Thesis

Imaginaries of development, economy and place : a minewater thermal energy industry in Scotland

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2026
Thesis identifier
  • T18064
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 202288683
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Scotland’s existing energy economy grapples with a legacy of fossil fuels and a governance regime which produces unsustainable environmental, climate and social burdens. In order to meet ecological need and empower communities, a democratic and just energy system transition is the focus of much debate. Minewater Thermal Energy (MWT) is an undeveloped resource grounded in the material and cultural legacy of deindustrialisation, with the potential to contribute to a just energy transition in Scotland. In this thesis an imagined MWT industry is explored through an analytical framework that integrates theories from sociotechnical imaginaries, political economy and energy justice to develop understanding of how MWT can contribute to a just transition in Scotland. I demonstrate how this novel framework provides a suitable lens through which a future energy industry such as MWT can be explored. One of the challenges of this thesis is that the object of study - MWT in Scotland - does not yet exist. For this reason, the development landscape and wider energy economy were vitally important in understanding the visions of MWT development, as well as the material realities shaping such visions. The empirical element of this thesis consisted of a wider sectoral interview approach as well an in-depth case study of a former mining community. The analytical framework was applied through a reflexive methodology, built upon critical realist and interpretivist approaches to knowledge. Qualitative methods were used, including semi-structured interviews (n=29) with sectoral professionals and a community case study consisting of two workshops (n=19). This thesis finds that the process of imagining and implementing alternative MWT futures is shaped by hegemonic political economy forces embedded in socio-technical energy regimes and landscapes. Significantly, it finds that MWT can serve various collective imaginaries, which range from technocratic-led visions to bottom-up approaches in opposition to neoliberalism, aligned instead with alternative economic approaches. The case study demonstrates that for MWT, the characteristics of place are critical, and the legacy of deindustrialisation plays a role in shaping MWT futures. Participants prioritised fairness and meaningful partnership rather than opposition to the changes brought about by MWT and an energy transition. It has demonstrated the potential of alternative policy and practitioner approaches which are place-based, involve the state working strategically for public benefit and to empower communities, and the role of hegemonic and counter hegemonic ideas in shaping the imaginaries and implementation of alternative energy governance.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Hannon, Matthew (Researcher in energy economics)
  • Cairns, Iain
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2025

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