A multi-level perspective on the scope for ports to accelerate sustainable energy transition

There is increasing focus on ports as potential low- or zero-emission "energy hubs". However, there is no common definition of what this entails. International research on energy management in ports and how ports may facilitate transition in wider transport and industry networks is also very limited. This paper discusses the scope for ports to facilitate sustainable energy transition. We focus on the interaction between social processes, geographical conditions and emerging technologies, and discuss how it gives rise to different opportunities, barriers and strategies for ports in different contexts. The discussion is based on a study of three Norwegian ports, where semi-structured stakeholder interviews, document studies and on-site observations were carried out by a multi-disciplinary research team. A multi-level perspective is applied to throw light on the complex and nested processes that structure local perspectives and practices. At the landscape level, international climate scenarios and policies, technology and market developments, as well as trends in public awareness and media attention influence the demand for new solutions, and the strategic options available to ports. These interact with factors at regime level. Here, regulatory frameworks, existing infrastructure, and the ports' relations and responsibilities vis-à-vis municipal owners have a strong impact on their efforts to facilitate transition. Furthermore, the approach taken by each port depends on their role in formal and informal social networks, with industry, knowledge institutions and other stakeholders. Together with the actors' motivation and ambitions these relations influence the level of engagement with different technological niches. The first case port, in a smaller town in northern Norway, has so far focused on promoting a shift from road to rail and sea transport, related to international corridors and regional development. Most of their traffic is dry bulk with relatively new ships, so the opportunity and push for measures related to the port's own operations is more limited. However, there is dialogue with local industry actors about the synergies associated with new energy solutions, such as a multi-fuel station with hydrogen and/or LNG in the port. The second port, in the capital, has more capacity and a wider range of commercial activities. It is also facing high expectations as a partner in integrated urban and climate planning. There is a specific climate plan, centered on electrification, and heavy R&D collaboration, but space limitations and prioritization of local versus regional climate gas reduction are recognized challenges. The third port, down south, is medium-sized, with a high share of international ferries and function as offshore supply port. The municipality has focused more on other environmental issues, but unlike the other cases this port is certified as environment-friendly. A large PV system is in place, and the port is a frontrunner in shore power, with the largest high voltage facility in Europe. Thus, the ports take different approaches, related to their local context and position in a wider socio-technical system. Furthermore, these seem connected to different aspects of the ports' role: In the northern case the approach seems informed by the port's role in regional logistics and development. In the capital port, public administration and planning is a stronger element. In the last port, the drive to invest and test innovative technologies in core operations is more pronounced. The study shows that ports can accelerate transition in multiple ways. Increased knowledge about the systemic factors and processes that influence their scope for action may contribute to a better understanding of how ports' roles and responsibilities could be shaped in future, to facilitate stronger and more concerted efforts to accelerate sustainable energy transition in and around this sector.