Dépendance à la trajectoire et création d’une trajectoire dans les controverses sur la sphère bioénergétique au Danemark

Danish bioenergy controversies are analysed from a sustainable transition perspective and as a case on industrialized societies’ use of bioenergy as part of the transition away from an energy system built on fossil energy. The analyses are based on the concept of Arena of Development for analyses of how actors are interacting and shaping controversies, combined with analyses of the involved governance processes. Bioenergy has a central role in the current national Danish climate strategy, but there are controversies involving several types of stakeholders over biomass sources and amounts and the environmental impacts of using bioenergy: Energy companies convert coal fired power plants into imported biomass to sustain the role of these power plants in the transition towards renewable energy, while some NGOs claim that this practice will not reduce emissions. Farmers see slurry as a source for biogas and a measure to reduce climate impact and nuisances from slurry, while NGOs fear slurry-based biogas is used as argument for increased animal husbandry. A biotech company develops enzymes for processing of biomass for second generation biofuels, which has obtained some support, while others see this as merely “green-washing” of the present transportation system. The controversies originate in different views on sustainable land use and on strategies for global equity. The discussion identifies how mechanisms of path dependency and path creation are influencing the way bioenergy is used and proposed to be used in the future. Governance processes in relation to the controversies are identified (governmental command, market creation and networking).