IEA ISGAN Annex 7: Smart Grid Transitions (Working period 2020-2023)

ISGAN Annex / Working Group 7 focused on the institutional and socio-technical dimensions of the energy transition. Smart Grids were identified as a key infrastructure to optimize the integration and distribution of renewable energy and drive decarbonization—an essential climate and energy policy goal—effectively and efficiently.

The primary objective was to analyze how and under what conditions Smart Grids can contribute to transforming energy systems. Leveraging the theory of sustainable socio-technical system transitions, a team of national experts investigated grid architecture restructuring, governance process adjustments, and changes in institutional structures and actor constellations. The findings informed policy recommendations for decision-makers.

Core Tasks of Annex / Working Group 7

The initiative encompassed three main tasks:

• Task 1: Transition Processes and Pathways (Smart Grids as socio-technical systems)
• Task 2: Smart Reflexive Governance (Developing transformative innovation policies)
• Task 3: Smart Grid Transition and Institutionalization (Market development and enabling frameworks for actors)

Project Scope and Focus Areas

The project included coordinating and managing Annex 7 (later Working Group 7) alongside integrating expert inputs into each task in collaboration with national specialists.

Task 1: Community of Practice and ISGAN Wiki Tool

Formats for engaging new and established stakeholders were developed. An international Community of Practice on regulatory sandboxes was successfully established, connecting policymakers from ministries, regulatory agencies, and funding bodies across over 10 countries. Additionally, the concept for an ISGAN Wiki Tool was created to enhance cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary communication and foster a shared understanding of Smart Grid narratives.

Task 2: Innovation Ecosystems and Policy Instruments

This task focused on analyzing innovation ecosystems and supporting policymakers
in developing new tools such as regulatory sandboxes for energy innovations and
evaluating their impact.

Task 3: Focus on Decentralized Actors

The strategies and rationalities of actors at the grid edge, including energy communities and prosumers in increasingly decentralized energy systems, were studied to gain deeper insights.

Dissemination of Results

The outcomes were disseminated through various formats to address diverse target
audiences:

• Policy Briefs for policymakers, the energy sector, and other stakeholders
• Scientific Publications
• Stakeholder Workshops and Webinars

These dissemination efforts helped translate the findings into practice, promoting the development of smarter and more sustainable energy systems.

Austria (Operating Agent), Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Dr. Klaus Kubeczko
Giefinggasse 4, 1210 Wien
E-Mail: Klaus.kubeczko@ait.ac.at