Alternative energy imaginaries: Implications for energy research, policy integration and the transformation of energy systems

The paper highlights shortcomings in the contribution of qualitative social sciences and humanities (SSH) research to tackling challenges connected with energy climate change. These are illustrated based on analysis data gathered relation EU (e.g. Horizon 2020; FP7) European national funding policy. finds that a techno-economic imaginary continues dominate systems governs expectations its conduct, integration SSH policy-making framing foci A more nuanced, context-sensitive approach is presented as an alternative ‘practices cultural change’ imaginary. This emphasises attention practices relevant use, interdisciplinarity coproduction knowledge diverse actors. Adoption such can help enhance policy ameliorating change while providing insight into why gaps occur between (supra)national local practices.