Wake effects and temperature plumes: Coping with non-knowledge in the expansion of wind and geothermal energy

Energy transitions are knowledge-intensive processes where a multitude of actors are trying to cope with inevitable knowledge gaps, surprises, and uncertainties. In this context, we focus on two techno-physical phenomena that are gaining practical relevance with the expansion of wind and geothermal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social studies of science 2024-12, Vol.54 (6), p.859-882
Main Authors: Sonnberger, Marco, Pfeiffer, Maria, Bleicher, Alena, Gross, Matthias
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coping strategies
Effects
Energy
Energy gap
Extraction
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy extraction
Geothermal power
Knowledge
Plumes
Temperature
Wind
Wind effects
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Summary:Energy transitions are knowledge-intensive processes where a multitude of actors are trying to cope with inevitable knowledge gaps, surprises, and uncertainties. In this context, we focus on two techno-physical phenomena that are gaining practical relevance with the expansion of wind and geothermal energy extraction, and are surrounded by significant unknowns: wake effects and temperature plumes. Both phenomena can potentially affect the efficiency of energy production, but the extent of their impact is not yet known. Based on 28 semi-structured interviews with experts in the fields of wind and geothermal energy, we explore how different central actors perceive and interpret non-knowledge of wake effects and temperature plumes, and how they deal with it. We show that there are strategies for either using non-knowledge as a basis for action or simply ignoring it and sweeping knowledge gaps under the rug. Both strategies serve the function of protecting agency and keeping things going.
ISSN:0306-3127
1460-3659
1460-3659
DOI:10.1177/03063127241246551