| dc.description.abstract | The wind energy system in The Netherlands is still underdeveloped, and is on the verge of the process of tremendous upscaling. Although this upscaling undertaking has already commenced, the dynamics that govern this process are not thoroughly addressed in the current body of literature and are hence still unclear. This study addresses this knowledge gap by identifying and measuring the factors that affect the upscaling potential of wind energy in The Netherlands. This resulted in the following research question: What barriers and stimuli influence upscaling potential of wind energy in The Netherlands, what is the respective weight of these factor?
By amending the Functions of Innovation Systems Framework as such that it is applicable to this case, novel insight into the factors that influence the upscaling potential have been revealed in study. According to this framework, there are seven processes that need to be sufficiently present for the innovation system to function. The following processes, which are coined as ‘functions’, are proposed by the framework: Entrepreneurial activities (1); knowledge development (2); knowledge diffusion through networks (3); guidance of the search (4); market formation (5); resource mobilisation (6); creation of legitimacy/counteract resistance to change (7)
By engaging active and knowledgeable actors in the innovation system in which wind energy in embedded, potential barriers and stimuli were measured for their relevance to the upscaling process. The results of this study have revealed there is a wide range of factors that influence the upscaling potential of wind energy. Moreover, a hierarchy between the involved processes and factors was established, providing researchers and policy-makers detailed insight into the upscaling potential of wind energy in the Netherlands. Although wind energy has great potential for upscaling, it is currently not realised. The results point towards two major issues that hinder the upscaling process. Firstly, there is severe lack of legitimacy of wind energy technology, and efforts to remedy this have been unsuccessful. Secondly, the lack of long-term government vision and adhering institutionalisation specific to wind energy is a significant barrier for the creation of legitimacy and for upscaling of wind energy in the Netherlands entirely. | |
