Abstract
The turn to sustainable energy system is a major societal goal at the global level. In this paper, we argue that this radical shift in energy provision towards increased energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources can only be achieved if its spatial dimensions are taken into consideration. Spatial structures have considerable influence on different aspects of the energy demand, and with spatial planning, the resource availability and use are influenced. Further, we propose that different spatial types need different strategies for the implementation of sustainable energy systems and that integrated spatial and energy planning is needed to support this change. Visions for four types of spatial structures: the city, the suburban area, the small town as well as the rural areas define their roles in the "space-resource-planning continuum", which are the foundation to shape an integrated spatial and energy planning system.
Highlights
As energy systems are key infrastructures of society, they are an important issue of spatial planning
We propose to look at spatial planning and energy planning not as distinct “two sides of a coin” but as a continuum because intellectual separation and sectoral analysis leads to sub-optimal solutions
The aim of this article is to examine in detail which implications the use of renewable resources for energy supply has for spatial planning
Summary
As energy systems are key infrastructures of society, they are an important issue of spatial planning. The link between spatial planning and energy systems is mainly dealing with the problem that the energy provision of the built environment is guaranteed, may it be for residential, commercial or industrial development. Energy is a “hard” factor for zoning, especially for commercial and industrial areas [1]. Besides the fact that energy has to be provided - which usually has no strong restriction because of the possibility to use is available and readily transportable fossil energy - the link between spatial planning and energy planning is underdeveloped. We propose to look at spatial planning and energy planning not as distinct “two sides of a coin” but as a continuum because intellectual separation and sectoral analysis leads to sub-optimal solutions.
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