The history and politics of energy transitions: Comparing contested views and finding common ground

Benjamin K. Sovacool

No wp-2016-81, WIDER Working Paper Series from World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER)

Abstract: According to some definitions, an energy transition refers to the time that elapses between the introduction of a new primary energy source, or prime mover, and its rise to claiming a substantial share of the overall market. According to one academic view, energy transitions take an incredibly long time to occur. Another view argues the opposite. It suggests that there have been many transitions at varying scales that have occurred quite quickly—that is, between a few years and a decade or so, or within a single generation.

Keywords: Environmental policy; Natural resources; Power resources (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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