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

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

Ecological Economics, 2025, vol. 235, issue C

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.

Keywords: Industrial decarbonization paradigm; Green industrial policy; Carbon lock-in; Technological paradigm (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:235:y:2025:i:c:s0921800925001119

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108628

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