Understanding the assimilation of smart grid technologies in German distribution grid operators: An empirical study

This paper examines the factors which influence the adoption of technologies which are essential building blocks of future energy grids, so called “smart grids”. The aim of smart grids is to upgrade the currently electro-mechanically controlled energy system to an electronically controlled network that is able to coordinate the behavior and actions of all actors and components within the entire energy system through a communications network. However, to date the adoption of smart grid technologies by distribution system operators is low. Therefore, we propose and test a perception-based model drawing upon the technology-organization-environment framework by Tornatzky and Fleischer [6] to provide an understanding of the adoption´s catalysts and barriers. The model is empirically tested by employing data collected from 180 German distribution system operators. The results indicate that technological and regulatory factors only have a moderate impact, while organizational factors are pivotal.