An Indicator-Based Approach for Analyzing the Resilience of Transitions for Energy Regions. Part I: Theoretical and Conceptual Considerations

Abstract

Abstract:The transition of our current energy system from a fossil-based system to a system based on renewables is likely to be one of the most complex and long-term societal transitions in history. The need for a fundamental system transformation raises the question of how to measure the continuing progress and the resilience of this process over time. This paper aims at developing the conceptualization and operationalization of resilience for energy systems in transition with regard to both social and technical aspects. Based on the resilience concept in social-ecological systems literature, we propose to conceptualize resilience for energy systems building on two core attributes of resilience, namely diversity and connectivity. We present an indicator set to operationalize these key attributes in social and technical systems using: (i) definitions and measurements for three fundamental diversity properties-variety, balance and disparity-and (ii) basic connectivity properties from the social network analysis literature-path length, centrality and modularity. Finally, we reflect on possibilities for an application of these indicators in the social and technical system's spheres and discuss the added value of the approach for energy transition research.

The Resilience of Sustainability Transitions

“…We built upon these three key dimensions to analyze an energy transition process in an Austrian energy region. We built on previously published work by the authors in the Energy Region Weiz-Gleisdorf (EWG) [13,42,43]. Interviews with central actors of the energy transition were carried out in the region in 2011, 2016, and 2017, including a personal visit to one of the authors in the region in 2016.…”

“…Ensuring a high level of system resilience during a sustainability transition process minimizes the risk of system-level collapse. Therefore, transition management has to be aware of the basic structures and functions of the system and protect them from collapse during a transition process [13]. In some cases, however, collapse on a sub-systemic scale might be necessary to release potential for innovation and ensure transition progress (e.g., Schumpeters' understanding of creative destruction [55] or the "release" dynamics in the adaptive cycle model [39]).…”

“…Different scholars have highlighted that transitions toward sustainability require changes not only in technology, but also in our societal structures, routines, and cultural practices [5,9]. Such changes must be managed and integrated, informed by interdisciplinary scientific approaches that consider the interactions between social, ecological, and technical subsystems [10][11][12][13][14]. With broad agreement on the policy side that transitioning toward a more sustainable society is desirable, the need to understand when and why sustainability transitions succeed or fail has become of paramount importance [15].…”

“…Binder et al [13] addressed the resilience of systems in transition, concluding that systems have to maintain their functionality throughout the transition process in order for the transition to be successful. Ideally, the system in transition has to be resilient to external and internal shocks and challenges throughout the transitions process.…”

An Indicator-Based Approach for Analysing the Resilience of Transitions for Energy Regions. Part II: Empirical Application to the Case of Weiz-Gleisdorf, Austria

“…Local and regional energy systems are important entities in the current energy transition towards a low-carbon, renewable energy system [1,2]. At a regional level, in Austria for example, 106 "climate and energy model regions" including 1113 municipalities with 2.5 million inhabitants have been created and initiatives such as climate communities (Klimabündisgemeinden) or e-5 communities (e-5 Gemeinden) have developed since the 1990s [3,4].…”