Diffusion of integrated energy management systems in Switzerland: A qualitative approach to uncover the role of supply and demand side information networks
The diffusion of renewable energy technologies is essential to advance the energy transition. With the Energy Strategy 2050, Switzerland aims to increase energy efficiency and decentralized renewable energy production. Energy Management Systems (EMS), by balancing energy production and consumption levels, are key to address these goals. However, even if those technologies are ready for deployment, they are not being widely adopted by the users. Besides users’ economic or ecological motivation to adopt, information exchange among people influences the adoption and is key to bridge this gap. Our work focuses on the diffusion of EMS integrating photovoltaics and e-mobility in Switzerland. The main goal is to understand the actor and information networks on the supply and demand side, and between them. We aim to identify key actors, communication channels and leverage factors to promote EMS, also focusing on proximity effects. This paper presents preliminary results of qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with EMS supply (18) and demand (21) side actors in 4 case-study regions: Solothurn, St. Gallen, Vaud, Ticino. The results show that energy utilities, energy technology providers, associations, engineers, architects, and institutional investors occupy a unique position to connect supply and demand and have an untapped potential to promote EMS. While social and geographical proximity seems to play a role for information exchange, the need to increase cohesiveness, partnerships between actors, and coordinating roles is identified. Interpersonal communication channels seem to be highly relevant, while mass media appears to play an ambiguous role. The quality and cohesiveness of information is key to promoting EMS, supported by the infrastructural context, clear and flexible energy legislation, and a straightforward business model. These results give insights into current actor landscapes enabling to derive recommendations to promote EMS in Switzerland.
2022-06-20
Event name | Event place | Event date |
Manchester, United Kingdom | June 20-23, 2022 | |