Investigating the Constraints Imposed by Policy, Technological, and Market Lock-Ins on the Transition to Renewable Energy Systems

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy systems is critical to mitigating climate change and achieving sustainable development. However, this shift faces significant constraints rooted in policy, technological, and market lock-ins. These lock-ins are interrelated and often reinforce one another, creating formidable barriers to the adoption of renewable energy. Policy lock-ins arise from entrenched regulatory frameworks and subsidies that favor fossil fuels, making it challenging to reallocate resources toward renewables. Technological lock-ins result from established energy infrastructures and the high costs associated with transitioning to new technologies, which can deter investment in renewable energy. Market lock-ins are influenced by existing market structures and the vested interests of powerful incumbents, which often resist changes that threaten their economic position. This paper examines these constraints in detail, exploring how they hinder the transition to renewable energy systems and proposing strategies to overcome them. We argue that a comprehensive approach, addressing each type of lock-in in concert, is essential for enabling a successful energy transition. Through a review of existing literature and case studies, we highlight the complex interplay between these lock-ins and suggest pathways for policymakers, technologists, and market actors to collaboratively facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy future.