| Issue |
EPJ Web Conf.
Volume 373, 2026
2nd International Conference on Sustainable Science and Technology for Tomorrow (SciTech-25)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Article Number | 02002 | |
| Number of page(s) | 12 | |
| Section | Sustainable Energy, Climate Physics and Environmental Systems | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202637302002 | |
| Published online | 19 June 2026 | |
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202637302002
Energy Transitions and Equity: A Physical Science Perspective
1 Assistant Professor in Economies, School of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Woxsen University, Telangana - 502 345, India.
2 Assistant Professor in Economics, KLEF Deemed to be University, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh - 522 302, India.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Business Studies, School of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Woxsen University, Telangana - 502 345, India.
* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published online: 19 June 2026
Abstract
The transition to renewable energy is constrained by resource availability, energy return on investment (EROI), and material supply chains. This study examines the tension between rapid decarbonisation and equitable outcomes. Results indicate that demand for critical minerals in renewable technologies could increase total material use by 200–900% in the electricity sector and 350–700% in transport by 2050. Net energy available during the transition may decline by 10–34%, with energy-poor countries mostaffected. Equity considerations, such as distribution, process, and recognition, are often overlooked in technical models. The study identifies multi-stakeholder cooperation, restorative justice, and degrowth strategies as potential solutions. Without careful policy design, the energy transition may reinforce existing global inequalities.
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2026
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