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An alternative to market-oriented energy models: Nexus patterns across hierarchical levels

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  • Di Felice, Louisa Jane
  • Ripa, Maddalena
  • Giampietro, Mario

Abstract

From a biophysical perspective, energy is central to the behaviour of social-ecological systems. Its ubiquity means that energy is entangled with nexus elements, including water, land, emissions and labour. At the science-policy interface, large market-oriented energy models dominate as the tool to inform decision-making. The outputs of these models are used to shape policies, but strongly depend on sets of assumptions that are not available for deliberation and gloss over uncertainties. Taking an approach from complexity, we propose an alternative to market-oriented energy models, describing the behaviour of energy systems in relation to patterns of nexus elements across hierarchical levels. Three characteristics are central to the approach: (i) the distinction of the model's building blocks into functional and structural elements; (ii) their hierarchical organisation and (iii) the description of nexus patterns at each level, through the tool of the processor. To illustrate the model, it is applied to Catalonia's energy sector, linking production and consumption patterns. The framework may help inform stakeholder deliberation on pressing energy and nexus issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Di Felice, Louisa Jane & Ripa, Maddalena & Giampietro, Mario, 2019. "An alternative to market-oriented energy models: Nexus patterns across hierarchical levels," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 431-443.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:126:y:2019:i:c:p:431-443
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2018.11.002
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    1. Miguel A. Morales Mora & Andrea Marín Rovira & Vicente A. Soriano Ramirez & Patricia López Rivera & Omar Guillen Solis & Vincent Pozos Castillo & Gonzalo AngelesOrdoñez & Alejandro Castillo Antonio & , 2024. "An integrated analysis of the Mexican electrical system’s metabolic pattern and industry sector in the energy transition," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(9), pages 24313-24338, September.
    2. Di Felice, Louisa Jane & Pérez-Sánchez, Laura & Manfroni, Michele & Giampietro, Mario, 2024. "Towards nexus thinking in energy systems modelling: A multi-scale, embodied perspective," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    3. Arsénio José Mindú & Jó António Capece & Rui Esteves Araújo & Armando C. Oliveira, 2021. "Feasibility of Utilizing Photovoltaics for Irrigation Purposes in Moamba, Mozambique," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-16, October.
    4. Martin, Nick & Talens-Peiró, Laura & Villalba-Méndez, Gara & Nebot-Medina, Rafael & Madrid-López, Cristina, 2023. "An energy future beyond climate neutrality: Comprehensive evaluations of transition pathways," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    5. Ripa, M. & Di Felice, L.J. & Giampietro, M., 2021. "The energy metabolism of post-industrial economies. A framework to account for externalization across scales," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).

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