Stefan Hinkelmann successfully defends his thesis

Stefan’s thesis “On the Macroeconomics of the Energy Transition” explores the intricate relationship between climate policies, particularly carbon taxes, and the economy's transition to greener energy.

Stefan Hinkelmann and Torsten Persson at the defense

His research indicates that while short-term substitutability between fossil fuels and greener alternatives is limited, it gains momentum over time, suggesting the need for a permanent boost in carbon taxes to meet long-term emission targets. He highlights the electrification of production processes as crucial for reducing emissions, driven by technological advancements. Stefan's comprehensive framework identifies energy efficiency improvements, directed technical change, and green energy infrastructure as key mechanisms for the transition, advocating for carbon taxation to accelerate progress towards net zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, Stefan underscores the importance of green subsidies in reducing fossil fuel usage, though cautioning against potential rebounds from imperfect instruments like Investment Tax Credits.

Stefan

Robert Hart from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) kindly acted as opponent.

Stefan will join the OECD as Junior Economist in their Economics Department, Structural Policy Analysis Division.

Want to learn the details of Stefan’s thesis? Click below to read it in full.

Read Stefan's thesis