Collective energy actions to pursue a just transition. A Southern European observation

The EU recent energy policies aim to rapidly transition to a sustainable and citizen-centered energy system. However, many regulations do not fully acknowledge the social dimension of the energy transition. The interplay between individual and collective energy action (energy citizenship) and the just transition framework requires further examination. This paper aims to explore the relationship between just transition and energy citizenship particularly within the context of collective energy initiatives in Southern Europe, showcasing their association and varied impacts based on agency dynamics, contextual factors, and governance models. Additionally, the paper proposes new tools and analytical lenses to assess and govern/guide place-based collective energy actions, thereby complementing existing policy-making efforts.