Specification of system of systems for policymaking in the energy sector

Very detailed models often hinder the ability to have a broad high-level understanding of system behavior. System of systems perspective combined with an integrated view of policymaking may offer an alternative way for specifying model for policymaking purpose. This paper specifies the elements of the energy system of systems using an integrated view of policymaking. An example from the Dutch built environment sub-sector is used as an illustration. The results provide meaningful insights into the interdependencies of relevant factors and values among different levels of the system of systems, covering both the supply and demand side. The paper also shows that despite the highly complex energy systems, the specifications of an energy system of system can be performed in a manageable way by focusing on a specific policy issue.