Smart grid technology and the energy transition

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2020-07-21
Language
en
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Together with the increasing energy demand, the irregularity of renewable energy sources makes it challenging to align the demand- and supply-side of the energy market. However, smart grid technologies might help to align the demand- and supply-side of the energy market. The purpose of this research is to identify how drivers and barriers of smart grid implementation in the Dutch context influence the development of smart grid technologies in the Netherlands and to elaborate on the potential of smart grid technologies as a catalysator of the energy transition. The research question to be answered is: How do the drivers and barriers of smart grid implementation in the Dutch context contribute to or hinder the development of smart grid technologies in the Netherlands and how can smart grid technologies support the energy transition? To answer this question, an explorative case study has been conducted. The studied case is the Dutch Innovation Program Intelligent Nets (IPIN). The data is gathered via expert interviews and through document analysis. Concerning the driver dimensions of smart grid implementation, five different driver dimensions are distinguished: 1) the economic dimension, 2) the organisational dimension, 3) the technological dimension, 4) the regulatory dimension and 5) the societal dimension. Regarding the barrier dimensions of smart grid implementation, six different dimensions are distinguished: 1) the economic dimension, 2) the organisational dimension, 3) the technological dimension, 4) the regulatory dimension, 5) the societal dimension and 6) the political dimension. This research shows that the societal and the technological are the most important driver dimensions, while the economic and the societal are the most important barrier dimensions. With regards to the potential of smart grid technologies, smart grid technologies are facilitating the energy transition by offering a platform via which the demand- and supply-side of the energy market can be better aligned. Further research (e.g. comparative multi-case study) would be helpful to get an even more thorough understanding on the drivers and barriers of smart grid implementation and the potential of smart grid technologies
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen
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