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Uncovering regime resistance in energy transition: Role of electricity iron triangle in Taiwan
Author(s) -
Huang Gillan ChiLun,
Chen RungYi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
environmental policy and governance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.987
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1756-9338
pISSN - 1756-932X
DOI - 10.1002/eet.1921
Subject(s) - electricity , liberalization , energy transition , resistance (ecology) , economic system , sustainability , economics , european union , electricity generation , political science , business , environmental economics , power (physics) , market economy , international trade , engineering , biology , medicine , ecology , physics , alternative medicine , pathology , quantum mechanics , electrical engineering , panacea (medicine)
Using electricity sector reform as a case study, this paper analyses the energy policy making in Taiwan, by applying the theoretical concept of regime resistance and an electricity iron triangle, aiming to elucidate analytical challenges that sustainability transition studies are facing in East Asia. While most such studies focus on the critical role of industrial incumbents, this paper shifts attention to the resistance of the “electricity iron triangle” of the ruling party, the utility workers' union and anti‐nuclear groups to fundamental transformation. It draws upon secondary data and primary information from interviews, especially governmental officials, environmental groups, journalists, electric utilities and Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) union members. This research contributes to the wider debates on regime resistance towards the phase‐out of nuclear power and on the effectiveness of electricity liberalisation as a means to achieve an effective energy transition.