How Energy Transitions Happen and What They Involve

The chapter considers the nature of energy transitions by reference to historic and current examples and a widely used theoretical framework. It applies that analysis to the transition to a fully decarbonized currently under way in the UK, and in particular to the possible need to develop hydrogen as a major energy source. It argues that governments have ignored the key lessons from the past – that energy transitions are about more than a switch to new sources and involve fundamental changes to the operation of the system as a whole; and that for the transition to take place quickly (in decades rather than centuries), concerted and focused action from governments is needed. In its approach to the potential development of a hydrogen economy, the government is continuing to take a technology push approach rather than considering how best to optimize the system more widely, running the risk that resources will be wasted and climate targets missed.