How can you make renewable energy policies fair and inclusive?

1 The problem of energy poverty

Energy poverty is the lack of access to modern energy services, such as electricity, heating, cooling, and cooking. According to the International Energy Agency, about 789 million people worldwide still live without electricity, and 2.6 billion people rely on traditional biomass for cooking. Energy poverty affects health, education, livelihoods, and gender equality. Renewable energy can offer a sustainable and cost-effective way to provide energy services to the poor, especially in remote and rural areas. However, renewable energy policies need to address the barriers and needs of the energy poor, such as lack of infrastructure, financing, awareness, and participation.

2 The importance of energy justice

Energy justice is the ethical and political framework that guides the distribution of benefits and burdens of energy systems. It aims to ensure that everyone has a fair share of the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy transition. Energy justice has three dimensions: distributional, procedural, and recognition. Distributional justice refers to the allocation of costs and benefits of renewable energy among different groups and regions. Procedural justice refers to the inclusion and representation of diverse stakeholders and communities in decision-making processes. Recognition justice refers to the respect and acknowledgement of different values, cultures, and identities in relation to energy.

3 The role of community energy

Community energy is the collective ownership and management of renewable energy projects by local communities. It can empower communities to have more control and autonomy over their energy sources, reduce energy bills, create local jobs, and support social and environmental causes. Community energy can also foster social cohesion, trust, and solidarity among community members. Community energy can enhance energy justice by increasing the participation and representation of marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as low-income households, women, ethnic minorities, and indigenous peoples. Community energy can also promote local knowledge, culture, and values in renewable energy development.

4 The potential of digital technologies

Digital technologies can enable and enhance renewable energy policies in various ways. For example, smart meters, sensors, and data analytics can improve the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems, reduce energy waste, and optimize demand response. Blockchain, peer-to-peer platforms, and mobile applications can facilitate the access and exchange of renewable energy among consumers and producers, create new markets and business models, and increase transparency and accountability. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data can support the planning and design of renewable energy policies, projects, and scenarios, and provide insights and recommendations.

5 The challenge of policy integration

Policy integration is the coordination and alignment of renewable energy policies with other policies and goals, such as economic development, social welfare, environmental protection, and climate action. Policy integration can enhance the coherence, consistency, and effectiveness of renewable energy policies, and avoid trade-offs and conflicts with other sectors and interests. Policy integration can also create synergies and co-benefits for renewable energy and other policy objectives, such as poverty reduction, health improvement, gender equality, and biodiversity conservation. Policy integration requires a holistic and systemic approach, cross-sectoral collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

6 The opportunity of policy learning

Policy learning is the process of acquiring and applying knowledge and experience from renewable energy policies, practices, and outcomes. Policy learning can improve the design, implementation, and evaluation of renewable energy policies, and foster innovation and adaptation. Policy learning can also facilitate the transfer and diffusion of renewable energy technologies, solutions, and best practices across different contexts and regions. Policy learning can be enhanced by various mechanisms, such as monitoring and evaluation, feedback loops, networks and partnerships, platforms and forums, and capacity building and training.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?