Solving Energy Justice in the European Union

Abstract

The electricity sector will play a key role in the energy transition. In particular, this can have a transformative affect in the European Union (EU). One of the key aspects of EU policy that can contribute to energy transition is the role of energy communities. Prioritising low-income communities and communities of colour is necessary as these are disproportionately impacted by energy poverty. Community ownership can provide communities with a voice in energy production and distribution. Promoting energy communities can enable the development of clean energy development which overall can contribute to a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

1 Aspects of the Energy Sector on Which Energy Justice Can Have a Decisive Impact

The electricity sector is the energy sector where energy justice can have a critical impact. Energy justice in the electricity sector can ensure that all citizens can access affordable, reliable, and clean energy sources. It can also address issues of energy poverty; when low-income households are unable to afford basic energy needs, and environmental justice; when marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by the negative impacts of energy production and consumption. Promoting energy justice in the electricity sector can create a more equitable and sustainable energy system for all. A key issue related to energy justice is the equitable distribution of the financial burdens associated with climate change, as it has a long time horizon.¹ Energy justice envisions elements of a global energy system that equitably distributes both the benefits and burdens of energy services and can be used as a framework to identify energy inequities. In recent decades, energy communities have emerged as essential actors in the energy transition. For example, EU legislation in the form of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) “provides opportunities for energy communities to promote energy efficiency at household level and (…) combat energy poverty” (European Parliament and European Council, 2018, recital 67). The emerging social role of energy communities contributes to a democratic, welfare-enhancing, and equitable energy transition. It highlights various participatory preconditions and their implications for the participation of vulnerable groups in energy communities.²

2 The Power of Energy Justice Transforms the Energy System

Energy justice ensures that all people have access to clean and affordable energy, so it has an impact on social prosperity.³ This can be achieved by promoting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower that are sustainable and do not harm the environment. Energy equity ensures that energy is distributed equally regardless of income, race, or location. This can be achieved by implementing policies prioritising low-income communities and communities of colour, often disproportionately impacted by energy poverty.⁴

Energy justice promotes community ownership of energy resources, giving communities a voice in energy production and distribution. This can be achieved by supporting community-owned renewable energy projects that can create local jobs and economic opportunities. Energy justice ensures that energy production and distribution do not harm the environment or contribute to climate change. This can be achieved by promoting clean energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.⁵ Overall, the power of energy justice can transform the energy system by creating a more equitable and sustainable system.

3 Challenges to Overcome to Achieve Transformation for Energy Injustice

There are several challenges that must be overcome to achieve transformation for energy justice. Achieving energy justice requires political will and commitment from policymakers. This can be challenging because the energy sector is often influenced by powerful interests that can resist change.⁶ Transforming the energy system to achieve energy justice requires significant financial resources. This can be challenging because funding for renewable energy projects can be limited, and low-income communities may not have the resources to invest in renewable energy.

Additionally, building the infrastructure needed to support renewable energy sources can be challenging, especially in rural or remote areas. This can be a barrier to equitable access to clean energy.⁷ Achieving energy equity also requires public awareness and support. Many people are unaware of the benefits of renewable energy or the impact of energy poverty on low-income communities.⁸ In the end, it is worth mentioning that resistance to change can be a significant challenge in achieving energy justice. Some people may be opposed to renewable energy sources or may not see the need for change.

4 Ways Resolving the Energy Justice Issue Can Contribute to the Overall Societal Move to a Just Transition to a Low-carbon Economy

Solving the energy justice problem can contribute to a just transition to a low-carbon economy in several ways. First, solving the energy justice problem can promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower that are sustainable and do not harm the environment. This can help reduce carbon emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. Addressing energy equity can help reduce energy poverty, a significant barrier to a change to a low-carbon economy.⁹ If this is achieved, green jobs are created in the renewable energy sector which supports a just transition to a low-carbon economy. This can provide economic opportunities for low-income communities and communities of colour often disproportionately affected by unemployment. Addressing energy equity can address environmental justice by ensuring that energy production and distribution do not harm the environment or contribute to climate change.