Distributed energy in management sciences: a regional perspective

Abstract

Distributed energy systems, treated as complex and flexible structures, form the foundation of modern energy transition strategies that adapt the energy sector to changing economic, technological, and environmental requirements. Implementing these strategies requires a multifaceted approach that considers local conditions as well as global trends in technology and energy policy development. This research aimed to analyse definitions and key aspects of distributed energy as a decentralised electricity generation system encompassing various sources and technologies. The study focused particularly on considering the multifaceted criteria for defining the concept of distributed energy, including parameters such as the installed capacity of systems, the location of generation units, the technologies used, and their impact on the natural environment. To achieve this objective, the study employed literature analysis, a review of reports from research institutions, and an examination of legal regulations related to distributed energy, which allowed identification of key elements of the field. Both traditional text analysis methods and advanced textual data mining techniques using computational tools such as IRaMuTeQ software were applied in the analysis. The primary data source was the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS), one of the most reliable and prestigious sources of scientific information in the energy field. The comparative analysis of approaches to defining distributed energy at the global level considered criteria such as installation capacity, location, energy-production technologies, and the market and regulatory context. The results reveal significant difficulties stemming from the lack of a uniform definition of distributed energy in management sciences, driven by regional and technological differences. Key factors shaping this sector include the decentralised structure of the energy system, local energy production and consumption, technological flexibility, and potential environmental benefits, which form the foundation for further development of distributed energy.