Electrochemical technologies for deep decarbonization?: A heterodox technology assessment

Jorrit P. Smit; Nikola Biliškov; Marula Tsagkari

doi:10.14512/tatup.7218

Authors

Jorrit P. Smit Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Leiden (NL) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9023-9773 j.p.smit@cwts.leidenuniv.nl
Nikola Biliškov Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb (HR) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6981-944X nbilis@irb.hr
Marula Tsagkari Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Universita Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona (ES) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7925-3769 marou.tsagari@gmail.com

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14512/tatup.7218

Keywords:

electrochemistry, energy storage and conversion, degrowth, political economy, convivial innovation

Abstract

Increasingly, electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies are considered key enablers of a deep decarbonization of society. However, given the real possibility that these technologies may delay rather than advance climate action, it is crucial that policymakers, industry, and researchers actively engage in developing principles for more responsible or ‘convivial’ use of these technologies. We demonstrate how current electrochemical research and innovation in green hydrogen and CO₂ utilization is embedded in orthodox political-economic discourses and infrastructures. As part of a technology assessment based on Zoellick and Bisht’s (2018) degrowth perspective, we explore examples of electrochemical innovation that could fit heterodox political-economic scenarios and present approaches for future interdisciplinary research on convivial electrochemical innovation.

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