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Enabling and hindering factors of diffusion of energy service companies in Finland—results of a Delphi study

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Abstract

Energy service companies (ESCOs) are often seen as a focal mechanism to improve energy efficiency. However, ESCOs have not met all the expectations which have been loaded on them and their diffusion has been slower than expected. This paper focuses on analysing the development of the ESCO sector in Finland and identifying the key factors—both drivers and barriers—that are influencing the diffusion of Finnish ESCO market. We will do this with the help of a qualitative Delphi study. The results indicate that ESCOs are still understood and known rather poorly among potential customers. Also, the current financial situation and high transaction costs in comparison to potential savings were seen as challenges among the panellists whereas active information sharing was seen as a factor that would foster the ESCO business. However, from the point of view of reaching the energy efficiency targets, the panellists did not emphasize the role of ESCOs over several other energy service providers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Satu Pätäri, Ari Jantunen & Anssi Sinkkonen

  2. School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Salla Annala & Satu Viljainen

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  1. Satu Pätäri
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  2. Salla Annala
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  5. Anssi Sinkkonen
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Correspondence to Satu Pätäri.

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Pätäri, S., Annala, S., Jantunen, A. et al. Enabling and hindering factors of diffusion of energy service companies in Finland—results of a Delphi study. Energy Efficiency 9, 1447–1460 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-016-9433-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-016-9433-z

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