Imagining Sustainable Futures: Framing of Energy Transition in Sweden
2024 (Engelska)Självständigt arbete på avancerad nivå (masterexamen), 20 poäng / 30 hp
Studentuppsats (Examensarbete)
Abstract [en]
The concept of “energy transition” is often portrayed as a shift in the energy infrastructure and a transition toward renewable resources and technological innovation, with a prevalent focus on how to keep producing more and more energy to maintain economic growth. This study aims to analyse how key actors in the Swedish energy sector frame the energy transition, how their framing influences the discourse and how we can consider alternative framings to contribute to the ongoing debate and imagine more sustainable futures. Guided by environmental humanities, future-oriented frameworks, and infrastructure logics, texts from four key actors in the electricity sector in Sweden have been analysed. A multi-methodological approach incorporating discourse analysis, framework analysis and theme analysis have been employed to systematically examine how these key actors frame energy transition. The results show a significant focus on increased growth, where energy consumption is seen as constantly rising and where increased electrification is seen as a prerequisite for the transition. Key actors present a large number of solutions, all characterized by high-tech approaches, where the problem to be solved mainly revolves around meeting an increased demand for electricity. The future is depicted as largely predetermined with the transition seemingly only is matter of changing energy sources. It is argued that alternative framings are needed to address sustainability issues and societal values, acknowledging the interplay between technology and society. Additionally, the study highlights the need to reimagine energy transition beyond high-tech solutions, incorporating diverse actors and knowledge systems to foster more sustainable and equitable futures.
Ort, förlag, år, upplaga, sidor
2024. , s. 35
Nyckelord [en]
Energy transition, Sustainability, Framing, Energy sector, Electricity sector, Infrastructure, Interconnections, Reimagining futures
Nationell ämneskategori
Miljövetenskap Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa och socialmedicin Övrig annan humaniora
Identifikatorer
URN: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-534601OAI: oai:DiVA.org:uu-534601DiVA, id: diva2:1882582
Ämne / kurs
Masteruppsats i implementering, transformativt lärande och hållbarhet
Handledare
Examinatorer
2024-09-122024-07-052025-02-20Bibliografiskt granskad