Advancing technology assessment in energy transitions: A semi-systematic literature review

Abstract

Technology assessment is evolving and becoming more relevant in evaluating energy transitions. Climate change, energy security, energy justice and sustainability challenges dominate energy transition debates. As technology continues to advance, improving methods to assess energy transitions is crucial. However, limited studies explore assessment methods applicable to energy transitions. This study reviews the literature on energy technology assessment using a semi-systematic review, to understand the state of technology assessment methods and identify areas for improving the assessment practices. The study organised the review into five themes: characteristics of technology assessments, energy transition technologies assessed, the purpose of assessment, methods and tools applied, and emerging issues and their implications. The results revealed that conventional technology assessment methods still dominate in the literature. At the same time, six assessment methods are emerging. These are technology acceptance analysis, hybrid analysis, institutional analysis, visioning analysis, integrated assessment and ethical analysis. The study posits three areas for improvement. First, technology assessment can advance transdisciplinary practice and theory. Second, it can develop comprehensive assessments. Third, it can foster sustainability as a foundation for assessing energy transitions.