The transformative power of self-organization:Towards a conceptual framework for understanding local energy initiatives in The Netherlands

Self-organization has been previously coined as a concept that describes the shifting relationships between citizen groups and institutional stakeholders in various fields, including sustainability and energy transitions. Yet, little has been known about what exactly the transformative power of self-organization is. The present article discusses processes of self-organization associated with small-scale, decentralized energy projects, such as local energy initiatives. By building on prior literature on energy initiatives, self-organization, and niche-regime interaction, attention is given to the mutually reinforcing relationship between local initiatives and the institutional context in which this relationship is situated. In analyzing the relationship between the internal aspects of the initiatives and their institutional arrangements, this article suggests that the processes of self-organization facilitate socio-institutional practices that are observable not only within the initiatives but also traceable in wider institutional contexts. These socio-institutional practices are essential for a better understanding of the interface between the citizen-driven energy projects and local governance. The analysis further supports the idea that processes of self-organization, along with market-led and state-led mechanism, underpin innovative and pragmatic pathways which could enhance the energy transition towards a carbon neutral future

Are small municipalities prepared to use SIs? The case of Thailand

Sustainability indicators are among the tools used to help towns and cities inform and evaluate their sustainable development strategies. Research into sustainability indicators has mostly targeted large cities and developed countries. Little is known of the role of sustainability indicators in pursuing sustainability by smaller towns, notably in developing countries. Nevertheless, small towns are home to a majority of the population in most developing countries. Their governments, in the meantime, are typically highly constrained when it comes to available staff and resources, also when it comes to using sustainability indicators. This study into seven Thai municipalities investigates how the Thailand Sustainable Cities Indicators’ (TSCI) is prioritized, used, and translated into local impact. While explicitly connecting to the TSCI, the investigation ends with some key considerations upon its use, coping strategies, and how improvement may be pursued. The results show that the TSCI is making an impact, albeit not necessarily as structured or clear as the UN might have envisioned. The study illustrates empirical evidence of problems and limitations small municipalities are facing and reveals the creative efforts of small municipalities in coping with such issues. Small municipalities are found to be limited in terms of instrumental uses, while a much more nuanced picture emerges when it comes to conceptual use. Furthermore, some general clues to improve how it might be used locally are also suggested.</p

Resilient energy landscapes:A spatial quest?

The past decade has seen a swift increase in societal and political commitment to shift towards a more sustainable energy system. This commitment is confirmed by European Union Climate and Energy targets (CEC, 2010). Among the prime means to accommodate such a shift is the increased use of renewables in the energy mix, which the European Union has set at a twenty percent share in 2020. The use of renewables will have vast spatial implications. Fossil fuels are often found below the surface and transported to centralised units to produce electricity or the distribution of fuels. Renewables such as wind, solar or hydropower are often above the surface, highly visible and require vast amounts of space. Hence, we will have to accept energy production becoming an increasingly prominent part of our landscapes.</p