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Soft-system management framework for power supply and grid integration issues

Laxmi Gupta (School of Management, Bennett University, Greater Noida, India)
Ravi Shankar (Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India)

Foresight

ISSN: 1463-6689

Article publication date: 14 November 2024

61

Abstract

Purpose

The balance between power supply and demand gets more challenging when electrical networks switch from centralized thermal power plants to distributed renewable energy sources for power generation. Such problems present a diverse set of challenges that require a solution through system and control methods. Hence, the purpose of this study is to understand the issues faced by each actor in the power sector’s supply chain, which would restrict the stability of the power supply and quality of service.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a conceptual model, soft system methodology (SSM), for power supply management or grid integration issues through the mapping of identified issues with their possible solutions.

Findings

This study offers an analysis that uses methods of problem structuring to construct the major issues and measure technological advancements in the energy sector. This research highlights the need to integrate energy storage systems with the grid for the effective operation of the system to manage various power supply issues.

Research limitations/implications

SSM is used to establish a mechanism to manage grid integration problems by comparing established problems with their potential solutions. The resulting framework would help managers, researchers, policymakers, engineers and smart grid professionals to make the required and informed decisions on the management of grid integration issues and to form strategies fostering efficient and secure energy network.

Originality/value

The research is based on a conceptual framework for enhancing energy efficiency and integrated smart grid technology, which would contribute to a better supply of electricity and a more environmentally sustainable future.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely thank the editor and reviewers for their invaluable feedback which have greatly enhanced this work.

Funding: This research received no external funding.

Citation

Gupta, L. and Shankar, R. (2024), "Soft-system management framework for power supply and grid integration issues", Foresight, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-11-2022-0145

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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