Summary
This policy report by David M. Hart (2016), published by ITIF, offers a critical examination of low-carbon energy transition strategies, cautioning against optimistic assumptions ('magical thinking') about technological breakthroughs and rapid decarbonisation pathways. The analysis evaluates the realistic costs, timelines and policy frameworks required for meaningful carbon reduction, suggesting that evidence-based policy requires harder assessments of technological maturity and economic constraints.
UK applicability
As suggested by the title and ITIF focus, this analysis likely addresses United States energy policy; however, the methodological critique of unrealistic transition assumptions may be relevant to UK carbon budgets and Net Zero commitments, which similarly depend on technology deployment assumptions requiring periodic scrutiny.
Key measures
Energy transition timelines, technology cost projections, deployment feasibility assessments, carbon abatement costs
Outcomes reported
The paper critically examines policy approaches to low-carbon energy transition, arguing against unrealistic assumptions about technology deployment and cost trajectories. It assesses the feasibility and timing of various decarbonisation pathways.
Topic tags
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