Abstract
This study investigates the role of the socio-technical regime in the global energy system transition towards sustainability within the context of exploitation of oil and natural gas resources, illustrated by the case of the Eurasian Arctic. The study design and methodology are inspired by a multi-level perspective framework. The Arctic case is examined through a ‘salient–reverse salient’ approach. The analysis shows that the exploitation is ongoing, independent of global sustainability goals and strong landscape pressures. We observe a lack of alignment between the different levels of the global energy system, where regime salients dominate over other factors. Incumbent actors acknowledge high levels of inertia and dependency within the oil and gas industry. The study concludes that a deeper focus on the capacities and qualities of the socio-technical regime can facilitate the sustainable energy transition. We suggest a more systematic view of transition studies, and theoretical and methodological pluralism via a combination of frameworks. We highlight the need to include the oil and gas industry as an eligible actor and factor in discussions of the sustainable energy transition, and also suggest ‘unlocking’ the regime through greater attention to its inertia and momentum.
Highlights
The global energy system is shaped by a variety of intertwined trends
In some circumpolar countries engaged in oil and natural gas exploitation activities, the strategic national priority of the Arctic region development affects the level of state support for commercial activities (Petrov, 2018)
Based on the performed analysis of the regime exemplified by the oil and gas industry in the offshore Arctic, we suggest some insights into the sustainable energy transition and bottlenecks along the way
Summary
There is a constant need to satisfy growing energy demand while the global energy balance continues to be dominated by fossil fuels (BP, 2020). The energy industry, and especially the oil and gas industry, are seen as some of the main con tributors to climate change and as responsible for a large share of CO2 emissions (UN, 2017). As the modern energy system is seen as the main cause of and the key solution to mitigating climate change, there is a global strive towards more sustainable ‘configurations’ of the energy system (Berkhout, 2002; Smith et al, 2005a). The evidence for resis tance can be seen in the hydrocarbon-dominated global energy balance, significant value of fossil-fuel subsidies (IEA, 2020), and in the continuing expansion in the exploitation of oil and natural gas resources
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
