Decentralised control and peer-to-peer cooperation in smart energy systems

Abstract

In order to achieve a decarbonised energy system, change has to happen from electricity generation to the transmission grid over the distribution level all the way down to the industrial loads and the local households. To get involvement of communities in this energy transition, local participation is needed, so that the citizens can be aware of the impact of their energy-related actions on environment and climate. However, the energy system has typically been organised in a top-down fashion, with centralised approaches and little active control, resulting in passive grid and ditto customers. Smart grids have put active customers and consumer engagement as one of the cornerstones of a more intelligent energy infrastructure, which can be organised differently. Indeed, in different niches decentralised approaches have been used successfully (decoupled microgrids, peer-to-peer networks, etc.). This chapter explores how decentralised approaches can fit the future energy system and how it can empower people for engaging in the energy transition.