Globally, there are profound transformations underway to face challenges, such as the energy transition. From these discussions about initiatives and ideas, we can extract central points like the importance of a mix that involves renewable energies, increasingly accessible models, and citizen participation. From all of these ideas arises the concept of “energy democracy”, but what does it mean?
Energy democracy refers to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, coupled with a more equitable, community-governed economic model designed on the principle of environmental friendliness. This model includes four fundamental principles, which can be translated into actions:
- Transition to renewable, sustainable, and local energy sources to replace fossil fuels.
- Universal access to affordable, clean energy, providing everyone with the opportunity to use renewable energy as they wish.
- The ownership of the energy transition and related decision-making processes.
- A fair transition that includes the realignment of the energy system into one that benefits the population.
But what initiatives currently exist?
Today, energy democracy advocates are found all over the world, and, it represents a movement that is diverse in both politics and geographic location. Also, many agree that locally organized groups represent the best social force for transforming the energy system.
For example, the prosumer approach to energy democracy puts people at the center of the new vision. Why? Because prosumers produce and consume their energy from sources such as solar panels, and thus have a greater degree of control over their energy choices.
Then, on the other hand, there is the European Union as an example. The institution has set the goal of achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 with its ambitious “Green Pact” plan, which seeks to transform society and generate more sustainable economic growth.
Even though we are at a time when we must work together as a society to fight the ravages of climate change through concrete initiatives, this is not an easy task. Energy democratization will require a model that enables access to energy for underprivileged nations. It also means turning today’s consumers into producers, managers, and ‘users’ of energy.
Owner of several companies in the energy and mining sector, and inventor of the design and engineering of the Super Matroid Heater and Ultra Filtration Systems for the oil and gas industries.
