Clean energy for all? Mapping inequity potential in the clean energy transition in the United States

The clean energy transition leads to an unequal distribution of benefits and burdens over a region. To ensure equity in the energy transition, policymakers need to understand the spatial distribution and extent of regional inequities. There is a lack of systematic and quantitative studies addressing the different types of inequities. Existing studies focus on the socioeconomic characteristics of vulnerable groups without distinguishing inequity types or a single inequity issue. To address this gap, we propose a comprehensive inequity framework in the energy transition by identifying five types of clean energy inequity and present the linkages among inequity types, contributing factors, energy justice tenets, and potential policy interventions, and develop an indicator system to quantify and spatially analyze inequity potential. The county-level analysis in the United States reveals spatial variations in different types of clean energy inequity, which highlights the need for spatially tailored policies to address different types of inequity in the U.S. This study provides policymakers with valuable insights to formulate equitable energy policies and allocate resources for promoting a just energy transition.