eprintid: 3939
rev_number: 4
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/39/39
datestamp: 2022-08-02 11:53:13
lastmod: 2022-08-02 11:53:13
status_changed: 2022-08-02 11:53:13
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Burgler, Jesse
creators_id: S3426912
creators_email: jesseburgler@gmail.com
title: Regional Energy Strategies for Local Energy Initiatives
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: In order to make the transition from a fossil fuel-based energy system towards an energy system based
on renewable sources of energy, the Dutch government developed the Regional Energy Strategy
programme (RES). This regional approach divides the country into 30 energy regions that collectively
need to produce 35 TWh of renewable electricity from onshore energy. To make this transition, local
energy initiatives (LEIs) are of great importance. These are initiatives such as small wind and solar parks
which are developed by groups of citizens. LEIs represent a new type of actor that creates co-provision
and enters the policy domain of energy in a way (‘bottom-up’) that challenges conventional
institutional arrangements.

This research investigates how the Dutch Regional Energy Strategy programme contributes to the
emergence and success of local energy initiatives. It does this by conducting case studies on three
Dutch energy regions which can be considered front-running when it comes to LEIs. These are
Groningen, Noord-Holland Zuid, and Friesland. Data on the cases is collected by means of semistructured interviews and retrieving RES-related policy documents. Through a literature study on
regional energy governance and LEIs, a framework is developed to analyse the data. This includes
possible types of support from the RES towards LEIs. These are related to the regional approach of the
RES, how it can provide institutional support, and how the RES can participate in several networking
activities in favour of LEIs.

After applying this framework to the collected empirical data, the results show that the authority of
the RES to stimulate LEIs is limited. The RES does for example not have the ability to change policy and
regulations in favour of LEIs. Furthermore, most of the stimulants that are provided towards LEIs are
indirect and aimed at other organisations so that they can help the initiatives. These mainly include
municipalities and umbrella organisations. Rather, the RES functions as a means to put LEIs on the
agenda and enhance the collaboration between LEIs and other organisations.
date: 2022
pages: 65
thesis_type: master
degree_programme: EIP
tutors_name: Kann, F.M.G. van
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Planologie
tutors_email: F.M.G.van.Kann@rug.nl
security: public
keywords_local: energy transition, regional energy strategy, local energy initiatives, niches, governance
keywords_local: decentralization, institutional change, multi-level transitions
language_iso: en
date_issued: 2022-08-01
citation:   Burgler, Jesse  (2022) Regional Energy Strategies for Local Energy Initiatives.  Master thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/3939/1/Master%20thesis%20Jesse%20Burgler.pdf