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Towards a Just Energy Transition, Barriers and Opportunities for Positive Energy District Creation in Spain

Author

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  • Adam X. Hearn

    (Sustainability Research Group, University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Raul Castaño-Rosa

    (Appropriate Technologies for Sustainable Development Group, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28903 Madrid, Spain
    Faculty of Built Environment, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 1, 33720 Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

To mitigate the effects of climate change, the European Commission created a Strategic Energy Technology Plan committing to forming 100 Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) by 2025. These are considered to potentially be major instruments for decarbonization in a just transition. This plan has led to some districts being defined as PEDs, although none have fully met the criteria to be a PED yet. Research shows that new forms of energy ownership and production, as could potentially be found in PEDs, could help reduce energy poverty, which affects a significant segment of the population, as households can reduce their energy expenditure as well as improve their energy behavior. This paper set out to shed light on the PED landscape, investigating the barriers and opportunities to PED creation in Spain and its potential to mitigate energy poverty. We conducted a literature review on community-owned energy in Spain, followed with expert interviews (energy researchers, stakeholders, and NGOs) who focus on sustainability issues in Spain. Results show a number of barriers (lack of knowledge and awareness, and lack of trust from consumers) and opportunities connected with the creation of PEDs. In conclusion, policymaker engagement and support play a key role in successfully implementing PEDs.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam X. Hearn & Raul Castaño-Rosa, 2021. "Towards a Just Energy Transition, Barriers and Opportunities for Positive Energy District Creation in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:8698-:d:608232
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    Cited by:

    1. Pastore, Lorenzo Mario & Lo Basso, Gianluigi & Ricciardi, Guido & de Santoli, Livio, 2022. "Synergies between Power-to-Heat and Power-to-Gas in renewable energy communities," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 1383-1397.
    2. Sassenou, L.-N. & Olivieri, L. & Olivieri, F., 2024. "Challenges for positive energy districts deployment: A systematic review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    3. Hearn, Adam X., 2022. "Positive energy district stakeholder perceptions and measures for energy vulnerability mitigation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    4. Huang, Shi-Zheng, 2022. "The effect of natural resources and economic factors on energy transition: New evidence from China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).

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