Leapfrogging potential for sustainable energy transition in Serbia
International Journal of Energy Sector Management
ISSN: 1750-6220
Article publication date: 5 September 2016
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to look at the dilemma of promoting sustainable energy transition in post-socialist countries while containing social and economic implications, focusing on the case of Serbia. The aim is to analyse Serbian energy status taking into account historical factors, to analyse barriers that are hindering transition and to identify leapfrogging potential for the sustainable energy development of the country.
Design/methodology/approach
Energy transition and leapfrogging potential have been qualified and quantified by indicators, the own calculations and policy analysis to identify barriers to sustainable energy.
Findings
The country has vast potential for leapfrogging in energy transition, yet continues the gradualist approach based on several policy barriers to the process. The analysis shows six barriers related to low energy price, high energy intensity, prioritization of energy security, inadequacy of utilization of renewable sources, lack of policy coherence and dependency on external funding. However, these barriers could be overcome with an energy policy emphasizing leapfrogging potential. As is pointed out in the conclusion, this should be based on the difference between EU-28 average indicators, discrepancy between use and availability of renewable energy, potential for regional cooperation in the energy sector and under-used skills and participation.
Originality/value
The paper discusses energy transition in its historical context, arguing that it has to be considered as comprehensively with societal implications and effects, thus creating useful knowledge for other post-socialist countries in current and future transitions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The first author would like to thank Prof. Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen (University of Helsinki) for his valuable comments given for this paper. The work of the second author research has been a part of the research project “Integrated Energy Networks” no. III 42,009/2011, supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia. Authors are thankful to Mr Mirko Dautović, Jenni J. Laakso and the Roth family for English proof reading of the article.
Citation
Hakala, E.S. and Bjelic, I.B. (2016), "Leapfrogging potential for sustainable energy transition in Serbia", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 381-401. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-12-2014-0001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited