Abstract
In realizing a more sustainable economy, the energy sector has to fundamentally change. Energy generation represents 25% of the annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions globally (IPCC, 2014). Electricity generation is the energy sectors’ main activity (EEA, 2016). Therefore, the focus of this thesis is on the ‘transition’ towards less carbon
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intensive practices in the electricity sector. Technological developments in Energy storage systems (ESS) are considered to have an instrumental role in enabling the energy transition in the electric power system (IRENA, 2017; Kittner et al., 2017). Electrical energy storage (EES) systems can temporarily store electricity for later use. This technology can therefore make up for the intermittent nature of renewables, enabling an increased dependence on such energy sources for the energy transition.
In the Netherlands, households are employing renewable energy generation technologies for self-consumption ‘behind the meter’ (Litjens, 2018). As Dutch households are increasingly reliant on renewables, there is an interest in the competitiveness of energy storage technologies by Accenture. EES technologies are still developing, therefore the cost as well as other socio-economic factors which may influence its development will be assessed. Building on Junginger et al., (2010), this thesis assesses the competitiveness of a technological innovation by a quantitative and a qualitative research approach.
This research will evaluate the tipping point of ‘behind the meter’ electrical energy storage (EES) technologies; in particular Lithium (Li) ion battery storage systems including photovoltaic cells (PV). The tipping point in this case being defined as the stage where the technology is economically (cost) competitive and other functions are fulfilled in the technologies’ innovation system. The innovation system encompasses “all societal subsystems, actors, and institutions contributing in one way or the other, directly or indirectly, intentionally or not, to the emergence or production of innovation” (Hekkert et al., 2007). In order to evaluate the tipping point of ‘behind the meter’ Li ion storage systems in the Netherlands, the Levelized cost of electricity will be compared the Dutch retail electricity price and a snapshot overview will be made of the Technological Innovation Systems by means of interviews. The combined quantitative and qualitative research gives insights to assess the tipping point. The research deliberately focusses on the Dutch market due to the presence of the host company Accenture in the Netherlands. However, the method of assessing the tipping point can be applied beyond this technology and scope in assessing the competitiveness of a technological innovation.
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