Obstacles to and Facilitators of the Implementation of Small Urban Wind Turbines in the Netherlands

Abstract

In this chapter, we combine the ‘functions of innovation systems’ approach and the ‘socio-technical systems’ approach. We first consider whether seven functions of the innovation system surrounding the technology have been fulfilled: market formation, entrepreneurial activity, knowledge creation, knowledge diffusion, mobilisation of resources, presence of advocacy coalitions, and guidance of the search. We then investigate the availability of a ‘space’ for this new niche technology within the incumbent energy system. We apply our framework to the development and implementation of small urban wind turbines in the Netherlands in the period 2000–2007. We show that critical functions, such as knowledge diffusion and market formation, were underdeveloped and that serious bottlenecks were present in the incumbent energy system. Based on this case study, we formulate implications for collaboration and for policy makers.