Wake effects and temperature plumes: Coping with non-knowledge in the expansion of wind and geothermal energy.

Energy transitions are knowledge-intensive processes where a multitude of actors are trying to cope with inevitable knowledge gaps, surprises, and uncertainties. In this context, we focus on two techno-physical phenomena that are gaining practical relevance with the expansion of wind and geothermal energy extraction, and are surrounded by significant unknowns: wake effects and temperature plumes. Both phenomena can potentially affect the efficiency of energy production, but the extent of their impact is not yet known. Based on 28 semi-structured interviews with experts in the fields of wind and geothermal energy, we explore how different central actors perceive and interpret non-knowledge of wake effects and temperature plumes, and how they deal with it. We show that there are strategies for either using non-knowledge as a basis for action or simply ignoring it and sweeping knowledge gaps under the rug. Both strategies serve the function of protecting agency and keeping things going.

"It shouldn't look aggressive": How conceptions about publics shape the development of mining exploration technologies.

Today, industrial-scale mining is a high-tech activity that transforms places and regions by creating massive technological infrastructures. "The public" and its relationship with this industry are seen as increasingly relevant for mining projects; however, the role technologies play in this regard is as yet under-researched. In this article, we use an example from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research program to examine how technoscientific actors build relationships with the public in the context of mining technology development. More precisely, we reveal how the public is conceptualized by technology developers and how such conceptions come into play in technology development projects. We argue that a central aspect of this is the assumption that certain characteristics of the public are variable or stable. While characteristics perceived as stable tend to lead to an adjustment of the technology to suit the attitudes of an imagined public, characteristics perceived as variable cause no technological modifications but do influence the selection of communication strategies.

Technological change in revitalization - Phytoremediation and the role of nonknowledge.

In the 1990s, remediation methods that use plants to investigate and extract contaminations were developed. According to their proponents, these technologies have considerable potential for greening remediation and to develop a more sustainable trajectory for revitalization. Although a great deal of research has been conducted on these technologies they have, so far, rarely been applied in European countries. This article will contribute a perspective from social science to this debate. By taking an approach inspired by social science practice theories, attention will be drawn to a specific socio-cultural aspect: dealing with nonknowledge. The analysis of remediation practices reveals how the phenomenon of nonknowledge becomes relevant in the process of inventing and applying new technologies. This allows for a better understanding of technological innovation processes in remediation. Based on this understanding strategies are suggested which might increase the use of plant-based technologies in remediation and site management.