From consumers to prosumers

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy is necessary and urgent. Fossil fuels are depleting, leading to geopolitical instability and are driving climate change. The climate crisis and growing inequalities are among the greatest problems of the 21st century. Temperatures, sea levels and gas prices are rising. This transition poses spatial and economic challenges for the maritime region of South Holland, as the port is a large hub for fossil energy and contributes greatly to the national economy. The social challenge posed, is to create a fair transition. Some groups are more vulnerable to the transition than others, as they are more prone to be subjected to energy poverty and to potentially lose their (fossil related) jobs. Therefore, we conducted a research on how to create socio-economic and spatial justice for the Rotterdam maritime region through a fair distribution of burdens and benefits in the energy transition. This research resulted in a vision for South-Holland in 2050 ,"from consumer to prosumer", proposing a mainframe and a local frame. The mainframe proposal concerns a large renewable energy landscape in South Holland with a central circular hub in the port. The local frame proposal is the main focus of this report and concerns the vulnerable neighbourhoods that become prosumers instead of consumers. This means that they will not only consume energy, but renewable energy systems will be installed to also produce energy, while at the same time improving the quality of living.

New job opportunities will be created in the circular construction and demolition sector in the neighbourhoods as well as in the port. The Rotterdam region will fully transition to renewable energy, while also decreasing inequality, unemployment and poverty.