Systems, Decision and Control in Energy VI: Volume II: Power Engineering and Environmental Safety

This book presents the defining hallmark of 2023's energy panorama which lies in the resounding impetus toward sustainability―a seismic paradigm shift echoing across industries, policies, and societal aspirations. Heightened awareness of climate change, environmental degradation, and the imperatives of decarbonization propel an unprecedented surge toward renewable energy alternatives. Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and other sustainable modalities witness not only technological advancements but a transformative surge in accessibility, affordability, and scalability, redefining the global energy matrix. Within this transformative landscape, innovation emerges as the fulcrum catalyzing the metamorphosis of energy systems. Breakthroughs in energy storage technologies, smart grid optimization, and decentralized energy solutions orchestrate a symphony of efficiency, enabling the seamless integration of intermittent renewable sources while ensuring grid stability and resilience. The amalgamation of artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and energy systems heralds a new frontier of smart, adaptive energy networks, revolutionizing the paradigm of energy consumption and management. Furthermore, the geopolitical milieu assumes heightened significance in shaping the contours of global energy dynamics. Interwoven with alliances, trade dynamics, and international agreements, geopolitics exerts profound influences on energy security, infrastructural investments, and the trajectory of sustainable energy transitions. Collaborative endeavors and multilateral initiatives reverberate as essential instruments in navigating the complexities of a globally interconnected energy landscape. However, amid the triumphant strides toward a sustainable energy future, challenges persist. The intricacies of phasing out legacy infrastructures, addressing socio-economic disparities, navigating policy ambiguities, and fostering inclusive energy transitions underscore the labyrinthine complexities that necessitate astute navigation and multifaceted solutions.