The role of gas on future perspectives of renewable energy diffusion: Bridging technology or lock-in?

Abstract

After the COVID-19 pandemic will be brought under control through mass vaccination, the challenge of global climate change and related energy transition will return on top of policy agendas.

The objective of this study is to assess the perspectives of renewable energy technologies as a critical component of the energy transition, by investigating trends of wind and solar energies and their competitive strength in energy markets. In particular, to clarify the critical issue of the future role of gas in the competition i.e., whether it might play the role of a bridging technology or a lock-in.