Watt Sense of Community? A Human Geography Agenda on Energy Communities published in SAGE Journals! 

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We’re excited to announce that the article, “Watt Sense of Community? A Human Geography Agenda on Energy Communities,” has been published in SAGE Journals!

This collaborative work led by Siddharth Sareen from project partner University of Stavanger and Fridtjof Nansen Institute, alongside a team of dedicated experts, is informed by research conducted in the ENERGY4ALL project, and investigates the potential of energy communities (ECs) to facilitate fair transitions to low-carbon systems through decentralised energy production and consumption.

As the urgency to combat climate change grows, the falling costs of renewable energy and storage technologies make it crucial to adopt new models of energy engagement. ECs represent decentralized, small-scale energy cooperatives that encourage local participation and empower communities to take control of their energy futures.
In the article, researchers outline a research agenda focused on three critical areas:
  1. Pluralising Energy Communities: We emphasize the need to broaden the understanding of what ECs are, acknowledging the diverse motivations that inspire participation.
  2. Advancing Just Transitions: We explore how ECs can facilitate fair and equitable transitions within energy systems, contributing to sustainable practices at the local level.
  3. Contextualising Technological Innovations: We highlight the importance of situating technological advancements within specific social and geographical contexts to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.
This work aims to integrate human geography into the study of energy communities, unlocking their potential for meaningful change in our energy systems.

As we delve into these topics, we recognise that community involvement and an understanding of energy geographies are essential for tackling the climate crisis effectively. By positioning energy communities within broader social contexts, we can identify innovative solutions that prioritise sustainability and social justice.

Explore the insights from the open-access article here and discover how energy communities can create lasting impacts in the fight for a sustainable future!

See the other article

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