Systems, Decision and Control in Energy VIII

Systems, Decision and Control in Energy VIII. Volume III: Energy and Environmental Safety offers a comprehensive exploration of the technologies, methodologies, and environmental considerations shaping the future of nuclear and renewable energy systems. As global energy infrastructures evolve under the pressures of decarbonization, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainty, this volume presents cutting-edge research that bridges engineering innovation with ecological responsibility. The book is organized into three major sections-Nuclear Power Engineering, Renewable Power Engineering, and Environmental Safety-reflecting the interconnected nature of modern energy systems and the need for integrated approaches to sustainability and resilience. The Nuclear Power Engineering section examines the strategic and technical challenges of maintaining safe, reliable nuclear energy. Chapters introduce methodologies for comparing reactor types, enabling informed decision-making in technology selection. Research on the stressed state of structural elements under emergency loads highlights the importance of robust safety assessments. Studies on advanced radiation-protective materials-including chitosan-based nanocomposites and polymer matrix composites-demonstrate how material science contributes to safer nuclear environments. Additional contributions address multi-level risk assessment frameworks for nuclear facility security and global approaches to radon regulation, underscoring the need for harmonized standards in radiation safety. The Renewable Power Engineering section focuses on the optimization, modeling, and integration of renewable energy systems. Chapters explore wind and solar plant performance, hybrid generation structures, and the role of mathematical modeling in balancing renewable variability. Research on discrete Fourier transforms for wind speed modeling, storage requirements for solar-plus-storage systems, and diagnostics of photovoltaic degradation illustrates the importance of analytical and data-driven tools. Further studies examine biomass utilization, hybrid solar-geothermal systems, and small-scale carbon-free plants, offering diverse pathways for sustainable energy development. The Environmental Safety section expands the scope to ecological and societal resilience. Contributions discuss the ISO 14000 standards as instruments for achieving global sustainability goals and present satellite-based models for forecasting environmental states. Research on toxic substance accumulation, soil contamination, and ecological indicator plants highlights the need for comprehensive monitoring and mitigation strategies. Additional chapters address climate-related risks, hydrological forecasting under anthropogenic and military impacts, and seismic hazard assessments in critical regions. The application of artificial intelligence in water treatment optimization demonstrates how digital technologies can enhance environmental management. Together, the chapters in this volume underscore the interdependence of energy systems and environmental safety. Nuclear and renewable technologies must be developed alongside robust ecological safeguards, advanced modeling tools, and resilient governance frameworks. The insights presented here are particularly relevant for Ukraine, where energy security and environmental protection are deeply intertwined, yet they also offer valuable guidance for the global energy community. This volume provides researchers, engineers, policymakers, and practitioners with a rich foundation for advancing sustainable, resilient, and environmentally responsible energy systems