An Indicator-Based Approach for Analyzing the Resilience of Transitions for Energy Regions. Part I: Theoretical and Conceptual Considerations

Claudia Binder,Romano Wyss,Susan Mühlemeier

doi:10.3390/en10010036

Abstract

The transition of our current energy system from a fossil-based system to a system based on renewables is likely to be one of the most complex and long-term societal transitions in history. The need for a fundamental system transformation raises the question of how to measure the continuing progress and the resilience of this process over time. This paper aims at developing the conceptualization and operationalization of resilience for energy systems in transition with regard to both social and technical aspects. Based on the resilience concept in social-ecological systems literature, we propose to conceptualize resilience for energy systems building on two core attributes of resilience, namely diversity and connectivity. We present an indicator set to operationalize these key attributes in social and technical systems using: (i) definitions and measurements for three fundamental diversity properties—variety, balance and disparity—and (ii) basic connectivity properties from the social network analysis literature—path length, centrality and modularity. Finally, we reflect on possibilities for an application of these indicators in the social and technical system’s spheres and discuss the added value of the approach for energy transition research.

Highlights

The envisaged transition of the energy system towards greater sustainability is one of the major challenges of the 21st century [1]
Based on the resilience understanding presented above, we propose to operationalize the resilience of energy systems in transition building on two core attributes of resilience, namely diversity and connectivity [50,51]
We operationalized the resilience of socio-technical systems in transition based on the key attributes diversity and connectivity and derived a set of indicators related to diversity and to connectivity patterns of the system

Summary

Introduction

The envisaged transition of the energy system towards greater sustainability is one of the major challenges of the 21st century [1]. Energy transition processes can be understood as a succession of both intended disruptive changes and incremental adaptation processes along a specific change path [11]. Throughout the change process, humans have to anticipate, to adapt to, and to learn from and within fundamentally new situations, while taking into account the technical possibilities at disposition [12,13]. The transition of the energy system towards renewable energies and higher energy efficiency is a complex, and long-term societal change. This implies that the transition of the energy system has to be analyzed in an integrative way, taking into account the co-evolution of technological and societal factors [15]

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion