Evolving Energy Landscapes: Policies, Security, and Justice Perspectives

Abstract

This panel explores diverse dimensions of energy, focusing on issues related to renewable energy, mineral policies, energy transition, social justice, and the conceptualization of "dual use" in the context of renewable energy. It contributes valuable insights into the complex interactions between environmental policies, renewable energy development, societal impacts, and justice considerations. Examining Norway's windpower development from 2017 to 2020, the first paper investigates the integration of nature concerns in windpower licenses, exploring the rise and fall of windpower development. The research applies analytical perspectives from EU adaptation pressure, domestic politics, and environmental policy integration. Focused on Nordic countries, including Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway, the second paper explores how material security concerns shape mineral policies. It delves into the connection between resource security and circular economy strategies, aiming to understand the impact of security priorities on circular transformation in the context of mineral policies. The third paper examines the role of fossil fuel workers in Norway in the context of the energy transition. With approximately 5.5% of the workforce employed in the petroleum sector, the study tracks opinions longitudinally to understand the level of policy support from fossil fuel workers compared to the general population. Focusing on solar parks in India, the fourth paper investigates the impact of large-scale solar plants on equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among different socioeconomic groups. The research explores land conflicts, barriers faced by marginalised communities, and the extent to which existing policies consider the principles of energy justice. The fifth and final paper critically examines the term "dual use" in the context of renewable energy. It explores the multifaceted meanings and applications of the term, ranging from positive aspects like efficiency gains to negative contexts such as conflicts, weaponisation, and unintended profiteering. The research proposes a novel conceptual framework to capture the diverse dimensions of "dual use."

Title	Details
Security priorities in mineral policies of Nordic countries in the context of circular transformation	View Paper Details
Solar flares: exploring justice issues in India's solar expansion	View Paper Details
Navigating the energy transition: Exploring policy support of fossil fuel workers in Norway	View Paper Details