This book focuses on spatial planning ¿ an important determinant
of energy saving and renewable energy supply. Revealing the key driving forces
for spatial development supporting the shift towards energy efficiency and
renewable energy supplies, it shows the importance of integrated spatial and
energy planning approaches for a timely and sustainable change of energy
systems, thus supporting policies of climate protection. As operating within
the context of renewable energy sources is becoming a major policy issue at the
international, European and national level, spatial dimensions of renewable
energy systems as well as challenges, barriers and opportunities in different
spatial contexts become more important. This book analyses not only the
fundamental system interrelations between resources, technologies and consumption
patterns with respect to energy, but also the links to the spatial context, and
provides guidelines for researchers as well as practitioners in this new,
emerging field. It presents innovative analytical tools to solve real-world
problems and discusses the most important fields of action in integrated
spatial and energy planning including planning contents, planning visions and
principles as well as planning process design and planning methodology.