Tackling new research questions in energy transition: The system of provision approach

Investigating the transition toward more sustainable socio-technical systems in the energy sector is challenging, requiring the integration of political economy and ecology perspectives, along with social power dynamics. Nevertheless, these elements are often studied in isolation, and not integrated into transition research theoretical frameworks, hampering the development of a more nuanced understanding of sustainable transition in the energy sector. This paper provides a systematic literature review and thematic analysis to provide a critical overview of the System of Provision (SoP) approach as a complementary theoretical approach for energy researchers. The SoP approach connects social practices, cultural norms, and consumer agency with broader economic structures, recognising energy consumption as an integral part of daily life rather than an isolated activity. Bridging micro-level behaviours with macro-level policies, the SoP offers a bottom-up framework to understand the roles of agents and systemic factors in sustainable energy transitions. The SoP approach paves the way for novel research inquiries into consumption behaviours and social relations, particularly those that encompass emergent modalities of practice, cognitive frameworks, and organisational structures in the provisioning of energy. The paper concludes by offering practical insights for applying the SoP approach in empirical studies, highlighting key elements like agents, structures, processes, relations and material cultures, outlining geographical contexts, provisioning systems, and methodological options for both detached and engaged research, and discussing the main critiques and weaknesses of the approach, offering alternatives to move forward research in the energy sector. • The System of Provision (SoP) approach integrates vertical and horizontal perspectives in energy systems. • The SoP approach bridges system with consumption-oriented approaches. • The SoP approach links consumption to broader economic structures and practices. • The SoP approach connects micro-level behaviours with macro-level socio-economic systems. • We systematised knowledge about SoP to promote new research questions and enquiries within the energy community.