Norway

Who am I?
Trained sociologist Ph. D. in science and technology studies, specifically in electricity markets

Why me?
Skill set
End user attitudes/behaviour Energy efficiency policy Mixed methodologies

Centre for energy and society

A strong research institution
30 researchers on energy Official centre for excellence in research 20 year history of energy research

Norways energy system

Hydro based Cheap, clean and abundant A problem for new renewables (gold standard)

Centralised grid for production and transmission

But theres no denying...

Oil exports large part of economy
Distorts labour market Delays investments

DSM agency: Enova

Huge budget, few people Funds a lot of projects:
Direct investments in energy efficiency Experimental projects Information campaigns

DSM work being done

Focus on two points: Incentives
Funding schemes, subsidies, tax breaks

Information
Everyday activities

DSM research
New comprehensive research effort into energy efficiency:
Multidisciplinary, well-funded

Energy targeted as priority research area as official policy

Efficiency with own national subtask

And yet...

Conditions

Norwegians use a lot of electricity

Electric home heating Electricity-intensive industry

Clean energy Less incentive to save

Barriers
Economic
Electricity is cheap, installations are not

Institutional
Suppliers have responsibility

Barriers II
Structural
More single households, bigger houses

Political
Reluctance to limit individual freedom Short-termism in electoral politics

Barriers III
Rebound effects
Energy intensity gone up

Behavourial
Habits die slowly Energy use = comfort

Drivers
Strong interest in energy efficiency
Living clean as status signal

Increased funding Refurbishing boom

Models/frameworks
Economics
Price Equilibrium Market

Engineering modelling
Potential Techno-fix

What does this mean for politics?

Regulation driven by economic/instrumental rationalities
Boards filled with economists and engineers Ministry of Finance has last word

But there is hope...

Behaviour research increasingly important

Habits/practices/attitudes

Models being updated

Hopes and aspirations

Learn from examples
Theories Practices Institutions

Good discussions

Thanks!