Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The aftermath of Superstorm Sandy highlights other struggles associated with change
in electricity systems. Not only are there limits to the introduction of new technologies
during a disruptive event, but also, overlapping jurisdictions and diverse priorities and
perspectives among actors make electricity system change extremely challenging. Change
in all complex social and technical systems is dependent on struggle and tension, and
conflict creates possibilities for new and creative sociotechnical norms to emerge. As
we confront the challenges and opportunities of electricity system change, understanding
how struggles are developing and why tensions are evolving can contribute to creative
alignment of interests and priorities.
Multiple tensions and opportunities are currently emerging in electricity systems as
the notion of a smarter grid offers both great promise and pitfalls. The term
smart grid
has become a catch-all phrase to represent the potential benefits of a revamped and
more sophisticated electricity system that can fulfill several societal expectations related
to enhanced efficiency and sustainability. Smart grid is not a single technology but a
somewhat ambiguous term that represents multiple visions and technologies throughout
the electric system. Smart grid often means different things to different people. Given the
breadth of the many promises (and pitfalls) of smart grid, given the complexity of possible
technical configurations of smart grid, and given the diversity of societal actors involved
and invested in smart grid deployment, understanding the sociotechnical context for smart
grid development is challenging and complicated.
Acknowledging the very different perspectives and priorities of the individuals and
organizations involved in and impacted by electricity system change, this topic explores
and explains the dynamic smart grid landscape, exploring how new tensions create
opportunities for evolutionary change and the potential for revolutionary change. In this
topic, we take a broad system-wide perspective to examine the different ways smart
grid is meeting the evolving demands of electricity systems. By comparing smart grid
development in different regions of the United States and Europe, we demonstrate that
how smart grid is fulfilling changing societal expectations of electricity systems depends
on social and political contexts, which are often shaped by regionally specific goals,
resources, and engaged actors. Which actors and organizations have control and influence
over shaping smart grid, and who benefits from smart grid changes, varies considerably
among communities, states, regions, and countries.
Different smart grid visions reflect a diversity of social and political landscapes creating
an evolving patchwork of smart grid trajectories. The diversity embedded within smart
grid visions reflects a new diverse reality for energy systems, energy policy, and energy
technologies. There is no silver-bullet solution to the energy challenges facing society.
By revealing the diversity of smart grid potentials in this topic, we also reveal and
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