The rhetorical fantasy of energy transitions: implications for energy policy and analysis |
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Authors: | Benjamin K Sovacool Brent Brossmann |
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Institution: | 1. Vermont Law School, Institute for Energy &2. the Environment, South Royalton, VT 05068-0444, USA;3. Center for Energy Technologies, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Herning 7400, Denmark;4. Tim Russert Department of Communication and Theatre Arts, John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH 44118, USA |
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Abstract: | This article explores the rhetoric of four energy transitions. It begins by summarising research on the intersection of fantasy, technology and the sociology of expectation. It then looks at how ideas of progress, modernity, cheapness, abundance and hope influence the way society perceives new energy technologies, causing them to overestimate benefits and underestimate challenges. Our rhetorical analysis finds in case studies of steam engines, gasoline automobiles, hydroelectric dams and nuclear reactors that newly ‘discovered’ sources of energy or newly invented technologies are always assumed to provide infinitely abundant energy and to have the potential to create positive utopian changes in society. We conclude by noting the salient implications of these rhetorical themes for energy planners, analysts and scholars. |
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Keywords: | energy transitions rhetoric energy policy fantasy |
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