Future Energyscape Imaginaries

This project examines the perceptions and discourses surrounding Agrivoltaics systems, a novel application of photovoltaics in rural settings. Previous research highlighted how top-down solutions to energy transition may impose technocratic visions, resulting in local energy injustices. The theoretical framework integrates Transition Studies, Social Representation Theory (SRT), and Future Studies to recognize technological, social, and cultural dimensions of change. We start from proposals concerned with the projective aspects of social representations (Bauer & Gaskell, 1999, 2008). From this perspective, Agrivoltaics question the present and future of rural communities. The notion of “Future Energyscape Imaginaries” is thus proposed, arguing that alternative energy transitions are expressed through imagination. These imaginaries link technologies’ acceptability (Marchand et al., 2023), discourses on sustainability (Castro, 2015), and landscape identity (Stobbelaar & Pedroli, 2011). This concept resonates in SRT (Howarth & Nicholson, 2018; Batel, 2023), and Science-Technology-Studies (Sovacool & Hess, 2017). “Energyscape” (Siksnelyte-Butkiene, 2022) here reflects the visible and invisible impacts of the energy transition on a defined territory. Over the next two years, we will investigate the development of an Agrivoltaics system, framing it as a catalyst for socio-technical change and a platform for fostering shared “Future Energyscape Imaginaries” among stakeholders. Our research questions are as follows: 1) How are these imaginaries grounded in specific landscapes? 2) How do they intersect with different expertise? 3) Do they have the potential to inform equitable strategic planning? Methods will encompass psycho-sociological techniques and participative methods derived from Future Studies in order to harmonize experts and lay perspectives