Social Variables in Energy System Optimization: Models, Tools, and Current Approaches

In the context of the energy transition and the growing need to promote sustainability, it is essential to engage citizens as active actors in decision-making and energy management processes. Integrating citizens at all stages of energy management—from design to maintenance—allows for the development of tailored solutions, increasing the resilience and efficiency of the system. This approach builds trust among participants and values citizens as "prosumers" and co-managers of energy resources. This study examines whether and how socio-environmental factors can be woven into the frameworks, particularly in community-centric energy projects. In fact, critical gaps persist in social variables such as population demographics, infrastructure access, and community acceptance are seldom incorporated into these models, despite their influence on project viability and community impact. By foregrounding these human-centric factors, we propose an overview of current optimization models and the emergent role of social variables with the aims to provide a new approach to energy system planning and operation.