Ecological Modernisation and Renewable Energy

About this book

Ecological Modernisation and Renewable Energy discusses the emergence and development of the new renewable energy industry. David Toke reinvigorates ecological modernisation (EM), a key theory of environmental development. Renewable energy was developed from the grass roots into an industry that is challenging the position of conventional fuel sources by maintaining a distinct identity which attracts popular support. Toke analyses this 'identity EM' and highlights the continuing role of alliances between the renewable industries and environmental NGOs.

The politics of technological identity are explored in several case studies which include studies of California in the 1970s and 1980s and the USA since the 1990s. Other countries discussed include Denmark, Germany, Spain, UK, Australia and China. Examination of what policies are needed to promote renewable energy is carried out through analysis of institutions, interest and discourse to cut through stereotyped debates about whether 'market based' or 'command and control' strategies are better.

Contents

- Introduction
- Revising Ecological Modernisation Theory
- Renewable Energy: a new identity and a new industry
- California- The Growth of a Renewables Industry
- USA: Consolidation of a Renewables Industry?
- Germany, Spain, UK, Australia and China
- Conclusion

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Biography

David Toke Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham, UK. He has written many publications and worked on funded projects. He wrote the report which started the drive for UK renewable feed-in tariffs and is now working on EU and ESRC funded projects involving renewable energy policy and politics.