Sun-Jin Yun, Hyeyoung Sim (2015)
Journal
DOI
Space & Environment
http://dx.doi.org/10.19097/kaser.2015.25.1.140
Since the Fukushima nuclear power disaster, there has been a growing number of citizen-led energy transition movements. Citizens who were previously only energy consumers are changing to become energy producers by organizing energy cooperatives. In particular, this movement has actively occurred in Seoul, where the “One Less Nuclear Power Plant” policy has been implemented. This study explores the possibility for energy cooperatives to be a strategic niche and constructive space in which energy citizenship is realized, adopting the perspective that energy production, distribution, and consumption comprise a socio-technical system. The study also tries to identify the institutional barriers facing the active promotion of energy cooperative movements to expand a strategic niche and innovative space for the energy transition. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were conducted targeting six energy cooperatives with completed solar power facilities in Seoul. This study concludes that energy cooperatives have not fully fulfilled their potential as a niche for energy transition because of diverse institutional barriers. This study recommends the revival of feed-in tariffs for small-scale electricity producers. If RPS is maintained, a benign REC trading environment is required with the readjustment of low-interest loans, active participation of education offices, and the expansion of the overall scale of support for renewable energy.
2015_공간과 사회, 51, 140-178_에너지 전환을 위한 전략적 틈새로서 시민햇빛발전협동조합의 가능성과 제도적 한계 -서울시 사례를 중심으로.pdf