In the book Are Low-Carbon Futures Decentralised?: The Governance of Collective Electricity Systems
Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Summary
This chapter explores the role of transmission infrastructure in Europe's ongoing transition towards low-carbon, decentralised energy systems. While policy documents often advocate for decentralisation, they also highlight the continued necessity of transmission networks for system efficiency and stability. This chapter argues that the ambiguous role of transmission in energy futures reflects broader tensions between centralised and decentralised visions and approaches to decarbonisation. The argument is supported by a discourse analysis of recent transmission reports and policy documents, and supplemented by recent research on transmission's broader social impacts. The analysis shows how select actors perceive a balance between integrating decentralised energy sources with robust, centrally coordinated transmission networks. Nevertheless, the siting and construction of long-distance transmission lines continue to clash with local demands for democratised and decentralised energy solutions.
Spanish layman's summary:
Este capítulo sostiene que el papel ambiguo de la transmisión en los futuros energéticos refleja tensiones más amplias entre visiones centralizadas y descentralizadas de la descarbonización.
English layman's summary:
This chapter argues that the ambiguous role of transmission in energy futures reflects broader tensions between centralized and decentralized visions of decarbonization.
Keywords: Decentralisation; Transmission Infrastructure; Electricity Grid; Energy Transition; Energy Planning; Public Engagement
Editors: S. Sareen, et al.
ISBN: 9781035355181
DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035355198.00010
DOI of the book:
https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035355198
Published: 2025
Citation:
D.L. Wuebben, "Transition tensions: transmission lines in visions of European Union decentralisation", in Are Low-Carbon Futures Decentralised?: The Governance of Collective Electricity Systems, S. Sareen, et al. Ed(s). Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Ed. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2025, pp. 50-60, doi: 10.4337/9781035355198.00010
IIT-25-281L
