Description
Book SynopsisThis open access book makes a case for a socially inclusive energy transition and illustrates how engineering and public policy professionals can contribute to shaping an inclusive energy transition, building on a socio-technical systems engineering approach. Accomplishing a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy in 2050 is a daunting challenge. This book explores the challenges of the energy transition from the perspectives of technological innovation, public policy, social values and ethics. It elaborates on two particular gaps in the design of public policy interventions focused on decarbonization of the energy system and discusses how both could be remedied. First, the siloed organization of public administration fails to account for the many interdependencies between the energy sector, the mobility system, digital infrastructure and the built environment. Cross-sector coordination of policies and policy instruments is needed to avoid potentially adverse effects upon society and the economy, which may hamper the energy transition rather than accelerate it. Second, energy and climate policies pay insufficient attention to the social values at stake in the energy transition. In addressing these gaps, this book intends to inspire decision makers engaged in the energy transition to embrace the transition as an opportunity to bring a more inclusive society into being.
Table of ContentsIntroduction.- The Fabric of a Changing Society – Infrastructure as the Key to Social Inclusion.- Perspectives on Justice in the Future Energy System.- The Hidden Dimension of the Climate Crisis: Religion, Sustainability and Inclusiveness – a Plea for the (secular) Sacred.- Hydrogen: The Bridge between Africa and Europe.- Decentralised Control and Peer-to-peer Cooperation in Smart Energy Systems.- EU Energy Policies and Projects: a Perspective on an Inclusive Energy Transition.- Moving Towards Nexus Solutions to ‘Energy’ Problems: an Inclusive Approach.- Good Governance and the Regulation of the District Heating Market.- Enabling Public Participation in Shaping the Inclusive Energy Transition Through Serious Gaming.- A Comprehensive Engineering Approach to Shaping the Future Energy System.
