Transformation towards sustainable energy production and consumption. : A study of path dependence and risk perceptions within the Swedish Energy Agency.

When it comes to climate change, one of the most pressing challenges is energy production and consumption in society, from individuals to markets. From economic incentives, path dependence and risk perceptions of our society, actions and strategise need to become more adaptable towards change. The actions and strategise need to be impactful on behaviour and attitudes on such subject, and the authority responsible in this regard is the Swedish Energy Agency in Eskilstuna, Sweden. The purpose of this thesis is to understand the complicated transformation towards sustainable energy production and consumption in society, through the experience and knowledge of the Swedish Energy Agency. Economic growth desires, path dependence (in both societal behaviour and attitudes, as well as economic theorems) and risk perceptions are the subjects in discussion as they relate to the transformation. The findings revealed that the Swedish Energy Agency is aware of societal behaviour and attitudes toward change to some extent; nonetheless, they must enhance the information provided to society. To have a greater impact on the majority of society, their action plans and strategies must become more adaptive to particular identities. Most policymaking in our culture is driven by economic incentives, but the Swedish Energy Agency believes that if they could raise knowledge, behaviour, and attitudes toward long-term change, the government (who is responsible for the agency's missions) would change. Because our government is a democracy, it reflects what our society desires.