Big projects, little community benefit? : How low carbon pilot projects can help tackle fuel and transport poverty

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Calvillo Munoz, Christian and Fonseca, Liliana and Mueller, Tanja (2023) Big projects, little community benefit? : How low carbon pilot projects can help tackle fuel and transport poverty. In: The 2023 International Conference on Sustainability, Environment, and Social Transition in Economics and Finance, 2023-12-14 - 2023-12-16.

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Abstract

Scottish islands have been identified as potential hubs for renewable energy production, as they have continuously participated in sustainable energy and environmental management projects and networks since at least 1993, many of which have been supported through EU funds and domestic match-funding. Orkney in particular has become a European leader in the testing and application of new energy technologies. Despite this, petrol/diesel is still utilised in Orkney and the level of fuel and transport poverty is relatively high. This raises questions about the translatable benefits on communities in a context of increased cost of living, and relates to post-Brexit debates as Orkney has significantly relied on EU funds, especially in regards to its energy transition. This study aimed to examine funding impact in enabling a just transition to low carbon heat and mobility in Orkney, by assessing the effectiveness of existing government-funded projects and analysing community perception and engagement, lessons learned, and good practice.

ORCID iDs

Calvillo Munoz, Christian ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5495-6601, Fonseca, Liliana ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9041-0921 and Mueller, Tanja ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0418-4789;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)