On April 25th, Anna-Riikka Kojonsaari will defend her doctoral thesis at Lund University. The opponent will be Professor Tomas Moe Skjølsvold from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The thesis has been written under the supervision of Professor Jenny Palm, with Daniela Lazoroska as the assistant supervisor.
The thesis examines the smart grid as a key arena in the global energy transition. It focuses not only on technological development but also on changes in governance, participation, and power dynamics.
By studying five local smart grid projects in Sweden, Anna-Riikka analyzes what drives or hinders their development. The study highlights, among other things, the importance of municipal leadership, timing, and organizational champions for success, while also pointing to challenges such as regulatory barriers, role conflicts, and financial uncertainty.
A central finding is the clear absence of citizens in decision-making processes, as well as how different interpretations of what a "smart grid" actually means can lead to varied outcomes. The research provides new insights into how different actors navigate the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
