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Establishing an agenda for social studies research in marine renewable energy

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  • Kerr, Sandy
  • Watts, Laura
  • Colton, John
  • Conway, Flaxen
  • Hull, Angela
  • Johnson, Kate
  • Jude, Simon
  • Kannen, Andreas
  • MacDougall, Shelley
  • McLachlan, Carly
  • Potts, Tavis
  • Vergunst, Jo

Abstract

To date, academic research relating to Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) has largely focused on resource assessment, technical viability and environmental impact. Experiences from onshore renewable energy tell us that social acceptability is equally critical to project success. However, the specific nature of the marine environment, patterns of resource distribution and governance means experiences from onshore may not be directly applicable to MRE and the marine environment. This paper sets out an agenda for social studies research linked to MRE, identifying key topics for future research: (i) economic impacts; (ii) wealth distribution and community benefits; (iii) communication and knowledge flow; (iv) consultation processes; (v) dealing with uncertainty; (vi) public attitudes; and (vii) planning processes. This agenda is based on the findings of the first workshop of ISSMER, an international research network of social scientists with interests in marine renewable energy. Importantly, this research agenda has been informed by the experiences of developers, regulators and community groups in Orkney. The Orkney archipelago, off the north coast of Scotland, is home to the most intense cluster of MRE research, development and deployment activity in the world today.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerr, Sandy & Watts, Laura & Colton, John & Conway, Flaxen & Hull, Angela & Johnson, Kate & Jude, Simon & Kannen, Andreas & MacDougall, Shelley & McLachlan, Carly & Potts, Tavis & Vergunst, Jo, 2014. "Establishing an agenda for social studies research in marine renewable energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 694-702.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:67:y:2014:i:c:p:694-702
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.11.063
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    15. Ruano-Chamorro, Cristina & Castilla, Juan Carlos & Gelcich, Stefan, 2018. "Human dimensions of marine hydrokinetic energies: Current knowledge and research gaps," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 1979-1989.
    16. Jenkins, Lekelia Danielle & Dreyer, Stacia Jeanne & Polis, Hilary Jacqueline & Beaver, Ezra & Kowalski, Adam A. & Linder, Hannah L. & McMillin, Thomas Neal & McTiernan, Kaylie Laura & Rogier, Thea The, 2018. "Human dimensions of tidal energy: A review of theories and frameworks," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 323-337.
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    18. Salvador, Santiago & Gimeno, Luis & Sanz Larruga, F. Javier, 2019. "The influence of maritime spatial planning on the development of marine renewable energies in Portugal and Spain: Legal challenges and opportunities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 316-328.
    19. Andersson, Johnn & Perez Vico, Eugenia & Hammar, Linus & Sandén, Björn A., 2017. "The critical role of informed political direction for advancing technology: The case of Swedish marine energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 52-64.
    20. M. S. Chowdhury & Kazi Sajedur Rahman & Vidhya Selvanathan & Narissara Nuthammachot & Montri Suklueng & Ali Mostafaeipour & Asiful Habib & Md. Akhtaruzzaman & Nowshad Amin & Kuaanan Techato, 2021. "Current trends and prospects of tidal energy technology," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 8179-8194, June.
    21. Segura, E. & Morales, R. & Somolinos, J.A., 2018. "A strategic analysis of tidal current energy conversion systems in the European Union," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 527-551.
    22. Devine-Wright, Patrick & Wiersma, Bouke, 2020. "Understanding community acceptance of a potential offshore wind energy project in different locations: An island-based analysis of ‘place-technology fit’," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
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