In Europe, the shift towards renewable energy is not only crucial for the environment but also has significant social implications. The European Environmental Bureau has written a piece titled “The social dimension of the energy transition” to highlight the importance of ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy is just and inclusive.
The authors, Maya Perera and Alberto Vela, emphasize that while the economic benefits of renewable energy are clear, it is equally essential to consider the social implications. They point out that the energy transition can have significant impacts on low-income households, who may struggle to adapt to new technologies, and fossil industry workers, whose livelihoods are at risk.
The authors highlight various initiatives across Europe that demonstrate effective strategies for promoting social cohesion and sustainable development, such as energy cooperatives in Belgium and Spain, which help low-income households access affordable renewable energy. They also highlight the importance of proactive policies, such as the Just Transition Fund and Social Climate Fund, to support communities affected by the energy transition.
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for governments, NGOs, and businesses to work together to ensure that the energy transition is inclusive and equitable. This requires bold social policies, effective communication, and investment in renewable energy infrastructure, as well as efforts to reduce the social and economic impacts of carbon pricing. By doing so, the energy transition can be a driver of economic development, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
The article concludes by citing several successful initiatives, such as:
1. In Flanders, a cooperative company is working to install over 400,000 solar panels for low-income households, offering tariffs lower than social and commercial rates.
2. In Brussels, a collaboration between the administration and cooperatives has brought solar power to social housing, using deliberative processes in buildings with multiple tenants.
3. In Valencia, Spain, a program to install solar panels in public schools is saving €6.9 million in public energy spending, with surplus energy benefiting up to 7,000 vulnerable households.
4. In Austria, the region of Burgenland made an early commitment to wind energy, establishing six technology centers focused on renewable energy training and creating 1,700 jobs.
5. In Spain’s Aragon region, a former mining town is being transformed into a renewable powerhouse, with a plan to create long-term jobs in renewables-related industries and community energy projects benefiting 3,800 people.