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Understanding Transition—Periphery Dynamics: Renewable Energy in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland

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  • Joseph Murphy

    (School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Rutherford/McCowan Building, Crichton Campus, Dumfries DG1 4ZL, Scotland)

  • Adrian Smith

    (SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research), Freeman Centre, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QE, England)

Abstract

Over the coming decades the Highlands and Islands of Scotland will be transformed as new technologies and infrastructures are installed to exploit wind, wave, and tide power. However, interactions between the region—understood as a sociospatial category shaped by history, culture, and institutions—and these technologies are poorly understood and need to be appreciated in more detail before the changes gather momentum. In this paper we link and extend research around sociotechnical transitions and resource peripheries and use this framework to analyse wind energy projects on the island of Lewis. Our analysis draws attention to transition—periphery dynamics and the ways in which renewable energy projects and particular locations are coshaping each other through these. Building on this case study we suggest implications for the region as a whole, argue that the analytical—normative agenda of sociotechnical transitions should be recast, and highlight the need for more research on sociotechnical transitions and new resource peripheries.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Murphy & Adrian Smith, 2013. "Understanding Transition—Periphery Dynamics: Renewable Energy in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 45(3), pages 691-709, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:45:y:2013:i:3:p:691-709
    DOI: 10.1068/a45190
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    References listed on IDEAS

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