Abstract
A ‘Just Transition’ seeks to protect the rights of the workforce throughout transition away from high carbon industries and towards sustainable economic sectors. This includes reskilling where appropriate and a fair distribution of benefits, alongside recognition and participation of affected communities.Drawing on a systematic literature review and a case study delineated by the 38 English Local Enterprise Partnerships we analyse the variety of skills required to support a just transition to more decentralised and smart low carbon energy systems (defined as ‘smart local energy systems’) in England.We found that more attention is required in assessing skills provision, alongside upskilling the workforce, or risk the transition being unjust. Regional disparities in skills availability could be mitigated through a local skills provision system whereby stakeholders can review training opportunities, identify emergent skill-gaps and leverage investment. In addition, greater devolution to local authorities would enable them to support stakeholders more effectively.
Highlights
Over the last decade, the global efforts to fight climate change and transition towards low or net-zero carbon energy systems have manifested through different international agreements and strategies striving for a sustainable future (IRENA, 2019; Rogelj et al, 2015; United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 2015)
In this paper we argue that a just transition to smart local energy systems (SLES) requires consideration of additional dimensions beyond analytical and technical skills related to cleaner forms of production and supply side technology
Drawing on a systematic literature review and a case study delineated by the 38 English Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) we explore how the need for new skills and jobs at the local level is underpinned by the need to create a Just Transition for workers and communities
Summary
The global efforts to fight climate change and transition towards low or net-zero carbon energy systems have manifested through different international agreements and strategies striving for a sustainable future (IRENA, 2019; Rogelj et al, 2015; UNFCCC, 2015). The energy supply sector is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to clean energy a major priority for mitigating against the worst effects of climate change (Bruckner et al, 2014) Within this context, many countries are experiencing a move away from highly centralised energy infrastructures based on fossil fuel extraction, refinement and combustion industries, and are experiencing a move towards increasing levels of decentralised energy infrastructures based on renewable generation sources. Many countries are experiencing a move away from highly centralised energy infrastructures based on fossil fuel extraction, refinement and combustion industries, and are experiencing a move towards increasing levels of decentralised energy infrastructures based on renewable generation sources This is occurring alongside changes on the demand side (e.g. increased storage, electric vehicles, smart meters, and clean heating (IEA, 2017; IRENA, 2017; UKRI, 2019)) and increasing digital infrastructure to support more effective energy system operation (Judson et al, 2020b). Underpinning this societal transition is the need for a wide range of skilled people to manufacture, install, operate, maintain, Abbreviations: AI, artificial intelligence; CHP, combined heat and power; EV, electric vehicle; PV, photovoltaic; R&D, research and development; STEM, science, technology, engineering & mathematics
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