Katharina Reindl

Katharina Reindl

Lecturer

Personal profile

Research

Our world needs to become more sustainable – we need to stop depleting our resources and mitigate climate change. Thus, we need to accomplish a transition to a more low-carbon society. Contributing to this endeavour is my goal.

I am an interdisciplinary energy researcher and I investigate energy systems from a socio-technical perspective being interested in the intersection of people and energy (renewable technologies, buildings, infrastructures). Thereby my interests lie in different areas, namely in a sustainable and energy efficient built environment, reduced energy consumption in homes, energy communities, the introduction of renewable energy technologies and smart grid developments. I am also interested in planning processes and the role of different professionals, consultants, local authorities, companies as well as individuals responsible for delivering a transformation in our energy system. Further, urban areas are a specific focus of my research.

As an interdisciplinary energy researcher, I apply different techniques and methods. I mainly use qualitative methods like semi-structured interviews, participatory observations, focus groups, document analysis or case studies. I have, however also worked with experiments and surveys. Furthermore, I have been involved in stakeholder workshops. During my time as a researcher, I gained important experience in working inter- and transdisciplinary with researchers from different backgrounds as well as stakeholders outside of academia.

Theoretical interests include among others STS, social ecology, innovation and transition processes, practice theory, sustainable transition, intermediaries/intermediary organizations as well as the middle-out perspective.

I have been a teacher in international Masters Programs, namely Master’s programme in Environmental Policy and Management (EMP) and the Erasmus Mundus Master's Course in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) (both at IIIEE Lund University), Science for Sustainable Development (at the Department Environmental Change, Tema M) and a Swedish Sociology programme (Linköping University).

Currently, I am working on two projects related to the adoption of solar power. The first project is called “Property owners as prosumers - support structures and barriers” and focuses on the role of private and public property owners of premises regarding the installation of solar power. We are investigating what barriers and incentives exist for them to install solar power and become prosumers. The project is in collaboration with the Energy Agency Skåne. The second project is an EU project called “New Clean Energy Communities in a Changing European Energy System (NEWCOMERS”. In this project we investigate new energy communities in a changing European energy system (NEWCOMMERS).

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Social Sciences

Free keywords

  • Energy research
  • energy efficiency in buildings
  • smart grids
  • intersection: building-technology-people
  • professionals
  • socio-technical systems
  • energy systems
  • end-users and energy consumption
  • prosumers
  • social practice theory
  • middle-out perspective
  • intermediaries
  • renewable energy

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Collaborations the last five years

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View all 38 research outputs
View all 6 projects
  • 18 Presentation
  • 8 Participation in conference
  • 1 Journal/Manuscript peer review
View all 27 activities