Barriers and solutions for expansion of electricity grids—the German experience

The politics and economics of cross-border electricity infrastructure: A framework for analysis

“…But centralization alone does not solve the problem (cf. [14]). What seems to be an issue is the lack of communication between the highest level of decision-making and local governance level as well as the general population.…”

“…One can argue that the German model evolved towards a more participatory and legitimate formula [14,37]. On the other hand, grid-development within Germany is actually as much "grid locked" as are the interconnectors.…”

“…An insufficient regulatory framework, and inefficient allocation of planning and authorization competences can be a problem [14,46], worsened still by a general lack of public acceptance of infrastructure projects, including new grids [15]. The length of procedures is also a very important barrier.…”

Does political and social feasibility matter in energy scenarios?

“…We test the framework in the German context given that it combines an aspiring renewable energy target with the gradual phase-out of nuclear energy by 2022. 1 Furthermore, disputes regarding both preferable technology pathways [5] and acceptance problems of energy infrastructure can be referenced for this case [17].…”

Exploring the Role of Servitization to Overcome Barriers for Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies The Case of Public LED Street Lighting in German Municipalities

“…Technological factors comprise uncertainty about the dominant design, quality, increased complexity of innovative technologies and application (Jackson, 2010;Schleich, 2009;Sorrell et al, 2004;van Soest and Bulte, 2001). Institutional barriers such as path dependent technological application due to investments into corresponding infrastructure, low acceptance among the local population or unanticipated or reoccurring changes in the policy design and administrative approval also impede the technological diffusion process (Foxon et al, 2008;Iyer et al, 2013;Klein Woolthuis et al, 2005;Steinbach, 2013;Wilson et al, 2012). Volatile or artificially low energy prices and incomplete carbon markets represent economic barriers to diffusion by increasing uncertainty and rendering investments in novel EUEDs unprofitable, which lead to slow capital stock turnover and corresponding long payback periods as upfront costs are high (Gallagher et al, 2006;Jaffe et al, 2005;Sorrell et al, 2004).…”