Bolt, Eline (2023) Developing Solar Energy Landscapes: How an Area-based Approach Can Help in Developing them Sustainably. Master thesis, Cultural Geography - Climate Adaptation Governance (CAG).
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Abstract
The transition to renewable energy impacts existing landscapes. The results of these transformations are called ‘energy landscapes’. Specifically, this research focuses on solar energy landscapes (SELs). Currently, the energy systems and the location are often still seen as two separate entities. Researchers argue that the development of energy landscapes should be sensitive to local contexts. An area-based approach in the development of SELs can connect the energy systems to the landscape and the local context. Thus, this research studies how area-based planning can play a role in the development of an energy landscape, so that they are developed sustainably. Sustainable energy landscapes are landscapes that sustain qualities and values of cultural landscapes and sustain activities in the future. Different SELs in the Netherlands are investigated through a case study approach. They are researched through interviews and document analysis. From the data it became clear that using an area-based approach can have an impact on the functions, design, acceptance, and the process of development of an SEL. The research has found ways in which SELs can be developed taking into account local contexts. Regarding sustainability, mostly the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability can be impacted by taking an area-based approach. Working area-based can play an important role in working integrally instead of sectorally, which is required if we are to strive for long-term sustainable renewable energy provision. From the results can be concluded that working integrally is often still a challenge in creating an integrated SEL. The typology on the area-based approach, and its relationship to the sustainability of SELs presented in this paper gives direction to and provides ingredients for decision-making on sustainable energy landscapes. Further research is needed on how integrality can be further achieved in developing SELs, and policy support is needed to facilitate developing multifunctional SELs that are embedded in the local context.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Name supervisor: | Mc Dermott, R.P. |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Sep 2023 10:51 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Sep 2023 10:51 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/341 |
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