As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and the urgent need for sustainable solutions, understanding the interplay between energy markets and local economic growth becomes increasingly crucial. This track seeks to explore how innovative financial models and market dynamics can support the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and decentralized energy systems. Key areas of focus include the economic impacts of high-RES penetration, the development of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), and the role of smart grids and sector coupling in enhancing urban energy resilience. By examining the financial and macroeconomic benefits of urban energy projects, this track aims to provide insights into how local economies can support the transition to sustainable energy systems.
We welcome contributions on topics including:
Interactions between bottom-up engineering modelling and microeconomic (e.g. agent-based) approaches for energy market analysis and policy evaluation.
Impacts of merit-order effects and electricity price dynamics in contexts with high RES penetration.
The economics of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), business model innovation and policy/regulatory implications.
Short-run vs. long-run economic impact assessments of decentralized renewable energy integration.
Sector coupling, smart grids and demand-side flexibility in urban energy systems.
Local energy markets integration: Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading, community self-consumption and transactive energy models.
Interactions between establishment of smart grids and RES investments decisions.
CAPEX and OPEX evaluations of urban energy efficiency and RES deployment, including cost-benefit analyses and financial risk assessments.
(Macro)economic and environmental benefits of urban energy investments, including job creation, value-added generation, as well as local CO₂ emissions reductions and air quality improvements. Market-based mechanisms and policy instruments to enhance urban energy resilience and efficiency.
Financial models for urban energy projects, including innovative financing schemes for local development, risk assessment and energy poverty alleviation.
Innovative aspects
Interaction of classic macroeconomic/microeconomic frameworks with policy-based decision-support systems and tools for comprehensive energy assessments.
Innovative financial schemes and business model innovation to enhance local development and competitiveness.
The impact of demand-side flexibility within energy markets and their contribution to the acceleration of local RECs uptake.