Energy Solutions as Part of a Just Green Transition (JUST ENERGY)

The programme focuses energy solutions as part of a just green transition. ‘Just green transition’ refers to comprehensive, long-term solutions to ecological sustainability crises that also strengthen the stability of society and support the participation of different groups in society.

The theme is premised on the societal solutions necessary to break current unsustainable trends and respond to major crises. The major crises at hand, such as climate change and biodiversity loss and their linkages to the use of natural resources, with their various interdependencies, require measures that have a significant impact on our entire operational setting, our economic structure and our lifestyles. The transition concerns the environment and technology, but requires also major societal and cultural changes, both locally and globally. The changes will highlight issues relating to the stability and security of society, and the need for foresight will increase. With change also come new opportunities. In Finland, the green transition can contribute to promoting resource and energy security and strengthening societal and economic resilience, that is, the ability to adapt to change. However, solutions can also increase inequality and conflicts. How can we identify sustainable pathways of change that reduce inequality and support the participation and inclusion of different societal groups? How do we support the fair implementation and democratic legitimacy of the green transition?

The programme focuses on how the energy system can be developed to deliver a just green transition in a changing operating environment. The programme will examine how changes in the global and European operating environment challenge energy solutions made in Finland and how the solutions can promote energy security and strengthen societal and economic resilience. The programme seeks answers to the following questions, for instance: What kinds of solutions are required in the energy system, and how can they be developed? How can paths of development be built to support the just green transition in energy solutions? How should the use of resources linked to energy solutions be reformed on a long-term basis in the light of changes in the global and European operating environment? How will incentives be created and obstacles removed to implement the changes? The proposed solutions must strengthen the stability and resilience of society in changing circumstances.

Projects:

Pathways out of Energy Crises to a Resilient and Just Energy System (PHOENIX)

Consortium PI: Jero Ahola, LUT University
Responsible for interaction activities: Petteri Laaksonen, LUT University

Consortium Composition: LUT University, University of Helsinki, University of Eastern Finland, Tampere University, VATT Institute for Economic Research

REsilient and Accessible power system with Large shares of Solar energy (RealSolar)

Consortium PI: Kati Miettunen, University of Turku
Responsible for interaction activities: Ritva Salminiitty, University of Turku

Consortium Composition: University of Turku, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Aalto university, Turku University of Applied Sciences

Solutions for transition: Fair, flexible and socially resilient energy systems (FLAIRE)

Consortium PI: Eva Pongracz, University of Oulu
Responsible for interaction activities: Venla Riekkinen, Finnish Environment Institute

Consortium Composition: University of Oulu, Aalto university, Tampere university, Finnish Environment Institute, University of Helsinki

Infrastructure/institutions match for resilient & just green electrification (2IMATCH)

Consortium PI: Pami Aalto,Tampere university
Responsible for interaction activities: Ulla Saari, Tampere university

Consortium Composition: Tampere university, Finnish Environment Institute, University of Eastern Finland, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, The Finnish Institute of International Affairs

Climate neutral, justified and sustainable H2 transition (JustH2Transit)

Consortium PI: Marko Huttula, University of Oulu 
Responsible for interaction activities: Minna Näsman, Akordi Oy

Consortium Composition: University of Oulu, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Natural Resources Institute Finland, LUT University, Akordi Oy