| dc.description.abstract | The energy market is transforming at a fast pace and is leaning toward the direction of grid parity, when generation behind the meter of prosumers, energy communities and cooperatives (RECs) becomes cost-competitive with the actual generation system. The problem is that the current energy system is designed for one way flows of energy and does not account for the role of prosumers in creating bi-directional flows of energy. Regulators are therefore drafting new opportunities to integrate prosumers and communities in the market and create a new window of opportunity for their emergence as powerful energy actors. The transition toward a decarbonized and decentralized energy system, creates several challenges for all energy actors in terms of integration of new entities in the system. The main question is if digitalization can help to enhance system integration and how would that be possible. In particular, blockchain is analysed as a suitable technology to support this transition due to its decentralized nature.
This research, therefore, aims to investigate the pathway of development of the innovation of renewable energy communities and cooperatives in the perception of different actors of the system. In order to do this, a Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) is applied to understand what type of transition pathway is the most suitable to allow the scale-up of the innovation. Furthermore, drivers and barriers encountered throughout this development are analyzed and confronted with different blockchain functionalities to understand to what extent blockchain technology can represent an enabler for the specific pathway development.
The present research was conducted following a qualitative inductive approach, implemented through a mixed method, consisting of both desk research, and semi-structured interviews involving several actors of the Spanish energy system. Results showed that perceptions of different actors at the regime and niche level diverge in the perception of the nature of the interaction between niche and regime and this implies different pathways of development of the RECs. In these two different scenarios, the innovation faces different drivers and barriers and therefore two different designs of blockchain are confronted to address different functionalities. From the analysis of results, it is possible to draw practical recommendations for energy ecosystem actors about which type of blockchain can be implemented and what benefits can bring to the development of renewable energy communities. | |
