We develop a theoretical model of directed technical change in which clean (zero emissions) and dirty (emissions-intensive) technologies are embodied in long-lived capital. We show how obsolescence costs generated by technological embodiment create inertia in a transition to clean growth. Optimal policies involve higher and longer-lasting clean R&D subsidies than when technologies are disembodied. From a low level, emissions taxes are initially increased rapidly, so they are higher in the long run. There is more warming. Introducing spillovers from an exogenous technological frontier representing non-energy-intensive technologies reduces mitigation costs. Optimal taxes and subsidies are lower and there is less warming.

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Suggested citation: James A. Lennox, Jan Witajewski-Baltvilks, Directed Technical Change with Capital-Embodied Technologies: Implications for Climate Policy, Energy Economics, Available online 23 August 2017, ISSN 0140-9883, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2017.08.005.