Innovations for Holistic and Sustainable Transitions

Phoebe Koundouri (), Angelos Alamanos, Stathis Devves, Conrad Landis and Kostantinos Dellis
Additional contact information
Angelos Alamanos: Independent Researcher, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Stathis Devves: Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research Center, 15125 Athens, Greece
Conrad Landis: Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research Center, 15125 Athens, Greece
Kostantinos Dellis: Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research Center, 15125 Athens, Greece

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-16

Abstract: Energy system planning has evolved from a narrow focus on engineering and supply works towards addressing more complex, multifactorial challenges. Increasingly challenged by climate change, extreme events, economic shocks, and altered supply demand patterns, the analysis of energy systems requires holistic approaches based on data-driven models, taking into account key socio-economic factors. We draw insights from reviewing the literature, indicating the need to cover the following major gaps: the shift to transdisciplinary approaches, incorporating environmental system analysis; resilient and sustainable energy designs based on flexible portfolios of renewable mixes; the integration of socio-economic aspects, economic analyses and behavioural models to ensure energy systems are not only technically sound but socially acceptable and viable; the need for stakeholder engagement considering the human angle in energy security and behavioural shifts. Responding to these pressing challenges and emerging needs, the Global Climate Hub (GCH) initiative, operating under the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, offers a conceptual framework, leveraging transdisciplinary approaches. In this Concept Paper, we present for the first time the idea of the GCH as a framework that we believe has the potential to address the modern holistic needs for energy system analysis and policymaking. By setting the conceptual/theoretical ground of our suggested approach, we aim to provide guidance for innovative combinations of cutting-edge models, socio-economic narratives, and inclusive interaction with relevant stakeholders for the development and the long-term implementation of sustainable pathways.

Keywords: energy; energy policy; integrated modelling; Global Climate Hub; system innovation approach; stakeholder participation; environmental economics; valuation (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: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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