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Temporality, vulnerability, and energy justice in household low carbon innovations
Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:57
Version 1 2023-06-09, 16:25
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:57 authored by Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool, Matthew M Lipson, Rose ChardDecarbonisation and innovation will change the affordability of different domestic energy services. This has the potential to alleviate vulnerability to fuel poverty, but it could create new injustices unless the risks are preempted and actively mitigated. In this paper, we ask: In what ways can emerging low-carbon innovations at the household scale complement, and complicate, achieving energy justice objectives? Drawing from four empirical case studies in the United Kingdom, the paper highlights different risks that come from different types of innovation required to tackle different decarbonisation challenges. More specifically, it assesses four particular household innovations—energy service contracts, electric vehicles, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and low carbon heating—selected for their fit with a typology of incremental vs. radical technology and modest vs. substantial changes in user practices. It shows how in each case, such innovations come with a collection of opportunities but also threats. In doing so, the paper seeks to unveil the “political economy” of low-carbon innovations, identifying particular tensions alongside who wins and who loses, as well as the scope and temporality of those consequences.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Energy PolicyISSN
0301-4215Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
128Page range
495-504Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2019-01-09First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-01-24First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2019-01-09Usage metrics
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