The Transition Value of Business Models for a Sustainable Energy System: The Case of Virtual Peer-to-Peer Energy Communities

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Peer-to-peer energy (p2p) communities connect electricity consumers and producers on platforms allowing them to trade energy with each other. By synchronizing local production and consumption, connecting decentral actors, and creating new markets, they can promote a more sustainable energy system. A multicase study and expert interviews were conducted to investigate how the business models of these organizations operate and what value they may provide to stakeholders and the energy system. It was found that, due to current legislation, organizations in Germany mostly facilitate virtual, supraregional p2p energy communities. While these do not offer all the benefits of local p2p energy communities, they do facilitate a range of advantages to stakeholders and the overall energy system. Finally, it is concluded how sustainable business models can offer “system transition value,” driving the dissemination of new technologies, the redesign of markets, and the education of customers to foster a more sustainable energy system.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)479-503
Number of pages25
Journal Organization & environment
Volume34
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • electricity system transition, peer-to-peer, renewable energies, sustainable business models, system transition value