Interactive Energy Planning: towards a sound and effective planning praxis

Though it is being questioned whether planning theory should be fitted into neat typologies, some have described evolving planning theory as a journey away from ethnocentrism, through the lands of rationalism, pragmatism, socio-ecological idealism, political-economic mobilization, currently anchoring along the shores of the land of communications and collaboration. Whether or not a particular typology is applicable, theory and praxis are establishing standpoints, which strengthens our understanding of the planning complex, and which should inspire improved energy planning methodologies and tools. This paper presents an “Interactive Energy Planning” framework, which is intended to support interactivity in planning, building on important theoretical and experimental advances in planning. In particular, the paper explores the potential significance of allowing a critical perspective on context analysis and problem-orientation to define the course of the planning process, and deploying value-rational planning tools primarily as a platform for interactivity. The focus on interactivity in energy planning will allow contemporary government planners, consultants, researchers, and organizational managers more effectively to address important technical and economic problems.