Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 3
The Policy SET Model
3.1 THE VALUE OF A COMMON ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK
As outlined in Chapter 1, the main intention of this topic is to identify
and explain forces that catalyze or prevent a more robust difusion of wind
power in the electricity sector. his chapter lays the groundwork for such
an analysis by introducing and describing the main features of a common
framework that can be used for guiding analysis and development of wind
power development policy.
he main merit of applying a common framework to case study analysis is
that it makes it possible to compare wind power policies in diferent nations
and highlight similarities and diferences. In the best case scenario, compar-
ative analysis will unearth suicient commonalities to construct theory to
help us better understand what causes wind power to lourish in one nation
and lounder in another. Even if suicient commonalities are not uncov-
ered, a comprehensive analysis using a common framework will at least pro-
vide insight into which issues are of greatest importance in a given national
context and the scale and scope of how inluential variables interconnect to
shape wind power development prospects.
3.2 THE SEAMLESS WEB
In 1983, homas Hughes published a topic titled
Networks of Power
in which
he described the evolution of electriication in Western society from 1880
to 1930. In undertaking his analysis, Hughes observed that the difusion
of electriication occurred amidst a “seamless web” of social, technical,
