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The path to sustainable energy supply systems: Proposal of an integrative sustainability assessment framework

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  • Buchmayr, A.
  • Verhofstadt, E.
  • Van Ootegem, L.
  • Sanjuan Delmás, D.
  • Thomassen, G.
  • Dewulf, J.

Abstract

Energy supply is essential for the functioning and well-being of a society. Decision-makers are faced with the challenge to balance burdens and benefits of energy supply practices with the aim to achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Literature exhibits a broad variety of sustainability assessment frameworks for energy supply technologies. However, there is no consensus on which aspects need to be covered for a comprehensive assessment of sustainability. While some aspects, such as environmental emission damage, receive predominant attention, there is a lack of coverage and adequate quantification for others. This led in the past to an unbalanced basis for decision-making.

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  • Buchmayr, A. & Verhofstadt, E. & Van Ootegem, L. & Sanjuan Delmás, D. & Thomassen, G. & Dewulf, J., 2021. "The path to sustainable energy supply systems: Proposal of an integrative sustainability assessment framework," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:138:y:2021:i:c:s1364032120309503
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.110666
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    3. Pataro, Igor M.L. & Gil, Juan D. & Americano da Costa, Marcus V. & Guzmán, José L. & Berenguel, Manuel, 2022. "A nonlinear control approach for hybrid solar thermal plants based on operational conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 114-129.
    4. Bastida-Molina, Paula & Hurtado-Pérez, Elías & Moros Gómez, María Cristina & Cárcel-Carrasco, Javier & Pérez-Navarro, Ángel, 2022. "Energy sustainability evolution in the Mediterranean countries and synergies from a global energy scenario for the area," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 252(C).
    5. Buchmayr, A. & Taelman, S.E. & Thomassen, G. & Verhofstadt, E. & Van Ootegem, L. & Dewulf, J., 2023. "A distance-to-sustainability-target approach for indicator aggregation and its application for the comparison of wind energy alternatives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    6. Astrid Buchmayr & Luc Van Ootegem & Jo Dewulf & Elsy Verhofstadt, 2021. "Understanding Attitudes towards Renewable Energy Technologies and the Effect of Local Experiences," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-23, November.

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