Jumping to a better world: An agent-based exploration of criticality in low-carbon energy transitions

Authored by O Kraan, Steven Dalderop, Gert Jan Kramer, Igor Nikolic

Date Published: 2019

DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2018.08.024

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: NetLogo

Model Documentation: ODD Pseudocode

Model Code URLs: https://www.comses.net/codebases/5836/releases/1.1.0/

Abstract

Understanding the possible transition pathways of the energy system requires the integration of human behaviour in energy system models. In order to model the influence of actor behaviour we have developed ACT (Agent-Based Model of Critical Transitions), an agent-based model inspired by an existing conceptualisation of critical transitions. ACT allows us to depart from the current mean-field approach and explicitly explore the effects of heterogeneity, leaders, and networks on the transition. Two key finding are (1) the importance of local communities and (2) leaders can both encourage and discourage the energy transition; a finding that nuances existing literature on critical transitions. We conclude with a reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of our modeling approach.
Tags
Simulation Policy Community Technology adoption Power renewable energy Energy transition Challenges Climate-change Social-science Critical transitions Agent-based modelling Rethinking Grass-roots