Pivoting to Green: Dream or Reality?

August 2023
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction

Dive into the world of clean vs. dirty innovation with the London School of Economics! Discover how the energy industry's shift towards low-carbon solutions is not just a dream but a complex challenge, filled with technological tug-of-wars and economic entanglements. From the rise of hydraulic fracturing to the peaks and valleys of clean patenting, this article unpacks whether we can truly pivot to a greener future or if we're stuck in a carbon-heavy past. Get ready for a data-driven adventure that challenges our assumptions about clean innovation!

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Why It Matters

Discover how this topic shapes your world and future

Pioneering the Path to a Cleaner Future

Imagine a world where the air is so clean you can taste the freshness with every breath, where energy flows from the sun and wind, powering our lives without harming the planet. This isn't just a dream; it's a possibility that hinges on our ability to pivot from dirty to clean innovation. The journey from relying on fossil fuels to embracing renewable energy sources is not just crucial for combating climate change but also represents a significant shift in how we power our world. It's about breaking free from the old ways that harm our planet and investing in technologies that promise a cleaner, sustainable future. For you, living in this pivotal era, understanding and contributing to this shift could mean a healthier planet for you and future generations. It's not just about saving the environment; it's about reimagining our world's energy foundations, making it a thrilling time to be curious, learn, and innovate.

Speak like a Scholar

Carbon Lock-in

This term refers to the widespread reliance on carbon-intensive technologies and processes, making it difficult to switch to cleaner, sustainable alternatives.

Hydraulic Fracturing

A method to extract natural gas from deep underground by injecting liquid at high pressure to fracture rock layers. It's controversial due to environmental concerns.

Net-zero Targets

Goals set by countries or companies to balance the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount of carbon removal or offsetting.

Patent

A legal document granting an inventor exclusive rights to their invention, preventing others from making, using, or selling it without permission.

Knowledge Spillovers

The process by which knowledge or technology developed in one context or industry benefits another, often leading to innovation.

Incremental Innovation

Small, gradual changes or improvements to products, services, or processes, rather than radical, breakthrough innovations.

Independent Research Ideas

Exploring the Role of Patent Networks in Accelerating Clean Energy Technologies

Investigate how patents in clean technologies are connected to those in dirty technologies, highlighting the importance of knowledge sharing in fostering innovation.

The Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on Renewable Energy Investments

Analyze how the rise of hydraulic fracturing affects investments in renewable energy sources, considering economic, environmental, and policy perspectives.

Assessing the Feasibility of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Mitigating Climate Change

Dive into the potential of CCS technologies, evaluating their effectiveness, challenges, and role in achieving net-zero emissions.

The Transition of Oil Companies to Renewable Energy

Study how major oil companies are pivoting to renewable energy, examining strategies, challenges, and impacts on the global energy market.

Innovations in Offshore Wind Energy and Their Connection to Oil Drilling Technologies

Explore how offshore wind energy innovations benefit from oil drilling technologies, focusing on shared knowledge, skills, and equipment.

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