Who owns the wind? Understanding wind energy production through a property chains perspective

• Published in: Environment and planning. E, Nature and space (Print) Nature and space (Print), 2024-12, Vol.7 (6), p.2466-2480
• Main Authors: Sonnberger, Marco, Pfeiffer, Maria, Gross, Matthias
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2514-8486; 2514-8494
• DOI: 10.1177/25148486241282544

In this article, we argue that the resourcification of wind is based on a specific entanglement of different property objects - in particular wind, land and wind turbines - and property holders. We depart from an understanding of property as a social phenomenon that is enacted through social practices and thereby becomes relevant within an arrangement of different entities (human, non-human and material) by structuring the relations between these entities. We propose a practice theoretical approach based on Theodore Schatzki's concept of practice-arrangement constellations for understanding how property becomes relevant through socio-material relations which enable the resourcification of wind. Based on this theoretical approach, we show how different entities and practices bring about chains of property objects that enable the transformation of wind into electricity. With our conceptual considerations concerning property chains we hope to deepen the discussion around the significance of property in the resourcification of renewable energy sources.