Just Local Energy Transitions: Understanding Policy Arrangements in Vulnerable Urban Neighbourhoods

Abstract

This research examines to what extent policy arrangements of the local energy transition in two urban vulnerable neighbourhoods in the Netherlands are just. Even though national climate ambitions have been established, implementation of measures largely depends on municipalities and local actors. Using the Policy Arrangement Approach, this study analyses discourses, actors, rules of the game, and resources in two case studies: Venserpolder (Amsterdam) and BospolderTussendijken (Rotterdam). The policy arrangements in both neighbourhoods were analysed through the lens of distributional, procedural, and recognition justice to assess the justness of the local energy transitions. The findings show that both municipalities follow a top-down approach but differ in their governance practices. In Venserpolder, limited resident engagement, dependence on large-scale institutional actors, and communication that is mainly focussed on homeowners’ associations (VvEs) constrain just and successful outcomes of the local energy transition. In Bospolder-Tussendijken, the energy transition is integrated with a broader resilience agenda and is grounded in an Asset-Based Community Development discourse which fosters stronger procedural and recognition justice. Nevertheless, challenges remain for the inclusion of vulnerable groups. Overall, this study highlights the need for more inclusive governance practices and the combination of strong institutional coordination with community participation, just resource distribution, and recognition of diverse social contexts in order for national climate ambitions to be achieved in a just way.