Acting on a just Energy Transition in the Netherlands
Where it is often thought that transitioning from a fossil- to a low-carbon society leads to positive justice achievements, empirical research suggests that the opposite is often the case. In this seed fund project, (see for research team the Reset website ‘Reconfiguring Energy for Social Equity’) the team explored how the upscaling of renewable energy and related infrastructures, can enhance inclusive, equal and just societies. The aim of the researchers was to develop actionable perspectives on the Just Energy Discourse in the Netherlands, and to develop concrete visions and guidance for policymakers. The team pursued a democratic inquiry approach, which means that research and education aims to improve the quality of public debate and political decision-making. The outputs of this seed fund project is the drafting and publication of nine ‘Just Energy Essays’ (see Energeia, currently available in Dutch and to be translated into English later this year).
Further, the research output is a peer-reviewed publication with three case studies about possible pathways to just energy transitions, which will be published later this year on Papers – Energy for Social Equity.
Contact
For more information, contact Dr. Jesse Hoffman, Urban Futures Studio, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development, j.g.hoffman@uu.nl.