Justice Implications of Implementing V2G in Amsterdam Southeast
Conceptualising a Just V2G System
G.H.C. Hermans (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
J.A. Annema – Mentor (TU Delft - Transport and Logistics)
T. Verbeek – Mentor (TU Delft - Urban Studies)
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Abstract
This thesis explores the justice implications of implementing Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems in Amsterdam South-east (ASE). ASE is characterised as a rapidly developing and socioeconomically diverse urban district in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. While V2G is often presented as a technological solution to net congestion and renewable integration, this study argues that its implementation must be critically examined through the lens of social justice. Furthermore, this study emphasises the importance of integrating justice principles into theories for socio-technical transition. Therefore, this study combines the Multi-Level-Perspective on socio-technical transitions with theories on distributive, recognition, and procedural justice in the energy and mobility transition. This helps to conceptualise what a just V2G system could look like over time.
The study is designed as a single-case qualitative analysis. A literature review, stakeholder analysis, and semi-structured interviews reveal justice implications of V2G implementation. The empirical insights are used to develop two contrasting narrative scenarios, a business-as-usual and a just V2G scenario. These scenarios are complemented by user personas to make the justice dynamics tangible and relatable.
The findings of this study highlight that current V2G pathways risk reinforcement of existing injustice through how public infrastructure is allocated and financed, benefit concentration around affluent EV owners, and limited procedural inclusion of vulnerable groups or people with different mobility behaviour. This study conceptualises a just implementation of V2G as a system with a hybrid governance structure: standardisation and technical feasibility combined with decentralised ownership, equitable revenue sharing, and meaningful citizen engagement. Central to this is a multi-stakeholder core, able to balance community, technical, and institutional interests, ensuring that V2G becomes a shared asset. This thesis contributes to current literature on V2G through proposing a framework to assess justice implications of urban socio-technical transitions, in this case V2G. Next to that, the research provides strategies for just deployment of V2G technology for ASE, its stakeholders, and can be applied in similar contexts.