eprintid: 4806
rev_number: 4
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/48/06
datestamp: 2024-12-11 06:56:57
lastmod: 2024-12-11 06:56:57
status_changed: 2024-12-11 06:56:57
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Bruinsma, Koen
creators_id: S2655616
creators_email: koenbruinsma@live.nl
title: Power of the People? Power, discourse, and justice in the development of geothermal energy systems in the Netherlands.
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: This thesis investigates the discourse surrounding geothermal energy systems in the Netherlands, focusing on stakeholder perspectives during the summer of 2022. Using Q methodology combined with a poststructuralist framework, it explores the power dynamics, narratives, and imaginaries that influence perceptions of geothermal energy, with a specific focus on the WarmteStad project in Groningen.

Key findings identify three distinct stakeholder perspectives: Pragmatism, highlighting technical and governmental constraints; National Projects, emphasizing national governmental rol in the development of geothermal energy systems; and Private Venture, advocating minimal government intervention. These perspectives reflect varied attitudes toward feasibility, government roles, and societal acceptance, yet all recognize geothermal energy's potential for sustainable heating.

The study draws on theories of energy justice, addressing recognition, distributional, and procedural fairness, alongside socio-technical imaginaries, which explore how societal visions and power relations shape energy transitions. By identifying stakeholder narratives and the factors driving or hindering geothermal adoption, the research contributes insights for inclusive and effective policymaking.

Concluding that collaboration among diverse stakeholders and further research are critical, this thesis underscores the importance of understanding discourse and power dynamics to advance equitable and sustainable energy systems in the Netherlands.
date: 2024
pages: 81
thesis_type: master
degree_programme: EIP
tutors_name: Turhan, E.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Infrastucture Planning
tutors_email: e.turhan@rug.nl
security: public
keywords_local: Geothermal energy
keywords_local: Discourse
keywords_local: Energy Justice
keywords_local: Imaginaries
language_iso: en
date_issued: 2024-12-10
citation:   Bruinsma, Koen  (2024) Power of the People? Power, discourse, and justice in the development of geothermal energy systems in the Netherlands.  Master thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4806/1/S2655616-K-Bruinsma.docx.pdf