Strategic analysis of futuristic SAARC super smart grid: A PESTEL-SWOT framework

Super smart grid (SSG) is a revolutionary power grid which offers significant fossil fuels elimination, emissions reduction, renewable energy integration, and demand fulfilment. To tackle energy crisis, the world is making continuous efforts towards the development of many SSGs across multiple countries. However, these mega power grids are in the strategic analysis stage due to the involvement of multiple countries and complexities. This review paper is a strategic analysis framework for a futuristic super smart grid (SSG) planned by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). For this purpose, this paper uses two strategic analysis tools including PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal) analysis and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. PESTEL analysis was used for the analysis of external factors which would influence the development and maintenance of SAARC SSG. SWOT analysis was used for the analysis of internal and external factors affecting the development and maintenance of SAARC SSG. PESTEL analysis helped in the identification of external factors for the subsequent SWOT analysis. Although the existing literature has performed the different types of analysis for different SSGs around the world, there is a lack of studies on the strategic analysis of the proposed SSGs. For the first time, this paper presents the results of hybrid PESTEL-SWOT analysis for the futuristic SAARC SSG. Based on results, this paper offers important insights for the development of SAARC SSG.