Pathways to a sustainable energy future: A comparative case study of four Texas municipalities

Abstract

Energy transitions do not follow a single pathway as commonly assumed. This paper incorporates path dependence and policy learning literature to unpack different energy transition pathways. This paper examines why municipalities transition to renewable energy differently and identifies contributing factors. Through a comparative case study of four Texas municipalities—Georgetown, Denton, Austin, and Houston—two distinct pathways emerge. The first, a Single Pathway with Feedback Loop, shows that while municipalities can transition smoothly through critical junctures or shocks, they often struggle to maintain their commitments due to poor contract risk management. The second, a Double Pathway with Policy Learning and Infrastructural Lock-in, involves municipalities learning from others’ experiences to avoid mistakes, yet they may still face challenges due to reliance on existing fossil fuel infrastructure. This paper presents an updated theoretical energy transitions framework, highlighting the varied themes of these pathways. The conclusion draws attention to the practical implications for municipalities, particularly in terms of policy learning from past failures and avoiding carbon lock-in during energy transitions.