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The industrial decarbonization paradigm: Carbon lock-in or path renewal in the United Kingdom?

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  • Herman, Kyle S.
  • Hall, Jeremy K.
  • Sovacool, Benjamin K.
  • Iskandarova, Marfuga

Abstract

Since 2017, industrial policies in the United Kingdom have prioritized revitalizing industrial clusters through subsidies for low-carbon technologies and infrastructure. This study introduces the Industrial Decarbonization Paradigm (IDP) to examine dominant technological designs, policy-driven technological channeling, industrial regimes, and the persistence of path dependence across three major industrial clusters. Drawing on 65 semi-structured interviews, 30 industrial site visits, and extensive analyses of trade and policy documents, the findings reveal significant risks of path dependence and carbon lock-in due to dominant designs of industrial decarbonization technologies, as well as central government-led technological channeling. The research identifies opportunities to mitigate these risks through policies that foster bottom-up innovation and reduce reliance on top-down technological approaches. The study highlights the need for adaptive, decentralized strategies to limit the potential for carbon lock-in and achieve sustainable industrial transformation.

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  • Herman, Kyle S. & Hall, Jeremy K. & Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Iskandarova, Marfuga, 2025. "The industrial decarbonization paradigm: Carbon lock-in or path renewal in the United Kingdom?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:235:y:2025:i:c:s0921800925001119
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108628
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    Cited by:

    1. Catalin Gheorghe & Oana Panazan & Nicoleta Stelea, 2025. "Decarbonization Pathways in EU Manufacturing: A Principal Component and Cluster Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-26, September.
    2. Herman, Kyle S. & Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Geels, Frank W. & Iskandarova, Marfuga, 2025. "Navigating reconfiguration and systems disruption: Decarbonization pathways for UK industrial clusters," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    3. Peng Chen & Zaijun Li & Meijuan Hu, 2025. "Spatio-Temporal Evolution Pattern and Driving Forces of Carbon Lock-In in the Yangtze River Delta Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-23, June.

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