Leapfrogging potential for sustainable energy transition in Serbia

Abstract

Purpose-This paper aims to look at the dilemma of promoting sustainable energy transition in post-socialist countries while containing social and economic implications, focusing on the case of Serbia. The aim is to analyse Serbian energy status taking into account historical factors, to analyse barriers that are hindering transition and to identify leapfrogging potential for the sustainable energy development of the country. Design/methodology/approach-Energy transition and leapfrogging potential have been qualified and quantified by indicators, our own calculations and policy analysis to identify barriers to sustainable energy. Findings-The country has vast potential for leapfrogging in energy transition, yet continues the gradualist approach based on several policy barriers to the process. The analysis shows six barriers related to low energy price, high energy intensity, prioritization of energy security, inadequacy of utilization of renewable sources, lack of policy coherence and dependency on external funding. However, these barriers could be overcome with an energy policy emphasizing leapfrogging potential. As is pointed out in the conclusion, this should be based on the difference between EU-28 average indicators, discrepancy between use and availability of renewable energy, potential for regional cooperation in the energy sector and under-used skills and participation. Originality/value-The paper discusses energy transition in its historical context, arguing that it has to be considered as comprehensively with societal implications and effects, thus creating useful knowledge for other post-socialist countries in current and future transitions.

Stakeholder engagement by power system experts of Indonesia electricity sector for sustainable energy transition

“…Practically, our study proved that expert engineers had a good relationship with their stakeholders to create value in the form of corporate sustainability performance in three main aspects: social, economic and environmental sustainability. As explained above, in cases wherein the expert engineers had a good relationship with electricity stakeholders, the cocreation of value occurred due to the influence of effective CSE; therefore, it was easier for the parties to realize the company's goals, which was the sustainability of electricity, with respect to social, economic and environmental sustainability (Fischer et al, 2020;Hakala and Bjelic, 2016).…”

“…Sustainability, the main goal of energy transition in the electricity sector, is a complex hightech process that involves the interests of all stakeholders (Fischer et al, 2020;Hakala and Bjelic, 2016). In an interview with the stakeholders (e.g.…”

“…The unique characteristic of residential electricity consumption poses new challenges for future strategies for the supply of electricity (Avordeh et al , 2021; Marszal-Pomianowska et al , 2016), especially with the emerging availability of residential microscale renewable energy power plants that can be operated by the residents themselves (Babatunde et al , 2019; Rahman and Ahmad, 2013; Ruostetsaari, 2020; Siepermann et al , 2021). However, in this particular situation, we need to consider the unique characteristics of renewable energy plants, especially the operation of renewable energy power plants driven by natural activities (Harjanne and Korhonen, 2019; Sunitiyoso et al , 2020). Admittedly, Indonesia, which has a tropical climate, is currently experiencing an uncertain natural state owing to climate change (Djalante and Thomalla, 2012; Sugiawan and Managi, 2016).…”

The aggregated leapfrogging estimate: a novel approach to defining energy leapfrogging

“…First, the lack of incorporation of access to electricity in quantitative measures of leapfrogging, which is often replaced by economic variables [15]. Furthermore, feasibility or data availability concerns frequently cause geographic limitations in leapfrogging studies, creating analyses focused on just one country or region (e.g., Philippines [19], Serbia [9], and China [22]). Lack of data, particularly in the Global South, provides an additional barrier, often resulting in studies with insufficient periods of investigation, such as Szabó et al, which studied energy leapfrogging in Sub-Saharan Africa over four years from 2008-2012 [23].…”

“…Although leapfrogging is pivotally defined by an increase in accessibility through modern technology, many leapfrogging studies often do not incorporate access to electricity alongside renewable consumption [15]. Furthermore, prior investigations of energy leapfrogging have been substantially affected by geographical restriction, with many focusing on the potential for energy leapfrogging in specific countries or regions [9,19,22]. Moreover, local data on renewable energy consumption may not be systematically or consistently collected, particularly in the Global South, resulting in insufficient study periods [23].…”