Anthropology of energy identify de energy system as cultural projects, but, from the energy systems and energy management systems research perspective, ¿what makes the energy systems be cultural projects?
Francisca, I honestly think that, culture is what defines everything about humanity and exists as a crucial or indispensable part of the human society. In my view, energy systems developed through technology to take over the old methods of generating energy to serve man in various ways are all aspects of culture. Perhaps, the changing phase of energy systems from crude (burning of wood, coal, gas, etc) to refined methods like electricity and solar energy are clear means of understanding how man's culture moved over the ages. Through research, man has overcome many anti-social cultural practices that are harmful to life, environment, and the society at large. Above all, I believe it is not out of place to consider it as a cultural project, because it is all part of the larger culture in the global society. It is anthropologically relevance to consider it as such.
Kunde, first of all, thank you very much for your answer. In your experience, what kind of cultural practices, into this "cultural project" named clean energy have you seen in your country?
thanks again for your answer :)
I would say energy systems have been cultural projects since ancient history. We can imagine the cultural impact that the discovery of fire probably had on mankind. It enabled humans to escape cold in nights by manipulating materials in their environment. This probably gave our ancestors more time and ways to socialize. Technically, all energy (and engineering) systems are built for bettering humans lives, and this has (I think, serious) cultural connotations.
From the perspectives of an energy management systems researcher, cultural parameters begin to matter from stages of conception and planning. Imagine you have to design energy requirement for two different buildings that house 50 peoples. What kinds of appliances would you guess they need? How many hours do you think those appliances would be used? How much would the per capita energy consumption be?
Now, would your answer change for each of the building if I said one building is for minimalist monks in the Himalayas, and another is a hostel for engineering students? Culture has significant effects on human behaviour, and human behaviour on energy needs, usage, and reactions.
I found your question interesting. It was a food for thought.
Francisca,
we believe that energy management is more acceptable if it makes provision for cultural aspects, such as ubuntu lifestyle in Africa. More on the link
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305806844_Participatory_smartgrid_control_and_transactive_energy_management_in_community_shared_solar_cogeneration_systems_for_isolated_rural_villages
Are the energy systems cultural projects, in my opinion yes.
Gerro
Conference Paper Participatory smartgrid control and transactive energy manag...
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