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Framing branching points for transition: policy and pathways for UK heat decarbonisation

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posted on 2023-06-10, 00:20 authored by Katherine LovellKatherine Lovell, Tim FoxonTim Foxon
This paper develops the use of the branching point concept as a tool to support key decisions for reorienting systems for sustainability. In this approach, a pathway is seen as arising from accumulation of many specific decisions which create momentum in a particular direction and so reinforce the irreversibility of the pathway. Three complementary approaches to branching point analysis are identified within the transitions literature: 1) in pathway-scenarios for sustainability, 2) framing key decision-points in historical analysis, 3) to deconstruct the politics of transition pathways. A case study of UK heat decarbonisation is used to apply the branching point concept. This analysis highlights the tension where a policy approach, framed by a sector-wide target, interacts with distinct socio-technical responses and an alternative policy approach to decision-points is proposed. This paper demonstrates the potential to develop branching point analysis into a tool to support and help structure policy decisions for transition.

Funding

O-STET – Operationalising Socio-Technical Energy Transitions; G2537; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL; EP/S002707/1

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

ISSN

2210-4224

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

40

Page range

147-158

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • The Sussex Energy Group Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2021-07-13

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-07-13

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-07-12

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