Politics in energy system transformation. Conditions for the development of an offshore wind industry in Norway

Abstract

A transformation of the energy system relies on a move away from burning of fossil fuels and the expansion of sustainable alternatives. This presents a challenge for fossil fuel exporting countries, but also opportunities for new industry formation. In a Norwegian context, this raises the question of how the oil and gas industry conditions the development of a Norwegian offshore wind industry. This question is explored through three articles. The first article studies the rise and decline of offshore wind in Norway between 2005 and 2012. The second article analyses how differences in network structure facilitate different levels of access to the policymaking process. The third article examines the opportunities and challenges Norwegian suppliers to an international market for offshore wind experience in the absence of a domestic market. The thesis is situated in the field of sustainability transitions and focuses on policy as important for innovation system formation. The thesis pays particular attention to the politics that underpin policy. By drawing on insights from political science, the thesis contributes to an improved understanding of politics in sustainability transitions.