Energy Metaverse: a virtual living lab of the energy ecosystem

The complex and highly interconnected nature of the energy ecosystem presents significant challenges in exploring and implementing new technologies, regulatory frameworks, and business models for the transition of the energy ecosystem toward sustainable sources. This paper proposes the Energy Metaverse as the virtual living lab of the energy ecosystem that allows experimenting, evaluating, optimizing, planning, and controlling energy ecosystem elements in a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and risk-avoided manner. This paper defines the Energy Metaverse, its characteristics, and importance. It examines the technologies and approaches needed to create it and explores the stakeholders who will benefit from using it and how it can support the green transition of energy systems. This paper promotes further research and accelerates the adoption of the Energy Metaverse in the energy ecosystem.