This conceptual note defines the concept of energy justice and discusses the idea in the context of energy burden and energy insecurity, transportation, residential and utility-scale renewable development, energy sacrifice zones, and fossil fuel phase-out. The note is designed to sensitize readers to the ways in which justice considerations are implicit in many energy decisions. Considering justice implications throughout the energy development process, rather than as an afterthought, can help achieve more equitable outcomes and better business results.
There are energy justice considerations implicit in nearly all aspects of the sustainable energy transition, from electric vehicle (EV) adoption to corporate energy sourcing. While these implications have often been overlooked in favor of short-term energy advancements, a just energy transition is becoming a greater priority in the U.S. and globally.
This conceptual note can be employed as a standalone in-class exercise or as a supplement to a case study addressing justice issues in the energy and sustainability fields.