Pub Date : 2025-10-20DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00545-9
Stefany Villacis, Veatriki Papantoni, Urte Brand-Daniels, Thomas Vogt
Background
Emerging energy technologies offer significant opportunities for climate change mitigation. However, the assessment of their potential environmental impact through prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) is challenging owing to parameter uncertainties arising from data gaps, temporal variability, and evolving technological contexts when modeling their prospective life cycle inventories (pLCI). Existing methodologies lack standardized approaches for systematically integrating parameter uncertainty within pLCI frameworks, often initially overlooking it. In order to fill this gap, this study proposes a structured and transparent approach for incorporating parameter uncertainty directly into the pLCI modeling process. The goal is to enhance the robustness, transparency and reproducibility of pLCI models.
Results
A decision–support flowchart based on an adapted six-step framework was developed to help life cycle assessment (LCA) practitioners address parameter uncertainty during the “goal and scope definition” and “life cycle inventory” phases of pLCA. The flowchart guides users through the process of defining of the assessment’s goal, scope, as well as its temporal and geographical boundaries, and the technology’s maturity level (Step 1). Step 2 entails gathering data to depict the technology’s development. Steps 3 and 4 involve identifying parameters that are likely to change in the future, such as manufacturing processes, materials, equipment and component dimensions, as well as their respective uncertainties. Step 5 includes the learning effects required for industrial-scale production once the technology has reached maturity. Finally, step 6 identifies external developments impacting the technology, as well as contributing uncertainties. A case study of a fuel cell-based propulsion system for a hydrogen-powered aircraft in 2040 illustrates the applicability of the framework.
Conclusions
This study introduces a structured flowchart to support decision making in cases when parameter uncertainty should be integrated into pLCI modeling. By supporting the selection of appropriate prospective methods as well as uncertainty identification and characterization strategies, the proposed flowchart enhances the transparency, consistency, and representativeness of the pLCA results, facilitating their broader application in emerging technology assessment methods.
{"title":"A decision–support flowchart for including parameter uncertainty in prospective life cycle inventory modeling: an application to a PEM fuel cell-based APU system for a hydrogen-powered aircraft","authors":"Stefany Villacis, Veatriki Papantoni, Urte Brand-Daniels, Thomas Vogt","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00545-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00545-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Emerging energy technologies offer significant opportunities for climate change mitigation. However, the assessment of their potential environmental impact through prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) is challenging owing to parameter uncertainties arising from data gaps, temporal variability, and evolving technological contexts when modeling their prospective life cycle inventories (pLCI). Existing methodologies lack standardized approaches for systematically integrating parameter uncertainty within pLCI frameworks, often initially overlooking it. In order to fill this gap, this study proposes a structured and transparent approach for incorporating parameter uncertainty directly into the pLCI modeling process. The goal is to enhance the robustness, transparency and reproducibility of pLCI models.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A decision–support flowchart based on an adapted six-step framework was developed to help life cycle assessment (LCA) practitioners address parameter uncertainty during the “goal and scope definition” and “life cycle inventory” phases of pLCA. The flowchart guides users through the process of defining of the assessment’s goal, scope, as well as its temporal and geographical boundaries, and the technology’s maturity level (Step 1). Step 2 entails gathering data to depict the technology’s development. Steps 3 and 4 involve identifying parameters that are likely to change in the future, such as manufacturing processes, materials, equipment and component dimensions, as well as their respective uncertainties. Step 5 includes the learning effects required for industrial-scale production once the technology has reached maturity. Finally, step 6 identifies external developments impacting the technology, as well as contributing uncertainties. A case study of a fuel cell-based propulsion system for a hydrogen-powered aircraft in 2040 illustrates the applicability of the framework.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study introduces a structured flowchart to support decision making in cases when parameter uncertainty should be integrated into pLCI modeling. By supporting the selection of appropriate prospective methods as well as uncertainty identification and characterization strategies, the proposed flowchart enhances the transparency, consistency, and representativeness of the pLCA results, facilitating their broader application in emerging technology assessment methods.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00545-9","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145352461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-20DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00546-8
Christina Wulf, Laura Sofia Mesa Estrada, Martina Haase, Mareike Tippe, Henning Wigger, Urte Brand-Daniels
Background
Sustainability assessment comprises many different forms of assessment—from Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment to freely chosen indicator assessments—often yielding contradictory results. Multi-criteria decision-analysis (MCDA) methods have been recognized as a powerful and frequently applied tool to support decision-making in the field of energy. This study analyzes the application of MCDA in the sustainability assessment of energy technologies and systems within the Helmholtz Association, a network of German research centers addressing important topics ranging from cancer research to polar science. Energy technologies are a key focus of research within several Helmholtz research centers. Based on 20 case studies performed by Helmholtz researchers, we identify trends, challenges, and opportunities in criteria selection, MCDA method application, and stakeholder engagement.
Results
The selection of criteria and indicators often reflects the triple bottom line framework, with a strong emphasis on environmental and economic dimensions, while social criteria receive little attention due to methodological gaps. For indicator aggregation, there were three preferred methods: the Weighted Sum Method (WSM), the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for compensatory studies due to its ease of application and simplicity, and the Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) due to its non-compensatory attributes, consistent with the principles of strong sustainability. However, inconsistencies in weight elicitation methods, with frequent misalignment between the chosen methods and underlying MCDA principles, were found in the analyzed studies. The integration of stakeholders remains underutilized, with most studies involving experts but lacking broader societal involvement. Participatory techniques such as workshops and surveys are mainly applied for criteria weighting, but their implementation across all MCDA stages remains limited. Analysis of group decision-making approaches indicates a predominance of input-level aggregation, with few studies exploring comparative or output-level techniques.
Conclusions
This paper highlights the need for methodological advancements in social sustainability assessments and more robust stakeholder engagement strategies. In addition, further education on MCDA methods is needed to bridge the knowledge gaps of practitioners. By comparing Helmholtz MCDA practices with best practices from other research, this work aims to strengthen the sustainability assessment of energy technologies and systems.
{"title":"MCDA for the sustainability assessment of energy technologies and systems: identifying challenges and opportunities","authors":"Christina Wulf, Laura Sofia Mesa Estrada, Martina Haase, Mareike Tippe, Henning Wigger, Urte Brand-Daniels","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00546-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00546-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Sustainability assessment comprises many different forms of assessment—from Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment to freely chosen indicator assessments—often yielding contradictory results. Multi-criteria decision-analysis (MCDA) methods have been recognized as a powerful and frequently applied tool to support decision-making in the field of energy. This study analyzes the application of MCDA in the sustainability assessment of energy technologies and systems within the Helmholtz Association, a network of German research centers addressing important topics ranging from cancer research to polar science. Energy technologies are a key focus of research within several Helmholtz research centers. Based on 20 case studies performed by Helmholtz researchers, we identify trends, challenges, and opportunities in criteria selection, MCDA method application, and stakeholder engagement.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The selection of criteria and indicators often reflects the triple bottom line framework, with a strong emphasis on environmental and economic dimensions, while social criteria receive little attention due to methodological gaps. For indicator aggregation, there were three preferred methods: the Weighted Sum Method (WSM), the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for compensatory studies due to its ease of application and simplicity, and the Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) due to its non-compensatory attributes, consistent with the principles of strong sustainability. However, inconsistencies in weight elicitation methods, with frequent misalignment between the chosen methods and underlying MCDA principles, were found in the analyzed studies. The integration of stakeholders remains underutilized, with most studies involving experts but lacking broader societal involvement. Participatory techniques such as workshops and surveys are mainly applied for criteria weighting, but their implementation across all MCDA stages remains limited. Analysis of group decision-making approaches indicates a predominance of input-level aggregation, with few studies exploring comparative or output-level techniques.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This paper highlights the need for methodological advancements in social sustainability assessments and more robust stakeholder engagement strategies. In addition, further education on MCDA methods is needed to bridge the knowledge gaps of practitioners. By comparing Helmholtz MCDA practices with best practices from other research, this work aims to strengthen the sustainability assessment of energy technologies and systems.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00546-8","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145352460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00538-8
Han Kyul Yoo, Michel Handgraaf, Eveline van Leeuwen
Background
The visibility of energy efficiency behavior allows the person who observes the behavior (observer) to be influenced by what they see while allowing the person being observed (actor) to signal their status or identity. However, other motives have not been studied in relation to the visibility of energy efficiency behavior, such as following norms. Furthermore, the relationship between the perceptions of observers and actors of energy efficiency behavior is unclear. The aim of this study is to establish a relationship between the perspectives of the observer and the actor, in relation to the visibility of energy efficiency measures. Specifically, the observer’s and actor’s perception of three motives was assessed: namely, the signaling status, signaling environmental identity, and adherence to norms. Other potential motives were also considered. Via semistructured interviews, participants were asked what they have observed regarding solar panels on other people’s houses and how they would feel about being seen (or not seen) were they to have solar panels and high-efficiency glass windows.
Results
The results show that people do not pay attention to whether a person is following norms but that they themselves would like to be seen as normal. When observing visible energy efficiency behavior, the observer tends to believe that the actor has high-level financial status and is intelligent, well educated, and an environmentalist. These characteristics have generally been perceived as being positive. However, people are against the idea that they may signal their environmental identity or status by making their energy efficiency measures visible. In contrast to the topic of signaling status and environmental identity, participants are comfortable discussing the esthetic appeal of energy efficiency measures, both as observers and as actors.
Conclusions
This study reveals differences in attitudes between observers and actors concerning signaling status and identity through visible energy efficiency behavior. An improved alignment or understanding of such attitudes could lead to people making their behaviors more visible. Norm-following and esthetics are found to affect behavior when it is visible, which implies that increasing the visibility of behavior by one person can lead to other people following suit. Finally, discussions on and improvements in the esthetic appeal of energy efficiency measures can foster interest and increase the adoption of such measures.
{"title":"The effect of seeing and being seen on household energy efficiency investment: the cases of solar panels and high-efficiency glass","authors":"Han Kyul Yoo, Michel Handgraaf, Eveline van Leeuwen","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00538-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00538-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The visibility of energy efficiency behavior allows the person who observes the behavior (observer) to be influenced by what they see while allowing the person being observed (actor) to signal their status or identity. However, other motives have not been studied in relation to the visibility of energy efficiency behavior, such as following norms. Furthermore, the relationship between the perceptions of observers and actors of energy efficiency behavior is unclear. The aim of this study is to establish a relationship between the perspectives of the observer and the actor, in relation to the visibility of energy efficiency measures. Specifically, the observer’s and actor’s perception of three motives was assessed: namely, the signaling status, signaling environmental identity, and adherence to norms. Other potential motives were also considered. Via semistructured interviews, participants were asked what they have observed regarding solar panels on other people’s houses and how they would feel about being seen (or not seen) were they to have solar panels and high-efficiency glass windows.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The results show that people do not pay attention to whether a person is following norms but that they themselves would like to be seen as normal. When observing visible energy efficiency behavior, the observer tends to believe that the actor has high-level financial status and is intelligent, well educated, and an environmentalist. These characteristics have generally been perceived as being positive. However, people are against the idea that they may signal their environmental identity or status by making their energy efficiency measures visible. In contrast to the topic of signaling status and environmental identity, participants are comfortable discussing the esthetic appeal of energy efficiency measures, both as observers and as actors.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study reveals differences in attitudes between observers and actors concerning signaling status and identity through visible energy efficiency behavior. An improved alignment or understanding of such attitudes could lead to people making their behaviors more visible. Norm-following and esthetics are found to affect behavior when it is visible, which implies that increasing the visibility of behavior by one person can lead to other people following suit. Finally, discussions on and improvements in the esthetic appeal of energy efficiency measures can foster interest and increase the adoption of such measures.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00538-8","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145256484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00543-x
Muhammad Sadiq, Mutasem El Fadel, Toufic Mezher, Ahmad Mayyas
Background
The pursuit of sustainable development has become a global imperative, particularly for industrial and rich countries whose economies are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Kuwait is a high-income nation reliant on fossil fuels and has one of the highest per capita CO₂ emissions reported globally. Kuwait has faced unique challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. This study explores the nexus between economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable development, emphasizing Kuwait’s efforts in decoupling its economic growth from ecological degradation. This paper integrates ecological indicators and social dimensions such as climate mitigation, renewable energy adoption, and progress toward sustainable development goals.
Results
A multivariate analytical framework was employed to assess the interconnections among eleven key indicators spanning economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable development. Quantitative methods included correlation analysis and regression modeling using data from credible sources, such as the World Bank, OECD, SDG Index, World Development Indicators (WDI), and relevant journal articles and technical reports. In addition, qualitative assessments were conducted to evaluate the interconnectedness of economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable development are evaluated qualitatively. Sensitivity analysis was used to ensure robustness and reliability of the findings.
This study examined the interplay between economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable development in Kuwait. Over the past two decades, Kuwait experienced a nearly 380% increase in GDP and an 80% rise in total CO₂ emissions; yet, per capita emissions declined by 41%. This reduction is largely attributed to significant progress in clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13). The results highlight a successful decoupling of economic growth from emissions, suggesting that sustainable development is achievable through targeted policies and investing in green technologies.
Conclusions
The statistical and qualitative analyses demonstrated that Kuwait has effectively decoupled economic growth from CO₂ emissions through consistent actions and strategic efforts. This achievement highlights that environmentally sustainable economic development is attainable through a combination of targeted policy measures, technological innovation, and strong institutional commitment. Notable progress in Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13), has contributed to improved environmental outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of customized national strategies that align economic objectives with the Sustainable Development Goals.
{"title":"Interconnectedness of economic growth and environmental sustainability: challenges and strategies","authors":"Muhammad Sadiq, Mutasem El Fadel, Toufic Mezher, Ahmad Mayyas","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00543-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00543-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The pursuit of sustainable development has become a global imperative, particularly for industrial and rich countries whose economies are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Kuwait is a high-income nation reliant on fossil fuels and has one of the highest per capita CO₂ emissions reported globally. Kuwait has faced unique challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. This study explores the nexus between economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable development, emphasizing Kuwait’s efforts in decoupling its economic growth from ecological degradation. This paper integrates ecological indicators and social dimensions such as climate mitigation, renewable energy adoption, and progress toward sustainable development goals.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A multivariate analytical framework was employed to assess the interconnections among eleven key indicators spanning economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable development. Quantitative methods included correlation analysis and regression modeling using data from credible sources, such as the World Bank, OECD, SDG Index, World Development Indicators (WDI), and relevant journal articles and technical reports. In addition, qualitative assessments were conducted to evaluate the interconnectedness of economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable development are evaluated qualitatively. Sensitivity analysis was used to ensure robustness and reliability of the findings.</p><p>This study examined the interplay between economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable development in Kuwait. Over the past two decades, Kuwait experienced a nearly 380% increase in GDP and an 80% rise in total CO₂ emissions; yet, per capita emissions declined by 41%. This reduction is largely attributed to significant progress in clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13). The results highlight a successful decoupling of economic growth from emissions, suggesting that sustainable development is achievable through targeted policies and investing in green technologies.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The statistical and qualitative analyses demonstrated that Kuwait has effectively decoupled economic growth from CO₂ emissions through consistent actions and strategic efforts. This achievement highlights that environmentally sustainable economic development is attainable through a combination of targeted policy measures, technological innovation, and strong institutional commitment. Notable progress in Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13), has contributed to improved environmental outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of customized national strategies that align economic objectives with the Sustainable Development Goals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00543-x","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145210932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00542-y
Jacob Manyuon Deng, Cyrus Wabuge Wekesa, Khan Jean De Dieu Hakizimana, Joseph Nzabahimana
Background
South Sudan is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It faces significant energy challenges, with only 7% of the population having access to electricity. Its dependence on biomass and diesel fuel has increased deforestation and air pollution, leading to environmental and health issues that endanger the environment and public health. The aim of this study is to assess the potential, suitability, and seasonal variation of renewable energy sources, with a focus on wind and solar power. The motivation for this research is South Sudan's urgent need to diversify its energy resources, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and address the energy demand while mitigating environmental degradation. This study includes a historical analysis of the daily wind and solar data collected over a period of 40 years (1974–2014) at four meteorological stations in South Sudan. The monthly wind speed and direction distributions, wind power density and monthly sunshine duration and solar radiation are computed. XLSTAT 2023, Tubular, Google Sheet, and the Angstrom–Prescott model are used to analyse and estimate the wind power density and solar radiation.
Results
The results show the variations in wind speed, power density, and solar radiation at the chosen locations. The wind-energy potential varies across the sites, with Malakal and Juba showing the highest annual average wind power densities—114.09 W/m2 and 115.17 W/m2, respectively—placing them in Class 3 (“Fair”). These are complemented by seasonal peaks of 373.31 W/m2 (January, Malakal) and 220.16 W/m2 (April, Juba), indicating strong suitability for medium-scale wind systems. Wau and Raga, with lower annual averages (88.32 and 58.07 W/m2), fall into Class 2 (“Marginal”) but may be able to support small-scale or hybrid solutions. Wind-direction patterns vary, requiring tailored micro-siting strategies. Solar resources exhibit greater consistency, with annual solar radiation averages between 19.56 and 19.72 MJ/m2/day across all sites, classifying them under “Moderate Solar Radiation.” Seasonal peaks of 22.22 MJ/m2/day in Wau (September) and 21.62 MJ/m2/day in Raga, place certain months in the “High Radiation” category, reinforcing the possibility for diverse solar technologies and hybrid systems.
Conclusions
This quantitative assessment offers clear perspectives into the renewable-energy landscape of South Sudan, emphasizing the potential of solar and wind energy to address the country’s energy crisis. The findings provide a foundation for policymakers and investors to strategically develop wind and solar projects aligned with the global sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), which foster economic growth and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels.
{"title":"Uncovering South Sudan's renewable energy potential: a comprehensive evaluation of favourable locations and variability","authors":"Jacob Manyuon Deng, Cyrus Wabuge Wekesa, Khan Jean De Dieu Hakizimana, Joseph Nzabahimana","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00542-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00542-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>South Sudan is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It faces significant energy challenges, with only 7% of the population having access to electricity. Its dependence on biomass and diesel fuel has increased deforestation and air pollution, leading to environmental and health issues that endanger the environment and public health. The aim of this study is to assess the potential, suitability, and seasonal variation of renewable energy sources, with a focus on wind and solar power. The motivation for this research is South Sudan's urgent need to diversify its energy resources, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and address the energy demand while mitigating environmental degradation. This study includes a historical analysis of the daily wind and solar data collected over a period of 40 years (1974–2014) at four meteorological stations in South Sudan. The monthly wind speed and direction distributions, wind power density and monthly sunshine duration and solar radiation are computed. XLSTAT 2023, Tubular, Google Sheet, and the Angstrom–Prescott model are used to analyse and estimate the wind power density and solar radiation.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The results show the variations in wind speed, power density, and solar radiation at the chosen locations. The wind-energy potential varies across the sites, with Malakal and Juba showing the highest annual average wind power densities—114.09 W/m<sup>2</sup> and 115.17 W/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively—placing them in Class 3 (“Fair”). These are complemented by seasonal peaks of 373.31 W/m<sup>2</sup> (January, Malakal) and 220.16 W/m<sup>2</sup> (April, Juba), indicating strong suitability for medium-scale wind systems. Wau and Raga, with lower annual averages (88.32 and 58.07 W/m<sup>2</sup>), fall into Class 2 (“Marginal”) but may be able to support small-scale or hybrid solutions. Wind-direction patterns vary, requiring tailored micro-siting strategies. Solar resources exhibit greater consistency, with annual solar radiation averages between 19.56 and 19.72 MJ/m<sup>2</sup>/day across all sites, classifying them under “Moderate Solar Radiation.” Seasonal peaks of 22.22 MJ/m<sup>2</sup>/day in Wau (September) and 21.62 MJ/m<sup>2</sup>/day in Raga, place certain months in the “High Radiation” category, reinforcing the possibility for diverse solar technologies and hybrid systems.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This quantitative assessment offers clear perspectives into the renewable-energy landscape of South Sudan, emphasizing the potential of solar and wind energy to address the country’s energy crisis. The findings provide a foundation for policymakers and investors to strategically develop wind and solar projects aligned with the global sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), which foster economic growth and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels.</p></","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00542-y","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145210933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00540-0
Sea Rotmann, Kira Ashby, Luis Mundaca
Background
Energy hardship can be broadly understood as a situation in which individuals or households are unable to afford basic energy services necessary for sustaining their wellbeing. Despite conceptual challenges and overlaps with similar narratives (e.g., fuel poverty), the literature on energy hardship continues to expand. It represents a critical intersection with sustainable energy systems that reveals both challenges and opportunities in the transition towards clean energy solutions. However, few energy hardship programmes have been examined from a policy perspective. Our study aims to address this knowledge gap by providing a systematic analysis of a sample of 67 energy hardship programmes implemented across Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and more than 20 European countries. Guided by specific research questions and supported by directed content analysis, we focus on five areas: dominant policy rationales, main policy goals, supportive policy instruments, stakeholders, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Results
Despite an important degree of heterogeneity among the reviewed programmes, findings revealed commonalities across significant design and implementation areas. Policy rationales often rely on two significant pillars: narratives related to energy poverty (and related concepts), and market barriers and failures related to energy efficiency or decentralised renewable energy systems. Policy goals encompass three distinct areas: finance, knowledge, and technology/infrastructure. Policy instruments supporting energy hardship programmes are predominantly economic in nature. However, the review of programmes reveals a significant gap in robust estimates of cost-effectiveness or economic efficiency. Results also show that the design and implementation of programmes often involve a diversity of stakeholders. The review reveals that there is an abundance of KPIs that can (potentially) support the monitoring and assessment of programmes.
Conclusions
Overall, our study reveals significant policy lessons regarding the links, dynamics, and complexities associated with the design and implementation of energy hardship programmes. It underscores the importance of evidence-based evaluations to enhance the ability of policymakers and managers to effectively alleviate the suffering of those facing energy hardship. Results can be of particular interest to countries where policy discussions about energy hardship are emerging, and where there is a need for knowledge to inform decision-making on future programmes that support just and inclusive clean energy transitions.
{"title":"Energy hardship programmes: a systematic cross-country policy analysis of initiatives addressing equity and low-carbon energy services","authors":"Sea Rotmann, Kira Ashby, Luis Mundaca","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00540-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00540-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Energy hardship can be broadly understood as a situation in which individuals or households are unable to afford basic energy services necessary for sustaining their wellbeing. Despite conceptual challenges and overlaps with similar narratives (e.g., fuel poverty), the literature on energy hardship continues to expand. It represents a critical intersection with sustainable energy systems that reveals both challenges and opportunities in the transition towards clean energy solutions. However, few energy hardship programmes have been examined from a policy perspective. Our study aims to address this knowledge gap by providing a systematic analysis of a sample of 67 energy hardship programmes implemented across Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and more than 20 European countries. Guided by specific research questions and supported by directed content analysis, we focus on five areas: dominant policy rationales, main policy goals, supportive policy instruments, stakeholders, and key performance indicators (KPIs).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Despite an important degree of heterogeneity among the reviewed programmes, findings revealed commonalities across significant design and implementation areas. Policy rationales often rely on two significant pillars: narratives related to energy poverty (and related concepts), and market barriers and failures related to energy efficiency or decentralised renewable energy systems. Policy goals encompass three distinct areas: finance, knowledge, and technology/infrastructure. Policy instruments supporting energy hardship programmes are predominantly economic in nature. However, the review of programmes reveals a significant gap in robust estimates of cost-effectiveness or economic efficiency. Results also show that the design and implementation of programmes often involve a diversity of stakeholders. The review reveals that there is an abundance of KPIs that can (potentially) support the monitoring and assessment of programmes.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Overall, our study reveals significant policy lessons regarding the links, dynamics, and complexities associated with the design and implementation of energy hardship programmes. It underscores the importance of evidence-based evaluations to enhance the ability of policymakers and managers to effectively alleviate the suffering of those facing energy hardship. Results can be of particular interest to countries where policy discussions about energy hardship are emerging, and where there is a need for knowledge to inform decision-making on future programmes that support just and inclusive clean energy transitions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00540-0","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145210554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Previous research has highlighted the crucial role of engaging individuals in energy transitions. In particular, a research stream on climate change communication highlights the potential of interpersonal change conversations in effectively engaging individuals. At the same time, knowledge on the most effective communication in these conversations from change agents and how it shapes individuals’ engagement in the context of energy transitions is comparatively lacking. To address this gap, the present study examines the potential of an empathic-collaborative communication approach based on Motivational Interviewing (MI) in fostering individuals’ personal engagement with transition pathways during one-on-one change conversations about electrical field cultivation as an unfamiliar energy transition pathway in the agricultural sector.
Methods
We tested our assumptions combining multiple data sources including a pre–post questionnaire on different dimensions of engagement and behavioral interaction coding of change conversations to provide comprehensive insights.
Results
The results support a universal effect of exploring the investigated transition pathway through conversations, independent of the communication style, fostering affective-cognitive engagement (interest in the agricultural sector). At the same time, a communication approach based on MI adds value by improving individuals’ change in attitudes (benefit perception of transition pathway). This supports the effectiveness of verbalized personal engagement as a crucial element of motivational interviewing, resulting in heightened cognitive engagement. Lastly, the results suggest that the MI-based communication methods used by change agents stimulate beneficial change talk from conversation partners about the futuristic energy transition pathway.
Conclusions
This study provides implications for the benefits of employing change conversations and specifically an empathic-collaborative communication approach used in these conversations in targeting individual’s engagement in the political setting and energy context, and discusses potential future research avenues. Even brief interventions in change agents’ communication style to changes in the wake of future pathways are fruitful and should be applied across diverse practical settings.
{"title":"Fostering personal engagement with energy transition pathways through empathic-collaborative communication","authors":"Madita Olvermann, Amelie Verena Güntner, Simone Kauffeld","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00544-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00544-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Previous research has highlighted the crucial role of engaging individuals in energy transitions. In particular, a research stream on climate change communication highlights the potential of interpersonal change conversations in effectively engaging individuals. At the same time, knowledge on the most effective communication in these conversations from change agents and how it shapes individuals’ engagement in the context of energy transitions is comparatively lacking. To address this gap, the present study examines the potential of an empathic-collaborative communication approach based on Motivational Interviewing (MI) in fostering individuals’ personal engagement with transition pathways during one-on-one change conversations about electrical field cultivation as an unfamiliar energy transition pathway in the agricultural sector.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We tested our assumptions combining multiple data sources including a pre–post questionnaire on different dimensions of engagement and behavioral interaction coding of change conversations to provide comprehensive insights.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The results support a universal effect of exploring the investigated transition pathway through conversations, independent of the communication style, fostering affective-cognitive engagement (interest in the agricultural sector). At the same time, a communication approach based on MI adds value by improving individuals’ change in attitudes (benefit perception of transition pathway). This supports the effectiveness of verbalized personal engagement as a crucial element of motivational interviewing, resulting in heightened cognitive engagement. Lastly, the results suggest that the MI-based communication methods used by change agents stimulate beneficial change talk from conversation partners about the futuristic energy transition pathway.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study provides implications for the benefits of employing change conversations and specifically an empathic-collaborative communication approach used in these conversations in targeting individual’s engagement in the political setting and energy context, and discusses potential future research avenues. Even brief interventions in change agents’ communication style to changes in the wake of future pathways are fruitful and should be applied across diverse practical settings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00544-w","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-17DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00541-z
Jörg Radtke, Weert Canzler
The transformation of mobility and transport infrastructure is emerging as one of the defining societal challenges of the twenty-first century. This editorial introduces the Special Issue on “Sustainable Mobility Transitions: (New) Pathways of Future Energy Systems” from a social science perspective, bringing together interdisciplinary insights on the political, institutional, and communicative dimensions of transport transition. Drawing on case studies from Germany and international contexts, the contributions of this Special Issue critically examine how governance structures—particularly parliamentary oversight and public participation—shape infrastructure planning and mobility policy. The discussion situates transport behavior within broader socio-technical systems and highlights the entrenched dominance of automobility, spatial legacies of car-centered urban planning, and the habitual routines that sustain private car use. At the same time, we identify new pathways for transformation, including innovations in sustainable and multimodal transport, participatory governance tools, and experimental urban interventions. The authors argue that overcoming the inertia of automobility requires not only technological and legal reforms but also compelling narratives, inclusive planning processes, and adaptive regulatory frameworks. In conclusion, the editorial underscores the importance for a renewed commitment to democratic legitimacy, institutional learning, and spatial justice in the governance of mobility and transport infrastructure.
{"title":"Navigating the future of transport infrastructure and governance","authors":"Jörg Radtke, Weert Canzler","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00541-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00541-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The transformation of mobility and transport infrastructure is emerging as one of the defining societal challenges of the twenty-first century. This editorial introduces the Special Issue on “Sustainable Mobility Transitions: (New) Pathways of Future Energy Systems” from a social science perspective, bringing together interdisciplinary insights on the political, institutional, and communicative dimensions of transport transition. Drawing on case studies from Germany and international contexts, the contributions of this Special Issue critically examine how governance structures—particularly parliamentary oversight and public participation—shape infrastructure planning and mobility policy. The discussion situates transport behavior within broader socio-technical systems and highlights the entrenched dominance of automobility, spatial legacies of car-centered urban planning, and the habitual routines that sustain private car use. At the same time, we identify new pathways for transformation, including innovations in sustainable and multimodal transport, participatory governance tools, and experimental urban interventions. The authors argue that overcoming the inertia of automobility requires not only technological and legal reforms but also compelling narratives, inclusive planning processes, and adaptive regulatory frameworks. In conclusion, the editorial underscores the importance for a renewed commitment to democratic legitimacy, institutional learning, and spatial justice in the governance of mobility and transport infrastructure.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00541-z","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-08DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00539-7
Jenny Palm, Jenny von Platten
Background
The transition to sustainable energy systems requires a deeper understanding of how households experience and negotiate heating practices over time. In Sweden, where residential heating remains a major source of energy use, heating systems are embedded in daily routines, shaped by evolving technologies, social norms, and material contexts. This study draws on the Energy Cultures Framework and oral history interviews to examine how Swedish households recall and reflect on their “heating careers”, tracing changes in infrastructures, behaviours, and meanings across the life course.
Results
The findings disclose a transition from manual, labour-intensive systems to automated and centralised heating solutions, alongside shifts in comfort expectations and user engagement. Narratives highlight how certain practices have persisted, been abandoned, or re-emerged, particularly during moments of disruption such as the 2022 energy crisis. While automated systems offer convenience, they can also reduce energy awareness and user agency. Financial constraints, warm rent arrangements, and housing conditions further shape how households engage with heating transitions, revealing inequalities in the capacity to act.
Conclusions
Understanding home heating as a socio-technical and emotionally embedded practice is crucial for designing inclusive energy transitions. This study shows how identity, habit, memory, and structural conditions shape household heating cultures over time. Oral histories offer valuable insight into how people adapt to and resist change, emphasising the need for policies that acknowledge diverse experiences, promote energy literacy, and address the socio-material inequalities that influence participation in heating transitions.
{"title":"Home heating cultures in transition: exploring material participation, norms and practices in Swedish households","authors":"Jenny Palm, Jenny von Platten","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00539-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00539-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The transition to sustainable energy systems requires a deeper understanding of how households experience and negotiate heating practices over time. In Sweden, where residential heating remains a major source of energy use, heating systems are embedded in daily routines, shaped by evolving technologies, social norms, and material contexts. This study draws on the Energy Cultures Framework and oral history interviews to examine how Swedish households recall and reflect on their “heating careers”, tracing changes in infrastructures, behaviours, and meanings across the life course.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The findings disclose a transition from manual, labour-intensive systems to automated and centralised heating solutions, alongside shifts in comfort expectations and user engagement. Narratives highlight how certain practices have persisted, been abandoned, or re-emerged, particularly during moments of disruption such as the 2022 energy crisis. While automated systems offer convenience, they can also reduce energy awareness and user agency. Financial constraints, warm rent arrangements, and housing conditions further shape how households engage with heating transitions, revealing inequalities in the capacity to act.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Understanding home heating as a socio-technical and emotionally embedded practice is crucial for designing inclusive energy transitions. This study shows how identity, habit, memory, and structural conditions shape household heating cultures over time. Oral histories offer valuable insight into how people adapt to and resist change, emphasising the need for policies that acknowledge diverse experiences, promote energy literacy, and address the socio-material inequalities that influence participation in heating transitions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00539-7","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145011823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-20DOI: 10.1186/s13705-025-00533-z
Paul Jordan, Michael Semmer
Background
Urbanization is progressing rapidly, with over 65% of the world’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2050. This population shift is expected to lead to several environmental and social challenges. As a result, many urban development projects are being implemented with accompanying mobility concepts. However, there is limited knowledge regarding mobility services that meet the residents’ needs. This understanding is essential for advancing new mobility concepts in urban areas that consider the respective socioecological context. Therefore, this paper is dedicated to exploring and exemplifying the mobility behaviors and personas prevalent in nascent urban areas.
Results
For this purpose, a quantitative survey was carried out (n = 376) to measure mobility behavior and 11 specific mobility needs in three nascent urban quarters in Germany and Austria. The highest-rated mobility needs across quarters were reliability, convenience, and safety. In contrast, the least important mobility needs were orientation, social recognition, and entertainment. A cluster analysis of mobility needs and behaviors (using Ward’s method and k-means) suggests the prevalence of five mobility personas. While the personas differed by demographics and mobility behavior, they were similarly distributed across quarters.
Conclusions
In summary, this article highlights which mobility needs should be addressed and proposes strategies for targeting individual mobility personas. Overall, mobility concepts should prioritize reliable, shared transportation, as many individuals continue to rely on car ownership due to a lack of reliable alternatives. Therefore, the findings help facilitate the transition to more sustainable and socially acceptable forms of mobility in urban areas.
{"title":"Listen to the residents! How to develop sustainable and successful urban mobility concepts","authors":"Paul Jordan, Michael Semmer","doi":"10.1186/s13705-025-00533-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13705-025-00533-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Urbanization is progressing rapidly, with over 65% of the world’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2050. This population shift is expected to lead to several environmental and social challenges. As a result, many urban development projects are being implemented with accompanying mobility concepts. However, there is limited knowledge regarding mobility services that meet the residents’ needs. This understanding is essential for advancing new mobility concepts in urban areas that consider the respective socioecological context. Therefore, this paper is dedicated to exploring and exemplifying the mobility behaviors and personas prevalent in nascent urban areas.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>For this purpose, a quantitative survey was carried out (<i>n</i> = 376) to measure mobility behavior and 11 specific mobility needs in three nascent urban quarters in Germany and Austria. The highest-rated mobility needs across quarters were reliability, convenience, and safety. In contrast, the least important mobility needs were orientation, social recognition, and entertainment. A cluster analysis of mobility needs and behaviors (using Ward’s method and k-means) suggests the prevalence of five mobility personas. While the personas differed by demographics and mobility behavior, they were similarly distributed across quarters.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In summary, this article highlights which mobility needs should be addressed and proposes strategies for targeting individual mobility personas. Overall, mobility concepts should prioritize reliable, shared transportation, as many individuals continue to rely on car ownership due to a lack of reliable alternatives. Therefore, the findings help facilitate the transition to more sustainable and socially acceptable forms of mobility in urban areas.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":539,"journal":{"name":"Energy, Sustainability and Society","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13705-025-00533-z","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144868743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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