Whole-systems energy justice

Energy justice tensions and trade-offs transcend typical energy governance scales. Energy justice concerns occur domestically for consumers fighting conditions of fuel poverty, nationally as governments rapidly transition to low-carbon energy and internationally as we consider transboundary issues, for example. This chapter explores the use of a whole-systems approach as a general technical layout through which such injustices can be understood. First, it reveals that since the first mentions of an energy justice whole-systems approach, numerous interpretations have emerged that consider “energy systems” in contrasting ways and provide a state-of-the-art summary of dominant approaches. Second, through a case study of wind energy developments in Oaxaca, Mexico, it then exemplifies the approach in practice, demonstrating, in the context of the low-carbon transition, the energy justice tensions and trade-offs it can reveal. The chapter concludes with strategic priorities for future research.