Advancing Energy Policy

This open access book advocates for the Social Sciences and Humanities to be more involved in energy policymaking. It forms part of the European platform for energy-related Social Sciences and Humanities’ activities, and works on the premise that crossing disciplines is essential. All of its contributions are highly interdisciplinary, with each chapter grounded in at least three different Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines. These varying perspectives come together to cover an array of issues relevant to the energy transition, including: energy poverty, justice, political ecology, governance, behaviours, imaginaries, systems approaches, modelling, as well as the particular challenges faced by interdisciplinary work. As a whole, the book presents new ideas for future energy policy, particularly at the European level. It is a valuable resource for energy researchers interested in interdisciplinary and society-relevant perspectives. Those working outside the Social Sciences and Humanities will find this book an accessible way of learning more about how these subjects can constructively contribute to energy policy.  

“An impressive take on contemporary energy policy issues with much needed fresh perspectives and an all-star roster of leading thinkers. I hope that every energy policymaker or even student of energy policy reads it.” 

– Benjamin K. Sovacool, Professor of Energy Policy, University of Sussex, UK. 

“The authors brilliantly demonstrate through a number of approaches, cases and examples, how interdisciplinary Social Sciences and Humanities research could and should be mobilised in EU energy policy and future energy transition research agendas.” 

– Marianne Ryghaug, Professor of Science and Technology Studies, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

“The big transformations in a shift to a zero-carbon economy will be social and political, not only technological. This book provides engaging insights into the human dimensions of Europe’s biggest energy policy challenges. Recommended reading for policy-shapers everywhere. “ (Jonathan Gaventa, Director, E3G, Belgium)

“This book provides compelling answers to important questions around energy-related Social Sciences and Humanities: why do we need it, how do we go about it and what is its impact? Both those committed to energy-SSH and those who are not (yet) will benefit greatly from the clear establishment of its necessity, actual workings and policy impacts. This makes this study likely to become a point of reference in the literature.” (Dr J.M. Wittmayer, Senior Researcher, DRIFT, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

“Builds a clear case for Social Sciences and Humanities as the missing link between energy related policy, practice and research.” (Dr Ruth Mourik, Duneworks, The Netherlands)

“Foulds and Robison have created an important resource for energy researchers, policymakers and practitioners. This powerful and informative edited volume offers guidance for those who want to understand the latest in the contributions of Social Sciences and Humanities to energy policy development.” (Professor Ramazan Sari, Middle East Technical University, Turkey)

“Bring together energy researchers from the Social Sciences and Humanities, and the result is exciting. This is what think pieces really should be like. Ideas based on solid, interdisciplinary evidence leading to daring conclusions.” (Nils Borg, Executive Director, European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy)