Simulating household energy behavior diffusion using spatial microsimulation and econometric models

Computers Environment and Urban Systems, vol. 117, pp. 102256

Abstract

Analyzing household energy behaviors from a spatial perspective is crucial for both policymakers and network operators. However, conducting spatial analysis at a fine scale presents significant challenges, primarily due to data scarcity. This article demonstrates the potential of integrating spatial microsimulation and spatial econometric models to address this issue. Specifically, we construct a static spatial microsimulation model to create a synthetic population for the entire Netherlands, simulating neighborhood-level spatial distributions of household energy behaviors. The results indicate significant neighborhood-level spatial heterogeneity in the adoption of energy behaviors. Subsequently, this simulated output is used as input for spatial econometric models to analyze the neighborhood-level spatial determinants of household energy behavior adoption. We identify the roles of both spatial endogenous effects and neighborhood-specific characteristics in contributing to the observed spatial variations in household energy behaviors. • Using spatial microsimulation to model neighborhood-level household energy behaviors. • Using spatial microsimulation output as input for spatial econometrics. • Neighborhood-specific characteristics influence household energy behaviors. • Spatial endogenous effects are identified.

Authors 4

1. Zhang Jian-hua corresponding Aachen Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

   Leiden University · University of Groningen

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands, Mercator Gebouw, Landleven 1, 9747AD Groningen, the Netherlands

   Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, the Netherlands, Van Steenis Gebouw, Einsteinweg 2, 2333CC Leiden, the Netherlands

2. Loes Bouman

   University of Groningen

   Affiliation as printed

   Campus Fryslân, University of Groningen, the Netherlands, Wirdumerdijk 34, 8911CE Leeuwarden, the Netherlands

3. Dimitris Ballas

   University of Groningen

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands, Mercator Gebouw, Landleven 1, 9747AD Groningen, the Netherlands

4. Xiaolong Liu

   University of Groningen

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands, Mercator Gebouw, Landleven 1, 9747AD Groningen, the Netherlands