A Historical Comparative Analysis of Influential Factors on Wind Sector Development in Alberta and Ontario

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Political Science

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Cheung, Audrey

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Jordaan, Sarah
• Morton, Frederick

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Lucas, Jack
• Tyler, Mary Ellen

• Public Administration

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/24757

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/4243