Resisting change? the transnational dynamics of European energy regimes

Numerous scholars, policy makers, civil society organizations and entrepreneurs have observed that changing present-day energy systems is difficult. This difficulty persists despite increasing political and public support for a sustainable energy transition, aiming to reduce such vulnerabilities as the depletion of fuel reserves, geopolitical energy dependencies, electricity blackouts, climate change and other forms of environmental degradation. Moreover, present-day prospects for solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power—and some would add nuclear power, biomass or ‘clean’ fossil fuel usage and conversion—seem to make a more sustainable energy supply technically possible (Pacala and Solocow, 2004). So is energy saving. If modern energy systems are difficult to change, it is not for a lack of imagination or practical options.