Original article Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth

A Polycentric Approach to the Green Energy Transition in Bulgaria

Dimitar Sabev - PhD, is Chief Assistant Professor at the Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. ORCID 0000-0003-0071-6634
Received: 26 Oct 2024
Revised:
Published:
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Book 3/2024
JEL Q48 P48 Q52 L94

Abstract

Ostrom’s polycentric model for the governance of social systems has been gaining popularity as an alternative approach to the low-carbon energy transition in recent years. This article considers its potential application to three issues in Bulgaria’s green energy transition: finding substitutes for coal-based electricity production in the Maritsa-East lignite complex, providing new employment opportunities for workers affected by the transition, and understanding the broader social impacts of moving away from the traditional hierarchic model in the energy sector. It is important to note that while polycentric organizing is intended to support low-carbon solutions, it could also serve the interests of coal energy actors, who may prioritize short-term gains over the long-term public interest. Overcoming inertia is a major challenge for adopting the polycentric principle as part of Bulgaria’s industrial policy, particularly in implementing decentralized low-carbon energy solutions.

How to cite this article

Sabev, D. (2024). A Polycentric Approach to the Green Energy Transition in Bulgaria. Economic Thought Journal, 69 (3), 267-280.

https://doi.org/10.56497/etj2469301

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