Uneven energy transitions: Understanding continued energy peripheralization in rural communities. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Sullivan, Kate; Golubchikov, Oleg; Mehmood, Abid
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 138(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Energy justice -- Spatial justice -- Energy transition -- Uneven development -- Energy vulnerabilities -- Wales -- United Kingdom; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111288
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: This paper problematizes the uneven nature of low carbon energy transitions in the context of uneven geographical development and core/periphery asymmetries. It explores the impacts of transition for peripheral communities lacking political power and agglomerative advantages. While decentralised developments that emerge with energy transition promise to bring new opportunities to remote areas, factors of economic and political inequalities render those opportunities socially and spatially segregated. Exploring experiences of rural and exurban communities in South Wales, the paper establishes links between low carbon transition and its actually existing implications on the ground. It demonstrates that even if having an abundance of natural resource and physical space to harness low carbon energy, many rural communities are trapped in the chronic positions of energy peripheralization. Highlights: The notion of "uneven energy transition" is introduced. Energy peripheralization is a persistent product of power relations and energy injustices. External forces dominate energy transition in fragile rural communities. Rural communities in Wales lack capacities to internalize benefits from transition. A web of rural socio-economic vulnerabilities has to be addressed in its entirety.