Energy Poverty and Low Carbon Just Energy Transition: Comparative Study in Lithuania and Greece

Soc Indic Res. 2021;158(1):319-371. doi: 10.1007/s11205-021-02685-9. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Abstract

EU has set ambitious commitment to achieve low carbon energy and economy transition up to 2050. This low carbon transition means sustainable energy development path based on renewable energy sources and first of all should address the energy poverty vulnerability and justice issues. The main goal of the paper is to develop indicators framework for assessing low carbon just energy transition and to apply this framework for analysis how climate change mitigation policies in households targeting enhancement of energy renovation of residential buildings and promotion of the use of micro-generation technologies and other policies are affecting household's energy poverty and vulnerability in selected countries: Lithuania and Greece. This framework allows to assess three main dimensions of sustainable energy development: environmental, social and economic. The paper provides policy recommendations how to deal with just low carbon energy transition which means addressing energy poverty issues during moving to 100% renewables in power generation based on performed case studies.

Keywords: Energy poverty; Greece; Indicators framework; Just low carbon energy transition; Lithuania; Policy assessment.