Introduction to Research Handbook on Energy and Society: why study energy and society?

economies, societies, cultures and geographies in different parts of the world. His analysis shows that there is nothing inevitable or pre-given about transition from one energy source, and its technical infrastructures, to another. Instead technical systems for producing and consuming coal, oil and gas are bound up in societal interests and power struggles. These co-evolve over long periods as new technical infrastructures are used in producing increasingly diverse goods and services. The chapter provides both a vivid, data-rich picture of the globally varying patterns of energy transitions