Description
Within the wider set of renewable energy technologies Aqua thermal Energy (AE) is a long-standing, yet under-utilized, emerging niche. Despite having ample theoretical potential to contribute to transformative change towards sustainability in heating and cooling systems, AE has not lived up to expectations. Nonetheless, recently AE is receiving increasing attention by policy makers and practitioners. AE systems refer to the extraction, storage and distribution of thermal energy from drinking, surface or waste water to cool and heat homes and other buildings. The aim of this research is to present several relevant theoretical frameworks available to analyse governance and innovation of current heating systems and future energy systems adopting AE technology. Relevant theoretical frameworks include: the Multi-Level Perspective, Strategic Niche Management, Contextual Interaction Theory, the Governance of Change, and Community Energy Systems. A reflective-empirical case study research design was adopted to gain understanding into renewable energy transition processes, and more specifically, pathways for how AE systems can play a more significant role in a renewable energy system transition. Data collection involved text documents, expert interviews and a stakeholder workshop. To demonstrate the use of the proposed frameworks, we exemplify an illustrative case study of AE niche innovation in the Fryslân region (The Netherlands). The case provides a unique structuring, revealing both enablers and hindrances, of the institutional and governance dynamics for AE system innovation. In addition, the study shows the added value of using multiple, complementary theoretical perspectivesPeriod | 4 Dec 2024 |
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Event title | 6th ESEIA International Conference 2024: “Net Zero and Beyond” |
Event type | Conference |
Conference number | 6 |
Location | Kuopio, FinlandShow on map |
Degree of Recognition | International |
Keywords
- aqua thermal energy
- renewable energy
- heat pump
- governance
- innovation
Documents & Links
- Presentation Hoppe et al._WaterWarmth_6th ESEIA conf_04122024
File: application/pdf, 3.23 MB
Type: Text