Sustainable energy transitions and social inequalities in energy access: A relational comparison of capabilities in three European countries

Bartiaux, Françoise; Maretti, Mara; Cartone, Alfredo; Biermann, Philipp; Krasteva, Veneta

doi:10.1016/j.glt.2019.11.002

Cited by 35 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…While there has been some focus on opposition to energy sources in communities (Warren & McFadyen 2010; Devine-Wright 2011; Stram 2016), the literature on energy transitions and decentralised energy systems has, so far, not afforded sufficient attention to issues of public engagement with local projects, the challenges of engaging communities, and how such projects can be established in deprived communities (particularly those facing fuel poverty) in-depth. These issues are further compounded by social inequities and inequalities in energy access (Bartiaux et al 2019) that are the result of unintended consequences of attempting to bring about affordable energy to socioeconomically deprived groups. Previous research in this area has not addressed these issues directly, and have drawn upon secondary data analyses to come to conclusions on the role of improving the equitable distribution of opportunities for wider communities to engage in sustainable energy generation (Park 2012;Johnson & Hall 2014).…”

Section: Sustainability In Socioeconomically Deprived Communitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Just energy transitions? Social inequities, vulnerabilities and unintended consequences

Axon

Morrissey

2020

Buildings and Cities

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The transitions literature has framed energy transitions as a process involving material and social consequences. Such radical changes can also be viewed as constituting discursive dimensions, involving debate, idea exchange and value positioning. The implementation of a biomass energy system in residential buildings in a socioeconomically deprived community near Liverpool, UK, is investigated for its acceptance by, and impacts on, the community. A mixed-methods approach involving questionnaire, focus group and interview data reveal how practical, on-the-ground energy transitions are understood at the community level. Given the changes to how residents pay for their energy in the study community, from prepayment meters to pay-as-you-use methods, considerations of 'efficiency' are debated and framed on the cost of energy rather than from an environmental performance perspective. Although the intention of low-carbon energy transitions in low-income communities is to deliver economic and environmental benefits, many unintended social consequences arose from top-down decision-making choices and implementation mechanisms. These processes exacerbate economic inequalities and inequities. Justice implications arising from this study have clear repercussions for future implementation of similar, and additional, sustainability interventions that attempt to address climate change in the built environment. Practice relevance The successful implementation of a decentralised energy system requires more than a technological approach. This case study emphasises the need for extensive community engagement when undertaking local energy transitions. In particular, attention needs to be given to how vulnerable people are affected by pricing and given clear information on how to use the new system. Policy recommendations include: the choice of energy technologies should not disrupt vulnerable residents' daily routines and ability to pay; the provision of substantial pre-, during and post-installation community engagement is needed to improve familiarity with new energy systems; and adequate opportunities for listening and responding to residents' concerns prior, during, and after the installation of low-carbon energy systems.

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Section: Sustainability In Socioeconomically Deprived Communitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Just energy transitions? Social inequities, vulnerabilities and unintended consequences

Axon

Morrissey

2020

Buildings and Cities

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“…While the concept of "energy transition" has a connotation related to security, efficiency and sustainability among the high-income economies [10,11], in low-income countries the "energy transition" deals with the dilemma of gaining access to affordable energy services, without becoming trapped in a fossil fuel-intensive future [12]. Low-income economies face the challenge of sustainable development to promote energy justice and equity, economic development and poverty alleviation, whilst contributing to curbing climate change [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Extensive research has established and measured energy transition success through its choice and promotion of a specific technology [3][4][5]11,12,[17][18][19][20][21]. However, the suitable integration of societal needs has not been sufficiently considered [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges for Energy Transition in Poverty-Ridden Regions—The Case of Rural Mixteca, Mexico

2021

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This paper presents distinct scenario pathways and their storylines resulting from an analysis of interdependencies. We identified the main drivers of a proposed renewable energy transition in rural Mixteca-Puebla, Mexico. By analyzing the main factors involved in alleviating impoverished communities in the rural region, we show the varying degrees to which these drivers influence, support, or hinder a promising energy transition. A Cross-Impact Balance Analysis was conducted to explore the multiple inter-relationships among a set of conditions. This methodology allowed us to evaluate the relationships between social, political, cultural, and environmental variables. The main drivers were identified as clusters of several elements, in which the uncertainties in governance and the legal system trigger the inter-relationship of forces in the area. The focus of this paper is to show how the societal aspects affect the structural energy transformation and its capacity for adaptation in future trends envisioned for the area. This research contributes to the use of technological transformation as a means to alleviate poverty in a rural area. These outcomes give insights regarding the conditions to be considered, in respect to possible–encouraging, but also pessimistic pathways for the region in coming decades.

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“…Therefore, energy supply is essential for human well-being, as can contribute significantly to strengthening social stability and is the main driver of development and prosperity of all sectors of modern economy. Though the energy intensity of GDP in modern economies is declining with the implementation of new technologies and technological progress, the huge amounts of energy will still be necessary for the improvement of living conditions in the developing nations (Kozubikova, Kotaskova, 2019;Bartiaux et al, 2019). Overall energy sector itself captures an important posture in the world economy by promoting growth of employment, income, and increase in international trade flows.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ranking of Baltic States on progress towards the main energy security goals of European energy union strategy

Štreimikienė

2020

Journal of International Studies

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The article is aimed to assess Baltic States in terms of achieved progress towards the goals of European energy union strategy. MCDM tools were applied for ranking Baltic States by applying the most important criteria formed on the basis of the goals of European energy union strategy. The discussion of policies to achieve these goals was performed for Baltic States based on energy policy analysis and National Energy and Climate plans (NAECP) submitted by countries to European Commission. Policy recommendations were developed based on analysis and assessments provided for Baltic States.

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Sustainable energy transitions and social inequalities in energy access: A relational comparison of capabilities in three European countries

Cited by 35 publications

References 41 publications

Just energy transitions? Social inequities, vulnerabilities and unintended consequences

Just energy transitions? Social inequities, vulnerabilities and unintended consequences

Challenges for Energy Transition in Poverty-Ridden Regions—The Case of Rural Mixteca, Mexico

Ranking of Baltic States on progress towards the main energy security goals of European energy union strategy

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