Study level

  • PhD
  • Master of Philosophy
  • Honours

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

School of Information Systems

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Energy Transition Centre

Supervisors

Dr Kenan Degirmenci
Position
Course Coordinator
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science

Overview

Energy systems are becoming increasingly complex, shaped by fluctuating renewable supply, evolving user behaviour, and dynamic market structures. To navigate this complexity, system dynamics (SD) modelling (Sterman, 2000) offers a powerful lens to understand and influence the behaviour of energy systems over time. By visualising and simulating feedback loops, stock–flow structures, and interdependencies (Fang et al., 2018), SD modelling can help generate actionable insights for designing resilient, adaptive, and user-centred energy solutions.

This project explores how SD modelling can support innovation in sustainable energy systems, with a particular focus on demand-side flexibility, decentralised energy markets, and prosumer behaviour. It connects with emerging concepts such as virtual power plants (VPPs), digital energy platforms, and behavioural interventions aimed at accelerating the energy transition.

Part of the Behavioural Energy Analytics & Modelling (BEAM) research group, this project bridges system-level modelling with insights from behavioural science and digital innovation, contributing to human-aligned and ecologically sustainable energy futures.

References

  • Fang, Y., Lim, K. H., Qian, Y., & Feng, B. 2018. System dynamics modeling for information systems research: theory development and practical application. MIS Quarterly, 42(4), pp. 1303-1329. https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2018/12749
  • Sterman, J. D. 2000. Business dynamics: systems thinking and modeling for a complex world. Boston, MA: Irwin McGraw-Hill.

Research activities

  • Develop SD models of decentralised and prosumer-driven energy systems.
  • Explore feedback loops influencing energy demand, flexibility, and behavioural adoption.
  • Investigate how digital energy platforms (e.g. VPPs) can harness user behaviour for grid resilience.
  • Translate SD insights into actionable strategies for policy and energy systems design.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.