From Papers to Power Plants : A Taxonomy of Power Flow Tracing Methods in Research and Practice

DOI zum Zitieren der Version auf EPub Bayreuth: https://doi.org/10.15495/EPub_UBT_00008911
URN to cite this document: urn:nbn:de:bvb:703-epub-8911-8

Title data

Ströher, Tobias ; Strüker, Jens ; Konoval, Volodymyr:
From Papers to Power Plants : A Taxonomy of Power Flow Tracing Methods in Research and Practice.
Bayreuth , 2026 . - 20 S. - (Bayreuther Arbeitspapiere zur Wirtschaftsinformatik ; 73 )

	Format: PDF Name: Bayreuther_Arbeitspapiere_73_TStroeher.pdf Version: Published Version Available under License Creative Commons BY 4.0: Attribution
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Abstract

Power flow tracing (PFT) methods algorithmically reconstruct how electricity generators supply specific loads and contribute to network losses, enabling physically grounded attribution of electricity flows across a grid. Despite nearly three decades of research, the field lacks a unified conceptual framework that integrates academic and industry perspectives. In this paper, we address this gap by conducting a multivocal literature review (MLR) covering 52 academic and industry sources published between 2019 and 2025, and developing a taxonomy of PFT methods structured along six dimensions and 20 characteristics: input, output, tracing approach, application area, topology model, and level of analysis. Our analysis reveals that linear-equation-based methods embodying the proportional sharing principle dominate both academic and practitioner contexts, and that emissions attribution and renewable energy certification have emerged as the primary application areas, primarily driven by tightening sustainability reporting requirements. While PFT methodologies themselves exhibit considerable maturity, we find that limited data availability, granularity, and quality represent the central barrier to broader practical adoption. We discuss how digital technologies can support the measuring, reporting, and verification of electricity data to overcome these barriers, and propose a research agenda from a data perspective. Our taxonomy supports policymakers and grid operators in selecting suitable PFT methods for regulatory, technical, and operational contexts.

Further data

Item Type:	Working paper, discussion paper
Keywords:	Electricity Pricing; Grid Management; Guarantees of Origin; MRV; Multivocal Literature Review; Power Flow Tracing; Scope 2 Emissions; Taxonomy
DDC Subjects:	000 Computer Science, information, general works 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
Institutions of the University:	Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Department of Business Administration > Professor Information Systems and Digital Energy Management > Professor Information Systems and Digital Energy Management - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jens Strüker Profile Fields > Emerging Fields > Energy Research and Energy Technology Research Institutions > Affiliated Institutes > Branch Business and Information Systems Engineering of Fraunhofer FIT Research Institutions > Affiliated Institutes > FIM Research Center for Information Management Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Department of Business Administration Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Department of Business Administration > Professor Information Systems and Digital Energy Management Profile Fields Profile Fields > Emerging Fields Research Institutions Research Institutions > Affiliated Institutes
Language:	English
Originates at UBT:	Yes
URN:	urn:nbn:de:bvb:703-epub-8911-8
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2026 09:45
Last Modified:	02 Mar 2026 09:46
URI:	https://epub.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/8911

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