Conclusions and new directions for energy and society research

Contributors to this Research Handbook on Energy and Society have examined the irreducible inter-connections between our globally-organised fossil fuel energy system and the changing structures of society. We have argued that the technologies and network infrastructures of energy production, provision and use are shaped by particular social, political and cultural contexts, which change over the course of history. Chapter topics ranged across markets, state and civil society, and the associated social divisions in energy systems and services; the interactions between energy discourses, knowledge and politics; governance of energy policy; and socio-technical innovation for clean energy futures. This concluding chapter reflects on the contributions to debates about energy and climate change. We consider the importance of social science in catalysing socio-technical change and innovation, and the potential for education about energy and society. We highlight emerging research questions and future research directions.