Integrated renewable energy systems as the basis for sustainable development of energy, water and environment systems

Reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the energy, buildings, industry and transport sectors plays a key role in combating climate change. This energy transition requires interdisciplinary work in the areas of sustainable development of energy, water and environment systems, including technical, economic, ecological and social assessments. Since 2002, the Conferences on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environmental Systems (SDEWES) have provided a growing international scientific forum for the presentation and discussion of new research findings and solutions to these challenges. This editorial provides an overview of some of the latest work presented at SDEWES 2023. The papers published in this special issue highlight new findings in the fields of renewable energy systems and energy system modelling, as well as research into transitions in the space heating, mobility and industrial sectors. The overview clearly shows that, in addition to the development of individual technologies, their interaction, including flexibility options and sector coupling, is crucial for a successful energy transition. The review emphasizes that integrated renewable energy systems are a key factor for a more sustainable development of energy, water and environmental systems. In this context, overall system efficiency will become more important as a new performance indicator than the pure energy efficiency of individual conversion steps.