Abstract for: Network effects in decentralisation dynamics of regional energy systems

Distributed generation becomes increasingly important in the transition of regional energy systems. This paper aims to make a contribution to this field with analysing the determinants of the transition patterns of distributed generation and the connected consumer concepts. Network externalities between technologies, the installed base and actors-specific decision criteria are important elements in the transition dynamics of an energy region. A System Dynamics simulation model is built, capturing the consumer concepts related to distributed generation as well as arising network externalities, to analyse likely transition dynamics in regional energy systems. We find that the grid charge and the connection charge, the local potential for photovoltaic plants, as well as network effects between technologies are crucial factors for the transition patterns of distrib-uted energy systems.