The Research Agenda on Smart Grids: Foresights for Social Acceptance

Abstract

The “smart grid” (SG) refers to an advanced electricity grid system that possesses the capability to effectively co-ordinate the activities of all its connected users, encompassing both energy producers and consumers, with the primary objective of ensuring the provision of a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable electricity supply while also prioritizing security measures. Research on the adoption of SG technology holds significant academic value as it addresses the crucial issue of user resistance, which can impede or postpone the progress of SG initiatives. In this paper, bibliographic data obtained from Web of Science and Scopus documents on SGs are analyzed with two complementary methods of bibliometric and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that academic production in the field is in step with renewable energy use but tends to diminish. The authors, publications, and countries that shape the field have been identified. The in-depth thematic analysis uncovered that safety concerns, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles are the main areas of study, and economic benefits are found to be more effective than environmental concerns in SG technology’s social adoption. Studies and policies on SGs should consider the shift in consumer and producer roles. By comprehensively examining the literature on the social aspects of SGs, which is an oft-neglected area, this study aimed to provide researchers and policymakers with fresh perspectives on how to expedite the adoption of this innovative technology, thereby facilitating the transition towards a sustainable, environmentally conscious, and fair energy system.