Green Energy Transition in the EU and the United States

Abstract

This chapter reviews and compares the European Union (EU) and US responses to the climate crisis within the framework of the battle of modernities as defined. Although the chapter argues that the green transition is gaining momentum, the jury is still out on what mix of technology and industrial configuration will define tomorrow's energy system in mature economies. The massive economic resources, high level regulatory competencies, in combination with the industrial and economic capabilities, allow these nations to mobilize cutting-edge innovation in all technology fields of relevance to green transition. The EU therefore maintains the target of reducing 20 percent of its primary energy consumption by 2020. Yet, on the other hand, the EU is on track to achieve only half of its energy saving target as opposed to its far more successful implementation of green energy production policy. While the EU and the US, as mature economies, share many characteristics, they have differed considerably in their approach to green transition.