Introduction to Topical Collection: Changing Values and Energy Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a collection of studies on how changing values affect energy systems and the need for adaptable designs.

Contribution

The paper introduces a topical collection highlighting the importance of considering evolving values in energy system design and governance.

Findings

Energy transitions often overlook important values like energy democracy and justice.

Current energy systems are difficult to adapt to new values once they are entrenched.

Openness and adaptiveness are emerging as essential design requirements for future energy systems.

Abstract

This paper is the introduction to a topical collection on “Changing Values and Energy Systems” that consists of six contributions that examine instances of value change regarding the design, use and operation of energy systems. This introduction discusses the need to consider values in the energy transition. It examines conceptions of value and value change and how values can be addressed in the design of energy systems. Value change in the context of energy and energy systems is a topic that has recently gained traction. Current, and past, energy transitions often focus on a limited range of values, such as sustainability, while leaving other salient values, such as energy democracy, or energy justice, out of the picture. Furthermore, these values become entrenched in the design of these systems: it is hard for stakeholders to address new concerns and values in the use and operation of these systems, leading to further costly transitions and systems’ overhaul. To remedy this issue, value change in the context of energy systems needs to be better understood. We also need to think about further requirements for the governance, institutional and engineering design of energy systems to accommodate future value change. Openness, transparency, adaptiveness, flexibility and modularity emerge as new requirements within the current energy transition that need further exploration and scrutiny.