Building a path towards a just energy transition in rural areas. A socio-spatial perspective.

Changes to the energy system are integral to limiting human impact on the climate. In response to growing concern in society, the concept of ‘just transition’ emerged, the central premise of which is to ensure that ‘no one is left behind’. In the context of a just transition, the issue of coal regions is most often raised, while rural areas, which are equally important for this process, are usually marginalized.

The main research objective is to analyze the directions and scope of energy transformation of rural areas in the context of creating justice in this process, with particular emphasis on its socio-spatial aspects. We proposed a qualitative approach which consists of interviews with local authorities and members od non-governmental organizations. We complemented it by performing a field study in studied area and a desk research (qualitative and quantitative -  analysis of existing data). 

The presented study will include the preliminary analysis of the research done in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in October 2024.  We will share the results of in-depth interviews on topics such as climate change, renewable energy, just transition, and the role of different levels’ authorities in those aspects. The expected results that include a perspective of local authorities on building a path towards a just energy transition in rural areas is an integral part of further studies on facilitating this process. 

The novelty of the work is manifested in the research problem, which considers the issue of fair energy transformation in rural areas. The applied methodology is also innovative, consisting of mainly qualitative approach with complementary quantitative data. The study is an attempt to fill the identified research gap in the field of shaping justice in rural areas, which is an essential element of adaptation to the effects of climate change.