Advances in industrial energy systems for production, storage and utilization of energy

This vision article accompanies a Special Issue of Applied Thermal Engineering dedicated to the 18th Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) conference held in Dubrovnik, Croatia from 24 to 29 September 2023. This article presents a selection of papers presentet at the conferences, published in Applied Thermal Engineering journal, all focused on advancing sustainable thermal energy systems together with clean energy technologies. The research encompasses a diverse range of innovations, with particular attention to heat exchangers, thermal energy storage, thermal system simulations, and their integration with chemical processes and pollutant control. Based on recent advancements in the field, this vision article examines the development and application of cutting-edge technologies while addressing key challenges that require further investigation. The progress of both emerging and established technologies will rely on breakthroughs in fundamental research, cost reduction measures, expansion of operational capabilities, and the implementation of advanced control strategies. Furthermore, optimizing systems will necessitate the integration of multiple renewable energy sources and sophisticated modeling tools. By synthesizing the latest trends and critical research needs, this article offers valuable perspectives for scientists, researchers, and engineers, providing direction for future studies and innovations in sustainable thermal energy systems.