Assessment of challenges and strategies for driving energy transitions in emerging markets: A socio-technological systems perspective

Abstract

The pursuit of improved quality of life standards has significantly influenced the contemporary mining model in the 21st century. This era is witnessing an unprecedented transformation driven by pressing concerns related to sustainability, climate change, the just energy transition, dynamic operating environments, and complex social challenges. Such transitions present both opportunities and obstacles. The aim of this study is to provide an extensive literature review on energy transition to identify the challenges and strategies associated with navigating transformations in energy systems. Understanding these transformations is particularly critical in the face of the severe consequences of global warming, where an accelerated energy transition is viewed as a universal remedy. Adopting a socio-technological systems perspective, specifically through the application of Actor Network Theory (ANT), this research provides a theoretical foundation while categorising challenges into five distinct domains and outlining strategies across these different dimensions. These insights are specifically tailored for emerging market countries to effectively navigate energy transition while fostering the development of resilient societies. Furthermore, our findings highlight that energy transition encompasses more than a mere technological shift; it entails fundamental changes in various systemic socio-economic imperatives. Through focusing on the role of social structures in transitions, this study makes a significant and innovative contribution to ANT, which has historically been criticised for its limited acknowledgement of social structures. Consequently, we propose an emerging market energy transition framework, which not only addresses technological aspects, but also integrates social considerations. This framework paves the way for future research and exploration of energy transition dynamics. The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners engaged in the mining industry, enabling them to comprehend the multifaceted challenges involved and providing practical strategies for effective resolution. Through incorporating the social dimension into the analysis, we enhance the understanding of the complex nature of energy system transformations, facilitating a more holistic approach towards achieving sustainable and resilient energy transitions in emerging markets and beyond.