This paper examines how intermediaries could interact with other important actors identified by the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework, the niche actors and regime actors, to create niches for nuclear heat production in France. | Stimulating niche nurturing process for heat production with nuclear plants in France A multi-level perspective EPJ Nuclear Sci. Technol. 5 5 2019 Nuclear Sciences M. Leurent published by EDP Sciences 2019 amp Technologies https epjn 2019001 Available online at https REGULAR ARTICLE Stimulating niche nurturing process for heat production with nuclear plants in France A multi-level perspective Martin Leurent1 2 1 Itésé CEA Université Paris-Saclay 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette France 2 Laboratoire Génie Industriel CentraleSupélec Université Paris-Saclay Grande Voie des Vignes 92290 Chatenay-Malabry France Received 28 May 2018 Received in final form 18 December 2018 Accepted 7 January 2019 Abstract. This paper examines how intermediaries could interact with other important actors identified by the multi-level perspective MLP framework the niche actors and regime actors to create niches for nuclear heat production in France. Whatever is the source recovering the wasted heat is a matter of energy efficiency. Nuclear plants could remain used for several decades in France. It is thus legitimate to investigate those possible niche nurturing processes which may allow a more efficient use of this technology. Challenges are high and our conclusions modest regarding the possible breaking through of such exploratory and collective systems. Without significant windows of opportunity even the most willing intermediation may not be able to change the status quo. It is however important to highlight the multifarious pathways that energy transitions could follow. Drawing on lessons from the MLP this paper proposes three key actions for intermediation willing to move beyond technology-push approaches that can lead to tension and low legitimacy. These are sharing questions instead of knowledge mobilise interest involve a legitimate place and prevent or avoid conflicts among stakeholders. Regime changes possibly enhancing the deployment of sustainable heating systems .
