In this final episode of 2024, Marine Cornelis welcomes journalist and moderator Anna Gumbau for a deep dive into the pivotal moments, challenges, and opportunities in energy policy this year.

Together, they explore the progress made on the EU’s Fit for 55 package, the shifting focus from social equity to competitiveness, and the pressing need for modernising Europe’s energy grids. Anna shares her insights on emerging challenges like grid modernisation, digitalisation, and gender equity in the energy sector. Marine brings her expertise to the table, offering insights on energy poverty, trust-building in the energy transition, and why fostering inclusivity in the middle-class and SME sectors is vital.

Anna also shares her plans to launch "Resonate," a new consultancy dedicated to amplifying changemakers’ voices.

Highlights:

• A Year of Transition: Marine and Anna reflect on the EU’s achievements in climate policy, discussing how Fit for 55 solidified regulatory frameworks and set the stage for action while revealing cracks in competitiveness and social equity narratives.

• Marine on Energy Poverty: Marine draws attention to the progress made in shielding vulnerable consumers through EU directives but stresses the importance of involving middle-class households and SMEs to ensure a truly inclusive transition.

• Building Resilience Beyond Crisis: Both discuss the need for Europe to build just resilience, balancing social justice with industrial competitiveness. Marine argues that equitable energy transitions should be embedded into Europe’s DNA.

• Digitalisation & Trust: Marine highlights how digitalisation could either bridge or widen gaps, advocating for a European approach grounded in transparency, privacy, and governance. She warns of missing the "digitalisation bus" without swift action.

• Anna on Gender Equity: Anna underscores the urgency of addressing gender imbalances in the energy sector, championing initiatives like the Brussels Binder and the importance of visible representation in technical and leadership roles.

• Looking to 2025: Political fragility in Europe and growing polarisation are identified as risks to the energy transition. Marine challenges listeners to consider the role of SMEs and the middle class in rebuilding trust and delivering meaningful progress.
  

  Why You’ll Love This Episode: Anna’s insider perspective and Marine’s sharp observations combine to provide a candid, accessible, and inspiring look at the state of energy policy. Whether you are curious about the challenges ahead, eager to champion equity in the energy sector, or want to stay informed, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
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In this episode, Marine Cornelis hosts Thomas Samuel, the visionary founder of Sunna Design and Moon, two transformative ventures aimed at extending clean, accessible energy to underserved regions. Thomas shares how his journey from a surfing trip in Senegal led him to revolutionize solar-powered solutions for remote and off-grid communities. He discusses his mission to empower regions worldwide with sustainable lighting and energy autonomy, blending idealism with pragmatism to create impactful, scalable solutions.

Highlights:

1. Path to Solar Innovation: Thomas’s journey to founding Sunna Design started with a transformative experience in Senegal, where he discovered the power of solar. This realization led to the creation of smart solar street lighting, bringing sustainable light to communities lacking reliable energy infrastructure.

2. Community-Driven Design: Inspired by frugal innovation principles, Sunna Design focuses on creating affordable, efficient solar solutions that meet the specific needs of remote regions, from African villages to refugee camps, enhancing safety, education, and economic potential.

3. Scaling with Purpose: Through Moon, Thomas introduces pre-electrification solutions like solar street lights and indoor lighting systems, enabling communities to thrive before full-scale grid connection arrives.

4. A Local Mission with Global Insight: Bringing his solar mission home, Thomas has embarked on projects in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, emphasizing the need for energy autonomy through household solar installations, addressing energy security, and reducing consumption.

5. A Pragmatic Approach to Energy Transition: Thomas shares his views on balancing energy autonomy with responsible land use, advocating for smaller, optimized installations over large-scale solar farms. He underscores the importance of not just producing renewable energy but also reducing overall consumption.

6. Bridging Insights Across Continents: Thomas explains how his work in Africa informs his approach in Europe, where his solutions aim to create a global movement toward a frugal, responsible energy future.

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Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
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In this compelling episode of Energ’Ethic, host Marine Cornelis sits down with William Brent, a true leader in climate solutions and energy justice. As the CMO of Husk Power Systems, a frontrunner in community solar energy, William shares his deep insights into the fight against energy poverty and the essential role of sustainable energy in the Global South. His journey—from early days witnessing China’s economic boom to shaping energy access initiatives in Africa—offers listeners a global perspective on systemic inequities in energy.

William discusses the concept of “access-washing”—a reality check on global energy goals, where basic energy access is often mistaken for true energy equity. With candid examples, he explores how, despite advancements, millions in rural communities are still underserved, unable to access the full potential of energy that can transform lives. Reflecting on his article, William emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in how development finance institutions and private sector players approach energy access.

Marine and William touch on the pressing need for inclusive and transparent partnerships in the energy transition. As we approach COP29, they call for international collaboration and bold leadership to rethink and adapt strategies that truly address the needs of the most vulnerable.

Highlights:

- William’s Aha Moment – From a career in China to leading energy access initiatives, William shares his experiences shaping his commitment to climate and energy justice.

- "Access-Washing" in Energy – Why are basic energy solutions only the beginning of the push for truly modern, sustainable energy access?

- Finance & Equity at COP29 – A deep dive into how energy access relates to climate finance and the role of multilateral institutions.

- Advice for Changemakers – William calls young professionals to look to Africa for impactful careers and meaningful work in energy access.

Links:

- William’s LinkedIn

- Read William's Article on Sustainable Development Goals and Energy Justice

- Support Energ’Ethic on Patreon to keep these conversations alive.

Connect with Us:

Follow Energ’Ethic on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and insights from the frontlines of the energy transition.

Tune in and let this episode inspire you to contribute to a sustainable and just energy future!

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Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
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Edition: Podcast Media Factory 

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The EU Fit-From-55 policy framework aims to balance climate goals with social objectives, but is it enough?

Host Marine Cornelis sits down with Louise Sunderland, Managing Principal at the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP), to explore how Europe’s energy transition can become more equitable—and what lessons we can learn from global movements.

The EU framework: a step forward, but…

Europe has made strides with the Fit for 55 framework, but Louise raises an important point: Europe still has blind spots when addressing energy poverty and inequality.

“The package does more than just cut emissions. There was a more significant than ever balancing of the climate and social objectives,” Louise explains. However, the real challenge is how these policies are implemented.

Bringing civil society into the room

One of the most groundbreaking elements of Fit for 55 is the involvement of civil society. “It’s about getting the right people in the room,” Louise says. For the first time, the framework ensures that civil society groups and national panels on energy poverty are part of the decision-making process.

Learning from global movements

Louise shares her experience at New York Climate Week, where energy justice is part of a broader conversation about civil rights and environmental justice. “The conversation there feels much more visceral,” she notes. Unlike in Europe, where discussions are often technical, the U.S. approach is deeply rooted in addressing historical injustices faced by marginalized and indigenous communities.

Louise urges Europe to adopt a similar global perspective, focusing on equity: “We’re talking about who controls energy, who benefits, and who’s left behind.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Fit for 55 is critical to balancing climate and social objectives, but it needs proper implementation.

2. Civil society ensures that energy policies are fair and inclusive.

3. Global lessons from places like the U.S. show that energy justice requires addressing historic and systemic inequities.

4. Energy equity isn’t just about prices but control, access, and fairness.

What’s next?

In Louise's words: "We can either have a social lens when we change that infrastructure, or we can just deliver it for infrastructure's sake.”

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Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
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How Much Land Do We Really Need for 100% Renewable Energy?

Imagine a world where Europe runs entirely on renewable energy by 2040. That’s the vision Cosimo Tansini shares in this episode of Energ’Ethic—but how much land will that take? And can we achieve this without harming our planet's biodiversity?

In this engaging conversation, Marine Cornelis hosts Cosimo from the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) to break down the Paris Agreement Compatible (PAC) Scenario, which aims to fully power Europe with renewables. But what does that look like on the ground?

Cosimo offers a surprising comparison: “The land needed for 100% renewable energy in Europe is about 2.2%, roughly the size of Croatia." He adds, "Today, Europe uses almost triple that amount just for growing fodder crops to feed livestock.” That’s right—renewable energy could take up less space than we might imagine.

The conversation gets even more interesting when they dive into how renewables can do more than reduce emissions. Cosimo explains how renewable projects can strengthen communities, especially in rural areas: “Energy communities allow citizens to co-own their power plants, cut energy bills, and reinvest in local projects.” This isn’t just about electricity—it’s about empowerment.

But achieving 100% renewables means careful planning. Cosimo stresses the importance of protecting biodiversity and using tools like "sensitivity mapping" to find the best places for these projects. “We not only need space for renewables, but we also need space for nature,” he says.

Marine and Cosimo also discuss the need for energy sufficiency—using energy wisely, not just efficiently. “We’re too greedy for energy at the moment,” Cosimo admits. “We need to balance comfort with living within the limits of our planet.”

Key Points from the Episode:

1. Europe needs about 2.2% of its land to achieve 100% renewable energy, much less than the land used for fodder crops.

2. Energy communities give people a stake in their energy future, cutting bills and boosting local economies.

3. Renewables can be scaled up while protecting biodiversity, with proper planning and community involvement.

This episode offers fresh perspectives on the energy transition, showing that the shift to 100% renewables is not only possible but can also bring wide—ranging benefits if done right.

Want to know more about how much land we need, how energy projects can build stronger communities, and how we can balance renewable energy with nature?

Listen to Episode 57 now and join the conversation!

Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox: https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius
Edition: Podcast Media Factory 

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What role do unions play in driving a fair transition to renewable energy?

In this episode of Energ'Ethic, we explore this critical question with Tuscany Bell, Utility Sector Lead at the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU).

In this episode of Energ'Ethic, we dive into the role of unions in driving a fair and inclusive transition to renewable energy. Tuscany Bell, Utility Sector Lead at the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), shares insights on how unions shape the shift to renewables while ensuring workers are not left behind.

Tuscany explains why current mechanisms, like the Just Transition Fund, are too limited to meet the scale of the challenge.

She advocates for a Just Transition Directive that provides the necessary funding and policies to protect all workers—not just those in fossil fuel industries—as we move toward a cleaner energy future.

What’s at stake in the renewable energy shift?

With industries rapidly transitioning to renewables, a growing skills gap and an ageing workforce are major concerns. Tuscany discusses how unions are working to attract younger generations to the renewable energy sector by promoting training and ensuring that these new energy jobs are both fair and sustainable.

"We can’t leave people behind," Tuscany says. "Without workers as part of the solution, we risk losing the support needed to achieve our climate goals."

Promoting diversity in the renewable sector

Tuscany also highlights the need for greater gender diversity in the energy sector, which remains male-dominated. From advocating for inclusive hiring practices to improving working conditions, unions are leading efforts to create a more welcoming environment for women in the renewable energy workforce.

Union-led action for a renewable future

Collaboration is key. Tuscany emphasizes the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and how unions are partnering with NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure the transition to renewables is fair, democratic, and beneficial for all.

"Unions are critical to defending workers’ rights, and they must be involved in creating transition plans that work for everyone," she says.

Key takeaways:

• Why a comprehensive Just Transition Directive is needed to ensure a fair shift to renewable energy.

• How unions are addressing the skills gap in the renewable energy sector.

• The critical role of gender diversity in creating a more inclusive renewable energy workforce.

• How intergenerational collaboration is helping preserve vital skills for the renewable energy transition.

  
  

Tune in to hear how unions are ensuring the renewable energy transition is fair, inclusive, and just for all workers.

This episode is brought to you by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), Europe’s largest network of environmental groups, working to fight for sustainable development, environmental justice, and a voice for citizens in shaping a greener future. Find here the EEB report on How Renewables can Help Regions Move Beyond Fossil Industries.

Don’t forget to tune in to the rest of our mini-series with the EEB where we explore the role of renewables in building a fair, inclusive energy future across Europe.

Tune in to learn more about the energy transition and the people making it happen!

Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox: https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius
Edition: Podcast Media Factory 

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© Next Energy Consumer, 2024

Episode 55: Tackling Energy Poverty and Building a Fair Transition with Miłka Stępień

How can renewable energy end energy poverty while creating better jobs? In this episode of Energ' Ethic, we explore how Central and Eastern Europe is confronting these challenges with Miłka Stępień, Just Transition Campaign Coordinator at CEE Bankwatch Network.

Miłka brings 25 years of activism to the table, and she’s seen the energy transition from every angle. Her message is clear: the green transition must be fair, and it needs to work for everyone—especially those in vulnerable communities.

"If I see something isn't working, I feel the need to fix it," Miłka says, reflecting on how her journey into activism began in high school. It’s that spirit of problem-solving that has shaped her work in fighting for just transition policies that bring real benefits to both people and the planet.

What’s at stake for Central and Eastern Europe?

In this episode, Miłka shares her experience growing up in Eastern Wielkopolska, a coal-mining region in Poland. She explains the deep connections people in these areas have to coal and how the shift to renewable energy can feel like a threat. But Miłka believes the conversation must go deeper than that.

"We need to address people's fears. You can't just come in and say 'we’re closing the mines'. You have to understand why this transition is difficult for them," Miłka explains.

At the heart of these fears is heating poverty. In Central and Eastern Europe, it’s not just about the cost of electricity—it’s about how people heat their homes.

"For many households, heating is the biggest cost, not electricity. We need to focus on retrofitting homes and making them energy-efficient," she says.

Breaking down barriers to the energy transition

Miłka also highlights the real challenges that come with accessing EU funds, especially for rural and smaller municipalities.

"What we need is a network of energy advisors in every municipality, especially in rural areas. These advisors can guide people through the process of retrofitting homes and adopting renewable energy," Miłka explains.

She talks about how decentralized funding can help communities access the resources they need. Big projects may get headlines, but it's small, local initiatives that will make the biggest difference to those struggling with energy and heating poverty.

Throughout the episode, Miłka emphasizes the need for a participatory approach. Local communities must have a say in how the energy transition happens.

"It's not just about closing coal mines. It’s about listening to people and working together to create a future where everyone benefits," she says.

Key takeaways:

- The link between energy poverty and heating poverty in Central and Eastern Europe

- The importance of keeping high environmental standards, even in regions facing economic challenges

- The need for decentralized funding and technical assistance to make the green transition work in small communities

- Why participatory approaches are key to ensuring a just and inclusive transition

Read here the EEB report on How renewables can help vulnerable households, released today!

Check out the latest European Environmental Bureau (EEB) report on how the Social Climate Fund can help vulnerable households transition to renewable energy. And don't forget to tune in to the rest of our mini-series, where we explore how renewables can create jobs and fight energy poverty across the EU!

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In this thought-provoking episode of Energ’Ethic, we sit down with Jad Mouawad, a trailblazer in climate communication and a key figure in the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) pivot towards clean energy advocacy. With a career spanning over two decades, Jad has been at the forefront of merging energy policy with climate imperatives, advocating for a future where energy security and sustainability go hand in hand.
Bridging Climate and Energy Policies:
Jad reflects on the evolution of energy coverage, from its initial environmental footprint to its undeniable impact on climate change. He shares his journey from The New York Times, where he championed the integration of energy industry coverage with climate implications, to his pivotal role at the IEA.
We delve into:

• The IEA’s Transformation

• Mainstreaming Information

• Combatting Misinformation

• Competing for Attention

• Convincing the Audiences

• Trust in Science and Accessibility

• The Power of Positive News

• The Power of Information:
  With a powerful message on the transformative potential of information, Jad calls for a concerted effort to reshape perceptions through factual storytelling, highlighting the economic and societal shifts already underway.
  Resources:
  Ipsos Earth Day poll (2023)

https://www.ipsos.com/en/earth-day-2023-concern-and-focus-slipping-climate-change

Pew Trust in Scientists poll (2022)

https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/02/15/americans-trust-in-scientists-other-groups-declines/

Reuters Digital News Report 2023 (about Tik Tok and other social networks)

https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2023

Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) editorial in the Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/03/electric-vehicles-early-adopter-petrol-car-ev-environment-rowan-atkinson

Rebuttal by Simon Evans

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/08/fact-check-why-rowan-atkinson-is-wrong-about-electric-vehicles

IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2023

https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023

IMF, Public Perceptions of Climate Mitigation Policies: Evidence from Cross-Country Surveys https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/Staff-Discussion-Notes/Issues/2023/02/07/Public-Perceptions-of-Climate-Mitigation-Policies-Evidence-from-Cross-Country-Surveys-528057?cid=bl-com-SDNEA2023002
Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn
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"We all live under the same sun"

In this fascinating discussion, Tedd Moya Mose, a lawyer, academic, and consultant at the University of Oxford, looks at the power of law to broaden access to electricity worldwide. From his experience as a lawyer in Kenya to British universities, he has come to understand that “if we get the legal framework or policy or regulation wrong, it is very, very difficult to have effective energy systems, and it's very difficult to have modern life as we know it in a sustainable way.“

He looks at the principles needed for energy justice to be truly implemented, the power of information sharing, and the need to ensure that the law is applied in a fair and equitable manner. “Even the best-written laws need people who understand them to apply them. But the community also needs to be aware that these laws exist and need to know what rights there are to enforce them.”

The law is also instrumental in creating a level playing field and reconciling often conflicting objectives. This is what he calls the “energy trilemma”, opposing three equally strong interests: financial, environmental and political. The “law should come and be almost like the pivot; it should be at the centre of this dilemma and try to balance these interests”.

Finally, he provides an expert view of international treaties and agendas such as the 7th Sustainable Development Goal and the newly recognised UN right to a “clean and healthy environment”. “The law establishes rules, regulations and standards that have to be followed. (…) We need to have the same legal aims and principles. And once those legal aims and principles are well known and documented, they can infuse any legal system. So instead of looking at changing legal systems, what we need to do is to continually develop and accept and adopt and pass laws that carry certain legal standards and legal principles and legal aims that then will lead to action.”

Tedd Moya Mose is a lawyer, academic, and consultant Researcher and Fellow at the University of Oxford focused on mitigating climate change through the transition to a low carbon economy. In his work, he investigates the impact of law on various energy technologies and projects in sub-Saharan Africa, the UK, and the Middle East. Find him on Twitter @Contentedd or LinkedIn

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedInMusic: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory

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Why is energy poverty unsustainable? 

How do disabled people navigate the transition to net-zero? 

The “just transition” could be the right framework to rethink the way our societies are designed, and make sure disabled people are taking ownership of the opportunities presented. But first, we need to acknowledge that “The current distribution of energy is unfair to disabled people in the sense that they do not have as much access to energy." 

Prof. Lucie Middlemiss is Professor of Environment and Society in the Sustainability Research Institute, at the University of Leeds in the UK. She wrote the first textbook on Sustainable Consumption, and has research interests in sustainable consumption, energy poverty and participation in sustainable development. Her research bridges the gaps between energy consumption in daily life, planning, measuring, monitoring and decision-making.

Read here Lucie's most recent paper, Characterizing the energy use of disabled people in the European Union towards inclusion in the energy transition, with Diana Ivanova.

Lucie's on Twitter: @LucieMiddlemiss

Reach out to Marine Cornelis via Twitter @MarineCornelis or LinkedIn 
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