National Renewable Policies in an International Electricity Market: A Socio-Technical Study

The current regulatory framework under which the support schemes for Renewable energy sources specifically for electricity (RES-E) operate, is provided for by the Directive 2009/28/EC. It sets a 20% target for energy consumption, while relying on legally binding, national targets until 2020. The goal to promote RES-E, in the European context,...

Security of supply during the energy transition: The role of capacity mechanisms

The push for clean energy has caused a rapid growth of renewables in the electricity supply mix of the EU. Although one would assume that the impact of these technologies is entirely positive, recent research and experience indicate that there is reason for concern namely regarding the security of supply. In this context, the concern is how...

On the Potential to Manage a Transition to Sustainability in the Westland

The Westland-Oostland Greenport is a large Dutch industrial cluster that is economically, socially and culturally important. Like many industries and regions, the greenport is facing serious challenges as a result of globalisation, energy supplies, and greenhouse gas emissions. These challenges can be understood as sustainability issues that...

Interactions between carbon and power markets in transition

In this research, several improvements to the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) were analysed. The EU ETS is a market for emission allowances and the European Union's main instrument for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (of which CO2 is the main component). However, the CO2 allowance price in this market has been highly volatile...

Structuring Socio-technical Complexity: Modelling Agent Systems using Institutional Analysis

Socio-technical systems consist of many heterogeneous decision making entities and technological artefacts. These systems are governed through public policy that unravels in a multi-scale institutional context, which ranges from norms and values to technical standards. Simulation, agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) in particular, is an...

Images of cooperation: A methodological exploration in energy networks

To ensure dependable, affordable, and sustainable use of energy, stakeholders in energy production, distribution, and consumption are increasingly seeking for cooperation. They aim to jointly tackle large energy projects in an environmental context that is changing at an increasing rate, towards increasing complexity. Cooperation is seen as a...

Capturing socio-technical systems with agent-based modelling

What is a suitable modelling approach for socio-technical systems? The answer to this question is of great importance to decision makers in large scale interconnected network systems. The behaviour of these systems is determined by many actors, situated in a dynamic, multi-actor, multi-objective and multi-level jungle. Models to support such an...