Energy Research & Social Science 89 (2022) 102639

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Energy Research & Social Science

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/erss

Perspective

The energy futures we want: A research and policy agenda for

energy transitions☆
Andrea Gatto
Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang Province, China
Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
Centre for Studies on Europe, Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), Azerbaijan

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

JEL codes: Understanding the energy transition is crucial for determining future business, societal and ecological trajec­
O13 tories. Upcoming economic, environmental and social change will depend on how energy policy will model
O33 energy transition and adapt to connected transformations. This paper has the purpose to draft a possible agenda
Q47
to forecast and react to those changes. Opting for a sustainability perspective, the paper presents a possible
Q56
roadmap, based on selected areas of intervention for the upcoming energy transition – knowledge, jobs, edu­
Keywords:
cation, empowerment, regional cases, politics and policy action. The research argues that by acting on these
Energy transition
Agenda
pillars and consolidating duly action, the upcoming energy transitions will be more likely to experience desirable
Energy policy energy futures.
Energy research
Energy futures

1. The call for energy transitions the definition and measurement of the interlinked issue of energy
vulnerability and resilience policies to offset their impact to limit energy
Energy transition is a subject of enormous scholarly, policy and poverty amidst major societal changes [8,9].
practical importance and topicality. Energy transition is made of a Major recent shocks such as COVID-19, the 2021-2022 energy crisis
rapidly-evolving range of topics and passes through structural change, and the invasion of of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the
innovation, flexibility and energy efficiency [1–5]. The energy policy resulting war risk decelerating the pace of the undergoing carbon
and transition choices undertaken in this purview will contribute to neutrality objective, switching the focus of energy policy of many
determining not only the domestic energy mixes but also serves as a countries to energy security goals [10,11,72]. However, major adverse
compass to detect the wider energy production and the consequent events give us the opportunity to challenge the status quo and undertake
implications in economic, social and environmental terms. the required policies to foster more resilient energy and ecological
Among the various issues related to the energy transition, some have transition pathways which are likely to facilitate the decarbonisation
premier relevance. A crucial priority is the analysis of the energy, process and the formulation of green deals – in the EU and in other world
ecological, social, political and economic transition towards sustainable regions [12].
models. Energy transitions facilitating sustainable development and The research note at hand aims to draft a possible agenda for energy
energy futures design are here conceived as an array of pathways transition underpinned by sustainable development. Other key publi­
pointing at socioeconomic, environmental and governance goals. Be­ cations highlighted the need for energy (transition) agendas, exploring a
sides, sustainable energy transition is tightened to social change, range of topics or locations and making use of alternative lenses and
renewable energy resources uptakes and cleaner productions and con­ methodologies [13–20]. This note offers a conceptual contribution in
sumptions [4,6,7]. Sustainable energy transitions are expected to lead to detecting some of the key aspects of the energy transition, sketching
reduced carbon emissions and, progressively, to economies increasingly potential research, policy and action outlines. This work may also help
based on renewable energies. Other aspects of primary importance are understand possible scholarly streams ahead in energy research.

☆
I am grateful to Benjamin Sovacool and Luke Putres for their help.
E-mail address: [email protected].

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2022.102639
Received 8 January 2022; Received in revised form 24 March 2022; Accepted 27 April 2022
Available online 10 May 2022
2214-6296/© 2022 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
A. Gatto Energy Research & Social Science 89 (2022) 102639

Potential energy transition landscapes are here conceived as different workers having precise technical skills. Albeit the impact of renewables
possibilities within a holistic picture. To serve this scope, the paper take-off on green jobs and entrepreneurship is not always guaranteed,
scrutinises key sectors worth being investigated – namely, knowledge today, there is a strong demand for positions in technical fields, engi­
and civil action, green jobs and entrepreneurship, education and neering, data analysis and statistics. Nonetheless, this domain is still
training, gender gaps and vulnerable empowerment, regional evidence little explored in many sectors – though the interest attributed to them is
on energy transitions, politics and policymaking and future prospects for on the rise [30–33]. Unlike in the past, the sector no longer seeks only
energy transitions. technical figures, but is increasingly making use of transversal pro­
fessionals equipped with heterogeneous skills and the trend is
2. Knowledge and civil action ascending. This is the case of the human and social sciences. Whatever
the undertaken pathway will look like, the labour market will be largely
The attention devoted to the fallout of energy policy is growing. influenced by political choices: to understand what type of supply and
Energy is increasingly talked about in society, often associating it with demand to forecast and expect, it is first necessary to define what type of
environmental and climatic issues. The growing initiatives widespread energy transition is conceived.
in recent years include the climate strikes and activism and the Fridays Energy transition offers a range of paths, challenges and opportu­
for Future initiative firstly stirred up by Greta Thunberg, which have nities, but it is also characterised by weaknesses and risks. In this pro­
sensitised a slice of the population and brought back the discourse on cess, aspects such as sustainability, resilience and vulnerability become
environmental problems of anthropogenic nature [21]. In particular, essential cornerstones for guaranteeing energy security and an inter­
these events have shed light on the centrality of energy policy and generational, clean energy transition based on renewable energy sources
transition, which are complicit in climate change adaptation mitigation [34]. However, it should be noted that, as further confirmed by the 2022
and greenhouse gas emissions [22]. Civil society is responding by geopolitical and energy crisis, the energy transition process will require
adapting with a series of proposals. most countries to go through phases in which the presence of carbon-
However, despite some positive signals and efforts in endorsing en­ based energies will still dominate. Nevertheless, this trend is progres­
ergy transition commitments, in many countries, there is still little talk sively becoming less predominant and, probably, the choice will lean
about energy transition and even less is known about it. This is primarily towards sources via less polluting and impacting ecosystems and the
due to the fact that energy transition requires technical and interdisci­ governance of natural resources, societies and economic systems [6]. In
plinary knowledge [24]. Energy policy communication is recurrently this sense, natural resources relate to technological and economic
characterised by poor information and awareness and strong or even modernisation, whereas its management effectiveness is the crux for
false assumptions and myths that need to be debunked [25]. This also accelerating structural change in oil-abundant economies [35,36].
happens because national politics often tend to propose simple answers
to complex problems. In many cases, these are technical decisions, with 4. Education, training and cultural change
no univocal answer. This problem risks producing adverse selections in
policymaking and modelling with the consequence of accommodating Energy transition, and more generally energy policy, require tech­
popular political decisions and designing irrational, populistic or inef­ nical training and education across diverse fields, from the hard to the
ficient energy pathways and transitions [26]. However, the imple­ soft sciences. The various social sciences provide many tools and skills
mentation of efforts and strategies aimed at learning, disseminating and suitable for analysing and evaluating complex dynamics and phenomena
discussing crucial issues related to transition and energy policy would be related to the energy transition. In general, it is crucial to interpret
an effective strategy and a step forward. trends, energy demand and forerun innovation trajectories. Under­
To examine these subjects, a need for investments in energy transi­ standing and anticipating these dynamics become a fundamental
tion research – especially interdisciplinary scholarship – arises. This requirement for competing in terms of employment and an area in which
aspect is relevant in communication, dissemination and innovative will be reasonably worthy to invest in training, as well as a useful ability
projects. Fungible examples are some internationally-funded energy in the working environment [37,38]. Additional crucial aspects in which
transition programmes. In many countries, even in developing regions, to invest are retraining and professional redirection – which are
communities are fostering their own energy emancipation by carrying constantly evolving in this sector.
out energy transition projects, in some cases engaging with external For primary education, interactive workshops and lessons for the
funding, creating proper energy communities and jumpstarting new youth can be of great help in introducing basic concepts. For non-formal
organisations and businesses [9,27]. training, courses, seminars and workshops are on the rise. However, it
Energy transition can empower vulnerable groups with sustainable must first be established what message will have to be carried and how
entrepreneurship. By creating green jobs and business and fostering the issue is approached: as energy transition is made of specific topics, a
socioeconomic inclusiveness, these programmes are benefiting above all certain degree of understanding is required on both sides. For higher
rural and developing economies, fostering local, sustainable and human education, an interdisciplinary angle, accompanied by a holistic and
development and boosting entrepreneurship, especially among unem­ pluralistic approach to the issue, would contribute to an overview of the
ployed, poor and vulnerable people [9,28]. These experiences are problem and dynamics [23,39]. In any case, training should be oriented
paving the way for new possibilities and tools for technological inno­ towards a dialogue that manages to communicate with different actors
vation [29]. These programmes intend to guarantee universal energy and reaches the widest audience and stakeholders. This includes the
access, improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people and orient flexibility of schedules and tools to ensure the fullest use of training for
consumption and production towards cleaner energy transitions and each professional figure and, especially in this period, the preparation of
more sustainable models. These projects have an enormous economic, digital channels for distance learning. There is a need to train students,
environmental and social impact and are aimed above all at the eman­ but also entrepreneurs, politicians and civil society as a whole. These
cipation of vulnerable categories and energy entrepreneurship based on transformations imply a more radical cultural change on energy for the
renewable sources. years ahead [40].

3. Green jobs and entrepreneurship 5. Gender gaps, unemployed people, poor and vulnerable
empowerment
The labour market is a key sector to be considered for the energy
transition. In a rapidly changing environment, a relatively young sector To understand the magnitude of the sectoral gender gaps, one shall
such as energy and energy transition requires specific professionals and first define the pertaining domain, given that some energy sectors and

2
A. Gatto Energy Research & Social Science 89 (2022) 102639

specific functions are almost completely a man's prerogative. However, encouraging sign. The intent is to entrust these ministries to sectoral
it is essential to underline that in countries where socio-economic experts, to technicians of various sorts.
gender inequalities are of significance – even in the West –, the sector The energy transition is an important opportunity for local econo­
suffers from such gaps in terms of employment, differences in manage­ mies, the West and the world. It remains to be seen whether the in­
rial, leadership and social positions, as well as wage gaps, discrimination stitutions will have the intention of transforming this occasion into a
and additional inequalities [9]. However, new green jobs and entre­ turning point that will bring important results in the energy field and
preneurship can mitigate these trends, fostering women empowerment more generally in climate, energy and environmental change and justice
[38]. It shall be noticed that, when addressing emancipation and and sustainable development [34,50–52]. Alternatively, the energy
inequality discourses, it is still important to extend the talk to all transition will only remain a political propaganda tool. A reflection in
vulnerable categories – above all unemployed people and the poor [9]. this regard can also be formulated for international organisations, which
On a practical level, it is encouraging to know that many innovative for years have been exploring and promoting innovative models of en­
projects are geared towards female users, unemployed and rural people ergy transition. However, the implementation of political action still
and the poor (and, more generally, vulnerable categories). A shred of remains inadequate and their effectiveness and even their intentions are
evidence is the numerous energy production initiatives within local under discussion [53].
communities – i.e. energy communities –, where people become pro­ Energy politics and policymaking are determinant for massive soci­
sumers [41,42]. The number of energy communities, cooperatives and etal changes [54]. The most recent political action on energy resilience
projects to empower local people and the vulnerable through renewable has been dominated by climate change, the call for ecological transition,
energy projects is increasing all over the world. These programmes are COVID-19 and the Russo-Ukrainian conflict of 2022. These and other
being implemented both in industrialised and non-industrialised econ­ events have generated disruptive shocks or major changes [10,11].
omies and are giving noteworthy contributions to energy transition Energy is a leading cause of the past and ongoing attacks of Russia on
[13,43,44]. Ukraine [55]. The current war in Ukraine and the previous energy price
In many cases, these energy transition projects are dedicated to crisis generated by Russia have direct repercussions on the worldwide
empowering women, the poor, unemployed people and vulnerable geopolitical stability and global food and energy security and poverty –
groups, providing tools for electricity access, green energy and energy most notably gas, oil and electricity prices and energy transition all over
security for tackling energy poverty [45]. Often, mini-grids, nano-grids the world [56–59,72]. With the need to considerably revisit their energy
and smart grids implementation is conceived as a vehicle for improving mixes and reduce the role of gas and oil and diversify their suppliers,
the governance of electricity as a common good [46]. Many efforts have many countries have now the opportunity to either move steps back to
been made to converge in this direction, but at the gender gaps, eman­ even more polluting fossil fuels or to accelerate their transition towards
cipation and equality level, many countries of the world – even in the more sustainable energy sources, in line with the Green New Deal
industrialised world – still suffer from these serious problems. mandate [6,12].

6. Regional evidence 8. The future of energy transition

The analysis of the multitude of regional economic and political This paper discussed possible scenarios and selected actions for
approaches to the problem is another key element to be inspected. The fostering energy transition with the objective to provide an overlook of
node is central in Europe and around the world. This is demonstrated by the issue making use of a sustainable development angle. The paper
the fact that today, many regions have triggered processes of energy investigated selected sectors that are likely to shape the future of energy
emancipation over countries that hold monopolies, oligopolies or car­ transition – i.e. the necessity for an energy transition agenda, knowledge
tels, retain market power and often exert market abuse. In any case, and civil action, the job market and entrepreneurship, sectoral educa­
nowadays many states prefer or are called to refer to supranational or tion, gender and vulnerable empowerment, regional experiences, poli­
intergovernmental organisations for the governance and management of tics and policymaking. As such, this perspective paper offers an
transition and energy images [6]. overview of the issue, investigating some of the topics connected to
In this sense, the 2021-2022 energy crisis is again instructive. An energy transition. Different subjects, approaches and methodologies
example of the mentioned trend is the case of many countries vis- à-vis may be used alternatively. It is outlined that energy transition is not a
Russia – above all, Eastern European, Baltic, Balkan and Caucasian and univocal concept and requires pluralistic and holistic outlooks. None­
Central Asian countries and former Soviets and USRR satellite nations. theless, the research claims that a comprehensive blueprint will allow
The evidence presents highly relevant connotations for the national and taking into account the sketched dimensions. The expected results will
regional energy security of these states, as well as the Caucasian and the include improved knowledge of the issue [24], electricity price and
European regions as a whole, and includes the implementation of trans- distributional divide smoothing [60], as well as tackling urgent issues
regional projects that require substantial funds and investments. This such as the vulnerable's empowerment, energy poverty and vulnera­
step is essential to mitigate the national and local energy vulnerability of bility in terms of deprivation and wellbeing [8,61].
many countries and therefore produce and supply secure, stable and The current times are being characterised by abrupt changes.
continuous energy, traded at affordable prices – an energy resilience Regardless of their predictability, these major adverse events show that
strategy towards the ecological transition [47]. socioeconomic aggregates are required to increase their preparedness,
adaptation, mitigation to change and energy resilience to offset risk and
7. Politics and policymaking energy vulnerability and insecurity. In these dynamics, energy transition
policy has become a central subject. Continuous political, socioeco­
The political dimension will determine the directions for the future nomic and environmental disruptions and shocks call for rapid and
energy transition, from the short to the long term. Only a far-sighted sound decisions and adjustments in the energy sector. Frequent price
policy, aimed at ensuring an intergenerational equity perspective, volatility, speculations, conflicts and geopolitical instability are only
would be able to undertake paths of a real energy transition, in the wake some of the utmost consequences of undesirable or even inadequate
of an effective Green New Deal on both Atlantic shores [48,49]. Local, energy transitions, generated by poor management, governance and
national and supranational institutions are fundamental for the correct planning.
completion of this complex process. A recent insight can be drawn from Smoothing the risk of these radical energy disturbances and crises is
the integration of the ministry for ecological transition in various Eu­ an open challenge for our societies. New energy sources which are now
ropean governments and, ultimately, that can be interpreted as an being explored can produce massive breakthroughs, radically

3
A. Gatto Energy Research & Social Science 89 (2022) 102639

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