A sociotechnical systems model for smart-grid adoption in mid-sized urban environments

In this paper, we present a quantified system dynamics model simulating the adoption of smart grid technologies such as electric vehicles, PV systems and smart meters in a mid‐sized urban system and the resulting impact on the CO2emissions. We also analyse the impact of different subsidies on the adoption and calculate the effectiveness regarding public and private spending on these technologies in order to derive a strategy for policy making. The results show that even in an ideal scenario the emissions cannot be reduced enough to outweigh additional emissions caused by the population growth. Hence smart grid technologies can only be one part of a greater strategy in order to make cities more sustainable.