Efficient technologies or end-user behavior, which is more important - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Efficient technologies or end-user behavior, which is more important in a circular economy? K i r s t e n G r a m - H a n s s e n L e t ’s R e - o p e n a S u s t a i n a b l e C i r c u l a r S o c i e t y 2 0 2 0

New relations between consumption and production? Going from a linear: production – distribution – consumption system Going to something which is circular Going to something which is network based: production and consumption happens everywhere

Fluctuating production and rhythmic consumption Production follows wind and sun (light green) Demand follows societal rhythms (dark green) Delivering in peaks are environmental and economically costly

New roles for consumers in a reconfigured energy system We still need to reduce consumption – “ redusumers ” Deliver flexibility to energy network by postponing and reducing peak consumption – “ flexumers ” Produce energy for the grid or for self consumption – “ prosumers ”

Redusumers: Efficient homes versus behaviour…. Based on 230.200 detached Danish houses with an energy label. (Gram-Hansen and Hansen, 2016)

Flexumers: flexibility in use of heat Buildings can provide flexibility of some hours by preheating Should utilities or households control? Smart home technology needs to be included Both consumers and utilities should be involved in the smart solutions (Project InterHUB: www.interhub.aau.dk)

Prosumers: producing own electricity PV (photo voltaic sun cells) produces electricity to the grid and for own consumption It makes a difference for ways of consuming and for understanding energy Most PV owners adjust their electricity consumption to own production A majority becomes more interested in energy after obtaining PV´s (Hansen et all, 2019)

What to learn for your technology development ? Sustainable transitions needs new technology as well as active users New technology should be developed with an understanding for how it will be used Users change practices when using new technologies – technologies should make it easy, and encourage, to consume less - not more

Thank you for your attention kgh@build.aau.dk