The role of renewable energy prosumers in implementing energy justice theory

Abstract

In recent years, the use of photovoltaic-based distributed electricity generation has played a key role in achieving climate and energy policy goals. The energy market is changing rapidly from centralized generation towards unbundling generation, transmission, distribution, and supply activities. As energy consumers also become producers, a new energy market player-the prosumer-is emerging. The role of the prosumer as a market player can be analyzed in terms of implemented technological solutions, economic assessment, environmental impact, and legal regulation requirements. The aim of this article is to investigate the importance and compatibility of energy prosumers with energy justice theory in the context of European Union (EU) law. The authors concluded first that an energy prosumer will help to meet energy justice goals only if government ensures support for generation facilities for low-income consumers, as only then can intrageneration equity be achieved. Second, seeking to ensure equality among places with different energy sources, the government should promote the development of generation facilities using different renewable energy sources. Third, the short-term electricity market, which may allow energy prosumers to participate, should be developed.