Exploring the sociotechnical imaginaries of hydrogen valleys: case studies from Northern Netherlands and Spain
To address the transition towards sustainable energy solutions, one focus has become the development of Hydrogen Valleys. Hydrogen Valleys represent integrated systems where hydrogen is produced, stored, and utilized across various sectors to support decarbonisation efforts. This thesis examines how...
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| Format: | master thesis |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Country: | España |
| Institution: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repository: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Language: | English |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/417004 |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/417004 |
| Access Level: | Open access |
| Keyword: | Hydrogen as fuel Electrolysis Hidrogen com a combustible Electròlisi Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Energies::Gestió de l'energia |
| Summary: | To address the transition towards sustainable energy solutions, one focus has become the development of Hydrogen Valleys. Hydrogen Valleys represent integrated systems where hydrogen is produced, stored, and utilized across various sectors to support decarbonisation efforts. This thesis examines how the sociotechnical ‘imaginary’ of the hydrogen valley supports the implementation of hydrogen technologies in two case study regions in the Northern Netherlands and in Spain. The concept of the ‘imaginary’ is widely used in the field of science and technology studies and refers to a shared vision of a desirable future that acts as a focal point that diverse actors subscribe to. Hydrogen Valleys in particular are typically imagined as intricate systems that involve the production of hydrogen through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. The produced hydrogen can then be stored and utilised for various applications, such as transportation, industry, and energy generation. By analysing various documents and news reports related to both the planned and actual production, storage, and utilisation of hydrogen within these valleys, researchers can gain insights into the sociotechnical dynamics shaping the adoption and integration of hydrogen technologies. Our research method involves a detailed analysis of project-related documents, inferring from these documents to understand the development of hydrogen valley imaginaries. This approach, described by Tidwell (2018) as ‘expert narrative’, involves interpreting the perspectives and narratives of specialists who are involved in or knowledgeable about the projects. Although Tidwell critiques the use of expert narratives to infer imaginaries, this approach is deemed appropriate in the context of hydrogen technology discussions due to their specialized nature. We aim to answer the theoretically-informed research question: “How are hydrogen valley imaginaries stabilised and institutionalised locally over time: by whom and through what types of process and event?” Stabilisation here means that the vision or imaginary endures and strengthens over time, and institutionalisation means (similarly) that a range of actors become materially and formally committed to the idea. The significance of this research lies in its ability to uncover the complexities of stakeholder perceptions and interactions within the context of Hydrogen Valleys, rather than simply taking the Valley idea at face value. By analysing the documents and news mentioned, we aim to offer valuable insights into how sociotechnical systems evolve – from imaginaries to interrelated networks of technologies and people, and also into how stakeholders' visions shape the trajectory of hydrogen technology deployment. The thesis shows how the imaginaries or visions of hydrogen development differ in the two cases analysed: in the north Netherlands, there is an emphasis on use of offshore renewables to produce hydrogen electrolytically for transport as a fuel and feedstock to heavy industry in the proximate region of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, plus residential consumers. This is - potentially at least – consistent with the interests of the gas distribution networks and the types of industry and consumer that are readily accessible. In addition, the north NL Hydrogen Valley is comprised of multiple projects that showcase and develop parts of the supply chain. In the Spanish case, the imaginary is one of positioning Spain as a major exporter of green hydrogen to Europe, including via ship. The Andalusian project presents itself as a community-based approach, aiming to create a diversified economic landscape with participation from numerous companies and self-employed individuals. This aspect of solidarity and inclusivity is a key component of the sociotechnical imaginary in the Spanish case. In general, the aim of this study is to provide stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the sociotechnical dynamics at play within Hydrogen Valleys. By aligning technology development with stakeholder imaginaries and aspirations, industry players drive innovation towards sustainable and desirable futures within the hydrogen sector. To this end, the thesis investigates how hydrogen valley imaginaries are stabilised and institutionalised locally over time: by whom and through what types of process and event. It adds the sociotechnical imaginary literature empirically through the case studies; methodologically through demonstrating the value of process tracing; and through showing the commonalities and differences between cases, it supports further theoretical reflection on the role of context. |
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