Should energy autonomy be achieved over a year?

The review found that studies on energy autonomy have much less focus on the theme time, and do not have clearly set time periods within which energy autonomy should be achieved by. A distinction can be made between ‘net energy autonomy’, which is balanced over the space of a year, and ‘complete energy autonomy’ over the year.

How can energy autonomy be optimized?

Tragopaulos et al. , however, provide three different scenarios that optimize different aspects of the solution with regard to energy autonomy: maximization of the energy harvest, social impact (social sustainability), and the financial viability of the solution (cost efficiency). 4. Discussion

Could a more democratic energy system lead to energy autonomy?

Initiatives such as local community energy projects have not yet been able to break into mainstream energy systems and thus one motivating factor for aiming for energy autonomy could be the development of a more democratic energy system.

What is energy autonomy research?

The review found that energy autonomy research comprises six distinct themes: 1) scale, 2) motivations, 3) technologies, 4) time span, and 5) economic and 6) social aspects. In the following we discuss why energy autonomy matters, what are the policy implications of our study, and how future research could further examine energy autonomy.

Can technical systems provide energy autonomy?

Although the economic feasibility of technical systems able to provide energy autonomy is widely discussed in the literature, studies rarely provide an exact economic analysis. There are, however, exceptions, and certain studies have included, for example, the cost of energy, grid costs, and investment analyses.

Why is energy autonomy important?

Previous research focuses on technological issues and energy self-sufficiency. Economic and social reasons behind energy autonomy are less discussed in literature. Provides policy implications and avenues for further research. Autonomy is often cited as a key aspect of energy systems.