Outside Regional Paths: Constructing an Economic Geography of Energy Transitions
Moving beyond theories of socio-technical adaptation, a new economic geography of energy transitions is developing that contributes to a deeper understanding of adaptation and change in energy systems. This new geography of energy transitions draws on concepts in evolutionary economic geography but moves beyond regional analysis to recognize the nation state as a critical venue for strategic action by firms. The dependence on the nation state for access to the resource; financing of exploration and production; favourable regulatory oversight; and the infrastructure to transport the commodity to profitable markets, make it the essential venue for strategic action. Drawing on the US case of shale gas and oil extraction, this chapter argues that, despite the emergence of global production networks in the oil and gas industry, national-scale governance remains central to understanding energy transitions.