Twisting in the Wind: The Politics of Tepid Transitions to Renewable Energy

Oksan Bayulgen's book explores the political determinants of clean energy transitions in developing country settings, focusing on Turkey's energy policymaking and the role of the state and elites in failed energy policies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Oksan Bayulgen's book, "Renewable Energy in Developing Countries: The Political Determinants of Clean Energy Transitions," explores the political factors that hinder the advancement of renewable energy in countries without deep fossil fuel resources. While most scholars focus on developed Western nations, Bayulgen questions why renewable energy has not made significant progress in these regions. The book aims to address this gap by focusing on the political determinants of clean energy transitions, particularly in developing country settings, which have been largely overlooked in the existing literature.

Bayulgen employs an in-depth case study of energy policymaking in Turkey to construct a dynamic, multidimensional theoretical model that explains the political feasibility of energy solutions to climate change in much of the world. By using Turkey as a case study, Bayulgen highlights the role of the state and elites in energy policies that have failed to make the transition to renewables.

The book's timely topic is of interest to scholars, policymakers, energy investors, and anyone interested in environmental studies. It provides valuable insights into the political challenges and opportunities associated with promoting renewable energy in developing countries and offers practical recommendations for overcoming these obstacles.

One of the key findings of the book is that the political feasibility of energy solutions to climate change is influenced by a range of factors, including the level of political stability, the presence of strong institutions, and the level of public support. Bayulgen argues that these factors are often overlooked in the literature and that they play a critical role in determining the success of energy transitions.

To address these challenges, Bayulgen proposes a range of policy recommendations. She suggests that governments should prioritize the development of renewable energy infrastructure, provide incentives for investment in renewable energy, and engage with local communities to ensure that they are involved in the decision-making process. She also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in promoting renewable energy.

One of the strengths of the book is its comprehensive approach to the topic. Bayulgen covers a wide range of issues, including the political economy of renewable energy, the role of technology, and the impact of climate change on energy systems. She provides a clear and concise explanation of the theoretical models that she uses to analyze the data, and she provides numerous examples to illustrate her points.

However, the book also has some limitations. One of the main criticisms is that it focuses primarily on Turkey and does not provide a broader analysis of the political determinants of clean energy transitions in other developing countries. This can be a significant limitation, as the political and economic contexts of different countries can vary significantly.

Another limitation is that the book does not provide a clear roadmap for achieving the transition to renewables. While Bayulgen offers a range of policy recommendations, she does not provide a detailed plan for how these recommendations can be implemented. This can be a significant challenge for policymakers and energy investors who are looking to invest in renewable energy projects.

Despite these limitations, "Renewable Energy in Developing Countries: The Political Determinants of Clean Energy Transitions" is a valuable contribution to the literature on renewable energy. It provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the political factors that hinder the advancement of renewable energy in developing countries and offers practical recommendations for overcoming these obstacles.

In conclusion, Oksan Bayulgen's book, "Renewable Energy in Developing Countries: The Political Determinants of Clean Energy Transitions," explores the political factors that hinder the advancement of renewable energy in countries without deep fossil fuel resources. By focusing on the political determinants of clean energy transitions, particularly in developing country settings, Bayulgen provides valuable insights into the political challenges and opportunities associated with promoting renewable energy. The book's comprehensive approach to the topic and its clear and concise explanation of the theoretical models make it a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, energy investors, and anyone interested in environmental studies. However, the book also has some limitations, and it would be beneficial for Bayulgen to provide a broader analysis of the political determinants of clean energy transitions in other developing countries.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472133253