New Books Network Kathryn Chelminski, "Governing Energy Transitions: A Study of Regime Complex Effectiveness on Geothermal Development in Indonesia and the Philippines" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
Dec 12, 2025
Dr. Kathryn Chelminski, an expert in international relations and energy governance, dives into geothermal energy development in Indonesia and the Philippines. She unpacks the intricate governance mechanisms that impact energy transitions, revealing how local factors can either hinder or boost progress. The discussion highlights the challenges of financial gaps and risks in Indonesia, alongside the rich geothermal history of the Philippines. Chelminski also emphasizes the importance of political will and coordination in leveraging regime complexes for effective clean energy solutions.
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Regime Complex Can Be Effective Without A Treaty
- The clean energy regime complex is a fragmented sphere of overlapping institutions that can still influence domestic energy transitions.
- Its effectiveness depends on how these institutions provide finance, norms, and technical support to EMDEs.
How The Clean Energy Complex Emerged
- The clean energy regime complex evolved between the climate and energy regimes through institutional proliferation and norm diffusion.
- Over time state interests converged, enabling organizations like IRENA and SEforAll to institutionalize clean energy objectives.
Assess Effectiveness With Three Functional Mechanisms
- Use three mechanisms to assess regime complex effectiveness: finance (utility modifier), social learning, and capacity building.
- Measure outcomes by problem solving: installed capacity growth and implemented regulatory reform.
