Decentralization, decarbonization and digitalization in swarm electrification

Abstract

Meeting the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, poses significant challenges. Overcoming these hurdles requires innovative solutions that can bridge the gap between current capabilities and future needs. Swarm electrification emerges as a promising concept that could accelerate progress towards achieving SDG 7 goals by leveraging the collective power of decentralized energy resources. This paper presents a literature review on swarm electrification and related insights from case studies. The study delves into the concept of swarm electrification, placing it within the context of the prevailing trends in the power system sector: decentralization, decarbonization, and digitalization. It examines the role of digital technologies in enhancing swarm electrification and categorizes application areas according to the phases of swarm electrification. Particular attention is given to the technologies underpinning Deep Digitalization, such as distributed ledger technology, notably blockchain, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on machine learning. These technologies play pivotal roles in advancing swarm electrification. The review demonstrates how deep digitalization can facilitate the improvement of swarm electrification and ultimately support the integration of bottom-up initiatives with top-down grid expansion efforts over time.