Auf dem Weg zur Energiewende: die Entwicklung der Stromproduktion aus erneuerbaren Energien in Deutschland ; eine Studie aus dem Soziologischen Forschungsinstitut Göttingen (SOFI)

Electricity generation from renewable sources of energy has had a long history in Germany and is highly topical. This paper deals with both aspects. A sociological analysis of technology shows how innovative technologies gradually emerged from the Utopian vision of 'velvet' energies, which became the basis of the rapidly growing regenerative electricity production. The second aspect of the paper is an analysis of the growing potential - as well as possible obstacles - of regenerative energies. The expansion of energy production from renewable sources and the tendency towards the concentration of such installations (e.g. large wind farms or solar parks) is increasingly met with opposition from the public. In addition, it is felt that considerable changes in the energy sector can only be successful if its promoters become more active.Die Stromproduktion aus erneuerbaren Energien in Deutschland hat sowohl eine Jahrzehnte lange Geschichte als auch hohe Aktualität. Die vorliegende Untersuchung greift beide Aspekte auf. Zum einen wird im Rahmen einer soziologischen Technikanalyse herausgearbeitet, wie aus der utopischen Vision sanfter Energien allmählich sich verfestigende und politisch geförderte Innovations- und Technikpfade hervorgingen und zur Grundlage des gegenwärtig rapide wachsenden regenerativen Stromsektors wurden. Zum anderen liegt der Schwerpunkt der Studie auf der Analyse aktueller Entwicklungspotenziale der erneuerbaren Energien sowie möglicher Hemmnisse und ambivalenter Folgen ihrer Expansion. So führen die zunehmende Verbreitung regenerativer Stromproduktion sowie die Tendenz zur Zentralisierung bestimmter Erzeugungstechniken (zum Beispiel große Wind- oder Solarparks) nicht selten zu Widerständen in der Bevölkerung sowie zu Kontroversen innerhalb des ökologischen Lagers. Darüber hinaus zeichnet sich ab, dass der durch die Expansion der erneuerbaren Energien eingeleitete Transformationsprozess des deutschen Stromsektors nur dann erfolgreich weitergeführt werden kann, wenn die Akteure der Regenerativbranche mehr als bisher aktiv zur Netz- und Systemeinbindung erneuerbarer Stromquellen beitragen

The enactment of socio-technical transition pathways: a reformulated typology and a comparative multi-level analysis of theGerman and UK low-carbon electricity transitions (1990–2014)

tThis paper aims to make two contributions to the sustainability transitions literature, in particular theGeels and Schot (2007. Res. Policy 36(3), 399) transition pathways typology. First, it reformulates anddifferentiates the typology through the lens of endogenous enactment, identifying the main patternsfor actors, formal institutions, and technologies. Second, it suggests that transitions may shift betweenpathways, depending on struggles over technology deployment and institutions. Both contributions aredemonstrated with a comparative analysis of unfolding low-carbon electricity transitions in Germanyand the UK between 1990–2014. The analysis shows that Germany is on a substitution pathway, enactedby new entrants deploying small-scale renewable electricity technologies (RETs), while the UK is on atransformation pathway, enacted by incumbent actors deploying large-scale RETs. Further analysis showsthat the German transition has recently shifted from a ‘stretch-and-transform’ substitution pathway to a‘fit-and-conform’ pathway, because of a fightback from utilities and altered institutions. It also shows thatthe UK transition moved from moderate to substantial incumbent reorientation, as government policiesbecame stronger. Recent policy changes, however, substantially downscaled UK renewables support,which is likely to shift the transition back to weaker reorientation

The german case study: Pioneer projects of aquaculture-wind farm multi-uses

Most studies on multi-use concepts of aquaculture and wind farms explored cultivation feasibility of extractive species, such as seaweed or bivalves. However, recent studies also included the cultivation of crustaceans or fish culture in the vicinity of wind turbines. Consequently, new approaches combine fed and extractive species in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) concepts for offshore multi-use to reduce nutrient output and the overall environmental impact of aquaculture operations. In this chapter the findings of a series of mussel and oyster cultivation experiments over several seasons are presented, which were conducted at different offshore test sites in the German Bight. Sites were selected within future offshore wind farm areas for an explicit multi-use perspective. Results have demonstrated successful growth and fitness parameters of these candidates and therefore definitely proved the suitability of these bivalve extractive species for open ocean aquaculture. Another approach for multi-use in offshore wind farms is its use as marine protected area or even for reinforcement or restoration of endangered species, which need the absence of any fisheries activity for recovery. Current projects are testing this perspective for the native European oyster Ostrea edulis and the European lobster Homarus gammarus. From the technological point of view there are many options on how to connect aquaculture devices, such as longline and ring structures as well as different cage types, to the foundations as well as to install it in the centre of the free area between wind turbines. Next to the system design also experiments on drag forces originating from the aquaculture structure on the foundation and vice versa were investigated. Complementary to the biological, environmental end technical aspects, a number of studies were specifically targeted to address and include stakeholders, their attitudes, their interests and concerns over time. By this approach, the inclusion of stakeholders into the research process from its very beginning until today, co-production of knowledge could be fostered. Next to joint identification of the major impediments and concerns of offshore aquaculture under multi-use conditions, new issues and research questions were identified. Primary focus on the economic potential of aquaculture in offshore wind farms was shown for consumption mussels. The production of mussels using longline technology is sufficiently profitable even under the assumption of substantial cost increases. This is especially true, if existing capacities could be used. Last but not least, the EEZ is a special area-it is not a state territory even if a coastal state has its sovereign rights and jurisdiction. It is an area where three legal systems come together: International law, law of the European Union and national law. There are no mariculture projects in the German EEZ and no approval procedure has been completed so far. Some sites are not suitable for mariculture, especially because of nature conservation and shipping