Energy Justice in Underprivileged Neighbourhoods: Reimagining Energy Transitions Through Community Storytelling

Abstract

Achieving just energy transitions in underprivileged neighbourhoods is essential for sustainable urban renewal yet remains difficult. Residents often face energy injustices due to unaffordable and inaccessible renewables. Structural inequalities further limit collective action and community cooperation, depriving inhabitants of the resources and opportunities needed to develop their capabilities. While energy justice literature addresses distributional, recognitional, and procedural inequalities, it often overlooks deeper constraints on people’s agency. In response, this paper proposes storytelling as a creative and participatory method to strengthen agency in underprivileged neighbourhoods. Storytelling enables residents to imagine alternative futures, build shared narratives, and engage with energy transitions on their own terms. This conference paper offers an initial exploration of how this approach can inform future research in the Watersportbaan neighbourhood.