Energy justice: Ensuring equitable access to clean energy in underprivileged communities

Augusta Heavens Ikevuje 1, *, Jephta Mensah Kwakye 1, Darlington Eze Ekechukwu 2, Olorunshogo Benjamin Ogundipe 3 and Andrew Emuobosa Esiri 1

1 Independent Researcher, Houston Texas, USA.
2 Independent Researcher, UK.
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun-State, Nigeria.
 
Review Article
Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 08(02), 211–218
Article DOI: 10.30574/msarr.2023.8.2.0097
Publication history: 
Received on 26 May 2023; revised on 20 August 2023; accepted on 22 August 2023
 
Abstract: 
This review paper explores the concept of energy justice and its critical importance in ensuring equitable access to clean energy for underprivileged communities. By examining the core principles of energy justice—distributional justice, procedural justice, and recognition justice—the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted barriers that hinder clean energy access, including economic, technological, social, and policy-related challenges. It proposes various strategies to promote energy justice, emphasizing the need for community engagement, supportive policy frameworks, innovative technological and financial solutions, and strong partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector. The paper concludes by highlighting the significance of these strategies in creating a more inclusive and sustainable energy future, suggesting future research directions, and calling for decisive actions from all stakeholders to advance energy equity.
 
Keywords: 
Energy justice; Clean energy access; Underprivileged communities; Renewable energy barriers; Community engagement
 
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