A human-centric approach to energy justice: embedding agency and capabilities in transitions discourse

This paper addresses the critical gap in understanding the justice implications of renewable energy transitions, particularly concerning the agency of different actor groups, including marginalised and local communities. Given the urgency of transitioning to renewables to mitigate climate risks, it highlights the need for more human centric approaches to ensure equitable outcomes. In this context, the study proposes a theoretical framework centred on capability approach, human agency, and energy justice. This integrative framework demonstrates how capability sets shape human agency and influence the trajectory of transitions. We test this framework through a case study of the Pavagada Solar Power Park in India. The findings show how policy interventions aimed at resource mobilisation for energy infrastructure can either enhance or deprive actor groups of certain capability sets throughout transition processes. Given that agency is not homogenously distributed across actor groups, this study makes an important contribution by demonstrating how preexisting capabilities and structural conditions shape human agency to articulate and legitimise desired justice outcomes. Overall, this study contributes to advancing the discourse on energy justice and offers actionable insights for more equitable and resilient pathways.