Ion Bogdan Vasi
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199746927
- eISBN:
- 9780199827169
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199746927.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
This book brings social movements into the study of market formation and industry growth. It starts from the observation that while wind power stands out as a renewable energy success story in some ...
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This book brings social movements into the study of market formation and industry growth. It starts from the observation that while wind power stands out as a renewable energy success story in some countries and regions, it has failed to reach its true potential in many countries and has had an uneven global development. The book offers an interpretation that differs from the dominant technological and economic perspectives. It develops a model that argues that the development of the wind energy industry is influenced by interactions between the environmental movement, the social context, and natural resources. The model identifies three main pathways through which the environmental movement influences the development of the wind energy industry. The first pathway is the influence that environmental activists and organizations have on energy policymakers' decisions to adopt and implement pro‐renewable energy policies. The second pathway is the influence that environmental groups and activists have on energy consumers. The third pathway is the influence of the environmental movement on energy professionals. The empirical study combines quantitative and qualitative analyses. Case studies focus on Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The conclusion argues that environmentalist “global winds of change” are almost as important as the atmospheric winds for the development of the wind energy industry around the world. It also presents a few implications for future studies of industry creation and energy sector growth.Less
This book brings social movements into the study of market formation and industry growth. It starts from the observation that while wind power stands out as a renewable energy success story in some countries and regions, it has failed to reach its true potential in many countries and has had an uneven global development. The book offers an interpretation that differs from the dominant technological and economic perspectives. It develops a model that argues that the development of the wind energy industry is influenced by interactions between the environmental movement, the social context, and natural resources. The model identifies three main pathways through which the environmental movement influences the development of the wind energy industry. The first pathway is the influence that environmental activists and organizations have on energy policymakers' decisions to adopt and implement pro‐renewable energy policies. The second pathway is the influence that environmental groups and activists have on energy consumers. The third pathway is the influence of the environmental movement on energy professionals. The empirical study combines quantitative and qualitative analyses. Case studies focus on Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The conclusion argues that environmentalist “global winds of change” are almost as important as the atmospheric winds for the development of the wind energy industry around the world. It also presents a few implications for future studies of industry creation and energy sector growth.
Dieter Helm
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199270743
- eISBN:
- 9780191718540
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270743.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This book is a major study of the new market approach to energy policy in Britain since 1979. It describes the miners' strike, the privatizations of the gas, electricity, nuclear generation, and coal ...
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This book is a major study of the new market approach to energy policy in Britain since 1979. It describes the miners' strike, the privatizations of the gas, electricity, nuclear generation, and coal industries, and looks at events such as the dash for gas, regulatory failures in setting monopoly prices, and the takeovers and consolidations of the late 1990s. The author sets out the achievements of the new market philosophy, but also analyses why it has ultimately failed to turn energy industries into normal commodity businesses. The revised paperback edition includes a new chapter on the White Paper on a low-carbon economy and updated discussions on nuclear power, to incorporate the 2003 Nuclear White Paper, price reviews, and emissions trading.Less
This book is a major study of the new market approach to energy policy in Britain since 1979. It describes the miners' strike, the privatizations of the gas, electricity, nuclear generation, and coal industries, and looks at events such as the dash for gas, regulatory failures in setting monopoly prices, and the takeovers and consolidations of the late 1990s. The author sets out the achievements of the new market philosophy, but also analyses why it has ultimately failed to turn energy industries into normal commodity businesses. The revised paperback edition includes a new chapter on the White Paper on a low-carbon economy and updated discussions on nuclear power, to incorporate the 2003 Nuclear White Paper, price reviews, and emissions trading.
Leigh Hancher and Francesco Maria Salerno
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199644322
- eISBN:
- 9780191738173
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199644322.003.0018
- Subject:
- Law, EU Law
Aside from coal, with the late European Coal and Steel Community Treaty (which expired on 23 July 2002) and nuclear, with the European Atomic Energy Treaty, energy has never had any specific legal ...
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Aside from coal, with the late European Coal and Steel Community Treaty (which expired on 23 July 2002) and nuclear, with the European Atomic Energy Treaty, energy has never had any specific legal basis in primary EC law. This has changed with the Lisbon Treaty and the adoption and entry into force of the new Article 194 TFEU. Article 194 TFEU codifies the existing objectives and instruments of European energy policy and links them explicitly. This chapter aims to analyse this new provision and to uncover its strengths and weaknesses as well as providing an analysis of the relationship between Article 194 TFEU and other relevant treaty provisions. This new provision does not allocate new competences to the Union and could arguably weaken the existing foundations of EU energy policy. Therefore, following an analysis of Article 194 TFEU in respect of EU energy policy, this chapter asks what changes is made at EU level.Less
Aside from coal, with the late European Coal and Steel Community Treaty (which expired on 23 July 2002) and nuclear, with the European Atomic Energy Treaty, energy has never had any specific legal basis in primary EC law. This has changed with the Lisbon Treaty and the adoption and entry into force of the new Article 194 TFEU. Article 194 TFEU codifies the existing objectives and instruments of European energy policy and links them explicitly. This chapter aims to analyse this new provision and to uncover its strengths and weaknesses as well as providing an analysis of the relationship between Article 194 TFEU and other relevant treaty provisions. This new provision does not allocate new competences to the Union and could arguably weaken the existing foundations of EU energy policy. Therefore, following an analysis of Article 194 TFEU in respect of EU energy policy, this chapter asks what changes is made at EU level.
Burkard Eberlein
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199604104
- eISBN:
- 9780191741531
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199604104.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
Within two decades EU energy policy has risen from one of the Community’s major failures to a major area of EU policy activity, overcoming significant obstacles to Europeanization endemic to the ...
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Within two decades EU energy policy has risen from one of the Community’s major failures to a major area of EU policy activity, overcoming significant obstacles to Europeanization endemic to the energy sector. At least in terms of discourse and policy activities - if not always in practice - the EU today has a comprehensive energy policy, underpinned by a constitutional foundation in the Lisbon Treaty and equipped with some hard instruments to liberalize Union energy trade, regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and promote renewable sources of energy. External drivers such neo-liberal economic policies, Eastern enlargement and the political salience of climate change did create necessary – but not sufficient conditions for EU policy expansion. This chapter argues that Commission entrepreneurship has a key role in explaining policy change. The Commission has skillfully exploited dramatic changes in the energy (and broader economic) landscape that opened windows of opportunity for EU policy expansion. Informed by a strategic-constructivist perspective, the chapter identifies three complementary avenues or strategies of policy change: ‘relentless incrementalism’ in politically astute, small but path-dependent steps; informal modes of governance and transnational institution-building to circumvent obstacles to a formal transfer of powers to the EU; and the shadow – and bite – of hierarchy (competition law and policy) to break reform stalemates and accelerate sector changes. However, Europeanization in terms of policy outcomes and performance has been much less of a success story. An important reason, in addition to the usual suspects such as red lines of member state sovereignty, has been the divergent market and political dynamic of the three goals or sub-areas of energy policy: energy security; economic efficiency (competition) and market integration; and environmental sustainability including climate change.Less
Within two decades EU energy policy has risen from one of the Community’s major failures to a major area of EU policy activity, overcoming significant obstacles to Europeanization endemic to the energy sector. At least in terms of discourse and policy activities - if not always in practice - the EU today has a comprehensive energy policy, underpinned by a constitutional foundation in the Lisbon Treaty and equipped with some hard instruments to liberalize Union energy trade, regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and promote renewable sources of energy. External drivers such neo-liberal economic policies, Eastern enlargement and the political salience of climate change did create necessary – but not sufficient conditions for EU policy expansion. This chapter argues that Commission entrepreneurship has a key role in explaining policy change. The Commission has skillfully exploited dramatic changes in the energy (and broader economic) landscape that opened windows of opportunity for EU policy expansion. Informed by a strategic-constructivist perspective, the chapter identifies three complementary avenues or strategies of policy change: ‘relentless incrementalism’ in politically astute, small but path-dependent steps; informal modes of governance and transnational institution-building to circumvent obstacles to a formal transfer of powers to the EU; and the shadow – and bite – of hierarchy (competition law and policy) to break reform stalemates and accelerate sector changes. However, Europeanization in terms of policy outcomes and performance has been much less of a success story. An important reason, in addition to the usual suspects such as red lines of member state sovereignty, has been the divergent market and political dynamic of the three goals or sub-areas of energy policy: energy security; economic efficiency (competition) and market integration; and environmental sustainability including climate change.
Caroline Kuzemko
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447326601
- eISBN:
- 9781447326625
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447326601.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
This article explores one set of conditions under which a policy area, energy, became politicised. It also explores the relationship between concepts of 'speaking security', which claim that the ...
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This article explores one set of conditions under which a policy area, energy, became politicised. It also explores the relationship between concepts of 'speaking security', which claim that the language of security is politically potent, and notions of (de-) politicisation. It argues that the framing of energy supply as a security issue influenced an opening up of UK energy, which had been subject to processes of depoliticisation since the late 1980s, to greater political interest and deliberation. Speaking security about energy had a high degree of cognitive authority and was instrumental in revealing a lack of policy-making capacity in energy.Less
This article explores one set of conditions under which a policy area, energy, became politicised. It also explores the relationship between concepts of 'speaking security', which claim that the language of security is politically potent, and notions of (de-) politicisation. It argues that the framing of energy supply as a security issue influenced an opening up of UK energy, which had been subject to processes of depoliticisation since the late 1980s, to greater political interest and deliberation. Speaking security about energy had a high degree of cognitive authority and was instrumental in revealing a lack of policy-making capacity in energy.
Dieter Helm
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199270743
- eISBN:
- 9780191718540
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270743.003.0021
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
By 2001, the Labour government had realized that there were serious risks with its complacent acceptance of the Conservative legacy. The report in 2000 by the Royal Commission on Environmental ...
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By 2001, the Labour government had realized that there were serious risks with its complacent acceptance of the Conservative legacy. The report in 2000 by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) suggested that a 60 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions might be required by 2050, and that could not be squared with low prices, supported by coal- and gas-fired generation. The prospect of nuclear was once again raised. The switch to imported gas posed a challenge too, especially when Germany and France could contract long-term on the basis of substantial de facto domestic market power, whilst Britain's fragmented industry had no such security for contracting. The Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit's report published in February 2002 recognized some of the problems, but provided few answers. This chapter reviews its findings and critiques the report.Less
By 2001, the Labour government had realized that there were serious risks with its complacent acceptance of the Conservative legacy. The report in 2000 by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) suggested that a 60 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions might be required by 2050, and that could not be squared with low prices, supported by coal- and gas-fired generation. The prospect of nuclear was once again raised. The switch to imported gas posed a challenge too, especially when Germany and France could contract long-term on the basis of substantial de facto domestic market power, whilst Britain's fragmented industry had no such security for contracting. The Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit's report published in February 2002 recognized some of the problems, but provided few answers. This chapter reviews its findings and critiques the report.
Dieter Helm
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199270743
- eISBN:
- 9780191718540
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270743.003.0023
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This chapter concludes the book by drawing together its themes, and suggests a policy framework to address the multiple market failures: of monopoly, of externalities, and of public goods. Neither ...
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This chapter concludes the book by drawing together its themes, and suggests a policy framework to address the multiple market failures: of monopoly, of externalities, and of public goods. Neither the state nor the market alone can deliver a secure and sustainable energy supply. Both are needed, which requires an intelligent role for the state in the design of infrastructures, institutions, and regulation. Competition is a means, not an end, and competitive markets require rules, regulation and institutional structures. These need to be robust enough to adjust to tomorrow's agenda, rather than struggling to reconcile the market to yesterday's one.Less
This chapter concludes the book by drawing together its themes, and suggests a policy framework to address the multiple market failures: of monopoly, of externalities, and of public goods. Neither the state nor the market alone can deliver a secure and sustainable energy supply. Both are needed, which requires an intelligent role for the state in the design of infrastructures, institutions, and regulation. Competition is a means, not an end, and competitive markets require rules, regulation and institutional structures. These need to be robust enough to adjust to tomorrow's agenda, rather than struggling to reconcile the market to yesterday's one.
Aileen McHarg
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199579853
- eISBN:
- 9780191722745
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199579853.003.0018
- Subject:
- Law, Public International Law, Environmental and Energy Law
This chapter considers the influence of ideas about the social obligations of ownership in relation to the regulation of energy utilities in two overlapping jurisdictions: the United Kingdom (UK) and ...
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This chapter considers the influence of ideas about the social obligations of ownership in relation to the regulation of energy utilities in two overlapping jurisdictions: the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). This example allows examination of both common law and civilian approaches to the social obligations of ownership, as well as the interaction between them. It also resonates with some of the concerns that have re-awakened interest in this issue amongst contemporary property law theorists. One is environmentalism, which has led some scholars to advocate models of property rights which promote sustainability. Another is the desire to counteract the potentially adverse social consequences of privatization and liberalization policies by using the law to promote public service values. Because they provide essential services and may cause enormous environmental damage (as well as for more technical reasons), energy utilities are subject to extensive statutory regulation at both UK and EU levels, which has focused more closely on social and environmental objectives in recent years. The chapter explores how more general notions of the social obligations of ownership may support, shape and/or supplement these explicit regulatory responses.Less
This chapter considers the influence of ideas about the social obligations of ownership in relation to the regulation of energy utilities in two overlapping jurisdictions: the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). This example allows examination of both common law and civilian approaches to the social obligations of ownership, as well as the interaction between them. It also resonates with some of the concerns that have re-awakened interest in this issue amongst contemporary property law theorists. One is environmentalism, which has led some scholars to advocate models of property rights which promote sustainability. Another is the desire to counteract the potentially adverse social consequences of privatization and liberalization policies by using the law to promote public service values. Because they provide essential services and may cause enormous environmental damage (as well as for more technical reasons), energy utilities are subject to extensive statutory regulation at both UK and EU levels, which has focused more closely on social and environmental objectives in recent years. The chapter explores how more general notions of the social obligations of ownership may support, shape and/or supplement these explicit regulatory responses.
Dieter Helm
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199270743
- eISBN:
- 9780191718540
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270743.003.0019
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
In the late 1980s, to most environmentalists' surprise, Margaret Thatcher was converted to the idea that emissions of greenhouse gases caused global warming. Whether it was her chemistry background ...
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In the late 1980s, to most environmentalists' surprise, Margaret Thatcher was converted to the idea that emissions of greenhouse gases caused global warming. Whether it was her chemistry background that convinced her; whether it was a shrewd political move for the Conservatives to capture the green vote; or whether it was the personal persuasiveness of Chris Patten (then Secretary of State for the Environment) and Crispin Tickell (former British Ambassador to the United States), it was to have a considerable effect on policy. This chapter focuses on this impact.Less
In the late 1980s, to most environmentalists' surprise, Margaret Thatcher was converted to the idea that emissions of greenhouse gases caused global warming. Whether it was her chemistry background that convinced her; whether it was a shrewd political move for the Conservatives to capture the green vote; or whether it was the personal persuasiveness of Chris Patten (then Secretary of State for the Environment) and Crispin Tickell (former British Ambassador to the United States), it was to have a considerable effect on policy. This chapter focuses on this impact.
Kim Talus
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199686391
- eISBN:
- 9780191766268
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686391.003.0006
- Subject:
- Law, EU Law, Environmental and Energy Law
This chapter examines the international aspects of EU energy law and policy. These include the bilateral relations and legal instruments in this area; the various aspects of the association ...
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This chapter examines the international aspects of EU energy law and policy. These include the bilateral relations and legal instruments in this area; the various aspects of the association agreements, energy dialogues, and the Cotonou Agreement; and multilateral cooperation, focusing on the Energy Charter Treaty and the Energy Community Treaty. Finally, the chapter looks at sensitivities in the relationship between EU law and international law.Less
This chapter examines the international aspects of EU energy law and policy. These include the bilateral relations and legal instruments in this area; the various aspects of the association agreements, energy dialogues, and the Cotonou Agreement; and multilateral cooperation, focusing on the Energy Charter Treaty and the Energy Community Treaty. Finally, the chapter looks at sensitivities in the relationship between EU law and international law.
Brett M. Frischmann
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895656
- eISBN:
- 9780199933280
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895656.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law
Infrastructure resources are the subject of many contentious public policy debates, including what to do about crumbling roads and bridges, whether and how to protect our natural environment, energy ...
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Infrastructure resources are the subject of many contentious public policy debates, including what to do about crumbling roads and bridges, whether and how to protect our natural environment, energy policy, even patent law reform, universal health care, network neutrality regulation, and the future of the Internet. Each of these involves a battle to control infrastructure resources, to establish the terms and conditions under which the public receives access, and to determine how the infrastructure and various dependent systems evolve over time. This book pays much needed attention to understanding how society benefits from infrastructure resources and how management decisions affect a wide variety of interests. The book links infrastructure, a particular set of resources defined in terms of the manner in which they create value, with commons, a resource management principle by which a resource is shared within a community. The infrastructure commons ideas have broad implications for scholarship and public policy across many fields ranging from traditional infrastructure like roads to environmental economics to intellectual property to Internet policy. Economics has become the methodology of choice for many scholars and policymakers in these areas. The book offers a rigorous economic challenge to the prevailing wisdom, which focuses primarily on problems associated with ensuring adequate supply. The book explores a set of questions: what drives the demand side of the equation, and how should demand-side drivers affect public policy? Demand for infrastructure resources involves a range of important considerations that bear on the optimal design of a regime for infrastructure management. The book identifies resource valuation and attendant management problems that recur across many different fields and many different resource types, and it develops a functional economic approach to understanding and analyzing these problems and potential solutions.Less
Infrastructure resources are the subject of many contentious public policy debates, including what to do about crumbling roads and bridges, whether and how to protect our natural environment, energy policy, even patent law reform, universal health care, network neutrality regulation, and the future of the Internet. Each of these involves a battle to control infrastructure resources, to establish the terms and conditions under which the public receives access, and to determine how the infrastructure and various dependent systems evolve over time. This book pays much needed attention to understanding how society benefits from infrastructure resources and how management decisions affect a wide variety of interests. The book links infrastructure, a particular set of resources defined in terms of the manner in which they create value, with commons, a resource management principle by which a resource is shared within a community. The infrastructure commons ideas have broad implications for scholarship and public policy across many fields ranging from traditional infrastructure like roads to environmental economics to intellectual property to Internet policy. Economics has become the methodology of choice for many scholars and policymakers in these areas. The book offers a rigorous economic challenge to the prevailing wisdom, which focuses primarily on problems associated with ensuring adequate supply. The book explores a set of questions: what drives the demand side of the equation, and how should demand-side drivers affect public policy? Demand for infrastructure resources involves a range of important considerations that bear on the optimal design of a regime for infrastructure management. The book identifies resource valuation and attendant management problems that recur across many different fields and many different resource types, and it develops a functional economic approach to understanding and analyzing these problems and potential solutions.
Kristin Shrader-Frechette
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199794638
- eISBN:
- 9780199919277
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199794638.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This book uses market data, scientific studies, and ethical analyses to show why we should pursue green energy and conservation, and not nuclear fission, to address ...
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This book uses market data, scientific studies, and ethical analyses to show why we should pursue green energy and conservation, and not nuclear fission, to address global climate change. It also uncovers why the many problems with atomic power, and the many benefits of green energy and conservation, have been concealed from the public. Chapter 1 reveals how flawed science, poor ethics, short-term thinking, and special-interest influence have contributed to poor energy policies; to the failure to address climate change; and to subsidizing market failures, like nuclear energy. The chapter explains the reality of human-caused global climate change, and it shows that virtually all expert-scientific analyses accept this reality. It also refutes the arguments of climate-change skeptics, who are often influenced by fossil-fuel special interests. Chapter 2 shows that nuclear energy is routinely misrepresented as “green” and “carbon free” because its proponents rely on counterfactual assumptions in calculating greenhouse-gas emissions. They ignore the greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from the 14-stage nuclear-fuel cycle, though when accounted for, these emissions are about the same as those from natural gas. Chapter 3 dispels the notion that nuclear energy is inexpensive and economical, especially when compared to wind and solar photovoltaics (solar PV). It shows how both taxpayer subsidies and government-mandated liability limits impose unfair nuclear costs on the public. It also reveals how erroneous assumptions about nuclear-construction-interest rates, load factors, and construction times lead to inaccurate assessments of nuclear costs—which are many times higher than the nuclear industry and government admit. Chapter 4 highlights the industry cover-ups, scientific misrepresentations, and violations of conflict-of-interest guidelines that have contributed to flawed atomic-energy-accident data. These flawed data grossly underestimate harmful nuclear consequences and mislead the public about the severity of radiation-related accidents. Chapter 5 shows how even normally operating fission power causes serious, pollution-induced health effects, such as cancer, that are disproportionately imposed on children, radiation workers, and future generations. Chapter 6 uses classic scientific studies from Harvard, Princeton, and the US Department of Energy to show how improved conservation and energy efficiency—along with increased use of wind and solar-PV power—can supply all energy needs while costing less than either fossil fuels or nuclear fission. Chapter 7 responds to many objections, such as the apparent success of the French nuclear-energy program, the intermittency of some renewable-energy technologies, and the alleged costs of renewable energy. It shows how these objections are invalid and that nuclear-industry PR has misled the public about the truth that efficiencies and renewable energy emit less greenhouse gases and are cheaper, safer, and more ethical than atomic power. Chapter 8 concludes by recommending some ways to promote cheaper, safer, more ethical, and less-carbon-intensive renewables, conservation, and energy efficiencies.Less
This book uses market data, scientific studies, and ethical analyses to show why we should pursue green energy and conservation, and not nuclear fission, to address global climate change. It also uncovers why the many problems with atomic power, and the many benefits of green energy and conservation, have been concealed from the public. Chapter 1 reveals how flawed science, poor ethics, short-term thinking, and special-interest influence have contributed to poor energy policies; to the failure to address climate change; and to subsidizing market failures, like nuclear energy. The chapter explains the reality of human-caused global climate change, and it shows that virtually all expert-scientific analyses accept this reality. It also refutes the arguments of climate-change skeptics, who are often influenced by fossil-fuel special interests. Chapter 2 shows that nuclear energy is routinely misrepresented as “green” and “carbon free” because its proponents rely on counterfactual assumptions in calculating greenhouse-gas emissions. They ignore the greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from the 14-stage nuclear-fuel cycle, though when accounted for, these emissions are about the same as those from natural gas. Chapter 3 dispels the notion that nuclear energy is inexpensive and economical, especially when compared to wind and solar photovoltaics (solar PV). It shows how both taxpayer subsidies and government-mandated liability limits impose unfair nuclear costs on the public. It also reveals how erroneous assumptions about nuclear-construction-interest rates, load factors, and construction times lead to inaccurate assessments of nuclear costs—which are many times higher than the nuclear industry and government admit. Chapter 4 highlights the industry cover-ups, scientific misrepresentations, and violations of conflict-of-interest guidelines that have contributed to flawed atomic-energy-accident data. These flawed data grossly underestimate harmful nuclear consequences and mislead the public about the severity of radiation-related accidents. Chapter 5 shows how even normally operating fission power causes serious, pollution-induced health effects, such as cancer, that are disproportionately imposed on children, radiation workers, and future generations. Chapter 6 uses classic scientific studies from Harvard, Princeton, and the US Department of Energy to show how improved conservation and energy efficiency—along with increased use of wind and solar-PV power—can supply all energy needs while costing less than either fossil fuels or nuclear fission. Chapter 7 responds to many objections, such as the apparent success of the French nuclear-energy program, the intermittency of some renewable-energy technologies, and the alleged costs of renewable energy. It shows how these objections are invalid and that nuclear-industry PR has misled the public about the truth that efficiencies and renewable energy emit less greenhouse gases and are cheaper, safer, and more ethical than atomic power. Chapter 8 concludes by recommending some ways to promote cheaper, safer, more ethical, and less-carbon-intensive renewables, conservation, and energy efficiencies.
Dieter Helm
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199270743
- eISBN:
- 9780191718540
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270743.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the role of energy in Britain. It then describes the coal crisis of 1997/98 that forced the new government into an unplanned policy shift, set ...
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This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the role of energy in Britain. It then describes the coal crisis of 1997/98 that forced the new government into an unplanned policy shift, set out in Peter Mandelson's 1998 White Paper on energy sources, and the impact of environmental concerns on the nature of energy policy. An overview of the subsequent chapters is presented.Less
This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the role of energy in Britain. It then describes the coal crisis of 1997/98 that forced the new government into an unplanned policy shift, set out in Peter Mandelson's 1998 White Paper on energy sources, and the impact of environmental concerns on the nature of energy policy. An overview of the subsequent chapters is presented.
Dieter Helm
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199270743
- eISBN:
- 9780191718540
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270743.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This chapter considers first steps towards the market philosophy. It was a period of caution and gradualism in practice, but also one in which the principles of energy policy were rewritten, notably ...
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This chapter considers first steps towards the market philosophy. It was a period of caution and gradualism in practice, but also one in which the principles of energy policy were rewritten, notably after Nigel Lawson moved to the Department of Energy. His restatement of energy policy in his speech on ‘The Market for Energy’ in 1982 can be seen, in retrospect, as a defining moment. A new philosophy was set out, motivating much of what followed. His rejection of planning and many of the activities then going on within the Department of Energy was revolutionary at the time, and it haunts much of what follows.Less
This chapter considers first steps towards the market philosophy. It was a period of caution and gradualism in practice, but also one in which the principles of energy policy were rewritten, notably after Nigel Lawson moved to the Department of Energy. His restatement of energy policy in his speech on ‘The Market for Energy’ in 1982 can be seen, in retrospect, as a defining moment. A new philosophy was set out, motivating much of what followed. His rejection of planning and many of the activities then going on within the Department of Energy was revolutionary at the time, and it haunts much of what follows.
Elli Louka
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195374131
- eISBN:
- 9780199871841
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195374131.003.0007
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law
This chapter begins with a discussion of coordination of EU policies. It then discusses how to make regional policy work for water policy, environmental policy and industrial competitiveness, ...
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This chapter begins with a discussion of coordination of EU policies. It then discusses how to make regional policy work for water policy, environmental policy and industrial competitiveness, transportation and energy policy and the sustainability of water resources, and greening agricultural policy.Less
This chapter begins with a discussion of coordination of EU policies. It then discusses how to make regional policy work for water policy, environmental policy and industrial competitiveness, transportation and energy policy and the sustainability of water resources, and greening agricultural policy.
Shizuka Oshitani
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719069383
- eISBN:
- 9781781701546
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719069383.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
Britain has sought to integrate environmental concerns into policy decision-making at all levels. To this end, the first environment white paper introduced two institutions which would ‘ensure that … ...
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Britain has sought to integrate environmental concerns into policy decision-making at all levels. To this end, the first environment white paper introduced two institutions which would ‘ensure that … environmental issues are fully weighed in decisions’. One was the Cabinet Committee for the Environment, later replaced by the Ministerial Committee on the Environment. The other was the introduction of a ‘green minister’ in each government department. In the first white paper on sustainable development, published in 1994, the government confirmed its commitment to policy integration. How and to what extent was this government aspiration achieved over the problem of global warming? This chapter focuses on British policy integration on global warming by first providing an overview on energy policy and global warming, competitive prices versus energy efficiency, renewable energy, and coal protection. It then discusses transport policy and global warming, measures to improve fuel efficiency, and research and development on low-emission vehicles.Less
Britain has sought to integrate environmental concerns into policy decision-making at all levels. To this end, the first environment white paper introduced two institutions which would ‘ensure that … environmental issues are fully weighed in decisions’. One was the Cabinet Committee for the Environment, later replaced by the Ministerial Committee on the Environment. The other was the introduction of a ‘green minister’ in each government department. In the first white paper on sustainable development, published in 1994, the government confirmed its commitment to policy integration. How and to what extent was this government aspiration achieved over the problem of global warming? This chapter focuses on British policy integration on global warming by first providing an overview on energy policy and global warming, competitive prices versus energy efficiency, renewable energy, and coal protection. It then discusses transport policy and global warming, measures to improve fuel efficiency, and research and development on low-emission vehicles.
René Castro and Sarah Cordero
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195157406
- eISBN:
- 9780199832965
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195157400.003.0021
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
While access to energy is one of the most prominent global public goods, undisciplined pursuit of energy resources can produce serious public bads in respect of environmental impact. The case of ...
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While access to energy is one of the most prominent global public goods, undisciplined pursuit of energy resources can produce serious public bads in respect of environmental impact. The case of Costa Rica illustrates both the dependency and the vulnerability involved, and provides a clear example of the benefits of ‘emissions trading’, if an international regulatory agreement to be achieved.Less
While access to energy is one of the most prominent global public goods, undisciplined pursuit of energy resources can produce serious public bads in respect of environmental impact. The case of Costa Rica illustrates both the dependency and the vulnerability involved, and provides a clear example of the benefits of ‘emissions trading’, if an international regulatory agreement to be achieved.
Dieter Helm
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199270743
- eISBN:
- 9780191718540
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270743.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This chapter begins with a summary of the legacy left by nationalization and the OPEC years. The immediate enthusiasm for public ownership gave way to a struggle to find ways of regulating these ...
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This chapter begins with a summary of the legacy left by nationalization and the OPEC years. The immediate enthusiasm for public ownership gave way to a struggle to find ways of regulating these great monopolies within the public sector. The nuclear programme, the gradual development of financing and pricing rules, and the response to OPEC are part of its history.Less
This chapter begins with a summary of the legacy left by nationalization and the OPEC years. The immediate enthusiasm for public ownership gave way to a struggle to find ways of regulating these great monopolies within the public sector. The nuclear programme, the gradual development of financing and pricing rules, and the response to OPEC are part of its history.
Albert N Link and Jamie R. Link
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195369458
- eISBN:
- 9780199871018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195369458.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Macro- and Monetary Economics
This chapter describes the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) through which government acts as entrepreneur. BRDI's use of public financial resources leverages both public- and ...
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This chapter describes the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) through which government acts as entrepreneur. BRDI's use of public financial resources leverages both public- and private-sector R＆D. The use of public resources to support public- and private-sector R＆D lessens barriers to innovation and creates a cost-sharing environment conducive for making domestic biofuels cost competitive with gasoline. It is this cost-sharing environment that is the technology infrastructure.Less
This chapter describes the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) through which government acts as entrepreneur. BRDI's use of public financial resources leverages both public- and private-sector R＆D. The use of public resources to support public- and private-sector R＆D lessens barriers to innovation and creates a cost-sharing environment conducive for making domestic biofuels cost competitive with gasoline. It is this cost-sharing environment that is the technology infrastructure.
Anita Rønne
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199271610
- eISBN:
- 9780191709289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199271610.003.0010
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law
This chapter discusses the Danish experience in energy security matters. It describes and evaluates the existing constraints, the available options, and the means chosen to meet the challenge of ...
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This chapter discusses the Danish experience in energy security matters. It describes and evaluates the existing constraints, the available options, and the means chosen to meet the challenge of safeguarding energy supplies. It provides an account of the Danish resource base, where indigenous oil and gas production has had a huge impact on the development of the energy policy — which is also summarized. It then conducts a cross-sector review of crisis management systems in Denmark. The major part of this chapter focuses on the individual energy sectors. It notes that in each sector it is considered how security of supplies — be it primary or secondary energy sources — are safeguarded, and how potential shortfalls are avoided. It highlights the constraints and options for Denmark to secure energy for society.Less
This chapter discusses the Danish experience in energy security matters. It describes and evaluates the existing constraints, the available options, and the means chosen to meet the challenge of safeguarding energy supplies. It provides an account of the Danish resource base, where indigenous oil and gas production has had a huge impact on the development of the energy policy — which is also summarized. It then conducts a cross-sector review of crisis management systems in Denmark. The major part of this chapter focuses on the individual energy sectors. It notes that in each sector it is considered how security of supplies — be it primary or secondary energy sources — are safeguarded, and how potential shortfalls are avoided. It highlights the constraints and options for Denmark to secure energy for society.
