Socio-economic & justice dimensions of energy

This chapter examines energy transitions' socioeconomic and justice dimensions through just-based models. It highlights the importance of energy-efficient urban planning and design, effective policy frameworks, public participation, and emerging technologies in shaping equitable urban energy systems. A historical perspective on energy access reveals a complex and evolving relationship between energy availability and socioeconomic development, marking a shift from expanding access to promoting sustainable, context-specific solutions. The chapter explores socioeconomic impacts—such as economic growth, energy poverty, and employment—and justice dimensions related to energy access, equity, environmental justice, and energy production. It emphasizes the need for decentralized energy systems and the integration of justice considerations into sustainable energy transitions while discussing future challenges and opportunities for energy distribution and management innovations. Key empirical findings include an average urban population growth of 3.8% annually in the GCC region, intensifying energy demand. Notable per capita energy consumption disparities between 2000 and 2023 are reported, with Oman experiencing a 96% increase, whereas the UAE and Kuwait registered declines of 8% and 7%, respectively. Masdar City, a flagship model of sustainable urban planning, produced 12,186GWh in 2023 by deploying 1400 solar thermal panels and 600 photovoltaic panels (combined capacity of 1.4MW) to support up to 1000 businesses. Additionally, energy efficiency measures in exemplary communities, such as Vauban, have reduced energy use to as low as 65kWh/m2/year compared to previous standards of up to 100kWh/m2/year, underscoring the potential of innovative technological integration to mitigate energy consumption.