Triggering Local Innovation Processes for the Implementation of Sector Coupling Projects: An Integrated Approach

Annedore Kanngießer, Johannes Venjakob, Jan Hicking, Christina Kockel, Emily Drewing, Marius Beckamp and Stefan Jaeger
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Annedore Kanngießer: Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology, 46047 Oberhausen, Germany
Johannes Venjakob: Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie GmbH, 42103 Wuppertal, Germany
Jan Hicking: FIR e.V. an der RWTH Aachen, Campus-Boulevard 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Christina Kockel: Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN), RWTH Aachen University, Mathieustr. 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Emily Drewing: Department for Political Science, University of Siegen, 57068 Siegen, Germany
Marius Beckamp: Institute for Work and Technology, Research Department Spatial Capital, Westfälische Hochschule Gelsenkirchen Bocholt Recklinghausen, 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Stefan Jaeger: WSW Energie & Wasser AG, Bromberger Str. 39–41, 42281 Wuppertal, Germany

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-26

Abstract: Local implementation projects for sector coupling play an important role in the transformation to a more sustainable energy system. Despite various technical possibilities, there are various barriers to the realisation of local projects. Against this backdrop, we introduce an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to identifying and evaluating different power-to-X paths as well as setting up robust local implementation projects, which account for existing drivers and potential hurdles early on. After developing the approach conceptually, we exemplify our elaborations by applying them to a use case in the German city of Wuppertal. It can be shown that a mix of several interlinked interdisciplinary methods as well as several participatory elements is suitable for triggering a collective, local innovation process. However, the timing and extent of end-user integration remain a balancing act. The paper does not focus on a detailed description of power-to-X (PtX) as a central pillar of the sustainable transformation of the energy system. Rather, it focuses on the innovative methodological approach used to select a suitable use path and design a corresponding business model. The research approach was successfully implemented in the specific case study. However, it also becomes clear that the local-specific consideration entails limitations with regard to the transferability of the research design to other spatial contexts.

Keywords: integrated approach; transdisciplinary collaboration; sector coupling; local innovation process (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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