Energy Governance Research Articles

Energy governance as a commons: Engineering alternative socio-technical configurations

Transitioning into a sustainable energy system is becoming ever more pressing as the reality of an anthropogenic ecological crisis becomes difficult to ignore. Due to the complexity of the matter, proposed solutions often address the symptoms of the current socioeconomic configuration rather than its core. To conceptualise possible future energy systems, this Perspective focuses on the disconnect between science and technology and engineering studies. On the one hand, this disconnect leads to social science research that passively critiques rather than contributes to tackling societal issues in practice. On the other, it produces technical work limited by the incumbent conceptualisations of economic activity and organisational configurations around production without capturing the broader social and political dynamics. We thus propose a schema for bridging this divide that uses the “commons” as an umbrella concept. We apply this framework on the hardware aspect of a conceptual energy system, which builds on networked microgrids powered by open-source, lower cost, adaptable, socially responsible and sustainable technology. This Perspective is a call to engineers and social scientists alike to form genuine transdisciplinary collaborations for developing radical alternatives to the energy conundrum.

Making the internet globally sustainable: Technical and policy options for improved energy management, governance and community acceptance of Nordic datacenters

Both policymakers and the technology industry need to do more to combat the ever-growing demand for data and its associated energy impacts. In this study, based on novel corporate data, expert interviews, focus groups with members of the public, extensive site visits across Greenland, Iceland and Norway and a literature review, we look at the energy and climate impacts of existing and proposed datacenters, both quantitatively and in terms of stakeholder and public perceptions. The paper examines datacenter management and sustainability practices in the Nordic region. It explores what community impacts occur, and how communities manage conflicting objectives. It investigates the technical and policy options that can make datacenters more sustainable and/or lower-carbon and it explores associated stakeholder and public views in the three countries. In exploring these themes, our study examines the shifting energy governance of datacenters, including patterns of electricity consumption and cooling but also circular economy operations and power densities. We also analyze a series of 40 solutions for eco-friendly design or green datacenter management across the entire lifecycle. We conclude with implications for energy and climate policy as well as future research.

The EU as catalytic state? Rethinking European climate and energy governance

ABSTRACT The regulatory state has provided a useful framework for conceptualizing the nature of the EU and its role in policy making. Although it is widely accepted that the conditions of European integration have dramatically changed since the 1990s, when this approach was formulated, few scholars have sought to theorize the EU ‘beyond’ the regulatory state. To fill this gap, this article puts forward the concept of the catalytic state, tracing its emergence within the field of climate and energy. The article proposes an initial theorization of the EU’s role as a catalytic state, situating it between the direct approach of the positive state and the indirect one of the regulatory state. On that basis, it provides a detailed mapping of catalytic state capacities in the climate and energy sector. Rather than replacing existing regulatory capacities, the paper argues, these new capacities have expanded the scope of EU action, following the logic of policy layering. To what extent this has indeed increased the ability of the EU to achieve its declared policy targets remains an open question, however. The paper concludes with a discussion of further research questions regarding the effectiveness, accountability and scope of the EU as a catalytic state.

Bringing geopolitics to energy transition research

This perspective aims at a geopolitical conceptual and empirical contribution to research questions on power in energy transition research, coming from the history of energy and Sustainability Transitions Studies. It aims at answering the call that has been made for the development of approaches that take power dynamics between actors into account, by authors coming from Sustainability Transitions Studies.This article suggests a geopolitical approach of power relations, at and of the different scales of energy transitions – understood as a change of energy resource could open a complementary and more spatial vision on this issue based on the main concepts of representations, territoriality, and resource development.This conceptual proposition is then developed over two empirical examples. The first one is France’s energy governance system, which is just stepping out of its precedent energy transition towards nuclear energy. It explores the effects of the ongoing sustainable transition on the structure of the political landscape and of the energy sector using the concepts of resource development control and appropriation. The second one on EU energy transition policy highlights the importance of representations, a key concept in geopolitics, whose analysis facilitates the understanding of actors’ strategies.

Measuring Energy Poverty and Its Impact on Economic Growth in Pakistan

During the last two decades, energy poverty has captured the growing attention of researchers and policymakers due to its strong association with economic poverty and poor economic performance. This study uses a broad set of macro level indicators and makes the first attempt to measure energy poverty and its impact on economic growth of Pakistan over the period of 1990 to 2017. Our energy poverty indicator considers four main dimensions of energy poverty, namely, energy services, clean energy, energy governance and energy affordability. A composite value of the energy poverty index shows that although the overall energy poverty has reduced in Pakistan during the selected sample period, the country shows an increasing dependence on polluted energy supply to meet its growing energy demand. In the second stage of investigation, the study tests the neoclassical growth theory where we incorporate energy poverty along with human capital as a source of economic growth. The main findings show a stable short-run cointegration between energy poverty and economic growth. These strong negative linkages between energy poverty and economic growth for the sample economy complement the previous literature on the subject.

Rebound effect with energy efficiency determinants: a two-stage analysis of residential electricity consumption in Indonesia

This study aims to estimate the economy-wide rebound effect using the determinants of household energy demand in Indonesia. Identifying the size of the rebound effect is essential for the government's energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction programs. The estimation of the rebound effect uses a two-stage analysis with panel data of every province in Indonesia from 2002 to 2018. We employ the Input Demand Function of the Stochastic Frontier Analysis to measure the energy efficiency of residential aggregate in Indonesia. In the second stage, we adopt the dynamic panel data model to estimate the economy-wide rebound effect. The estimated dynamic panel data model reveals that the magnitudes of the short-run and long-run rebound effects were 87.2% and -45.5%, respectively. In other words, a 1% increase in household energy efficiency results in a reduction in energy consumption of 0.13% in the short term and 1.45% in the long term. Our research also discovers that a backfire rebound effect exists in provinces with high energy efficiency. Therefore, we prove to backfire claims that improving energy efficiency will increase energy use. Henceforth, energy efficiency programs in the household sector still need to be implemented, followed by increasing technological innovation and improving housing policy.

Prospects for synergies between low-voltage DC microgrid technology and peer-to-peer energy trading markets

Electric power systems are experiencing an unprecedented technological revolution that poses operational and commercial challenges for today's electric power industry. In this context, low voltage DC microgrid technology is attracting growing interest regarding its energy efficiency and local reliability. These microgrids support the innovation and implementation of new local electricity markets such as the emergent peer-to-peer energy trading paradigm which is perceived as a promising solution for tomorrow's power grid. Although, several pilot projects are under test, research is mainly concerned with the development of hardware and software infrastructure and the design of new business models. This paper deals with the prospects for synergies between low-voltage DC microgrid technology and P2P energy trading markets. After focusing on the fundamentals and the links between both concepts, the paper surveys the most innovative peer-to-peer electricity trading projects. A multi-aspect SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis approach is conducted. Finally, the environmental impact is evaluated in a vision of sustainable and collaborative energy governance.

Do energy and firm characteristics matter for sustainable development practices? An empirical evidence

PurposeThis study aims to examine whether energy governance mechanisms, energy consumption, energy poverty and firm characteristics do matter for sustainable development practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a cross-sectional survey of production managers, engineers and chief finance officers of firms under the Uganda Manufacturers Association. The data analysis was mainly done using the partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe regression analysis results indicate that ownership structure, capital structure, energy governance mechanisms, energy poverty and energy consumption do matter for improved sustainable development practices. Firm age does not significantly matter for sustainable development practices.Originality/valueThis study provides initial evidence on what matters for improvement in sustainable development practices using evidence from developing African countries such as Uganda whose major focus is the attraction of foreign investors. Such countries focus on improvement in economic growth at the expense of social and environmental concerns.

Rowing, steering or anchoring? Public values for geothermal energy governance

Energy transitions require a rethinking of the role of public authorities to integrate public views and concerns. Through a case study in Geneva, Switzerland, this article examines how the public sees the role of the public authority in the transformation of a local energy system by developing a canton-wide geothermal program. We use a public values perspective, identifying public values linked to the roles and responsibilities of the state. Analyzing public values allows understanding how the public perceives state actions and consequently how the authority may adequately respond and accommodate these expectations and doing so, anchor policies in public values. We begin by exploring the concepts of public value and posing the contextual background. The article then presents the most salient public values linked to the roles and responsibilities of the authorities based on focus group data. For residents the most important function of the public authority in relation to energy transitions is to inform and raise awareness. Other important functions are providing financial support and regulating. Acknowledging the importance of communication and its associated values allows public authorities to set the anchor to then effectively roll out, plan or support energy transition projects.

Leadership in high-level forums on energy governance: China and Russia compared

ABSTRACT This study investigates the participation of China and Russia in the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM). In which policy initiatives have these two countries participated? In which initiatives have they taken the lead? Building on the club theory and international relations literature, we approach the research questions by offering an in-depth analysis of the policy dynamics inside the CEM. From a theoretical viewpoint, we posit that China has been more active in the CEM than Russia, which our empirical analysis confirms. However, Russia has also been involved in several CEM initiatives. Concerning leadership, China has demonstrated a greater interest in playing that role than Russia. We conclude that, overall, China makes a better strategic use of the CEM in terms of gathering information and developing networks with other member states as well as private actors in order to implement measures for overcoming the challenges of clean energy transition.

Towards energy security in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region: insights from community members and local residents

ABSTRACT Energy security is a growing concern in the circumpolar Arctic. A growing number of Inuit and other Indigenous communities are seeking greater certainty in the sources of heat, electricity and fuel as well as alternatives to carbon-based energy systems. While top-down and large-scale approaches to renewable energy have been proposed, smaller-scale and community-based energy projects may produce greater economic and social benefits for local people, including Indigenous peoples in remote regions. Building on previous research on energy security in Indigenous and northern communities, this study shares insights about the opportunities and challenges of energy security in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (Canada). Twenty-three interviews with a range of community members, including elders and key informants from government and industry within Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk as well as Yellowknife, NT, highlight the energy priorities and motivations, as well as the state of community involvement in energy governance. A key challenge to improving energy security in the region stems from a perceived disconnect between the values and priorities of diverse actors and institutions involved in energy governance at the community, regional, territorial/federal levels. Recommendations include greater effort toward alignment between the many institutions, with the greatest consideration to those most vulnerable to energy insecurity at local scales.

Comparing policy conflict on electricity transmission line sitings

Maintaining the quality and reliability of electricity transmission lines is central to effective energy governance. However, transmission line siting is often a contentious policy decision since permitting and constructing lines may involve private and public property, residents and communities, and localized and national concerns. Yet, policy conflict in transmission siting across cases and over time has remained largely understudied. This article derives and tests hypotheses about policy conflict in the context of transmission lines completed or constructed between 2017 and 2018 in the United States. In exploring the full population of transmission lines, we find that a majority exhibit relatively low and moderate levels of conflict and attention rather than high levels. We further examine a subset of six of these cases that represent a range of conflict and attention intensity. We describe variation in the diversity of actors and frames, advocacy coalitions, and the volume of discourse associated with transmission line siting over time. As problems related to energy governance have become more complex, energy siting disputes are likely to remain a fruitful area for research on policy conflict.

A marriage of convenience or necessity? Research and policy implications for electrifying upstream petroleum production systems with renewables

There is an attempt by conventional oil and gas companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainability practices to maintain a position of relevance in a low-carbon energy future. One of such measures is the idea of upstream energy integration (or field electrification), yet emerging and in its nascency. The concept of energy integration is to electrify upstream petroleum production operations through renewables to reduce carbon intensity and mitigate process emissions. While this seems promising, its dynamics and wider ramifications remain unexplored in the scholarly literature. Drawing on the socio-technical transition theory and adopting a qualitative approach to energy systems analysis, this perspective type piece identifies and discusses the implications of the emerging trend of upstream energy integration. The analysis proceeds with three thematic parallels and five central motifs that potentially set research and policy framing agendas to complement existing energy governance frameworks. These include Process energy needs, Resources and materials sourcing, Embodied energy implications, Scalar deployment costing and Temporal dynamics for transition (the PREST framework).

Mobilizing heterogeneity: understanding the dynamic qualities and diversity of energy access in Maputo

ABSTRACT Significant steps have been made to expand grid-level electricity access in Maputo, Mozambique. Simultaneously, research highlights the emergence of alternative socio-technical infrastructures that often run parallel or complementary to centralized electricity networks. Approaching energy access across such technologies and practices is crucial to understand the challenge of energy access even in cities where grid connectivity is high. Recently, the concept of heterogeneity has emerged to describe such diverse infrastructural realities. Through 62 household interviews, this article examines the heterogeneity of energy access in Maputo. It contends that heterogeneity is a dynamic landscape of practices and strategies that interface with contested political ideals. By approaching heterogeneity as a cross-cutting dynamic, qualities of sustainable energy access such as increased security, autonomy, and the preservation of valued livelihoods become apparent. It is contended that such qualities offer reference points to better evaluate the sustainability of heterogeneous energy access and guide more coordinated energy governance.

Explaining Policy Success Using the Multiple Streams Framework: Political Success Despite Programmatic Failure of the Solar Energy Policy in Gujarat, India

Although many scholars have studied policy success and failure, the relationship of these phenomena to the policy process—essential for an explanatory or anticipatory analysis—remains unclear. I address this gap by linking the policy success heuristic with the multiple streams framework (MSF) and developing hypotheses to explain outcomes. I apply this conceptualization to the case of the solar energy policy in Gujarat, India by combining a qualitative policy assessment with a process trace of policy making. The findings show that the conflicted process success and the programmatic failure resulted largely from a top‐down push for a policy without a problem. This push, nevertheless, led to political success that was sustained by recoupling problems and politics through agenda denial, blame avoidance, and credit claiming. I conclude with implications for the research on policy evaluation, the MSF, and policy studies, as well as the governance of a sustainable energy transition.Related ArticlesHuda, Juhi. 2020. “Sources of Evidence for Risks and Benefits in Agricultural Biotechnology Policy in India: Exploring Links to Setting and Plot in Policy Narratives.” Politics & Policy 49 (1): 205‐247. https://doi.org.10.1111/polp.12391Peterson, Holly L., Mark K. McBeth, and Michael D. Jones. 2020. “Policy Process Theory for Rural Studies: Navigating Context and Generalization in Rural Policy.” Politics & Policy 48 (4): 576‐617. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12366Rawat, Pragati, and John Charles Morris. 2016. “Kingdon's ‘Streams’ Model at Thirty: Still Relevant in the 21st Century? Politics & Policy 44 (4): 608‐638. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12168

Energy intensity gap between enterprises and governments: A global perspective

Information asymmetry on energy efficiency target between enterprises and governments is a major controversy about sustainability. Enterprises desire to pursue the maximum profits in the market while governments confront with incomplete information on energy intensity potential and policy implementation. To investigate the influence of information gap between them, this study uses two-tier stochastic frontier (TSF) model with scaling property on the panel data in 56 contracting countries in Kyoto Protocol from 1995 to 2014 on energy intensity from energy, economic and technological perspective. The results present that on average about 70% of the unexplained variations in energy intensity accounts for the influence of energy intensity gap on energy savings potential between enterprises and governments. And the actual energy intensity is upper biased by average 7.03% due to the information asymmetry although the net impacts differ slightly across developing and developed countries and over time. Enterprises have stronger influence on the energy intensity during sample period. We recommend developing countries’ governments to have a strong renewable energy governance framework to support urbanization for economic development is their backbone for long period.

The space, the time, and the money. Wind energy politics in East Germany

The transition to renewable energy generates significant conflicts over time when technical innovations allowing larger wind turbine construction coincides with spatial regimentation as energy governance. The interplay of space, time and money, we argue, is crucial for understanding these conflicts. Wind energy's spatial advantage of potential social co-existence of energy generation and farming gets eaten up by differently constituted chronoscapes and regional planning, resulting in local perception of renewable energy as a threat and encroachment and experts working against a renewable energy transition. Drawing on the example of Brandenburg in East Germany, we demonstrate that financial means is next to space and time the third utmost relevant factor for local attitudes towards renewable energy.

THE BRI AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR CHINA’S ENERGY SECURITY: THE FOUR AS MODEL PERSPECTIVE

The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) proposal provides an opportunity to address the challenges of energy security. This paper aims to explore the relationship between China’s energy policies and the BRI, especially in energy security, by highlighting the energy status in China and its top energy priorities. In this study, the analytical framework presented is based on the model of “four As.” The results indicated that BRI can improve China’s energy security in all four areas of availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability. By deepening energy cooperation with BRI countries, the import transportation channels of energy in China can be further diversified, its room for maneuver in the international energy market will increase, along with its voice in international energy negotiations and global energy governance. The initiative will enable member states to collaborate on energy supply and security issues broadly and strategically. In addition, it can improve energy development efficiency and speed up the circulation of investment funds. Further, BRI can increase energy technology exchanges and cooperation with major energy-consuming countries such as Japan and Singapore. Contrary to merely geopolitical analysis, China’s BRI Energy Sustainable Project should be observed in a broader context in terms of sustainable development and economic objectives. Under the framework of the BRI strategy, the future development path of China’s energy security strategy may open the way for pluralistic economic cooperation in the field of energy.

Competition, cooperation, and adaptation: The organizational ecology of international organizations in global energy governance

AbstractIn policy domains characterised by complexity, international organizations (IOs) with overlapping mandates and governance functions regularly interact in ways that have important implications for global governance. Yet the dynamics of IO interactions remain understudied. This article breaks new ground by building on the theoretical insights of organizational ecology to examine IO competition, cooperation, and adaptation in the domain of energy. Drawing on original empirical data, I consider three related hypotheses: (1) competition between IOs in the same population is likely to centre on material resources; (2) IOs are more likely to cooperate when they have a shared governance goal; and (3) individual IOs can adapt by changing their goals and boundaries. In considering these hypotheses, this article highlights the limits of the organizational ecology approach and the need to broaden it to account for the possibility that IOs do cooperate, and that individual IOs, such as the International Energy Agency, have the capacity to adapt to changes in their environment.

Participation, equity and access in global energy security provision: Towards a comprehensive perspective

The multilateral institutions of global energy governance consider energy security a key aspect for achieving greater coordination in the energy transition. However, the public good characteristics of energy security and its implications for global energy governance have not been systematically analyzed. This article discusses the concept of energy security within the global energy governance literature and the public character of the “energy regime complex” in the area of energy security. We define the requirements for considering energy security as a global public good. Then, we apply this theoretical framework and assess the levels of publicness of consumption, benefits, and decision-making of the various global energy security approaches. The results show that institutional arrangements for the governance of the security of supply and demand should be conceptualized as transnational public goods rather being considered within a more global cooperative energy security approach. We discuss the implications of the results for other global energy governance domains, finding that the extension of the public character of energy security may limit coordination in other areas of energy governance, such as climate change mitigation.