The transition to sustainable aviation in Northern Norway. Key drivers and barriers in a transition to sustainable aviation in Norway from a social-technical perspective, using Lofoten as a case study

Abstract

This thesis investigates the key drivers and barriers of the energy transition in aviation in Northern Norway. The regional project Lofoten the Green Islands 2030 represents a radical change, which is necessary to phase out fossil fuels and reach the goals of fossil-free aviation by 2050 set by Norwegian authorities. Using literature review, observations, and interviews from key political, public, and industrial actors in Lofoten, the thesis explores the key factors influencing the niche development in the aviation regime in Norway. It also explores how the niche technology interacts with the broader aviation landscape, leaning on Geels ́ framework on the Multi-Level Perspective (Geels, 2002; Geels & Kemp, 2007). The perspectives of key actors affect the process of Lofoten the Green Islands ́ goal to halve Lofoten ́s aviation GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by 2030. The data shows how the goals and ambitions during the transition process vary among the different actors, especially regarding the ambitious timeline. On the other hand, the actors often share the same perception of what the end goal will be. The end goal is sustainable aviation with electric-driven aircrafts on Norway ́s short- haul network where the archipelago group of Lofoten should be a national pilot. Further, the thesis reveals how the energy transition can result in radical change where both traditional actors and new stakeholders both in the air and on the ground will take on new roles and evolve along with the changes from the regime. The knowledge and communication that comes from the interaction between government, industry, academia, and population look to play an important role in the energy transition. Such political and social interaction should be arranged for and prioritized as it will strengthen each actor. This is identified in the quadruple helix model, where roles and knowledge in the transition to sustainable aviation are important. The thesis further explores a definitional sustainability discussion, as sustainability is presented as social, economic, and environmental sustainability, and the different actors have different sustainability goals with their participation in the energy transition. Finally, the thesis identifies the drivers and barriers that form a socio-technical system: society and culture, policy, industry, technology, and science. Developing a multi-level perspective understanding of the energy transition in aviation, and presenting the key drivers and barriers found in the Lofoten case, is critical to a full accounting of the challenges and opportunities that the actors of Lofoten and Norwegian aviation may face.