Ostrom’s polycentric model for the governance of social systems has been gaining
popularity as an alternative approach to the low-carbon energy transition in recent years.
This article considers its potential application to three issues in Bulgaria’s green energy
transition: finding substitutes for coal-based electricity production in the Maritsa-East lignite
complex, providing new employment opportunities for workers affected by the transition,
and understanding the broader social impacts of moving away from the traditional
hierarchic model in the energy sector. It is important to note that while polycentric organizing
is intended to support low-carbon solutions, it could also serve the interests of coal energy
actors, who may prioritize short-term gains over the long-term public interest. Overcoming
inertia is a major challenge for adopting the polycentric principle as part of Bulgaria’s
industrial policy, particularly in implementing decentralized low-carbon energy solutions.