The Power of Procedural Justice in the Planning of Energy Projects

An imbalance in power relations between energy sector stakeholders and society fuels the uneven distribution of energy services, evident in the record lower electricity access rates attributed to geographically disadvantaged rural communities globally. The article alludes to the tenet of procedural energy justice, which is concerned with including all social constituencies at all energy decision-making levels and their meaningful engagements to achieve universal energy access. The need for integrating a social component into the present techno-economic approach to electrification planning and the meaningful participation of all stakeholders is emphasised. Furthermore, the article explores the relevance of due process, a social contract for transitioning to renewable energy power, and its potential to bridge the electricity access gap between urban dwellers and rural communities. Also, the paper reinforces calls to deepen the democracy of energy decision-making by establishing a social contract with end-users of energy and frontline communities, considering the unique features of energy technologies and their associated nuances.