Facilitating energy transition through energy commons

An application of socio-ecological systems framework for integrated community energy systems

Journal article (2018)

Authors

B.P. Koirala Energy and Industry , University of Twente
Amineh Ghorbani Energy and Industry
Research Group
Energy and Industry
Copyright: © 2018 Cristina Acosta, Mariana Ortega, Till Bunsen, B.P. Koirala, Amineh Ghorbani
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020366
Energy transition Renewable energy Distributed energy resources Socio-technical systems OA-Fund TU Delft Community energy Common pool resources Self-governance
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Published Date

2018

Language

English

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Research Group

Energy and Industry

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.