Barriers to renewable energy development in Newfoundland and Labrador: a case study of wind energy applying the 'AKTESP' framework for analysis

• Main Author: Mercer, Nicholas
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2016
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/12406/; https://research.library.mun.ca/12406/1/thesis.pdf

Despite vast research on the need to transition to renewable energy (RE), fossil fuels remain the world’s primary energy source. This thesis contributes to the energy transition (ET) literature by identifying barriers to RE development in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Applying Trudgill’s ‘AKTESP’ analytical framework, the study asked: in a provincial context, (1) what barriers exist to wind energy development (W.E.D), (2) what are the potential benefits of W.E.D, (3) based on barriers identified, which policy measures would facilitate ET? Seventeen expert interviews were conducted and content analysis was applied using NVIVO software. A large majority of respondents (65%) classified the current state of W.E.D in NL as ‘unfavourable’. The most frequently reported barriers were political (71% of respondents), economic (65%), and knowledge-related (53%). Potential benefits of W.E.D were economic, environmental, and societal in nature. Based on the findings, an ET framework was developed, consisting of seven policy recommendations which may help NL transition to RE.