With increasing concerns about climate change, many countries are looking towards renewable
energy in an attempt to move towards net zero energy emissions. As some countries move slower
or more reluctantly than others, it’s important to see what are the underlying factors that cause
this discrepancy.With countries at various stages of this transition, it’s becoming possible to see
patterns as to how different countries go about in this process. This thesis uses the Baltic states
as a case study to determine some of the underlying factors in transitioning to renewable energy.
This thesis reviews the factors that affect the Baltic states transition to renewable energy, and
does so by exploring how the Baltics can serve as a model of which factors influence
transitioning to renewable energy. This thesis also reviews how transitioning to renewable
energy is impacted by perception of renewable energy, and perception of other factors
surrounding renewable energy.This thesis uses the Multiple Streams Approach to review existing literature and analyze the underlying factors that influence the Baltic states, by identifying what the problems surround a
renewable energy transition, and analyzing these from a policy and political point of view. This
thesis aims to add to the current knowledge regarding energy transitions. The findings
demonstrate that in the case of the Baltics, underlying issues of energy security, sovereignty, and
cost of moving towards renewable energy are primary hurdles for the Baltics.
These findings imply that by identifying and addressing what issues are perceived to be the most
pressing, it is possible to encourage a transition to renewable energy