CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2022
| Author | Wisniewski, Jan |
|---|---|
| Title | Exploring radical energy justice in remote Indigenous communities in Australia |
| Summary | Many Indigenous Australians live in remote areas far from major urban centers. Recent research has established these communities in the Northern Territory of Australia suffer from high levels of household energy insecurity. This form of energy injustice is detrimental to the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians and hinders their livelihoods. This thesis applies the radical energy justice framework to an analysis of current policies in place relating to electricity provision in remote communities as well as recent projects that sought to increase levels of solar power for electricity generation in these communities. Based on qualitative research, the findings reveal current policies and funding allocations create barriers to reliable access to affordable energy in remote Indigenous communities. It was further found these policies often serve the interests of government rather than the communities. Therefore, this thesis argues that energy injustice is entrenched in the Northern Territory energy system, which contributes to the continued disempowerment of Indigenous Australians. The findings also showed that projects that actively address the existing barriers to solar uptake in Indigenous communities and concurrently challenge the structures of the energy system can be successful in meeting the needs of the residents of these communities and thus strengthen energy justice. Such projects and their influence on policy are worthy areas of focus for future research. |
| Supervisor | Michael Carnegie LaBelle |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2022/wisniewski_jan.pdf |
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