The role of residential prosumers initiating the energy innovation ecosystem to future flexible energy system

Abstract

This paper explores prosumer role in Smart Grid innovation ecosystem as part of the energy market transition from traditional energy system to future flexible energy ecosystem based on renewable energy sources. This transition is facilitated by international agendas and government actions to slow down climate change globally and technological advancements in multiple areas like consumer electronics (e.g. smart appliances) and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These developments render industries to converge and traditional structures are changing. Despite the technology developments and top-down policy push, the Smart Grid innovation ecosystem diffusion has not reached mass-market adoption yet. We review theoretical basis for energy system transition based on which we suggest a series of exploratory propositions for prosumer role in initiating the Smart Grid innovation ecosystem.