Identifying Key Components in Implementation of Internet of Energy (IoE) in Iran with a Combined Approach of Meta-Synthesis and Structural Analysis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The increasing consumption of energy and the numerous obstacles in the way of its extraction, including diminishing fossil fuels and the turn towards renewable energies, environmental changes, a tendency towards systems of information networks, rising costs of energy and advancement of technology have made the need for new technologies aimed at efficient management of energy more imminent. The Internet of Energy (IoE) technology has been recognized as a novel and efficient strategy that provides the necessary tools for optimal energy management. The present study was carried out with the purpose of identifying key components in implementation of IoE in Iran. This study is practical in its goal and descriptive-explorative in its methodology. First, the data were categorized using the qualitative method of meta-synthesis and using the Sandelowski and Barroso method. The statistical population of the study was the scholarly finding of 2010–2021 and 55 papers were sampled from the published works. The kappa coefficient was used to determine reliability and quality control. The kappa coefficient calculated with SPSS equals 0.87, which falls in the “excellent” category. Second, the frequency and importance of each component was determined using the Shannon entropy technique. The purpose of this method is to measure the weight or importance of each component based on frequency and to identify the key components. Third, the MICMAC structural analysis method was used to evaluate the influence/dependence of components by eight experts in the field of energy and determine strategic components. The purpose of this step is to compare the results with the results of the second step of the research. The results show that 82 indicators play a role in implementation of the concept of IoE; these indicators can be divided into ten axial categories of rules and regulations, individual and human factors, funding, technological infrastructure, cultural and social factors, security factors, technological factors, knowledge factors, learning style, and management factors. In the Shannon entropy method, technological infrastructure, management factors, and rules and regulations are the most significant, respectively. In MICMAC structural analysis, the components of managerial factors, technological infrastructure, and financing have the largest share in influence and dependence, respectively. Conclusion: The two components of management factors and technological infrastructure can be considered as key and strategic components in implementation of IoE in Iran.