From laggard to leader: Explaining offshore wind developments in the UK

Florian Kern (), Adrian Smith (), Chris Shaw (), Rob Raven () and Bram Verhees ()
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Florian Kern: SPRU, University of Sussex, UK
Adrian Smith: SPRU, University of Sussex, UK
Chris Shaw: SPRU, University of Sussex, UK
Rob Raven: STS, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Netherlands
Bram Verhees: STS, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Netherlands

SPRU Working Paper Series from SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School

Abstract: Offshore wind technology has recently undergone rapid deployment in the UK. And yet, up until recently, the UK was considered a laggard in terms of deploying renewable energy. How can this burst of offshore activity be explained? An economic analysis would seek signs for newfound competitiveness for offshore wind in energy markets. A policy analysis would highlight renewable energy policy developments and assess their contribution to economic prospects of offshore wind. However, neither perspective sheds sufficient light on the advocacy of the actors involved in the development and deployment of the technology. Without an account of technology politics it is hard to explain continuing policy support despite rising costs. By analysing the actor networks and narratives underpinning policy support for offshore wind, we explain how a fairly effective protective space was constructed through the enrolling of key political and economic interests.

Keywords: UK renewable energy policy; offshore wind; technology politics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene
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