11.1.3 Engineering Clean Energy Systems

Abstract

AbstractWhile new technology and innovation is important, Systems Engineering (SE) is essential for the development of clean energy systems. A main advantage of an SE approach is that it allows society to focus resources and avoid big mistakes. By comparing current clean energy development efforts with SE best practices, we identify strengths, weaknesses and novel SE challenges. This comparison will highlight the importance of: broadly accepted strategic goals; employing scenarios to establish direction and development priorities; evaluating performance of systems not components; phased development to respond to new knowledge; critical reviews to establish broadly accepted fact; disciplined value choices based on evidence rather than aspirations; and governance (roles and responsibilities). Truly novel challenges are accommodating the number and diversity of stakeholders and making broadly accepted value choices. The next step should be a trustworthy set of strategic systems scenario tradeoffs. An unanswered question is who best provides overall coordination? Clean energy development is a grand SE challenge. Society needs to do this right.