A just energy transition is not just a transition: Framing energy justice for a quantitative assessment

M.A. Rios-Ocampo, J.C. Romero, E. Centeno, S. Mora Rosado

Energy Research & Social Science Vol. 119, pp. 103900-1 - 103900-17

Summary:

Considering the justice dimension in the energy transition context has become a key requirement for tackling current ecological and social issues. Due to this endeavour's complexity, quantitative energy models are helpful tools to inform decision-makers about policies' environmental and social consequences. However, most energy models have not been designed with this dimension firmly embedded. Some crucial questions arise: What is a just energy transition? Can we operationalise it? What does a quantitative model require to study the impacts of the energy transition on vulnerable people? What has already been done in this regard? We explore the conceptual background of energy justice to contribute to answering these questions by analysing how four quantifiable dimensions — energy access, energy security, energy democracy and energy poverty — contribute to addressing justice-related challenges of energy systems. Based on it, we highlight some strategies to assess energy justice through the energy cycle for a just energy transition. Within this context, we propose operationalising a just energy transition in long-term energy planning models with energy poverty at its core for developed countries' considering 41 essential parameters. We conclude by examining which of these parameters are included in energy planning models to assess the impact of decisions on vulnerable populations. The findings show that most models struggle to encompass these four dimensions of energy justice comprehensively. We conclude suggesting some operational criteria to advance quantitative analyses of justice dimensions in future developments, noting issues of using models within energy justice debates.

Spanish layman's summary:

Los modelos energéticos son herramientas para diseñar la transición energética considerando múltiples criterios. Dado que la justicia energética es esencial para abordar los problemas ecosociales actuales y futuros, ¿qué deberían considerar los modelos para informar una transición justa a net zero?

English layman's summary:

Energy models are helpful tools for designing energy transition pathways considering multiple criteria. Since energy justice has become essential for tackling current and future energy-related eco-social issues, what should energy models consider for informing a just energy transition to net zero?

Keywords: Energy justice; Energy poverty; Just energy transition; Long-term energy planning; Optimisation models; Sustainability

JCR Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 6,900 - Q1 (2023)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2024.103900

Published on paper: January 2025.

Published on-line: December 2024.

Citation:
M.A. Rios-Ocampo, J.C. Romero, E. Centeno, S. Mora Rosado, A just energy transition is not just a transition: Framing energy justice for a quantitative assessment. Energy Research & Social Science. Vol. 119, pp. 103900-1 - 103900-17, January 2025. [Online: December 2024]