Political power and the development of the GB renewable heat incentive

Abstract

A transformation of the UK’s heat system is required to ensure that the goals of sustainable and secure energy are met. This transformation could require a complete shift away from fossil fuels to primarily renewable sources of heat. Like in any transformation, social and political power is likely to be an important factor. This paper documents research which has focussed on the sociopolitical power of actors to affect policy and regulation in the area of UK sustainable heat policy. It draws on theory from the sociological literature around socio-political power and literature around lobbying to examine the GB renewable heat incentive policy. It shows that while there have been numerous attempts to influence GB heat policy, these attempts are limited in their success and unpicking the role actors versus evidence is extremely difficult. The research also shows the methodological complexity of examining political influencing.