Barriers to the diffusion of renewable energy in Queensland

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
McCarthy, Breda;Eagle, Lynne;Lesbirel, Hayden
Abstract

Renewable energy (RE) is needed for the low-carbon future envisioned in the 2015 Paris climate change agreement. This article comparatively evaluates the RE performance of two states in Australia to show how government policies affect energy transitions. The ‘complex systems’ perspective is used as a theoretical lens and it elucidates the constraints to RE transitions. Ambitious targets at state level and sustained political support are required to overcome the multi-dimensional barriers to RE transitions. However, given the complexity of the energy system, governments should pursue collaborative efforts across states and with various stakeholders to avoid conflicts. They need to address concerns about rising electricity prices and energy security if the much needed decarbonisation of the electricity sector is to take place.

Journal

Rural Society

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Volume

26

ISBN/ISSN

1037-1656

Edition

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Issue

3

Pages Count

15

Location

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Publisher

Routledge

Publisher Url

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Publisher Location

N/A

Publish Date

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Url

N/A

Date

N/A

EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1080/10371656.2017.1364480