What is it about?

The study looked at a Danish and a German case of local transitions towards low-carbon energy systems. It provides an ‘energy justice’ perspective and unpacks the transitions by critically analysing consultation processes, information flows, decision making and outcomes. The implementation of low-carbon energy systems often creates numerous opportunities for sustainable development. However, often when it comes to the planning and implementation phase of such projects, practitioners and politicians confront opposition on the ground. Change often brings resistance. We were curious which factors played into these observed successes and how communities and decision makers dealt with conflicts during the process.

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Why is it important?

Our research provides valuable insights about how low-carbon energy transitions can be effectively managed at the local level and how communities can respond to the challenge of energy transitions. the findings highlight what policy makers, project developers and practitioners need to take into account during the planning and implementation phases. The results show how communities set up institutions, dealt with conflicts and what people perceived as fair and good practices. The study also provides a methodological template to researchers who investigate energy systems transitions and (in)justice at the community level.

Perspectives

The two cases, Samsö and Feldheim, are highly interesting. It was very satisfying to visit the communities and speak with people on teh ground who managed to pull off these inspiring projects.

Mr Henner Busch
Lunds Universitet

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: ‘Successful’ low-carbon energy transitions at the community level? An energy justice perspective, Applied Energy, May 2018, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.02.146.
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