Factors Influencing the Transition to a Low-Carbon Energy Paradigm: A Systemic Literature Review

Abstract

Research concerning energy transition has grown at a high pace over the past decade, exploring a variety of topics. This paper provides a systematic literature review focused on the factors and policy routes that can support and expedite the transition to a low-carbon energy paradigm. The results of the bibliographic search follow a theoretical organizational lens and are grouped into four main categories - economic, technological, social, and policy. Key findings include the role of environmental policy as the crucial driver for progress, as well as the need for active participation from industry, economic, and policy agents, along with energy experts. In addition, the lack of literature regarding developing and lower-income nations is highlighted. A discussion and practical implications of the results are provided within the context of the four main categories and with a prosperous post-transition society in mind. Our findings are relevant for policymakers, administrators, and all stakeholders involved in integrating low-carbon initiatives and policies within their organizational structures.

Received: 6 September 2023 | Revised: 28 November 2023 | Accepted: 5 January 2024 

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this paper as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Author Contribution Statement

Inês Carrilho-Nunes: Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Writing - original draft. Margarida Catalão-Lopes: Conceptualization, Writing - review & editing.