About
PhD project: Energy transition: dynamics, potential and challenges for social innovation
Reference: 2023.00284.BD
Scientific area: Sociologia
Supervisor: Cristina Parente (IS-UP); Co-supervisor:: Jorge Cerdeira (IS-UP)
Timetable: March 2024-March 2027
Abstract: In a context of climate emergency and energy crisis, European and national institutions are prioritising the need to decentralise and democratise the electricity system, with an emphasis on the role of the Energy Communities (EC). Thus, the need to study these collective initiatives emerges. In this field, the dominant literature does not articulate structure, field and social actors. In this project, we aim to gain a holistic and systemic understanding of the socio-economic, organisational and cultural dimensions underlying national ECs and to diagnose their strengths/weaknesses and challenges/potential for creating energy alternatives. An intensive methodological approach is proposed, anchored in an inductive logic using mixed methods. It is hoped that this research will contribute to filling the theoretical-empirical gap on CE in Portugal, uncover power logics and inequalities and help empower citizens by discussing the energy transition and proposing concrete actions.
