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Exploring sustainability transitions in the electricity sector with socio-technical pathways

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 20:15 authored by G P J Verbong, F W Geels
This paper analyses sustainability transitions in the electricity system, using recent theories on socio-technical pathways. The paper describes three possible transition pathways and indicates the implications for (grid) infrastructures. The `transformation pathway is characterised by a further hybridization of the infrastructure; in the `reconfiguration pathway, internationalisation and scale increase in renewable generation lead to the emergence of a `Supergrid. The `de-alignment and re-alignment pathway is dominated by distributed generation and a focus on more local infrastructures. We suggest that this pathway, which involves a major restructuring of the electricity system, is less likely than the other two. The de-alignment and re-alignment pathway is therefore more dependent on external developments and/or strong policy interventions. All pathways, however, require major investments in infrastructure and innovative technologies.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

ISSN

0040-1625

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

8

Volume

77

Page range

1214-1221

Pages

8.0

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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