Abstract
The change of conventional energy systems to a system mainly based on renewable energies is occurring in many parts of the world. A processual analysis of three case studies from regions in Germany that are moving towards renewable energy self-sufficiency were conducted in order to better understand this process of socio-technical change. This paper scrutinizes the role of actors and their activities, which are driving the change of the local energy system. Three discrete distinguishable phases of this change were found: pioneer phase, pivotal network phase, and extended network and emerging market dynamic phase. Each phase can be characterized by the type of actor, their specific activities, artifacts involved, and their underlying motives. We suggest using the phase model as a heuristic instrument to identify the elements which shape socio-technical change.
Highlights
The idea of changing from conventional energy systems to a system mainly based on renewable energies is currently being discussed on national, European and global levels [1]
The purpose of this article has been to explore the emergence of regional processes of socio-technical change related to the adoption of the goal of renewable energy self-sufficiency
We developed a phase model based on the association of three elements that emerged during the process of data analysis: First, the actors and their activities, second, the motives of the actors, and third artifacts
Summary
The idea of changing from conventional energy systems to a system mainly based on renewable energies is currently being discussed on national, European and global levels [1]. While there are many arguments given for it in the political arena—enhanced local value creation by decentralizing energy supply systems via regional and local self-governance processes—to our knowledge (and as we will show ) there is a lack of studies that aim to understand the regional socio-technical process of changing energy systems as a whole. This is the case as most studies focus on single subject aspects or are of conceptual and theoretical nature (see Section 2).
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