A framework for the analysis of obstacles and facilitators for the implementation of a new energy technology -Applied to small urban wind turbines in The Netherlands

Dr. L.M. Kamp

Delft University of TechnologyFaculty of Technology, Policy and Management2600 GA Delft, the NetherlandsL.M.Kamp@tudelft.nl

Case study: small urban wind turbines in The Netherlands 2000-2007

Research question:

Can our conceptual framework help us to find obstacles and facilitators for the implementation of small urban wind turbines in The Netherlands?

Our conceptual framework

Functions of Innovation Systems

Functions of innovation systems modelInnovation system consists of technology, actors, institutions and

learning processes

For an innovation system to be successful, 7 functions need to be fulfilled:

• Market formation• Entrepreneurial activities• Knowledge development• Knowledge diffusion• Guidance of the search• Mobilization of resources• Support of advocacy coalitions (or: counteracting resistance to

change)

• Motors of change -> virtuous and vicious cycles because of dependencies between functions

Analysis: Multi-level perspective

• Landscape: higher level / global processes like greenhouse effect, oil crisis -> positive influences

• Regime: electricity production system / energy production systemliberalization of energy market, decentralization of energy production -> positive influences

• Niche: small urban wind turbines

Analysis: Functions of innovation systems model

7 functions:

• Entrepreneurial activities• Knowledge development• Knowledge diffusion• Market formation• Guidance of the search• Mobilization of resources• Counteracting resistance to change

• Motors of change -> virtuous and vicious cycles because of dependencies between functions

Entrepreneurial activities

• 14 suppliers in The Netherlands• Two suppliers manufactured 37 out of 56 installed

turbines• One of those two regards developing countries as its

main market.

Knowledge development & diffusion• Lot of R&D at TU Delft, several highschools (Hogescholen),

R&D departments of manufacturers and suppliers of parts.• Learning by doing and learning by using in three pilot

projects in which mostly knowledge is gained on technical aspects and permit procedures.

• Cooperation between TU Delft and turbine owners• No knowledge exchange with other research instutes and

other companies• Also here pilot projects important• Network formation by Rencom consultancy agency

Guidance of the search

• Different types of turbines – HAT, VAT – so different search strategies

• Lot of guidance from TU Delft

• Guidance by governments via R&D subsidies and pilot projects

Market formation

• No direct need for small turbines as electricity generators in the Netherlands

• Market is formed by market subsidies and demand for environment friendly labels

• Market still small due to immaturity of technology

• No individual owners – mostly government buildings, large companies

• Lack of certification procedure definitely hinders and slows down market formation

Mobilization of resources

• Financial and human capital

• Market subsidies, feed-in tariffs and R&D subsidies available again, but lot of uncertainty on future availability

• Minister of Economic Affairs declared not to see advantages of small urban wind turbines

• Local governments as owners and sponsors of pilot projects

• Human capital well available

Advocacy coalitions / counteracting resistance to change

• Consultancy agency Rencom

• Green Party in The Netherlands

• No support from Minister of Economic Affairs

ConclusionCan our conceptual framework help us find obstacles and facilitators for the implementation of small urban wind turbines in The Netherlands?

Main obstacles: Main facilitators:- immature technology with - ‘green image’ & openings in energysmall amount of manufacturers regimethat develop different turbine types - consultancy agency Rencom- no certainty on subsidies - pilot projects- very little knowledge diffusion- no certification procedure Missing in conceptual framework:- slow permit process technical aspects

Examples of ‘negative motors of change’ (vicious cycles):lack of certainty on market subsidies -> small market -> few entrepreneurs & few turbine owners -> little lobbying -> lack of certainty on market subsidies

weak knowledge exchange with turbine owners -> little techn. improvement ->

small market -> few owners -> weak knowledge exchange with turbine owners