Abstract :
[en] This doctoral dissertation examines geographical dimensions of the energy transition. It develops a conceptual framework for practice oriented transition studies in economic geography. Therefore, the energy transition is conceptualised as a socio-technical phenomenon and as a result of various practices. These practices (re)produce and transform the spatial contexts in which energy is produced and consumed. The main focus lies on the shift to renewable energies in so-called “energy regions”. There, various actors are involved in the operation of renewable energy facilities, such as operators, plant manufacturers, maintenance companies, planners, politicians, or local residents. The dissertation in hand illuminates the space-time dimension of these actors’ interplay, how their practices change over time and thereby constitute energy regions. The case of biogas co-fermentation exemplifies this “energetic regionalising”. Central findings are first, that knowledge exchange and creation of routines are central for regionalisations in the biogas sector. Second, in the case of renewable energies, different spatial concepts unfold meaning: Euclidian space as locale of resources, technologies and social discourse; relational space as platform for knowledge exchange as well as the creation and diffusion of routines, values and norms – that are embodied in practices of regionalisation. And third, regionalisations can be understood as practices and processes that contribute to the creation and stabilisation economic sectors.
