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Determinants of subnational party positions on electricity grid expansion in Germany: Economic over political interests

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  • Fink, Simon
  • Bartels, Jan-Eric
  • Hagendorf, Winona
  • Klinger, Niklas

Abstract

The German energy transition necessitates the expansion of the electricity transmission grid. Grid expansion is governed jointly by the federal government and the governments of the subnational states. Conflicts often erupt about the routing of grid projects. This article asks how German subnational parties form their positions on grid expansion. Based on a quantitative analysis of party manifestos, we conclude that the position of the federal party has little influence. Instead, German subnational party preferences are shaped by the energy production structure of their state. The more wind energy a state produces, the more in favour of grid expansion are its parties. Thus, the conflict over grid expansion will most likely persist. The article highlights a paradox of energy policy in a federal system: German federalism has encouraged the expansion of renewable energies, but is detrimental to coherent grid expansion for their utilization.

Suggested Citation

  • Fink, Simon & Bartels, Jan-Eric & Hagendorf, Winona & Klinger, Niklas, 2019. "Determinants of subnational party positions on electricity grid expansion in Germany: Economic over political interests," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 145-157.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:58:y:2019:i:c:p:145-157
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2019.05.007
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    Cited by:

    1. Franziska Flachsbarth & Marion Wingenbach & Matthias Koch, 2021. "Addressing the Effect of Social Acceptance on the Distribution of Wind Energy Plants and the Transmission Grid in Germany," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-18, August.
    2. Göhrs, Max & Hubo, Christiane & Krott, Max, 2021. "Partisan theory in forest nature conservation policy: Empirical evidence based on four German conflict issues," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    3. Fink, Simon & Ruffing, Eva, 2020. "Learning in iterated consultation procedures – The example of the German electricity grid demand planning," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).

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