Abstract
The energy transition is already underway across the globe. This paper
examines two very different approaches in the implementation of renewable energy
projects—the Netherlands and Hawaiʻi. In the Netherlands, 27 suburbs are acting as
pilot areas for the goals to transition from gas to alternative energy sources by 2050,
and initiatives are implemented that allow for novel techniques and methods of
cooperation and governance. Meanwhile, the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi is ambitiously
attempting to reach its 100% renewable portfolio standards (RPS) goal by 2045
through the implementation of solar and wind projects across its islands.
The main questions to be answered by looking at these two cases are how the current
transition approach can enable reaching the sustainable development goals locally
along with other policy targets, and which synergies and challenges arise during this
process. The results are grouped around four themes: (1) technologies; (2) data
management; (3) government/policies; and (4) society. This study examines these
themes and proposes potential solutions to each of the challenges where possible, as
supported by relevant literature. Special attention is paid to the educational and human
resources required for the energy transition, as the initiatives in the case studies are
intended to be scaled and sped up in order to fulfil the national transition targets.
By showcasing these two diverse examples of local implementation of the energy
transition, this analysis assists in providing insight on the challenges for diverse
communities around the world, as well as informing and inspiring communities in
transition.
examines two very different approaches in the implementation of renewable energy
projects—the Netherlands and Hawaiʻi. In the Netherlands, 27 suburbs are acting as
pilot areas for the goals to transition from gas to alternative energy sources by 2050,
and initiatives are implemented that allow for novel techniques and methods of
cooperation and governance. Meanwhile, the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi is ambitiously
attempting to reach its 100% renewable portfolio standards (RPS) goal by 2045
through the implementation of solar and wind projects across its islands.
The main questions to be answered by looking at these two cases are how the current
transition approach can enable reaching the sustainable development goals locally
along with other policy targets, and which synergies and challenges arise during this
process. The results are grouped around four themes: (1) technologies; (2) data
management; (3) government/policies; and (4) society. This study examines these
themes and proposes potential solutions to each of the challenges where possible, as
supported by relevant literature. Special attention is paid to the educational and human
resources required for the energy transition, as the initiatives in the case studies are
intended to be scaled and sped up in order to fulfil the national transition targets.
By showcasing these two diverse examples of local implementation of the energy
transition, this analysis assists in providing insight on the challenges for diverse
communities around the world, as well as informing and inspiring communities in
transition.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Conference Proceedings of the STS Conference Graz 2021 |
| Subtitle of host publication | Critical Issues in Science, Technology and Society Studies, 3–5 May 2021 |
| Editors | Nicki Lisa Cole, Michaela Jahrbacher, Günter Getzinger |
| Place of Publication | Graz |
| Publisher | Graz University of Technology |
| Number of pages | 23 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3-85125-855-4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2021 |
| Event | STS Conference Graz 2021: Critical Issues in Science, Technology and Society Studies - Virtual Event Duration: 3 May 2021 → 5 May 2021 https://www.tugraz.at/arbeitsgruppen/sts/sts-conference-graz/ |
Publication series
| Name | Science, Technology and society |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Verlag der Technischen Universität Graz |
| ISSN (Print) | 2663-9440 |
Conference
| Conference | STS Conference Graz 2021 |
|---|---|
| City | Virtual Event |
| Period | 3/05/21 → 5/05/21 |
| Internet address |