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Energy Systems Integration: Economics of a New Paradigm

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  • Jamasb, T.
  • Llorca, M.

Abstract

Energy Systems Integration (ESI) is an emerging paradigm emanating from a whole system perspective of the energy sector. It is based on a holistic view in which the main energy carriers are integrated to achieve horizontal synergies and efficiencies at all levels. The energy system may in turn integrate with other infrastructure sectors such as water, transport, and telecommunications to meet the demand for a broad range of energy and essential services. It also implies that energy security, sustainability, and equity objectives can be balanced more effectively. There is already progress in the technical aspects of ESI. However, such systems require not only physical solutions but they also need economic, regulatory, and policy frameworks to ensure efficient performance over time. Thus, it is important to better understand the economic features of integrated energy systems. To our knowledge this aspect is barely addressed in the literature on ESI. This paper does not attempt to survey the technical literature on the topic but to describe some of its relevant economic features. We discuss selected aspects that relate to industrial organisation, regulation, business economics, and technology. Finally, we offer some early considerations and policy recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • Jamasb, T. & Llorca, M., 2019. "Energy Systems Integration: Economics of a New Paradigm," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1903, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camdae:1903
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    3. Cambini, Carlo & Congiu, Raffaele & Jamasb, Tooraj & Llorca, Manuel & Soroush, Golnoush, 2020. "Energy Systems Integration: Implications for public policy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    4. Hosseini, Seyed Hamid Reza & Allahham, Adib & Walker, Sara Louise & Taylor, Phil, 2020. "Optimal planning and operation of multi-vector energy networks: A systematic review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    5. Jamasb, Tooraj & Llorca, Manuel & Meeus, Leonardo & Schittekatte, Tim, 2020. "Energy Network Innovation for Green Transition: Economic Issues and Regulatory Options," Working Papers 18-2020, Copenhagen Business School, Department of Economics.
    6. Carlo Cambini & Raffaele Congiu & Golnoush Soroush, 2020. "Regulation, Innovation, and Systems Integration: Evidence from the EU," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-18, April.
    7. Llorca, Manuel & Soroush, Golnoush & Giovannetti, Emanuele & Jamasb, Tooraj & Davi-Arderius, Daniel, 2024. "Energy Sector Digitalisation, Green Transition and Regulatory Trade-offs," Working Papers 5-2024, Copenhagen Business School, Department of Economics.
    8. Josef Kohlbacher, 2020. "Frustrating Beginnings: How Social Ties Compensate Housing Integration Barriers for Afghan Refugees in Vienna," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(3), pages 127-137.
    9. Oduro, Richard A. & Taylor, Peter G., 2023. "Future pathways for energy networks: A review of international experiences in high income countries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    10. Berjawi, A.E.H. & Walker, S.L. & Patsios, C. & Hosseini, S.H.R., 2021. "An evaluation framework for future integrated energy systems: A whole energy systems approach," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    energy systems integration; economic principles; regulation; business models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D4 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design
    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
    • L5 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy
    • L9 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities
    • M2 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics
    • Q4 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy

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