STANDING IN THE WAY OR PAVING THE WAY? A Case Study Of Energy Valley Cluster as An Intermediary Actor in Energy Transition

Abstract

Energy transitions have historically been slow often taking several decades. The current threat to human existence however calls for a more urgent deliberate, and global change of the fossil fuel based energy system. As an oil economy Norway is facing increasing pressure to reduce carbon not diversifying the Norwegian economy is an irresponsible and risky strategy. This thesis is about how the oil and gas industry respond to these transformation pressures. In particular, this study examines how Energy Valley Cluster responds to these transformation pressures and what roles, they play in the ongoing energy transition. This study employs a qualitative case study approach. Through the lenses of a Triple Embeddedness Framework this study finds that Energy Valley cluster has since 2015 strategically reoriented and subsumed the roles of a regime-based transition intermediary. This study shows that Energy Valley cluster significantly contributes especially through its incubation platform Energy.Invented in supporting niche build up and creating valuable collaboration both within and outside the industry. Energy Valley has also played important role in raising public awareness and creating legitimacy for sustainability transition. As an intermediary actor rooted in the dominant industry regime however Energy Valley Cluster may be limited and inadvertently standing in the way for a sustainable energy future.