Abstract
Digitalization is a transformation process which has already affected many parts of industry and society and is expected to yet increase its transformative speed and impact. In the energy sector, many digital applications have already been implemented. However, a more drastic change is expected during the next decades. Good understanding of which digital applications are possible and what are the associated benefits as well as risks from the different perspectives of the impacted stakeholders is of high importance. On the one hand, it is the basis for a broad societal and political discussion about general targets and guidelines of digitalization. On the other hand, it is an important piece of information for companies in order to develop and sustainably implement digital applications. This article provides a structured overview of potential digital applications in the German energy (electricity) sector, including the associated benefits and the impacted stakeholders on the basis of a literature review. Furthermore, as an outlook, a methodology to holistically analyze digital applications is suggested. The intended purpose of the suggested methodology is to provide a complexity-reduced fact base as input for societal and political discussions and for the development of new digital products, services, or business models. While the methodology is outlined in this article, in a follow-up article the application of the methodology will be presented and the use of the approach reflected.
Highlights
Digitalization is not a recent phenomenon but started decades ago
In the book “Practical knowledge digital transformation” by Wallmüller [6], digitalization is described as the process of capturing, editing/using, and saving analog information on digital data storage devices, and digital transformation is seen as the application of digital technologies
The ten publications consist of two publications by renowned organizations presenting their views, three collected edition publications from researchers, politicians and business as well as association representatives, one survey conducted among German utilities, one meta-study regarding five specific aspects of the digitalization and three studies of the effects of the “smart meter” roll-out as one important aspect of the digitalization
Summary
Digitalization is not a recent phenomenon but started decades ago. First, commercial computers, as well as tests with artificial intelligence, date back to the 1950s [1,2]. Digital applications have the potential to cause significant changes in the energy sector, even affecting the value chain itself. Good knowledge of the expected digital applications and how benefits and potential downsides affect different stakeholders is an essential basis for a broad societal and political discussion to set targets and guidance for digital transformation. This knowledge is relevant for the development of new business models. Transparency on which digital applications can be expected in the electricity sector and why they will/might be implemented needs to be created. While the methodology is outlined in this article, a follow-up article will present a detailed description, an applied use case of the methodology and a critical reflection of the approach
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