Eco-Sustainable Energy Production in Healthcare: Trends and Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems

Domenico Mazzeo, Cristina Baglivo (), Simone Panico, Matteo Manieri, Nicoletta Matera and Paolo Maria Congedo
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Domenico Mazzeo: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, 34 La Masa, 20156 Milan, Italy
Cristina Baglivo: Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni Km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Simone Panico: Institute for Renewable Energies, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Matteo Manieri: Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni Km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Nicoletta Matera: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, 34 La Masa, 20156 Milan, Italy
Paolo Maria Congedo: Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni Km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-20

Abstract: The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems represents a pivotal step toward the realization of a sustainable society. This study aims to analyze representative scientific literature on eco-sustainable energy production in the healthcare sector, particularly in hospitals. Given hospitals’ substantial electricity consumption, the adoption of renewable energy offers a reliable, low-CO 2 emission solution. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency for energy-efficient and environmentally-responsible approaches. This brief review analyzes the development of experimental, simulation, and optimization projects for sustainable energy production in healthcare facilities. The analysis reveals trends and challenges in renewable energy systems, offering valuable insights into the potential of eco-sustainable solutions in the healthcare sector. The findings indicate that hydrogen storage systems are consistently coupled with photovoltaic panels or solar collectors, but only 14% of the analyzed studies explore this potential within hospital settings. Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) could be used to meet the energy demands of healthcare centers and hospitals. However, the integration of HRES in hospitals and medical buildings is understudied.

Keywords: eco-sustainable energy production; hospitals and healthcare facilities; renewable energy systems; hydrogen production; statistical analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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