Systemic Innovation in the European Energy Sector: A Collective Outlook

Applying the principles of systems thinking in the evolution of energy systems is a crucial approach to meet the long-term horizons of goals in the energy sector. Through a participatory approach, this paper outlines what we view as the trends shaping the current development of the energy sector; the challenges we must face as a result, and the transitions required to tackle them. Furthermore, we discuss how systems thinking can address these challenges through changing not the components, but rather their relationships and structures. Contributing to the emerging stream of literature applying more holistic approaches to energy transitions, in contrast to more linear systems modelling. We provide innovative insights into how future energy systems could be designed to become more regenerative, resilient, empowering, whilst technologically- and economically feasible; to overcome the challenges of carbon lock-in effects and carbon capture, the rebound effects of efficiency strategies, and social sustainability for just transitions.