Actors in multi-sector transitions - discourse analysis on hydrogen in Germany

Ohlendorf, Nils; Löhr, Meike; Markard, Jochen

doi:10.1016/j.eist.2023.100692

Cited by 17 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…Based on existing literature (Belova et al 2023, Ohlendorf et al 2023 as well as inductively from our documentary analysis, the analysis identified two important fault lines of differing expectations across actors. One concerns the production of hydrogen: While some actors argue that for decarbonisation only green hydrogen is permissible, other actors are in favour of using other forms as well, e.g.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…From our preliminary analysis we inductively, as well as based on previous literature (Belova et al 2023, Ohlendorf et al 2023, identified two important faultlines on which actors disagree: one concerns the production of hydrogen. While some actors argue that for climate change reasons only the use of green hydrogen is permissible, other actors are in favour of using other means of producing hydrogen as well.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Hydrogen as a panacea for decarbonising everything? Exploring contested hydrogen pathways in Germany

Kern,

Schmelzle,

Hummel

2023

Environ. Res. Lett.

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Technological change is often seen as part of the solution to problems of global sustainability. A wide-ranging literature on how path dependent—often fossil fuel-based—socio-technical configurations can be overcome by more sustainable configurations has emerged over the last two decades. One potential transition pathway to transform electricity, heat and mobility systems as well as industrial production is the use of hydrogen. In recent years, hydrogen has received increasing attention as part of decarbonisation strategies in many countries as well as by international organisations such as the International Energy Agency or the International Renewable Energy Agency. Also in Germany it has become a central component of climate change policy and is seen by some actors almost as a kind of panacea, where the use of hydrogen is expected to decarbonise a wide range of sectors. Policy makers have the ambition for Germany to become a leader in hydrogen development and therefore help to contribute to what Grubler called ‘grand patterns of technological change’. The aim of this paper is to analyse whether relevant actors share expectations for transition pathways based on hydrogen, which would foster wide diffusion. Our empirical analysis shows that there are multiple contested pathways, both in terms of how hydrogen is produced as well as in which applications or sectors it is to be used. This causes uncertainty and slows down hydrogen developments in Germany. We contribute to an emerging literature on the politics of contested transition pathways and also critically engage with Grubler’s ‘grand patterns’ argument. Results support the idea that the concept of socio-technical pathways allows to expose tensions between competing values and interests. The German government is under considerable pressure regarding competing visions on hydrogen transition pathways. A targeted political prioritisation of hydrogen applications could mitigate tensions and support a shared vision.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrogen as a panacea for decarbonising everything? Exploring contested hydrogen pathways in Germany

Kern,

Schmelzle,

Hummel

2023

Environ. Res. Lett.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…It becomes evident in the literature that the structure of the discourse has evolved in tandem with and has been in sync with the political agenda-setting during the initial stages of the public debate on hydrogen in Germany [1,2,15]. More recent studies have concentrated on the positioning of stakeholders regarding the hydrogen market ramp-up [1,15,16]. Belova et al use the Discourse Network Analyzer software to examine how the composition of stakeholders, their positions, and the overall hydrogen discourse structure have developed over time [2].…”

Section: The German Hydrogen Discourse and The German Dependence On R...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Secondly, the potential marginalization of energy transformation and climate policy vis-à-vis energy security was discussed. A question has been raised as to whether these developments might actually foster greater alignment between the objectives and tools of energy security and climate-related goals [14,16]. More recent studies present an evaluation of the response of the European Union to the first eighteen months of the war and the war's impact on EU energy policy [3,4].…”

Section: The German Hydrogen Discourse and The German Dependence On R...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Before 24 February 2022, the German hydrogen discourse focused heavily on the National Hydrogen Strategy (announced in 2019 and implemented in 2020) and related aspects such as public funding of hydrogen research projects, the contribution of hydrogen to the energy transition, and potential applications of hydrogen technology (Figure 4); these areas had little potential for conflict, as shown by discourse network analyses [2,16]. Before the discussion about the National Hydrogen Strategy, there was a notable absence of discussions specifically discussing (green) hydrogen, despite its high relevance within the context of energy and the energy transition [1] (p. 8).…”

Section: Shift Of Discourse From Sustainability Considerations To Sec...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Impact of the Russian War against Ukraine on the German Hydrogen Discourse

Loewe,

Quittkat,

Knodt

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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This contribution delves into the transformative effects of the Russian–Ukrainian war on the discourse surrounding German hydrogen. Employing structural topical modeling (STM) on a vast dataset of 2192 newspaper articles spanning from 2019 to 2022, it aims to uncover thematic shifts attributed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The onset of the war in February 2022 triggered a significant pivot in the discourse, shifting it from sustainability and climate-change mitigation to the securing of energy supplies through new partnerships, particularly in response to Russia’s unreliability. Germany started exploring alternative energy trading partners like Canada and Australia, emphasizing green hydrogen development. The study illustrates how external shocks can expedite the uptake of new technologies. The adoption of the “H2 readiness” concept for LNG terminals contributes to the successful implementation of green hydrogen. In summary, the Russian–Ukrainian war profoundly impacted the German hydrogen discourse, shifting the focus from sustainability to energy supply security, underscoring the interconnectedness of energy security and sustainability in Germany’s hydrogen policy.

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The Catalytic Role of Sustainability Transitions for Business Models

Lüdeke-Freund,

Wells,

Aagaard

2024

Business Model Innovation

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In the dynamic realm of global business and the pressing climate crisis, the need for sustainability transitions has become a pivotal catalyst for change, fundamentally reshaping the core tenets of companies’ business models. In this chapter, we delve into the notion of sustainability transitions and discuss the dynamic interplay between business models and the broader socio-technical contexts in which they operate. The chapter argues that sustainability transitions are a game-changing lens through which businesses can understand, respond to, and influence the changing world around them. This leads to reflections on the nature of so-called business models for sustainability transitions (BMfST), which might become a new breed of sustainability-oriented business models. The chapter concludes with illustrations of three categories of business models which represent antecedents of future BMfST, as well as a set of tentative principles for thinking about business model design catalysed by sustainability transitions.

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Actors in multi-sector transitions - discourse analysis on hydrogen in Germany

Cited by 17 publications

References 61 publications

Hydrogen as a panacea for decarbonising everything? Exploring contested hydrogen pathways in Germany

Hydrogen as a panacea for decarbonising everything? Exploring contested hydrogen pathways in Germany

The Impact of the Russian War against Ukraine on the German Hydrogen Discourse

The Catalytic Role of Sustainability Transitions for Business Models

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