Sector-based political analysis of energy transition: Green shift in the forest policy regime in France
Analyse sectorielle de la politique de transition énergétique : le tournant vert du régime d'action publique forestier en France
Résumé
This article examines energy transition political process from a sector-based approach, through the analysis of recent shift in the French forest policy regime. We demonstrate that, since 2007, energy transition policies has led to a harvesting turn within the French forest policy framework, meaning that priority is given to wood mobilisation, mainly for biomass uses. In addition, our findings suggest that the political authority wielded by the state over forest policy has shifted from forest administrative services to energy agencies and local authorities. Finally, we show that, although implementation of the harvesting turn is a cause of sectoral and inter-sectoral tensions, energy transition challenge also contributes to a process of (re)institutionalisation of mediation relationships among forestry stakeholders and wood-based industries representatives. The article concludes by arguing that sectors should remain relevant institutional frameworks for actors when choosing political arrangements required implementing energy transition policy.