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Coalitions Towards the Carbon Tax in the Swedish Heating Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Cecilia Higa

    (Department of Energy Systems Planning, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-860, Brazil)

  • Marcelo Cunha

    (Institute of Economics, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-857, Brazil)

  • Semida Silveira

    (Department of Energy Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden)

Abstract

The carbon tax is a cornerstone of the climate policy in Sweden. Historically, it has played a central role in the replacement of fossil fuels in the heating sector. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the policy-making process that led to the formulation and adoption of the carbon tax in the Swedish heating sector, from 1980 to 1991. We used the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), according to which policy actors form coalitions based on shared beliefs. Drawing from both literature and empirical experiences gathered through in-depth interviews, we identified supporting and opposing coalitions that diverged in their views concerning bioenergy development and the potential impact of the carbon tax. This study illustrates the complex conditions for introduction of environmental taxes and expansion of new industries, particularly when established businesses perceive the new activities as a threat. The Swedish experience shows that countries can progress by exploring internal synergies and innovative policy designs, despite potential resistance of established constituencies. The successful adoption of the carbon tax in the Swedish heating sector serves as inspiration for policymakers in other sectors and countries, as they contemplate policies to promote the decarbonization of the energy system.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Higa & Marcelo Cunha & Semida Silveira, 2020. "Coalitions Towards the Carbon Tax in the Swedish Heating Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:20:p:8530-:d:428622
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stram, Bruce Nels, 2014. "A new strategic plan for a carbon tax," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 519-523.
    2. Difs, Kristina, 2010. "National energy policies: Obstructing the reduction of global CO2 emissions? An analysis of Swedish energy policies for the district heating sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(12), pages 7775-7782, December.
    3. Ericsson, Karin & Huttunen, Suvi & Nilsson, L.J.Lars J. & Svenningsson, Per, 2004. "Bioenergy policy and market development in Finland and Sweden," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(15), pages 1707-1721, October.
    4. Sovacool, Benjamin K., 2017. "Contestation, contingency, and justice in the Nordic low-carbon energy transition," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 569-582.
    5. Shmelev, Stanislav E. & Speck, Stefan U., 2018. "Green fiscal reform in Sweden: Econometric assessment of the carbon and energy taxation scheme," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 969-981.
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    Cited by:

    1. Martin Rabbia, 2023. "Why did Argentina and Uruguay decide to pursue a carbon tax? Fiscal reforms and explicit carbon prices," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 40(2), pages 230-259, March.

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