Synthesising multi-level perspective and multi-criteria analysis: comparing energy systems transition in Australia and Germany : a dissertation

This thesis investigates the contemporary energy transitions and greenhouse gas reduction strategies of Australia and Germany. The thesis provides a comparative study to gain insights into the drivers of change within and between these two developed nations and contributes new perspectives which could support other countries decarbonising their economies to address the wicked problem of climate change. The thesis applied a multi-disciplinary (social, economic and political) and multi-dimensional (policies, actors, technology and comparative) approach. Research strategies were based on mixed-methods, Grounded Theory, longitudinal nested case-study strategies and the development of a multi-criteria analysis model. A combined multi-level perspective (MLP) and multi-criteria analysis tool was developed for the comparative analysis to explore the socio-technical transition processes in Australia and Germany. This applied mainstream Transition Theory and multi-level perspective concepts of the landscape, regime and niche as actors enacting through interwoven forces that shape transition outcomes in these two countries. The focus of the analysis covers the tenure of four Australian Prime Ministers and their governments between 1996 and 2017 and three German Chancellors and their governments between 1990 and 2017. Through a nested case study of each leader's term, a comparative analysis of assessment results uncovered four new perspectives. First, static landscape including fossil-energy endowment and economic structures, such as resources-based vs industry-based economy, of a country are foremost drivers of national energy decision-making. Second, these static landscape aspects can explain the motivation for delayed decarbonisation in Australia when compared to early action in Germany and therein the willingness to invest in new and decarbonised energy systems. Third, consistent economic growth is not a precursor to energy-transition achievement. Fourth, as renewable energy approaches grid parity with traditional and incumbent energy generation, economic investment will expedite socio-technical energy transitions beyond the more cumbersome political policy frameworks.