Yolanda Lechón

Fusion is a promising sustainable energy source that can potentially contribute to achieving the most ambitious climate goals with firm carbon-free baseload electricity. Due to recent advancements, fusion is transitioning from a purely research stage to a pre-commercialisation phase. However, many aspects related to its commercialisation are uncertain. Energy scenarios within ETM have been used to explore the conditions that could enable fusion to play a significant role in a future decarbonised global energy system, assuming moderate socio-economic development. The results indicate that a maximum share of 21% in a ~140 PWh global electricity generation is achievable by 2100 under the following concurrent conditions: fusion is commercialised by 2040; the capacity doubling time is as large as that experienced by fission in the ‘70s and a stable tritium supply chain is established; the average overnight cost of the first fleet of fusion plants does not exceed 7200 USD/kW with a learning rate of 10%, and solar and wind generation is limited to 75% in each model timeslice. In contrast, the share of fusion under the most conservative assumptions reaches only a few percent, despite corresponding to an operating fleet comparable in size to the current fission fleet. The study also proves two insights: firstly, that early availability alone cannot guarantee high fusion shares in power markets. Secondly, deployment speed along with restriction to variable renewable energy (VRE) contribution are dominant structural factors.

This paper aims to provide scientific support for decision-making regarding improvements in air quality by evaluating pollution reduction measures included in the 1st Spanish National Air Pollution Control Programme (SAPCP) at the city level. The study assesses the health impacts of the main air pollutants—particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO ₂ ), and ozone (O ₃ )—on the population of Madrid. Two scenarios are analysed for 2030: one consisting of a package of existing measures (EM) and the other including additional measures (AM). First, the impacts on air quality resulting from emission reductions due to these measures are estimated using multiscale air-quality modelling, which provides changes in pollutant concentrations. Next, mortality resulting from exposure is calculated by comparing the scenarios to a reference year. Detailed data on the geographical distribution of the population and health statistics at the district level were utilised. Finally, results are expressed in terms of avoided external costs, measured by the Value of a Life Year (VOLY) and the Value of Statistical Life (VSL). An improvement was noted in the health effects associated with NO ₂ , PM ₁₀ , and PM _2.5 , while there was a slight deterioration concerning O ₃ . The most significant benefits identified in the AM scenario indicate a potential reduction of 4643 premature deaths, which is more than double that of the EM scenario. The primary benefits are linked to the decrease in NO ₂ levels. Regarding social costs, considering the additional measures in package AM, the benefits could amount to approximately €1189 million (VOLY) and €20,574 million (VSL). Graphical abstract

This paper focuses on assessing the potential risks and strengths along the supply chain of a set of ten popular and precious metals associated with two solar energy technologies: concentrated solar power with thermal storage and photovoltaics with batteries. The Extended Multi-Regional Input–Output methodology is used to quantify the required extraction of the metals along the value chain. First, various metrics and indicators are explored to analyze the supply chain. Second, a framework of analysis is proposed to cover the main components of supply chain risks and strengths. Then, we compare the results from two perspectives: analysis of individual supply risk components and a combined index representing the strength of the value chain. The results show, in general, a better performance of the concentrated solar power supply chain in terms of resource availability and supplier diversity, but slightly worse scores in the resilience and governance components. The index reflects better overall performance for concentrated solar power. Among metals, platinum, silver, and tin play the leading role in the analyzed risks. The European deployment of renewables should be accompanied by measures to secure supply, such as cooperation agreements, and also foster the recovery of secondary materials, thereby maximizing intra-European resilience.

A comprehensive review of 205 studies on energy storage sustainability evaluates economic, environmental, and social dimensions, highlights methodological gaps, and provides recommendations to improve future assessments.

This study evaluates the viability of a specific hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) installation designed for a remote community as a case study in Cuba. The system integrates solar, wind, and biomass resources to address localised challenges of energy insecurity and environmental degradation. Rather than offering a generalised evaluation of HRES technologies, this work focuses on the performance, impacts, and viability of this particular configuration within its unique geographical, social, and technical context. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) and input–output modelling, the research assesses environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The proposed HRES reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60% (from 1.14 to 0.47 kg CO₂eq/kWh) and fossil energy consumption by 50% compared to diesel-based systems. Socioeconomic analysis reveals that the system generates 40.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, with significant employment opportunities in operation and maintenance. However, initial investments primarily benefit foreign suppliers due to Cuba’s reliance on imported components. The study highlights the potential for local economic gains through workforce training and domestic manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple renewable sources to enhance energy resilience and sustainability in Cuba. Policymakers should prioritise strategies to incentivise local production and capacity building to maximise long-term benefits. Future research should explore scalability across diverse regions and investigate policy frameworks to support widespread adoption of HRES. This study provides valuable insights for advancing sustainable energy solutions in Cuba and similar contexts globally.

This study evaluates the viability of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) in remote Cuba, integrating solar, wind, and biomass to address energy insecurity and environmental degradation. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and input-output modeling, the research assesses environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The proposed HRES reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60% (from 1.14 to 0.47 kg CO2eq/kWh) and fossil energy consumption by 50% compared to diesel-based systems. Socioeconomic analysis reveals that the system generates 129.4 jobs, with significant employment opportunities in operation and maintenance. However, initial investments primarily benefit foreign suppliers due to Cuba’s reliance on imported components. The study highlights the potential for local economic gains through workforce training and domestic manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple renewable sources to enhance energy resilience and sustainability in Cuba. Policymakers should prioritise strategies to incentivise local production and capacity-building to maximise long-term benefits. Future research should explore scalability across diverse regions and investigate policy frameworks to support widespread adoption of HRES. This study provides valuable insights for advancing sustainable energy solutions in Cuba and similar contexts globally.

This chapter considers the use of input-output (IO) to conduct gross or net assessments of the socioeconomic implications of renewable energy deployment. The use of IO methodology extended with environmental and socioeconomic vectors has been proposed as a framework for analysing the sustainability of energy investments, as it is able to capture the total, direct and indirect, impacts of energy investments, considering the phenomenon of global value chains both in environmental and socioeconomic terms. This chapter describes the IO methodology and its extensions and discusses the scope of its applications to renewable energy investments.