What is it about?
The large-scale use of fossil fuels to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding global population has led to a massive increase in carbon emissions. Transitioning from a fossil fuel-driven economy to a renewable energy-driven one is therefore warranted to minimise our environmental impact. Achieving this transition may, however, be challenging from a political point of view. This review explores the relationship between renewable energy and political power. It highlights the need for energy democracy to develop a decarbonized society. Moreover, the review presents its advantages, challenges, and ecological and socio-economic implications.
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Why is it important?
While political power plays a crucial role in the management of energy resources, a centralized approach may not be effective in catering to the specific needs of a society. Moreover, concentrated political control strengthens specific powerful communities and weakens marginalised populations, thereby increasing the existing socioeconomic gap. A decentralised and democratic approach, with active involvement of the society across generation, distribution, management, and finances of energy resources, can help ensure a fair representation of diverse populations. An energy democracy favours the best interests of the society by redefining citizens and consumers and energy commodities as public resources, thereby helping communities identify their requirements and exercise control accordingly. It will ensure equitable access to energy resources, through a ‘from’, ‘for’, and ‘by’ the public approach. Further, collaborations across societies and civic bodies will help a smoother transition to a community-driven renewable energy future. KEY TAKEAWAY: The energy democracy initiative can help redistribute political power for better management of renewable energy resources. Devising strategies that consider political, ecological, and socio-economic dynamics can help achieve decarbonisation in a targeted manner.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Political power and renewable energy futures: A critical review, Energy Research & Social Science, January 2018, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2017.10.018.
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