The role of energy democracy in shaping the struggle between capitalism and renewable energy : Hydrogen policy as a case study

Despite gaining significant attention, the sociotechnical aspects of a ‘just’ energy transition to a hydrogen economy remains understudied. Energy democracy has not been fully examined within the context of hydrogen energy governance, nor have the barriers to adoption that renewable energy faces within neoliberal capitalist systems been applied to hydrogen economy development. In my thesis, I argue that energy democracy is likely being ignored within hydrogen governance, and that capitalism’s tendency for centralization as well as capital accumulation contributes to adverse energy outcomes. I conduct qualitative content analysis of 35 national hydrogen strategy documents released by democratic nations to assess the extent to which energy democracy values are considered, through applying Szulecki’s (2018) framework. I also utilize this data to examine the ways in which tensions between capitalism and renewable energies manifest in national-level hydrogen governance. My policy analysis reveals that although aligning with both democratic governance ideals and just transition goals, energy democracy is being consistently overlooked in public policy. In agreement with existing literature on hydrogen justice, governments are prioritizing profitability and economic feasibility over social welfare. I conclude by emphasizing the importance of advocates for a just transition—both governments and activists—to adopt energy democracy values in hydrogen governance in order to avoid perpetuating the injustices exacerbated by fossil fuel capitalism.