Facilitating energy transition through energy commons: An application of socio-ecological systems framework for integrated community energy systems

Cristina Acosta, Mariana Ortega, Till Bunsen, Binod Prasad Koirala* (Corresponding Author), Amineh Ghorbani

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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    Abstract

    Integrated Community Energy Systems (ICES) are an emerging local energy system focusing on the collective use of distributed energy resources (DER). These socio-technical systems (STSs) have a high potential to advance the transition towards socially inclusive, environmentally-friendly energy systems and to stimulate the local economy. While there is an analogy between energy in ICES and other common goods such as natural resources, it is not clear to what extent the existing theoretical framework for Socio-ecological Systems (SES) on the commons accounts for the specificities of common resources in ICESs and other STSs. This research explores the applicability of the SES framework to energy commons that are firmly embedded in STS with reference to the DE Ramplaan ICES in the Netherlands. The formation process and governance characteristics of this ICES are revised, further aided by stakeholder interviews. A framework and a strategic plan that can be used to design and implement an ICES are proposed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number366
    JournalSustainability (Switzerland)
    Volume10
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 31 Jan 2018

    Keywords

    • Community energy
    • Distributed energy resources
    • Energy transition
    • Renewable energy
    • Self-governance
    • Socio-technical systems
    • Common pool resources

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