Modelling barriers to low-carbon technologies in energy system analysis: The example of renewable heat in Ireland

While there is a rich body of literature on the wide range of barriers to investment in renewable energy technologies, little guidance exists on how to integrate the barriers into energy systems modelling. The present study develops a prototype to represent barriers such as risk perceptions and inertia in energy systems analysis. Employing a techno-economic model that describes the deployment of renewable heating technologies in Ireland, our results show the methodological importance of the representation of heat-users’ decision making process in energy systems analysis. Implications in promoting renewable heat, market development and regulation are discussed.