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TY  - THES
AU  - Hellmuth, Nils
TI  - Kommunikation komplexer Technologien der Energiewende. Informiertheit, Formate, Konflikte, Schnittstellen
PB  - Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
VL  - Dissertation
CY  - Aachen
M1  - RWTH-2025-00931
SP  - 1 Online-Ressource : Illustrationen
PY  - 2025
N1  - Veröffentlicht auf dem Publikationsserver der RWTH Aachen University
N1  - Dissertation, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, 2025
AB  - The subject of this work is the communication of complex technologies using the example of the energy transition. By 2045, the energy supply in Germany is to be largely converted to renewable energies, which requires comprehensive system changes and a change in the mindset of consumers. The success of the energy transition depends largely on how well this transformation is communicated and jointly driven forward. Communicating complex technologies involves many communication challenges and tasks. The aim is to provide information on the sensible extension of previous approaches to the development of communication strategies for complex technologies in order to improve the communicative support and accompaniment of technology-driven transformations such as that of the German energy system. Technological implementation often encounters resistance and creates a considerable need for information, discussion, and negotiation. This work addresses less frequently discussed aspects and is based on four empirical interview studies with a qualitative focus that address communication tasks critical to success in the area under consideration: information as a prerequisite for informed decisions, participation formats for target groups that have been considered in little detail so far, such as farmers, conflict communication in infrastructure projects, and interface communication of citizen energy cooperatives. Study 1 examines the importance of information processes (informing as a process and being informed as a possible result) in the introduction of smart metering, a system of intelligent electricity measurement. The study shows that many tenants who are affected by the smart meter rollout are insufficiently informed about this technology and have a great need for information. The general level of knowledge is not sufficient for informed decisions. A lack of information and ineffective communication can lead to uncertainty and resistance, which is why the study emphasizes the need for targeted, differentiated, and low-threshold information offers. The successful introduction of complex technologies therefore requires target group-specific strategies that meet the different needs, expectations, and living conditions of the target groups. It is particularly important to provide both basic information and the opportunity for in-depth self-information. Study 2 analyzes the communication of professional operators in the context of a high-voltage direct current underground cable project in the power grid expansion. The focus is on the perception and use of communication formats by farmers and residents in rural areas. The study shows significant communication deficits. Farmers and residents often feel insufficiently involved and are dissatisfied with existing information services. Farmers primarily express economic and ecological concerns, while residents mainly express safety, aesthetic, and health concerns. The project sponsor lacks knowledge of the expectations and needs of the target groups as well as an understanding of how they want to be communicatively involved in infrastructure projects. It is necessary to develop target group-specific strategies that adequately take the different perspectives into account. The selection and design of communication measures should be more nuanced and careful by adapting them to the specific needs of the target groups according to the type and degree of their impact; the quality of the communication offerings often proves to be more important than the number of offerings. Study 3 examines how local historical developments influence the population's views on infrastructure projects and what requirements exist for conflict communication. The focus is on energy regions in which actors have extensive experience with infrastructure projects and conflict management. The study shows that different types of technology and conflict pose different challenges for conflict management. Wind energy and power grid expansion projects in particular are perceived as more conflict-prone than other projects (e.g. solar energy). The interviewees emphasize the need for a conflict culture based on dialogue and willingness to compromise. The study recommends integrating local characteristics and the citizens’ experiential knowledge into the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects and learning from them in order to identify conflicts at an early stage and resolve them effectively. Study 4 examines communication in citizen energy cooperatives in which citizens become co-owners of energy plants. Compared to traditional companies, this participation requires specific adaptations of the communication strategy. Citizen energy cooperatives pursue both social and economic goals, which leads to a complex communication situation. These cooperatives are deeply rooted in their local communities and maintain close relationships with members and local interest groups. The study shows that balanced communication that takes both social engagement and economic goals into account is essential. Successful communication requires tailored strategies that meet the specific needs at the interfaces between citizens and other stakeholders. The findings of this study provide valuable impetus for companies to improve their communication approaches, expand their business models, and better adapt to the needs of the community. Future challenges lie in the further professionalization of interface communication and the deepening of existing connections. The work illustrates that the successful introduction and use of complex technologies in the context of the energy transition requires a well thought-out, adaptable, multicriteria, and flexible communication strategy that offers effective communication at different levels of participation. This work extends existing communication models to include aspects such as conflict management, interface communication, consideration of location-based factors, integration of the knowledge and previous experience of citizens with energy infrastructure projects, and active follow-up communication. The results also show that comprehensive and transparent information provision is crucial to enable those affected to make informed decisions and to facilitate access to the technology. Modular information offerings that are specifically tailored to different target groups play a central role in this. They help to address different needs appropriately and promote a willingness to cooperate. The findings show, among other things, that traditional companies can profitably learn from the innovative approaches of citizen energy cooperatives. For future research, it is important to examine communication strategies both in terms of their effectiveness and their adaptability to new challenges. A stronger transdisciplinary orientation of research is recommended in order to combine scientific knowledge with practical experience and to develop comprehensive, practical solutions.
LB  - PUB:(DE-HGF)11
DO  - DOI:10.18154/RWTH-2025-00931
UR  - https://publications.rwth-aachen.de/record/1003231
ER  -