1 AN INTRoDUCTIoN To ENERGY DEMAND CHALLENGES IN EURoPE
5
institutional dynamics, which suggest that changes in energy demand will
come about only if the entire range of elements that underpin energy
use are considered. These alternative approaches set out to obtain quite
different results; some suggest qualitative changes in habits and routinised activities, while others set sufficiency-based targets that seek absolute reductions in energy use (or increases for those in energy poverty)
and set minimum and maximum limits to consumption. Illustrated with
examples, Chapter 2 will introduce how these different approaches or
problem framings can be characterised, and what the different framings
mean for the objectives, methods and assumptions made in sustainable
energy consumption initiatives.
The central chapters in this collection provide insights into trends in
energy transitions and what this means for the future of energy demand
in Europe. The inclusion of ten chapters, each focusing on a different
European country, offers a broad yet accessible overview of the diverse
energy systems currently in place, albeit in a rapidly changing context.
What is particularly evident is that no one system is free from contestation over how to best meet present and future energy needs. Every
country is unique in the energy-related challenges they face, with each
having different institutional structures and capacity to deal with problems and to capitalise on opportunities. At the same time, all countries
share common concerns around issues such as energy security, affordability and sustainability, and all have signed up to international climate
change agreements that call for dramatic reductions in carbon emissions.
Another interesting observation is how energy policy is evolving across
the countries under study. Emerging trends include the changing role
of citizens in the energy transition, more generally portrayed as shifting
from ‘passive’ to ‘active’ consumers, but manifesting in a number of different forms from ‘prosumers’ to ‘energy communities’. Householders are
also envisaged to play a central role as the shift toward ‘smart’ grid solutions and systems intensifies. Driving these changes requires robust policy
responses and the engagement of actors at all levels of society including
government bodies, researchers, businesses, NGos and community groups.
A recent phenomenon that facilitates greater engagement in decision-making has been a political shift across much of Europe toward
multilevel governance. This has facilitated greater societal engagement with the sustainable energy agenda and provided new avenues
for non-state actors to play a significant role in developing responses.
5
institutional dynamics, which suggest that changes in energy demand will
come about only if the entire range of elements that underpin energy
use are considered. These alternative approaches set out to obtain quite
different results; some suggest qualitative changes in habits and routinised activities, while others set sufficiency-based targets that seek absolute reductions in energy use (or increases for those in energy poverty)
and set minimum and maximum limits to consumption. Illustrated with
examples, Chapter 2 will introduce how these different approaches or
problem framings can be characterised, and what the different framings
mean for the objectives, methods and assumptions made in sustainable
energy consumption initiatives.
The central chapters in this collection provide insights into trends in
energy transitions and what this means for the future of energy demand
in Europe. The inclusion of ten chapters, each focusing on a different
European country, offers a broad yet accessible overview of the diverse
energy systems currently in place, albeit in a rapidly changing context.
What is particularly evident is that no one system is free from contestation over how to best meet present and future energy needs. Every
country is unique in the energy-related challenges they face, with each
having different institutional structures and capacity to deal with problems and to capitalise on opportunities. At the same time, all countries
share common concerns around issues such as energy security, affordability and sustainability, and all have signed up to international climate
change agreements that call for dramatic reductions in carbon emissions.
Another interesting observation is how energy policy is evolving across
the countries under study. Emerging trends include the changing role
of citizens in the energy transition, more generally portrayed as shifting
from ‘passive’ to ‘active’ consumers, but manifesting in a number of different forms from ‘prosumers’ to ‘energy communities’. Householders are
also envisaged to play a central role as the shift toward ‘smart’ grid solutions and systems intensifies. Driving these changes requires robust policy
responses and the engagement of actors at all levels of society including
government bodies, researchers, businesses, NGos and community groups.
A recent phenomenon that facilitates greater engagement in decision-making has been a political shift across much of Europe toward
multilevel governance. This has facilitated greater societal engagement with the sustainable energy agenda and provided new avenues
for non-state actors to play a significant role in developing responses.