From petro transition ethics to pragmatic energy efficient transition ethics in Norway

Abstract

Despite the urgency of climate change mitigation, the political economy of fossil fuel lock-in in petroleum-exporting states such as Norway makes the policy underpinnings perpetuating fossil fuel production intractable. This can have a chilling effect on low-carbon energy transition measures, such as renewable energy sources and energy efficiency solutions, due to capital, interests, and values being tied up in influential and attractive fossil fuel activities. Academic critique typically argues for a shift in extant political economic relations, yet lacks the teeth to bring this about. In this essay, a wide range of energy transition experts embrace a pragmatic approach that identifies several energy efficiency solutions that are not tied to nor serve to only cement the interests of the petroleum sector. We elucidate feasible and desirable energy efficiency initiatives to advance low-carbon transitions that, while not particularly transformative in isolation, can collectively mitigate emissions and begin to shift underpinning sociotechnical practices, political economic interests, and moral values in petroleum-exporting states. We also underscore the importance of inclusive governance and participatory mechanisms, such as citizens’ assemblies, to overcome political gridlock, foster trust, and ensure that pragmatic energy efficiency measures are socially legitimate and equitable. By identifying relatively uncontroversial pathways for rapid action at scale, an emphasis on such initiatives can drive investment towards and support for low-carbon transitions by engaging with complex political economic relations. Over time, this approach may unlock a greater shift in energy systems and even inflect states’ policy priorities more than the current normative deadlock.