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Energy Network Innovation for Green Transition: Economic Issues and Regulatory Options

Author

Listed:
  • Jamasb, Tooraj

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen Business School)

  • Llorca, Manuel

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen Business School)

  • Meeus, Leonardo

    (Florence School of Regulation (FSR), Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute, Italy and Vlerick Energy Centre, Vlerick Business School, Belgium)

  • Schittekatte, Tim

    (Florence School of Regulation (FSR), Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute, Italy and Vlerick Energy Centre, Vlerick Business School, Belgium)

Abstract

In this age of low-cost capital and stimulus packages, is it the best time to heavily invest in tomorrow’s energy networks and research infrastructure? In the academic literature it is widely acknowledged that innovation is key to decarbonise the energy sector and foster sustainable development. However, post liberalisation has been struggling to promote R&D and innovation. Is this the case of business, regulatory, or policy failure, or are there other factors involved? In this paper, we discuss the reasons for slow uptake of new technologies in energy networks and propose some remedies for the European context, where innovation in the area of energy networks is crucial for the implementation of the Green Transition. The solutions to address this shortfall need to be considered in an overarching manner. The specific points raised here are based on incentive regulation, the establishment of competitive funding models like Ofgem’s Low Carbon Network Fund and a large European collaborative research hub.

Suggested Citation

  • Jamasb, Tooraj & Llorca, Manuel & Meeus, Leonardo & Schittekatte, Tim, 2020. "Energy Network Innovation for Green Transition: Economic Issues and Regulatory Options," Working Papers 18-2020, Copenhagen Business School, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:cbsnow:2020_018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schittekatte, Tim & Meeus, Leonardo & Jamasb, Tooraj & Llorca, Manuel, 2021. "Regulatory experimentation in energy: Three pioneer countries and lessons for the green transition," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Karim L. Anaya & Monica Giulietti & Michael G. Pollitt, 2022. "Where next for the electricity distribution system operator? Evidence from a survey of European DSOs and National Regulatory Authorities," Competition and Regulation in Network Industries, , vol. 23(4), pages 245-269, December.
    3. Biancardi, Andrea & Di Castelnuovo, Matteo & Staffell, Iain, 2021. "A framework to evaluate how European Transmission System Operators approach innovation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Energy network infrastructure; European green deal; Innovation; Research and development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L50 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - General
    • L90 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - General
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • Q40 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - General
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General

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