Putting an energy system transformation into practice: The case of the German Energiewende

Low-carbon energy system transformations are usually seen from a technical perspective; the decisive societal dimensions of actors and institutions are widely neglected. We contribute to filling this gap by reviewing the German energy transition (Energiewende), which targets a competitive low-carbon economy until 2050, jointly from the three perspectives of technology, actors and institutions. We analyze seven sub-fields of the electricity system that are central for decarbonization from a technology view. For each, we identify and characterize key actors and institutional conditions for future electricity infrastructure developments they favor. The analysis reveals a large variety of engaged actors that differ with respect to their motives and underlying worldviews. Electricity infrastructure visions range from the archetypes of decentralized regional solutions (favored by challengers) to centralized European solutions (favored by incumbents). We illustrate that the determining factors for both developments are primarily of institutional nature and will be fought out between actors in the political arena. From a technology perspective centralized and decentralized solutions may well coexist to a certain degree. However, in either case the long latency period in technical infrastructure development requires anticipatory planning.