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Abstract

Energy transitions are shaped not only by a country's economic and energy environments but also by persistent narratives about possibility, affordability, and political feasibility. Across contexts, persistent energy myths shape how societies imagine, contest, and implement change. This paper develops a conceptual framework for understanding energy myths as forms of discursive governance that shape energy transition pathways in resource-dependent states. Drawing on insights from political economy, energy justice, and policy process theory, we define energy myths as persistent claims that structure decision-making despite incomplete or contested evidence. We then organise these myths into a systematic typology spanning technical, economic, infrastructural, social, technological, and environmental domains. Using evidence from discourse analysis, elite interviews, and government speeches, we identify recurring narratives that constrain action in Kazakhstan, including the beliefs that fossil fuels are indispensable, that renewables are inherently unaffordable, and that technological solutions alone can deliver decarbonisation.

By situating Kazakhstan within broader theoretical debates on energy justice and political economy, the paper argues that myths function as forms of discursive governance. They legitimise existing power structures, shape investment priorities, and limit the agency of local actors. These dynamics help explain why transition policies in resource-dependent states often remain centralised, incremental, and unevenly distributed. The findings suggest that energy myths function as mechanisms of delay and path dependency, legitimising incrementalism while masking deeper political and institutional constraints. By systematically examining how these narratives shape energy governance, the study contributes to broader debates on the political economy of decarbonization and highlights the importance of addressing discursive barriers alongside technological and financial challenges in energy transitions.