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@PHDTHESIS{Hellmuth:1003231,
author = {Hellmuth, Nils},
othercontributors = {Jakobs, Eva-Maria and Moser, Albert},
title = {{K}ommunikation komplexer {T}echnologien der
{E}nergiewende. {I}nformiertheit, {F}ormate, {K}onflikte,
{S}chnittstellen},
school = {Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen},
type = {Dissertation},
address = {Aachen},
publisher = {RWTH Aachen University},
reportid = {RWTH-2025-00931},
pages = {1 Online-Ressource : Illustrationen},
year = {2025},
note = {Veröffentlicht auf dem Publikationsserver der RWTH Aachen
University; Dissertation, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische
Hochschule Aachen, 2025},
abstract = {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.},
cin = {735320 / 735220},
ddc = {400},
cid = {$I:(DE-82)792020_20140620$ / $I:(DE-82)791220_20140620$},
typ = {PUB:(DE-HGF)11},
doi = {10.18154/RWTH-2025-00931},
url = {https://publications.rwth-aachen.de/record/1003231},
}
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