Abstract
We describe a novel application of the field anomaly relaxation (FAR) method of scenario construction to the complex problem of smart grid development. We augment the FAR methodology with extensive expert input through all four steps to incorporate detailed knowledge of the technical, economic and policy issues relevant to informing scenarios for smart grid development in the United Kingdom. These steps inform scenarios useful to policymakers, regulators and the energy industry. We found this extended method to be flexible and reliable. Analysis of smart grid development yielded seven dimensions, allowing for portrayal of a complex and informed set of scenarios. The expert input and feedback identified branching points allowing switching between scenarios – a powerful dynamic feature to assist policy development for a fast-changing technological and regulatory landscape.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 101675 |
Journal | Energy Research and Social Science |
Volume | 70 |
Early online date | 7 Jul 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2020 |
Funding
This research was funded as part of the research programme of the UK Energy Research Centre , supported by the UK Research Councils under Natural Environment Research Council award NE/G007748/1 and NE/J005975/1. Additional support was received from Horizon Digital Economy Research, RCUK grants (EP/G065802/1) and (EP/M02315X/1). We would like to acknowledge and thank summer intern Matt Schmoldt at Policy Studies Institute at the University of Westminster for his support during this research. Thanks also to our advisory panel and additional experts who volunteered their time and input into the FAR development at several stages of the project.
Keywords
- Energy scenario
- FAR method
- Field anomaly relaxation
- Participatory scenario
- Scenario development
- Smart grid scenario
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering
- Fuel Technology
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)