David Toke

Dr. David Toke is a Reader at the School of Social Science, University of Aberdeen, specializing in energy policy, renewable energy systems, and political ecology. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Birmingham (2001). His research focuses on renewable energy transitions, nuclear power critiques, and the intersection of energy policy with governance and cultural dynamics.

Education:

• PhD in Political Science, University of Birmingham (2001) – Thesis: 'The Politics of Sustainable Energy'

Research Interests:

David Toke’s work examines renewable energy deployment, critiques of nuclear power, and the sociopolitical dimensions of energy transitions. He emphasizes community ownership models, policy frameworks, and the influence of corporate interests on energy systems. Recent projects include ESRC-funded research on solar power planning (2013–present) and analyses of feed-in tariffs’ impact on small-scale renewables.

Grants & Projects:

• Principal Investigator for ESRC project 'Solar Power in the UK – Planning for a Sustainable Future'
• Recipient of grants from ESRC (5 projects), EU (2), Leverhulme Trust (2), British Academy, and Scottish Insight

Labs & Initiatives:

• Founder of 100% Renewable UK, advocating for 100% renewable energy systems
• Maintains a widely read blog on green energy (David Toke’s Green Energy Blog)