Altered landscapes of a post‑carbon future: Visual response imaginaries as experiences of energy infrastructure in the Orkney Islands

Abstract

This article critiques the prevailing future-oriented collective visions often used in energy research, emphasizing the need for ethnographic examination of individual interpretations and responses to energy transitions. It explores how individuals coexist with evolving energy landscapes, particularly in rural areas. Despite recommendations for qualitative research on energy aesthetics, there is a gap in understanding of the experiential, visual elements of energy transitions. Studies predominantly prioritize quantifiable preferences over subjective experiences. Drawing a distinction between aesthetics and visuality, it delves into the subjective experience of visual interactions with energy infrastructure. Grounded in empirical data gathered over a year in the Orkney Islands, it utilizes participatory photography and photo-elicitation to capture local perspectives. This offers an alternative approach to researching energy transitions in rural landscapes. The findings emphasise the complexities of living with localised energy development at an individual level, highlighting dilemmas, challenges, and opportunities. Integrating individual visual perspectives into future planning remains a challenge, yet individuals often develop unique strategies to coexist with energy infrastructure in rapidly changing landscapes. Engaging with local stakeholders through (visual) ethnographic research can reveal diverse perspectives, contributing to the understanding of the impact of energy transitions in rural communities such as the Orkney Islands.