Dissecting the Governance Dynamics of Energy Decarbonisation Decision-Making

Reducing energy demand (the consumption of energy through human activity) is central to decarbonisation and addressing the climate change challenge. However, despite the overwhelming evidence of the potential for action on energy demand, to date the UK Government has paid limited attention to demand-side measures in its policy mix. This studentship will provide an analysis of the role that different groups ('advocacy coalitions') are playing in shaping current UK government strategies towards decarbonisation, and the neglect of energy demand on the political agenda. The research will uncover the strategies of, and coordinating dynamics between, these different groups and the coalitions they form. This will include identifying the beliefs and motivations of these actors in relation to decarbonisation, and the implications of the strategies they deploy in support of their beliefs for government decision-making and policy choices (for example in relation to regulation or taxation).