Linking Stakeholder Engagement to Multiple Future Policies in the European Energy Sector

Abstract

European energy, innovation, and climate challenges define the direction of a future European energy system; however, the specific technology pathways are policy sensitive and need careful comparative evaluation. Stakeholder dialogue or exchange is a very enriching experience, as it promotes the communication of different and sometimes controversial ideas, approaches, and expectations. The chapter introduces stakeholder consultation process, so as to analyse the impact of multiple future pathways and policies in the European energy sector. This will be done through a concrete methodological approach based on an institutionalised consultation process of the relevant stakeholders at policy, industry, and research/academic level. Key findings as regards the critical uncertainties affecting the future energy sector reveal that the level of cooperation and the level of decentralisation may play a crucial role in the design of alternative pathways towards a clean energy system.