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Metabolic relationships between cities and hinterland: a political-industrial ecology of energy metabolism of Saint-Nazaire metropolitan and port area (France)

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  • Bahers, Jean-Baptiste
  • Tanguy, Audrey
  • Pincetl, Stephanie

Abstract

Research on urban metabolism (UM) focuses on cities' material and energy systems by identifying paths and transformation processes of all kinds of flows in urban contexts. In particular, scientific studies aim to trace the origin and destination of materials, energy, water, emissions and waste flows in order to understand relationships between cities and other spatial areas (hinterlands) that lead to political, social and environment consequences. This research paper aims to analyze complex power relationships between cities and their hinterlands. In particular, the objective is to understand the nature of these socio-material links. Are they based on synergies and cooperation, or, on the contrary, on unbalanced power and conflicts? We propose an approach which combines methodologies with the tools of Energy Flow Analysis (EFA) and semi-structured interviews, in order to develop a “political-industrial ecology” of energy metabolism (Breetz 2017; Cousins and Newell 2015). We have studied the Saint-Nazaire metropolitan area, which is constituted by an urban area and a port zone. This harbor consists in a complex network of highly energy-intensive industrial sites operating in the steel, petrochemical and agri-food industries. Based on an analysis of energy flows, institutional policies and professional practices, we have identified several situations of metabolic links that exist simultaneously. In conclusion, the metabolic relationships' framework is useful to understand how the “hinterlands-city” relationships shape and are shaped by the city's metabolism.

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  • Bahers, Jean-Baptiste & Tanguy, Audrey & Pincetl, Stephanie, 2020. "Metabolic relationships between cities and hinterland: a political-industrial ecology of energy metabolism of Saint-Nazaire metropolitan and port area (France)," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:167:y:2020:i:c:s0921800919305701
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2019.106447
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    2. Jean-Baptiste Bahers & Paula Higuera & Anne Ventura & Nicolas Antheaume, 2020. "The “Metal-Energy-Construction Mineral” Nexus in the Island Metabolism: The Case of the Extractive Economy of New Caledonia," Post-Print hal-02507504, HAL.
    3. Peter W. de Langen & Henrik Sornn-Friese & James Hallworth, 2020. "The Role of Port Development Companies in Transitioning the Port Business Ecosystem; The Case of Port of Amsterdam’s Circular Activities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-16, May.
    4. Jean-Baptiste Bahers & Paula Higuera & Anne Ventura & Nicolas Antheaume, 2020. "The “Metal-Energy-Construction Mineral” Nexus in the Island Metabolism: The Case of the Extractive Economy of New Caledonia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Antoine Fontaine & Laurence Rocher, 2024. "Cities looking for waste heat: The dilemmas of energy and industry nexuses in French metropolitan areas," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 61(2), pages 254-272, February.
    6. Benedikt Walker, 2022. "A TERRITORIAL PERSPECTIVE ON URBAN AND REGIONAL ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Shifting Power Densities in the Berlin‐Brandenburg Region," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(5), pages 766-783, September.
    7. Antoine Fontaine & Laurence Rocher, 2023. "Cities looking for waste heat: The dilemmas of energy and industry nexuses in French metropolitan areas," Post-Print hal-04156338, HAL.
    8. Aleksandra Lewandowska & Justyna Chodkowska-Miszczuk & Krzysztof Rogatka & Tomasz Starczewski, 2020. "Smart Energy in a Smart City: Utopia or Reality? Evidence from Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-19, November.
    9. Chen, Lei & Xu, Linyu & Velasco-Fernández, Raúl & Giampietro, Mario & Yang, Zhifeng, 2021. "Residential energy metabolic patterns in China: A study of the urbanization process," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(PA).
    10. Ding, Jian & Liu, Baoliu & Shao, Xuefeng, 2022. "Spatial effects of industrial synergistic agglomeration and regional green development efficiency: Evidence from China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
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    12. Pauline Marty & Sabrina Dermine-Brullot & Sophie Madelrieux & Julie Fleuet & Philippe Lescoat, 2021. "Transformation of socioeconomic metabolism due to development of the bioeconomy: the case of northern Aube (France)," Post-Print hal-03263050, HAL.

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