Enhancing the Resilience and Sustainability of Integrated Energy Systems Exposed to Extreme Natural Hazards by Means of Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Simulation, and Optimization Methods, Within an Integrative Systems Framework: A Critical Review

Re-engineered fourth-generation management (R4thGM) emerged in 2022 as an innovative systems approach to make production systems more contemporary (e.g., more sustainable and open to diverse stakeholders), while complex system governance (CSG), as a systems approach, enables the control, coordination, communication, and integration of smart energy systems. However, there remains a lack of literature: (i) discussing how R4thGM, integrated energy system (IES) governance (as CSG), artificial intelligence (AI), advanced simulation, robust optimization methods, and stakeholders should be taken into account in the task of enhancing IES’s resilience and sustainability, particularly against extreme natural events; (ii) discussing the role of IES governance in enhancing control, coordination, integration, and communication of IES infrastructures; (iii) emphasizing the role of R4thGM for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of an IES; (iv) presenting an integrated energy meta-system (IEM) resulting from IES governance and relying on three technical enablers, i.e., (resilience) robust optimization, AI, and advanced simulation methods. This study aims to propose a novel integrative systems approach based on R4thGM and IES governance, using AI, advanced simulation, and optimization methods to enhance the resilience and sustainability of IES infrastructures in the design and operational phases. To achieve this goal, we have reviewed 85 Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed papers published in 2017–2025. The novelty of this study lies in presenting an integrative systems approach best suited to resilient and sustainable IES infrastructures against extreme natural hazards. Moreover, propositions are formulated to reflect on the suggested framework. Finally, research implications and future directions are provided.