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Getting Smart? Climate Change and the Electric Grid

Author

Listed:
  • Jennie C. Stephens

    (Environmental Science and Policy, Clark University-IDCE, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA)

  • Elizabeth J. Wilson

    (Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA)

  • Tarla R. Peterson

    (Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, TAMU-2258, College Station, TX 77843, USA)

  • James Meadowcroft

    (School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada)

Abstract

Interest in the potential of smart grid to transform the way societies generate, distribute, and use electricity has increased dramatically over the past decade. A smarter grid could contribute to both climate change mitigation and adaptation by increasing low-carbon electricity production and enhancing system reliability and resilience. However, climate goals are not necessarily essential for smart grid. Climate change is only one of many considerations motivating innovation in electricity systems, and depending on the path of grid modernization, a future smart grid might do little to reduce, or could even exacerbate, risks associated with climate change. This paper identifies tensions within a shared smart grid vision and illustrates how competing societal priorities are influencing electricity system innovation. Co-existing but divergent priorities among key actors’ are mapped across two critical dimensions: centralized versus decentralized energy systems and radical versus incremental change. Understanding these tensions provides insights on how climate change objectives can be integrated to shape smart grid development. Electricity system change is context-specific and path-dependent, so specific strategies linking smart grid and climate change need to be developed at local, regional, and national levels. And while incremental improvements may bring short term gains, a radical transformation is needed to realize climate objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennie C. Stephens & Elizabeth J. Wilson & Tarla R. Peterson & James Meadowcroft, 2013. "Getting Smart? Climate Change and the Electric Grid," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:4:y:2013:i:2:p:201-216:d:28576
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Maarten Wolsink, 2020. "Framing in Renewable Energy Policies: A Glossary," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-31, June.
    3. Emily M. Cody & Jennie C. Stephens & James P. Bagrow & Peter Sheridan Dodds & Christopher M. Danforth, 2017. "Transitions in climate and energy discourse between Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 7(1), pages 87-101, March.
    4. Sarah Niklas & Dani Alexander & Scott Dwyer, 2022. "Resilient Buildings and Distributed Energy: A Grassroots Community Response to the Climate Emergency," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-32, March.
    5. Siddharth Sareen, 2020. "Social and technical differentiation in smart meter rollout: embedded scalar biases in automating Norwegian and Portuguese energy infrastructure," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, December.
    6. Tolga Kara & Ahmet Duran Şahin, 2023. "Implications of Climate Change on Wind Energy Potential," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-26, October.
    7. Grégoire-Zawilski, Myriam & Popp, David, 2024. "Do technology standards induce innovation in environmental technologies when coordination is important?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(1).
    8. Naus, Joeri & Spaargaren, Gert & van Vliet, Bas J.M. & van der Horst, Hilje M., 2014. "Smart grids, information flows and emerging domestic energy practices," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 436-446.

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