Energy in Smart Cities: Technological Trends and Prospects

Energy management in smart cities has gained particular significance in the context of climate change and the evolving geopolitical landscape. It has become a key element of sustainable urban development. In this context, energy management plays a central role in facilitating the growth of smart and...

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Main Authors: Danuta Szpilko, Xavier Fernando, Elvira Nica, Klaudia Budna, Agnieszka Rzepka, George Lăzăroiu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/24/6439
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author Danuta Szpilko
Xavier Fernando
Elvira Nica
Klaudia Budna
Agnieszka Rzepka
George Lăzăroiu
author_facet Danuta Szpilko
Xavier Fernando
Elvira Nica
Klaudia Budna
Agnieszka Rzepka
George Lăzăroiu
author_sort Danuta Szpilko
collection DOAJ
description Energy management in smart cities has gained particular significance in the context of climate change and the evolving geopolitical landscape. It has become a key element of sustainable urban development. In this context, energy management plays a central role in facilitating the growth of smart and sustainable cities. The aim of this article is to analyse existing scientific research related to energy in smart cities, identify technological trends, and highlight prospective directions for future studies in this field. The research involves a literature review based on the analysis of articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify and evaluate studies concerning energy in smart cities. The findings suggest that future research should focus on the development of smart energy grids, energy storage, the integration of renewable energy sources, as well as innovative technologies (e.g., Internet of Things, 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital twins). This article emphasises the significance of technologies that can enhance energy efficiency in cities, contributing to their sustainable development. The recommended practical and policy directions highlight the development of smart grids as a cornerstone for adaptive energy management and the integration of renewable energy sources, underpinned by regulations encouraging collaboration between operators and consumers. Municipal policies should prioritise the adoption of advanced technologies, such as the IoT, AI, blockchain, digital twins, and energy storage systems, to improve forecasting and resource efficiency. Investments in zero-emission buildings, renewable-powered public transport, and green infrastructure are essential for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Furthermore, community engagement and awareness campaigns should form an integral part of promoting sustainable energy practices aligned with broader development objectives.
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spelling doaj-art-e7cbf498fd994d75b802da2b499d83fa2025-08-20T02:57:13ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732024-12-011724643910.3390/en17246439Energy in Smart Cities: Technological Trends and ProspectsDanuta Szpilko0Xavier Fernando1Elvira Nica2Klaudia Budna3Agnieszka Rzepka4George Lăzăroiu5Faculty of Engineering Management, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A, 15-312 Bialystok, PolandIntelligent Communication and Computing Laboratory, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, CanadaDepartment of Administration and Public Management, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Piata Romana, No. 8, 010374 Bucharest, RomaniaFaculty of Engineering Management, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A, 15-312 Bialystok, PolandFaculty of Management, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 38 D, 20-618 Lublin, PolandIntelligent Communication and Computing Laboratory, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, CanadaEnergy management in smart cities has gained particular significance in the context of climate change and the evolving geopolitical landscape. It has become a key element of sustainable urban development. In this context, energy management plays a central role in facilitating the growth of smart and sustainable cities. The aim of this article is to analyse existing scientific research related to energy in smart cities, identify technological trends, and highlight prospective directions for future studies in this field. The research involves a literature review based on the analysis of articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify and evaluate studies concerning energy in smart cities. The findings suggest that future research should focus on the development of smart energy grids, energy storage, the integration of renewable energy sources, as well as innovative technologies (e.g., Internet of Things, 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital twins). This article emphasises the significance of technologies that can enhance energy efficiency in cities, contributing to their sustainable development. The recommended practical and policy directions highlight the development of smart grids as a cornerstone for adaptive energy management and the integration of renewable energy sources, underpinned by regulations encouraging collaboration between operators and consumers. Municipal policies should prioritise the adoption of advanced technologies, such as the IoT, AI, blockchain, digital twins, and energy storage systems, to improve forecasting and resource efficiency. Investments in zero-emission buildings, renewable-powered public transport, and green infrastructure are essential for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Furthermore, community engagement and awareness campaigns should form an integral part of promoting sustainable energy practices aligned with broader development objectives.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/24/6439smart cityenergysustainabilitytechnologyInternet of Things5G/6G
spellingShingle Danuta Szpilko
Xavier Fernando
Elvira Nica
Klaudia Budna
Agnieszka Rzepka
George Lăzăroiu
Energy in Smart Cities: Technological Trends and Prospects
Energies
smart city
energy
sustainability
technology
Internet of Things
5G/6G
title Energy in Smart Cities: Technological Trends and Prospects
title_full Energy in Smart Cities: Technological Trends and Prospects
title_fullStr Energy in Smart Cities: Technological Trends and Prospects
title_full_unstemmed Energy in Smart Cities: Technological Trends and Prospects
title_short Energy in Smart Cities: Technological Trends and Prospects
title_sort energy in smart cities technological trends and prospects
topic smart city
energy
sustainability
technology
Internet of Things
5G/6G
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/24/6439
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AT elviranica energyinsmartcitiestechnologicaltrendsandprospects
AT klaudiabudna energyinsmartcitiestechnologicaltrendsandprospects
AT agnieszkarzepka energyinsmartcitiestechnologicaltrendsandprospects
AT georgelazaroiu energyinsmartcitiestechnologicaltrendsandprospects