About this Research Topic

Background

The field of renewable microgrids and electrification for industrial processes is gaining significant attention as the global community seeks to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is crucial, yet it faces two primary challenges: the inherent variability of renewable energy sources, and the adaptation of current industrial processes to utilize these energies effectively. Traditional industries heavily rely on heat, generated through cogeneration systems like boilers and gas turbines, which contribute significantly to CO2 emissions.

There is a pressing need to shift from heat-driven to power-driven technologies to transition towards cleaner industrial processes. This shift necessitates the development of innovative power-driven reaction and separation technologies and efficient electricity-based heat generation methods. Despite advancements, the integration of renewable energy into industrial systems remains complex due to energy fluctuations, necessitating robust and reliable system designs. Advanced system engineering methodologies are essential to enhance the economic and operational efficiency of these systems, yet there remains a gap in comprehensive solutions that address these multifaceted challenges.

This Research Topic aims to address the challenges associated with renewable microgrids and electrification technologies in industrial energy systems. The primary objectives include exploring state-of-the-art technologies in renewable microgrids and industrial electrification, advancing the understanding of the integration of these technologies within industrial systems, and developing pathways for achieving carbon net-zero emissions. Key questions to be addressed include how to enhance the reliability and efficiency of renewable microgrids, and how to effectively transition industrial processes to utilize electricity over traditional heat sources.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• State-of-the-art renewable microgrid technologies
• State-of-the-art industrial electrification technologies
• Smart renewable microgrid technologies
• Industrial electric heater/boiler technologies
• Industrial electric reaction and separation technologies
• The integration of renewable energy, microgrids, and industrial energy systems
• Pathways for industrial electrification in carbon net-zero emissions conditions
• Advanced heat pump technologies
• Techno-economic and life-cycle analysis of industrial systems with novel electrification technologies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: renewable microgrids, industrial electrification, techno-economic analysis, advanced heat pump technologies, industrial energy systems, advanced system engineering, power-driven reaction and separation technologies, life-cycle analysis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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