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Systems Engineering for the Energy Transition: Potential Contributions and Limitations

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  • Arjan Kirkels

    (School of Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands)

  • Vince Evers

    (School of Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands)

  • Gerrit Muller

    (Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Campus Kongsberg, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3613 Kongsberg, Norway)

Abstract

Systems engineering finds its origin in analyzing and exploring complicated technical systems. In this positioning paper, we set out to discuss the value and limitations of a Systems Engineering approach in its contribution to societal challenges, notably the energy transition. We conceptualize the energy system as a sociotechnical system. We specifically explore stakeholders and their roles, agency, and acceptance. We illustrate the relevance by a case at the municipal level that shows the relevance of acceptance, pluralism, distributed agency, context, and process aspects. The municipality is still in a phase of exploration and conceptualization. Systems Engineering can be of great value in this phase to explore the problem and solution space. However, to make the most of this requires that Systems Engineering addresses policy making, distributed agency, and complexity. We discuss the challenges this poses for the traditional Systems Engineering approach; we indicate several potential strategies to address these challenges, and we show two fields that can help clarify how to address these challenges: transition studies and sustainability assessment.

Suggested Citation

  • Arjan Kirkels & Vince Evers & Gerrit Muller, 2021. "Systems Engineering for the Energy Transition: Potential Contributions and Limitations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:10:p:5423-:d:553277
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Cecilia Haskins, 2021. "Systems Engineering for Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-3, September.
    2. Arjan F. Kirkels & Jeroen Bleker & Henny A. Romijn, 2022. "Ready for the Road? A Socio-Technical Investigation of Fire Safety Improvement Options for Lithium-Ion Traction Batteries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-22, May.

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