The micro smart grid as a materialised imaginary within the German energy transition

Abstract

In technical terms, a micro smart grid is one solution for future energy supply from renewable energy sources with the aid of information technology. However, it also symbolises the idea of a transformation into a low-carbon, non-fossil-fuel society. This paper analyses that the micro smart grid works as a sociotechnical imaginary and boundary object across a specific actor constellation with plural backgrounds, interests and perspectives. Empirical data has been gathered for this study from an urban innovation campus in Germany, an ascribed living lab for innovation and research that represents an especially designated place combined with spatially embedded visions of the future city and energy system. Here the micro smart grid imaginary is closely interlinked with the place and becomes materialised: it is argued that despite the micro smart grid's incomplete status in terms of technical advancement and reliability, the imaginary already generates cooperation and commitment across actor groups and sectors. The place provides a shared, protected experimental space as well as boundary objects, thus, first, enabling the actors to cope with the perceived uncertainty in the transition process. Second, it fosters innovation, new business models and forms of cooperation, and thereby, third, contributes to the energy system transformation.