Work

The industrial decarbonization paradigm: Carbon lock-in or path renewal in the United Kingdom?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Since 2017, industrial policies in the United Kingdom have prioritized revitalizing industrial clusters through subsidies for low-carbon technologies and infrastructure. This study introduces the Industrial Decarbonization Paradigm (IDP) to examine dominant technological designs, policy-driven technological channeling, industrial regimes, and the persistence of path dependence across three major industrial clusters. Drawing on 65 semi-structured interviews, 30 industrial site visits, and extensive analyses of trade and policy documents, the findings reveal significant risks of path dependence and carbon lock-in due to dominant designs of industrial decarbonization technologies, as well as central government-led technological channeling. The research identifies opportunities to mitigate these risks through policies that foster bottom-up innovation and reduce reliance on top-down technological approaches. The study highlights the need for adaptive, decentralized strategies to limit the potential for carbon lock-in and achieve sustainable industrial transformation.

Source: Ecological Economics

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108628

Authors: Kyle S. Herman, Jeremy K. Hall, Benjamin K. Sovacool, Marfuga Iskandarova

Institution: Aarhus University

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730