Determining the causal loops in a local energy transition process: the Dalsland case

Paper in proceeding, 2018

We aim to determine the underlying causal loops in the local energy transition process, namely transition in the transport sector, from fossil-fuel cars to electric and biogas cars in Dalsland, Sweden, and identify the impact of the co-creation efforts taken by the municipality actors. Subsequently, we are aiming to theorize and conceptually frame co-creation in the context of local energy transitions, and qualitatively determine its impact on the transitions process. Local energy transitions and co-creation have not been analysed together, especially in the context of systems thinking. We want to fill this gap, given the importance social welfare states place on co-creation. We use causal loop diagramming. We use the CLDs as a tool in our semi-structured interviews with the municipality actors. We use the interview method to question the municipality actors about the representation of the transitions processes and factors, and question them about their co-creation actions, and the impacts they have witnessed. The determination of the underlying feedback loops in the local transitions case is an iterative process, with multiple interviews with the municipality actors. Thus, we are trying to incorporate a participatory modeling framework into our methodology, in determining the causal loops in the AFVs transition process.