A just energy transition requires research at the intersection of policy and technology

Abstract

The current energy system, in the US and around the world, is rife with inequities [1]. The coming energy transition to a low carbon world has the potential to right some of these; but, without intention, it is more likely to perpetuate the current inequities [2]. Enabling a just energy transition will require multiple categories of action, including fair policies and regulations; data and metrics; and knowledge generation. I focus on this last point, and particularly research at intersection of energy technology and social equity. Research focussed on technological solutions is a crucial enabler for the energy transition, but is not enough: if not intentional, the resulting solutions will support the status quo, not equity. For example, carbon capture is a technological solution to address climate change, but may exacerbate local pollution in marginalized communities [3]. Nor is it enough to design policies and regulations for todays energy system: tomorrows system will be different and complex. For example, Kirchhoffs laws and other technological realities of the electricity system mean that policies and regulations can lead to significant unintended consequences [4]. Ravikumar et al. [5] provide a set of recommendations for funders on how the energy research process can be harnessed to ensure ``an equitable, technology-informed, clean energy transition.'' These recommendations include centering equity; engaging community input; developing mechanisms to resolve challenges related to community engagement; expanding proposal review criteria; and instituting structural reforms aimed at supporting interdisciplinary research. I provide three examples of areas of scientific and technological research for energy transition that should be fully integrated with social equity concerns. These provide a starting point for thinking about how to embed equity throughout technologically-focussed research as well as why it is important for equity researchers to be aware of developments in emerging technologies. Carbon capture, whether at point sources such as coal generation plants, or Direct Air Capture, is a controversial technology on many fronts; with promise to address climate change, but many technical, economic, and justice questions. Marginalized communities are concerned about local pollution and resulting health impacts if fossil and biomass plants are allowed to continue to operate; as well as broader social justice issues around continued use of fossil fuels [6]. Nevertheless, the recent Inflation Reduction Act in the US has significant support for Carbon Capture and Storage, and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) is funding research in this area. In a call for proposals from spring 2021, the DOE acknowledged equity concerns, asking for equity evaluations of later stage projects in the proposals. It would be impactful, however, to address equity questions starting at the level of more basic science, such as the design of catalysts, membranes, and other important aspects of carbon capture systems. Ideally, research would think about how the justice implications interact PLOS CLIMATE