Energy democracy, dissent and discourse in the party politics of shale gas in the United Kingdom

Laurence Williams,Benjamin K Sovacool

doi:10.1080/09644016.2020.1740555

Abstract

ABSTRACT Drawing from an extensive content analysis of the UK parliamentary debate over shale gas, we use the UK shale gas case to explore how energy democracy themes are used and countered in the framing strategies of discourse coalitions in national political sites. Furthermore, we explore the extent to which these national political sites and discursive strategies are effective as institutions and practices through which to achieve energy democracy. We achieve this through an analysis of the success of the UK anti- and pro-shale gas development discourse coalitions in recruiting national political figures and influencing thinking and decision-making in parliament. In doing so, we bring together the literatures on discourse coalitions and energy democracy. We conclude with implications for both national policy as well as critical inquiry into environmental politics.

Highlights

In debates about participatory forms of energy decision-making, the recently curtailed seven-year pursuit of shale gas in the United Kingdom perhaps casts in doubt that advanced democracies will pursue democratic forms of energy planning
We explore the extent to which these national political sites and discursive strategies are effective as institutions and practices through which to achieve energy democracy
We explore whether influencing thinking and decision-making in national political sites can be an effective means of pursuing energy democracy aims

Summary

Introduction

In debates about participatory forms of energy decision-making, the recently curtailed seven-year pursuit of shale gas in the United Kingdom perhaps casts in doubt that advanced democracies will pursue democratic forms of energy planning. Drawing from an extensive content analysis of the UK parliamentary debate over shale gas, we use the UK shale gas case to explore how energy democracy themes are used and countered in the framing strategies of discourse coalitions in national political sites. We achieve this through an analysis of the success of the UK anti- and pro-shale gas development discourse coalitions in recruiting national political figures and influencing thinking and decision-making in parliament.

Results

Conclusion