Citation Summary
International Energy Agency (IEA), Spain 2021 Energy Policy Review (2021) The main areas defined in this report are the Recovering and Resilience Plan in Spain for the energy transition, sustainable mobility, renewable energies, electricity infrastructure, storage and flexibility, and green hydrogen.
International Energy Agency (IEA), France 2021 Energy Policy Review (2021) This Paper explores the government’s efforts to revisit the expected contributions of biomass, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and decarbonized gases, notably hydrogen, based on the latest technological progress when updating the SNBC. The PPE, the Programming, Plan on Jobs and Competences (PPEC), and the revised National Strategy for Energy, Research (SNRE) need to be aligned.
Powering Denmark’s Green Transition, Roadmap for a near carbon neutral energy sector to achieve Denmark’s 70% reduction target by 2030 (May 2020) This outline describes how the energy and utilities sector will crack the climate code in a partnership with policymakers and businesses. In Denmark, also it describes how the green transformation of other sectors to help Denmark reach its target.
International Energy Agency (IEA), Energy Policies of IEA Countries, Sweden 2019 Review This paper examines the full spectrum of energy issues in Sweden, including oil, gas, and coal supply and demand, renewable energy technologies, electricity markets, energy efficiency, access to energy, demand-side management, and much more.
Kees Mokveld & Steven von Eije, Final Energy Report Kenya (2018) This report explains that Kenya has promising potential for power generation from renewable energy sources. The paper also describes the government and regulatory framework and defining the steps Kenya took to transfer to renewable energy.
Seif Bayoumi & Nour A. Moharram, Introduction to Renewable Energy (Egypt’s Vision 2030 and Current Status) (March 2021) This paper discusses Egypt’s Vision 2030 sustainable development strategy and highlights the optimal domestic use of energy resources and the diversification of the energy supply mix to incorporate renewable energy for power generation.
Ayodeji Okunlola et al., Future Skills and Job Creation Through Renewable Energy in Vietnam (2019) This study analyses the employment impacts of various scenarios for expanding electricity generation in Vietnam’s power sector. This report presents the employment effects in the electricity sector and focuses on all power generation technologies outlined in the government’s official power sector plan. It also provides an initial assessment of the skill requirements, attainment levels, and technical training required for Vietnam’s current power sector plans and future low-carbon power sector ambitions.
Zhang Zhengming et al., Renewable Energy Development in China (2020) This report explains renewable energy sectors in China, renewable energy policies, and the potential and challenges that China faces in these sectors.

Case Studies of Energy Transitions Globally

Citation Summary
Lin, M.-X., Liou, H. M., & Chou, K. T., National Energy Transition Framework Toward SDG7 with Legal Reforms and Policy Bundles: The Case of Taiwan and its Comparison with Japan, Energies, 13(6), 1–20 (2020), https://doi.org/10.3390/en13061387. The issue discussed in this paper is how Taiwan and other countries use legal instruments or policy bundles to meet the challenges of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals regarding energy transition. First, the authors found the theory for energy justice is connected with the principles for energy management. Second, Taiwanese and Japanese governments can strengthen their environmental regulations to promote fair competition directly, when would then allow them to enhance their stable electricity supply. Lastly, the analysis structure used in this study could be used as a policy analysis tool for countries during their energy transition.
Setyowati, A. B., Mitigating Inequality with Emissions? Exploring Energy Justice and Financing Transitions to Low Carbon Energy in Indonesia, Energy Research & Social Science, 71, 101817 (2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101817. Indonesia has made a great effort to align themselves with Sustainable Development Goal 7. This article analyzes Indonesia’s efforts to mobilize private finance for renewable rural electrification to further its goal of energy justice. The findings of this study suggests that in order to have a broader energy justice vision, energy policies need to be designed and implemented in a holistic way to address energy justice and energy poverty.
Todd, I., & McCauley, D., An Inter-disciplinary Approach to the Energy Transition in South Africa, Discover Sustainability, 2(1) (2021), https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-021-00043-w. Todd et.al. use a case study of South Africa to show how the pace of energy transition can be influences by operation barriers, social barriers, and policy actions. The main focus of this study was on how to deliver energy justice to that society. The authors came to the conclusion that the fossil fuel industry in South Africa is hindering the country’s development of renewable resources and that price is being paid by people living in townships and rural areas.
Lin, M.-X., Liou, H. M., & Chou, K. T., National Energy Transition Framework Toward SDG7 with Legal Reforms and Policy Bundles: The Case of Taiwan and Its Comparison with Japan, Energies, 13(6), 1–20 (2020). The issue discussed in this paper is how Taiwan and other countries use legal instruments or policy bundles to meet the challenges of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals regarding energy transition. First, the authors find that the theory for energy justice is connected with the principles for energy management. Second, Taiwanese and Japanese governments can strengthen their environmental regulations to promote fair competition directly, when would then allow them to enhance their stable electricity supply. Lastly, the analysis structure used in this study could be used as a policy analysis tool for countries during their energy transition.
Lacey-Barnacle, M., Robison, R., & Foulds, C., Energy Justice in the Developing World: A Review of Theoretical Frameworks, Key Research Themes and Policy Implications, Energy for Sustainable Development, 55, 122–138 (2020). This paper serves as a review of the current state of ‘developing economy’ and ‘economy in transition’ literature in the energy justice field. The authors highlight the potential for energy-justice field to put attention on the poorest global regions and energy technologies like nuclear and CCS. Lacey-Barnacle, et.al. ultimately suggest four developments that might take place in the field: “(i) greater attention to spatial analyses of neglected regions; (ii) expanding the field to further include nonwestern philosophical traditions; (iii) more work on applying tenets, frameworks and principles specific to energy justice and (iv) systems approaches to developed-developing country relations, with an emphasis on how they relate to low-carbon transitions.”
Baker, E., Nock, D., Levin, T., Atarah, S. A., Afful-Dadzie, A., Dodoo-Arhin, D., Ndikumana, L., Shittu, E., Muchapondwa, E., & Sackey, C. V.-H., Who is Marginalized in Energy Justice? Amplifying Community Leader Perspectives of Energy Transitions in Ghana, Energy Research & Social Science, 73 (2021). Baker et.al. propose that energy access studies should consider using qualitative modeling instead of quantitative modeling. The authors apply a value-focused thinking framework to the energy transition happening in Ghana and use it to inform stakeholder engagement. Through focusing on the relationship between the dynamics of electricity end-use and the technology and economic structure of the system; the tradeoffs between electricity access, cost, and reliability; and the definition of new objectives, the authors conclude that a quantitative model of engagement provides an opportunity to tie rigorous qualitative analysis and stakeholder engagement together with crucial quantitative models.
Castán Broto, V., Baptista, I., Kirshner, J., Smith, S., & Neves Alves, S., Energy Justice and Sustainability Transitions in Mozambique, Applied Energy, 228, 645–655 (2018). This paper provides a postcolonial critique of the development of energy justice theory. One of the goals is to provide the perspective of a poorer country in the Global South on the current theorizations of energy justice which build upon universalist notions of justice within a western tradition of thought. The authors use Mozambique as a case study because it is a country that faces massive energy access challenges. The authors focus on three areas of the energy transition in Mozambique: (1) off-grid innovation, (2) transformations in the electricity network, (3) how household energy access is shaped by transitions in energy.
Gulagi, A., Bogdanov, D., & Breyer, C., The Role of Storage Technologies in Energy Transition Pathways Towards Achieving a Fully Sustainable Energy System for India, Journal of Energy Storage, 17, 525–539 (2018). In this paper, a simulation for India is run to determine a 100% renewable energy (RE) transition pathway based on an hourly resolved model until 2050. The authors find that a 100% renewable-based energy system is achievable in 2050 if the cost of electricity continues to fall. They also found that the demand for storage technologies will increase over time, dependent on batteries. The authors argue that during the monsoon period, having complementarity of storage technologies and the transmission grid will help to achieve an uninterrupted power supply.
Kirshner, J. D., Cotton, M. D., & Salite, D. L. J., Mozambique’s Fossil Fuel Drive is Entrenching Poverty and Conflict, The Conversation UK, University of York (2021). This paper focuses on the fossil fuel extraction economy in Mozambique and its socio-economic impacts on the country and its people. In Mozambique, the oil, gas, and coal extractions are driven by multinational corporations and conditions of energy poverty continue to plague rural and peri-urban communities across the country. The colonialism, exploitation, and state-sponsored violence that litter Mozambique’s past have locked the country into a political-economic model that requires ongoing external financial support which makes it difficult for the country to transition away from “dirty energy” provided by coal and gas. The author proposes that the government involve local communities in developing sustainable energy for the country and re-center Mozambique’s economy around its citizens and its energy projects geared towards the local communities they serve.
Li, H. X., Edwards, D. J., Hosseini, M. R., & Costin, G. P., A Review on Renewable Energy Transition in Australia: An Updated Depiction, Journal of Cleaner Production, 242, 118475 (2020). The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated state of renewable energy within Australia. This paper is a systematic review of current literature and includes a polynomial regression analysis on secondary data to predict trends in the electricity generated by different sources of renewable energy. The authors also identify several areas that require attention including time-varying feed-in tariffs, increasing utilization of subsidized geothermal energy installations, and using Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to facilitate the national transition to renewable energy adoption.
Lu, P., Zhou, L., Cheng, S., Zhu, X., Yuan, T., Chen, D., & Feng, Q., Main Challenges of Closed/Abandoned Coal Mine Resource Utilization in China, Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 42(22), 2822-2830 (2020). This paper discusses utilizing underground space and redeveloping energy resources after mine closure and points out the main challenges in the context of China launching its major coal mine closure plan. The authors make the following suggestions: the Chinese government needs to balance economic, social, and environmental interests within its plan; researchers and engineers need to guarantee the safety of underground spaces; a mature underground gasification development needs to be developed; the potential for groundwater contamination needs to be revealed; microbial community shifts in response to pollution during the restoration process should be considered.
Vanegas Cantarero, M. M., Of Renewable Energy, Energy Democracy, and Sustainable Development: A Roadmap to Accelerate the Energy Transition in Developing Countries, Energy Research & Social Science, 70, 101716 (2020). This paper reviews the status of the energy transition in the Global South, through a survey of literature and by synthesizing the wide scope of alternatives available to accelerate and enhance the transition to renewable energy systems: technology, society, and policy. The author concludes that the transition can be achieved by adopting and implementing technologies that are already commercially available. He argues this would improve the efficiency, affordability, and reliability of energy systems because it would redefine and reclaim citizens’ participation in energy planning and policymaking.
Krawchenko, T.A.; Gordon, M. Just Transitions for Oil and Gas Regions and the Role of Regional Development Policies. Energies 2022, 15, 4834. This paper focuses on the types of interventions that have been employed in regions that have faced industrial transitions alongside short case studies of transitions in three oil and gas regions in New Zealand, Scotland, and Denmark, and how transitions in oil and gas regions can be managed in a way that is fair for workers and communities.
Nachatter Singh Garha et al., Energy Transition Narratives in Spain: A Case Study of As Pontes (Sept. 7, 2022). This article focuses on the different stakeholders involved in the decarbonization process and maps them according to their power and interest in the energy transition process, and then highlights the prevalent energy transition narratives with their impact on the pace of the energy transition in Spain, focusing on the case of As Pontes.
Johansen, Katinka, Wind Energy in Denmark: A Short History (May 2021) This article explains how the wind energy plays an important role in the renewable energy sector in Denmark.
Ahmad A. Salah, Mohammad M. Shalby & Firas Basim Ismail (2023) The status and potential of renewable energy development in Jordan: exploring challenges and opportunities, Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 19:1, p.7, (Jun, 8, 2023)

DOI: 10.1080/15487733.2023.2212517 

This article shows Jordan’s strong growth in renewable energy in the past decade due to its natural resources and government support and the challenges remaining around regulations, grid stability, financing and how the government is addressing these challenges through policies like net metering and new infrastructure, highlighting the existing opportunities in developing concentrated solar and exporting excess clean energy. 

Supporting Fossil Fuel Workers & Communities

Citation Summary
Pollin, R., & Callaci, B., The Economics of Just Transition: A Framework for Supporting Fossil Fuel–Dependent Workers and Communities in the United States, Labor Studies Journal, 44(2), 93–138 (2019). The author proposes that a just, clean energy transition framework in the U.S. would cost around $600 million a year. Such a program would cover (1) income, retraining, and relocation support for displaced workers; (2) guaranteeing pensions for workers in negatively affected industries; and (3) mounting effective transition programs for what are now fossil fuel–dependent communities.
Muttitt, G., & Kartha, S., Equity, Climate Justice and Fossil Fuel Extraction: Principles for a Managed Phase Out, Climate Policy, 20(8), 1024–1042 (2020). Muttitt et.al. argue that a just transition has to respect the rights of extraction workers and pollution-affected communities. The authors propose five principles to implement as a basis for the equitable curbing of fossil fuel extraction within climate limits: (1) phase out global extraction at pace consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C; (2) enable a just transition for workers and communities; (3) curb extraction consistent with environmental justice; (4) reduce extraction fastest where doing so will have the least social costs; and (5) share transition costs fairly, according to ability to bear those costs.
Pai, S., Harrison, K., & Zerriffi, H., A Systematic Review of the Key Elements of a Just Transition for Fossil Fuel Workers, Ottawa, ON, Canada: Smart Prosperity Institute, WP 20-04 (2020). Pai et.al. apply the “JUST” framework to the current literature that focuses on a just transition for fossil fuel workers and their communities. The authors argue that the literature predominantly focuses on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and on coal workers. The literature also reflects 17 key strategies of the just transition and vary in the type of justice they further, spatial scales, and timeframe.
Piggot, G., Boyland, M., Down, A., & Torre, A. R., Realizing a Just and Equitable Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, Development, 2016, 202033 (2019). This paper examines how governments implement just transition policies how they ensure those polices achieve justice goals. The authors conclude that in order to create a just and equitable transition policy, governments must collect data on the current distribution of the harms and benefits of an energy system and evaluate how to change the distribution as the transition from fossil fuels begins.
Chattopadhyay, D., Bazilian, M. D., Handler, B., & Govindarajalu, C., Accelerating the Coal Transition, The Electricity Journal, 34(2) (2021). This paper provides provides a general framework for the key technical, policy, regulatory, and economic areas that need to be addressed when addressing how to economically and equitably decommission the established coal capacity.
Pai, S., Harrison, K., & Zerriffi, H., A Systematic Review of the Key Elements of a Just Transition for Fossil Fuel Workers, Ottawa, ON, Canada: Smart Prosperity Institute, WP 20-04 (2020). Pai et.al. review articles that focus on a just transition for fossil fuel workers and their communities in the context of climate change and analyzes the state of the literature and synthesize elements of just transition. The legal geography “JUST’ framework is then applied to these elements. The authors found that the literature predominantly focuses on OECD countries and on coal workers. The literature also reflects 17 kry strategies of just transition and vary in the type of justice they further, spatial scales, and timeframe. Further, no articles were found that focused solely on other major fossil fuel producing countries or oil & gas workers.
Segall, C., Just Transitions for Oil and Gas Communities, Virginia Environmental Law Journal, 39(2), 177-232 (2021). Segall draws attention to the disparity that will be faced by communities that are dependent on oil and gas as the country shifts to using more clean energy. He points to how oil and gas laws lack clear mechanisms for community transition while power sector law has some transition structures in place. Segall proposes that the government holds the responsibility of implementing just transitions and that in order to have a just transition, planning to mitigate community harm is necessary.
Staple, G. C., & Slavin, M. I., Repurposed Coal Plant Sites Empower and Revive Communities, Public Manager, 41(1), 43-47 (2012). Many coal-fired power plants that are being retired occupy strategic locations in cities and often on desirable waterfront land. Their positioning on such valuable land presents an opportunity for civic and private uses as they are oftentimes left abandoned after the buildings are retired. These initiatives can be financed by public financing options like RLF and EDA programs. Repurposing is also attractive because project developers can use energy efficiency tax incentives and the community can be involved in the revival of these important historic buildings.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Spain: Inventory of Estimated Budgetary Support and Tax Expenditures for Fossil-Fuels (2013). This article discuss the Spanish government’s financial assistance to hard-coal mining. The principal form of aid is transfer payments by the government to private coal companies to compensate them for the difference between their operating costs and the prices at which they sell their output to local power plants (which are negotiated directly).
Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico, Plan Nacional de Energía y Clima 2021-2030 (2021). This report explains what regions are subject to the closure of mines, coal-fired power plants, or nuclear power plants and the implementation of transition agreements with the objective that the closures do not affect employment and the population at the end of the process of transition.
New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund
Guide for Applicants for Project Funding
(2016).
This document provides information about the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund (CSRF). The CSRF has been set up to help regional councils (RCs)/unitary authorities (UAs) facilitate the investigation, remedial planning, and remediation of sites that risk human health and the environment.
Francisco Martín León, Plan Nacional Integrado de Energía y Clima (2020). This article explains to the regions subject to the closure of mines, coal-fired power plants, or nuclear power plants the implementation of transition agreements with the objective that the closures do not affect employment and the population at the end of the process.
European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Spain Guarantees a Just Transition for Miners (2018). This report presents the pact between the social partners and the Spanish government, providing €250 million to be invested in mining communities as the country’s coal mines shut down soon.
Pablo del Río, Coal Transition in Spain, IDDRI and Climate Strategies (2017). This paper study is to discuss the main features of the coal transition in Spain, the factors influencing this transition as well as the policies which both drove it and accompanied their detrimental socioeconomic effects on the workers and regions.
Protesting Bulgarian Energy Workers Refuse Meeting On Green Transition Plan Protests in Bulgaria persisted for a third consecutive day on October 1, as demonstrators blocked roads in three districts. Their protest centered on the government’s decision to close coal-burning power plants in alignment with a shift toward green energy sources. Despite an invitation from Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov for talks, union leader Dimitar Manolov revealed that Bulgarian miners and energy-sector workers rejected the offer, emphasizing their steadfast refusal. They demanded an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting with a sole agenda item: the withdrawal of submitted territorial just transition plans. Although these plans have been sent to the European Commission, the union seeks amendments to align with their demands.

Energy, Equity, Poverty, and Vulnerable Populations

Citation Summary
Jenkins, K. E., Energy Justice, Energy Democracy, and Sustainability: Normative Approaches to the Consumer Ownership of Renewables, Energy Transition, 79–97 (2019). Jenkins argues that consumer ownership models for renewable energies are a social justice issue. Consumer ownership schemes, especially Consumer Stock Ownership Plan, can help speed up the success of energy transitions by including low-income consumers by enabling participation and distribution at low-threshold levels and avoiding energy efficiency rebound effects. By using CSOPs, energy justice thinking can use them of not just for distributive justice but also for procedural and justice as recognition as well.
Lewis, J., Hernández, D., & Geronimus, A. T., Energy Efficiency as Energy Justice: Addressing Racial Inequities Through Investments in People and Places, Energy Efficiency, 13(3), 419–432 (2019). Because African Americans are more likely to live in older, energy inefficient homes, that have outdated appliances and faulty energy systems. These vulnerabilities lead to African Americans being disproportionately burdened with energy insecurity. The burden that African Americans carry often results in increased costs and decreased comfort that are closely linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Lewis et. al. argue that the US needs to invest in policies that provide energy efficiency, weatherization assistance, and energy bill assistance as a long-term and equitable solution.
Yip, A. O.-ni, Mah, D. N.-yin, & Barber, L. B., Revealing Hidden Energy Poverty in Hong Kong: M multi-dimensional Framework for Examining and Understanding Energy Poverty, Local Environment, 25(7), 473–491 (2020). Yip et. al. use a case study of Hong Kon to challenge the effectiveness of the traditional expenditure-based 10% income indicator to reflect energy poverty. The authors have three main findings. First, households in Hong Kong that are exposed to multiple vulnerability factors have adopted various responses to energy poverty challenges. Second, many households fall into “hidden” energy poverty when they use under-consumption of energy as a survival mechanism to cope with energy poverty. Finally, responses to energy poverty impacts health, learning environment, family relationships, an dignity.
Carley, S., & Konisky, D. M., The Justice and Equity Implications of the Clean Energy Transition, Nature Energy, 5(8), 569–577 (2020). Carley et.al. review the potential adverse consequences of transitioning to lower-carbon sources of energy on specific communities and socio-economic groups. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources can have a negative impact on communities whose economies are closely linked to coal and oil. Other communities at issue are those who are vulnerable to increases in electricity or other energy prices.
Dong, K., Jiang, Q., Shahbaz, M., & Zhao, J., Does Low-carbon Energy Transition Mitigate Energy Poverty? The Case of Natural Gas for China, Energy Economics, 99, 105324 (2021). This paper investigates the impact of natural gas consumption (NGC) on China’s energy poverty to investigate whether low-carbon energy transition can mitigate energy poverty. This study analyzed China’s 30 provinces covering the period of 2004–2017. The authors found increased NGC can effectively mitigate China’s energy poverty. Moreover, the impact of NGC on energy poverty is mainly sourced from four indicators: energy service availability, energy consumption cleanliness, energy management completeness, and household energy affordability & energy efficiency. The authors also propose several policy implications for eliminating China’s energy poverty and promoting growth in the country’s low-carbon energy industry.
Keady, W., Panikkar, B., Nelson, I. L., & Zia, A., Energy Justice Gaps in Renewable Energy Transition Policy Initiatives in Vermont, Energy Policy, 159 (2021). This study examines renewable energy policies in Vermont and how they address energy vulnerability and energy justice. The authors found low-income and renter respondents were over three times more likely, and non-white respondents were seven times more likely, to report going without heat. They conclude that Vermont’s current policies do not equitably distribute household transition benefits in a way that addresses the vulnerability. Further their results reveal that non-white respondents were seven times less likely than white respondents to report having solar panels and renters were three times less likely than homeowners to report having solar panels. The authors argue that these disparities may result from structural discrimination and policies which prevents widespread access to energy equity for non-white, low-income, and renting households. They propose alternative policy frameworks that center justice within energy transition policymaking in order to address the large disparity.
Lieu, J., Sorman, A. H., Johnson, O. W., Virla, L. D., & Resurrección, B. P., Three Sides to Every Story: Gender Perspectives in Energy Transition Pathways in Canada, Kenya and Spain, Energy Research & Social Science, 68 (2020). Energy transitions are generally gendered in an implicit way that has largely remained unexplored. This paper explores energy pathways in the context of gender studies. The authors explore different gender perspectives of energy transition pathways by applying an Alternative Pathways framework. That framework is then applied to Canada, Kenya, and Spain. From that application, the authors found mainstream pathways that represented the dominant male perspective largely excluded the woman’s perspective. The absence of the non-dominant perspective generates energy pathways that are disconnected from local realities, lack public buy-in, and slow down a sustainable energy transition.
Siciliano, G., Wallbott, L., Urban, F., Dang, A. N., & Lederer, M. (2021), Low‐Carbon Energy, Sustainable Development, and Justice: Towards a Just Energy Transition for the Society and the Environment, Sustainable Development, 29(6), 1049–1061 (2021). There are two main findings in this paper. First, local people who are affected by renewable energy projects place more importance on the conservation of nature and human-environment interactions. On the other hand, institutions are more concerned with opportunities to mitigate climate change, like lessoning GHG emissions. Second, local communities and institutional actors prioritize socio-economic issues differently. Institutions prioritize energy security and economic growth while local people are more concerned with making sure human rights are preserved during and after the implementation of infrastructure projects.
Snyder, B. F., Vulnerability to Decarbonization in Hydrocarbon-intensive Counties in the United States: A Just Transition to Avoid Post-industrial Decay, Energy Research & Social Science, 42, 34–43 (2018). This paper provides estimates of the potential socioeconomic vulnerability that can be associated with decarbonization among US counties. Based on the handful of US counties that are highly vulnerable to decarbonization, the author argues that policymakers should mitigate the socioeconomic impacts by taking a spatially targeted approach. He asserts that this targeted approach will aid the US in implementing a just transition to a low carbon economy.
Streimikiene, D., Kyriakopoulos, G. L., Lekavicius, V., & Siksnelyte-Butkiene, I., Energy Poverty and Low Carbon Just Energy Transition: Comparative Study in Lithuania and Greece, Social Indicators Research, 158(1), 319–371 (2021). The goal of this paper is to develop indicators for a framework that asses low carbon just energy transition. This paper also applies the framework to an analysis of how climate change mitigation policies are affecting households’ energy poverty and vulnerability in Lithuania and Greece. The authors’ framework allows for the assessment of three main dimensions of sustainable energy development: environmental, social, and economic. The paper concludes with policy recommendations on how to deal with just low carbon energy transition based on performed case studies.
The Asian Development Bank, Preparing and Implementing Gender-Inclusive Projects in Central and West Asia (Apr 2020) This report discusses providing and increasing the percentage of Pakistan’s women working in the Building Capacities of Women in Renewable Energy projects.
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Bridging the Gap, Increasing the Representation of Women in the Electricity Sector (2014) This research shed light on the challenges and successes associated with the attraction, recruitment, and retention of women in Canada’s electricity and renewable energy sector.
Maryam Raafat, New Program Pushes Role for Egyptian Women in Sustainable Energy (2019) This report talks about new programs that push the role of Egyptian women in sustainable energy. In addition, it explains how the international bank is working to increase Egyptian women’s presence in the green energy field.
Istanbul International Centre for Energy and Climate (IICEC), Women Leaders in Clean Energy, Science and Technology (2019) This article talks about a conference, which discusses the role of Women in Clean Energy, Science, and Technology in Turkey.
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Subsidies to Coal Production in China (2015) This report presents one of the first detailed estimates of subsidies to coal production in China: CNY 35.7 billion (USD 5.8 billion) in 2013 and describes the identified subsidies to coal producers. This report aims to increase understanding of these subsidies and promote transparency over the policy measures shaping the policy landscape in China.
SABIN CENTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE LAW · U.S. LITIGATION CHART MADE IN COLLABORATION WITH ARNOLD & PORTER KAYE SCHOLER LLP, Greenpeace v. Spain I (last visited Aug. 28, 2023) In September 2020, Greenpeace Spain, Oxfam Intermón, and Ecologistas en Acción filed a lawsuit against the Spanish Government, alleging that it had failed to take adequate action on climate change, violating European regulations. They claimed that Spain’s climate plans were insufficient, not aligning with the Paris Agreement and IPCC recommendations. The Supreme Court initially accepted the case and requested government documents. However, after the government’s submission, the plaintiffs sought more comprehensive records, but this request was denied. Subsequently, an appeal was filed.
On June 20, 2023, the Supreme Court issued its final verdict in favor of the Spanish Government, rejecting the claims made by environmental and human rights organizations. The court ruled that Spain’s National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (PNIEC) met the necessary criteria, despite the plaintiffs’ argument that it lacked ambition to achieve the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals. The PNIEC is a vital policy instrument in Spain that outlines goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing renewable energy, and enhancing energy efficiency from 2021 to 2030.
Streimikiene, D., Kyriakopoulos, G., Lekavicius, V. et al. Energy Poverty and Low Carbon Just Energy Transition: Comparative Study in Lithuania and Greece. Soc Indic Res 158, 319–371 (2021), available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-021-02685-9  The paper’s primary objective is to establish an indicator framework for evaluating a low carbon energy transition by assessing three key dimensions: environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable energy development. The study analyzes the impact of climate change mitigation policies in households by focusing on the effects of energy poverty and vulnerability in Lithuania and Greece. The paper also offers policy recommendations for achieving a low carbon energy transition, emphasizing the importance of addressing energy poverty concerns while transitioning to 100% renewable power generation.

The Fossil Fuel Industry and the Energy Transition

Citation Summary
Hess, D. J., McKane, R. G., & Pietzryk, C., End of the Line: Environmental Justice, Energy Justice, and Opposition to Power Lines, Environmental Politics, 1–21 (2021). Hess et.al. look to analyze energy infrastructure opposition from a justice perspective. The authors use 70 cases of opposition to socioenvironmental effects of proposed electricity power lines in North America as their data set. Their goal is to show how the different types of justice can help to guide the interpretation of frames in energy opposition mobilizations. The main finding is that while local organizations and movements lead to change, government partners play a big role in effecting change.
Le Billon, P., & Kristoffersen, B., Just Cuts for Fossil Fuels? Supply-side Carbon Constraints and Energy Transition, Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 52(6), 1072–1092 (2020). Le Billon et.al. provide a survey of emerging interventions targeting the supply of, rather than the demand for, fossil fuels. The authors give four theories of justice to help prioritize cures among fossil fuel producers. They also examine seven supply constraints instruments to determine possible pathways to supply cuts in the coal, oil and gas sectors. In conclusion, the authors find that supply cuts can offer purposeful spaces of interventions to work towards a just transition away from fossil fuels.
Le Billon, P., Lujala, P., Singh, D., Culbert, V., & Kristoffersen, B., Fossil Fuels, Climate Change, and the COVID-19 Crisis: Pathways for a Just and Green Post-pandemic Recovery, Climate Policy, 21(10), 1347–1356 (2021). In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that fossil fuel producers are likely to adopt a ‘dirty’ path of recovery rather than a ‘green’ one. In order to promote just transition policies cooperative international efforts between fossil fuel consumers and producers are needed. Le Billon et.al. suggest that if fossil fuel production companies used their stimulus packages to invest in ‘green’ investments it could help accelerate the energy transition.
Cha, J. M., A Just Transition for Whom? Politics, Contestation, and Social Identity in the Disruption of Coal in the Powder River Basin, Energy Research & Social Science, 69 (2020). Cha uses the case study of the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to analyze how unexpected shutdowns of coal mines can change a community’s perception towards the energy transition. This paper concludes that the best way to prevent severe economic distress is through a government-led managed decline with just transition policies.
Cui, C. Q., Wang, B., Zhao, Y. X., & Xue, L. M., Waste Mine to Emerging Wealth: Innovative Solutions for Abandoned Underground Coal Mine Reutilization on a Waste Management Level, Journal of Cleaner Production, 252 (2020). Based on a literature review and data sources, this paper classifies reuse modes into 6 types with various sub-groups and categories, including mine conditions, natural and geological conditions, and supplementary conditions. The authors propose a deduction method named “condition-mode” to help properly select the preliminary reutilization patterns of abandoned mines. The authors conclude the paper by using the Beijing west mining area as a case study to determine the applicability and feasibility of the proposed method. They found the condition-mode method can be employed to select some potential reuse patterns for abandoned underground coal mines.
Gürsan, C., & de Gooyert, V., The Systemic Impact of a Transition Fuel: Does Natural Gas Help or Hinder the Energy Transition?, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 138, 110552 (2021). This paper analyzes the current literature on the role natural gas can play in reducing carbon emissions and bridging coal and renewable technologies. The authors find that natural gas has a delayed and global negative effect that can outweigh the positive immediate effects. This review helps inform the policymaking process by suggesting policy actions that can be taken to avoid the negative long-term consequences of relying on natural gas.
Huang, Z., Smolenova, I., Chattopadhyay, D., Govindarajalu, C., De Wit, J., Remy, T., & Curiel, I. D., ACT on RE+FLEX: Accelerating Coal Transition Through Repurposing Coal Plants into Renewable and Flexibility Centers, IEEE Access, 9, 84811-84827 (2021). In order to demonstrate that the competitiveness of coal varies significantly across different geographies the authors use detailed power plant level operational cost data from ten developing countries that have a significant share of coal and compare that data with the levelized cost of renewables. The authors use a case study of Morocco to prove that a least-cost planning methodology that can identify coal plants that can be repurposed and perform a cost-benefit analysis of the individual projects is needed for a nation to develop a comprehensive repurposing program.
Selma Erat, et al., Turkey’s Energy Transition from Fossil‑based to Renewable up to 2030 Milestones, Challenges and Opportunities (2020). This report focuses on Turkey’s energy profile, including primary energy mix, electricity installed capacity, consumption and projections, energy policy, and targets. Additinally, it discusses the opportunities and challenges for an energy transition from fossil-based to renewable energy.
Annika Hedberg, Germany’s Energy Transition: Making It Deliver (2017). This paper takes a thorough look at Germany’s energy transition, its successes, failures and implications for the rest of the EU. It demonstrates the advantages and disadvantages of being a first mover. Establishing a new approach to address climate and energy challenges provides an opportunity to take the lead and set standards for others as well.
Karsten Capion et al., Renewable Energy Outlook 2019 (2019). This paper explains how green electricity will be the most important factor in the phase-out of fossil fuels in the energy system in north Europe, specifically in Denmark.
Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, Aligning UK International Support for the Clean Energy Transition (2021). This document sets out the new policy on UK government support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas, effective from 31 March 2021.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Italy’s Effort to Phase Out and Rationalise Its Fossil-Fuel Subsidies (2019). The report provides a detailed analysis of Italy’s measures to address inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.

Improving Procedures for Decision-making in Energy

Citation Summary
Stojilovska, A., Energy Poverty and the Role of Institutions: Exploring Procedural Energy Justice – Ombudsman in Focus, Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 1–13 (2021). Stojilovska explores the role of institutions in creating and executing policies regarding energy poverty as a case of procedural energy injustice in a European context. She specifically focuses on Ombudsman entities in two different contexts, North Macedonia with high and Austria with low energy poverty levels. One of her main findings is that energy monopolies and a weak social welfare system are hidden institutional energy poverty drivers. The author also concludes that when applied to energy poverty, procedural energy justice demands that institutions be just and that policies should be structured to lead a socially just energy transformation.
Welton, S., & Eisen, J., Clean Energy Justice: Charting an Emerging Agenda, Harv. Envtl. L. Rev., 43, 307 (2019). This paper focuses on the agenda of clean energy justice. The agenda is described by Welton et.al. as the questions surrounding potential inequalities that are being asked during the transition to clean energy. The authors identify four factors that will be crucial in ensuring that the implementation of clean energy does not widen the inequalities of wealth and power that already exist: (1) how will the transition be funded; (2) who will benefit from the upsides of the new clean energy economy; (3) who gets to participate in decisions about the shape of the new clean energy economy; and (4) how and where new clean energy infrastructure is sited. The paper concludes that transitioning to clean energy has a risk of exacerbating inequality.
Child, M., Koskinen, O., Linnanen, L., & Breyer, C., Sustainability Guardrails for Energy Scenarios of the Global Energy Transition, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 91, 321–334 (2018). This paper discusses the shortcomings of current environmental planetary boundaries as the authors argue it has largely been focused on CO2 emissions and not on other implications of transitioning like stress on biochemical flows or biodiversity. In the social and economic realm ethical decision-making has not been incorporated into energy modeling frameworks. The authors argue the current global energy transition scenarios are inadequate because they fail to understand the importance of flexibility in future renewable energy systems and fail to consider the resilience of socio-ecological systems.
DLA Piper Norway; Renewable energy Generation in Norway (2016) This article explains the renewable energy generation in Norway and provides a brief introduction to the main legislation relevant for hydro power and onshore wind generation in Norway.
National Strategy for Climate and Energy, The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan (2009) This whitepaper sets out the UK’s transition plan for becoming a low carbon country: cutting emissions, maintaining secure energy supplies, maximizing economic opportunities, and protecting the most vulnerable.

Renewable Energy and Energy Transitions

Citation Summary
Bogdanov, D., Ram, M., Aghahosseini, A., Gulagi, A., Oyewo, A. S., Child, M., Caldera, U., Sadovskaia, K., Farfan, J., De Souza Noel Simas Barbosa, L., Fasihi, M., Khalili, S., Traber, T., & Breyer, C., Low-cost Renewable Electricity as the Key Driver of the Global Energy Transition Towards Sustainability, Energy, 227, 120467 (2021). This paper focuses on the technical feasibility and economic viability of moving to 100% renewable energy systems. Specifically, regarding power, heat, transportation, and desalination sectors. The authors analyze 145 regional energy systems broken down into nine major world regions and present a multi-regional, multi-section, cost-optimal, and technology-rich pathway to global energy transition. The study found 50% energy savings, universal access to freshwater, and low-cost energy supply are substantial benefits. They also propose an energy transition pathway that leads from the current fossil-based system to an affordable, efficient, sustainable, and secure energy future for the world.
Mueller, J. T., & Brooks, M. M., Burdened by Renewable Energy? A Multi-scalar Analysis of Distributional Justice and Wind Energy in the United States, Energy Research & Social Science, 63 (2020). Using data from the American Community Survey, the U.S. Wind Turbine Database, and the National Renewable Energy Lab, Muller and Brooke argue that while the wind energy infrastructure has less extreme negative impacts than other unwanted land uses, being unwanted by the local community will create a similar distributional injustice as found in environmental injustice literature. The authors found evidence of injustice mostly for younger, less educated populations who tend to have lower labor force participation and are more rural.
Kalair, A., Abas, N., Saleem, M. S., Kalair, A. R., & Khan, N., Role of Energy Storage Systems in Energy Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewables, Energy Storage, 3(1) (2020). This paper focuses on the role that heat and electricity storage systems play in the rapid rise of renewable energy resources and the steady fall of fossil fuels. The authors discuss the transition of the world’s energy source shifting from fossil fuels to renewables and new advances in energy storage systems. The authors conclude that if carbon capture and storage technologies develop over time then fossil fuels will continue as long as economically available. They argue that switching toward renewable by relying less on fossil fuels is the future of the energy sector. Further, they advocate for the development of energy storage and transportation technologies in order to create an efficient energy supply.
Ram, M., Aghahosseini, A., & Breyer, C., Job Creation During the Global Energy Transition Towards 100% Renewable Power System by 2050, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 151, 119682 (2020). This paper focuses on how an accelerated acceptance of moving towards 100% renewable electricity by 2050, in accordance with the Paris Agreement, impacts employment. The authors present an analytical job creation assessment, estimated on a regional basis, for the global power sector from 2015-2050. The authors project that global direct jobs associated with the electricity sector will increase from about 21 million in 2015 to nearly 35 million in 2050. Their findings indicate that a global energy transition will have an overall positive impact on the future stability and growth of economies around the world.
Vangchuay, S., & Niklaus, A., Employment Gender Gap in the Renewable Energy Sector, Transitioning to Decent Work and Economic Growth (2021). In the context of the SDG 8, this paper sets out to examine the view that the renewable energy sector is progressive and conducive to a more democratic and inclusive society and to assess opportunities for gender inclusion and equality in the renewable energy workforce. The authors found that the socio-economic progress that has been made through the renewable energy movement does not result in greater gender diversity in its workforce. The authors argue that inclusive growth in the renewable energy transition is possible when women are empowered to participate fully, effectively, and competitively in their careers.
Wittmayer, J. M., Avelino, F., Pel, B., & Campos, I., Contributing to Sustainable and Just Energy Systems? The Mainstreaming of Renewable Energy Prosumerism Within and Across Institutional Logics, Energy Policy, 149 (2021). This paper unpacks the mainstreaming of renewable energy prosumerism by considering the range of institutional arrangements and logics through which these contributions might be secured. It analyses the intersection of institutional logics and associated actor roles and power relations. First, the authors discuss the state, market, and community logic of how mainstreaming occurs. Second, they highlight the hybridization of institutional logics and actor roles. The authors advocate for dropping the simplistic framings of ‘prosumerism vs incumbents’ in favor of discussing hybrid institutional arrangements.
Diaz-Rainey, I., & Sise, G., Green energy finance in Australia and New Zealand. Asian Development Bank Institute. May 2018. This article discusses the topic of financing for green energy projects in Australia and New Zealand. It provides an overview of the current state of green energy finance in these countries, including the types of financing available, the challenges green energy projects face in accessing financing, and any government policies or initiatives designed to support green energy development.
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: New Zealand 2017, International Energy Agency (IEA), 2017. The report provides an overview of New Zealand’s energy policy and progress towards its climate and energy goals, highlighting the country’s reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through increased use of renewable energy. However, the report notes the continued reliance on fossil fuels, particularly for transportation, and suggests a need for more investment in clean energy and improved regulatory frameworks. The report also stresses the importance of stakeholder engagement for a just and equitable transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Badr Eddine Lebrouhi et al, Energy Transition in France (May 11, 2022) This Paper presents the main strategies and projects developed in France as well as various recommendations to accompany and support its energy transition policy.
International Energy Agency (IEA), Turkey 2021, Energy Policy Review This paper explores how Turkey is transitioning to renewable energy, analyzing its strategies and policies.
Álvarez Pelegry, et al, The German Energy Transition (Energiewende) Policy, Energy Transformation and Industrial Development (2016) This paper aims to analyze the energy situation in Germany and examine Energiewende targets from various perspectives ranging from political and regulatory issues to questions of energy structure and competitiveness. The relationship between energy and industry is also considered.
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy Public Relations Division, 11019 Berlin (Feb 2021) The 8th Monitoring Report documents provides new facts and figures about the energy transition. For this purpose, the enormous amount of energy-related statistical information available is condensed and processed to provide a number of selected parameters (indicators).
EUREF-Campus 16, 10829 Berlin, Germany, Key Facts about the Energy Transition in Germany (2022) This paper discusses the key facts about the Energy Transition in Germany.
International Energy Agency, Norway 2022, Energy Policy Review (2022) This paper explores how Norway is transitioning to renewable energy, analyzing its strategies, energy policies, and plan.
DNV, Energy Transition Norway 2021, A National Forecast to 2050 (2021) This paper explains the energy transition in Norway, and its plan to reduce GHG emissions, and how renewable electricity is the key to reducing emissions of transportation, industry, and oil & gas.
Womble Bond Dickinson, The UK and the Energy Transition (May 2022) This report explains the main opportunities and challenges facing the UK when it comes to major low carbon technologies, such as solar photovoltaic (PV), onshore and offshore wind, and hydrogen.
Michel Cruciani, The Energy Transition in Sweden (2016) This paper analyzes the Swedish energy system and identifies what distinguishes it from existing models in other European countries. It also discusses the main features that have characterized Sweden’s energy transition: energy efficiency, renewable energy, emissions of greenhouse gases.
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Sweden’s Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (January 2020) This paper explains the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan and elaborates on Sweden’s existing energy and climate goals, policies and measures, and associated scenarios. It focuses on the Climate Policy Framework, energy policy, and the Energy Policy Framework Agreement targets.
Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico [Ministry of Economic Development], Italy’s National Energy Strategy (2017). The National Energy Strategy is the ten-year plan that the Italian Government drew up to anticipate and manage the change of the national energy system. This document looks beyond 2030 and lays the groundwork for building an advanced and innovative energy model.
Francesco Meneguzzo et al., Italy 100% Renewable: A Suitable Energy Transition Roadmap (2019). This article discusses a suitable energy transition roadmap for Italy, which emphasizes low-cost renewable energy technologies like solar photovoltaic, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Sgouris Sgouridis et al., A Sustainable Energy Transition Strategy for the United Arab Emirates: Evaluation of Options Using an Integrated Energy Model (2013). This article discusses the renewable energy transition in the Emirates. It also focuses on the Emirates Integrated Energy Model (EIEM). This bottom-up energy-financial model was designed to study the impact of SET options on carbon dioxide emissions and the costs of the energy system in the UAE. In addition, this article analyzes energy demand and renewable resource availability to establish the economics of different energy transition paths.
International Renewable Energy Agency, Renewable Energy Outlook: Egypt (2018). This paper explores how Egypt should transition to renewable energy, its strategies, energy policies, and Egypt’s vision plan through 2030. In addition, this paper provides vital information to stakeholders in renewable energy, including both governmental and private-sector entities. This report demonstrates the ability of Egypt to maintain economic growth, sustainability, and energy security. It shows how to ensure private-sector engagement, defines the main policy, institutional, market, and skills challenges, and offers recommended actions to overcome those challenges.
Samantha Campbell et al., Renewable Energy in Vietnam (2018). This memorandum explains the power sector in Vietnam. It provides an overview Vietnam’s renewable energy sector and current legal framework, including details of investment initiatives in the renewable energy sectors.
Nguyen Linh Dan, The National Bureau of Asian Research, Vietnam’s Renewable Energy Policies and Opportunities for the Private Sector (2022) This essay provides an assessment of the factors shaping Vietnam’s renewable energy sector and the opportunities for private-sector engagement. It first details domestic policies and strategies set by the government that are driving growth in the country’s renewable energy sector. It then considers the impact of international factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on this growth. Finally, the essay concludes by considering options for increased cooperation.
Comité Científico de Cambio Climático [Climate Change Scientific Committee], The Chilean Potential for Exporting Renewable Energy (2021). This document explains renewable energy sources in Chile and renewable energy export potential.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Renewable Energy Policy Brief: Chile (2015) This brief is part of an IRENA series providing a comprehensive summary of renewable energy policies in Chile.
Raza Usman, Renewable Energy Resources of Pakistan (2015). This paper explains the renewable energy sectors, and how Pakistan can overcome the current energy crisis and warrants energy security.
Mason, Katherine A., “The Grid that Binds: The Renewable Energy Transition in Germany, France, and Italy” (May.19,2023)(M.S.Thesis,The University of San Francisco). In the wake of the Russia/ Ukraine war and the challenges it created (mainly energy security and forcing the acceleration of the efforts of energy transition), this thesis is an analysis of how Germany, France, and Italy responded to the energy crisis and the role of the EU as a support structure for trans-European projects and partnerships as well as giving freedom to its members in developing their own strategies to respond to the crisis.
Andreas Rüdinger, Exiting the Energy Crisis: Lessons Learned from the Energy Price Cap Policy in France, Intereconomics Volume 58, 2023 ,Number 1,p.5–9 This article looks into France’s implementation of a strict “energy tariff shield” in October 2021 and its effectiveness ( pros and cons). In addition, it shows the evaluation of the country’s response to the energy crisis on an economic, social, and environmental dimensions while offering recommendations on how to balance these three aspects in the context of the energy crisis
Katsaprakakis, D.A.; Proka,A.; Zafirakis, D.; Damasiotis, M.;Kotsampopoulos, P.; Hatziargyriou,N.; Dakanali, E.; Arnaoutakis, G.; Xevgenos, D, “Greek Islands’ Energy Transition: From Lighthouse Projects to the Emergence of Energy Communities”. Energies 2022, 15, 5996, August 2022. available at https://doi.org/10.3390/en15165996 The study explores local energy initiatives, in Greek islands, e.g Kythnos, Ikaria, Sifnos, Tilos, Agios Efstratios, Crete, and Chalki, emphasizing the model of energy communities. By learning from these successful projects and the emerging energy community movement, there’s potential for substantial social and economic benefits, widespread public acceptance, and minimal environmental impact on the islands’ natural ecosystems.
António Carvalho, Mariana Riquito, Vera Ferreira,”Sociotechnical imaginaries of energy transition: The case of the Portuguese Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050”,Energy Reports,Volume 8,2022, pages 2413-2423, ISSN 2352-4847, available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.01.138  In this article, through interviews with various stakeholder groups, the study identifies four distinct visions of energy transition in Portugal: Modernization and Techno-Economic Development, Green Economy, Energy Citizenship, and Just Transition. The study emphasizes the specific context of stakeholders, viewing the RNC2050 as a facilitating tool for discussions and noting issues of inclusion, power dynamics, and the evolution of these visions over time. While the study centers on Portugal, its insights have broader relevance for energy transition research and policy-making. 
Benjamin Schuetze, Hussam Hussein,The geopolitical economy of an undermined energy transition: The case of Jordan, Energy Policy,Volume 180, 2023,113655, ISSN 0301-4215, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2023.113655. The case of Jordan illustrates how domestic and regional political actors can undermine efforts at energy transition to reinforce fossil fuel dominance for short-term energy security.

Jordan has made efforts to transition to renewable energy, motivated by concerns over energy security rather than sustainability. This included projects like solar and wind farms. However, technical issues and renewed dependence on fossil fuel imports have undermined the transition. This risks deepening existing dependencies rather than transitioning to sustainable domestic energy production. 

U.S. Federal, State, and Local Approaches to the Energy Transition

Citation Summary
Lenhart, S., Chan, G., Forsberg, L., Grimley, M., & Wilson, E., Municipal Utilities and Electric Cooperatives in the United States: Interpretive Frames, Strategic Actions, and Place-specific Transitions, Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 36, 17–33 (2020). Lenhart et.al. explore why integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) varies across consumer-owned electric utilities. The authors highlight the potential and limits of local energy transformation in the US. Local communities are not actively pursuing the full range of DERs, suggesting that local ownership of technology is not enough to motivate change in some contexts. This paper also discusses how critical munis and co-ops are and how they require different pathways for transformation.
Buzbee, W. W., Federalism Hedging, Entrenchment, and the Climate Challenge, Wisconsin Law Review, 2017(6), 1037-1114 (2017). This paper introduces the concept of federalism hedging, specifically the retention of concurrent federal and state authority. The author illuminates federalism hedging dynamics through a theoretical and historical case study of climate regulation and federalism choice. He argues that where effective regulation is dependent on innovations those regulatory design choices should not be based on optimistic assumptions of steady progress and easy implementation. Regulation that retains room for both federal and state involvement can catalyze commitment and corrective efforts while still fostering beneficial regulatory and market entrenchment. The author argues this type of regulation would result in stability of energy regulation.
Klass, A. B., Energy Transitions in the Trump Administration and Beyond, Environmental Law, 51(1), 241-266 (2021). Klass examines energy transitions in the US that occurred while Donald Trump was in office (2016-2020). She finds that while under President Trump, the pace of US’s transition to clean energy was slowed. However, there was still progress made towards the transition and the Biden administration has an opportunity to accelerate the transition.
Piggot, G., Boyland, M., Down, A., & Torre, A. R., Realizing a Just and Equitable Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, Development, 2016, 202033 (2019). As governments move away from fossil fuels, they are introducing just transition policies to help communities and workers during the transition. This paper examines how policies are implemented and how to ensure those polices achieve justice goals. Gambhir et.al. conclude that in order to create a just and equitable transition policy, governments must collect data on the current distribution of the harms and benefits of an energy system and evaluate how to change the distribution as the transition from fossil fuels begins.
Pollin, R., & Callaci, B., The Economics of Just Transition: A Framework for Supporting Fossil Fuel–Dependent Workers and Communities in the United States, Labor Studies Journal, 44(2), 93–138 (2019). The authors developed a just transition framework to be implemented in the US as it transitions to clean energy. They conclude that the program would cost around $600 million a year and would cover (1) income, retraining, and relocation support for displaced workers; (2) guaranteeing the pensions for workers in the affected industries; and (3) mounting effective transition programs for what are now fossil fuel–dependent communities.