Pushing the energy transition more towards justice: A new framework for both evaluative and normative purposes

This paper presents a systematic literature review that explores the intricate landscape of justice and equity within the context of the energy transition. The study's aim was to thoroughly investigate existing justice frameworks and dimensions as discussed in academic discourse. The findings underscore the significance of the trio of justice principles – distributive, procedural, and recognition – with emerging dimensions such as cosmopolitan, restorative, and spatial justice. Introducing a novel framework, SHIFT, this review seeks to amalgamate diverse justice frameworks and offer a comprehensive representation of justice considerations in the energy transition. The framework is adaptable for both evaluative and normative purposes, or a combination thereof. In an evaluative context, it scrutinizes the alignment of energy transition policies with the criteria of justice outlined by the framework's dimensions and principles and facilitating the identification of areas necessitating improvement. In a normative context, it serves as a guide for decision-making and policy formulation, ensuring thorough consideration of justice issues. Employing the framework in both evaluative and normative capacities may create opportunities for ongoing enhancement of energy policies in pursuit of greater justice. Simultaneous application in evaluative and normative scenarios can also foster the integration of academic research with practical policy implementation, particularly by promoting collaborative strategies for generating solutions.