EU R&D Funding for Electricity Grid Technologies and the Energy Transition: Centralised versus Decentralised Transition Pathways

Antje Klitkou, Arne Martin Fevolden and Allan Dahl Andersen
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Antje Klitkou: Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education, P.O. Box 2815 Tøyen, NO-0608 Oslo, Norway
Arne Martin Fevolden: Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education, P.O. Box 2815 Tøyen, NO-0608 Oslo, Norway
Allan Dahl Andersen: TIK Center, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1108 Blindern, NO-0317 Oslo, Norway

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-25

Abstract: In the acceleration phase transitions often increase in depth and scope, and thereby create knock-on effects for wider system structures. In the renewable energy transition, for example, higher shares of intermittent renewable energy sources call for new grid technologies to increase flexible grid operation. At the same time, there are different ways of achieving renewable energy transitions and providing flexibility. In Europe, important tensions exist over how centralised or decentralised a renewable energy electricity system should be. This paper explores to what extent and how European framework programmes for research and development have addressed and supported innovation in transmission grid (centralised system) and distribution grid (decentralised) technologies. We analyse European R&D projects that studied electricity grid planning, development and innovation over 2002–2020. We apply social network analysis of the collaboration partners in these projects, and analyse the calls for proposals issued by three European Framework Programmes: FP6, FP7 and Horizon 2020. The framework programmes have addressed energy-related issues, but the priorities have changed over time, reflecting the ongoing energy transition. We ask if the importance of transmission grid vs. distribution grid has changed over time, and if and how the collaboration patterns have changed.

Keywords: energy grid; European framework programmes; energy system; transmission grid; distribution grid; energy transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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