Accelerating the energy transition toward zero-emission district heating systems through policy codesign
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Doctoral thesis (article-based)
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Authors
Date
2024
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Language
en
Pages
148 + app. 134
Series
Aalto University publication series DOCTORAL THESES, 194/2024
Abstract
Achieving zero-emission energy systems is necessary for mitigating climate change. This requires replacing fossil fuels with energy-saving measures, low lifecycle-emission primary energy sources, energy storage, and smart control systems. A significant portion of fossil fuels is consumed in district heating systems in cold climate regions worldwide. The main research question in this thesis is: "How can the energy transition toward zero-emission district heating systems be accelerated with policy codesign?" My research intersects with literature on socio-technical transitions, energy system decarbonization, transition management, and codesign. My research was conducted in collaboration with four research groups in Finland. The research methods included a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as interviews, energy system modelling, and prototyping. In the context of transition management, we designed and developed a mid-range pathway creation toolset and a transition arena process, which we then experimented with high-level influencers. Furthermore, by engaging with investors and other key stakeholders, we investigated socio-technical barriers and formulated policy proposals aimed at decarbonizing district heating systems. Finally, we proposed a transition pathway model for Helsinki, incorporating heat auctions to promote third-party access to the local district heating network. Our research in Finland confirmed the presence of numerous barriers to energy system decarbonization. Our research experiments indicated that mid-range transition arena processes, along with other policy codesign events, have the potential to produce effective policy suggestions for accelerating zero-emission energy transitions. Achieving energy system transformation requires wide-range policy interventions. However, implementing these in formal policy decision-making processes is contested and challenging. Transitions produce uneven costs and benefits across society. Transforming energy systems requires destabilizing the existing regime, and incumbent actors often resist this change due to path dependency. In conclusion, I propose a transition management model to accelerate the zero-emission energy transition, aiming to achieve emission reductions within district heating systems that are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement's timeline. Transition management and codesign approaches need to evolve toward institutionalization in order to create societal impact, and they must develop further in order to handle the related tensions and conflicts. However, given the current paradigm and system complexities, achieving a rapid energy transition appears improbable.Description
Supervising professor
Hyysalo, Sampsa, Prof., Aalto University, Department of Design, FinlandThesis advisor
Juntunen, Jouni K., Assoc. Prof., University of Vaasa, FinlandKeywords
transition design, district heating, energy systems, policy, climate change mitigation
Other note
Parts
- [Publication 1]: Auvinen, Karoliina; Lindroos Tomi J.; Hedman, Åsa; Savolainen, Hannu; Lumijärvi, Aleksi; Tainio, Pasi. Transition pathway for the city toward low-emission district heating system with heat auctions promoting third-party network access. Publication process ongoing
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[Publication 2]: Auvinen, Karoliina; Meriläinen, Teemu; Saikku, Laura; Hyysalo, Sampsa; Juntunen, Jouni K. October 2023. Accelerating transition toward district heating system decarbonization by policy codesign with key investors: opportunities and challenges. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 19:1,
Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202310256620
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[Publication 3]: Reda, Francesco; Ruggiero, Salvatore; Auvinen, Karoliina; Temmes, Armi. November 2021. Towards low-carbon district heating: Investigating the socio-technical challenges of the urban energy transition. Smart Energy.
Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-2021120110529DOI: 10.1016/j.segy.2021.100054 View at publisher
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[Publication 4]: Hyysalo, Sampsa; Perikangas, Sofi; Marttila, Tatu; Auvinen, Karoliina. 2019. Intermediate Codesigning in Transitions Governance: Catalysing and Channelling Participant Action. September 2019. The Design Journal, 22:6, 873-894.
Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201911076163DOI: 10.1080/14606925.2019.1661557 View at publisher
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[Publication 5]: Hyysalo, Sampsa; Marttila, Tatu; Perikangas, Sofi; Auvinen, Karoliina. Codesign for transitions governance: A mid-range pathway creation toolset for accelerating sociotechnical change. June 2019. Design Studies, Volume 63, pages 181-203, ISSN 0142-694X.
Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201906203862DOI: 10.1016/j.destud.2019.05.002 View at publisher
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[Publication 6]: Hyysalo, Sampsa; Lukkarinen, Jani; Kivimaa, Paula; Lovio, Raimo; Temmes, Armi; Hildén, Mikael; Marttila, Tatu; Auvinen, Karoliina; Perikangas, Sofi; Pyhälammi, Allu; Peljo, Janne; Savolainen, Kaisa; Hakkarainen, Louna; Rask, Mikko; Matschoss, Kaisa; Huomo, Timo; Berg, Annukka; Pantsar, Mari. Developing Policy Pathways: Redesigning Transition Arenas for Mid-range Planning. January 2019. Sustainability 11(3):603.
Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201902251904DOI: 10.3390/su11030603 View at publisher