Optimizing equity in energy policy interventions: A quantitative decision-support framework for energy justice

Heleno, Miguel; Sigrin, Ben; Popovich, Natalie; Heeter, Jenny; Figueroa, Anjuli Jain; Reiner, Michael; Reames, Tony G.

doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119771

Cited by 24 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Swennenhuis et al used an analytical framework to compare justice indicators for transitioning the steel industry to a lower carbon intensity (Swennenhuis et al, 2022), but neither considers cost nor siting impacts. Heleno et al present a decision-support framework using optimization that minimizes a population's energy burden, but is focused on weatherization and energy efficiency (Heleno et al, 2022). Hanssen et al developed the Consensus-based Siting (ConSite) tool that uses a multi-criteria decision analysis to site wind farms and transmission lines; however, it does not consider cost (Hanssen et al, 2018).…”

Section: Literature Gapmentioning

confidence: 99%

The transmission ramifications of social and environmental siting considerations on wind energy deployment

et al. 2023

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Increasing the capacity of wind power is critical to achieving climate goals, however its continued deployment faces environmental and social siting challenges. For example, the United States government is increasingly emphasizing the importance of a just energy transition by considering the social impacts of energy and environmental justice (EEJ). In this study, we investigate the impact of considering available EEJ metrics and environmental impacts into siting wind power and transmission by applying SimWINDPRO. SimWINDPRO is an infrastructure optimization tool that can site wind energy technologies and transmission by concurrently considering wind resource potential, transmission costs, EEJ, and environmental impacts. We demonstrate the impacts of considering EEJ and environmental factors in the context of Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) western region, which includes some of the best wind energy potential in the United States. We show that prioritizing EEJ and environmental considerations in wind deployment can result in exponentially more transmission deployment for the same amount of wind power delivered, and results in selecting different wind farm sites. Our results also show that, depending on how it is considered, it is possible that constraining sites based on EEJ and environmental factors can reduce the available capacity of wind energy enough that energy transition capacity targets cannot be met.

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Section: Literature Gapmentioning

confidence: 99%

The transmission ramifications of social and environmental siting considerations on wind energy deployment

et al. 2023

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“…McGookin et al discuss how to incorporate participatory methods, such as community engagement in energy modelling, and how that can address some of these challenges [52]. Heleno et al combine sociodemographic and techno-economic models and optimize the portfolio of technologies, while attempting to reduce the energy burdens on vulnerable populations [53]. They apply their case study to Detroit and nd that including these considerations in the modelling changes the outputs and reduces energy justice implications.…”

Section: Incorporating Equity and The Sdgsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Sefid,

Okamoto,

Doyon

et al. 2023

Preprint

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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.

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“…By promoting higher building standards, policies can encourage sustainable construction practices and contribute to reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality, and fostering the use of sustainable materials [29,30]. However, the effectiveness of these policies varies and as a result these tools should be used to present communities with feasible solutions and have them discuss internally which set of solutions best fit their needs [32].…”

Section: Keady Et Al 2021 [31] Energy Justice Gaps In Renewable Energ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying Themes in Energy Poverty Research: Energy Justice Implications for Policy, Programs, and the Clean Energy Transition

Jones,

Reyes

2023

Energies

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Energy poverty affects numerous households across the globe and has several key implications and concerns for public health and social equity. Energy poverty is defined as “the lack of access to modern and affordable energy services”. Individuals or communities in energy poverty face limitations in accessing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. This review paper examines a focused subset of recent research on energy poverty highlighted by the “NSF 2026: Priorities and Research Needs for an Equitable Energy Transition” workshop and the United States Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Justice Policy and Analysis to help frame energy poverty’s impacts on policy, poverty alleviation, environmental impact, and social inequity. This review paper uses five themes to organize previous energy poverty work: (1) Energy Poverty and Justice Definitions and Metrics; (2) Behavioral Aspects of Energy Poverty; (3) Efficacy of Energy Assistance Programs; (4) Efficiency of Energy Efficiency Policy; (5) The Energy Transition and Environmental and Energy Justice. We found that the literature examined how comprehensive assessment of energy poverty requires going beyond standard statistics and metrics and must include an understanding of how underserved households interact with energy. We found strong optimism for the clean energy transition’s ability to significantly alleviate energy poverty, but only if policymakers include equity. Finally, we found that while there is plenty of work highlighting deficiencies there is a dearth of work examining successful implementations and how to replicate them which will be needed if the clean energy transition is to match its potential.

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Optimizing equity in energy policy interventions: A quantitative decision-support framework for energy justice

Cited by 24 publications

References 30 publications

The transmission ramifications of social and environmental siting considerations on wind energy deployment

The transmission ramifications of social and environmental siting considerations on wind energy deployment

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

Identifying Themes in Energy Poverty Research: Energy Justice Implications for Policy, Programs, and the Clean Energy Transition

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