A Historical Comparative Analysis of Influential Factors on Wind Sector Development in Alberta and Ontario
Abstract
The diffusion rate of wind technologies differs between jurisdictions. This study is a comparative historical analysis of how various political and socio-economic variables have influenced and interacted with one another to affect wind technology diffusion in Alberta and Ontario from 1993-2016. Technology diffusion (investment and capacity), political (institutional frameworks, policies, and government in power), and socio-economic (state-level public discourse and cost to consumers) factors are examined. Developing an understanding of the interaction between the different variables provides insight into the wind technology diffusion process. The exploratory analysis found that the priorities and policies introduced by the government in power are major determinants of the rate of wind technology diffusion in Alberta and Ontario. Socio-economic concerns appear to influence political actions, while the results of government actions and policies affect the state-level public discourse on wind power. Future explanatory analyses may uncover the precise relationship between the variables analyzed.
Description
Keywords
Public Administration
Citation
Cheung, A. (2017). A Historical Comparative Analysis of Influential Factors on Wind Sector Development in Alberta and Ontario (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/24757