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.
Highlights
Received: 7 December 2021Accepted: 21 January 2022Published: 25 January 2022Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.This paper maps and explores the evolution of EU R&D funding for electricity grid technologies in 2002–2020 to identify changes in topics, networks and actors, and how these changes are related to the renewable energy transition unfolding in the same period
The paper is based on a mixed-method approach to analyse European R&D projects that studied electricity grid planning, development and innovation in Europe and which were funded since 2002, and on an analysis of the calls for proposals issued by the three European Framework Programmes, FP6, FP7 and Against the background of existing literature and study case details, we propose a set of hypotheses to guide our analysis: 1
Under the 6th Framework Programme, which lasted from September 2002 to December 2006, energy was addressed under Sustainable Development, Global Change and Ecosystems: thematic priority 6
Summary
This paper maps and explores the evolution of EU R&D funding for electricity grid technologies in 2002–2020 to identify changes in topics, networks and actors, and how these changes are related to the renewable energy transition unfolding in the same period. Taking measures against global climate change implies achieving transitions towards sustainability in sociotechnical systems such as electricity, transport and food [1]. As transitions advance, they can change in scope and depth [2]. We contribute to narrowing this gap in the literature
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