(Em)powering community energy on Gotland : An exploration of energy justice through a case study of "an island in an island"

Abstract: The energy transition raises concerns about local communities' marginalisation in decision-making and ownership models, leading to justice debates. Community energy (CE) gains attention as a pathway towards energy justice (EJ). Drawing on qualitative data collected on Gotland, we examine how the Austerland CE project delivers EJ. Our findings indicate that despite gender equality among members, there are ownership barriers for low-income groups and age-related disparities causing uneven distributional justice. We identify efforts made towards procedural justice but representation gaps in leadership remain. While vulnerable groups are partly recognised, recognition justice is not fully achieved due to limited efforts to engage them. The project delivers EJ on several parameters, and a strong island identity supports its implementation. However, structural barriers challenge Austerland’s ability to deliver EJ fully. Our study reveals that CE projects have the potential to deliver EJ, but structural changes are required to address barriers beyond the project’s control.