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The Global Surge in Energy Innovation

Author

Listed:
  • Aidan Rhodes

    (Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, 13 Princes Gardens, London SW7 1NA, UK)

  • Jim Skea

    (Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, 13 Princes Gardens, London SW7 1NA, UK)

  • Matthew Hannon

    (Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, 13 Princes Gardens, London SW7 1NA, UK)

Abstract

Policymakers are seeking a transformation of the energy system driven by concerns about climate change, energy security and affordability. At the same time, emerging developments in underpinning science and engineering are opening up new possibilities across the whole technology spectrum covering renewables and other supply side technologies, energy demand and energy infrastructure. This paper reviews both the “policy pull” for energy innovation activities and the “science and technology push”. It explores the expectations of a variety of organisations in both the public and private sector regarding these pressures and possibilities by assessing various scenarios and outlook exercises that have been published since 2013. It reveals a wide range of beliefs about the future development of the energy system. The paper then moves on to analyse private sector expenditure on energy research and development (R&D) and public sector budgets for energy R&D and demonstration (RD&D). This analysis demonstrates significant divergences in patterns of innovation between the private and public sectors and leads to the hypothesis that the private sector is, broadly, taking measures to reinforce the existing energy paradigm while the public sector is focusing on new energy technologies that support wider policy objectives. This pattern is consistent with past technological transitions, with innovation efforts that would transform the energy system being counteracted by countervailing efforts that reinforce the existing fossil fuel-based paradigm.

Suggested Citation

  • Aidan Rhodes & Jim Skea & Matthew Hannon, 2014. "The Global Surge in Energy Innovation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(9), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:7:y:2014:i:9:p:5601-5623:d:39668
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Freeman, Chris & Louca, Francisco, 2002. "As Time Goes By: From the Industrial Revolutions to the Information Revolution," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199251056.
    2. Frank W. Geels, 2005. "Technological Transitions and System Innovations," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 3576.
    3. McGowan, Francis, 1989. "The single energy market and energy policy: conflicting agendas?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 17(6), pages 547-553, December.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Tomasz Kijek & Arkadiusz Kijek & Piotr Bolibok & Anna Matras-Bolibok, 2021. "The Patterns of Energy Innovation Convergence across European Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Tony Addison, 2018. "Climate change and the extractives sector," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2018-84, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    3. Shinwari, Riazullah & Yangjie, Wang & Payab, Ahmad Haseeb & Kubiczek, Jakub & Dördüncü, Hazar, 2022. "What drives investment in renewable energy resources? Evaluating the role of natural resources volatility and economic performance for China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    4. Ewa Chomać-Pierzecka & Joanna Rogozińska-Mitrut & Monika Różycka & Dariusz Soboń & Jacek Stasiak, 2023. "Energy Innovation for Individual Consumers in Poland—Analysis of Potential and Evaluation of Practical Applications in Selected Areas," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-21, August.
    5. Robertson Munro, Fiona & Cairney, Paul, 2020. "A systematic review of energy systems: The role of policymaking in sustainable transitions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    6. Tony Addison, 2018. "Climate change and the extractives sector," WIDER Working Paper Series 84, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    7. Jonas Sonnenschein, 2016. "Understanding indicator choice for the assessment of research, development, and demonstration financing of low-carbon energy technologies: Lessons from the Nordic countries," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2016-48, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    8. Egusquiza, A. & Ginestet, S. & Espada, J.C. & Flores-Abascal, I. & Garcia-Gafaro, C. & Giraldo-Soto, C. & Claude, S. & Escadeillas, G., 2021. "Co-creation of local eco-rehabilitation strategies for energy improvement of historic urban areas," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    9. Jonas Sonnenschein, 2016. "Understanding indicator choice for the assessment of research, development, and demonstration financing of low-carbon energy technologies: Lessons from the Nordic countries," WIDER Working Paper Series 048, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    10. Christopher A. Scott & Zachary P. Sugg, 2015. "Global Energy Development and Climate-Induced Water Scarcity—Physical Limits, Sectoral Constraints, and Policy Imperatives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(8), pages 1-15, August.

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