Page - 137 - in Critical Issues in Science, Technology and Society Studies - Conference Proceedings of the 17th STS Conference Graz 2018

STREAM: Towards Low-Carbon Energy and Mobility Systems Local demonstration projects for energy efficient cold supply and their contribution to niche development KEPPLER, Dorothee Zentrum Technik und Gesellschaft, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany Introduction The refrigeration sector is predicted to grow substantially worldwide in the upcoming years – with a corresponding rise in energy demand if no countermeasures are implemented. One measure is a fortified dissemination of more energy efficient technologies and systems. In this context, innovative types of absorption chillers are being discussed. The research and demonstration project „Field test absorption chillers for combined heat, power and cold- systems“ (FAkS) (2013-2018), funded by the German Ministry for Economics and Energy focuses on implementation and optimisation of innovative, more energy efficient absorption refrigeration systems in real world environments (field tests). These local demonstration projects consist of larger properties (office buildings, consumer market, hospital, server cooling, laboratories, etc.) with centralized cooling facilities. The project also includes socio-technical research which aims at identifying important actors, factors, and especially barriers of an intensified implementation and diffusion of absorption chillers. The empirical research is made up of two levels of investigation: Firstly, socio-technical constellation analysis targeting the system/regime level of refrigeration supply (see Keppler 2016, 2018), and secondly, interviews with actors involved in field tests. In my talk, I presented results of these interviews. Theoretical approach: multi-level perspective on socio-technical transitions Analysis was based on the multi-level perspective, an approach from science and technology studies (e.g. Geels 2011). Application of this to the cold sector reveals that current absorption chiller innovations can be considered as radical innovations from a long-established market niche technology. Radical innovations are not compatible with the current regime structures where compression refrigeration is still the dominant technology. Thus, they develop in socio- technical niches. MLP defines such niches as protected spaces were radical innovations and their related societal structures and rules develop (Geels 2002). Here, small networks of actors support such innovations on the basis of expectations and future visions, and learning processes take place on multiple dimensions (ibid.). Field tests within the FAkS project can be understood as local experiments. Local experiments are pilot, demonstration, development or use projects which form the physical base of socio-technical niches. They aim at customising the respective technical innovation to real world conditions and proofing its applicability (Raven 2005, 37–38). Literature also offers success factors for niche development which are used as the main categories for analysis: alignment of expectations, network building, and learning (ibid. 39–53). 137