Fostering Energy Justice through Decentralised Transition: The Case of Energy Communities in Greece

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of Energy Communities (ECs) as a conduit for achieving energy justice and a just transition in Greece’s energy sector and promote socio-economic development. It provides an overview of the relevant framework of climate governance strategies, positioning the role of ECs in these. The paper presents a comprehensive country-level survey (n > 1000) investigating Greek households’ perceptions of energy justice, their awareness of and attitudes towards ECs, and their willingness to participate in or invest in ECs. The findings highlight the challenges and opportunities of ECs in Greece’s energy transition and suggest the need for increased public awareness, equitable energy policies, and inclusive decision-making processes. In the context of the ongoing energy transition in Greece, the article argues that energy communities although possessing a valuable agency and mobilise a widely accepted discourse that can contribute to a just transition promoting social and environmental justice, require further institutional enablers in order to challenge the structure of the current socio-economic status quo.