A Multi-Dimensional Comparative Analysis of the Transition to Renewable Energy

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🔬研究者:Advance the multidimensional policy framework and its methodology (literature review, expert interviews, case studies) for renewable energy policy analysis.

🏢実務担当者:Use the diagnostic framework to identify systemic gaps in national or corporate renewable energy strategies, particularly in financing and institutional coordination.

🏛政策担当者:Apply the framework to evaluate national renewable energy policy settings, focusing on institutional maturity and cross-sectoral linkages to address implementation gaps.

This thesis developed, validated, and examined the broader applicability of a comprehensive policy framework for renewable energy development. The research focused on establishing the multidimensional nature of renewable energy policy by identifying the factors that enable or constrain renewable energy development across different national contexts. A three-stage methodology was adopted. First, a thematic literature review was employed to establish the conceptual framework by identifying recurring drivers and barriers across global academic studies. Secondly, the framework was refined and validated through semi-structured interviews with international energy policy experts, reflecting the perspectives of diverse stakeholders. Thirdly, the framework was applied to Aotearoa New Zealand as an in-depth validation case study and then applied across Norway, Estonia, Brazil, India, and Nigeria to examine its broader analytical applicability. The findings demonstrated that institutional maturity is a primary determinant of renewable energy policy development. Even where financial resources are available, fragmented or inefficient governance can limit progress. Financial accessibility and inclusiveness also emerged as critical, particularly where mechanisms enable participation of communities, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and innovators. Technical capability, including grid flexibility, storage solutions, and skilled human capital, was also found to be important across different contexts. The environmental and social dimensions, while more context-specific, had a notable influence on legitimacy, public acceptance, and the long-term stability of renewable energy development. The comparative case studies demonstrated that these themes are interconnected: strength in one domain can reinforce progress in another, while weakness in a single dimension can constrain the wider renewable energy policy environment. The thesis contributed theoretically by advancing a multidimensional policy framework that captures the interdependence of institutional, environmental, financial, social, and technical factors. Methodologically, it demonstrated the value of a staged process of framework development, expert validation, in-depth case application, and comparative applicability assessment. In practical terms, the framework offers policymakers a diagnostic tool for identifying systemic strengths, weaknesses, and implementation gaps in national renewable energy policy settings. Applied to Aotearoa New Zealand, the framework highlighted the need for stronger institutional coordination, equitable financing, accelerated technical upgrades, and enhanced Māori partnership. The comparative application illustrated how the framework can be adapted to diverse socio-economic contexts, while also recognising that renewable energy outcomes are shaped by historical infrastructure, resource endowments, institutional capacity, and broader political-economic conditions.

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