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A Comparison of Energy Transition Governance in Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom

Author

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  • Erik Laes

    (Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium)

  • Leen Gorissen

    (Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Frank Nevens

    (Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

This paper reviews and analyzes the challenges of energy transition governance towards a low-carbon society as a political achievement. The main research question is how specific “transition governance approaches” (as advocated by transition theory) can be embedded/anchored in the policy-making logics and practices. We analyze three country cases, known for their path-breaking efforts in the area: Germany (due to its pioneering role in the development and diffusion of renewable energy technologies), the Netherlands (due to its pioneering role in launching the transition management framework), and the United Kingdom (due to its pioneering role in adopting a long-term legislative commitment to a low-carbon future). The paper identifies best governance practices and remaining challenges in the following areas: (i) connecting long-term visions with short- and mid-term action; (ii) innovation (technological as well as social); (iii) integration (of multiple objectives and policy areas and levels); (iv) societal engagement; and (v) learning/reflexivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Laes & Leen Gorissen & Frank Nevens, 2014. "A Comparison of Energy Transition Governance in Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:6:y:2014:i:3:p:1129-1152:d:33497
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Unruh, Gregory C., 2000. "Understanding carbon lock-in," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 28(12), pages 817-830, October.
    2. Annemarie van Zeijl-Rozema & Ron Cörvers & René Kemp & Pim Martens, 2008. "Governance for sustainable development: a framework," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 16(6), pages 410-421.
    3. James Meadowcroft, 2009. "What about the politics? Sustainable development, transition management, and long term energy transitions," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 42(4), pages 323-340, November.
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