A Multi-Level Perspective on the Geography of Solar Power Plant Diffusion

Abstract

Solar energy technology is key to completing the global sustainability transition. In this research, I analyze the factors driving the diffusion of large-scale solar power plants. I make use of the Multi-Layer Perspective on sustainability transitions to distinguish between niche, regime and landscape factors, and add a geographical perspective to the analysis building on the notion of ‘innovation in the periphery’. The multi-level analysis is applied both at the international level comparing diffusion across countries and at the country level comparing diffusion across U.S. states. From the results the key finding was the importance of a relevant capability base. If there is a capability base present, diffusion has a greater chance of succeeding, both in the country and in the state analysis. It was also found that OPEC members are significantly less active in solar power plants than other countries. I end with some policy reflections based on the empirical results.