Rise to the Occasion? A Critique of the World Bank's Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy

Energy Research and Social Science, Forthcoming

14 Pages Posted: 30 Oct 2017

Date Written: October 19, 2017

Abstract

The World Bank's Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) scorecard evaluates countries' sustainable energy policies against global 'best practices.' Here I demonstrate that many of these so-called best practices are inappropriate in the context of limited state capacity. Using several examples from the RISE report, I argue that the World Bank should replace the pursuit of one-size-fits-all best practices and instead focus on generating knowledge about the contextual fit of different policy approaches. Drawing inspiration from research on adaptive reform strategies in the developing country context, I argue that an adaptive and flexible strategy could help national governments to surmount obstacles to policies that over time make the dream of sustainable energy for all a global reality.

Keywords: policy reform; energy policy; sustainable energy; energy access; renewable energy; energy efficiency

Suggested Citation

Urpelainen, Johannes, Rise to the Occasion? A Critique of the World Bank's Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (October 19, 2017). Energy Research and Social Science, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3061416

Johannes Urpelainen (Contact Author)

Johns Hopkins SAIS ( email )

1740 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036-1984
United States

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