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Decentralising energy governance? Wales, devolution and the politics of energy infrastructure decision-making

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  • Richard Cowell

Abstract

Much can be learned about the scope for changing the trajectory of energy system development by examining the effects of governance re-scaling, and how this is negotiated by prevailing regimes of energy provision. To advance this proposition, this article uses Barry's concept of ‘technological zones’ to analyse how devolution within the British state, to Wales, has affected the politicisation and organisation of electricity infrastructure decisions. The evidence presented centres on arguments about energy governance and devolution in two government inquiries. While logics of democratic accountability to Wales were asserted, along with arguments for more territorially integrated approaches to energy infrastructure decisions, the more dominant discourse emphasised swift and stable procedures to facilitate major investment and infrastructure delivery. The research shows that while intensifying place-based conflicts and pressures for governance re-scaling potentially disrupt the reproduction of infrastructural systems they do not automatically do so, which should direct our attention to the conditions which shape their politicisation.

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  • Richard Cowell, 2017. "Decentralising energy governance? Wales, devolution and the politics of energy infrastructure decision-making," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 35(7), pages 1242-1263, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:35:y:2017:i:7:p:1242-1263
    DOI: 10.1177/0263774X16629443
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Royston, Sarah & Selby, Jan & Shove, Elizabeth, 2018. "Invisible energy policies: A new agenda for energy demand reduction," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 127-135.
    2. Bradshaw, Amanda & de Martino Jannuzzi, Gilberto, 2019. "Governing energy transitions and regional economic development: Evidence from three Brazilian states," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 1-11.

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