Effects of implementing decentralized business models at a neighborhood energy system level: A model based cross-sectoral analysis

The reliable integration of decentralized energy technologies and the associated system transformations represent a challenging task. Taking into account existing cross-sectoral demand and supply structures, diverse communities require specific solutions. With an appropriate business model, municipal utilities might be capable to transform themselves in a successful way. For better decision-making, they need to investigate under what conditions certain business cases might represent a sustainable part of the future system and their future portfolio. On the basis of an innovative multi-model and cross-sector approach, this research paper aims to assess opportunities of such business models in terms of four strategic targets: affordability, profitability, autarky and ecology. The results of the combined evaluation of synthetic case studies provide insights under what conditions different business models show positive performance.