The Adoption of Emerging Energy Storage Systems - A case study of the Nordic energy sector

Abstract

The transition towards renewable energy systems has increased the need for flexible energy storage solutions, making emerging battery technologies increasingly relevant within the energy sector. This study examines what affects the Nordic energy sector in adopting new energy storage systems, with a particular focus on sodium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The study applies a qualitative research approach based on semi-structured interviews with organizations operating within the Nordic energy sector across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. The empirical material was analyzed through thematic analysis using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework as the main theoretical perspective, combined with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a complement. The findings show that adoption decisions are strongly affected by perceived risk, technological maturity, operational legitimacy and broader market-related conditions. While organizations generally express openness towards innovation, investment decisions remain characterized by high requirements regarding reliability, predictability and documented long-term performance. The findings further demonstrate that the Nordic energy market should not be considered homogeneous, as differences in energy systems, flexibility needs and ownership structures create varying conditions for the adoption of emerging energy storage technologies. The study contributes to the understanding of organizational investment decisions within capital-intensive and institutionally complex industries by demonstrating how technological, organizational and environmental conditions interact with behavior-related factors in the adoption of emerging technologies.