Social Adoption of Smart Grids: The Research Agenda

Smart grids (SGs) have enormous potential to increase efficiency and promote the incorporation of renewable energy sources and are a crucial component of the modernization of the electricity industry. However, their successful implementation and widespread adoption require a delicate balance of technological advancement and social acceptance. In this study, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of smart grids literature from 2010 to 2023 was conducted. To achieve this, academic studies on SGs and publications on issues such as awareness in this area, benefits and barriers to the adoption of SGs were compared in terms of quantity and breadth. The quantity and subjects of research in the field and subfield were analyzed through bibliometric analysis. Our research indicates that the social aspect of SGs is frequently neglected. This apparent imbalance can pose significant obstacles to the seamless integration of smart grid technologies into society, highlighting the imperative need for interdisciplinary research in the field. By increasing awareness of SGs, interdisciplinary collaborations spanning disciplines such as engineering, social sciences, political science, law and communications can accelerate the adoption of this technology. These efforts are essential in our pursuit of a more sustainable and efficient energy environment, which will pave the way for an innovative and inclusive energy future.