A systematic review of agent-based modelling of residential low-carbon energy technology uptake and its integration of place-based approach

Abstract

The residential uptake of low-carbon energy technologies (LCETs) is crucial for energy transition. Emerging literature employs agent-based modelling (ABM) as an effective computational approach to study this topic. ABM is particularly valuable because it can address the multi-level dynamics, complexity and emergent phenomena in socio-technical energy transitions, simulate innovation diffusion and inform decision-making in policy and planning. However, no systematic review has yet been conducted on the growing ABM literature on residential LCET uptake. Residential LCET uptake, as a key part of the notably place-based energy transition, can benefit from a place-based approach (PBA) which explicitly considers local actors and socio-spatial contexts. The integration of PBA in this literature remains underexplored. This paper systematically analyses 22 articles from the Scopus database, focusing specifically on evaluating the application of ABM in researching residential LCET uptake and examining how PBA is embedded or reflected. We analyse key modelling aspects including model purposes, theoretical and empirical background, agent-decision making, interactions, heterogeneity, stochasticity, observation and emergence. Our findings highlight the significant potential of ABM in elucidating underlying mechanisms and emerging trends in residential LCET uptake, supporting decision-making for policymakers and stakeholders and informing policy design and evaluation. We identify a research gap concerning qualitative inputs and a research challenge of empirical validation. A common place-based focus, demonstrated through the incorporation of socio-spatial contexts and engagement with local actors and stakeholders, is also identified among the reviewed models. We further discuss potential pathways of integrating PBA to advance ABM research on residential LCET uptake.