Rescaling wind energy governance–the dynamic interplay between efficiency and justice in energy policy constructions

Renewable energy transitions are considered key to fuel green transitions. Wind energy is positioned as a cost-beneficial energy source, but also generates environmental conflicts and contestations of distribution of power and benefits. Scalar changes (rescaling) of political, social, and economic structures and processes have gained increased awareness. Less attention has been given to how energy policies influence the scaling of governance regimes, and how energy policies are shaped by changing perceptions and claims. The article explores how and why energy policies rescale governance regimes of wind energy in Norway, Denmark and Scotland. It examines the emergent and relational socio-spatial processes of energy policymaking as assemblages and analyses material and expressive forces influencing wind energy policies and governance scaling/rescaling. The authors find that perceptions of legitimate governance frameworks within energy policy constructions are destabilized/stabilized over time. Scalar shifts within governance frameworks are influenced by forces of market concerns, green growth and value creation, by energy security concerns, stability and industry development, and by concerns of societal welfare, independence, and provision. The authors conclude that divergent forces destabilizing/stabilizing energy policy assemblages and deterritorializing/reterritorializing scalar configurations are influenced by concerns of both energy efficiency and energy justice.