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Beyond Social Resilience: Knowledge Co-Production to Overcome Social Adaptation Limits of Aquathermal Energy

Fagan, Sean Bucher LU (2025) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20251
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
As the European Union advances decarbonization and energy independence, aquathermal energy (AE) offers a promising low-carbon solution for decentralized heating and cooling. Yet, AE uptake remains limited. This thesis investigates how social limitations to adaptation (SLAs) shape AE implementation by applying Adger et al.’s (2008) SLA framework—focusing on ethical considerations, knowledge availability, risk perception, and cultural values—to six projects across the North Sea region. Through semi-structured interviews, the study finds that technocratic projects often neglect ethical and cultural dimensions, while community-backed initiatives better align with local values. These patterns highlight that social resilience theory provides... (More)
As the European Union advances decarbonization and energy independence, aquathermal energy (AE) offers a promising low-carbon solution for decentralized heating and cooling. Yet, AE uptake remains limited. This thesis investigates how social limitations to adaptation (SLAs) shape AE implementation by applying Adger et al.’s (2008) SLA framework—focusing on ethical considerations, knowledge availability, risk perception, and cultural values—to six projects across the North Sea region. Through semi-structured interviews, the study finds that technocratic projects often neglect ethical and cultural dimensions, while community-backed initiatives better align with local values. These patterns highlight that social resilience theory provides useful diagnostics but lacks the methods needed to navigate governance challenges in practice. To address this gap, the thesis proposes hybrid governance models through knowledge co-production as pathways to more inclusive, adaptive, and context-sensitive AE implementation that aligns with broader EU climate and energy goals. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Fagan, Sean Bucher LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
social resilience, knowledge co-production, aquathermal energy, energy transitions, hybrid governance, sustainability science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2025:041
language
English
id
9192543
date added to LUP
2025-06-12 15:17:44
date last changed
2025-06-18 09:03:51
@misc{9192543,
  abstract     = {{As the European Union advances decarbonization and energy independence, aquathermal energy (AE) offers a promising low-carbon solution for decentralized heating and cooling. Yet, AE uptake remains limited. This thesis investigates how social limitations to adaptation (SLAs) shape AE implementation by applying Adger et al.’s (2008) SLA framework—focusing on ethical considerations, knowledge availability, risk perception, and cultural values—to six projects across the North Sea region. Through semi-structured interviews, the study finds that technocratic projects often neglect ethical and cultural dimensions, while community-backed initiatives better align with local values. These patterns highlight that social resilience theory provides useful diagnostics but lacks the methods needed to navigate governance challenges in practice. To address this gap, the thesis proposes hybrid governance models through knowledge co-production as pathways to more inclusive, adaptive, and context-sensitive AE implementation that aligns with broader EU climate and energy goals.}},
  author       = {{Fagan, Sean Bucher}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Beyond Social Resilience: Knowledge Co-Production to Overcome Social Adaptation Limits of Aquathermal Energy}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}