Marloes Dignum
Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology
Organized (ir)responsibility and the development smart grids
- a first
exploration-Problem Description
Analytical Framework
(How) does the concept ‘smart’ serve the performativity of sustainability visions?
This paper identifies the emerging structures of Smart Energy Systems (SES). SES systems are often seen as a way to shape a sustainable future energy system, and to bring in (local) responsibility to a future setting. Yet, initiatives are diverse. This paper analyses 35 Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs)* that are municipal visions to reach, and sometimes exceed, European CO2 reduction goals. It zooms in to 5 SEAPs that identify specifically as ‘smart’. This paper focuses on the shaping capabilities (performativity) of sustainability visions in general and SES specifically. It addresses the question:
Performativity Challenges Issues Content and Contextualisati on
• Level of ambition (size, means, time)
• Coordination between overarching and local vision(s) and contexts • Values incorporated Stakeholder interaction • In envisioning process • In implementation • Network formation
Actions • Feasibility of realisation
• Possibility for concrete action
Preliminary Results
Preliminary Results
Visions are diverse in scope, content and actors involved. This research uses a framework based on the Leitbild perspective, Utopian Studies, and the sociology of expectations to analyse the SEAPs.
Preliminary Results
Preliminary Conclusion
* Framework and analysis is elaborated from an earlier conference paper: Van Bueren E., Steenhuisen B., Dignum M. (2015) The expected
performance of local energy visions in Europe: a governance perspective ICPP July 1-4, Milan.
Numbers of submitted SEAPs in Europe in May 2015
(http://www.covenantofmayors.eu/actions/sustainable-energy-action-plans_en.html)
Next steps
Performativity Challenges
SEAPs (n35) SEAP SES (subset n5) Content and
contextualisation
• Related to EU policy.
• Hardly includes reflection and prioritization.
• No feedback loop to EU or region • Carbon reduction central. Some
positioning much broader e.g., reduction of flooding.
• Comparison with similar cities
• Ambition loosely connected to EU • Well contextualized • Higher ambition
• Broad positioning, broader positioning more common e.g. quality of life, image, health.
• Smart as Buzzword: e.g citizen/ grid/ mobility/ sports facility/ economy/ office.
Stakeholder interaction
• Often not upfront • Part of implementation • Mostly within city sometimes
between comparable cities, limited to EU level.
• Platform itself also fulfills coordinating function.
• Not in initiation
• Part of detailing and implementation • Intensive networking, part of competition,
with open information
Realisation • Linear thinking • Funding underdeveloped • EU as source of funding • Often planned to take –off
• Feedback loops
• Detailed and general measures • Smart grids part of the solution • City “ regeneration” • Attention for funding
Detailed analysis (desk research and interviews) of several case studies to identify precise actions, actor involvement, current and planned development. Aim is to identify the changing roles and responsibilities of actors and institutions. Attention is paid to whose values are included in ongoing developments and what is (not) taken into account. By comparing different, potentially extreme, developments, attention will be drawn to the consequences of large scale implementation.
Compared to general SEAP visions, the SES visions were more thorough, elaborate, and contextualised. The ambition was more self-defined and less fed by EU policy. SES had a stronger network and were more competitive towards other cities. Image and being a role model were important. The concept smart was mobilised broadly. The vision included leverage points to contribute to several public values such as health and well-being (including reduction of fuel poverty). This positioning was also present in other SEAPs that had pre- arranged funding and extensive network formation.
