InfraPOD

In this episodes we talk about carbon markets as a relatively new institutional infrastructure supporting our decarbonization efforts. References Carbon Footprint in Germany https://www.bundesumweltministerium.de/media/kohlenstoffdioxid-fussabdruck-pro-kopf-in-deutschland https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Society-Environment/Environment/Environmental-Economic-Accounting/energyflows-emissions/emiss...

In this episode we explain how co-accounting can be used by countries and companies to quantify their environmental impacts and discuss the benefits and limitations of these methods. References Sandoz fire: https://www.iksr.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Dokumente_en/Press_Releases/30_Jahre_nach_SANDOZ_Hintergrund.docx_de-DE_en-GB.pdf GDP: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?ti...

In this episode we talk about the institutional set-up of the electricity market in Germany and the European Union. We explain the different options for buying and selling electricity, how prices are computed, and how an increase in renewable energies might change the market design in the future. Main References Agora Energiewende. (2019). Liberalisation of electricity markets in Germany. Agora En...

In this episode we talk about liberalisation, one of the central reform movements in infrastructure governance during the last 30 years. We discuss the liberalisation of the electricity and telecommunication sectors in Germany, which is also intertwined with a larger movement on the EU level. References Bieling, H.-J. (2008). Liberalisierung und Privatisierung in Deutschland: Versuch einer Zwische...

In the context of neoliberal reforms privatization is often presented as a way to make infrastructure service delivery more efficient and cost-effective. In this episode we try to give a strutured overview of potential avantages and disadvantages of both public and private service provision. We also discuss why public-private-partnerships are so popular and what are the challenges in the negotiati...

The internet is the fastest growing infrastructures in the world and while it already shapes our everyday life, it's impact will still grow in the future. In this episode we try to give you a basic understanding of how the internet works and how it may be different from other large networked systems. References General https://www.cloudflare.com/de-de/learning/network-layer/how-does-the-internet-w...

In this episode we explore the concept of spatial justice and establish additional terminology to better understand and analyze related phenomena. We hope that this allows you to better recognize and describe instances of spatial injustice in your environment. References Theoretical Framework Collin Yarbrough & Janille Smith-Colin (18 Nov 2025): Infrastructure (in)Justice: a multi-scalar frame...

In this episode we are looking at theories about technological innovation to better understand the currently ongoing transition of our energy system. We discuss relevant components of the new energy system, political drivers and barriers, and hypothesize about what our energy system might look like in the future. References AG Energiebilanzen e. V. (2025). Energy consumption in Germany in 2024. Av...

In this episode we are retracing the historic development of the energy systems since earliest civilizations. Our use of energy has always been interrelated with human development, innovation, and progress. By learning about how the energy system has developed alongside human societies, we want to give you some context for the upcoming transition towards decarbonized energy systems. Main reference...

What is “infrastructure”? Is it limited to roads, bridges, and energy systems or does it extend to ecosystems, care work, and social institutions? In this opening episode we interrogate the concept of infrastructure from different perspectives. Moving beyond conventional definitions, we explore infrastructure as a system that is not only physical but also relational, institutional, and deeply embe...

In this episode we give a brief overview of what we will cover in the podcast. If you have questions or feedback, please direct them to: nadine.schroeder@tu-darmstadt.de