Actor-centred approach to spatial optimisation and modelling of regional energy system transformations
A sustainable energy transition requires concepts that can capture the techno-economic and socio-ecological complexity of regional site decisions for renewable energy. Notably, there is still little insight into how a computer-aided methodological approach should be designed that precisely analyses and reflects the individual positions of regional actors in the energy transition and visualises them with regard to the specificity of actor-related land use for renewable energy installations. The SmartArea research project therefore aims to analyse the complex interactions between the various competing land-use claims that are based on specific actor constellations. The central thesis is that the constructive identification of land for the expansion of renewable energy, in addition to considering key techno-economic and socio-ecological parameters, must in particular address the communication processes between the individual positions of the actors involved in the energy transition. The research project therefore aims to capture the specific perspectives of certain stakeholders on the expansion of renewable energy. We intend to visualise the results using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in such a way that they can be understood by every actor and subsequently enable a constructive exchange among all actors about the value of specific areas for renewable energy expansion. This will make it possible to show actors the effects of their own position on the overall energy system and, moreover, to make the positions of other actors easier for them to understand. In this way, not only can destructive social conflicts in renewable energy project development be prevented from the outset, but constructive synergy effects for a sustainable regional expansion of renewable energy with high acceptance can also be achieved.
