An agent-based model for the analysis of the energy sources diffusion dynamics

Abstract

A novel model devoted to the characterization of the diffusion dynamics of three energy sources, traditional, bioenergy-like and solar-like, in a socio-economic energy system composed of general industries is presented. During the simulation each industry defines its strategy about the implementation of new technologies for the procurement of the energy needed to fulfill its internal activities. The research focuses on two different socio-economic energy systems descriptions: the first description is characterized by industries operating only by means of economic assessments, while in the second case imitation phenomena are introduced so that industries define their strategies not only by cost-benefits analysis but observing the behavior of the neighborhood as well.