Purpose
Offshore renewable energy technologies provide many new opportunities for coastal regions around the world, and although the energy policy literature has documented the success stories of many 'first mover' regions, there is little guidance for 'second mover' or 'follower' regions. This paper investigates the strategic challenges faced by coastal regions that are not first movers.
Design/Methodology/Approach
We use a multiple case study approach to analyse the behaviour of regional stakeholders when planning and assessing their participation in the renewable energy sector.
Findings
The paper reveals the tendency of regional planners to idealise investments in renewable energy. The negative consequences of idealisation are inadequate strategic visions.
Research Limitations/implications
The findings are only relevant in the context of the regions that are part of the case study.
Practical implications
The paper illustrates how idealisation of technology or strategy is created and how it impacts strategic decision making.
Social Implications
Although much of the energy policy literature discusses the challenge of social acceptance, this paper documents an opposite phenomenon, idealisation. The energy sector needs to find a middle ground between these two extremes.
Originality
The paper provides evidence and a theoretical analysis of a decision-making bias, idealisation, that is not discussed in the literature.