Justice, poverty, and electricity decarbonization

Monyei, Chukwuka Gideon; Sovacool, Benjamin K.; Brown, Marilyn A.; Jenkins, Kirsten E. H.; Viriri, Serestina; Li, Yufei

Abstract

Drawing from examples in Germany, California, and Australia, we show that large scale integration of renewable energy in existing electricity grids does not necessarily lead to cheaper electricity, the strengthening of energy security, or the enhancement of economic equity. Indeed, efforts to integrate renewable energy into the grid can thwart efforts to reduce chronic poverty. Planners around the world need to be cautious, pragmatic and realistic when attempting to similarly decarbonize their energy systems.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 8, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jan 22, 2019
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: Apr 16, 2019
• Journal: The Electricity Journal
• Print ISSN: 1040-6190
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 47-51
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tej.2019.01.005
• Keywords: decarbonization paradox, renewable energy, justice, poverty decarbonization strategy
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/851574
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tej.2019.01.005
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This is the author's accepted manuscript. The final published version is available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tej.2019.01.005.
• Contract Date: Apr 16, 2019