Sector coupling in energy transition as sociotechnical processes 

Abstracts

Sociotechnical analysis of the Vehicle-to-Grid niche in the Netherlands: Status, Opportunities and Barriers

Jerico Bakhuis, Delft University of Technology; with Linda Kamp and
Emile Chappin

This study presents a sociotechnical analysis of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) implementation in the Netherlands, focusing on the benefits and barriers of V2G and how its implementation can be accelerated. The analysis employs a novel multi-system framework to encompass the complexities of the interaction between the electricity and transport sectors. The research draws on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 24 stakeholders and experts in the Dutch electricity and transport sectors and a comprehensive review of existing literature.

The literature is initially reviewed to identify a list of benefits and barriers considering sociotechnical aspects and evaluate the Netherlands’ energy and transport transitions. Interviews are subsequently conducted to identify additional benefits and barriers and to relate them to the Dutch context. Key aspects in this analysis include the classification of the most pressing V2G benefits and barriers in the Netherlands and identifying the state-of-the-art on barriers that remain ambiguous, such as battery degradation and the uncertain business case.

The study proposes several recommendations for accelerating V2G implementation in the Netherlands. These are weighed against the identified list of the most pressing barriers. Recommendations include the need for a clear and consistent regulatory framework, establishing collaborations between electricity and mobility stakeholders, and developing effective communication strategies to increase willingness to participate.

Overall, this sociotechnical analysis highlights the need for a holistic multi-system approach that addresses sociotechnical barriers and underscores the potential benefits of V2G for the energy transition in the Netherlands and beyond.

Deep decarbonization and a new phase of CCS innovation: How new user sectors influence technological innovation systems

Jørgen Finstad, TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture; with Allan Dahl Andersen

This study explores the innovation dynamics of how new and different user sectors affect a technological innovation system (TIS). We perform a case study on the Norwegian carbon capture and storage TIS and investigate how changes in user sectors have influenced the TIS over the past decades. We find that the entry of new user sectors leads to effects resembling an era of ferment – this plays out through increased technological diversity and uncertainty as capturing technologies adapt to the characteristics of the new sectors. It also involves increased institutional complexity as technology developers interact and adjust to the new sectors' institutional needs. Our study makes several contributions to the literature: 1) we provide a dynamic view of TIS value chain evolution, 2) we extend the TIS value chain perspective by showing the importance of change in user sectors, and 3) we provide new empirical insights about CCS technologies. Our study further highlights the importance of a multi-sector perspective for analysing technology development in sustainability.

Municipalities as change agents? Reconsidering roles and policies in local energy sector-coupling

Dirk Scheer, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; with Janine Gondolf

Municipalities play an important role in the energy transition process by implementing and advancing policy measures for climate protection at the local level. However, available options and technologies for the integration and defossilization of electricity, heating, cooling, industry and mobility are diverse and complex. Considering the interplay of societal action, technical options, individual values, decision and challenges, and available policy measures to defossilize the energy system, the municipality takes on a critical role in coordination and creating transparency. Addressing these challenges in the theoretical light of the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) and the Policy Mix Approach (PMA), the authors develop a classification system of policy instruments and measures for municipal action in fostering sector coupling activities. The main argument is that local municipalities dispose of considerable scope of action with several roles they can play in order to orchestra the transition. The study relies empirically on desk research as well as workshops with local actors in three municipalities in the field of sector coupling in Germany. The aim was to identify multidimensional potentials for municipal action in order to develop effective and efficient policy packages by developing a classification system. The results contribute to a structured basis for the discourse on energy transition in municipalities and are a central building block for a horizontal and vertical coordination in the development of a sector coupling strategy. The analysis allows conclusions to be drawn for an expansion of the theory on MLP as well as the PMA to include factors influencing municipal coordination.

Sector coupling for sustainable energy transitions in maritime shipping

Frauke Urban, KTH Royal Institute of Technology; with Anissa Nurdiawati, Fumi Harahap

The maritime shipping industry accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions (IEA, 2023) and delivers 90% of globally traded goods (OECD, 2023). Maritime shipping is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. There is increasing policy pressure to cut emissions from maritime shipping to achieve the Paris Agreement and to meet decarbonization targets set at the national, regional and international levels. 

Sector coupling for maritime shipping plays an important role due to interlinkages between the transport, energy, industry and forestry sectors. Energy companies play major roles by supplying vessels with fuel needed for their operations. There are increasing linkages to forestry, pulp and paper industries, where residues can be used as feedstock for producing biofuels and hydrogen. While technological options exist, there is insufficient knowledge about the socio-technical implications, the role of various stakeholders in supporting or impeding sustainable energy transitions and wider societal implications.

This research is using a mixed methods approach, applying both qualitative research from expert interviews and quantitative energy modelling. The research thereby links theories from sustainability and socio-technical transitions with techno-economic modelling approaches.

Our research finds that the sector couplings between the transport, energy, industry and forestry sectors are of growing importance as the maritime shipping industry is transitioning towards decarbonized maritime fuels. At the same time there is competition for scarce natural resources with other sectors, including aviation and road transport. Socio-technical aspects, particularly of financial and political nature, are key factors that determine the speed and direction of the transition, yet they remain under-explored. 

Organizer  

Silvia Bruzzone, Mälardalen University (MDU) 
Silvia.bruzzone@mdu.se