Decentralized electricity generation from renewable sources as a chance for local economic development: a qualitative study of two pioneer regions in Germany

Table 2 Empirical study: results of case studies

Factor	City of Emden (wind energy)	City of Soltau (bioenergy)
Important actors	• Stadtwerke Emden & EWE^a • Private individuals, farmers^a • Turbine producers Enercon and BARD • Engineering firm specialized in renewable energy • Local administration and politics (active mayor) • Civil society/semipublic actors	• Farmers (as operators and/or substrate suppliers)^{a, b} • Agricultural firms^{a, b} • Machinery syndicates • Local utility: Stadtwerke Soltau • Local administration
Types of local actors involved in value creation	• Operators and turbine producers • Various service providers: consulting, planning, development, and engineering firms • Firms in construction, electrical installation/engineering, and other trades	• Operators and substrate suppliers • Service providers, especially in planning and development • Firms in construction, electrical installation/engineering, and tank and pipeline construction and maintenance
Characteristics of local actor relationships	• Grown structures based on long-lasting cooperation • Joint development and implementation of innovation (with turbine producers)	• Characterized by personal contact, stability, and trust • Production structure based on division of labor among operators and regional firms • Network of specialized suppliers

^aMost important operators; ^bwith employees directly involved in renewable energy-related business. Adapted from various expert interviews as well as official and unofficial sources.

ISSN: 2192-0567