Abstract
Different theories in transition studies focus on socio-technological transitions (or transformations). The multi-level perspective (MLP), that describes systemic changes, has often been used to describe sustainability transitions. However, the MLP focus on the macro- and meso levels of a transition system, the important role of individual firms is not addressed.
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Whilst individual actors, and firms in specific, determine the speed and direction of socio-technical transformations (Meijer et al., 2005). This research focuses on firm-level decarbonisation transitions, embedded in the larger socio- technical transformation system: the transition towards zero emissions in 2050 of the energy- intensive industry. 450 energy-intensive firms in the Netherlands fall under the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) and are obliged to drastically lower their on-site emissions. Four Dutch breweries are part of the EU ETS and the Netherlands is one of the world’s main beer exporting countries. Large quantities of natural gas are used in breweries to generate steam, needed for heating purposes leading to substantial CO2-emissions. Moreover, this research draws on and adds to recent literature addressing transition studies; a conceptual framework was developed to make the multi-level perspective empirically tangible, for a firm (or even site)-specific focus. Whether firms are able to innovate relies on their ability to innovate (described as dynamic capabilities). External factors also need to be addressed, since they also affect the decarbonisation transition of the different production locations. Thus, explorative research was conducted to establish which decarbonisation measures are considered by the Dutch EU ETS breweries, thereby focusing on internal, external and contextual factors that affect a firm-level low-carbon transition. This conceptual framework is a first contribution to a methodology towards micro-level research into decarbonisation, answering the following main research question: “How can the Dutch EU ETS breweries reduce their on-site emissions, and which factors affect their contribution to a deep-decarbonisation transition?” The four EU ETS breweries all have a unique approach to reach zero on-site emissions in 2050 and are depending on enabling decarbonisation options from neighbouring institutes, such as biomass, residual heat and a geothermal heat source. Affecting internal factors, focusing on a lack of capital and human visions regarding the direction of decarbonisation. External and contextual factors are also affecting the transition, such as a lack of alternative technologies and constraining regulation that blocks decarbonisation.
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