Advancements in smart energy system operation and planning

Effective decarbonization depends on the use integrated approaches that coordinate technologies, markets, and energy sectors. Tackling energy challenges in isolation often results in inefficiencies and missed opportunities, whereas holistic approaches like Smart Energy Systems enable sector coupling across electricity, heating, cooling, and transport to enhance cost-effectiveness and overall efficiency. This editorial introduces the Special Issue dedicated to 8th International Conference on Smart Energy Systems, held in September 2022 in Aalborg, Denmark. The featured contributions address key topics such as system-edge control solutions, optimization strategies, waste heat integration, and the development of decentralized, scalable energy solutions. Together, these works highlight innovative approaches to managing the technical, economic, and operational complexities of the energy transition while supporting global decarbonization goals. • Special Issue of the 8th International Conference on Smart Energy Systems. • Smart control of demand-side flexibility at the system's edge. • Planning of local energy generation and waste heat integration. • Long-term energy planning of sector-coupled energy systems.