Deregulated Energy Markets and the Environment: The Nordic Experience

Abstract

This study focuses on the cognitive premises for common Nordic energy-related environmental policy as expressed by representatives of Nordic environmental and energy ministries and authorities. Methodologically, it makes use of the cognitive mapping approach. A comparison of the core elements of the conceptual maps reveals that, in spite of a clear recognition of the need for closer integration of the Nordic policies, fundamental differences in the basic conceptualisation remain. In a three-polar space with democratic planning, competitive market organisation and industrial policy/technological development orientation in each of the three corners, the Danish respondents clearly comes closest to the democratic planning pole, while the Norwegian clearly tends more towards market orientation. Swedish and Finnish government officials both tend towards an industrial policy/technology orientation, although with market-orientated undertones. Beyond their basic orientation in regulatory style, however, the Nordic countries also differ in the specific issues that are salient on the national energy and environmental agendas.