The Dynamics of Sustainable Energy Transitions in Road Transport: A Case Study Using Actor-Network Theory

Mgr. Colin Kimbrell

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The study of energy transitions is a developing field of inquiry for the social sciences, but one of increasing relevance and significance. Such transition may be said to be underway throughout much of the developed world and beyond as countries and various institutions respond to the challenges introduced by the current fossil fuel-based energy system, such as that of climate change. To date, however, this transition has seen greater progress in some areas than others. Although it accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions (23% of global CO2 emissions), the transportation sector has hardly broken its high dependence on oil as its primary fuel source, still accounting for over 90%. Within the transportation sector, passenger road transport plays a considerable role in terms of both energy consumption and emissions. This thesis, therefore, aims to contribute to the knowledge and theory of energy transitions in the social sciences, and in particular sustainable transitions in passenger road transportation. In terms of social sciences research on the topic, studies on the actual processes of energy transitions and the interaction between the various actors and technologies appear to be a promising area requiring attention. The thesis therefore asks, “How do specific actors and technologies interact to shape and influence the process of sustainable energy transitions in road transport?” To answer this question, Actor-Network Theory is applied to a local level case study of an electric carsharing company in Brno, Czech Republic – Emuj a.s. A review of the energy transitions literature revealed ANT as a fruitful methodological toolbox due to its unique ontology and concepts. The study reveals that both the human and material actors within this network do indeed play crucial roles that influence its successful expansion. These roles are in many cases contested and negotiated by the various actors, thereby dictating the development of these associations as well as the actor-network as a whole. Moreover, the roles and associations within this network in many instances emerge not through human intention or agency but in response to those negotiated issues particularly surrounding the material elements of the network. While the study focuses on a very specific, local-level case, it also offers potential insights and lessons for other cases in the context of sustainable energy transitions, and in particular the dynamic process of such transition in passenger road transportation.

Abstract:

The study of energy transitions is a developing field of inquiry for the social sciences, but one of increasing relevance and significance. Such transition may be said to be underway throughout much of the developed world and beyond as countries and various institutions respond to the challenges introduced by the current fossil fuel-based energy system, such as that of climate change. To date, however, this transition has seen greater progress in some areas than others. Although it accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions (23% of global CO2 emissions), the transportation sector has hardly broken its high dependence on oil as its primary fuel source, still accounting for over 90%. Within the transportation sector, passenger road transport plays a considerable role in terms of both energy consumption and emissions. This thesis, therefore, aims to contribute to the knowledge and theory of energy transitions in the social sciences, and in particular sustainable transitions in passenger road transportation. In terms of social sciences research on the topic, studies on the actual processes of energy transitions and the interaction between the various actors and technologies appear to be a promising area requiring attention. The thesis therefore asks, “How do specific actors and technologies interact to shape and influence the process of sustainable energy transitions in road transport?” To answer this question, Actor-Network Theory is applied to a local level case study of an electric carsharing company in Brno, Czech Republic – Emuj a.s. A review of the energy transitions literature revealed ANT as a fruitful methodological toolbox due to its unique ontology and concepts. The study reveals that both the human and material actors within this network do indeed play crucial roles that influence its successful expansion. These roles are in many cases contested and negotiated by the various actors, thereby dictating the development of these associations as well as the actor-network as a whole. Moreover, the roles and associations within this network in many instances emerge not through human intention or agency but in response to those negotiated issues particularly surrounding the material elements of the network. While the study focuses on a very specific, local-level case, it also offers potential insights and lessons for other cases in the context of sustainable energy transitions, and in particular the dynamic process of such transition in passenger road transportation.

Keywords

Sustainable energy transitions, passenger road transportation, Actor Network Theory, carsharing, electromobility

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 19. 12. 2016

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 19. 1. 2017
• Supervisor: Mgr. Petr Ocelík, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Jan Osička, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
International Territorial Studies / Energy Security Studies (Eng.)