Renewable energy in Scotland: Extending the transition-periphery dynamics approach

Munro, Fiona Robertson (2018) Renewable energy in Scotland: Extending the transition-periphery dynamics approach. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Scotland is being transformed as renewable energy resources are being exploited through new developments and infrastructure as part of an energy transition. Scotland has a significant amount of potential onshore and offshore renewable energy available for capture largely located in rural and isolated regions. Some of this potential renewable energy has been developed and contributes to the increasing amount of energy from low carbon sources in the UK, aiding in the UK reaching its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets.

This thesis responds to four research questions. The first proposes an analytical framework that incorporates the concept of resource peripheries and processes of peripheralization and centralization in the multilevel perspective (MLP) from the sociotechnical transitions literature. The second discusses the transition dynamics during the renewable energy transition in Scotland that are being shaped by a number of drivers including the shift to community ownership in Scotland and a range of policies, targets, and legislation. The third address the relationship dynamics between cores and peripheries created through processes of peripheralization that include relational, multi-dimensional processes that are also multi-scalar. The fourth discusses the uneven multi-scalar dynamics created as a transition occurs with processes of peripheralization and centralization creating resource peripheries as ‘transition-periphery dynamics’. By better understanding these dynamics and relationships during transitions the renewable energy transition can be better informed to deal with possible implications and ensure possible benefits are secured for a more sustainable future.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: sociotechnical transitions, geography, resource periphery, renewable energy, policy.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General); H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General); T Technology > T Technology (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability; Precurrent Departments > School of Interdisciplinary Studies
• Funder's Name: Lord Kelvin Adam Smith Scholarship
• Supervisor's Name: Johnston, Prof. Sean
• Date of Award: 2018
• Depositing User: Fiona Munro
• Unique ID: glathesis:2018-8714
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 09 Mar 2018 15:37
• Last Modified: 08 Aug 2023 13:02
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/8714