A system dynamics model for renewable energy technology adoption of the hotel sector

Abstract

Promoting renewable energy technology (RET) adoption among the hotel sector would reduce its emissions given that the hotel sector consumes high amounts of electricity. Previous research suggests that the adoption of RET in the hotel sector includes an interplay between incentive policies, technology advancement, tourist behaviour and hotelier perception of RET. However, a quantitative model is needed to triangulate the results. System dynamics simulation, in conjunction with the Generalized Bass model, was used to model RET adoption for the hotel sector in Queensland, Australia. The sensitivity analysis was used to determine the leverage point(s) of RET adoption. The results demonstrated that the adoption rate follows the S-curve growth only when the market condition is favourable; technology performance leverages RET adoption more than the government incentives; and hotelier and tourist perceptions act as market accelerators, triggering more adopters to follow suit.