No abstract

Smart energy systems (SESs), with integrated energy sectors, provide several advantages over single-sector approaches for the development of renewable energy systems. However, cross-sector integration is at an early stage even in areas challenged by the existing high shares of variable renewable energy (VRE). The promotion of cross-sector integration requires institutional incentives and new forms of actor participation and interaction that are suitable to address the organisational challenges of implementing and operating SESs. Taking as the point of departure an empirical case and its institutional context, this article presents an exploratory study of the ability of cross-sector consumer ownership at different locations in the power distribution system to address those challenges in Denmark. The methods comprise interviews of relevant stakeholders and a literature review. The results indicate that distant and local cross-sector integration will be necessary to reduce overinvestments in the grid and that consumer co-ownership of wind turbines and power-to-heat (P2H) units in district heating (DH) systems may provide advantages over common separate ownership with regard to local acceptance and attractiveness of investments. Several possibilities are identified to improve the current institutional incentive system in Denmark. Finally, the results suggest the relevance of analysing the possibility for single-sector energy companies to transition to smart energy companies.

No abstract

In the context of the climate crisis and the Paris Agreement, the EU has set the target of reducing its carbon emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. The transformation of the energy system through the substitution of fossil fuels with energy demand reductions, variable renewable energy and other low-carbon fuels and technologies will be crucial to meeting those goals. However, the positive and negative consequences of different socio-technical paths are still not fully understood, and in particular, more knowledge is needed regarding the potential socio-political, market and local acceptance of these paths, as this is essential for a timely energy transition. This study contributes to this understanding by studying which ownership characteristics and models could best promote (a) the implementation of onshore wind farms and district heating systems in renewable smart energy systems and (b) the reduction of the related energy costs and prices.