Why Researchers Choose Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews for High-Impact Publications
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews stands as a premier outlet for comprehensive reviews in the field of renewable and sustainable energy. Published by Elsevier since 1996, this journal has established itself as an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals seeking in-depth analyses of energy technologies, environmental impacts, and sustainability strategies. With a focus on critical evaluations of emerging trends, the journal bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications, making it a go-to for high-impact scholarship.
The journal's rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the most innovative and well-substantiated reviews are published, contributing to its esteemed reputation. Researchers value its broad interdisciplinary appeal, covering topics from solar and wind energy systems to bioenergy and energy policy frameworks. Its high citation rates reflect the influence of its content on global sustainability efforts. For academics aiming to disseminate influential work, publishing here offers visibility among top experts and opportunities to shape future energy paradigms.
Key to its prestige is the emphasis on systematic reviews that synthesize vast literature, providing actionable insights. The journal's commitment to open innovation in energy solutions aligns with global challenges like climate change mitigation. Aspiring authors appreciate the detailed guidelines that support high-quality submissions. As sustainability becomes central to research agendas, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews remains indispensable.
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Overview & History
Launched in 1996 by Elsevier, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews was created to address the growing need for synthesized knowledge in renewable energy technologies and sustainable practices. Initially focusing on review articles that consolidate fragmented research, it quickly gained traction amid rising global awareness of energy crises and environmental degradation. Over the decades, the journal has evolved to encompass broader sustainability themes, including policy analysis and techno-economic assessments.
Under the Netherlands-based publisher Elsevier, it has published thousands of articles, influencing international energy policies and research directions. The journal's history reflects the maturation of the field, from early solar photovoltaic reviews to contemporary discussions on hydrogen economies and circular energy systems. Its consistent growth in submissions and readership underscores its role as a foundational publication in sustainability studies.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The scope of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews centers on authoritative reviews of renewable energy sources, sustainable technologies, and their integration into societal systems. It welcomes manuscripts that critically appraise progress in energy efficiency, resource management, and low-carbon transitions.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy Technologies | Covers solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass systems, including innovations in efficiency and scalability. |
| Sustainable Development | Explores energy's role in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, with emphasis on equity and long-term viability. |
| Energy Policy and Economics | Analyzes regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and economic models for sustainable energy adoption. |
| Environmental Impact Assessment | Evaluates lifecycle analyses, emissions reductions, and ecological consequences of energy projects. |
| Energy Storage and Conversion | Reviews advancements in batteries, fuel cells, and smart grids for reliable renewable integration. |
These disciplines ensure comprehensive coverage, attracting contributions from engineering, environmental science, and social sciences.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 16.3 | Clarivate JCR 2023 |
| CiteScore | 29.7 | Scopus 2023 |
| h-Index | 289 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
| Average Review Time | 4-6 months | Publisher data |
These metrics highlight the journal's influence and selectivity in the sustainability domain.
Indexing and Abstracting
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide accessibility. It appears in Scopus, Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), and Google Scholar. Additional coverage includes EI Compendex, INSPEC, and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for open access articles. This indexing facilitates discoverability and citation tracking for authors. Researchers can access abstracts via Scopus and full metrics on Clarivate platforms.
Publication Model and Fees
The journal operates a hybrid model, offering both subscription-based and open access options. Traditional publication is free for authors, with articles behind a paywall unless institutional access is available. For open access, an Article Processing Charge (APC) of approximately €3,690 applies, covering peer review and dissemination. Elsevier's green and gold OA policies support various funding models, including waivers for eligible authors from low-income countries. This flexibility accommodates diverse researcher needs in sustainability publishing.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through Elsevier's Editorial Manager system. Authors must prepare manuscripts as review articles (8,000-15,000 words), adhering to structured formats with abstracts, keywords, and reference lists in Vancouver style. Originality checks via iThenticate are mandatory. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-anonymized peer review by 3-5 experts. Guidelines emphasize novelty, comprehensiveness, and global relevance. Detailed instructions are available on the official journal homepage.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises distinguished scholars from around the world. Editor-in-Chief Soteris Kalogirou from Cyprus University of Technology brings expertise in solar energy and thermal systems. Other key members include Jinyue Yan (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden) for energy systems integration and Ibrahim Dincer (University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada) for sustainable energy engineering. This international team ensures balanced, high-quality oversight, drawing from diverse regions like Europe, North America, and Asia.
Why Publish in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews?
Publishing in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews offers unparalleled exposure due to its high impact factor and readership of over 1 million annual downloads. Authors benefit from rigorous feedback that enhances work quality and career advancement, such as tenure promotions. The journal's focus on reviews allows for synthesizing complex topics, establishing authors as thought leaders. Its Elsevier affiliation provides robust marketing and archiving. For early-career researchers, it opens doors to collaborations and funding opportunities in sustainability.
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Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Publisher | Impact Factor (2023) | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Policy | Elsevier | 9.7 | Policy and economics |
| Applied Energy | Elsevier | 11.2 | Engineering applications |
| Journal of Cleaner Production | Elsevier | 11.1 | Sustainable production |
| Renewable Energy | Elsevier | 8.7 | Technology development |
| Sustainability | MDPI | 3.9 | Interdisciplinary sustainability |
This comparison positions Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews as a leader in review-style publications within sustainability.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Conduct a thorough literature gap analysis to ensure your review adds unique value.
- Structure your manuscript with clear sections: introduction, methodology, findings, and implications.
- Include quantitative data and visuals to support arguments, adhering to word limits.
- Seek feedback from colleagues before submission to refine clarity and impact.
- Highlight global relevance, especially alignment with SDGs.
- Follow Sherpa/RoMEO for copyright policies via Sherpa/RoMEO.
For planning your academic path, check the academic calendar for key deadlines. Explore tenure-track positions in energy research to align with publication goals.