From “transitions in cities” to “transitions of cities”: The diffusion and adoption of solar hot water systems in urban China

Ping Huang,Vanesa Castán Broto,Ying Liu

doi:10.1016/j.erss.2017.10.028

Ping Huang, Vanesa Castán Broto + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2017.10.028

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Abstract

Urban China provides a unique setting to examine the urban energy transitions. Rizhao, the Chinese ‘solar city’ is known for the rapid spread and popularization of solar hot water systems since the 1990s. In this paper we seek to understand how the specific urban conditions in Rizhao have favored the adoption of solar hot water systems to the extent that we can speak of an urban energy transition towards solar energy. To do so, this paper introduces a novel framework – the Dimensions of Urban Energy Transitions (DUET) framework – building upon theoretical thinking of both transitions studies and urban studies. The Rizhao case illustrates the dimensions of the DUET framework, analyzing specially the dynamic interactions between urban development processes and energy transitions. The case of Rizhao shows that transition possibilities are continuously shaped by the ongoing conflicts and alignments between industry interests and territorial priorities.

Highlights

The expansion of solar hot water systems in urban China has been spectacular
Socio-technical innovations can hardly be separated from place-specific contexts, since the formation of socio-technical niches depends on socio-technical experimentation in specific places by a range of local actors (Castán Broto and Bulkeley, 2013)
This is true of urban sustainability transitions, in which socio-technical innovations depend on wider urban contexts where multiple processes of simultaneous reconfiguration take place (Hodson and Marvin, 2010)

Summary

Introduction

The expansion of solar hot water systems in urban China has been spectacular. It has the world's largest installed capacity of solar water heaters (SWHs). Bringing together the three dimensions of urban energy transitions, the DUET framework (Fig. 1) recognizes that pre-existing socio-spatial arrangements shape socio-energetic relations and influence the opportunities for experimentation. M In the DUET framework, energy transitions combine socio-technical change and socio-spatial transformations with a particular focus on the dynamics of conflict or alignment between industry interests and territorial priorities.

Results

Conclusion