Innovation and institutional change: the transition to a sustainable ...

Conclusions 211
and steam turbines was furthermore stimulated by the increasing attention
towards energy efficiency and energy saving offset by the energy crises in
the 1970s. But most importantly, the introduction of the gas turbine was
driven by its usefulness to serve peak loads (and its better performance
relative to competitive components such as diesel engines) and thus
improving the load factor of larger power plants.
Table 8.1 Assessment of paths taken in the electricity system
Path taken Relative Diver- Nature of change due to new practice
success gence
Shift from
coal to gas
The nuclear
route
Hybridisation
of gas and
steam turbines
Coal
gasification
Distant
heating
Decentral
cogeneration
Wind power
Solar power
Biomass
Green
electricity
++
-
++
-/+
+/-
+
-/+
-/+
+/-
+
Low
Medium
Low
Medium
Medium
High
High
High
Medium
High
Resource change requiring some adaptation of
key components (turbines)
Key technological change involving alteration of
mode of production
Technological component added to the system
requiring some fine-tuning in mode of production
Key technological change involving alteration of
mode of production
Significant change in mode of provision and
infrastructure as heat is distributed to users
Major alteration of the design of the system, local
co-production of heat and electricity
Key technological change involving significant
changes in mode of production and coordination
Key technological change involving significant
changes in mode of production and coordination
Key logistical change of resource use and supply,
alteration and adaptation of key technologies
Key change in mode of provision in combination
with varying technological changes
The pattern of breakthrough of the gas turbine serves as a relevant example
of the way a transition path may unfold. The basic pattern is that of changing
path dependence from within. The first step involved creating a symbiosis
with the existing system and its dominant path. The introduction of the gas
turbine as a new element within the system was successful due to its ability
to serve a specific functional role in an existing configuration with the result
of improvement of overall performance of the system. This also facilitated
the built-up of experience, skills and competence with regard to gas turbine
technology and applications. The second step involved extending the
function of the gas turbine within the system. As international experience