Burgler, Jesse (2022) Regional Energy Strategies for Local Energy Initiatives. Master thesis.
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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.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Environmental & Infrastructure Planning |
| Supervisor: | Kann, F.M.G. van |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Aug 2022 11:53 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Aug 2022 11:53 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3939 |
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