Ecological Modernisation and Renewable Energy discusses the emergence
and development of the new renewable energy industry.
David Toke reinvigorates ecological modernisation (EM), a key theory of
environmental development. Renewable energy was developed from the grass roots into an
industry that is challenging the position of conventional fuel sources by maintaining a
distinct identity which attracts popular support. Toke analyses this 'identity EM' and
highlights the continuing role of alliances between the renewable industries and
environmental NGOs. The politics of technological identity are explored in several case
studies which include studies of California in the 1970s and 1980s and the USA since the
1990s. Other countries discussed include Denmark, Germany, Spain, UK, Australia and China.
Examination of what policies are needed to promote renewable energy is carried out through
analysis of institutions, interest and discourse to cut through stereotyped debates about
whether 'market based' or 'command and control' strategies are better.
DAVID TOKE Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science and
International Studies, University of Birmingham, UK. He has written many publications
and worked on funded projects. He wrote the report which started the drive for UK
renewable feed-in tariffs and is now working on EU and ESRC funded projects involving
renewable energy policy and politics.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Revising Ecological Modernisation Theory
Renewable Energy: a new identity and a new industry
California- The Growth of a Renewables Industry
USA: Consolidation of a Renewables Industry?
Germany, Spain, UK, Australia and China
Conclusion
216 pages, Hardcover