The role of actors in the transition towards energy self-sufficient regions: the case of Güssing, Austria

This paper discusses the role of actors in the transition towards an energy self- sufficient region in Güssing, Austria. Regions with the vision of energy self-sufficiency are often called “energy regions”. We identify and describe the states, phases and milestones of the transition process and for each phase we show the role of actors and their interactions. Thereby we depict the emergence of actor groups, namely institutions of energy region, local governments, energy consumers, energy producers, land and resource owners and experts & scientists, which form a network providing jobs, renewable energy sources, know-how and the energy infrastructure for local energy supply. We conclude that this network has potential for further technological and social innovations in Güssing, as well as can act as a best practice case for similar developments in other regions.