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

Energies, vol. 14, pp. 1358

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.

Authors 6

1. Annedore Kanngießer corresponding

   Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology, 46047 Oberhausen, Germany

2. Johannes Venjakob

   Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy

   Affiliation as printed

   Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie GmbH, 42103 Wuppertal, Germany

3. Jan Hicking Aachen FIR e. V.

   FIR e. V. an der RWTH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FIR e.V. an der RWTH Aachen, Campus-Boulevard 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany

4. Christina Kockel Aachen Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN), RWTH Aachen University, Mathieustr. 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany

5. Emily Drewing

   University of Siegen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department for Political Science, University of Siegen, 57068 Siegen, Germany

6. Marius Angstmann

   Westfälische Hochschule

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Work and Technology, Research Department Spatial Capital, Westfälische Hochschule Gelsenkirchen Bocholt Recklinghausen, 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany