Unveiling the Decision-Making Dilemmas in Mini-Grids: The Intricate Case of Smart Meters

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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
Date
2023-09
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Language
en
Pages
22
Series
Energies, Volume 16, issue 17
Abstract
Mini-grids need to imitate the transition path of a traditional grid to maintain their position as a sustainable energy access alternative, while aligning with the objectives of the seventh Sustainable Development Goal. One such strategy is implementing smart-metering solutions to improve business viability and remote monitoring of distributed mini-grid assets. However, selecting smart meters presents a significant challenge for mini-grid operators, primarily due to the installation costs involved and the complexities associated with operating mini-grids in rural areas. Against this backdrop, the current case study’ demonstrates the utility of multi-criteria decision aids, such as stochastic multi-criteria acceptability analysis (SMAA), to assist mini-grid operators in making informed decisions concerning smart-meter selection. In addition, practitioners’ narratives elucidate how implementing smart metering can function as part of mini-grid operations in rural areas. Furthermore, narratives highlight the importance of considering context-specific conditions to avoid the under-utilisation of smart meters.
Description
Keywords
SMAA, Smaa-Stochastic multicriteria acceptability, mini-grid, smart meter
Other note
Citation
Bandi, V, Sahrakorpi, T, Paatero, J & Lahdelma, R 2023, ' Unveiling the Decision-Making Dilemmas in Mini-Grids: The Intricate Case of Smart Meters ', Energies, vol. 16, no. 17, 6112 . https://doi.org/10.3390/en16176112