Accelerating the low-carbon transition: Technological advancements and challenges for the sustainable development of energy, water, and environment systems

This editorial explores the contributions of papers collected in the virtual special issue of Energy Reports dedicated to the to the series of Conferences on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems held in Paphos (Cyprus), São Paulo (Brazil), and Vlorë (Albania) in 2022. Within this article collections, the 13 accepted papers address key research topics aligned with the focus of the SDEWES conferences, such as energy, water, and environmental systems, thereby fulfilling the aim and scope of Energy Reports. Since 2002, the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems (SDEWES) Conferences serve as a platform for fostering inter-sectoral collaborations among scientists worldwide and individuals keen on delving into sustainable development to showcase research advancements and engage in discussions regarding current research trends, and future trajectories of sustainable development. In 2022, the conference series brought together approximately about 800 scientists, researchers, and experts in sustainable development from more than 55 Countries. Based on the papers published in this virtual special issue of Energy Reports dedicated to the 2022 Conferences – 5th SEE SDEWES, 3rd LA SDEWES and 17th SDEWES – this editorial is organized into several sections covering several VSI primary topics that encompass innovative and renewable energy technologies, design solutions for buildings and communities, simulation tools for sustainable design for energy systems, green fuels, and renewable based technologies. Detailed discussions on the latest technological advancements and challenges to accelerate the sustainable energy transitions are here presented.