E3 - Energy, Equity, Equality

Starting point / motivation

The potential of the energy transition is currently limited to a narrow group of individuals, primarily male, with higher income and educational levels. For example, older people are often excluded from these opportunities due to the complexity of new technologies. As a result, the benefits and, ultimately, the decisions to help shape the energy transition at the community level are reserved for a limited target group.

However, it is crucial to involve users early in the technology development process and consider the needs of the broader society. It is especially important to account for existing heterogeneity, which arises from the intersection of diversity characteristics (i.e., intersectionality). This includes not only gender, but also factors such as age, income, education, household characteristics, or social background in combination.

Contents and goals

For this reason, the "E3 - Energy, Equity, Equality" project pursues the overarching goal of identifying usage barriers raised by key technologies of the energy transition in relation to intersectionality and social justice.

This exploratory project specifically focuses on people (rather than the technology itself) to create a foundation for future projects aimed at developing inclusive and socially just technologies. Key technologies such as smart homes, electric mobility, and energy communities are examined, as they play a crucial role in communal and urban settings.

Methods

These technologies will be analyzed using social science methods to explore intersectional differences regarding needs, attitudes, usage intentions, adoption, and utilization. This will highlight barriers that prevent certain user groups from adopting and using these technologies, offering valuable insights into the requirements for inclusive technology development.

Expected results

In E3, we will explore whether energy transition tools can be better adapted to the diversity of society, specifically addressing current niche target groups and assessing feasibility from technical, economic, and organizational perspectives.

The insights gained will result in a specification document summarizing the key requirements for the future design of intersectional and socially just solutions for key energy transition technologies.

Additionally, the project will estimate the potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency, assess possible risks, and identify innovation potential for further R&D&I initiatives.

Project management

Forschung Burgenland GmbH

Project or cooperation partners

• 4ward Energy Research GmbH
• CAMPUS 02 Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft GmbH
• Reisenbauer Solutions GmbH
• SCHEIBER Solutions GmbH
• So-Strom GmbH

Christian Pfeiffer
Campus 1
A-7000 Eisenstadt
Tel.: +43 (5) 7705-5433
E-mail: christian.pfeiffer@forschung-burgenland.at
Web: forschung.hochschule-burgenland.at