Changing Configuration of Alternative Energy Systems
Radhika Mia & Lynn K. Mytelka
#2008-031
Recent and rampant regulatory changes for sustainable development are
seeking to transform current energy systems towards cleaner and greener
forms of energy sources. In this scenario, alternative energy
technologies are considered the building blocks towards this transformed
energy system. This chapter will show how the alternative energy market
since the 1970s changed, in response to external oil price shocks and to
other selective pressures and institutions. It will observe that the
configuration of the market has been changing since 1970s, in terms of
firm-composition, size and types of technologies considered in the green
energy mix. It will further provide three explanations explaining why
there are changes between firms, policies and these energy technologies.
These three processes are considered important in determining
technological innovation among firms in clean and green energy
technologies.
Key words: Renewable energy technologies, firm competition, nature of
technologies, energy technologies
JEL codes: O19, O13, N70, Q01, Q55
UNU-MERIT Working Papers
ISSN 1871-9872