Designing spaces for the energy transition
Natural spaces, built-up spaces, time periods, play spaces, meeting and learning spaces – the energy transition is moving forwards in very different areas. After all, renewable energies and their infrastructure need spaces. They must take their place not only in the energy mix, but also as part of the built environment. To achieve this, many individual location decisions have to be made and coordinated – from offshore wind energy down to the boiler room. In addition to the spatial dimensions, there is also the temporal dimension: climate protection is an urgent task, which is why it is also a matter of setting the right time periods for the individual steps of the transformation. Last but not least, the energy transition thrives on the acceptance of its stakeholders. Involving them in informed decisions and creating spaces for meeting and learning is a task that new law must always take into account.
Spaces have one thing in common: they can be designed in terms of planning. In addition to familiar forms such as urban land-use planning or regional planning, there are new forms such as political planning and the testing of new planning procedures and techniques with experimentation clauses: planning is a special form of state action. It is subject to special requirements and offers diverse, yet limited design options. The associated legal issues are just as diverse.
Possible research approaches
- Scarce space leads to competition for use. Where do these scarcities appear and how do we deal with them in the future?
- From neighbourhood development to integrated energy planning: what role should (and can) municipalities play as local control units? And how can conflicts of use be avoided or at least reduced locally?
- In Brussels, or rather on the ground, nationally and locally: which level regulates what and where do we need more leeway in regulation?
- Urban Metropolises and Rural Areas: Equal Rights for All or Tailor-Made Concepts?
- What other areas – such as the high seas, rivers or underground – should be considered for the further development of renewable energies and the energy system?
- When will it be done? What time periods and perspectives should be set for goals and goal-fulfilment?