Journal Article

FZJ-2018-04992

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Transformation pathways of phasing out coal-fired power plants in Germany

Vögele, S. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Kunz, P.FZJ* ; Rübbelke, D. ; Stahlke, T.

2018
Springer Berlin

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/19636  doi:10.1186/s13705-018-0166-z

Abstract: BackgroundWhile there are plenty of studies investigating the market penetration of new technologies, phase-out processes of a predominant technology are rarely analyzed. The present study explores the case of a declining technology, employing the example of coal-fired power plants in Germany. These plants were promoted by governmental decision-makers as well as by the industry for a long time, but meanwhile, the phase-out or at least a cutback of coal-fired power plants is––not only in Germany––considered to be a key strategy for the transformation towards a sustainable society.MethodsWe investigate potential pathways of the future development of the coal-fired power plant sector in an extended multi-level perspective (MLP) framework that integrates economic, social, political, and technical aspects.ResultsTaking into account the fact that coal is losing its support from several important stakeholders (e.g., governmental decision-makers, utilities) due to, e.g., changes in the prioritization of political goals, changes in the economic framework, in actor constellations, and in public attitudes, coal-fired power plants tend to be pushed into niches or to disappear completely. ConclusionsA reasonable management of the niche technology “coal-fired power plants” could include a protection of space for ensuring a smooth removal of the links between the regime and the technology with respect to, e.g., social and environmental aspects. The phase-out pathways for the coal-fired power plants elaborated on in this paper help to better inform policy-makers to design transformation processes not only for coal-fired power but also for other declining technologies.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Systemforschung und Technologische Entwicklung (IEK-STE)

Research Program(s):

1. 153 - Assessment of Energy Systems – Addressing Issues of Energy Efficiency and Energy Security (POF3-153) (POF3-153)

Appears in the scientific report 2018

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; DOAJ Seal ; Emerging Sources Citation Index ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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