TERIM
Project information
Title
Transition Dynamics in Energy Regions: An Integrated Model for Sustainable Policies
Funding
Climate and Energy Fund of the Austrian Federal Government
Project lead
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Claudia R. Binder
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alfred Posch
Project partner
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Chair for Human Environment Relations
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Claudia R. Binder - Delft University of Technology
Energy & Industry Group
Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management
Prof. Dr. Gerard P.J. Dijkema - European Centre for Renewable Energy Güssing (EEE)
Ing. Joachim Hacker - Energieregion Weiz-Gleisdorf
Dr. Iris Absenger
Project duration
1.4.2011 – 31.03.2014
Context
Energy regions are regional initiatives, which usually envision energy self-sufficiency by using regional renewable energy sources and building a decentralized energy infrastructure. Studies on energy regions have mostly looked at the technical-operational characteristics and informed policy-makers on how to improve energy infrastructure. However, they have missed out in providing and understanding the dynamics of the transition process, in particular the role of policies, social norm, and culture in stakeholders' decision-making and thus, on the transition process itself.
Objectives
The main objectives of this project are to simulate the transition dynamics of energy regions and derive policy recommendations. Specifically, we will:
- Analyze the transition dynamics in two Austrian energy regions from their establishment until today.
- Develop an integrated simulation model for studying transition dynamics in energy regions including interrelations and feedbacks between the social system and the energy infrastructure, as well as the impact of policies on individual human behaviour and the transition process.
- Derive policy recommendations for Austrian policy makers.
Expected results
Our project will contribute to overcome disciplinary boundaries and show how transitions theory and modelling methods can be combined with transdisciplinary research on socio-technical transitions. Specifically, we expect the following results:
Module 1: System characterization
- Quantitative database of the energy transitions in the two study regions Güssing and Energieregion Weiz-Gleisdorf.
- A set of indicators, which characterizes the transition process and analyzes the effect of policies on the transition process.
Module 2: Dynamic modelling
- A model that represents decisions of different stakeholders.
- A model that allows testing various policies.
Module 3: Policy development
- Policy recommendations for establishing new, supporting current and maintaining successful transitions in energy regions.