| dc.description.abstract | Transitioning away from fossil fuels towards more renewable forms of energy is essential for the world to become carbon-neutral. The intermittent nature and weather-dependent power output of these renewables is leading to more decentralized energy systems consisting of smaller generation, often placed near consumers. Historically, energy production and distribution has been centrally-owned by large fossil-fuel dominant energy companies. But, the shift to a more decentralized energy system is providing more opportunities for local actors such as citizens and local governments to own these energy services. This is sparking debates on who should own energy production and distribution. Simultaneously, in this transition it is important to consider what injustices may occur as some people may not benefit equally or may even be disadvantaged, highlighting the importance of a just transition. Although several authors have examined the connection between e.g. community owned energy and energy justice, it remains unclear what exactly ownership means for energy justice and for a just transition. Hence, this thesis researches what role ownership of energy production and distribution plays in ensuring a just transition, using the Netherlands as case study. First, different forms of ownership are determined, in the Netherlands consisting mainly of private, public, shared and community ownership. Second, the effect of these ownership forms on energy justice is examined, focusing on distributional, procedural and recognition justice. Third, future expectations of ownership and what this means for energy justice is described. Data was gathered via literature reviews and via interviews held with relevant stakeholders in the Dutch energy field. Results indicate that ownership plays a significant role in determining how just the energy transition is, as different ownership forms have different implications for energy justice and hence for the justice of the energy transition. However, in practice more ‘just’ ownership forms such as cooperatives and municipalities face several barriers hindering their development. Hence, we cannot rely solely on these ownership forms to reach climate targets. Yet, we should be aware of which ownership forms to support towards the future as this will have consequences for how just the energy transition will be. This thesis provides insights on social impacts of ownership structures in energy production and distribution, and it can help policy-makers make more informed and more just choices around ownership. Future research could focus on making ownership structures more inclusive and could broaden the research scope to other energy justice dimensions. | |
