further efforts are needed to enhance grid infrastructure, streamline permitting processes, and increase public acceptance. The study suggests that sustained government support and continued innovation are crucial for overcoming existing barriers and ensuring the long-term success of Italy's renewable energy sector. A proactive approach in addressing these challenges will be essential for Italy to fully realize its potential as a leader in renewable energy and contribute significantly to global sustainability goals
Commentary
Open Access
Reflections on critical uncertainties in biofutures
Amos Taylor

DOI:10.55092/rse20240006

Received

03 May 2023

Accepted

04 Jun 2024

Published

28 Aug 2024
PDF
This paper reflects upon the concept of Critical Uncertainties, a term drawn from strategic foresight and risk management to identify issues that are highly uncertain and potentially highly impactful on a given strategic context. Given the daunting global challenges we face, the proposed biofutures associated with green transitions could be reimagined to encompass a broader spectrum of uncertainties, including existential risks and unknown unknowns. As global leadership acknowledges global risks, attention should be paid to how to engage these types of issues. This paper observes the participatory process of addressing and contextualising critical uncertainties and suggests that there may be a need for new frames. Planning for what is understood to be uncertain can be contrasted with the need for a new language of uncertainty that we do not yet contemplate. Low uncertainty issues may already be known, seen as sets of alternatives with direct implications, or then higher uncertainty involves even more complex fluid systems, and ultimately there is genuine uncertainty, which we cannot conceive. Within this context of utilising uncertainties, they are reflected upon through two key framings in this paper: imaginaries and future generations, both offering promising avenues for further exploration and inquiry of aspects of uncertainty. This reflexive text aims to reposition critical uncertainties for further study.