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In Search of ‘Good’ Energy Policy: The Social Limits to Technological Solutions to Energy and Climate Problems

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  • Michael G. Pollitt

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the nature of ‘Good’ Energy Policy by offering a multi-disciplinary social science and humanities perspective on policy making. The objective in doing this is to understand how to get from where we are today to a ‘better’ energy policy. We begin by discussing what we mean by ‘policy’. We then go on to characterise and challenge the technologists’ approach to energy policy. Next we discuss some key intellectual starting points that explain why policy making in this area is so difficult. We then turn to a set of multi-disciplinary social science and humanities perspectives on energy policy that together form promising areas for research. These are: perception; quantification; well-being; public trust; role of the state; competence and hubris in delivery; and parallels with healthcare. We close by discussing how these perspectives can illuminate whether a policy is ‘good’, ‘bad’ or something in between.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael G. Pollitt, 2015. "In Search of ‘Good’ Energy Policy: The Social Limits to Technological Solutions to Energy and Climate Problems," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1537, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camdae:1537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Alexander Vallejo Díaz & Idalberto Herrera Moya & Edwin Garabitos Lara & Cándida K. Casilla Victorino, 2024. "Assessment of Urban Wind Potential and the Stakeholders Involved in Energy Decision-Making," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Michael G. Pollitt & Lewis Dale, 2018. "Restructuring the Chinese Electricity Supply Sector – How industrial electricity prices are determined in a liberalized power market: lessons from Great Britain," Working Papers EPRG 1839, Energy Policy Research Group, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
    3. Hirmer, S.A. & George-Williams, H. & Rhys, J. & McNicholl, D. & McCulloch, M., 2021. "Stakeholder decision-making: Understanding Sierra Leone's energy sector," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    4. Michael G. Pollitt, 2016. "A Global Carbon Market?," Working Papers EPRG 1608, Energy Policy Research Group, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

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    JEL classification:

    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • L98 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Government Policy

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