How long will it take? Conceptualizing the temporal dynamics of energy transitions

Transitioning away from our current global energy system is of paramount importance. The speed at which a transition can take place—its timing, or temporal dynamics—is a critical element of consideration. This study therefore investigates the issue of time in global and national energy transitions by asking: What does the mainstream academic literature suggest about the time scale of energy transitions? Additionally, what does some of the more recent empirical data related to transitions say, or challenge, about conventional views? In answering these questions, the article presents a “mainstream” view of energy transitions as long, protracted affairs, often taking decades to centuries to occur. However, the…

• GI
  Georgia Institute of Technology
• CU
  City University of Hong Kong
• JH
  Johns Hopkins University
• RC
  Research Councils UK

  Award: EP/K011790/1
• UO
  University of Sussex
• DF
  Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond

  Award: 4182-00033B
• EA
  Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

  Award: EP/K011790/1