Active consumer participation in smart energy systems

TLDR

Future energy systems must integrate large shares of renewable energy and improve efficiency, with buildings accounting for 32 % of global final energy use; consumer integration is crucial, yet holistic discussions of all relevant elements remain scarce. The study reviews the steps and obstacles for developing user‑centric business models in smart energy systems, aiming to identify current challenges and future research needs. It examines required data, computational methods, and psychological aspects for implementing user‑centric business models in smart energy systems.

Abstract

A pressing task for future energy systems is the design and operation of systems that integrate large shares of renewable energy while improving overall system efficiency. Because buildings consume about 32% of the total global final energy use, they are of vital importance. In recent years, technical and socio-economic studies, as well as hands-on experience, have concluded that the integration and participation of consumer are crucial for smart energy systems. To reach challenging climate goals, individual consumer, social environment, physical environment, digital realities and economical conditions must be considered and integrated in successful solutions and business models. However, a holistic discussion of all these elements is scarce. This paper presents a comprehensive review of necessary steps and obstacles during the development and implementation of user centric business models, including a detailed discussion of required data and computational methods as well as psychological aspects of consumer participation. In addition, we aim to identify current challenges and future research needs.