Johns Hopkins SAIS expert available to discuss the history, growth of wind and solar energy sectors
EXPERT ADVISORY
How did wind and solar energy become the most dynamic components of the global power sector? “Renewables: The Politics of a Global Energy Transition,” offers a comprehensive political analysis of the rapid growth in renewable wind and solar power, mapping the energy transition through theory, case studies, and policy analysis. “Renewables” is co-written by Johannes Urpelainen, the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Professor of Energy, Resources and Environment at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
The new book notes that after the 1973 oil crisis, the limitations of an energy system based on fossil fuels created an urgent need to experiment with alternative resources. In response, some pioneering governments began investing heavily in alternative energy. Public policy enabled growth over time, and economies of scale brought down costs dramatically.
Urpelainen and Michaël Aklin, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh, argue that only an external shock can allow renewable energy to grow because the fossil fuel energy system and political support for it are so entrenched. These external factors can include an abrupt rise in oil prices or a nuclear power accident.
The scholars analyze the key factors that enable renewable energy to withstand political backlash and draw on this data to predict the development of renewable energy in different countries over time. They also examine the pioneering efforts in the United States, Germany, and Denmark after the 1973 oil crisis and other shocks.
Urpelainen is available to further discuss:
- What are the most pressing contemporary issues in energy policy?
- Why has the United States surrendered its leadership role in renewable energy?
- What has prompted the recent rapid growth of modern renewables in electricity generation?
- How can the U.S. and other governments best manage the growth of renewables in the coming years?
Urpelainen also serves as the Founding Director of the Initiative for Sustainable Energy Policy (ISEP) at Johns Hopkins SAIS. He oversees the vision, strategy, and management of the initiative tasked to offer pragmatic, but effective approaches, to providing the world’s population with affordable and abundant energy at minimal environmental impact. Urpelainen has authored several other books and more than 100 articles on environmental politics, energy policy, and global governance. He frequently advises governments, international organizations, and the private sector on energy and environment.
About Johns Hopkins SAIS
A division of Johns Hopkins University, the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a global institution that offers students an international perspective on today's critical issues. For nearly 75 years, Johns Hopkins SAIS has produced great leaders, thinkers, and practitioners of international relations. Public leaders and private sector executives alike seek the counsel of the faculty, whose ideas and research inform and shape policy. Johns Hopkins SAIS offers a global perspective across three campus locations: Bologna, Italy; Nanjing, China; and Washington, D.C. The school’s interdisciplinary curriculum is strongly rooted in the study of international economics, international relations, and regional studies, preparing students to address multifaceted challenges in the world today.
For more information, visit sais-jhu.edu or @SAISHopkins
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