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Towards a multi-scalar and multi-horizon framework of energy injustice: a whole systems analysis of Estonian energy transition
Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:13
Version 1 2023-06-10, 02:01
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:13 authored by Laur Kanger, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin SovacoolThe shift from carbon-intensive to low-carbon energy systems has profound justice implications as some regions are likely to lose as much as gain from decarbonization processes. Increasing calls have been made to adopt a ‘whole systems’ perspective on energy justice. Drawing on the Multi-level Perspective on socio-technical transitions this paper presents a new comprehensive framework of energy justice in system innovation, proposing to map injustices along three dimensions: 1) multiple spatial scales (regional, national, international); 2) different time horizons (currently experienced vs. anticipated injustices); 3) connections to transition dynamics (injustices related to the optimization of the currently dominant system, destabilization of the incumbent system or the acceleration of alternative solutions in niches). The framework is applied to analyse the ongoing energy transition in Estonia, involving interactions between the incumbent oil shale based regime and wind, solar, nuclear and bioenergy as emerging niche challengers. The content analysis of news items in Estonian media reveals an inventory of 214 distinct incidents of energy injustices across 21 different categories. We find that many experienced and anticipated injustices are deployed, often strategically, by certain actors to advocate specific energy futures and to influence current political choices. From the justice perspective our analysis thus raises a question whether it is ethical to use probable yet currently unrealized injustices related to regime destabilization and niche acceleration as a means to perpetuate injustices related to the optimization of the currently dominant regime.
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Publication status
- Published
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- Published version
Journal
Political GeographyISSN
0962-6298Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
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93Page range
1-13Article number
a102544Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-12-16First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-12-16First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-12-16Usage metrics
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