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.
The transformation of the present energy system into a sustainable one is discussed worldwide. This is also mirrored in a vivid debate in the scientific literature [1–3]. Self-sufficiency attained with the help of electricity, heat, and fuel from renewable energy (RE) in combination with energy saving is seen as one way to establish a sustainable energy system, e.g., [4,5]. Many communities and regions in different countries are facing the challenge of such a transformation of their energy system, and have taken up the objective of achieving energy self-sufficiency through the use of renewables [4,6–8]. [...]
This article describes and analyzes how the World Café can be applied for knowledge integration in the first phase of transdisciplinary research: In the project Renewable Energy Regions (EE-Regionen) the instrument was used to connect different groups of people (scientists
and local actors from different backgrounds such as politics, business, conservation) with each other. Small groups discussed challenges related to achieving renewable energy self-sufficiency (RESS) together with experts from science and practice who had also been invited. On the one hand,
the dialogue and exchange among the participants did help to provide concrete support for region-specific problems. On the other hand, where questions remained unanswered future research needs were concretized together and addressed in the following research process. In both cases, the collaboration
created positive impulses for local actors and the scientists and laid the foundation for a productive transdisciplinary work atmosphere in the following project phases.
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