Beyond Cost and Carbon: The Multidimensional Co-Benefits of Low Carbon Transitions in Europe

Ecological Economics 169 (March, 2020), 106529, pp. 1-19.

52 Pages Posted: 10 Feb 2020

See all articles by Benjamin K. Sovacool

Benjamin K. Sovacool

Science Policy Research Unit; Boston University - Department of Earth and Environment; Department of Business Technology & Development

Mari Martiskainen

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

Andrew Hook

University of Sussex - Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

Dr. Lucy Baker

Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex

Date Written: November 20, 2019

Abstract

The paper explores the myriad potential benefits of four low-carbon transitions beyond those in the environmental or economic domain. Drawn from a rich set of original mixed methods data — across expert interviews, focus groups, and public internet forums — we examine the presumed multidimensional, qualitative co-benefits to nuclear power in France, solar photovoltaics in Germany, electric vehicles in Norway, and smart meters in Great Britain. We catalogue 128 identified prospective co-benefits to these four European low-carbon transitions, 30 for nuclear power, 30 for solar photovoltaic panels, 26 for electric vehicles and 42 for smart meters. Tellingly, 37 of these collective benefits are identified as economic and 14 environmental, but the remaining ones illustrate a broader spectrum of technical benefits (31 in total), social benefits (30 in total) and political benefits (16 in total). After presenting this body of evidence, the paper then discusses these benefits more deeply in terms of complementarity, temporality, scale, actors, and incumbency. We conclude with insights for energy and climate research and policy more broadly.

Keywords: energy transitions; sustainability transitions; nuclear energy; solar energy; smart grids; electric mobility

Suggested Citation

Sovacool, Benjamin K. and Martiskainen, Mari and Hook, Andrew and Baker, Lucy, Beyond Cost and Carbon: The Multidimensional Co-Benefits of Low Carbon Transitions in Europe (November 20, 2019). Ecological Economics 169 (March, 2020), 106529, pp. 1-19., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3490835

Benjamin K. Sovacool (Contact Author)

Science Policy Research Unit ( email )

Falmer, Brighton BN1 9SL
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/373957

Boston University - Department of Earth and Environment ( email )

Boston, MA
United States

Department of Business Technology & Development ( email )

Nordre Ringgade 1
Aarhus C, DK-8000
Denmark

HOME PAGE: http://pure.au.dk/portal/en/persons/id(fca10105-c4eb-4f0f-99a7-a354a8a8a47a).html

Mari Martiskainen

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU) ( email )

Mantell Building
Falmer
Brighton BN1 9RH UK, Sussex
United Kingdom

Andrew Hook

University of Sussex - Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

Brighton, BN1 9SL
United Kingdom

Lucy Baker

Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex ( email )

Falmer
Brighton, Sussex BNI 9RH
United Kingdom

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