Olaniyi, T. K., Day, A. R., Karayiannis, T. G., Kennedy, M. S., and Fagbenle, R. O. (2013). Decision support systems for sustainable energy planning in a developing economy. iSTEAMS Research Nexus
ABSTRACT
This article proposes a “Dynamic Energy Systems” (DES) paradigm- a Decision Support Systems Framework using a System Thinking and System Dynamics (SD) approach for Sustainable Energy Planning (SEP) in a Developing Economy (DE). Many DE are undergoing dramatic changes in socio-economic, technological and environmental policies of their energy projects. A review of the underlying dynamics of Sustainable Energy Development (SED) in addition to the examination of the inherent limitations of traditional planning tools, energy planning and policy formulation in DE was undertaken. Traditional approaches are inappropriate in DE as they fail to guide future policy decisions. The past energy development trends witnessed in the developed nations contradict the notion of SED. The unsuitability of traditional tools to DE is rooted in the socio-economic, political and technological differences, as compared to those of the developed nations. DES enhances understanding of the dominant system characteristics that causes energy systems instability in the DE. The major impediments to SED in the DE are inappropriate technology; complex socio-political organisation; uneven energy resource endowment, unstable investment directions amongst others. This article fills an important gap in the literature by focusing on the holistic structure identifiable within an energy system in the DE.