Opening the wormhole: Linkages between justice in energy transitions and energy systems modelling literature – implications for policy development

Abstract

Sometimes academics from different disciplines feel like they are working on different planets that orbit stars lightyears apart. Justice in energy transitions and the energy modelling literatures are no exception. While both fields share a common focus on realizing a sustainable and equitable future, rarely do equity and justice considerations enter modelling studies, and vice versa, rarely do papers consider modelling and engineering analysis enter into the justice in energy transitions field. This paper documents collaborative research conducted by justice in energy transitions and energy modelling researchers Through literature reviews and collaborative dialogue, we identified overlaps between justice in energy transitions and energy modelling and set an initial research agenda. By opening the wormhole connecting our fields, we hope to inspire more transdisciplinary research and inform future justice-oriented energy policy. We call on fellow justice in energy transitions and energy modelling researchers to join us in learning from one another and working towards a more sustainable and just future. We also call on policymakers to utilize transdisciplinary research to inform just energy futures.