Description
This paper examines the “3-i” framework and to understand energy transitions in the European Union (EU). The EU has prioritized environmental sustainability and declared that EU countries will transition away from coal towards renewable energy. The capacity and priority of transitioning away from coal varies across the EU. Germany and Poland were chosen as case studies to analyze the variables that affect energy transition speed. These two countries were chosen because they have the largest coal reserves in the EU but are drastically different in how they are transitioning their energy sectors. To understand the differences, institutions, interests and ideas are analyzed through the variables of Green party representation, the number of jobs in the coal sector and the cultural significance of coal. This paper draws upon previous literature to examine hypotheses based on these three variables. Specifically, by building on previous research as well as by analysing recent trends in Germany and Poland’s energy sector, the paper shows that Green party representation is the strongest variable that explains energy transition speeds. Jobs in the energy sector has a moderately strong argument while cultural significance has a weak argument. This paper considers all three variables and reflects on the future implications of the energy sector in Germany and Poland.
Chair
Helen Callaghan
Discussant
Arianna Tassinari & Fabian Mushövel
Session Type
Panel 4
Topic
Culture & Political Economy
Changes in the Energy Dynasty: Transitioning Away from King Coal. A Case Study of Energy Transitions in Germany and Poland
This paper examines the “3-i” framework and to understand energy transitions in the European Union (EU). The EU has prioritized environmental sustainability and declared that EU countries will transition away from coal towards renewable energy. The capacity and priority of transitioning away from coal varies across the EU. Germany and Poland were chosen as case studies to analyze the variables that affect energy transition speed. These two countries were chosen because they have the largest coal reserves in the EU but are drastically different in how they are transitioning their energy sectors. To understand the differences, institutions, interests and ideas are analyzed through the variables of Green party representation, the number of jobs in the coal sector and the cultural significance of coal. This paper draws upon previous literature to examine hypotheses based on these three variables. Specifically, by building on previous research as well as by analysing recent trends in Germany and Poland’s energy sector, the paper shows that Green party representation is the strongest variable that explains energy transition speeds. Jobs in the energy sector has a moderately strong argument while cultural significance has a weak argument. This paper considers all three variables and reflects on the future implications of the energy sector in Germany and Poland.
