Simulating institutional and technical conditions for thermal energy community formation 1.0.0
The ABM model that is developed in the present study is about technical (thermal) energy innovation that goes hand in hand with social innovation (in the form of energy community formation). It uses on how certain combinations of technical and institutional conditions influence formation of thermal energy communities. Furthermore, it proposes recommendations on the institutional changes required to foster the establishment of Dutch thermal energy communities. The model itself has the potential to serve as a simplified tool for stakeholders to explore how to foster thermal energy transitions in their local context. The results of the present study exemplify how the model can be applied in the Dutch energy context, but this tool can be applied to other contexts as well by adjusting the data.
Release Notes
In this modelling exercise, we used The four-layer model of Williamson, Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, and Behavioural reasoning theory, for conceptualizing thermal energy communities. The approach was to build an ABM for institutional modelling and social simulation of such systems and the model is populated by data from the Netherlands.
To study energy community formation agent-based modelling is proposed.
Institutional conditions influence energy communities’ formation greatly.
Trained energy community boards facilitate energy community formation.
Financial considerations alone are insufficient to form energy communities.
Balancing between all relevant decision-making criteria is key to success.
Technology selection is no crucial condition to energy community formation.